Everyone was paying close attention as the guards weighed the animals.
They marked the weights on the prepared animal carcasses using brushes.
130 jin was written on the wolf.
The ancient ecology was good, and wild animals were generally larger than those of later generations.
The python weighed 82 jin.
The cheetah weighed 107 jin.
...
When it came time to weigh the black bear carcass, five guards came to lift it together.
They used a steelyard balance to weigh the black bear against some larger rubble pieces.
Once the two sides were balanced, they weighed the rubble pieces.
Qin Zhao could see the rubble stones piling higher and higher on the steelyard. She was certain the black bear must be heavier than that tiger.
Finally, the weight was called out - the black bear weighed 593 jin!
The spectators were excited and asked those around them who had hunted the black bear.
"Do any of you know? Who was so capable to have shot the black bear?"
"I didn't see who brought it back, but I really admire them! Whoever gets the Night Pearl is guaranteed glory and wealth for life!"
"I know! It was Right Guard General Xu Han!"
"As expected of General Xu, he is so brave!"
"Of course, or how else could he become leader of the Imperial Guards?"
Qin Zhao had some impression of the name Xu Han.
In the original book, Huo Chengjin launched a political coup, and Xu Han helped Huo Chengjin control the capital and the palace.
Huo Chengjin's rebellion succeeded thanks to Xu Han's efforts!
Such a person would sooner or later be her rival.
As she thought this, Xu Han walked out from the crowd to stand next to the black bear.
Qin Zhao looked at Xu Han. The man was no taller than 1.8 meters, but he had a sturdy physique.
With his unruly eyebrows and bright single-eyelid small eyes, he had a unique temperament that left an impression.
Most people present were looking at Xu Han.
Qin Zhao thought her gaze was nothing special, yet Xu Han accurately captured it!
And he looked directly back at her without avoidance.
These generals with troops and horses all had a fearless aura, and only the emperor's might could suppress them.
Qin Zhao boldly returned Xu Han's gaze.
After a moment, Xu Han was the first to look away.
Just then, the tiger's weight was ready too.
Qin Zhao walked over.
The guards had marked the numbers on the tiger's body - 587 jin, slightly less than the black bear.
Seeing this, everyone applauded loudly and congratulated Xu Han for being the winner.
Qin Zhao also said to Xu Han, "Congratulations, General Xu."
Xu Han's small eyes shone as he looked up and laughed loudly, "Hahahaha! The Night Pearl is mine!"
Qin Zhao looked at the black bear's anus and saw an abnormal dull gleam.
Just then, Zhou Quande came down from the high platform with the proclamation paper and brush to record the numbers.
The result was clear at a glance.
Just as he was about to turn and present the proclamation paper to the Emperor, Qin Zhao stopped him. "Wait a moment, Sir Zhou!"
Zhou Quande halted and asked, "Your Highness, do you have any orders?"
Qin Zhao said, "There is a problem with this black bear, please weigh it again."
Xu Han's expression immediately turned fierce. "Your Highness, I advise you to think carefully before acting! There is nothing wrong with the black bear I hunted."
Look at that expression and tone, he was enduring great hardship by not holding a blade to Qin Zhao's neck!
Zhou Quande was neutral and didn't favor either side. He asked, "Your Highness, why do you say so?"
Rather than speak, Qin Zhao acted - she drew her dagger and walked toward the black bear...
Seeing this, Xu Han stretched out his hand to stop her and whispered:
"Your Highness, don't make it so others can't get off stage in public, or we'll have a vengeance between us!"
Qin Zhao said, "Are you threatening Us? The last person who spoke to Us like you has already reincarnated into an animal."
Xu Han gritted his teeth and asked, "What must Your Highness do to stop?"
Qin Zhao said, "Cut off the hand you used to cheat with, and We won't expose you."
The veins on Xu Han's forehead throbbed violently as he breathed heavily in anger.
He stamped his feet and strode forward to pick up the black bear carcass. In a loud voice he said, "I won't compete anymore!"
The crowd broke into discussion.
"What's wrong with General Xu? Did Princess Zhaoyang say something to him?"
One person righteously said, "Princess Zhaoyang cannot use her power to oppress people! She went too far!"
"Did you see General Xu's expression? He clearly feels wronged but doesn't dare resist. I feel aggrieved for him!"
Cao Yan chimed in, "You don't know, but our Princess Zhaoyang has always been this kind of person! You all see too little. I have personally experienced it and understand General Xu's feelings better than anyone!"
Cao Keyao glanced at her brother's paw-like bandaged hand and quickly agreed, "You all must be careful of Princess Zhaoyang in the future. She looks down on everyone. If you make her angry, I'm afraid you won't keep your life!"
The crowd showed looks of disgust. "Princess Zhaoyang relies on the Emperor's favor, so she dares to do as she wishes. But the Emperor can't dote on her forever. Let's wait and see how long she can remain arrogant!"
"Speak softer, or those with ulterior motives will hear and report it to the Emperor. You'll be punished!"
"Alright alright, more softly."
The murmuring noises on the square stopped abruptly!
It was because Xu Han had used too much force, causing the iron chunks in the black bear's anus to fall out one by one!
Looking closely, there were still traces of dark red blood on them. Those closest like Qin Zhao, Zhou Quande and others felt somewhat nauseous.
Two guards with weaker tolerance directly vomited on the spot!
The scene was silent.
Those who had criticized Qin Zhao earlier didn't know where to hide their embarrassment.
Cao Yan and Cao Keyao averted their eyes and didn't dare look directly at the truth.
Xu Han didn't feel he was wrong. On the contrary, his anger grew as he quickened his steps to leave.
Zhou Quande coughed awkwardly twice before crossing out Xu Han's line on the proclamation paper.
Then he ascended the high platform to report the results to the Emperor.
Emperor Qin Zheng looked at Qin Zhao with complex emotions.
On one hand, Qin Zhao was his daughter, and he should feel proud of her.
On the other hand, Qin Zheng recalled Wei Chen's words that Yue's future rested on Zhaoyang...
So his jealousy toward Qin Zhao reached new heights!
Qin Zheng gave a slight nod to Zhou Quande.
Zhou Quande understood and loudly announced facing the crowd, "The final winner of this hunt contest is Princess Zhaoyang!"
Enthusiastic applause rang out.
But most people knew this was for the Emperor to see. There were few who were genuinely happy for Qin Zhao.
Cong Han clapped energetically until Shen Xue beside him reminded, "Clap softer, or you'll clap your palms numb."
Cong Han said, "I'm willing!"
As Qi Yan Su Luo looked at Qin Zhao's high spirits, his own gaze gradually dimmed.
Zhou Quande walked down from the platform and handed the Night Pearl to Qin Zhao. "Congratulations, Your Highness, on obtaining this treasure."
Qin Zhao took the Night Pearl. "Thank you, Sir Zhou."
Huo Chengjin had just arrived at the square and saw the scene of Qin Zhao receiving the Night Pearl!
The pain in his arm and regret of unrequited love intertwined in his heart.
Huo Chengjin finally believed that Princess Zhaoyang no longer admired him like before!
And his own paltry feelings of liking transformed into hatred at this moment!
