Free Web NovelChapter 117: Chapter 118: A Sour Ache, A Proper End
Ji Qingwu didn’t spare a single glance for what Princess Consort Wei was doing or what expression she wore.
Ever since she reached a new level of understanding, the clamor around her seemed to fade away completely.
The feathered arrow shot toward the target, and all the pressure in her body seemed to fly with it into the target board. Ji Qingwu loved the feeling.
She paid no mind to what was happening, nor did she notice the growing unrest among the spectators.
This gave Wei Liru a clear look at the embroidery on Ji Qingwu’s clothes.
She wore magnificent aquamarine robes. When the gentle breeze rippled the brocade, it resembled the seamless blending of sky and water.
A golden sun was embroidered on her chest, radiating a gentle warmth.
In ancient times, there was the legend of Hou Yi shooting down the suns.
’For Ji Qingwu to wear the Golden Crow during an archery competition—what brazen ambition!’
Wei Liru suddenly felt the sun on the aquamarine fabric was more blinding than the one in the sky, stinging her eyes until they ached.
And by extension, Ji Qingwu herself had become an eyesore.
The smile vanished from Wei Liru’s lips, her gaze turning icy. ’For this last arrow, I must give it my all. For myself, and even more for the honor of the Wei Family, I absolutely cannot lose to this obscure Ji Wu.’
The two women radiated completely different auras, and this shift in atmosphere only served to excite the onlookers even more.
From the stands, Mrs. Qiao watched Xiao Wu’s performance. Amidst a chorus of compliments from the surrounding noble women, she couldn’t hide her smile.
To master even one of the Six Arts was something beyond the reach of most people, and the force of Xiao Wu’s last few shots had already put many men to shame.
Old Master Qiao of the Qiao Family had not come to watch, as he was still in the Upper Study Room supervising the little prince’s studies, but Old Madam Qiao and Qiao Qiqi were both present. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Every time Ji Qingwu’s arrow found its mark, Old Madam Qiao would cheer excitedly and loudly proclaim, "That’s my dear granddaughter!"
She cheered regardless of whether the arrow hit or missed.
When Ji Qingwu missed her first shot, Old Madam Qiao paused for a moment before remarking to the noblewoman beside her, "My granddaughter is so strong! She has my flair from back in the day."
The surrounding ladies stifled their laughter. Hearing this, Mrs. Qiao resignedly pleaded with her not to force the praise.
But now, Mrs. Qiao felt that earlier praise had been too restrained. Her heart pounding with excitement, she stared intently at the field, silently cheering for Xiao Wu.
’The last arrow. As long as she doesn’t give up, there’s still hope.’
Who doesn’t love a come-from-behind victory?
The entire crowd was captivated, but Ji Qingwu’s expression remained unchanged, completely unaffected.
She glanced down at her palm. After loosing several arrows, fresh marks had formed, and her hand throbbed with a dull pain. Her heart, however, felt lighter than ever.
The whistle for the final round blew.
This time, Wei Liru took much longer to draw her bow and nock her arrow. She had lost her earlier, effortless confidence, and her heart began to race.
Ji Qingwu maintained her unhurried pace, her hand gently stroking the body of the bow.
Huo Shaofang knew she couldn’t win. ’I’ll just fire a random arrow and get this over with,’ she decided.
But high on the viewing platform, the Emperor suddenly waved his hand. Li Yuzong stepped forward, received a few instructions, and then trotted out onto the archery field.
"Your Highness and young ladies, please wait a moment!"
The women who were about to shoot lowered their bows, looking at him in confusion.
Li Yuzong announced in his high-pitched voice, "By order of His Majesty, a prize will be added to the women’s equestrian archery competition!" Behind him, a little eunuch carrying a gift box placed it on a central, dragon-carved rack.
Then, with a flick of his horsetail whisk, he drew out his words, announcing, "The winner shall be rewarded with a Suihou Pearl!"
The moment the reward was announced, every eye in the arena was fixed on the brocade box.
This was the Suihou Pearl!
Legend had it that several thousand years ago, the Monarch of the Sui Kingdom was on an excursion when he saw a large, wounded snake writhing in agony by the roadside. Moved with pity, he ordered his men to apply medicine and bandages before releasing it back into the thicket.
The Suihou Pearl was the treasure that this great snake transformed into upon its death. The pearl was over an inch in diameter, pure white, and glowed so brightly in the dark it could illuminate an entire room.
It was not only precious but also held extraordinary significance.
While most women admired its dazzling brilliance, men were more drawn to its hidden meaning: the promise of being appointed a general and ennobled as a marquis.
Just then, Wei Liru urged her horse over to Ji Qingwu’s side, a brilliant smile on her face.
She asked, "Fifth Miss Ji, do you know what the prize for winning is this time?"
Ji Qingwu looked at the woman blocking her view, lowered her bow, and said steadily, "Your Highness, didn’t Eunuch Li just announce it? It’s the Suihou Pearl."
Seeing her placid expression, Wei Liru chuckled and asked, "But do you know the story behind this pearl?"
Ji Qingwu shook her head. ’Judging by the name alone, all I know is that it must be an incredibly rare treasure.’
"Do you know my brother, Wei Ting?"
Ji Qingwu’s hand, which had been stroking her horse’s mane, faltered for a moment. She stared at Princess Consort Wei. "What does General Wei have to do with the Suihou Pearl?"
Wei Liru said proudly, "It was originally a treasure of Xijin. My brother captured one of their princes, and to sue for peace, they offered it to Beili as a gesture of goodwill."
’So, the Suihou Pearl was a spoil of war won by Wei Ting.’
’It had been so long since Ji Qingwu had heard that name; she thought she had already forgotten those memories she had locked away.’ fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
’As her primary target, she had invested far too much effort in Wei Ting.’
’She was at his beck and call.’
’Whatever he wanted, whatever he liked, anything she could do to please him—she did it.’
’She knew Wei Ting had a sister he cherished above all else. Whenever he received a letter from Wei Liru, his smile held a special warmth, completely different from the faint, detached smile he usually wore.’
’Back then, Ji Qingwu had been so envious. Wei Ting’s sister held such an important place in his heart, while she, despite doing so much, could never seem to figure out his true feelings.’
’It seemed Wei Ting felt nothing special for her at all.’
’After more than a year of trying to win him over, all she had earned was the privilege of freely entering his tent to bring him things. To him, she was merely a little more familiar than the other female military doctors.’
Seeing Ji Qingwu’s dazed expression, a hint of smugness flickered in Wei Liru’s eyes.
She continued, "My brother sent this back. His Majesty could have simply bestowed it upon me directly, yet he’s brought it out today as a prize. Do you know why?"
Without thinking, Ji Qingwu asked, "What do you mean?"
Wei Liru’s eyes darted around before she leaned closer, lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear. "It’s merely because His Majesty dotes on me. He wanted to find a more justifiable method to give it to me, a way for me to accept it with a clear conscience."
’A pang of bitterness twisted in Ji Qingwu’s chest. She couldn’t tell if it was because of Wei Ting, or something else.’
She looked up, meeting Princess Consort Wei’s alluring, almond-shaped eyes. "Is Your Highness so certain you’ll be the one to win?"
Wei Liru stared at her, her red lips curling. "In this palace, everything is divided into two categories: things I want, and things I don’t."
She urged her horse a few steps away, glancing once more toward the Emperor on the high platform.
Then she turned back, her voice full of absolute certainty. "My brother personally taught me equestrian archery. That Suihou Pearl is mine for the taking!"
After returning to the designated area, Wei Liru anticipated the target’s trajectory. Having made such a bold declaration, she was now completely focused.
