Chapter 49 (1/2)
Chapter 49
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
”Be careful!” Zhao Song shouted, dashing out of his seat. At the same time, a bright, white object flew out from behind! As Tu Da's fist was about to land on Chu Qiao's back, the object smashed into Tu Da's head, carving a big, bloody wound in his head! At this moment, Chu Qiao had just kowtowed on the floor.
Tu Da's eyes widened in disbelief. Blood oozed out of his mouth and nostrils. With a lifeless look, he collapsed on the floor, bleeding heavily from the back of his head. The sight tugged at people's heartstrings.
”How audacious!” Zhama raged, jumping out from her seat. ”How dare you carry a weapon in front of the Emperor! Are you intending to rebel?”
Yan Xun, unfazed, sat in his chair. He held a porcelain shard between his index and middle finger and retorted coldly, ”Is a cup considered a weapon too?”
The audience was shocked. Yan Xun had actually used a broken cup to kill Tu Da!
Zhao Song remarked coldly, ”Father, Princess Zhama's servant did not abide by the rules. He tried to backstab his opponent. He deserved to die.”
The Xia Emperor nodded in agreement. The guards on both sides dashed out and dragged Tu Da's corpse out of the tent.
”Princess, are you sufficiently rested?” The young lady calmly turned back, looking at the uneasy Zhama emotionlessly. She declared deeply, ”If you're still tired, you can ask your other servants to spar with me.”
The nobles of the Xia Empire turned their attention from the deceased Tu Da to Zhama, in anticipation of how she intended to handle the situation. Everyone could see that Zhama did not intend to spar with Chu Qiao. She previously issued the challenge as she was confident that Tu Da could kill Chu Qiao. However, Tu Da was now dead. If she were to decline the challenge by fabricating excuses, she would be viewed as a coward that did not dare to take up the challenge. In addition, she was the initiator of the duel. In the Northwest, cowardice was regarded as worse than being a deserter. She would be despised by everyone.
Zhama gritted her teeth and swung her whip. She stood up and said, ”So be it, let's spar. Why would I be scared of a lowly maidservant?”
”Hang on,” Zhao Qi suddenly rose and added with a laugh, ”I have not seen such a masterful lady in a long time. How about this? Instead of sparring like the last round, let's allow them to compete using archery this time around. What do all of you think?”
As Zhao Qi spoke, everyone understood. The Batuha family dominated the northwest region with their powerful influence. Old Master Batu was hot-tempered. If his precious daughter was hurt in the capital, it would most certainly induce his rage and resentment. In addition, Princess Zhama was renowned for her exquisite archery skills. Zhao Qi had just intended to salvage some pride for the northwest region.
Although she, a lowly maidservant, was skilled in the art of weapons, her prowess in archery was not as recognized. The audience would most certainly be disappointed but they did not have a say.
However, from the seventh table in the front row, Zhuge Yue squinted slightly. He had witnessed Chu Qiao's exquisite archery skills. He raised his cup and took a sip.
As expected, Zhama's expression become smug. She confidently retrieved a crossbow, walked to the center of the square, and said, ”You first?”
”I do not dare. Princess, you first.”
Zhama gave a cold laugh. She loaded three arrows into her crossbow. Bending the bow, she released three arrows together. They flew at a lightning speed towards the target a hundred steps away, landing in the center of the bullseye. The audience applauded at her impressive skills.
Before the thunderous applause had stopped, the other young lady suddenly knelt on the floor and released her arrows from the crossbow that was slightly taller than her. Three sharp arrows homed in on the arrows on the target board, penetrating the rear part of Zhama's arrows. It was as if both of their arrows landed on the bullseye simultaneously! In that instant, it was clear who the winner was!
The audience could not believe their eyes. The intensity of the applause escalated, not subsiding for a long time.
”Princess Zhama, thank you for going easy on me.” Chu Qiao nodded, walking towards the tent.
Even the Xia Emperor was visibly moved and exclaimed, ”I have not seen archery skills of this level in many years. Especially since you are a female, it is indeed rare.”
Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows, but she continued to kneel on the ground, remarking deeply, ”Thank you for the compliments, Your Majesty.”
Zhao Song said excitedly, ”In this case, Father, how about you reward her?”
The Xia Emperor stared at his son bleakly and replied, ”Reward them each a roll of silk.”
Zhao Song, obviously unhappy with the reward, was about to intervene. However, he was stopped by Zhao Qi, who gave him a stern look.
An official carrying two rolls of silk approached, handing Chu Qiao and Zhama their rewards. They received it and retreated. The atmosphere in the tent was electrifying and the audience was captivated by dancers who had started to perform. Yan Xun looked up at Chu Qiao and they shared a smile.
The royal banquet had finally ended. Chu Qiao and Yan Xun retreated back to their tent. AhJing was critically injured and Zuo Tang stood guard outside at all times.
Yan Xun prepared a pot of tea. He sat on the chair, drinking. Chu Qiao, sitting beside the fireplace, looked up and said, ”What do you think about the Xia Emperor rewarding Zhao Che with the Long Quan Sword?”