Chapter Seventy-Five: Peril

The racecourse was vast, spacious enough for six riders to stand abreast at its entrance. The track formed a perfect circle, with the start and finish lines coinciding. At the finish line, a row of arrow targets stood in neat formation, already pierced by arrows scattered haphazardly across their surfaces, while more lay on the ground. A young servant dutifully recorded each result in the ledger.

Each of the six female students undergoing the academy examination had her own mount. These horses were all provided by Captain Kong Liu of the Light Cavalry, freshly swapped out for every appearance and chosen for their gentle temperament—a precaution for the safety of noble ladies, since untamed horses could not be trusted, and a fall would be no minor affair.

Jiang Li’s horse was a dark bay, unremarkable in appearance, currently munching on the turf below. She reached out to stroke its neck, the gesture recalling memories of racing with Xue Zhao in Tongxiang. To others, her action seemed puzzling. Someone remarked, “Is Second Miss Jiang trying to befriend the horse because she doesn’t know how to ride?”

“Don’t joke. These horses all come from the Light Cavalry. Whether she’s close to it or not makes little difference, but perhaps Second Miss Jiang truly is a novice—look how awkward she is.”

Jiang Li, oblivious to the comments outside, continued to gently caress the horse’s head, which remained dull and unmoved by her touch.

Nearby, Jiang Youyao watched with disdain, convinced Jiang Li knew nothing of horsemanship, and busied herself fastening her quiver.

Jiang Yue’e also kept her eyes on Jiang Li, finally relieved to see her not displaying the practiced confidence she had shown in previous events. If Jiang Li were to shine again in riding and archery, Jiang Yue’e feared her jealousy would consume her.

The man with the copper hammer struck the inspection ground’s drum with a resounding clang. Everyone began to prepare, mounting their horses.

Meng Hongjin was the quickest; she placed a foot in the stirrup, swung herself up, and in a flash of crimson sat poised on her horse. The crowd cheered. Most noble ladies in Yan Capital were delicate and not skilled in archery and horsemanship; few could match Meng Hongjin’s graceful display, and praise flowed freely. Seeing the admiration directed her way, Meng Hongjin felt a surge of pride, the shadow cast by Jiang Li's previous victories lifting from her heart.

Jiang Yue’e followed, her movements less crisp but more proper, her petite form evoking sympathy as she mounted.

Next were Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xiner, who mounted simultaneously, their friendship evident, their actions unremarkable but faultless.

Jiang Youyao smiled and then mounted, her beauty so dazzling that no one paid attention to her riding itself—though the young gentlemen were captivated.

Kong Liu scoffed, muttering to Zheng Huchen, “A pillow embroidered with flowers.”

Zheng Huchen remained silent. Ji Heng, leaning back in his chair, watched the ladies with absent interest.

The last to mount was Jiang Li.

Kong Liu perked up, sitting straighter. Ji Heng glanced at him, her gaze icy.

“I wonder if Jiang Li knows how to mount. Are there horses in the convent?” Ye Shijie thought, just as he saw Jiang Li lift her foot calmly into the stirrup, take the reins, and leap lightly onto the saddle.

Her action was fluid and natural—not as brisk as Meng Hongjin’s, nor as delicate as Jiang Yue’e’s, nor as coquettish as Jiang Youyao’s preceding smile. She simply took the reins and sat quietly, as commonplace as eating or drinking.

Willow Catkins was taken aback.

Since meeting Jiang Li, she had always known her to be unhurried and composed, never flustered. She hadn’t expected even mounting a horse to be done with such gentle ease—less dazzling, perhaps, but exceedingly comfortable, and the more she thought about it, the more it suited Jiang Li’s temperament. This was precisely how Jiang Li ought to be.

Outsiders saw only the spectacle, unable to discern skill, but recognized at least that Second Miss Jiang was not ignorant of horsemanship. Insiders, however—like Kong Liu—saw more. He whispered to Zheng Huchen, “Second Miss Jiang is quite impressive.”

Zheng Huchen frowned slightly.

Jiang Li now mounted, the quiver heavy on her back. She drew up the reins; the summer breeze warmed her face, as comforting as Xue Huaiyuan’s careful advice and Xue Zhao’s cheerful words.

A glimmer of tears flickered in Jiang Li’s eyes.

But the tears vanished quickly, as the drum signaled the start—six horses surged forward!

To call it a surge was perhaps overstated; Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xiner barely trotted, not even wielding their whips, merely maintaining the posture of running. Kong Liu wiped his face, frustration evident. “What a waste of my fine horses.”

Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yue’e were better, at least flicking their whips smartly, but their horsemanship was simple, more focused on looking pretty than skillful, drawing attention to the rider rather than the horse.

Zheng Huchen shook his head, clearly displeased with the ladies’ antics. But there was little to be done—archery and riding were never Mingyi Hall’s strengths, and few noble ladies were willing to endure the hardship of learning such rarely-used skills.

Meng Hongjin led the field.

She was like a blaze—her fiery riding attire accentuating her proud beauty, her slender silhouette stirring hearts. Her long hair rose and fell with the horse’s motion, painting a vivid picture. Though her looks couldn’t rival Jiang Youyao’s, Meng Hongjin was more captivating on horseback.

“Miss Meng is remarkable,” someone observed. “No one matches her in archery and riding.”

“And what of Second Miss Jiang?” another teased. “She’s turned the tables in the previous four events.”

“Look, Second Miss is lagging behind. She seems to lack drive—catching up to Miss Meng seems unlikely.”

Jiang Li’s dark bay also ran.

Surprising to some, but perhaps not—her riding was not as inexperienced as expected; she must have ridden before. Compared to her top scores in the previous three events and her stunning performance in music, her horsemanship seemed ordinary.

She showed no special skill on horseback, but one thing was clear: she was seriously competing. After Meng Hongjin, Jiang Li was second.

It wasn’t difficult to understand—Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xiner were cautious, almost fearful. Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yue’e focused more on displaying beauty. Only Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin were truly racing.

The gap between Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin was not large—Jiang Li could have overtaken her with a flick of the whip, but she seemed disinclined, even leisurely.

Kong Liu scratched his head in agitation. “What’s going on with Second Miss Jiang? One push and she’d pass Meng! Why isn’t she moving? It’s maddening!”

Zheng Huchen, “Calm down…”

“I can’t calm down! Isn’t it infuriating, when she could easily win…”

A snap sounded as someone closed their fan.

Kong Liu stiffened and fell silent, glancing to see Ji Heng, who hadn’t even looked at him, remarking coolly, “Too noisy.”

Kong Liu said no more.

Though Kong Liu was anxious that Jiang Li hadn’t overtaken Meng Hongjin, those who cared for Jiang Li felt only relief—Willow Catkins, Ye Shijie, Jiang Jingrui. Jiang Li could ride; she rode steadily, unlikely to come to harm. With only two events left, if she maintained her performance, Meng Hongjin would lose their wager, and Jiang Li wouldn’t be expelled from Mingyi Hall—a pleasing outcome.

Unaware of their concerns, Jiang Li kept her distance from Meng Hongjin to see what she would do. Perhaps having died once made her more sensitive to conspiracy; she had noticed Meng Hongjin’s odd behavior since morning. She suspected Meng Hongjin was plotting something, but didn’t know what, so kept her distance. If Meng Hongjin hadn’t succeeded yet, she would surely try to get closer.

Sure enough, after another incense stick’s time, Meng Hongjin slowed, and Jiang Li, alert, matched her pace, maintaining the gap. This made the race oddly crowded, with the trailing riders catching up and nearly riding side by side.

“What’s happening?” spectators wondered. “Are Captain Kong Liu’s horses failing? Did they miss breakfast?”

“Nonsense!” Kong Liu shouted, disregarding his role as examiner. “I fed them night grass several times—how could they be starved?”

“Maybe they’re stuffed and sluggish?” The crowd laughed.

Kong Liu was too angry for words. He glanced beside him, only to see Ji Heng, eyes raised, watching the riders with a thoughtful expression.

Kong Liu felt a chill, sensing something amiss.

Even as Jiang Li slowed, she kept pace with Meng Hongjin, who seemed fatigued after her initial burst of energy.

They were now in the second half of the track, nearing the targets.

At this point, the track narrowed sharply. Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin approached the entrance.

Jiang Li, holding the reins with one hand, reached back for an arrow, preparing to shoot. Mounted archery was most difficult—both hands were needed for bow and arrow, leaving no grip on the reins, making control of the horse nearly impossible. Many noble ladies held the reins while shooting, making aiming difficult and their shots wild. Some didn’t dare let go, simply forfeiting. The bolder ones released the reins briefly and shot quickly, but aiming required time, and hurried shots rarely hit.

So far, not a single shot had hit the bull’s-eye.

Jiang Li, however, released the reins entirely, both hands on bow and arrow, aiming at the target.

“Bold,” Zheng Huchen praised.

Gasps of amazement erupted, “She’s fearless! She’s let go of the reins longer than anyone!”

“Look how steady her horse is—Second Miss Jiang must be a skilled rider, she’s calm.”

Jiang Li’s expression was utterly composed, even elegant. The urgency of the moment seemed to slow in her hands, easing everyone’s anxiety.

Her movements were steady—legs gripping the stirrups, hands firm on the bow. Though her health was not as robust as before, she had recuperated well.

Her gaze locked on the bull’s-eye; to her, the target transformed into a leaping hare, a yellow fox, or a flying bird—just as she had practiced countless times hunting with Xue Zhao.

Aim, release!

With a sharp whistle, the arrow flew through the air.

The marked red arrow struck dead center!

All targets hit!

The inspection ground fell silent; no one could believe their eyes.

Kong Liu slapped his thigh and shouted, “Beautiful!”

Before he finished, Jiang Li drew another arrow and shot—bull’s-eye!

She didn’t pause, drew again—bull’s-eye!

In just a moment, three arrows, three bull’s-eyes!

Silence turned to uproar, and uproar to cheers.

Jiang Jingrui murmured, “My heavens…”

This was not music, but archery—a subject at the Imperial Academy. Jiang Jingrui had studied archery and knew its difficulty. Seeing Jiang Li’s three perfect shots was extraordinary.

Was it luck? Impossible!

Kong Liu stared, then vented his excitement by banging tables and stomping.

Zheng Huchen asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Damn it, didn’t you see? Three bull’s-eyes! Even my Light Cavalry doesn’t have many that accurate! Damn, how is she the daughter of the Grand Chancellor? If she were a man—no, if she were an ordinary girl—I’d recruit her into the Cavalry without hesitation!”

“...Shut up,” Zheng Huchen said.

Ji Shuran’s face twisted at Jiang Li’s triple bull’s-eye. She knew Meng Hongjin’s earlier glory had been eclipsed, and Jiang Youyao, never skilled in archery, was outshone. The rest were mere foils to Jiang Li.

She frowned, remarking to Jiang Yuanbai, “Where did Li’er learn archery? Even our sons, with proper tutors, don’t match her. Did she learn that much in the convent? She’s returned knowing everything.”

She subtly sowed doubt in Jiang Yuanbai.

“Eldest sister-in-law, Li’er was always clever. They say orchid seeds, even in the wild, bloom as orchids…” Second Lady Lu was about to retort when she suddenly cried out.

Everyone looked toward the racecourse.

In the narrow passage, Jiang Li was ahead, Meng Hongjin behind. After Jiang Li’s three perfect shots, Meng Hongjin prepared to shoot. But as she reached for her quiver, Jiang Li’s horse suddenly whinnied, rearing!

“Not good!” Kong Liu leapt up.

Jiang Li’s dark bay had gone wild—no one knew why, but it suddenly bolted.

Meng Hongjin stopped reaching for her arrow and pulled her horse to a halt, frightened.

The crowd erupted.

In past races, students had fallen from horses, but only suffered minor injuries. Horses so gentle, from the Light Cavalry, never went wild without cause. Yet Jiang Li’s horse went mad before everyone’s eyes, with no external trigger.

What was happening?

“Rescue her!” Zheng Huchen ordered the soldiers.

Willow Catkins covered her mouth in horror, tears brimming as she rushed to the front of the platform. Unable to enter the course, she could only worry.

Ye Shijie hadn’t expected such a turn; from outside, he could do nothing but watch Jiang Li dragged by the mad horse, his heart pounding. Suddenly, the horse tossed its head, flinging Jiang Li off.

“Jiang Li!” Jiang Jingrui shouted.

Yet Jiang Li gripped the reins tightly, her body half flung outside, clinging to the horse, nearly dragged along.

But she did not fall.

The crowd stared wide-eyed.

“She knows horsemanship?” Kong Liu exclaimed, glancing at Ji Heng.

Ji Heng propped her chin, watching the drama unfold, saying nothing.

Meng Hongjin, trailing behind, had expected Jiang Li to fall, but was shocked to see her cling to the horse and avoid disaster.

Meng Hongjin felt disappointed. Inside her sleeve was a slender, pen-like device—an old trick from her brother. Pressing a button ejected a tiny silver needle.

She had coated the needle with poison and, as she drew her arrow, used her sleeve to conceal the motion and triggered the device, shooting the needle into Jiang Li’s horse’s flank. The horse would panic, throwing Jiang Li, perhaps injuring or maiming her. The needle was so small it would be hard to trace, and even if discovered, who could accuse her?

Meng Hongjin had thought Jiang Li was only a basic rider, but when the horse went wild, Jiang Li not only stayed on but displayed skill—clearly no novice!

She had been fooled!

Meng Hongjin was furious and anxious.

Rescuers hurried after Jiang Li; Jiang Yuanbai was frantic, but a mad horse was dangerous. Killing the horse would injure Jiang Li, or a man could use lightness skill to rescue her, but that would cause scandal.

As they deliberated, the dark bay picked up speed. The crowd gasped. Jiang Li lost her grip, holding the reins with only one hand!

Meng Hongjin was delighted, as were Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yue’e—Jiang Li was finished!

But before they could celebrate, Jiang Li suddenly reached out, grabbed the horse’s mane!

The horse reared again, but Jiang Li seized the moment, leaned back, swung herself over, and sat astride once more!

Back in place!

In a few breaths, this perilous feat left the onlookers breathless, only relaxing once Jiang Li was safely seated.

“That girl…” Zheng Huchen was speechless. Few men, let alone women, had such courage. Not only was Jiang Li’s horsemanship beyond expectation, but her composure in crisis—calm as a mountain—was the reason she excelled in archery and other arts.

She was nothing like a typical noble girl, and only fifteen.

No sooner had relief settled than more cries erupted. Zheng Huchen watched in awe.

Jiang Li, once seated, did not seek rescue, but seized the mad horse and charged for the finish.

She intended to complete the race—riding a wild horse!

Outrageous! Reckless! But… exhilarating!

Jiang Li crouched low on the horse, her emerald robe streaming like a flash of green lightning, fresh and gentle, yet vibrant as bamboo after rain. It was hard to believe such a frail figure contained such courage; gentle waters could stir the hardest stones.

“Look, look…” Kong Liu excitedly tugged Ji Heng’s sleeve.

Ji Heng glanced at her sleeve, replying calmly, “I see.”

Meng Hongjin, following behind, was aghast—Jiang Li had not only survived, but now led. This could not stand; with the crowd cheering Jiang Li, Meng Hongjin was forgotten.

This was her specialty—archery! If she lost to Jiang Li here, she would be nothing!

Meng Hongjin lashed her whip, chasing Jiang Li with renewed vigor.

The others, spurred by the excitement, also pushed forward as the race neared its end.

Now, the contest truly felt life-or-death, but Jiang Li remained the center of attention. The dark bay, in pain, only tried harder to throw her, but she held fast, as composed as ever.

As the final stretch approached, another row of targets appeared. Jiang Li, crouched on the horse, gripped the reins with one hand, reaching for her quiver with the other.

“She’s trying to shoot again!”

“My god, is she insane!”

Her three perfect shots were already unmatched today; there was no need to risk more. The mad horse made shooting doubly dangerous!

“She’s got spirit,” Kong Liu exclaimed. “I admire her!”

No one cared for his admiration. Meng Hongjin, following closely, felt a sudden chill—she realized she hadn’t shot during the midpoint, busy plotting against Jiang Li, while Jiang Li had scored three bull’s-eyes. Now, Jiang Li had three, and Meng Hongjin none.

If she couldn’t score at the finish, she would lose.

In desperation, Meng Hongjin drew an arrow and shot at the finish target.

At that moment, Jiang Li smiled, immediately nocking an arrow and shooting after her.

Jiang Li’s arrows were marked red, Meng Hongjin’s blue. By chance, both arrows aimed for the same target, one blue, one red, streaking through the air together.

Perhaps Jiang Li’s draw was stronger, or Meng Hongjin was too frantic, but Jiang Li’s later shot overtook Meng Hongjin’s, the feathers brushing, propelling Jiang Li’s arrow to the bull’s-eye, while Meng Hongjin’s was diverted and, with the renewed momentum, flew off course—

“Princess!” someone cried in panic.

A huge uproar erupted.

Meng Hongjin instinctively looked—near the finish, beside Prince Cheng, Princess Yongning clutched her shoulder, blood flowing.

Meng Hongjin was stunned.

“Seize her!” Princess Yongning screamed.

“Is it me?” Meng Hongjin wondered, dazed, as guards seized her without regard for the ongoing competition.

Meanwhile, Jiang Li crossed the finish, grabbing the horse’s mane, and, as she passed a locust tree, leapt up, hanging from a branch.

Her pose was not entirely graceful, but light and free.

The mad horse ran off, but was soon intercepted. Jiang Li’s final arrow, shot alongside Meng Hongjin’s, landed squarely in the bull’s-eye, stained with red pigment.

She had won.

Jiang Li paused, then looked toward Princess Yongning, surrounded by attendants, a coldness flickering in her heart.

Princess Yongning escaped with only a shoulder wound; had the blue arrow been sharper, or a little closer, it would have struck her chest—not just a scrape.

So close.

Kong Liu finally sat, patting his chest, sweating profusely. Zheng Huchen fared little better. Watching such a tense contest was more exhausting than routine drills. Yet Kong Liu was pleased, saying to Ji Heng, "Did you see? Second Miss Jiang was amazing—she must be delighted to have shown off today."

"I think she's disappointed," Ji Heng replied.

"Disappointed? Why? She's the top scorer in all six arts—what's there to be disappointed about?"

"She failed to use another's hand to kill. That’s disappointing." Ji Heng smiled faintly, rising. "Today’s show was good—just no blood, a bit tame. We'll see next time."

She swept her sleeves and left.

"What a pervert," Kong Liu muttered, remembering something. "You haven't judged yet!"

Ji Heng strode off, but today's archery was easier to judge than music—the contrast was stark. Ji Heng’s participation mattered little; everyone could see Second Miss Jiang’s mastery.

But Miss Meng was unfortunate—not only lacking skill, but injuring the Empress Dowager’s favorite Princess Yongning. A scar was no trifling matter, especially for a princess. At best, it was an accident; at worst, an attempt on royalty.

Meng Hongjin was pale and trembling, understanding the gravity. She struggled, crying out, "It wasn't me! I didn’t mean to harm the princess—it was Jiang Li! Jiang Li framed me!"

People scoffed, "Miss Meng is lying—the arrow in the princess is blue-marked, hers. Dragging Second Miss Jiang into it is laughable."

Arrows were marked; the blue arrow belonged to Meng Hongjin. The collision between Jiang Li’s and Meng Hongjin’s arrows was too quick, too distant for anyone to see clearly. Even if Meng Hongjin claimed it, few would believe her—Jiang Li’s archery wasn’t so precise, and why would she attack the princess?

Willow Catkins hurried over, gripping Jiang Li’s hand, still shaken. "You nearly scared me to death! When your horse went wild, why did you charge on? It’s only a contest—not worth risking your life!"

"I'm fine, aren't I?" Jiang Li smiled, comforting her, though she felt regret. At the last moment, she had deliberately deflected Meng Hongjin’s arrow, hoping it would wound Princess Yongning more—just short of success.

"Meng Hongjin is in serious trouble now…" Willow Catkins whispered. "With the princess so furious, it won’t be resolved easily."

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. Princess Yongning always looked down on those beneath her; even Meng Youde, as Provincial Commander, meant nothing to her. Jiang Li felt no sympathy for Meng Hongjin; though she didn’t know exactly what Meng Hongjin had done, her mad horse was surely connected, and Jiang Li remembered clearly that Meng Hongjin was behind her when the horse went wild.

To risk another’s life for a contest—Meng Hongjin was ruthless. Now, having angered the equally ruthless Princess Yongning, it was poetic justice.

"It’s almost too easy for her," Willow Catkins said. "With the princess punishing her, your wager is settled."

"Who says it’s settled?" Jiang Li replied. "Once she’s dealt with the princess, she’ll still have to fulfill our wager. I’ll wait."

Willow Catkins was surprised; she always thought Jiang Li generous and easygoing, so this was her first time seeing her assertive. After her surprise, she laughed, "It should be so—after all your effort, you shouldn’t let the prize go. The gambling house owners in Yan Capital would cheer for you. No matter the outcome, Meng Hongjin must honor the wager—I’ll witness it!"

Jiang Li smiled and nodded.

At that moment, Jiang Youyao and the others dismounted and returned to their families. Jiang Youyao, still shaken, called "Mother" as soon as she saw Ji Shuran.

She had not expected this turn; watching Jiang Li’s horse go mad, she had secretly rejoiced, but calamity lingered—Jiang Li survived, excelled in the race, and even outperformed Meng Hongjin in archery. Then Meng Hongjin, inexplicably, wounded Princess Yongning. Watching Meng Hongjin taken away, Jiang Youyao felt a sudden fear.

"Mother—" she looked at Ji Shuran with anger and terror; Meng Hongjin opposed Jiang Li, but now was in dire straits herself.

Ji Shuran was furious; since yesterday, she had noticed Meng Hongjin’s gaze toward Jiang Li and suspected she would strike. Certainly, today’s wild horse was Meng Hongjin’s doing, but the outcome was that Jiang Li escaped unharmed, while Meng Hongjin was ruined.

She didn’t know how Jiang Li managed it, but today’s events made Ji Shuran reevaluate her. Since Jiang Li’s return to Yan Capital, her changed temperament and sudden talents in music and archery made Ji Shuran uneasy and wary.

If before Ji Shuran had hoped to remove Jiang Li via others, now the threat Jiang Li posed had grown so great that Ji Shuran felt she must act herself, and soon.

She couldn’t wait any longer.

On the inspection platform, the results were being announced, but the crowd was chaotic due to Princess Yongning’s injury, paying no attention to the names read aloud.

Yet everyone knew the top scorer today was Jiang Li.

Jiang Li herself ignored the announcements, her gaze drifting past the crowd to Prince Cheng, not far from Princess Yongning, keeping a subtle distance from Shen Yuyong.

Princess Yongning, surrounded by guards and attendants, was escorted away for treatment. Jiang Li estimated the arrow, though not fatal, would require weeks to heal, and a scar was likely. That was why the princess was so furious.

But besides rage, Princess Yongning’s gaze lingered on Shen Yuyong, pitiful and vulnerable.

Jiang Li had never seen Princess Yongning like this; in her last memory, the princess was triumphant, her expression vicious and cruel. Now, she was coquettish and tender, as if transformed.

Jiang Li looked at Shen Yuyong, who avoided the princess’s gaze, but when she was about to explode, he offered timely concern, instantly calming her temper.

Jiang Li was disgusted, unable to hide her contempt—Shen Yuyong had Princess Yongning enthralled.

But after three years of marriage to Shen Yuyong, Jiang Li knew well—when he decided to "love" someone, no one doubted his sincerity, and few could resist.

Princess Yongning’s downfall was no surprise. But watching these two villains flirting before her, Jiang Li felt anger and revulsion.

She quickly turned away, afraid her hatred would show.

Now was not the time—she needed more certainty. Wait, just wait…

In the alley outside the racecourse, two figures walked deeper. The one ahead wore dazzling red, even his silhouette radiating charm.

"Wen Ji," the man in front called, his voice cool as starlight in the night, dreamlike. "Does Princess Yongning have a grudge against the Jiang family?"

Wen Ji paused. "I do not know, sir."

The man did not stop, continuing slowly forward. After a while, he spoke again.

"Nor do I."