Mo Zi and the other two had barely stood in the circle when the three Great Qiu women also came over. Leading them, unsurprisingly, was Yue Ying. For such a scene where one could win glory for the country, nobly-born Great Qiu women would scramble to participate. They had also changed clothes—wearing women’s riding attire made of cowhide and decorated with fox fur, sharp-toed boots on their feet, deerskin belts at their waists, upper garments extending to the thigh roots, and balloon-style leather pants. Having prepared early, their outfits were both beautiful and practical as well as functional.
Yang Qiao was very interested in their leather outfits, blinking as she said, “Mo Zi, our outfits really are ugly.”
Mo Zi laughed lightly. “You think theirs are just pretty? Inside those leather pants are cotton padding, and they’re wearing golden thread soft armor on their upper bodies, specially made to fit women’s figures—light yet protective. In such a rush, where would we have time to prepare these things? Though ours don’t look good, the effect is about the same. It’s better than being shot until it hurts to death.” Hearing this, Yang Qiao was shocked. “Didn’t they say small bows and blunt arrows? How could it hurt to death?”
“The bowstring is made of thread, and the arrows are soft wood with blunt iron tips, but if the opponent deliberately wants to make you uncomfortable, they can increase the force and still knock down a delicate woman like you.” Therefore, bell-shooting could be either punishment for disobedient female servants or entertainment for the noble class.
“But this is in our Great Zhou, and in front of the Emperor. They shouldn’t go too far, right?” Though Yang Qiao was a talented woman, she didn’t understand just how wolfish the Great Qiu’s ambitions truly were.
“There are always accidents. Otherwise, why wouldn’t the Empress let the two Princesses come down, and why would Prince Li protect Princess Qingchi? It’s because they know blades and arrows have no eyes. Who’s like you, getting indignant from the Emperor’s few words and impulsively volunteering?” Glancing at Xiao Mingrou standing quietly not far away, she didn’t look like someone seeking favor or merit no matter how you looked at it.
“It’s fine. The circle is so big—at worst I’ll just run around in circles and they won’t be able to shoot me.” Yang Qiao was shy in unfamiliar environments, but actually had a lively and active nature.
“See those palace maids walking over?” Mo Zi gestured with her chin. “Those chains in their hands will be tied to our ankles, so we can only walk, not run. And that little eunuch over there with the yellow flag—when he raises that flag, we can’t move until it’s lowered. Otherwise, if we just ran around wildly, they couldn’t shoot a single bell within the time of a burning incense stick.” Yang Qiao nodded in understanding but wasn’t pessimistic. She pulled Xiao Mingrou over. “The three of us must work together in unity. We can’t let them defeat us one by one.” Mo Zi really loved this Yang Qiao—intelligent and cunning, with potential. Unfortunately in this world, men mostly loved women like Xiao Mingrou and rarely loved clever women.
They whispered among themselves over there.
Seeing this, Yue Ying mocked from the side, “The Han people say three mediocre cobblers equal one Zhuge Liang, but unfortunately, you probably can’t even match mediocre cobblers. Two like bears, one like a reed stalk—just exit the circle automatically later to avoid making fools of yourselves or crying out in pain.”
Mo Zi turned around, eyebrows raised. “Bear or reed stalk, the hats we wear are the same, the steps we take are the same, and the rules about not running, not jumping, and stopping when the yellow flag is raised are still the same.” Yue Ying, seeing Mo Zi’s face clearly, couldn’t help but step back, her breathing becoming rapid. “It’s—it’s you!” Mo Zi uttered an “oh,” calm and composed. “It’s me.”
Yue Ying’s eyes darted left and right as she murmured, “No wonder, no wonder.”
Mo Zi didn’t know what she meant by “no wonder,” and facing Yang Qiao and Xiao Mingrou’s curious gazes, she shook her head lightly to indicate it wasn’t important.
The palace maids approached to put on the ankle chains. Yue Ying said to wait, took one chain from among them, and suddenly walked before Mo Zi to kneel on one knee.
This humble and respectful gesture made Yang Qiao gasp softly, made Xiao Mingrou freeze in shock, surprised the three mounted archers, and quieted the viewing seats.
Mo Zi’s eyes were cold, her face showing a chill as she wanted to step back. “What are you doing?” But Yue Ying grasped Mo Zi’s ankle, fastened the lock chain, then straightened up and leaned close to her ear. “To serve as my Great Qiu’s Queen is Yue Ying’s fortune.”
Mo Zi was completely confused. Though she still didn’t understand what was happening, her body reacted extremely quickly. She grabbed Yue Ying who was about to turn away, and at the same time asked a palace maid for a lock chain. Following the example, she crouched to fasten it on her.
Then she affectionately held Yue Ying’s hand and, facing the Emperor’s direction, said loudly, “Mutual respect, mutual friendship—may there be peace throughout the realm.”
In this way, everyone thought they were expressing goodwill, immediately drawing praise from both the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
“You—” Yue Ying thought Mo Zi would be smug upon hearing the words “Queen.”
Mo Zi smiled toward the viewing seats, her lips moving. “How could I, a Han woman, become Queen? Rather, you far surpass your elder sister. Let her remain imprisoned in the position of Concubine Xiang while you yourself become Queen. Ehuang and Nüying serving one husband together—wouldn’t that be perfect?”
Yue Ying let Mo Zi guide her in the performance of friendship. “Are you serious? Aren’t you afraid I’ll steal it?” “What do I have to fear? I’m not even a Great Qiu person anymore. Your sister often told me you were far inferior to her and could only be matched to a second-rate meritorious marquis in the future. But seeing you today, your performance in the great hall was eye-opening. Your sister really underestimated you. However, this isn’t necessarily bad. The more others underestimate you, the greater your chances of winning. This is called catching them by surprise.” Having finished speaking, Mo Zi released her hand and turned to walk over to Yang Qiao and Xiao Mingrou.
Yue Ying watched Mo Zi’s retreating figure, the corner of her mouth curling in a charming smile. That’s right—elder sister could become Concubine Xiang entirely because she was close to Mo Zi, which led the King to value her as well. Now Mo Zi didn’t want the Queen position, elder sister was far away in the capital, she had the advantage of proximity, and there would be more opportunities to earn merit. The family could also send two women into the palace. Elder sister was already a concubine; she could take her time plotting. Become Queen?
That sounded like a good way to suppress arrogant elder sister’s sharp edge.
Yue Ying and Yue Xiang were half-sisters with shallow sisterly feelings but strong competitive spirit.
A seed had been planted. Whether it could be harvested depended on whether the soil quality was fertile. As Mo Zi adjusted Yang Qiao’s hat brim, she watched Yue Ying’s changing expressions.
Xiao Wei rode over on his horse and asked, “What happened?”
“Nothing. She wanted to intimidate me, but I scared her back instead.” Ever since leaving Prince Jing’s Mansion, the more time passed, the less Mo Zi felt there was reason to be at odds with Xiao Er. Therefore, her tone was much more normal when speaking—neither humble nor cutting.
“Kneeling before you is intimidating?” Xiao Wei didn’t disbelieve, just found it strange.
Mo Zi smiled, but when she saw the three Great Qiu archers, the smile vanished completely.
Was this what Yue Ying meant by “no wonder”?
Wu Yanjie!
His tall, slender form, refined features—only his eyes inherited the wildness of his father’s lineage.
Not having seen him for over a year, having shed the sickly appearance he’d always affected, his presence was powerfully overwhelming like a whirlwind. He already had the physique of a king.
Truly, observers see more clearly. Mo Zi secretly laughed at herself—back then her eyes were doubly blind, thinking he was desperately ill. Thinking it through, he had probably disguised himself as a minor clerk in the delegation and infiltrated the capital. Most likely he was on the ship that day, which was why the envoy’s eyes kept darting around and why Wu Tiejia was especially obedient.
After recovering her memories, she’d imagined various scenarios of reuniting with him. The most common one was that upon meeting again on the vast waters, she would blast his ship to pieces. However, reality never let her have her way. He held bow and arrow like a majestic hunter, while she was like a sheep in the pen having to dodge and flee in all directions.
“Young General Xiao.” As Wu Yanjie’s figure enlarged in her pupils, she shifted her gaze to someone nearer and suddenly stood on the circle line.
Xiao Wei noticed her expression had changed, her eyes showing fierce intent.
“I’ll do everything possible to create shooting opportunities for you. When the time comes, don’t hesitate and don’t be soft-hearted. In this competition, the Great Zhou absolutely cannot lose.” Being at a disadvantage or the Great Zhou losing—she normally wouldn’t care.
But since Wu Yanjie had appeared, she didn’t want to lose. Because she had lost to him too much in the past. Starting to win now, she didn’t even know if she could break even.
Xiao Wei watched as the Great Qiu archers rode closer while Mo Zi’s expression grew colder. He couldn’t help but ask, “Is there someone you know?” Mo Zi actually nodded. “Yuling fell at the hands of these people. Mo Zi wishes to dampen their sharp edge.” Xiao Wei had known her for a long time and knew she followed through on her word. “Just coordinate with us. Don’t do anything unexpected.”
Mo Zi looked up at him and smiled, then stepped back two paces.
One was a personal grudge, one was a national threat. Because of the Great Qiu, Mo Zi and Xiao Wei were calmly cooperating for the first time. So it’s said that life is unpredictable and has its own cycles.
Another gong sounded.
The eunuch announced the rules with several changes. First, archers cannot deliberately shoot down opponents’ arrows.
Second, each team sends one person to shoot three arrows each round. Third, the yellow flag is raised once per round, each time for ten water drops’ duration. During this period, archers can only shoot from their position, and the bell women must also remain in place without turning their heads.
This way, what was originally chaotic combat was divided into a more orderly system. Though the method Mo Zi suggested to Xiao Wei couldn’t be used, the danger level was somewhat reduced, mainly depending on the archers’ skill.
Whether these rules were privately agreed between the Emperor and the Great Qiu, or changed by the Great Qiu themselves, in any case, Mo Zi felt more settled and whispered instructions to Yang Qiao and Xiao Mingrou. “Walk slowly, keep distance from the Great Qiu women, don’t let them get too close behind you.”
Yang Qiao nodded nervously, but Xiao Mingrou just walked off on her own.
Captain Wu Lianqi confidently went first. Not only did all three arrows miss, one arrow even mistakenly shot Yang Qiao in the waist. Fortunately she had the rattan armor for protection.
The Great Qiu only called out battle cries. One called Tiger Fang shot two arrows in succession, shooting off the bell ornaments on the left and right sides of Xiao Mingrou’s hat brim. The third arrow shot askew into her left arm. Her resolute expression finally crumbled from the severe pain, and she fell unable to stand steady.
There were alarmed voices in the viewing seats. Xiao Wei rode his horse in circles outside the ring.
However, once this competition began, there could be no pause. Because Mo Zi and Yang Qiao went to help Xiao Mingrou, when the yellow flag was raised, their retreat was blocked by the three Great Qiu women. Someone from the Great Qiu called Red Claw shot down one of Yang Qiao’s hat bells, but the other two arrows shot into Yang Qiao and Xiao Mingrou’s knees.
Yang Qiao groaned even wearing thick cotton pants, while Xiao Mingrou’s face turned white with pain and she knelt on the ground again.
Mo Zi was infuriated by this burden holding them back.
Red Claw wasn’t wrong—as an archer, arrows cannot miss, and he couldn’t injure the Great Qiu women while shooting bells. Weighing the options, he could only shoot the opposing bell women.
“What should we do? Miss Xiao can’t stand up anymore.” Yang Qiao was anxious.
Mo Zi gritted her teeth. “Let her sit. We’ll walk. If we stay in this position, we’ll only passively take beatings. If all her bells are shot off, she can exit the circle, and then she’ll be fine.” This was assuming the other side wasn’t deliberately tormenting people. After all, the Great Qiu didn’t care about any predetermined imperial consort. If they knew, they might torment her even more severely. They proposed bell-shooting specifically to humiliate the Great Zhou.
Who knew what Xiao Mingrou was thinking—hearing she could soon exit the circle, she actually stood up again.
Striving for double updates tomorrow!