Volume One, Chapter 18: Xie Yi and Loving Her, a Focused Expression
At that moment, the sound of a copper gong echoed through the air, signaling the start of the archery contest.
One arrow after another shot swiftly forth, leaving only Yun Qianqian standing at the end.
Yun Qianqian drew her longbow, her gaze sharp and unwavering as she fixed her eyes on the target not far ahead. At this moment, the usual gentleness and softness she wore had vanished, replaced by a striking and heroic aura upon her delicate features.
Then, with a sharp whizzing sound,
the arrow in Yun Qianqian’s hand sliced through the air fiercely and precisely struck the bright red bullseye, without the slightest deviation, matching perfectly the skill of all the young men present.
An uproar of cheers and applause erupted instantly.
A gentle breeze swept by, stirring the few strands of hair at her temple, enhancing her already exceptional beauty. Holding her longbow firmly, she turned to Xie Yihe with a bright, crescent-shaped smile, her rosy lips curving gracefully, coloring the entire hunting ground.
Her elegance was unparalleled, utterly captivating.
In just a few days, Yun Qianqian had not only mastered archery but had honed it to such an exacting level—a prodigious talent, one in a million.
Xie Yihe also seemed stunned by her brilliance; the intensity in his eyes as he looked at her was unprecedented.
Outside the hunting ground’s gate, Jiang Yutang stood watching the scene, motionless for a long time.
Xie Yihe’s affection for Yun Qianqian was not unfounded...
Within the designated archery area, Yun Qianqian had clearly become the center of attention. Embarrassed, she smiled as she humbly received their praise. At that moment, the appearance of a young servant in gray stood out starkly.
“Young Lord, the young madam requests your return to the manor...” The servant hesitated, summoning his courage to step forward.
The atmosphere inside the arena stiffened.
Everyone was stunned.
Jiang Yutang clearly saw Xie Yihe’s expression darken nearby; a trace of impatience crossed his brows as he unhesitatingly raised his hand in refusal.
“I’m busy. Let her return on her own.”
The servant faltered.
In Xie Yihe’s eyes, there was only Yun Qianqian.
Upon hearing the servant’s words, everyone in the archery range turned their gaze toward the hunting ground’s entrance. It was no surprise to see Jiang Yutang; her slender figure seemed particularly obtrusive at that moment.
“Yihe,” someone remarked, “where did this madam find out your whereabouts to chase after you again? Why is she sticking to you like a dog’s skin plaster?”
“Jiang Yutang’s talent for spying and capturing people is so remarkable—I think she should work for the Ministry of Justice…”
At these words, some chuckled, and Yun Qianqian’s rosy lips lifted in a smile.
What exactly was said, Jiang Yutang outside did not know, nor did she wish to.
Xie Yihe had always respected Lady Xie, and knowing this was her command, he would return.
She lowered her eyes and waited quietly.
---
Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind. Jiang Yutang instinctively turned her head and saw Xie Yihe’s close friend, Ji Lin’an.
Ji Lin’an was about to enter the hunting ground but froze when he saw Jiang Yutang at the entrance.
Their eyes met.
After three years of marriage, Xie Yihe had never paid much attention to her, never brought her to any banquets, nor introduced her to his friends as he had so openly done with Yun Qianqian...
Therefore, Ji Lin’an and his group of noble scions had always looked down on her.
Every time they met, she was either ignored or mocked, never given a chance to approach them.
The same had happened in her previous life.
Ji Lin’an and his companions regarded Yun Qianqian as one of their own, their true sister-in-law.
Jiang Yutang had pride and no longer wished to do such thankless tasks. So this time, when encountering Ji Lin’an, she did not greet him but turned her gaze coldly away.
Ji Lin’an stopped beside her.
With a hint of mockery, he said, “Is the young madam interested in archery?”
Jiang Yutang caught his meaning: he thought she should not be here, nor deserved to be here.
“What’s it to you?” she retorted sharply.
Ji Lin’an’s expression darkened, clearly dismissive.
“Just curious. After all, the young madam is always confined to the inner quarters. She doesn’t seem like someone who would enjoy horseback archery.”
Jiang Yutang was born into the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s family, a military household, trained in martial arts from childhood, excelling in horseback archery—the pride of her father and brothers. Only after marriage, to manage the An Guo Duke’s manor for Xie Yihe, had she put it aside.
She met Ji Lin’an’s cold eyes and replied methodically:
“What kind of person would be interested in horseback archery? Someone like General Ji, who is arrogant and loves stirring trouble?”
Ji Lin’an’s face suddenly turned grim.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m mocking you, can’t you tell? Of course, you can also interpret it as curiosity.” Jiang Yutang threw his words back at him.
Ji Lin’an stood silently, unwilling to argue further.
He merely thought Jiang Yutang had finally dropped her act.
Her usual silence, frailty, and obedience were merely a facade; in truth, she was cunning, ruthless, and quick-witted.
Otherwise, she would not have dared to threaten Xie Yihe and force herself into the An Guo Duke’s manor.
“Lin’an—”
---
As the noble scions dispersed, leaving the hunting ground one after another, a young master named Xu Ze called out.
Seeing Jiang Yutang and Ji Lin’an together, Xu Ze almost blurted out instinctively.
“Jiang Yutang is clinging to you again, trying to cozy up?”
Isn’t she annoying?
So unlucky!
Xu Ze regarded Jiang Yutang with utmost disdain.
If not for her, they could have spent more time playing with Xie Yihe and Yun Qianqian...
Jiang Yutang’s favor with Lady Xie had finally given her a legitimate excuse to harass Xie Yihe.
Yun Qianqian was intelligent, graceful, amusing, gentle yet strong—how could she compare to Jiang Yutang, a bitter and jealous mute?
Xu Ze strode over and said to Ji Lin’an, “Yihe doesn’t want to deal with her; why do you bother? Isn’t that embarrassing enough?”
Jiang Yutang replied calmly, “If you think talking to me is such a disgrace, then please mind General Ji’s mouth first. I have no patience to waste words on him.”
What?
Xu Ze looked at Ji Lin’an in surprise.
The atmosphere at the hunting ground gate suddenly grew tense. Xie Yihe emerged and sensed it.
But he paid it no mind, speaking coldly to Jiang Yutang, “Qianqian will come to tonight’s reunion dinner as well. Let’s go.”
Was Xie Yihe about to introduce Yun Qianqian to Lady Xie?
The ripple effect was immediate.
Was this truly the prelude to marriage?
Jiang Yutang had no voice in Xie Yihe’s presence; surely her heart was breaking.
Xu Ze and the others gloated, simultaneously casting mocking and contemptuous glances at Jiang Yutang.
Yet she remained indifferent, only giving a faint hum before heading toward the carriage.
Behind her came Yun Qianqian’s innocent voice.
“Brother Yihe, shouldn’t you discuss this with Sister Jiang in advance?”
Yun Qianqian was asking Xie Yihe.
His expression was indifferent. “It’s not important.”