Chapter 118: The Horse and the Arrow

Chapter 118

Qin Zhan sneered, "Ninth Sister, don't blame Imperial Brother for not warning you, this is self-humiliation!

Among all the men present, none can match your archery skills!"

Qin Zhao said, "That would be best, otherwise I would find it boring."

Seeing Qin Zhao so arrogant, everyone wanted to start the contest quickly to humiliate her thoroughly.

Qin Su walked out from among the crowd and said, "I will compete with the Ninth Princess!"

He had lost face to Huo Chengjin at the Longevity Festival, and indirectly to Qin Zhao as well, so he wanted to regain some dignity today.

Someone asked, "What are the rules for the contest?"

Seeing no one respond, Huo Chengjin said, "How about this - set up ten targets at a hundred meters.

Each person shoots ten arrows; whoever hits the bullseye more times wins."

Qin Zhan said, "Fine, let's do that."

Soon, the equipment for the contest was ready.

Qin Zhao and Qin Su stood together in front of the line drawn with white powder.

Most people stood on Qin Su's side, shouting to support him.

On Qin Zhao's side there was only Huo Jun and Cong Han.

A servant brought over two bows and handed them to the two contestants.

Qin Zhao casually took the bow, but because it was too heavy, she almost dropped it!

Everyone saw this and some mocked, "Princess Zhao Yang, can't you even hold up the bow?"

Qin Zhao exerted some effort and steadily gripped the bow.

This bow was clearly chosen to make things difficult for her!

Qin Su had a one-stone bow, while Qin Zhao was given a three-stone bow, though the two looked no different.

Gripping his bow, Qin Su posed arrogantly and said, "If the Ninth Princess can't draw that bow, she can switch to a child's half-stone bow."

"Hahahaha!" Some laughed along, "The Fourth Prince is so considerate of the Princess Zhao Yang, he even thought of this."

Qin Ling snorted and said, "Why must the Ninth Sister insist on making a scene, when she could just practice with the princes?"

Qin Yu pulled at her sleeve and advised, "Why does the Sixth Sister dislike the Ninth so? She is our sister after all."

Qin Ling was silent and didn't answer Qin Yu's question, but she also stopped taunting Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao tested the bowstring and found no issues. She said, "Enough nonsense, let's begin."

Qin Su was quite annoyed with Qin Zhao's casual attitude.

He drew an arrow from the quiver, took aim at the distant target, and shot.

Bullseye on the first target!

This drew cheers and praise from the crowd.

"Excellent!"

"The Fourth Prince's archery is unmatched!" Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com

"What a superb shot, Imperial Brother!"

Seeing Qin Zhao ready her bow and arrow, everyone quieted down.

He had only lost because she shot first!

Qin Su added, "But we'll do it differently this time.

Shooting fixed targets lacks difficulty.

Any man could hit the bullseye every time.

He called over a servant and whispered a few words in his ear.

The servant nodded and ran off towards the riding grounds.

Qin Su said, "This Prince has sent someone to catch some sparrows. We will compete to see who can shoot down more sparrows in half an hour.

No need to take turns, fire at will!"

Huo Chengjin walked over to Qin Su and said, "Your Highness, may this subject compete with the Princess in your stead?"

Qin Su had wanted to refuse, but recalling Qin Zhao's composed expression each time she loosed an arrow, he couldn't speak up.

He had already lost face once. If he lost again this time, he would have to cover his face when going out in the future.

After careful consideration, he said, "You may, but the condition is that if you win, Zhao Yang must serve me as an ox or horse today."

Huo Chengjin's aim was to re-establish his powerful image before Princess Zhao Yang, so he agreed with a nod.

He only said, "When the time comes, I hope Your Highness shows some leniency. Princess Zhao Yang is to be my proper wife after all. I do not wish to humiliate her too severely."

Caring about preserving the royal family's reputation, Qin Su did not plan to make Zhao Yang do anything too outrageous anyway. He said, "Do not worry, this Prince knows moderation."

As they whispered together, Cong Han was also advising Qin Zhao.

She repeated all her lifelong knowledge about improving aim to Qin Zhao.

"Your Highness, why not let me compete in your stead? They can substitute people, so we should be able to as well!"

Qin Zhao said, "No need, do you not trust me?"

Cong Han shook her head, "This subordinate does not dare."

Huo Jun cut in, "I believe in Your Highness."

Qin Zhao raised her eyebrows and asked, "So certain?"

Huo Jun said, "Your Highness has a natural talent for archery rarely seen in this world."

"How can you tell, are you an archer as well?"

Huo Jun: "A little."

As she spoke, the confidence in her eyes was almost overflowing.

This made Qin Zhao even more eager to see Huo Jun's skills!

Footsteps sounded, and several servants carrying cages full of sparrows ran over.

The servants bowed to Qin Su, "Your Highness, we have caught the hundred sparrows you wanted."

Qin Su: "Good, you have done well. Put down the sparrows and go collect your reward."

Unable to conceal his delight, the servant exclaimed loudly, "Thank you for the reward, Your Highness!"

Qin Su took the cages from him and turned to Qin Zhao, "Zhao Yang, I have decided to let Huo Chengjin compete with you in my stead.

But the wager remains between you and me."

Qin Zhao said, "Fourth Brother, you are too cowardly to compete with me yourself?"