105 The Envoy (4)

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When Zhang Bitong learned that Prince Jiang Xuan had been personally selected by the Emperor to participate in the mounted archery competition at the shooting range, she was so excited that she couldn’t sleep all night. Since the women of the inner palace were not allowed to go to the shooting range, Zhang Bitong, upon hearing that I was going, told me to first attend to Jiang Xuan carefully before heading to the range.

“Prince Nine is entrusted to your care. You must ensure that nothing happens to him,” Yun Qing earnestly instructed me as she saw me off.

“Madam, rest assured. I will protect Prince Nine with my life. Besides, Prince Nine’s archery skills are superb; nothing will happen to him.”

“Good. Go now.”

When I arrived at Jiang Xuan’s chambers, two palace maids were helping him change his clothes.

On the table lay the light armor Jiang Xuan would wear for the competition.

Jiang Xuan did not turn around but seemed to have seen me. He said, “Xiao Xiaozi, help me put on this light armor.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I took the light armor in my hands. It was icy cold to the touch and extraordinarily sturdy.

“You two may leave now.”

“Yes.”

The two maids were dismissed by Jiang Xuan. I carefully draped the armor over him and tied the straps securely.

“I forgot to ask last night,” Jiang Xuan’s voice came from above me. “Do you wish for me to win today or lose?”

My hands froze mid-action, and I looked up at him in surprise.

“What, is it a difficult question to answer?”

“My only hope is for your safety, Prince Nine.”

“Is that truly your wish?” Jiang Xuan suddenly grasped my hand.

I quickly pulled away, saying, “It is the Empress’s repeated orders that I must ensure your safety.”

He smiled faintly, lips curving with a sharp gleam. “Mother is overcautious. She entrusted you to keep me safe?”

“The Empress cares for Prince Nine as well.”

“I know. Now, let us go!” His words were light but carried a spirited determination.

At the shooting range, many people had already gathered.

“Ninth brother, you’re here!” Jiang Chen greeted Jiang Xuan warmly.

“Sixth brother.”

“Third brother has been ready for a while. This time, he’s eager to win. Ninth brother, have you been practicing your archery these days?”

“I have not been negligent.”

“Good. Today, forget about princesses or princes. The three of us fight for the dignity of the royal family. Ninth brother, are you confident?”

Jiang Xuan nodded.

“Third brother, come here,” Jiang Chen called to Jiang Yun nearby.

Jiang Yun glanced at Jiang Xuan reluctantly but approached.

“Third brother, it’s rare for the three of us to fight side by side. Let’s give it our all, shall we?”

“Old Six, stop with these meaningless words. You should check your bow and quiver first.”

Jiang Chen looked somewhat embarrassed.

Jiang Yun then spoke to Jiang Xuan, “Last time, I was careless and lost to you. This time, I won’t let you win. Ninth brother, if you’re hiding your true strength, I’ll have to take you seriously.”

He said this with a sweep of his cloak and walked away.

“Third brother,” Jiang Chen called, but Jiang Yun ignored him.

Jiang Chen turned to Jiang Xuan and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with Third brother. He won’t listen to reason. Such good brothers, yet they act like enemies.”

“I’ll explain that to Third brother later. Sixth brother, go check your bow and arrows. The competition is about to start,” Jiang Xuan said.

“Alright. Ninth brother, prepare yourself well.”

“Mm.”

“Prince Nine!” A rough voice called out as Huyan Dun and Huyan Ya approached, also ready for the competition.

“Prince, Princess!” Jiang Xuan bowed slightly.

“It seems Prince Nine is prepared. Soon, I shall witness the prowess of the greatest warrior of the Great Jin Kingdom,” Huyan Ya said with a smirk. “Brother Wang, you are the true first warrior of the Xiongnu. This Prince Nine looks fragile. Either those at the mounted archery contest are deliberately holding back, or the Great Jin truly lacks talent.”

Her disdain was unmistakable.

Huyan Dun said, “Aya, show some respect. Do you think it is so easy to claim the top spot? Let’s see who has the skill on the field. And you…” He looked at me. “I don’t know your name.”

“I am your servant, Xiao Xiaozi.”

“Good, Xiao Xiaozi. You will count the arrows for me, right?”

I glanced at Jiang Xuan and bowed my head, “Yes!”

Soon, the Emperor himself arrived and, through Qiu Ronghai, announced the rules.

The competition had two rounds. The first round: each archer would shoot ten arrows, and the one with the most bullseyes would win. The second round was for added excitement: ten apples would be hung up, one arrow per person, and whoever shot the most apples would win. The total across both rounds determined the winner.

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“Does anyone have objections to these rules?” the Emperor asked.

Huyan Ya stepped forward confidently, “Your Majesty, the target is too close. It’s not challenging enough.”

“Oh? Then, Princess, what distance do you suggest?”

Huyan Ya raised her chin proudly. “Only about a hundred steps now. That’s boring. At least double the distance would make it interesting.”

Jiang Chen and Jiang Yun exchanged looks. The Emperor said, “Very well, as the Princess says. If even a woman can say this, what objections could the men of Great Jin have?”

Huyan Ya smiled, “Your Majesty is wise!”

Stretching the distance so far made it hard to even discern the bullseye for those with less than perfect eyesight. Moreover, the wind was strong today, which would influence the arrow’s flight. The Xiongnu were accustomed to shooting on the grasslands and dealing with the wind, so this favored them. I noticed Huyan Ya and Huyan Dun exchange a knowing smile, clearly having plotted this advantage.

As the drum sounded, the contestants took their places.

Ten stood side by side. At the flag drop, they all released their arrows at once.

“Whoosh, whoosh,” all ten arrows shot in moments. The Emperor rose but could not see who had hit how many bullseyes.

“Quick, count the bullseyes to see who scored the most.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Qiu Ronghai ordered the nearby guards.

“Xiao Xiaozi, count for me,” Huyan Dun said to me.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Huyan Dun’s target was at the far edge. Next to his was Huyan Ya’s.

I ran to Huyan Dun’s target and began counting.

Ten perfect hits! I glanced at the others but could not tell which was Jiang Xuan’s.

Just as I turned to report, an arrow feather suddenly appeared, flying directly at me with terrifying speed.

I couldn’t dodge it.

My eyes fixed on the arrow, expecting it to strike my forehead and kill me instantly.

At that moment, another arrow flew and struck the incoming one away.

I was shaken but saw the two arrows land powerfully on the ground.

Turning, I saw Jiang Xuan drawing his bow.

He had saved me.

But who had shot the first arrow? I looked around but found no trace.

“What’s going on?” the Emperor asked. “Who shot that arrow?”

“Likely someone eager to try their luck. Such accidents happen often at the range. Now that the Emperor questions it, no one will admit it,” Jiang Yun said.

“You have a point. Fortunately, no one was hurt.” The Emperor sat down again.

Jiang Yun added, “But Ninth brother shot an eleventh arrow. He has no arrows left now. How can he continue?”

Jiang Yun’s words were infuriating. How had he become so petty? Could he have arranged for that arrow to be shot at me?

No, that arrow was clearly meant to kill me. Jiang Yun wouldn’t go that far. Besides, he couldn’t predict Jiang Xuan would intervene.

If not Jiang Yun, then who?

“Father, Ninth brother acted in urgency to save someone,” Jiang Chen respectfully defended Jiang Xuan.

“A competition is a competition. Sixth brother, you cannot break the rules,” Jiang Yun insisted.

“But—”

“Enough.” The Emperor stopped them. “Xuan, what do you say?”

Jiang Xuan replied, “I have used up my arrows and should withdraw. With Third and Sixth brothers here, victory is assured.”

Jiang Yun smiled triumphantly.

“Then step aside and watch. Now, tell me the scores.”

A guard reported, “Your Majesty, Crown Prince hit nine bullseyes, Sixth Prince eight, and Ninth Prince ten. The others scored below five.”

Jiang Yun glared fiercely at Jiang Xuan then turned away in anger.

“And the Prince and Princess?”

The guard said, “The Princess hit eight.”

I added, “The Prince hit ten.”

The Emperor’s eyes flashed with a hint of regret. With Jiang Xuan and Huyan Dun evenly matched, having Jiang Xuan withdraw reduced their chances.

Huyan Ya said, “It seems I underestimated your strength. But in the next round, my brother will give his all. You will surely lose.”

“The outcome is not decided yet; Princess, you speak prematurely. The margin is small; catching up this round is not impossible,” Jiang Chen said.

Huyan Ya smiled, “We shall see.”

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The apples were ready. To increase difficulty, the ropes holding the apples were made to swing, testing the archers' skill.

I stepped aside, standing behind Jiang Xuan.

He stood tall, his face calm and composed.

My palms were still sweaty, my back cold and clammy. I recalled that moment—if Jiang Xuan hadn’t appeared, I dare not imagine the outcome.

As I watched Jiang Xuan, I sensed another gaze. I looked to see Long Zhan, his eyes filled with anxiety and guilt.

Our eyes met briefly before he looked away and abruptly left the range. I wondered what he was doing.

Nine archers shot simultaneously. Huyan Dun hit five apples.

Jiang Yun and Jiang Chen each shot six apples, as did Huyan Ya.

When she learned the results, Huyan Ya angrily threw her bow and arrows to the ground.

“Aya, it’s just a small contest. Don’t lose your composure,” Huyan Dun comforted her.

The Emperor rose, smiling, “Today’s result is a tie. Princess, though you lost, it was by a narrow margin. You have shown us your prowess. As for the Prince, your archery is divine and commands my respect.”

“Your Majesty flatters me.”

Huyan Ya lifted her chin. “But I have not competed against you yet. Perhaps I could win.”

“Ha ha ha, Princess truly wishes to compete with me?”

“Of course. If I cannot beat the Prince, winning over you, the Emperor, would be fine.”

“Impudent!” Qiu Ronghai scolded.

“Hmm?” The Emperor hummed, and Qiu Ronghai silently withdrew.

“Very well, I am no coward. How about a horse race? Prepare the horses!”

“Yes!”

The Emperor and Huyan Ya each mounted a horse.

Huyan Dun cautioned her, “Aya, be careful.”

“Brother Wang, don’t worry. I was raised on horseback. The one to worry about is the Emperor of Great Jin.”

“You—” Jiang Yun was furious. “Father, may I—”

“No need. I am not so old yet. Princess, let us begin!”

“Alright!”

They cracked their whips and spurred their horses forward. Halfway through, Huyan Ya suddenly nearly fell. The Emperor quickly reached out and lifted her onto his horse.

“Father!” Jiang Yun panicked and tried to catch up.

Qiu Ronghai blocked him, “Crown Prince, leave this to me. You two, follow me.”

“Yes, Sir!”

The Emperor and Huyan Ya rode farther away. Qiu Ronghai hurried after them with two eunuchs.

What happened next was well understood, and everyone began to disperse.

“Ninth brother, if you had shot for the apples, you might have won,” Jiang Chen said to Jiang Xuan, unsatisfied with the result.

“Old Six, you only boost others’ spirits while diminishing your own. Even if he tried, he might not win. Besides, we didn’t lose; I tied with him, didn’t I?”

“Do you really believe it was a tie?”

“What do you mean?”

“He—”

Before Jiang Chen could finish, Huyan Dun approached.

“Are the princes still discussing? It’s just friendly competition; no need to take it seriously. As for Prince Nine, it’s a pity. Otherwise, I’m sure he’d perform well in the second round.”

Jiang Xuan humbly said, “The first round was just luck. The second round is not my forte. The Prince overestimates me.”

“Is that so? Prince Nine is modest.”

Jiang Yun, feeling ignored, snorted coldly and left.

“Third brother,” Jiang Chen called after him.

“Xiao Xiaozi, return to the palace,” Jiang Xuan said, already walking.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Jiang Xuan led the way; I followed behind.

“Why is a woman disguised as a man hiding in the inner palace?” Huyan Dun’s low voice came from behind me, causing me to freeze.

“From what I see, Prince Nine seems unaware of your true identity and shows unusual interest in you. Your Great Jin is indeed fascinating.”

His words slithered across my back like a cold serpent, chilling me.

He had recognized me—perhaps he knew clearly since that night itself.