As Zhu Yating released the arrow, it landed on the target board. The servant, responsible for tallying scores, looked at Guo Yurong and announced loudly, "It is 5," before retrieving the arrow and setting it aside.
The ladies watching from the porch erupted in excitement, clapping happily. It was the highest score so far; most participants struggled to even touch the target board on their first try. Zhu Yating's impressive score of 5 drew admiration.
"Ahh! Lady Zhu is amazing. I am sure she is going to win this game," one of the ladies exclaimed, praising Zhu Yating.
Jiang Yi frowned, glancing at Yang Ning with worry. "Your Highness looks like Lady Zhu is going to win this game. I am already so bad at it; how can we compete with her? Her family background is military, and we cannot compare to it."
Yang Ning looked at worried Jiang Yi, smiled, and asked, "Would you like some of these walnuts? They're sweet and salty. They're delicious."
Jiang Yi: "..."
Jiang Yi was speechless, observing how calm and composed Yang Ning remained. While others were throwing concerned and mocking glances at them, Yang Ning casually continued munching on the candied walnuts.
She's truly one of a kind.
___
"Score 4"
"Score 3"
"Score 5"
"Score 3"
Zhu Yating hit her remaining four shots one by one, and none of them missed. All of them landed on the target board. The ladies erupted in applause and cheers, witnessing a woman display such impressive archery skills for the first time. At this moment, Zhu Yating seemed like nothing less than a female knight to them.
"She must be under quite some pressure. I can't imagine the humiliation of having to follow Lady Zhu Yating's outstanding performance. Uff! That's such bad luck." Her words, seemingly expressing concern for Yang Ning, actually carried a mocking undertone, highlighting their skepticism toward Yang Ning's abilities and her haughty attitude.
Yang Ning didn't pay much attention to the chaotic whispers of the ladies and descended from the porch, seemingly indifferent to the gossip. She turned to Lady Jiang Yi, who was preparing to step down and extended her hand.
Surprised, Jiang Yi gave Yang Ning a confused look, wondering what she wanted. Does she want more walnuts? Now? she pondered.
Smiling gently, Yang Ning explained, "You can hold onto me while stepping down. The step is quite steep, and you might trip over it." She pointed towards the deep step leading down to the garden.
Appreciating Yang Ning's considerate gesture, Jiang Yi placed her hand in Yang Ning's and, after safely descending, thanked her, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Yang Ning, finding Jiang Yi's blush adorable, made a lighthearted comment, "We're of the same age anyway. Just call me by name. Also, we're partners now. There is no need to be formal."
Though hesitant, Jiang Yi nodded and said, "Yang Ning."
"Better. Now, let's start the game," Yang Ning declared, and they took their positions.
As they took their positions, Jiang Yi secretly glanced at Yang Ning, who was preparing for the archery game. Memories flashed back to when she had attended Yang Ning's tea party at the palace. During that event, they didn't have many chances to interact as Chang Ah created a ruckus.
Now, she found herself surprised at Yang Ning's gentle and considerate demeanor with the ladies. A thought crossed her mind – if the Princess were a man, she might have fallen for her right away.
__
Yang Ning picked up the bow, examining it to understand its workings. Familiarizing herself with the equipment was crucial before engaging in the game. While absorbed in her thoughts on how to strategize and conclude the game swiftly, she heard struggling moans nearby.
Turning to her side, Yang Ning saw Jiang Yi having difficulty positioning the arrow on the bowstring. Yang Ning approached, standing behind Jiang Yi. She assisted her in taking a proper stance and whispered instructions in her ears, "Keep your arms straight. Your eyes should be on the target; close one eye and focus on the center target points from the tip of your arrow."
Jiang Yi was startled when Yang Ning suddenly came to stand behind her and whispered in her ears. Her cheeks blushed at the sudden closeness, and she felt embarrassed for some reason when Yang Ning was whispering in her ears. However, she kept her composure calm, gulped nervously, and nodded before understanding her instructions.
"Adjust your aim and shoot. Remember one thing: be confident and maintain a straight posture. You'll be fine. I heard you're good at embroidery, so think of it like putting a thread through the sewing pin. See your target through the vision of your pointed arrow, alright?" After Jiang Yi nodded, Yang Ning returned to her position.