Chapter 157 - Chapter 157: Jiang Peihuan’s Exceptional Archery Skills
Chapter 157: Jiang Peihuan’s Exceptional Archery Skills
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Looking in the direction where the arrow hit the target, Jiang Peihuan realized that the person who shot the bullseye was none other than Lin Xingchen.
Lin Xingchen was originally from a family of generals, so Jiang Peihuan was not surprised at his archery skills.
However, what did surprise her was that the targets were moving and he still managed to hit the bullseye, which took more than just good archery skills
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
At this moment, everyone saw Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan.
Someone called out upon seeing Xiao Nanye, “Your Highness, you’ve arrived at the perfect time, how about you show us your archery skills?”
At that moment, a bow and arrow were passed to Xiao Nanye.
Xiao Nanye initially didn’t want to participate, but seeing the curiosity in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, he agreed and extended his hand to her, “Huan Er, would you like to give it a try?”
Jiang Peihuan loved these places, but seeing the soldiers, she turned to Xiao Nanye, “Isn’t this your training ground? Would it be appropriate for me to participate?”
“You are my future princess, and the future queen of Cheng’s Mansion. There’s nothing inappropriate about it.”
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xiao Nanye replied immediately.
The man’s voice was not low, and everyone at the training ground could hear him. Upon hearing this, a light chatter broke out among the crowd. “Your Royal Highness, we’ve heard that the general is an exceptional warrior. Being the daughter of a military family, we believe your archery skills are equally impressive. Why don’t you give us a demonstration?”
The men at the training ground were all Xiao Nanye’s soldiers, straightforward and honest. Although their tone was somewhat provocative, but Jiang Peihuan knew they meant no harm.
Upon seeing this, she nodded, but Jiang Peihuan did not take Xiao Nanye’s outstretched hand. Instead, she leapt into the air and landed directly on the stage.
Everyone watching this scene showed a hint of surprise in their eyes.
Standing next to Xiao Nanye, Jiang Peihuan whispered, “I’ve never shot at moving targets before. Would Your Highness please demonstrate first?”
Hearing this, Xiao Nanye didn’t say much. Instead, he drew several arrows from the quiver. Jiang Peihuan noticed that he shot three arrows at once, each one hitting the bullseye.
“Excellent!”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Xiao Nanye paid no mind to the others. Instead, he looked at Jiang Peihuan, who was showing approval in her eyes. A slight smile appeared on his face as he handed the bow and arrow to her, “Here, give it a try.”
Accepting the bow and arrow, Jiang Peihuan first tested the tension of the bow before drawing an arrow from the quiver.
With the string fully drawn, an arrow shot from her hand at high speed, splitting Xiao Nanye’s previous arrow lodged in the bullseye in two.
The crowd went silent at this sight, their expressions shifting from surprise to sheer shock.
Except for Xiao Nanye, who seemed to expect this outcome.
Jiang Peihuan turned around, drew several more arrows from the quiver, and, just like Xiao Nanye before her, she shot three arrows simultaneously.
Each arrow hit the bullseye.
“Incredible…”
“Your Royal Highness, your archery skills are extraordinary! How did you learn to do this?”
In the army, power and strength were respected above all else. If previously the soldiers were courteous to Jiang Peihuan because of Xiao Nanye, now they showed her warmth and respect entirely because of her own demonstrated abilities.
Hearing their words, Jiang Peihuan chuckled lightly and said, “There’s nothing to fuss about, practice makes perfect.”
Jiang Peihuan recalled that when she had barely learned to walk, Jiang Hong was already coaching her in archery. At that time, Jiang Peihuan was not even as tall as the bow.
The soldier who heard her words was about to say something, but was interrupted by Xiao Nanye.
He grabbed Jiang Peihuan’s hand and turned to Lin Xingchen, “You continue to train them.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Jiang Peihuan nodded at everyone and then left with Xiao Nanye.
Xiao Nanye took Jiang Peihuan around the majority of the mansion. They didn’t finish the tour as the mansion was simply too big to cover in one day.
Throughout the tour, Jiang Peihuan did not see a single woman.
Jiang Peihuan initially planned to leave after delivering the snacks, but by the time she actually left the Cheng’s mansion, it was already evening.
Xiao Nanye escorted her to the door. By this time, the butler of the mansion had prepared many gifts to be loaded onto her carriage. Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan looked at Xiao Nanye with confused eyes.
Noticing her confused expression, Xiao Nanye softly said, “The great general’s wife specially ask you to deliver food to me, so it’s only right that I return the favor.”
Jiang Peihuan instinctively wanted to refuse, but knowing his character, she simply nodded, “Alright.”
“I should get going then.”
“Mhm.”
Seeing him nod, Jiang Peihuan got into the carriage.
Xiao Nanye stood at the entrance, watching Jiang Peihuan’s carriage depart until it disappeared around a corner. Only then did he divert his gaze.
At this moment, Han Feng approached Xiao Nanye and reported, “Master, the palace has been fully refurbished.”
“In that case, Xiao Junhao should be inviting the Imperial Brother to visit within the next few days, right?”
“Under normal circumstances, yes.”
Both Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan assumed Xiao Junhao would wait at least two days before inviting Emperor Qiming to tour the newly refurbished palace.
However, the very next day, Jiang Peihuan found herself in a carriage heading to the palace with Jiang Hong and Xue Yan.
Apart from Old Madam Jiang and those not present in the mansion, almost everyone from the Jiang family had come.
At this time, Jiang Peihuan shared the same carriage with Jiang Ruyun.
Looking at Jiang Peihuan, Jiang Ruyun whispered, “Big sister, why did the emperor suddenly invite all the ministers and their families to the palace?”
“If I’m not mistaken, it’s likely because the palace renovations are complete, and the emperor wants all the ministers to visit together.”
As it turned out, Jiang Peihuan’s assumption was correct.
When the carriage stopped at the palace entrance, Jiang Peihuan saw a long line of carriages, with the Lin family’s carriage right in front of hers.
Seeing this long line, Jiang Peihuan frowned, thinking it would have been better to arrive later.
Just then, a young eunuch quickly walked towards them, attracting everyone’s attention.
The young eunuch stopped in front of the General Mansion’s carriage. After bowing to Jiang Hong, the young eunuch said softly,” Great General, 1 am acting on orders of His Highness King Cheng. 1 am here to escort you, Madam, and the young ladies into the palace.”
Upon hearing the young eunuch’s words, Jiang Hong instinctively looked at Jiang Peihuan’s carriage before smiling and saying, “Thank you for your kindness, please lead the way..”