The Tribute Banquet was naturally a lively affair with wine flowing freely, as guests clinked their glasses in celebration, momentarily creating an illusion of peace and prosperity. However, in the exchanges between Emperor Wenhui and Crown Prince Huangfu Hao of Qin at the honored guests’ table, there was an undercurrent of wariness that didn’t escape the notice of those paying attention.

Among the Ming Qi, Qin, and Great Liang, Ming Qi was the weakest, Qin was second, and Great Liang was the strongest. Emperor Yongle’s characteristically fierce temperament had always caused both Qin and Ming Qi to be wary, so they treated the Prince of Wei from Great Liang with great respect. As for Huangfu Hao, when speaking with the Prince of Wei, his words were often probing.

Most of the women present had their eyes fixed on the Prince of Wei, finding his every movement pleasing to behold. This was understandable. The men of Ming Qi were not lacking in outstanding appearances, like Fu Xiuyi, but compared to the Prince of Wei, they seemed to lack that innate elegance and noble aura, appearing somewhat awkward in comparison.

Although Luo Tan also appreciated handsome men, her attention was quickly drawn to the exquisite food. She tasted one dish after another, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Since men and women were not separated at the Tribute Banquet, officials’ families sat together. Luo Ling also sat close to Shen Miao. Seeing that Shen Miao wasn’t eating, he placed a piece of snow cake in her hand and said gently, “Cousin, please eat something, or you won’t have the strength for the journey home.”

Shen Qiu had intended to get something for Shen Miao, but Luo Ling had already beaten him to it. With his chopsticks holding a piece of snow cake, he didn’t know where to put it. His bowl was already full, and what would a grown man be doing eating snow cake? After thinking for a moment, he placed it in front of Feng Anning, who was sitting closest to Shen Miao.

Feng Anning accepted it with surprise. After thanking him, she just stared at the snow cake without eating it.

Just then, Huangfu Hao suddenly spoke up: “I heard that the mighty General Shen returned to the capital a few days ago. I have long heard of General Shen’s name, but don’t know if I have the honor of meeting him today?”

With these words, the lively banquet immediately fell silent.

The Crown Prince of Qin wanted to meet Shen Xin? What did this mean?

Shen Xin and the Crown Prince of Qin had absolutely no connection, but now, one was a general recently recalled to the capital by Emperor Wenhui, and the other was the Crown Prince of Qin. Both had very sensitive positions. Everyone unconsciously looked at Emperor Wenhui’s expression.

Emperor Wenhui’s smile remained unchanged, as if this was just a very small request, and he looked toward Shen Xin, saying, “Minister Shen.”

Shen Xin hurriedly stood up, bowed to Huangfu Hao, and said, “This humble general pays respects to the Crown Prince.”

Huangfu Hao smiled and said, “I’ve long heard that General Shen is invincible in battle, capable of forming new formations even with scattered troops in the frontier. When the Shen family troops returned to the capital, civilians lined the streets to cheer.” He sighed deeply, “If my great Qin had such military talent, we would have nothing to worry about for a hundred years.”

Emperor Wenhui’s pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, while the ministers at the banquet changed their expressions, looking at Shen Xin with complex gazes.

To say that Shen Xin could form battle formations with scattered troops at the frontier seemed to be praising his outstanding abilities, but it was subtly pointing out the danger he posed. “A towering tree catches the wind” was an age-old principle. The fact that civilians had such high regard for him meant that between the royal family and Shen Xin, the common people stood on Shen Xin’s side. No royal family would tolerate a subordinate whose popularity exceeded their own.

As for the last remark, it truly pushed Shen Xin to the edge of a precipice. Huangfu Hao was openly attempting to poach Shen Xin right in front of Emperor Wenhui. Even though the Ming Qi ministers might harbor their schemes, they would always unite against external threats. Their gazes toward Shen Xin were now like those looking at a traitor.

Shen Miao’s eyes darkened as she stared coldly at Huangfu Hao.

Huangfu Hao’s greatest pleasure was watching others in difficult situations, as if the bloodline of the Qin royal family contained the word “malicious.” Shen Xin currently had no opposition against Qin, yet Huangfu Hao still refused to let them be. This was perhaps a predestined enmity.

Before Emperor Wenhui could speak, a light chuckle was heard. Everyone looked toward the sound and saw the Prince of Wei sitting in the honored guests’ seat, putting down his wine cup and looking at Huangfu Hao.

His voice was deep and pleasant, carrying a kind of lazy drunkenness, almost with a bewitching quality. However, his words were not polite.

He said, “If Brother Huangfu is so fond of General Shen, you might as well ask the Emperor for him. The Emperor is generous and magnanimous; he wouldn’t refuse.”

These words seemed to be going along with the flow, but to everyone’s ears, they carried complex meanings.

How could Huangfu Hao truly want Shen Xin? He merely wanted to put Shen Xin in a difficult position and watch him struggle. If Emperor Wenhui gave Shen Xin to him, Qin would be forced by face to treat Shen Xin well. But who knew if Shen Xin was Emperor Wenhui’s spy? Qin and Ming Qi were still in a state of mutual probing, and who would want an untrustworthy person under their nose, creating trouble every day?

Emperor Wenhui also realized this point, and his unusual expression gradually faded, returning to his previous demeanor. He smiled and said, “Talent is treasured throughout the world. If the Crown Prince truly wants General Shen, I would have no choice but to respectfully comply.”

This now placed Huangfu Hao in an awkward position. The more strongly he had pushed earlier, the more unfavorable his situation became now. This person was impossible to take back, but to just let it go seemed like losing face. And all of this was because of one sentence from the Prince of Wei. Huangfu Hao glared fiercely at the masked man, almost engraving him in his mind.

Princess Ming’an was aligned with Huangfu Hao. Seeing him in such a difficult position, she naturally wanted to help him out. However, firstly, she didn’t want to offend the infinitely charming Prince of Wei, and secondly, she truly couldn’t afford to offend someone from Great Liang. All her anger was directed at the Shen family. Looking at Shen Xin, she suddenly laughed coquettishly.

Her voice was rather high-pitched. It should have sounded sweet, but due to her current attitude, it seemed somewhat sharp. She said, “How could we take such a great general as General Shen? With such valor, my brother and I would be somewhat uneasy. Why not take the Shen family’s daughter instead? I’ve heard that the Shen family’s daughter is General Shen’s precious pearl, a beauty. I wonder if our great Qin would have such fortune?”

Luo Tan and Feng Anning immediately grabbed Shen Miao’s hand, their gazes becoming vigilant. Luo Ling and Shen Qiu’s expressions changed slightly, while Shen Qiu and Luo Xueyan’s faces darkened. Shen Xin abruptly looked toward Princess Ming’an.

As for Shen Miao, she lowered her head, looking at the teacup in front of her, as if she hadn’t heard Princess Ming’an’s words. She just watched the tea leaves in the cup swirling round and round, then slowly sinking to the bottom.

A country’s general couldn’t be easily taken away, but taking an official’s daughter was a simple matter. If one wanted to maintain good relations with Qin, sending a princess or an official’s daughter was a common occurrence. However, no one was willing to be married to a foreign land, especially since after marriage, without the support of father or brothers, one could only endure any grievances silently.

Shen Xin smiled and said, “My daughter is unruly and doesn’t deserve the Princess’s favor.” His words were an outright refusal without any courtesy.

Emperor Wenhui’s gaze was distant, but he didn’t intend to intervene. Shen Xin had always been straightforward, and when it came to Shen Miao, his attitude was particularly firm.

Shen Yue, who was watching from the side, flashed a look of schadenfreude in her eyes. She truly wished Shen Miao would be married off to Qin, preferably to an old man as a concubine, to be tormented to death in a foreign land.

Princess Ming’an hadn’t expected Shen Xin to reject her so bluntly, and a look of displeasure rose on her face. Since she had taken over the conversation earlier, Huangfu Hao had no reason to continue speaking. He sat to the side, leisurely drinking wine, coldly watching Princess Ming’an trouble the Shen family.

Princess Ming’an said, “That’s not right. Everyone knows that the daughter of the Shen family is both virtuous and talented. What, does Miss Shen look down on me and refuse to greet me?”

With such a disrespectful accusation, Shen Miao couldn’t avoid it even if she wanted to. She simply stood up gracefully and bowed to Princess Ming’an, saying, “This subject’s daughter greets the Princess.”

As she suddenly stood up, the gaze of everyone in the hall fell on Shen Miao.

Two years were enough to change many things, including the deeply ingrained impression of a good-for-nothing girl, which had gradually faded due to distance. The young woman standing before them was completely different from the one in their memories. Her light purple dress further accentuated her jade-like skin. Despite spending two years in a place like Xiaochun City, the wind and sand hadn’t made her even slightly rough; rather, they had nurtured an even more obvious noble aura. Her features were as delicate as a painting, bringing comfort to the heart, yet her every movement carried a faint authority. Softness and strength merged uniquely in her, naturally possessing a dignified grace.

Even the Empress beside the Emperor didn’t seem to have such an innate bearing.

Princess Ming’an frowned. She hadn’t expected Shen Miao to have such good looks and bearing. She had long known of Shen Miao’s reputation as a good-for-nothing and had brought her up to embarrass the Shen family. Instead, she had unwittingly lifted a stone only to drop it on her foot.

But Princess Ming’an was, after all, Princess Ming’an, with some basis for her arrogance. She immediately raised her eyebrows and looked Shen Miao up and down as if appraising merchandise, then said, “Miss Shen is truly a beauty, indeed an outstanding one. No wonder General Shen treasures her like a precious pearl. I wonder which family will be fortunate enough to marry such a lovely beauty in the future?”

These words were somewhat improper. Shen Xin immediately flashed his tiger eyes. Although he had to consider the other’s status, he couldn’t tolerate his daughter being spoken about like this in public. Just as he was about to speak, Princess Ming’an changed the subject: “I suppose Miss Shen must also be talented, right?”

With these words, the expressions of the people in the hall were again quite colorful. Yi Peilan and her group were all trying hard to suppress their laughter.

What talents did Shen Miao have? That was something everyone knew well. Having gone to Xiaochun City for the past two years, such a frontier area mostly populated by martial people, she had probably become even more uncouth.

Shen Miao slightly lowered her eyes: “This subject’s daughter is shallow in learning, the Princess flatters me.”

“Why should Miss Shen be so modest?” Princess Ming’an smiled innocently. “Speaking of which, when I was still in Qin, I heard that a few years ago, Miss Shen competed in step-shooting at the Ming Qi examination and achieved first place. When I heard it, I was deeply impressed. Now seeing Miss Shen again, I’m reminded of this old matter.”

Shen Miao lowered her head without speaking. Luo Xueyan and Shen Qiu were anxious. At this point, if one couldn’t see that Princess Ming’an was deliberately making trouble and targeting Shen Miao, one would have to be blind.

With this mention, everyone recalled the scene at the Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet and examination when Shen Miao had competed in step-shooting with Cai Lin, shooting three arrows that left Cai Lin speechless and retreating in embarrassment. It was at that time that a Shen Miao completely different from before had first appeared before everyone.

At the Tribute Banquet, Minister Cai and Cai Lin were also present. Cai Lin immediately blushed deeply. Though now two years older, Cai Lin had matured considerably compared to his earlier arrogance. The grudge with Shen Miao had long been forgotten with time, and since he no longer had his former infatuation with Shen Yue, one could say that all enmity had been forgiven and forgotten. But now, in front of so many people, the old matter was brought up again, making him extremely embarrassed.

Cai Lin wasn’t the only one reminded of the past. In a corner of the Tribute Banquet sat Marquis Lin’an Xie Ding and his two sons. The current Marquis Lin’an had grown increasingly old, long past his former vigor. Even at such an occasion, he only wanted to find a quiet corner. Unexpectedly, when someone mentioned the examination, he remembered that Xie Jingxing had also been there and had surprisingly taken the field, defeating Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. When they returned home, he had angrily scolded Xie Jingxing, but in his heart, he had been proud of him.

Thinking of past events, he felt increasingly sad and found it hard to bear. Xie Ding’s face showed dejection, which was fully observed by Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao at his side. A sinister look flashed in both their eyes.

Princess Ming’an continued: “I’m feeling inspired today and would like to have a competition with Miss Shen. How about step-shooting? Just as a game.”

These words were abrupt and strange. Emperor Wenhui was the first to laugh. He said, “Miss Shen is a delicate young lady, how could she possibly know something like step-shooting?”

“Your Majesty doesn’t know,” Princess Ming’an smiled. “Miss Shen’s graceful performance was so renowned that even Great Qin heard of it. They say ‘a tiger father has no canine children.’ General Shen is so valiant, Miss Shen must also be an extraordinary woman. Besides, if Miss Shen is a delicate young lady, am I not also a young lady? Or does Your Majesty think that Great Qin can’t stand shoulder to shoulder with Ming Qi?”

Princess Ming’an looked charming, but her words were vicious. With one sentence, she had brought the entire country of Ming Qi into the conversation. If they refused to compete, it would mean Ming Qi looked down on Great Qin. At such a time, how could Emperor Wenhui allow Great Qin and Ming Qi to develop animosity? He immediately looked at Shen Miao and asked with apparent kindness, “What does Miss Shen think?”

Shen Xin clenched his fists. He very much wanted to directly refuse this unreasonable request on Shen Miao’s behalf. But if he did refuse, it would only give Princess Ming’an more justified leverage.

As for Shen Miao, she glanced at Princess Ming’an and lowered her head, saying, “As the Princess commands, this subject’s daughter dares not disobey.”

“Dares not disobey” still indicated her unwillingness, as if Princess Ming’an was bullying her with her position.

Princess Ming’an also understood the meaning behind Shen Miao’s words, her face darkening momentarily before she thought of something and giggled coquettishly. She said, “I heard that during the examination, Miss Shen and her opponent competed with a life-or-death wager. Today, let’s also compete with a life-or-death wager, shall we?”

“Not!” Before Shen Miao could finish, Shen Xin firmly refused. With a cold face, without any regard for Emperor Wenhui’s expression, he looked at Princess Ming’an and said word by word, “Since the Princess calls it a game, let it be just a game. Why involve lives? Moreover, the Tribute Night Banquet is a joyous occasion. It’s best not to see weapons at a celebratory feast.”

Seeing Shen Xin speak, Luo Xueyan also couldn’t help but grip her teacup tightly. They hadn’t known about Shen Miao’s life-or-death wager with Cai Lin at the examination. When they returned to the capital and found out, they were trembling with fear. If they had been present, they would never have allowed Shen Miao to bet her life. Now, with Princess Ming’an from Qin having ill intentions, how could they let Shen Miao take risks?

To everyone’s surprise, as soon as Shen Xin spoke, Huangfu Hao unexpectedly joined in. He smiled and said, “While that may be so, taking a game seriously shows Great Qin’s solemnity toward Ming Qi. General Shen, it’s just a game between my sister and Miss Shen. Is General Shen afraid? Or is Ming Qi unable to accept defeat?” His words were barbed as he looked at Emperor Wenhui: “If Ming Qi fears losing face, it’s fine if Ming’an is disappointed today.”

Now that it had been elevated to a matter of national face, if Emperor Wenhui didn’t speak up, wouldn’t it seem like he was allowing Great Qin to humiliate Ming Qi in front of his ministers? How could imperial authority be established in the future? He immediately addressed Shen Miao without even looking at Shen Xin: “Since Princess Ming’an is interested, Shen Miao, you should accompany Princess Ming’an for this game.”

Once the Emperor had spoken, anything Shen Xin might say would be useless. Shen Qiu immediately clenched his fists, while Luo Tan and Feng Anning exchanged uneasy glances.

Shen Miao said softly, “Yes.”

Her expression showed no panic, which made everyone slightly startled. Princess Ming’an turned to look at Shen Miao, and their gazes met.

Shen Miao’s eyes were exceptionally clear, like those of an innocent child. Usually, such eyes would reveal one’s thoughts at a glance. But these eyes looking at Princess Ming’an were as calm as a pond that had settled for a thousand years, unable to be stirred into any ripples. Thus, one couldn’t see any emotion.

She was impossible to read.

Princess Ming’an inexplicably became irritated. She smiled and asked her maid to fetch a bow and arrows. She first smiled at Shen Miao and said, “This is a game I often play in Great Qin. One person holds the bow and arrow while blindfolded, and the other person places a fruit on their body for the archer to hit.” She didn’t miss any of Shen Miao’s expressions and added, “Does Miss Shen understand?”

The surrounding people all gasped. Last time at the examination field, Shen Miao and Cai Lin had balanced fruits on their heads, but at least their eyes were open. Shooting arrows while blindfolded? Wouldn’t that be putting one’s life in someone else’s hands? Just hearing about it made people’s flesh crawl. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan were already furious.

Shen Miao smiled slightly, seemingly not at all scared by Princess Ming’an’s words, and only said, “Thank you, Princess, for informing me.”

Her composure didn’t allow Ming Qi to lose face in terms of spirit. Immediately, most of the notable people in the hall couldn’t help but look at her with increased respect. Huangfu Hao stared at her, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Luo Tan tugged at Shen Miao’s clothes: “Little cousin, let me go instead. I’ve practiced martial arts, at least I know a bit. If worst comes to worst, I can dodge.”

Shen Miao shook her head and looked at Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan, who still wanted to intervene. She said softly, “Don’t worry. Since she speaks this way, she’s confident she won’t hit me. If she did hit me, they would have plenty of trouble. Huangfu Hao and Ming’an are clever people; they won’t do something foolish. This is just to scare me and make me look bad.”

“But sister,” Shen Qiu worriedly held her shoulders, “you’ll be scared alone. Regardless of whether she hits you or not, how can we let you go alone?”

“I’m not afraid,” Shen Miao answered gently. “Besides, if she harms me, I also have one chance. Why should I let her off easily?” As she said this, the corner of her lips curved up slightly. Though she was smiling, it made people distinctly feel a chill.

Luo Ling patted Shen Miao’s shoulder and said softly, “Be careful.”

Shen Miao nodded and walked directly toward the main hall.

She and Princess Ming’an were walking to the main hall together. Comparing them, people had a strange feeling. Princess Ming’an was a true royal, raised in the palace, beautiful in appearance, and should have been precious and noble. But walking beside Shen Miao, who had her hands folded together, her back straight, walking without looking around, facing forward with a dignified and graceful bearing, Princess Ming’an was completely overshadowed and seemed worthless.

Gradually, murmurs of astonishment arose in the hall.

Huangfu Hao’s face also became increasingly ugly.

To be fair, it wasn’t that Princess Ming’an was unattractive, but rather that Shen Miao’s dignified composure truly made those beside her look insignificant. But thinking about it, it seemed incredible. Shen Miao was just an official’s daughter, while Princess Ming’an had grown up in the palace from childhood. How could she not match up to Shen Miao?

They naturally didn’t know that Shen Miao had been an Empress in the palace for many years. For Fu Xiuyi, she had demanded perfection from herself, and her arduous experiences in Qin had ultimately given her a composure unaffected by honor or disgrace. In her previous life, if not for Madam Mei’s secret contention from behind and Fu Xiuyi’s indulgence, she could have been a good Empress, a motherly figure to the empire.

But that perfect dream had been shattered, yet it gave her an unmaskable radiance in this life.

Princess Ming’an hadn’t noticed everyone’s expressions. She only looked at Shen Miao, holding a glossy black longbow in her hand. The bow appeared to be made of good wood, soaked in special herbs, looking extremely solid and heavy. Princess Ming’an said to Shen Miao, “This is my bow. Shall we take turns with one arrow each? I’ll shoot at you first, then we’ll switch, with you drawing the bow.”

In her words, she had already determined the order, and the people of Ming Qi showed displeased expressions. Princess Ming’an was using her position to bully.

But Shen Miao merely responded faintly, showing no sign of wavering.

The more she appeared unconcerned, the more frustrated Princess Ming’an felt. She glanced at the honored guests’ seats, and her eyes suddenly lit up. She said sweetly, “But if we compete here, some people might think it’s unfair. Why not let His Highness, the Prince of Wei from Great Liang, be our judge? He can stand here and inspect the bow and arrow to ensure that neither of us is cheating.” After saying this, she looked at the Prince of Wei with loving eyes.

The young ladies of Ming Qi present all cursed Princess Ming’an in their hearts for her shamelessness. She was using this as an excuse to get close to the Prince of Wei, obviously captivated by his beauty. However, the Prince of Wei had always acted arbitrarily. Princess Ming’an’s strange request would surely be rejected.

To everyone’s surprise, after hearing her, the Prince of Wei thought briefly and then nodded, saying, “Alright.”

This again was beyond everyone’s expectations. Even Emperor Wenhui and Huangfu Hao looked at the Prince of Wei. The Prince of Wei lazily stood up from his seat. With his long legs, he took just two steps to reach the center of the hall, standing beside Shen Miao and Princess Ming’an.

Princess Ming’an was overjoyed. She coquettishly extended her hand, placed the bow in the Prince of Wei’s hands, and smiled, saying, “Then please, Prince, inspect this bow and see if there are any issues.”

In the princes’ section, Prince Zhou snorted coldly and said in a low voice, “This Great Qin princess is quite unsettled, flirting in front of so many people.” His words were full of disdain.

“But the Shen family’s daughter is unexpected,” Prince Jing looked at Shen Miao standing beside Princess Ming’an. “Such composure, even if feigned, shows remarkable courage.”

“Speaking of which,” Prince Zhou stroked his chin, “the Shen family’s daughter has grown into quite an interesting figure.” He looked at Fu Xiuyi, who hadn’t spoken, “Ninth Brother, any regrets?”

Fu Xiuyi said coolly, “Fourth Brother is joking.”

Behind Fu Xiuyi, a man in a blue-gray robe stood silently, his gaze also passing over the crowd to land on the young woman in purple. Pei Lang appeared very calm, as if looking at a stranger he was meeting for the first time. But his hand inside his sleeve was tightly clenched into a fist, still trembling slightly.

Two years had passed, and this young woman had grown increasingly captivating, just as she had said, being “invited” back by the imperial family. Having just returned to the capital, troubles came one after another. The tree wanted to be still, but the wind wouldn’t stop. Shen Miao hadn’t done anything herself, yet people actively sought her out.

But Pei Lang knew that Shen Miao wouldn’t allow herself to be put in a difficult position. Because she had a heart more ruthless than anyone else’s.

The Prince of Wei quickly returned the bow to Princess Ming’an, who accepted it with shy bashfulness and then said to Shen Miao, “Please, Miss Shen, go stand over there, and…” She took an apple from her maid’s tray and smilingly handed it to Shen Miao. “Miss Shen, please balance this on your head.”

In the audience, Shen Qiu immediately clenched his fist.

“Yes,” Shen Miao said, lowering her eyes. She took the apple and walked to the other side.

Everyone watched her movements. Princess Ming’an had already had someone blindfold her with a black cloth. But the Prince of Wei walked to Shen Miao’s side.

Under everyone’s gaze, he took the apple from Shen Miao’s hand. Shen Miao was startled. The Prince of Wei took the apple and gently placed it on her head.

Shen Miao looked up at him.

Because she had something balanced on her head, afraid that too much movement would cause the apple to fall, Shen Miao had to remain still as she looked at him. The young man was extremely tall; even though Shen Miao had grown a few centimeters in these two years, she barely reached his chest. She could see his gold-embroidered buttons and meet his meaningful gaze.

The silver mask revealed the man’s handsome chin and red lips. The corner of his lips was slightly curved, making one wonder if the face beneath the mask also wore such a smile. His black eyes were like stars, like autumn waters. When he looked over, he seemed gentle, yet also mocking.

Mocking?

He placed the apple securely on Shen Miao’s head, then curled one finger and rubbed Shen Miao’s hair, as if stroking a captive small beast. But it was only for a brief moment before he withdrew. Because he was standing sideways, blocking the view, from their angle, others would only think that the Prince of Wei was helping Shen Miao position the apple properly, without noticing any other movement.

He turned and walked to the side, crossing his arms as if watching a good show.

Shen Miao’s attention was drawn back to Princess Ming’an in front of her, who was slowly drawing her bow.

The bow seemed quite heavy, and Princess Ming’an was drawing it with effort. The more effort she put into it, the more fully drawn the bow became, and the heavier everyone’s hearts felt, especially the Shen family, whose faces were as dark as water.

The more fully the bow was drawn, the greater Princess Ming’an’s strength, and the greater the force of the arrow. This increased the danger to Shen Miao. The arrow’s momentum might even knock Shen Miao down. And this contest, where was it like what Princess Ming’an had called a mere game? This was a matter concerning a nation’s face. Losing would mean losing face, and showing fear would also mean losing face. Between Shen Miao and Princess Ming’an, everyone favored Princess Ming’an, only hoping that Shen Miao wouldn’t lose too badly.

Shen Miao quietly watched Princess Ming’an, whose eyes were bound with a black cloth. Princess Ming’an, whether deliberately torturing Shen Miao or not, drew the bow even more slowly. The subtle sound of the bow being drawn was like a slow torture to everyone present.

Shen Miao’s vision blurred momentarily. She seemed to see not the lively Tribute Banquet hall but a foreign land in Qin. The princes and princesses of Qin, along with the daughters of officials, surrounded her in the center as if watching a joke. She wore clothes that had been patched countless times, an apple balanced on her head, staring at the person opposite her.

That person was arrogant and domineering, dressed in elaborate and exquisite clothes, eyes bound with a white cloth. She boasted to the men and women around her, “Look! Today I’ll have the Empress of Ming Qi balance an apple for me. You all watch closely and tell me if this Empress from a military family will be so scared she wets herself! Hahaha, you must watch carefully and tell me!”

She arrogantly drew her bow, and the arrow shot over with a “whoosh,” slightly off-target. From top to bottom, it pierced through her hair bun and tore open her clothes. She panicked and screamed, clutching her clothes tightly, only to hear even louder mocking laughter from all sides.

What a humiliating memory, yet it overlapped with the present.

Shen Miao slowly curved her lips, though it was unclear whether from heartache or hatred. Her clear eyes seemed to have a layer of black mist slowly spreading to their depths, becoming unfathomable.

The Prince of Wei at the side inconspicuously curled his finger, paused, then quietly released it.

She shifted her head slightly, with a movement almost imperceptible to the crowd.