Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 82

Qin Ling followed the direction of his finger and looked into the distance. There were indeed two “large butterflies” that had lost their strings on the northern mountains. She watched the kite gradually drifted away and remarked, “Indeed, it is a kite.”

Now, the attention of the concubines was all on those two large butterflies. 

Shuyi He exclaimed, “There’s no palace in the north. How come there’s a kite?”

Consort Liu said, “Although there’s no palace to the north, there are households below the mountain. The weather is good today. I reckon it’s from one of those households flying a kite, and they couldn’t hold onto the string.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the cup in Princess Changning’s hand fell to the ground with a loud “crash,” shattering into pieces. Su Huai’an quickly lifted his hand, helping tidy up and saying, “Be careful, Your Highness.”

Xiao Lianyu turned and slapped his hand away, then turned to the maidservant and said, “Help me up…”

The maidservant hurried over, and after Xiao Lianyu stood up, she respectfully gestured towards the empress dowager and said, “Mother, Changning’s clothes got wet. I’ll change into another outfit before returning.”

Empress Dowager Chu looked at her, nodded, and said, “Go ahead.”

Princess Changning turned and left. The empress dowager looked at her departing figure before looking at Xiao Yun with affection, then turned to an older maid and said, “I remember Momo Feng is exceptionally skilled at making kites. When we return to the palace, make a few more for the eldest prince to play with.”

The momo smiled and replied, “Oh, I’ll keep this in mind, Your Ladyship.”

Xiao Yu turned to his son and said, “What are you standing there for? Hurry and thank your grandmother.”

Xiao Yun immediately stood up, formally gestured, and said, “Grandson thanks Imperial Grandmother.”

Empress Dowager Chu met the child’s innocent eyes and asked again, “Kites come in various shapes—crabs, butterflies, wild geese. What style does Yun’er like?”

Xiao Yun thought for a moment and replied, “Wild geese!”

Empress Dowager Chu smiled and said, “Alright, alright, we’ll make a wild goose kite then!”

After a whole stick of incense had burned, Xiao Lianyu returned. By this time, the competition between Shuyi Xu and Princess Baoyin had also ended. Xu Lanzhi, though frail, excelled in archery from a stationary position. The competition was based solely on accuracy, so Princess Baoyin’s experience riding on the grasslands was useless.

In the end, Princess Baoyin emerged victorious only by winning three rounds more against Xu Lanzhi. Despite winning, she didn’t feel completely satisfied. What she desired was a crushing victory.

She pursed her lips and directed her gaze toward the most favored concubine of the Great Zhou. Her face was undeniably beautiful, but Princess Baoyin was unsure of her true capabilities. If her role was only to attend to the emperor at night, merely as a means of pleasure, it might truly diminish her regard. Squinting slightly, she suddenly asked, “Would zhaoyi be willing to have another competition with Baoyin?”

Caught off guard by the sudden call, Qin Ling momentarily froze and looked up at Princess Baoyin.

Princess Baoyin assumed she refused and continued, “Just now was merely archery; it was quite dull. Zhaoyi, how about a horseback riding and archery contest with me?”

Qin Ling glanced subtly toward Qin Wang, speaking softly, “I do not engage in horseback riding and archery.” As the daughter of a civil official, how could she possibly participate in such an activity?

Princess Baoyin questioned, “Just horse riding then?”

A slight blush crept onto Qin Ling’s face, and with a hint of shyness in her voice, she replied, “I also do not ride horses.”

Upon hearing this, Su Huai’an couldn’t help but slightly curl his lips. Ah Ling was truly unparalleled when it came to lying now. No wonder she had managed to conceal it from the emperor for so long.

Princess Baoyin furrowed her brow. She was straightforward in her speech, so she bluntly asked, “Are you simply unwilling to compete with me?” Her words sounded like an inquiry, but her expression hinted at “Could it be that the zhaoyi is afraid of losing?”

Qin Ling shook her head gently and said softly, “Princess, you’ve misunderstood. If it’s about artistic pursuits like handicrafts, embroidery, or the arts—music, go, calligraphy, and painting—I can accompany you. But when it comes to horseback riding and archery, I truly haven’t learned it.”

Hearing her explanation, Princess Baoyin couldn’t help feeling a bit awkward. She glanced at the emperor, but there was no anger on his face, nor any hint of a smile. She wanted to hear him coax her, with a smile on his lips and that deep voice, just like yesterday.

She didn’t want to pressure him and softened her tone, attempting to employ Han customs. She said to Qin Ling, “Our grasslands have always been about horsemanship and archery camaraderie. Baoyin proposed this competition just to get closer to you, hoping for better future interactions. It was not intended to offend you.”

Qin Ling smiled faintly, “Princess is sincere; there’s no offense taken.”

Princess Baoyin chuckled, “In the future, I can teach you archery, and you can teach me music. How about that? There’s plenty of time ahead.” She didn’t think this statement was more offensive than her previous ones.

Xiao Yu didn’t comment on Princess Baoyin’s words. Typically, when the emperor remained silent, it signified his tacit agreement.

Though the palace women speculated about what the emperor might take away from this encounter, they felt pretty uncomfortable. With Princess Baoyin’s temperament, she might end up circling the emperor daily. Initially, fervent women might not occupy much of a man’s thoughts, but gradually, they could warm the heart with their persistence.

As everyone pondered the emperor’s thoughts, Xiao Yu suddenly looked at Qin Ling and solemnly remarked, “The Great Zhou values horsemanship and archery. That’s true, especially considering your elder brother’s status as the top martial arts scholar. Since Baoyin has mentioned it, you should indeed learn some horsemanship and archery.”

Oh, that statement surely stirred up a hornet’s nest. Xue Lanyi, who had been dozing off, immediately perked up.

What was the emperor thinking? Was it to save the Mongolian Princess Baoyin’s face at the expense of Zhaoyi Qin?

The palace was always more interested in spectacles than fearing major consequences.

Qin Ling hadn’t expected him to resolve the situation for her, nor did she anticipate him saying such words. She paused briefly and nodded, saying, “This humble servant will diligently follow Your Majesty’s guidance.” Her words were genuinely anxious and respectful.

Xiao Yu murmured a quiet “Hmm.” After a pause, he added, “I’ll personally teach you at the next hunting ground.”

With that said, Xiao Yu stood up. When the emperor rose, she couldn’t remain seated. Qin Ling placed Xiao Yun in Princess Changning’s arms and followed the emperor with small, hurried steps.

Princess Baoyin watched the emperor’s robes, repeatedly wondering: Was this feeling bitter or sweet like honey?

***

Xiao Yu picked a Yanchi wood bow for Qin Ling at the hunting ground. It was slightly smaller than the one he usually used but easy to handle. Qin Ling had used similar ones before.

Qin Ling lightly ran her hand over the bowstring and softly said, “This is a top-quality horsehair bowstring, extremely elastic. But, Your Majesty, it’s been many years since I’ve used one. I might be a bit rusty.”

Walking behind her, Xiao Yu gathered her hands, adjusting her posture. His voice was close to her ear as he said, “I’ll teach you again.” His voice unsettled her a bit, and her hands were firmly held.

Xiao Yu grasped her hand, guiding her to extend her arm and draw the bow, his voice deep and slow, “Neck against the shoulder, ribs against the string, arrow against the face.”

“Like this, the shaft of the arrow should rest against the back of the thumb.”

Qin Ling froze, memories flooding back as his instructions replayed in her mind bit by bit. Once upon a time, he had taught her just like this.

Neck against the shoulder, ribs against the string, arrow against the face.

The arrow shaft resting against the back of the thumb, the release swift.

The mountain breeze blew, causing the banners to sway.

“Release.”

Release.

The arrow shot straight out with a “thud,” piercing right into the bullseye’s center. Due to the impact, the bow emitted a continuous humming vibration.

The scorching sun shone upon them. With Qin Ling in his embrace, Xiao Yu drew the bow again. However, this time, the arrowhead wasn’t aimed at the bullseye but at a distant target. He whispered, “Do you see it?”

Following the arrow’s direction, Qin Ling noticed a structure resembling a watchtower but much lower. She murmured, “Yes.” Finally understanding his sudden archery instruction, she asked quietly, “That’s the watchtower… Is he about to take action?” The “he” referred to Dantai Yi.

“Yes, without exposing themselves, he chose the day of the wild hunt.”

Concerned, Qin Ling asked, “But the Imperial Guards have been openly investigating the ignition sources recently. Won’t this alert them?”

“This is a dense forest. Once a fire starts, it spreads like wildfire. Investigating ignition sources is the Guards’ internal matter. In contrast, this is the real alert.”

Turning to him with some worry, Qin Ling voiced her concern, “But with such strict investigations…”

Xiao Yu understood her thoughts and replied, “If he wants to start a fire, he will have his ways. Observing quietly is the key.”

Qin Ling looked at him before finally saying, “Your Majesty, be careful.”

Xiao Yu grunted in response. After discussing the matter, he didn’t head back but continued to shoot arrows at the target, causing the sound of the arrows whizzing past her ears continuously. He remained silent, giving the impression that a storm was brewing within him.

Tugging at his sleeve, Qin Ling raised her head to meet his gaze and asked, “Are we not going back?”

Xiao Yu furrowed his brows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and sighed deeply. He tilted her head back with a firm grip. Observing the back of her head, he felt a sudden sense of relief. Slowly bending down, he brought his lips close to her ear. Qin Ling thought he was about to explain something, but the man paused, staying silent for a while before forcing out five words, “I won’t take another consort.”

She abruptly turned her head, her eyes shimmering with moisture. Blinking several times, she whispered, “What?”

Xiao Yu happened to have an arrow in his hand and couldn’t resist poking her hip with it, saying, “Do you truly not understand, or are you just pretending?”

Qin Ling was left speechless by the retort. At that moment, the wind rustled through the treetops, and two pairs of ears turned as red as the sunset in the sky.

***

The night breeze blew gently, and lights flickered around. Eunuch Zhang pushed the doors of the Chunxi Palace and, seeing the empress dowager resting with closed eyes, waved his hand, dismissing the attendants from the room.

The young eunuchs and palace maids bowed and withdrew, bodies bent low. The doors creaked as they slowly closed.

Twirling the prayer beads in her hand, the empress dowager inquired, “Have you found what I instructed you to investigate?”

Eunuch Zhang grinned slyly, “Indeed, the empress dowager is truly insightful.”

The empress dowager opened her eyes and glanced at the documents in Eunuch Zhang’s hands, saying, “Bring them here.”

Eunuch Zhang presented the documents, stating, “These were sent by the Ministry of Works, detailing the materials used for the renovation of the Mount Li Manor over the past three years for Princess Changning.”

The empress dowager glanced at the traces of renovations in the Chunxi Palace and remarked softly, “The materials don’t match?”

Eunuch Zhang bowed and said, “Correct! Especially the glazed tiles and rammed earth. According to the recent surveys conducted by this humble servant, they indeed don’t match.”

The empress dowager squinted and stated, “I suspect Su Huai’an’s whereabouts and her… You continue to keep an eye on her.”