Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1036 - 103: Is His Luck a Bit Too Good?

With the arrival of summer, the Swamp Prefecture was enveloped in a sweltering and stifling heat. Despite the presence of ice blocks within the Prince Mansion, Zhao Yao found the humidity unbearable. Seeking respite, he resolved to spend a few days in the mountains to escape the swelter.

The previous governor of the Swamp Prefecture had established a mountain manor specifically for summer retreats. Upon Zhao Yao’s arrival last year, this residence naturally fell under his possession.

The mountainous air was significantly cooler, rendering ice blocks nearly obsolete. However, a significant drawback was the abundance of snakes, insects, mice, and ants. Fortunately, with the presence of Xiao Bai and General Hu, alongside other cats and dogs accompanying Zhao Yao, these vermin and even the fierce mountain beasts dared not venture within his proximity.

Over the past two days, Zhao Yao had frequently ascended the mountain to wander aimlessly. Whenever he encountered rare flowers, exotic plants, or precious medicinal herbs, he would dig them up.

This morning, Zhao Yao set out for a mountain excursion accompanied by Tong Xi and the four brothers. Previously, they had confined their movement to the periphery, but today they planned to explore the depths of the forest. Secure in the protection of General Hu, they feared no wild predators nearby.

While the base of the mountain remained clear, the higher elevations were unexpectedly shrouded in a thick mist. Despite his repeated cautions, Zhao Yao and his companions were eventually separated. Fortunately, General Hu remained firmly at his side.

Concerned for the safety of Tong Xi and the others, Zhao Yao dispatched Xiao Bai to locate them and guide them safely down. He chose to descend alongside General Hu, deciding that the heavy fog rendered the mountain paths too treacherous for hiking.

During his descent, Zhao Yao lost his footing and tumbled down the steep slope. Nearly a quarter of an hour passed before his uncontrolled rolling finally came to a halt.

Zhao Yao’s vision blurred with stars, and the world seemed to spin in chaotic circles. It was only when General Hu began to lick his face repeatedly that his focus returned.

General Hu nudged Zhao Yao’s abdomen with his snout and inquired anxiously, "Yao Yao, do you fare well?"

Reaching out to pat the creature’s massive head, Zhao Yao offered a smile: "I am fine, though I feel quite battered all over." He cast his gaze around, realizing he had landed in a small mountain hollow; had this depression not been there, he could not guess where he might have tumbled to.

Dizzy and disoriented, unable to navigate properly, he lightly tapped General Hu’s crown: "Da Hua, I must rely on you, the true king of this forest, to lead me to safety."

General Hu held his head high, responding with immense confidence: "Do not fret, Yao Yao. As the king of the forest, I shall see you out of here."

Supporting himself with his hands against General Hu’s back, Zhao Yao forced himself up, though the motion caused him to grimace in pain with sharp, hissing gasps.

Hearing these sounds, General Hu asked with genuine concern: "Are you truly alright?"

"It is nothing serious." Just as he spoke, Zhao Yao caught the faint sound of running water. "Is there a stream nearby?"

General Hu tested the air and sensed moisture, shifting his gaze toward the east: "Yes, it lies in that direction."

Noticing deep scratches on his hands and blood on his face, Zhao Yao decided to locate the water to cleanse his wounds and mitigate the risk of infection.

"Take me there."

General Hu swished his tail and insisted, "Yao Yao, I shall carry you across."

"Very well." Zhao Yao sat atop General Hu’s back without hesitation.

General Hu moved with steady, measured steps until he reached the bank of the stream.

While Zhao Yao cleaned his injuries, the beast scavenged for medicinal herbs—a natural instinct for animals in pain. Zhao Yao crushed the greenery General Hu retrieved and carefully applied it to his skin.

Once finished, he examined his surroundings and caught sight of a cave towards the south. The distance made it difficult to discern the details clearly.

Pointing toward the landmark, he asked, "Da Hua, is there truly a cave located over there?"

Following his master’s gaze, General Hu nodded his head slightly.

"Indeed, a cave resides there."

Zhao Yao pondered whether to investigate. Legends often spoke of mountain grottoes concealing priceless treasures, mystical flora, or ancient cultivation manuals.

"Yao Yao, I will carry you there now."

Driven by curiosity to see if any hidden fortune awaited, Zhao Yao agreed: "Alright."

General Hu ferried him to the cave entrance. Before entering, Zhao Yao assessed the airflow; consistent ventilation meant the air inside was safe from toxic miasma.

Without a command, General Hu scouted the interior first. A few moments later, he emerged with a look of surprise: "Yao Yao, it appears someone dwells inside."