Seeing that the Capital Guard was about to seize his man, Chaghatai hurriedly raised a hand to stop them. "What is Lord Xiao doing? This was merely a graze during a game. The match isn't even over yet; how can we stop?"
Xiao Jin had already dismounted to pin the man down himself. Hearing this, a cold sneer spread across his face. He turned to Chaghatai and said, "Since it’s so much fun, why doesn't the Fourth Prince come down and try a hand himself?"
"Xiao Jin, how insolent," Prince Qin remarked from his horse, his voice equally cold. "The Fourth Prince is a distinguished guest of the state. If something were to happen to him on the field, could you bear the responsibility?"
Xiao Jin’s lungs burned with fury. He wanted nothing more than to curse the man into the ground, but forced by the constraints of etiquette, he could only vent his rage by kicking the offending guard several times. "You absolute scoundrel!" he barked.
Chaghatai showed no sign of offense. Instead, he said, "Though I am not fated to join this round, the Lion King can certainly play a few rounds with you all." As he spoke, Arslan was indeed seen riding back from the distance. Chaghatai continued, "Furthermore, back in the day, the Heir’s father and brothers shared a mutual respect with the Lion King. Today, let the Lion King accompany the Heir for a bit of fun as a gesture of my apology."
What kind of apology was this? It was clearly an excuse to humiliate Xin Yi once more. Xiao Jin rolled up his sleeves, intending to "reason" with Chaghatai again, but Xin Yi patted him on the shoulder. Xin Yi’s arm was already stained red. He simply brushed the dust off his robes, calmed his horse, and vaulted back into the saddle.
Xiao Jin grew frantic, grabbing the horse’s bridle. "What are you doing? You’re actually going to play with him?"
Seeing Arslan approaching, Xin Yi shook his head at Xiao Jin to indicate he was fine. Xiao Jin saw that he truly intended to go a round with Arslan. He wanted to stop him, but then he noticed that the smile had vanished from Xin Yi’s face. His expression was calm and steady, yet it possessed a quality that silenced any further protest. Xiao Jin was momentarily stunned, and in that moment, Xin Yi pulled the reins and turned his horse around.
When Arslan reached them, Chaghatai said, "Now that the Lion King has come to the capital, it would be a regret if he didn't compete with the Heir. However, the Heir is young; perhaps we should skip the sheep-snatching and stick to archery."
"The Fourth Prince is truly considerate. Xin Yi, why don't you accompany the Lion King for a bit?" Prince Qin smiled. "Setting aside the Prince of Yan’s legendary horsemanship, even your brothers were quite formidable. I am fortunate today to have my eyes opened."
Arslan merely looked at Xin Yi, who had already urged his horse forward. The two horses lined up, and both men drew their bows simultaneously. Arslan showed some restraint, choosing not to use his own specialized bow. He drew the string and aimed, his gaze turning solemn. Even on horseback, he possessed the immovable presence of Mount Tai. His sheer aura was something the inexperienced Xin Yi could not yet match. Furthermore, the people of Dayuan lived their lives on the grasslands; once they mounted a horse, every citizen was a soldier. Warriors like Arslan, who had spent years on the battlefield, preferred heavy bows. The strength developed in their thumbs, shoulders, and arms over years of training was something a standard Dalan bow could never replicate. The reason Ji Baiyue was known as the "Wind-Breaking Arrow" was closely tied to his use of a massive, recurve bow made of ox tendon, which differed greatly from those used by ordinary men.
Arslan was the first to release. The arrow spun off the string and struck the bullseye with a resounding *thwack*, the force causing the target to wobble violently. But immediately after, Xin Yi’s arrow left the string, whistling through the wind. It chased after Arslan’s arrow and slammed into its nock!
The shaft of the first arrow split, but Xin Yi’s arrow failed to pass through it completely. He had lost by a hair.
Arslan was the first to laugh. He tossed the bow back to an attendant and said to Xin Yi, "Though not yet at Ji Baiyue's level, you are a skilled hand." He then shook his head. "A pity you stayed in the capital."
Xin Yi gave a reserved smile and notched another arrow. His body, which had been facing the target, suddenly twisted. The tip of his arrow was now aimed directly at Prince Qin.
Seeing the coldness in Xin Yi’s eyes—a gaze that truly held a flicker of killing intent—Prince Qin shouted in a panicked fluster from his horse, "Xin Yi, what are you—"
The arrow flew!
The surrounding guards never expected him to actually shoot. Their hurried attempts to intercept were too late. Prince Qin, his face as white as paper, watched the arrow arrive before his eyes in the blink of an eye. His scream was still trapped in his throat when the sharp tip grazed past his temple, severing a lock of hair before thudding into a tree trunk not far behind him.
Standing to the side, Xiao Jin cheered inwardly, nearly clapping his hands. Outwardly, he immediately feigned anxiety. "The Heir’s aim is a bit off, it seems!"
Xin Yi lowered his bow and watched coldly as Prince Qin was tremblingly helped off his horse. The tight line of Xin Yi’s lips held a certain sharpness and stubbornness that was entirely different from his usual breezy, smiling demeanor.
Chaghatai seemed inclined to stir the waters further, but seeing that Arslan had no intention of backing him up, he decided to quit while he was ahead and remained silent.
Prince Qin’s legs were shaking even after he was helped down. Unwilling to show weakness, he forced himself to point at Xin Yi. The words in his mouth turned over and over, but he ultimately swallowed them. Hu Yong, who had been shrinking into the background as if he didn't exist, finally found his moment to be useful. He hurried over to support Prince Qin, saying, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. Calm your anger. The Heir has been traveling quite a bit with the foreign delegation these past few days, and the sun is quite fierce today. It’s common to feel dizzy, quite common. This humble official will escort Your Highness back to the manor to rest. In this heat, Your Highness must not let the sun get to you."
With that, he summoned people to quickly carry the Prince away, not even stopping to wipe the sweat from his own brow.
It wasn't until Xiao Jin came over to pat his horse that Xin Yi finally relaxed his grip on the bow. His palm was drenched in sweat.
On the way back to the manor, Xin Yi began to worry. Though his arm had been bandaged, he had no change of clothes. Returning home covered in dust and blood would inevitably cause concern.
Xin Yi hesitated at the gate for a moment before entering. Once inside the courtyard, he saw Old Qu standing under the veranda, looking at a woven bamboo cage. Upon closer inspection, it contained several golden pheasants.
"The Heir has returned at just the right time," Old Qu said, teasing the birds. He had intended to ask Xin Yi to pick a few colors to release by the pond, but as he drew closer and saw the torn sleeve and bloodstains, he cried out in shock, "What on earth happened?!"
Xin Yi replied, "Just a small scrape at the training grounds. It’s nothing serious; it’s already been treated." Seeing Old Qu about to send for a doctor, he quickly added, "I already saw a physician at the Capital Guard office. He said it’s nothing to worry about."
"Those outside physicians are careless. How could they be as good as the ones in our manor?" Old Qu brushed the dust from Xin Yi’s sleeve and said, "The Master is inside waiting for the Heir to join him for dinner."
"The Master didn't go out..." Xin Yi started, then stopped as he remembered it might be Bo Jiu’s day off. He rubbed his arm and murmured, "It really isn't a big deal..."
The person inside had long since heard the commotion. Seeing that Xin Yi wasn't coming in, as if he were impatient, the faint clink of a teacup being set down echoed. Xin Yi poked his head around the doorframe, and as Bo Jiu’s narrow eyes swept over him, Xin Yi was the first to smile.
"Are you standing by the door waiting for the doctor?" Bo Jiu pushed the teacup aside and said, "Come here and let me see."
Xin Yi shuffled inside. "It’s just a graze. It’ll be fine in a few days."
Bo Jiu stared at the messily wrapped gauze for a long time before saying, "Xiao Jin’s handiwork is certainly... unconventional."
Seeing the dust on Xin Yi’s robes, Bo Jiu stripped off his outer garment and ordered a clean one. Xin Yi stood there with slight awkwardness. Once the servant had taken the robe and left, Bo Jiu took Xin Yi’s hand to inspect it. Seeing a raw string-burn on his thumb, Bo Jiu looked at him with an inscrutable gaze. "You’ve learned quite a bit of skill, only to use it all on yourself?"
Xin Yi lowered his eyes. "I just couldn't let it go in my heart."
"The capital is only so big. If someone gives you grief, you can throw it back in their face and it won't matter." Bo Jiu’s lips had been pressed thin, but seeing Xin Yi’s pitiful, obedient posture, his words faltered and his expression softened. He reached out to ruffle the hair at the crown of Xin Yi’s head and whispered, "How many times have I told you that you have someone backing you? Why do you insist on carrying it all yourself?"
Xin Yi felt a confusing mix of sourness and sweetness in his heart. He reached out and hugged Bo Jiu. Bo Jiu wrapped his arms around him and said with a touch of melancholy, "You’ve certainly learned how to be 'bad.'"
Always finding ways to make people's hearts ache for him.
The doctor arrived quickly. It took quite some effort to undo the dead knots in the gauze Xiao Jin had tied. He applied fresh medicine and bandaged the wound properly.
That night, just as Xin Yi was about to fall asleep, a hand lightly squeezed his fingertips. A voice asked in his ear, "Did you remember what I said?"
Xin Yi was already halfway into the realm of dreams, but hearing the voice, he jolted awake enough to know what was happening. With his eyes closed, he nodded rapidly like a chick pecking at grain and hummed an affirmative.
Bo Jiu seemed to give a low huff. He folded Xin Yi’s fingers into his palm and let the boy use his arm as a pillow to sleep comfortably.
The next day, Prince Qin sent word to the palace, claiming he had caught a chill and needed to recuperate for a few days. The weather had only just begun to turn cool, and it had been sweltering just days ago—how could he have caught a chill? Naturally, the Emperor inquired about it. Prince Qin said nothing, but rumors began to circulate that the Heir of Yan had gotten into a dispute with the foreign delegation at the training grounds the previous day, and Prince Qin had been injured in the crossfire. It was said that Prince Qin, out of respect for Xin Yi calling him "Imperial Uncle," intended to let the matter drop.
The Emperor’s attitude toward Xin Yi was already something people scrutinized. Prince Qin was a son who had been by his side for years, and with the recent death of Xin Wen, the Emperor felt a natural sense of debt toward him. He immediately sent Kang Fu to the Prince Qin Manor to investigate. When Kang Fu returned, he reported that it didn't look like a chill; the Prince’s shoulder had been wounded by a sharp weapon, and he was now bedridden.
"Wounded by a sharp weapon?" The Emperor slammed his scrolls down and moved to leave. Halfway out, he frowned. "He is a Prince of the Blood! Who would dare wound him?!"
Kang Fu bowed low behind him. "This servant cannot fathom it either. His Highness is such a kind and cheerful person, and the Heir has only just... how could he suffer such a misfortune again?"
At the mention of Xin Wen, the Emperor thought of Xin Yi, and his brow furrowed deeper. "I shall go see him."
When the Emperor arrived at the Prince Qin Manor, Prince Qin was waiting outside, supported by attendants. Seeing his pale face, the Emperor immediately ordered him to be helped back inside, waiving all formalities. Once in the room, he asked how the injury had occurred.
Leaning against his pillows, Prince Qin shook his head. "Imperial Father, this was just an accidental injury from yesterday. It is nothing."
The Emperor saw that even this small movement caused blood to seep through the bandages on the Prince’s shoulder. His frown deepened, and his tone grew sterner. "Kang Fu, send someone to fetch Head Physician Hong." Only after Kang Fu bowed and retreated did the Emperor continue, "How can this be a mere accident? And you dared to tell me it was a chill!"
Prince Qin let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. "Imperial Father does not know... it has been a long time since you last visited my manor."
"We see each other every day at court." Seeing the genuine air of illness around the Prince’s brow, the Emperor paused. "It is true, however, that I rarely come here anymore."
"At court, we are sovereign and subject," Prince Qin said softly. "Ever since Wen-er passed away, I often dream of the days when we were still in the palace. Back then, besides Eldest Brother Prince Huan, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Yan were both there. We six brothers... horsemanship, archery... everything was taught to us personally by Imperial Father." His voice took on a touch of weariness. "How wonderful those times were... I wanted to accompany Imperial Father for a few more years."
The Emperor remained silent for a long time before saying, "Whoever tries to prevent you from accompanying me, I shall have their tongue cut out."
Prince Qin said, "I am useless."
"Nonsense." Seeing not only the weariness but a deathly, disheartened defeat in his son, the Emperor said, "You have been in the capital for over a decade and have always been law-abiding. Who in this court could be more sincere than my own son?"
Prince Qin fell silent. When he looked up, his eyes were rimmed with red. "Prince Huan left early, Prince Cheng was broken midway, the Prince of Yan was unrighteous, and Prince Ping plotted rebellion. Now, Prince Tang resides far away in Jiangtang at the Qian residence, and the Crown Prince is constantly by the Empress Dowager’s side. Only I, the most unworthy, remain in the capital. We brothers are scattered, and things are no longer as they were. I lost my wife years ago and have no wish to remarry. My son was a scoundrel and brought his end upon himself. Aside from Imperial Father, I have no other attachments. Father, if I should pass, you must keep the Crown Prince in the capital. Power is divided in the court; I can trust no one else. Only the Crown Prince... it must be the Crown Prince." He struggled to sit up, clutching the edge of the bed in anguish. "With treacherous officials at your side, I fear I could never close my eyes in peace!"
"Nonsense!" the Emperor’s voice suddenly rose. He stood and pressed the Prince back down, rebuking him, "Utter nonsense! You are in your prime; you have plenty of time. To speak such heart-wrenching words... do you wish to make me suffer?"
"I know my own body," Prince Qin said, suppressing his tears. "Wen-er deserved his fate, but I... I am his father after all. My heart is stifled with pain, so much pain."
The Emperor’s face flushed an unnatural red, and his hands trembled. He muttered to himself, "How could I not know?" He paused, then said in a heavy voice, "The Prince of Yan and the Prince of Ping are both gone. How could I not know!"
Prince Qin gripped the Emperor’s hand and sobbed, "Father, call Third Brother back. I am weary of this court; my strength is spent."
The Emperor held his sobbing son and said, "He shall return. I will call the Crown Prince back immediately."
Outside, Head Physician Hong had arrived. The Emperor immediately summoned him. Looking at Prince Qin again, the Prince seemed to be in a dire state, sobbing until he lost consciousness. The Emperor was alarmed and shouted, "Hong Xianglian! Tell Hong Xianglian to get in here at once!"
Head Physician Hong ran in, with Kang Fu following close behind. Seeing the Emperor also shaking violently, Kang Fu cried out and rushed to support him, rubbing his back. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, speak slowly! Head Physician Hong is here, he is here!"
The Emperor gripped his hand, his expression twisted. "Go, send word. Call the Crown Prince back to the capital! Call the Crown Prince back!"
As soon as the fast horse left the capital, Bo Jiu received the news in his study. He stood by the window, watching the trees by the pond beginning to show flecks of yellow. He drained his tea in one gulp. Despite the bitterness of the leaves, a cold, faint smile touched his lips.
Prince Qin had played this hand well.
The Crown Prince was coming to deal with him personally.
***
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