第十章（447字）

The Treasure Conspiracy

1． The Lion King raised his paw and declared, “Execute the hanging immediately!”

2． Reynard’s eyes widened in panic. “Wait! I... I haven’t told you about the treasure!”

3． “What treasure?” the King frowned. “Everyone stand back—let him explain!”

4． Reynard lowered his voice. “I was involved in a plot to overthrow Your Majesty... I must confess.”

5． “The Wolf, the Bear, and the Cat bribed me in secret. They wanted me to be their strategist.”

6． “They showed me a big chest of treasure and said if I helped them dethrone you, I’d get half.”

7． “They were full of pride, plotting how to raise troops. I pretended to agree but kept the secret buried.”

8． A fire lit in the Lion’s eyes. “They dare to plot against me?”

9． Reynard nodded. “If Your Majesty pardons me, I’ll lead you to where the treasure and proof are hidden.”

10． The Lion King roared, “Throw the Wolf, the Bear, and the Cat into prison! Once I have the evidence, I’ll deal with them all!”

11． Reynard said to the King, “Your Majesty, come with me to collect the treasure.”

12． The King shook his head. “You stay. I’ll send the Goat and the Hare to fetch it.”

13． In truth, Reynard’s house wasn’t far, but he led them around for a whole day.

14． He was buying time—to craft his next plan with precision.

15． Upon arriving home, he whispered to his wife, “I’ll punish them. But first, let’s be welcoming.”

16． The Goat and the Hare kept urging, “Hurry and show us the treasure!”

17． Reynard’s wife smiled, “No rush. Come inside and have a drink first.”

18． She led the Hare inside, pretending to show the treasure—then knocked him out with a wine bottle.

19． The Goat waited outside for hours—until night fell.

20． Then the fox family hosted a grand feast, warmly entertaining the Goat, filling his cup to gain his trust.

21． The Goat drank himself silly and slept until morning.

22． The next day he awoke. “Oh no—the King is still waiting for the treasure!”

23． He rushed to knock on Reynard’s door. Reynard handed him a sack with a sly smile.

24． The Goat beamed and presented the sack to the King.

25． The King opened it—it was full of rags, bones, and broken bottle caps.

26． The King was furious. “Reynard dares to mock me!”

27． He ordered the Wolf, Bear, and Cat released. “We march together—to hunt down Reynard!”