As the song ended, everyone remained entranced with heads slightly raised, as if that beautiful music still echoed in their ears. Li Changle smiled as she stood to bow to everyone. The audience finally recovered and immediately began exclaiming in admiration, casting looks of envy and worship toward her.

Li Changle smiled and said, “I must also thank Fifth Prince for his flute accompaniment.”

Tuoba Rui looked at Li Changle, his face showing a trace of intoxication: “I merely contributed what little I could.”

“You two need not be modest. Such music should only exist in heaven—how rarely can it be heard on earth! We’ve truly had our eyes opened today.”

“Yes, yes, the sound of the phoenix-headed konghou is truly wonderful, and Miss Li’s singing voice can only be compared to jade shattering on Kunshan Mountain or fragrant orchids weeping dew—simply magnificent!”

Everyone chattered away, and even several young gentlemen at the banquet were planning to compose poems to praise Li Changle. Li Changle smiled toward Li Weiyang, her eyes full of smugness. Ordinary skills in music, chess, poetry, and painting were common among daughters of noble families—nothing special. These past two weeks, she had painstakingly learned the phoenix-headed konghou from Musician Lin, who performed at the estate, practicing without rest or sleep, all for the sake of making a stunning impression at an occasion like this!

In the instant Li Weiyang and Li Changle’s eyes met, a lovely smile appeared at the corners of her lips.

Not seeing the anticipated frustration and shame, Li Changle couldn’t help but frown. Just as she was about to speak, Princess Yongning’s voice suddenly cut through the cheerful atmosphere like a black, icy blade: “I wondered who it was—turns out it’s the daughter of Prime Minister Li, who was just pardoned by His Majesty the other day. Instead of staying home in quiet reflection for her wrongdoing, this guilty daughter parades about everywhere without propriety!”

At these words, everyone’s expressions changed. Though Princess Yongning had experienced the pain of losing her husband, her temperament had always been gentle—no one had ever heard her speak so harshly.

Princess Yongning snorted coldly: “Miss Li is so skilled at playing music, she must have practiced for quite some time. Spending all her time on this, with no time to study principles or understand the people’s circumstances—no wonder the advice she gave brought disaster to both the country and its people.”

Everyone was frightened into silence. Li Changle looked as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water over her head—her face instantly turned ashen.

Seeing the beauty wronged, Fifth Prince quickly said: “Miss Li is merely a sheltered daughter—being able to think of the people is already commendable. Father Emperor has already agreed not to blame her.”

Princess Yong’an sneered: “Father Emperor is naturally magnanimous, but pardoning her doesn’t mean she’s truly innocent. Miss Li is young and doesn’t understand propriety—that’s one thing, but how is it that Madam Li hasn’t taught her righteousness and shame either?”

As Prime Minister Li’s wife, Grand Madam was always treated with great respect wherever she went. She had never suffered such humiliation before and was struck dumb, almost unable to speak.

Tuoba Rui said unhappily: “Elder Sister, it’s just singing and playing music—how does this relate to righteousness and shame!”

Rage welled up in Princess Yongning’s eyes: “What ‘long yearning, do not forget’! Such lascivious and flowery lyrics—yet she, the daughter of a Prime Minister, dares to sing them! Clearly flirting and attracting men without shame!”

Li Changle quickly said: “Princess, this song merely uses scenery to express emotions. When the other young ladies sang earlier, there were similar songs…”

Princess Yongning’s gaze grew even colder: “You dare argue with me!”

Li Changle felt extremely wronged. Miss Yan, who had sung earlier, was also frightened into silence. She had clearly just sung a song about “when flowers bloom, one must pluck them”—though this dynasty maintained propriety between men and women, such occasions didn’t avoid these topics. In the past, Princess Yongning’s fourth sister, Princess Rouxin, had even specially written a love poem to her future prince consort to express her affection. By the Princess’s logic, wouldn’t that also become lascivious lyrics? Miss Yan secretly glanced at the Princess but found her anger was only directed at Li Changle, which puzzled her.

Li Changle cried out in distress: “I wouldn’t dare.”

Grand Madam quickly said: “Changle didn’t mean to offend the Princess. Please forgive her!”

Tuoba Yu sighed. Li Changle had been far too careless. His mother, Consort Zhang, had mentioned to him that Princess Yongning and her prince consort had been deeply in love. They had once heard a musician play a Western Region instrument called the phoenix-headed konghou and liked it very much, personally summoning that musician to learn the playing technique. But after the prince consort’s death, the Princess was overcome with grief—not only did she smash the eighteen phoenix-headed konghous in the estate, she never wanted to see this instrument again. However, this matter was palace secrets, known to only two or three people who dared not spread it. Who could have known that today Li Changle would publicly play this instrument—wasn’t that like stabbing Princess Yongning’s heart with a knife?

Tuoba Yu’s eyes swept across Li Changle’s face, and he suddenly smiled. This great beauty renowned throughout the capital surely didn’t know the inside story. But—he shifted his gaze toward Li Weiyang’s direction. He had a feeling that Li Weiyang definitely knew something, or perhaps all of this was within her calculations.

Seeing the Princess’s changed expression, though the Old Madam felt the Princess’s words were somewhat excessive, she had no intention of speaking up for Li Changle—she stood up and scolded: “Did you hear what the Princess said! Go down!”

Li Changle was so angry she could go mad. She had no idea what she’d done wrong to anger the Princess—everything had been fine just moments ago. Seeing this, Grand Madam silently groaned and quickly left her seat to pull her back.

Princess Yongning’s icy gaze fell on Li Changle, following her like a shadow.

Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui wanted to speak for Li Changle, but seeing his sister’s gaze containing resentment, he felt he couldn’t add insult to injury and sheepishly lowered his head.

Li Minfeng watched anxiously, almost rushing out to defend his sister, but ultimately lacked the courage.

Li Minde wanted to laugh but merely smiled faintly. He knew this matter best—Third Sister had given that musician a hundred taels of gold to deliberately show off in front of Li Changle. Third Sister had calculated that Li Changle would certainly learn the musical technique from that person, waiting to make a grand impression at a public occasion in the future. After all, Princess Yongning attended many banquets—leaving this spark burning, it would eventually reach Li Changle. However—how did Third Sister know the Princess’s secret?

After this incident, no one dared praise Li Changle anymore. First angering the Emperor, now enraging the Princess—this ravishing beauty’s bright future was finished. After all, who would dare marry a woman who had offended the imperial family? Even with her powerful background and outstanding beauty, marrying her might mean that when the Emperor remembered her transgressions, the entire family would suffer together.

Grand Madam almost crushed the teacup in her hand. She thought over and over but couldn’t figure out where things went wrong today—everything had been so perfect. How did it turn out like this!

Li Changle suddenly turned around, staring at Li Weiyang like a venomous snake. Her instinct told her this matter must be related to Li Weiyang—it must be! But she couldn’t figure out the connection!

Li Weiyang smiled leisurely. No wonder Grand Madam and her daughter were resentful. How could Princess Yongning’s marital happiness be told to outsiders? Not only these outsiders—even the Emperor didn’t know. That she could know was thanks to Tuoba Zhen. He always racked his brains to discover everyone’s secrets for exploitation. It was precisely thanks to him that Li Weiyang could learn many things she shouldn’t have known.

Seeing this scene, Tuoba Zhen couldn’t help shaking his head. This Li Changle was truly unlucky to have chosen the phoenix-headed konghou—this was his sister’s sore spot, and she dared touch it. She must have a death wish! Of course at this time, he hadn’t yet connected this to Li Weiyang.

The situation became tense. After her outburst, Princess Yongning saw the atmosphere and couldn’t help frowning.

Tuoba Rui smiled: “Elder Sister, there’s still one young lady who hasn’t performed.” He had decided that since the eldest daughter had been reprimanded, he might as well drag Li Weiyang down too!

Grand Madam coldly looked at Li Weiyang: “Yes, Weiyang should also perform for everyone.”

The Princess had just been angered—who would dare touch this sore spot now! Everyone looked at Li Weiyang with schadenfreude.

The Old Madam’s brow furrowed tightly. Though Weiyang was clever, with so many talented daughters having performed before her, what could she possibly present? Moreover, the Princess was already very displeased. If—she spoke up: “Princess, Weiyang grew up in the countryside and truly isn’t skilled in music, chess, poetry, or painting. I fear it would offend your eyes.”

Princess Yongning, having just severely criticized the Li family’s eldest daughter, felt somewhat apologetic toward the Old Madam upon reflection. After all, the Old Madam was highly respected, and her harsh words earlier had somewhat disregarded the Old Madam’s dignity. She said: “It’s fine, no one will blame her. Let her perform for everyone as well.”

Princess Yongning thought this through carefully. Although she’d heard Li Weiyang grew up in Pingcheng, there were also governesses there to teach her. Ordinary young ladies always learned something—surely she wouldn’t know nothing at all? How could she know that at that time, Li Weiyang couldn’t even study music, chess, calligraphy, or painting—she couldn’t even eat her fill?

Li Weiyang blinked and stood up: “Weiyang accepts your command.”

Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting all required cultivation from childhood. Every young lady present was an expert in these areas. In her previous life, Li Weiyang had been mocked countless times for her deficiencies in these areas. She had started too late—trying to learn musical technique and calligraphy later, it was very difficult to excel. So she had taken an alternative path and learned to dance. During the three years married to Tuoba Zhen, to make him happy, she had truly learned many dance steps. Of course—compared to those young ladies who had learned dance from childhood, there was still a considerable gap. After all, no matter how hard she worked, she couldn’t quickly make up for all those missing years.

Therefore, she couldn’t take the ordinary path—she had to be clever. Li Weiyang smiled.

Princess Yongning looked at Li Weiyang and felt this young girl’s eyes were extremely different from other girls—like well water blooming mysteriously under the moon, extremely clear yet deep, with something cold lying at the bottom that one couldn’t fathom.

“I still need to borrow two things from you. Please allow it, Princess.” Li Weiyang’s voice was very light yet solemn, her expression serious.

Princess Yongning nodded: “Go ahead.”

Following the Princess’s orders, the female official went with Li Weiyang to prepare. Walking through the corridor until everyone could no longer see them, Li Weiyang laughed softly: “Please help me prepare some things, Auntie.”

Hearing her words, the female official’s face showed puzzlement, but she still quickly ordered people to do it.

At the banquet—

Gao Min sneered: “Hmph, putting on airs. It’s just dancing—what tricks could she possibly pull?”

Li Changle’s face was ashen. Right now she wanted nothing more than to tear Li Weiyang apart, eagerly awaiting Li Weiyang’s humiliation.

Tuoba Zhen raised his wine cup: “Seventh Brother, come, let me toast you.”

Tuoba Yu smiled: “Thank you.”

Fifth Prince sat there the whole time, looking sympathetically at the pale-faced Li Changle, not even hearing Eighth Prince speak to him. The mischievous Eighth Prince, seeing his brother ignore him, couldn’t sit still anymore and wanted to jump up and find someone to play with. His eyes caught sight of Li Minde, who was about his age, and he quickly ran over to talk to him. But no matter what he said, Li Minde maintained a respectful yet indifferent manner, which greatly annoyed him.

Looking again, he noticed Li Minde was excessively handsome. Eighth Prince stared at him for a long time before saying: “You couldn’t be a girl, could you?”

Li Minde lowered his eyes lightly: “Eighth Prince, Minde is male.”

Eighth Prince puffed up his cheeks, looking very doubtful.

At this moment, servants brought four tall white silk screen panels before everyone. Duke Weiguo’s wife laughed: “What mystery is this? Didn’t you say dancing? Are you going to paint in public?”

Curiosity flashed in Princess Yongning’s eyes.

Everyone also began discussing amongst themselves.

Li Weiyang seemed to hear nothing, simply changing into the pure white dance clothes prepared by the Princess’s estate and entering behind the screens. The screens were overly tall—everyone could only see a slender, graceful shadow but couldn’t see Li Weiyang’s face at all, making them even more curious.

The entire garden was silent, as quiet as if no one were present.

The music began—using the most common Qingping melody. Li Weiyang’s cloud-like sleeves broke through the air with a flourish, unhurried and rhythmic as she slowly began to dance. Then her hands grasped the hem of her garment and swept it gracefully as her body spun, the wide sleeves flying like scattered flowing clouds, the pearl rings on her head jingling urgently. A breeze arose, countless flower petals fluttering past her temples, landing on her sleeves, then swirling with the musical melody into an endless fragrant sea of clouds. In the rain of petals, her waist was as supple as willow, gradually arching backward then forward, her skirt and clothes billowing, her hair flowing. Then a series of exquisite dance movements unfolded, the hairpins on her head making crisp sounds. Soon after, she leaped into the air, sleeves fluttering, feet spinning even faster, her skirt blooming like a bursting pomegranate flower, her ornaments flying like water. This was the most brilliant moment of twilight, complementing the garden below. A gentle breeze came, stirring the colorful flowers into vibrant life, swaying gracefully. Everyone couldn’t see her face, only seeing that slender, graceful shadow, like scattered heavenly clouds fallen to earth, their reflection cast upon the screens.

Everyone watching was stunned—they had never seen this method of dancing before. Usually seeing too clearly seemed ordinary, but seeing only this beautiful shadow reflected on the four screens made the figure seem enchanting and stirred the imagination.

The Princess smiled: “She is indeed a clever child.”

Li Changle laughed lightly with disdain. Hmph, Li Weiyang was really being clever—knowing her dancing was mediocre, she used this shadow dance method to perform, using novelty to dilute the mediocrity of her dance movements.

Just then, Eighth Prince suddenly jumped up, his round eyes wide with surprise as he exclaimed: “Look!”

Everyone gazed intently and saw that the snow-white screen in front suddenly had an additional dot. Then, a half-opened flower bloomed. Accompanying the waves of musical accompaniment, the small flowers following behind came forth unstoppably. Most amazingly, following Li Weiyang’s wrist movements, the flower buds originally drawn seemed to awaken from deep sleep, gradually stretching outward, opening larger, opening fuller… This entire process of a flower blooming could be completed rapidly before everyone’s watching eyes.

Like dancing clouds in the sky; like frost and dew condensing into teardrops;

Like birds leaping from tall forests; like rabbits escaping from sturdy burrows.

Li Weiyang’s dance was light, uplifting, and graceful. Following her movements, large blossoms, small flowers, single petals, compound petals—all varieties of flowers bloomed together on the snow-white screens. Among the flower clusters, the figure behind the screens continued dancing gracefully. As the music accelerated, the flowers blooming on the screens grew more fervent, more lush, more passionate, more vigorous.

Eighth Prince slowly stood up, his small face flushed with excitement, clapping his hands vigorously: “Beautiful, beautiful! This is the most beautiful! Oh my, much better than all those other things!”

Everyone exclaimed in amazement, speechless at this miraculous scene. The dancing wasn’t absolutely peerless, nor was the painting technique necessarily superior, but dancing while painting—the most difficult part was coordinating the two. Each dance step matched a blooming ink flower, each rhythm combined seamlessly with the painting. Flowers blooming abundantly, dancing among flower clusters—Li Weiyang, what an ingenious mind!

Princess Yongning watched intently, then suddenly laughed. She nodded gently: “This child is indeed very clever.”

As the dance ended, all four screens were painted with blooming flowers, complementing the garden’s floral scenery perfectly. Li Weiyang caught her breath lightly and slowly emerged from behind the screens. Only then did everyone realize her sleeves had long been stained black with ink, yet she acted as if nothing had happened, smiling cheerfully as she went to bow before the Princess.

Princess Yongning smiled: “Your thoughtfulness is commendable—no wonder Father Emperor is so fond of you. What is this dance called?”

Li Weiyang’s clear black and white eyes blinked as she smiled: “Replying to the Princess, this is the Ink Wash Dance.”

Ink Wash Dance. Princess Yongning nodded: “Most appropriate.” She beckoned, signaling a female official to bring over a tray. Li Weiyang received it—it was a brocade pouch filled with jewels. Li Weiyang, beaming with smiles, thanked her for the favor, returned to her seat, and saw Li Changle looking at her with a face full of malice. Li Weiyang paid no mind, giving her a sweet smile before sitting down directly.

Fifth Prince was dumbstruck, almost unable to utter a word.

Third Prince Tuoba Zhen smiled, however. He knew Li Weiyang would not disappoint. This person was indeed much cleverer than Li Changle. In dancing, Li Weiyang couldn’t match Miss Li from the Minister of Personnel’s family; in calligraphy, she couldn’t compare to the capital’s talented lady Xue Ningyan. Since she couldn’t compete through strength, she could only win through wit. Today’s performance combined ordinary dancing and painting together, presenting it through an extremely novel method that naturally gave people an extremely shocking feeling, far surpassing Li Changle’s earlier performance. Li Weiyang had become famous in one stroke!

Tuoba Yu continued exchanging toasts with those beside him, but his smile grew deeper.

Grand Madam snapped—half of her right little finger’s nail broke off. This slight sound went unnoticed by anyone, because at this moment, Grand Madam’s face was full of gratified smiles, as if sharing in the honor, receiving congratulations from the surrounding madams.

“Oh my, your family’s County Princess is not only adorable but also clever. She dances well and her calligraphy is excellent too. We’ve never seen such a marvelous dance before!”

“Yes, yes, all thanks to Madam Li’s excellent guidance!”

“Truly remarkable—so young yet not stage-frightened at all. This performance really opened our eyes!”

Grand Madam’s face was about to freeze from smiling, her palms digging bloody marks under her sleeves. Li Weiyang, this little wretch, stealing such a grand spotlight today—truly unbearable!

From this day forward, a new technique of dancing behind screens began trending in the capital. Later, a palace consort even covered her entire body in brilliant oil paints and danced naked behind screens to please the Emperor, earning his deep favor. If it was done this way in the palace, it spread even more widely among the common people, eventually developing to the point where wherever there were wells, there was Ink Wash Dance. Li Weiyang’s name, along with the spread of Ink Wash Dance, quickly spread to every corner of the Dali Dynasty. Of course, this was all in the future, something Li Weiyang at this time hadn’t anticipated. She only wanted to smoothly pass through the present situation, letting everyone deeply remember that Li Weiyang was absolutely not without talent—she simply didn’t wish to display it before others.

After the young ladies had all displayed their talents, someone stood up and said: “Princess, we can’t have only the young ladies perform.”

Princess Yongning also knew that many people came to this banquet to seek marriage prospects or choose daughters-in-law—this was essentially a matchmaking banquet. So she smiled and said: “Fifth Brother, I heard Father Emperor recently bestowed upon you a magnificent bow. Could you take it out for us to admire?”

Tuoba Rui had been feeling Li Changle was too pitiful and was eager to help her out of this situation, to prevent others from continuing to notice her. So he simply stood up and said: “One person shooting arrows is too boring—why not hold a competition? But Elder Sister, if you want us to compete, what’s the prize?”

Princess Yongning smiled and ordered a female official to bring out an exquisitely crafted bronze mirror surrounded by dazzling red gemstones: “This mirror was bestowed to me by Mother Empress three days ago. If you win today, you may take it.”

Fifth Prince’s face showed delight. With this bronze mirror, he could give it to Li Changle—this would ease her embarrassment and be a great comfort. Thinking this, he smiled slightly at Li Changle, then said: “Good, bring my bow.”

With these words, the other young gentlemen all became eager to try, expressing they wanted to compete as well.

Ordinarily at such banquets, there would be games like archery and pitch-pot, so bows, arrows, and targets were already prepared.

Third Prince Tuoba Zhen smiled at Tuoba Yu: “Does Seventh Brother have any interest in trying?”

By now, candles had been lit. Tuoba Yu was bathed in bright yet soft light, lightly raising his eyebrows with a faint smile: “How dare I refuse Third Brother’s invitation?”

Guards quickly prepared the arrow targets. Each target was ten meters apart, and the ten together totaled a full hundred meters. The Princess slowly said: “Today let’s see who can shoot farther and more accurately.”

Li Minfeng, having lost face earlier with Li Changle, was eager to recover his standing. He smiled as he took the bow and arrow, and with a whoosh, hit the red center of the fifth target dead-on. Everyone clapped and cheered! Other young gentlemen took turns, but four or five people in a row couldn’t break past the sixth target.

Tuoba Rui smiled confidently, taking his magnificent bow. This bow was over half a person’s height, the bow body lacquered black, carved with ivory and gemstones—extremely dazzling. Tuoba Rui exerted his strength and pulled the bow. With a whoosh, the seventh target—dead center in the red.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Speaking of which, the refined Fifth Prince was actually someone accomplished in both civil and martial arts. Unfortunately, he was too deeply poisoned by Li Changle, not understanding the principle of “a beautiful face conceals a skull”—sooner or later he would die at a beauty’s hands. On this point, she rather admired Tuoba Zhen, who had never been influenced by anyone in his entire life, advancing steadfastly toward his goals with unwavering determination.

Fifth Prince smiled as he handed the bow and arrow to Tuoba Zhen: “Third Brother, please.” He was confident that Tuoba Zhen couldn’t surpass him, because ordinarily, Third Brother’s archery was merely average.

The women worried and chattered: “Oh my, how is Third Prince’s archery? We rarely see him shoot arrows!”

“Probably not as good as Fifth Prince… I heard Fifth Prince’s archery was personally taught by the Emperor!”

“I’ve heard that too—Fifth Prince’s archery can pierce a willow leaf at a hundred paces!”

When Tuoba Zhen took the bow and arrow, he subconsciously glanced in Li Weiyang’s direction. Ordinarily—he would definitely let such an opportunity to show off go to Tuoba Rui, but he didn’t know why, in front of this sharp-edged little girl, he didn’t want to lose.

Gao Min nervously clutched the handkerchief in her hand, gently pushing Li Changle: “Changle, do you think Third Prince can win?”

Li Changle’s mood hadn’t recovered. Hearing this, she didn’t answer.

Li Weiyang’s lips curved up. She understood Tuoba Zhen well—his archery had always been stronger than Tuoba Rui’s, but he was unwilling to expose his abilities too early, so no one knew. If her prediction was correct, today he would definitely lose. Always hiding and concealing, not daring to openly win even once—how could she have thought such a man was a reliable good husband? Li Weiyang’s eyes couldn’t help showing contempt.

Tuoba Zhen’s pupils contracted sharply, instantly stung by Li Weiyang’s mocking smile. He suddenly realized Li Weiyang’s thoughts—she was certain he would lose. This girl! Tuoba Zhen smiled slightly, hooking the string with his thumb, pressing down on the thumb with his index and middle fingers, applying slight force. The bow became a full moon. Before everyone could cheer, there was a whooshing sound. A meteor shot straight, white feathers raising a brilliant arc, shooting straight into the tenth target—dead center in the red!

Everyone was stunned, except for Li Weiyang, whose face showed an ambiguous smile.

Princess Yongning was shocked. She had always thought this Third Brother’s martial arts were merely average… Thinking this, her smile became strange: “Third Brother’s archery is truly surprising. Seventh Brother, your turn.”

Tuoba Yu stood up, taking the bow and arrow from the side. Compared to others’ ornate bows and arrows, his was very plain, without any decoration. He smiled, seemingly unconcerned, as if he wasn’t here to shoot arrows but just to go through the motions. But what no one expected was that with a gentle pull, his arrow shot extremely gracefully into the tenth target.

Princess Yongning was stunned, as were the others. A moment later, enthusiastic exclamations erupted.

“Both princes shot into the tenth target simultaneously—truly remarkable!”

“Yes, truly rare indeed!”

“Amazing!”

Amid the exclamations, Li Weiyang smiled slightly. These two were always evenly matched, but—Tuoba Yu’s character was far less ruthless than Tuoba Zhen’s, which was why he would suffer crushing defeat and lose the throne. The victor becomes king, the defeated becomes bandit—it has always been thus.

Fifth Prince’s expression was ugly. He hadn’t expected that what was meant to be his moment of glory would be stolen by the other two. However, Tuoba Zhen had never displayed his archery skills, and Tuoba Yu had always been studying abroad—when did they acquire such archery skills, and why had they never let him know? Deep vigilance arose in his heart toward these two, especially Tuoba Zhen. He felt he could no longer regard the other simply as the Crown Prince’s follower.

Princess Yongning smiled: “No, these targets are too large. Let’s change to something else.” Her gaze swept around the venue, discovering that Li Weiyang had at some point lowered her head and was eating an apple on her own, and she couldn’t help laughing. “Use apples as targets. Someone come.”

Guards immediately went up and used colored ribbons to tie five apples on more distant trees, each tree thirty meters apart.

Everyone exclaimed in amazement: “How is this possible—it’s too far!”

“This is such a difficult challenge—it’s impossible to hit!”

“Yes, yes, it’s so windy today. The apples are all swaying back and forth—there’s no way to aim!”

Amid the buzzing murmurs, Tuoba Zhen laughed heartily and called out: “Bring my bow!”

His arm extended to receive the bow—whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—five shots in rapid succession. Before everyone could see how his first arrow was shot, he had already released the fifth. Before they could react, they saw those five arrows, each bringing down a small apple cleanly.

Guards ran over and presented the apples. Princess Yongning looked and saw each apple had a smooth arrowhead through it, with no other damage to the apple.

Gao Min exclaimed: “Heavens, it was so fast—like a dream. My eyes barely blinked and it was finished!”

“Third Prince’s archery is truly divine skill—I’ve never seen anything like it.” Light flickered in Li Changle’s eyes as she said involuntarily.

The other young ladies also began discussing amongst themselves.

“I never imagined Third Prince’s archery was this good!” “Right, he never showed it before!”

Even Duke Weiguo’s wife couldn’t help saying to Grand Madam: “Third Prince is truly impressive.”

Grand Madam watched coldly, saying in a low voice: “Hmph, I don’t think so. He’s been hiding such excellent archery—I’m afraid he has ulterior motives!” After all, she had never liked the lowborn Third Prince—no matter what he did, she thought it was bad. But beside her, Li Changle swept away her earlier dejected appearance, her watery eyes shining brightly.

Li Weiyang watched this, sneered once, and continued lowering her head to bite her apple.

Just then, Tuoba Zhen turned to Tuoba Yu with a smile: “Seventh Brother, your turn.”

The arrows still in the apples were before everyone’s eyes. Tuoba Yu looked at them leisurely, smiling: “Third Brother’s archery is indeed excellent.”

Tuoba Yu picked up the bow and arrow. Before everyone could react, an arrow instantly flew toward the first apple, piercing it with a thud. Just as everyone’s hearts tightened, it suddenly stopped. Then with a crack, the entire apple suddenly exploded, a cold arrowhead shooting rapidly forward, rushing toward the second apple. Another explosion, and the flying arrow continued forward, then the third, the fourth… In mere moments, all five apples completely shattered into fragments.

Who had ever seen such a spectacle? For a moment everyone froze, the venue silent—they even forgot to clap and cheer.

Tuoba Yu smiled: “I’ve made a fool of myself.”

Tuoba Zhen’s smile froze for an instant, then he suddenly clapped his hands: “Truly spectacular!” Reminded by him, everyone erupted in cheers.

“Seventh Prince is amazing!” “Yes, to see such spectacular archery!” “Seventh Prince is truly different!”

Li Weiyang paused in her actions, couldn’t help raising her eyes to gaze at that elegant, jade-like refined gentleman in flowing robes, somewhat curious, somewhat exploratory, then silently giving rise to anticipation. Tuoba Yu, truly an interesting person. I hope you continue your efforts and give Tuoba Zhen a hard slap across the face!

Li Minde watched this scene from afar and suddenly smiled gently. Eighth Prince examined Li Minde carefully, seeing him in a pale purple spring robe, the gold trim on the cuffs adding several degrees of nobility to this outfit. Clearly so young, yet his eyes were distinctly like spring water—such brilliant spring ripples couldn’t be seen even in Taiye Pool. He just sat there casually, and all the surrounding flowers dimmed, becoming merely background in his portrait. For a boy to look like this was truly too much to bear. Eighth Prince watched somewhat dazedly… Fifth Prince beside him said: “Lan’er, don’t stare at people like that, be careful not to give yourself away. If Father Emperor finds out you secretly wore Eighth Brother’s clothes to impersonate him and come out to play, he’ll be furious.”

Eighth Prince Tuoba Cong and Ninth Princess were twin siblings, both looking exactly alike. The only difference was that Ninth Princess had a red mole between her eyebrows, though ordinary people couldn’t distinguish them. Who would think that this mischievous youth sitting here was clearly a lovely young girl? Princess Xianglan ignored Fifth Prince, only staring at Li Minde, but noticed his gaze had been looking toward Li Weiyang’s direction. She couldn’t help feeling deflated, but thinking it over, became happy again. Li Minde and his cousin had such a good relationship—if she became friends with Li Weiyang, wouldn’t she be able to see Li Minde often?

Fifth Prince glanced at Li Changle, suddenly showing a trace of a smile, saying: “I’ll go see how far Seventh Brother’s arrow shot.” With that, he walked out quickly, going all the way to the tree where the farthest apple had been, making a show of examining it, then calling out loudly: “All five apples are indeed shattered.”

As if unconvinced, he said: “If we’re only talking about shooting distance, I shouldn’t lose to Seventh Brother.” Saying this, he raised his bow and arrow and suddenly shot an arrow.

The direction—was directly toward the women’s seating area. The women cried out in alarm, all jumping up, seeing that arrow flying straight toward Li Weiyang.

In this moment, the entire venue fell silent! Li Minde felt his heartbeat almost stop for an instant!

However, that long arrow passed by her ear, then with a ding, embedded itself in a nearby large tree, emitting a vibrating hum.

Li Weiyang looked toward Fifth Prince with a smile, her expression not changing in the slightest.

Tuoba Rui hadn’t expected Li Weiyang wouldn’t dodge. For a moment, his face also turned slightly pale. He hadn’t intended to kill her—just wanted to frighten this cunning little girl, but unexpectedly she sat in her position quietly watching him, showing no trace of fear.

This made him appear not only reckless but even more discourteous—

Princess Yongning was furious: “Rui’er, what are you doing!”

Tuoba Zhen involuntarily stepped forward. The instant Tuoba Rui raised his bow and arrow, his heart suddenly contracted. Only after seeing Li Weiyang safe and sound did he breathe a sigh of relief. Though he didn’t know why he had this strange feeling, he knew that Li Weiyang seemed to have unknowingly aroused his great interest. Before his interest disappeared, Li Weiyang naturally had to stay alive and well. At least, he wanted to let her see how foolish it was to refuse his overtures. “Fifth Brother, you were too reckless. How could you randomly shoot arrows? You’ve frightened County Princess Anping—quickly apologize!”

He gave Tuoba Rui a meaningful look. Tuoba Rui understood and quickly stepped forward: “I only wanted to test how far I could shoot. County Princess, please don’t blame me.”

Li Weiyang smiled, calm and composed: “Fifth Prince’s eyesight isn’t good—that’s nothing. But I’m sitting not far from the Princess. Injuring me doesn’t matter, but if the Princess were injured, that would be bad.”

Tuoba Rui’s face turned ashen. He had intended to frighten Li Weiyang into losing her composure publicly, never expecting she would lecture him instead. Especially Li Weiyang’s gaze made him feel like a buffoon!

This child had no grace and not even a measure of propriety… The Princess’s expression also looked displeased. Yes, if that arrow had gone astray just now, wouldn’t she have been injured too? She said with a darkened face: “Rui’er, was your archery truly taught by Father Emperor? Seeing you act so recklessly, he would truly be disappointed.”

Tuoba Rui knew the Princess was highly favored by His Majesty. Frightened, he quickly apologized: “Elder Sister, forgive me. I’ll never be so reckless again.”

Princess Yongning’s expression was cold. Then someone nearby tried to smooth things over: “Oh my, doesn’t this mean the person who shot farthest is Fifth Prince!”

Everyone looked—indeed, Fifth Prince’s arrow had shot a full two hundred meters. Speaking of shooting distance, Fifth Prince could indeed claim first place.

At this moment, another clear voice suddenly rang out, calling loudly: “Wait!”

Everyone turned to look, all surprised—