“A person without credibility cannot stand. These rules were proposed by Cai Lin himself. Now he’s going back on his word. Is this how Official Cai conducts himself in the officialdom as well? Once the tide turns unfavorable, do you immediately change the rules?”

Earlier, Cai Lin had said: “The Guangwen Hall has never set a precedent specifically for certain individuals. The challenger sets the rules, What’s the matter? Is the mighty General’s daughter such a coward?”

His words still echoed in everyone’s ears. Now Shen Miao was returning his words in kind, striking Official Cai’s face with a resounding slap and leaving Cai Lin speechless.

“You made the rules, and now you’re the ones backing out. Can you simply say whatever you want with your red lips and white teeth? Are all officials in Ming Qi like this?” Her words were sharp, mercilessly escalating the matter, causing cold sweat to immediately break out on Official Cai’s forehead.

There were many colleagues from the officialdom present today, some were his close friends, but naturally, there were also his rivals. If Shen Miao’s words reached the ears of those with ill intentions, who knew what they might make of it? Moreover, members of the royal family were present. If this aroused suspicion from the imperial house, not just Cai Lin but the entire Cai family might suffer the consequences.

“The young lady from the Shen family speaks correctly,” said the Prince of Yu. He smiled strangely at Shen Miao and continued, “Official Cai, rules established by Young Master Cai should naturally be followed through by himself.”

When had the Prince of Yu ever been kind enough to help others out of difficult situations? With these words, all eyes immediately turned to Shen Miao, filled with various meanings—some understanding, others contemptuous.

The Prince of Zhou and the Prince of Jin exchanged glances. The Prince of Jin sighed, “Even the Royal Uncle has spoken up.”

“Perhaps we’ll have a young royal aunt?” After the Prince of Zhou said this, he found it amusing and shook his head without saying more.

With the Prince of Yu having spoken, Official Cai didn’t dare object, no matter how dissatisfied he felt. Though furious and alarmed inwardly, he could only force himself to say, “Yes… This official was not thorough in his consideration.” He glared at Cai Lin with a mixture of pity and anger, then turned and left.

Cai Lin watched helplessly as his father departed, his heart racing. He had initially thought Shen Miao was merely verbally formidable, but when he met her clear eyes, he couldn’t help but feel a chill. She was like a predator maintaining its composure—how could a young girl who hadn’t yet fully matured evoke such a frightening feeling?

He lowered his voice and said, “If you harm me, the Cai family will not let you off.” This was essentially a threat. Cai Lin was now in a predicament—if Shen Miao’s arrow veered even slightly, his life would be forfeit. When hunting with friends, he had seen arrows miss their mark, striking the prey’s eye or rear end rather than delivering a killing blow. The sight of the struggling prey was truly horrific. Was he now that sacrificial lamb?

He made this threat hoping that Shen Miao would exercise restraint—just lightly draw the bow for show and be done with it. He whispered again, “If you’re sensible this time, in the future… in the future, I won’t trouble you at Guangwen Hall.”

Shen Miao slightly raised her eyebrow and looked up at him.

Cai Lin appeared nervous, as if fearing she would not agree. Unfortunately, she had seen many such people in her previous life. They were merely bullies who feared the strong. Now he was afraid and willing to yield, but once today’s affair was over, Cai Lin would surely return to his old ways, perhaps even seeking revenge for losing face.

Like a badger cub that had just left its den, thinking it ruled the forest, only to change its tune upon meeting a fierce wolf. But given the opportunity later, this badger would still find ways to test its limits.

But she was never a wolf—she was a tiger. To ensure this badger would never dare provoke her again, she had to… bite off its neck, making it forever unable to harbor thoughts of challenge.

She smiled faintly, “I asked you before: I’m standing right here, do you dare to kill me? Your archery skills have already answered that question.”

“Now the question is before me. Would you like to hear my answer?”

Her small face was smooth as jade, still showing traces of youthfulness, like a pitiful and lovable spring sprout. Yet her words were so ferocious they made one’s heart tremble.

“I dare.”

After saying this, she turned and walked to the shooting platform.

Cai Lin stood frozen in place until the examining official called his name, only then regaining his senses. He realized that everyone was watching him, their gazes filled with anticipation for the spectacle.

His gaze fell on the pink-robed young lady in the women’s section. Shen Yue was speaking with someone beside her, not even glancing at the platform. He suddenly felt a sense of loss, feeling that his current actions were even more detestable.

He had initiated this challenge; how could he now retreat? If he lost to a mere girl, the Cai family would become a laughingstock in the capital. Moreover, Shen Yue was watching from below. If he made a fool of himself, how could he face Shen Yue in the future?

Could a mere girl, despite her terrifying words, truly dare to kill someone? Even with a life-and-death agreement, killing a person wasn’t something easily explained away.

Understanding this, Cai Lin inwardly encouraged himself. Feigning calmness, he walked to the white line three zhang away and placed the fruit on his head.

People looked at him, then at Shen Miao, feeling that something was strange.

From a distance, Xie Jingxing spoke, “Guess, will she hit the target or not?”

“Of course not.” Su Mingfeng glared at him. “Setting aside whether she dares to shoot and wound Cai Lin, even if she dares, does she have the skill? Young ladies from noble households rarely practice martial arts, and as for Shen Miao, you should know from your time in Jing City—she’s not skilled at anything.”

Xie Jingxing chuckled softly, “Not necessarily.”

“Are you challenging me to another bet?”

“Why bother? I’ve already seen the outcome.”

Accustomed to his friend’s mysterious manner, Su Mingfeng asked, “What outcome?”

Xie Jingxing lazily replied, “You lose.”

Shen Yue watched Shen Miao on the platform, her heart inexplicably tight. She quietly asked Chen Ruoqiu, “Mother, will she shoot and wound Young Master Cai?”

“Of course not,” Chen Ruoqiu noticed that her daughter seemed somewhat bewitched by Shen Miao today, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She thought her daughter was still too young and couldn’t remain composed. She said, “How could it be so easy to hit the target? I heard your uncle say that drawing a bow requires strength. When has your Fifth Sister ever drawn a bow or shot an arrow in the household? She probably would struggle just to fully draw the bow. Don’t overthink it. Your Fifth Sister is just playing around.”

Was Shen Miao just playing around?

Of course not.

She raised her hand, nocked the arrow, drew the bow—her movements flowing smoothly as if she had practiced thousands of times. There was no delicate struggling to hold steady, nor any hesitation about what to do. Her movements were so precise that no one would doubt she was a skilled archer.

The next moment, the arrow left the string, carrying murderous intent toward Cai Lin.

The entire venue fell silent. In the extreme stillness, the arrow hitting the ground made a crisp sound.

And the arrowhead carried a touch of red.