The attendants fell into chaos.
Consort Jing chuckled lightly, “Isn’t Consort Zhuang usually so bold? How did she suddenly faint?”
Feng Qishan shot her a disapproving glare before rising to check on Consort Zhuang. A crowd of servants rushed forward, fanning her and offering water. After much commotion, she slowly regained consciousness. The moment her eyes met Feng Qishan’s, she covered her face and wept bitterly.
“This humble consort is useless and has disgraced the nation. Please punish me, Your Majesty…”
Feng Qishan, who had been angry with her earlier for mocking Consort Jing, now softened at her pitiful tears. He murmured a few words of comfort as servants gathered the broken golden flowers and escorted her out.
Qin Yu, seizing the moment, quickly instructed his attendants before Feng Qishan returned to his seat. “Your Majesty, is Consort Zhuang unharmed?”
“She was only frightened,” Feng Qishan replied curtly.
Qin Yu smiled. “They say divine objects carry spiritual energy, finding their rightful owners by fate. On my journey, I acquired a soul-calming jade pendant. I’ve already sent for it. Please accept this small token of my sincerity.”
Though secretly delighted, Feng Qishan declined politely. Qin Yu insisted, and as they exchanged courtesies, Qin Yi grew impatient.
“Your Majesty, please accept it! Even the most divine treasure is wasted if unused. It only fulfills its purpose when needed!”
Feng Qishan chuckled. “You little girl—already eight or nine-tenths as eloquent as Elder Qin. Very well, I won’t refuse. But I cannot accept it for nothing. Tell me what you want, and we’ll see.”
Qin Yi’s eyes sparkled. “Really? Will Your Majesty grant whatever Qin Yi asks?”
“Xiao Yi!” Qin Yu scolded. “Don’t be rude!”
Feng Qishan waved him off with a smile. “It’s fine. This girl’s innocence reminds me of Xi Yang. As long as it’s not too outrageous, I’ll grant it.”
The hall erupted in whispers. Noble ladies exchanged jealous glances. Even Qin Yu frowned, worried she might make a reckless demand.
Flushed with excitement, Qin Yi stood abruptly and pointed forward. “I want to learn archery from Big Sister!”
The hall froze.
Yi Xiao, idly toying with an arrow, stiffened. Feng Suige was stunned. Qin Yu was speechless. Feng Qishan’s kindly expression faltered into shock. It was as if the entire court had seen a ghost.
She wanted to learn archery from Yi Xiao.
Only archery—from Yi Xiao.
Had she asked to marry Feng Suige, the kingdom would already be preparing for a royal wedding. But instead—she asked only for archery.
Qin Yu was the first to recover, smiling faintly in approval.
“That won’t do,” Feng Qishan said, his smile fading. He tried to sound gentle. “A woman’s greatest virtues are propriety and grace, so she may marry well in the future…”
“But hasn’t Big Sister already married Brother Feng? Isn’t the royal family of Su Sha the best?” Qin Yi countered.
Feng Qishan faltered, then snapped, “She knows nothing but weapons. What good is there in learning from her? I won’t grant this request. Think of something else!”
Qin Yi’s eyes brimmed with tears as she looked pleadingly at her father. But Qin Yu’s gaze was fixed on the corridor outside.
Yi Xiao’s finger twitched, the bowstring humming faintly. All eyes turned to her. She met Feng Qishan’s gaze, her voice clear and sharp.
“The consorts excel in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They are as beautiful as dew-laden flowers—but they serve only to decorate Your Majesty’s harem. No matter how lovely, they are soulless ornaments.” She smiled faintly. “But Yi Xiao can defend borders, fight battles, and won’t faint at the slightest…” She left the sentence hanging, her grin mischievous.
Feng Qishan’s face darkened, jaw tightening. Just as he was about to speak, Qin Yu’s servant rushed in with a box.
“Ah, it’s finally here!” Qin Yu exclaimed. “Quick, present it to His Majesty!”
Feng Qishan’s expression eased. He ordered the jade pendant sent to Consort Zhuang. Qin Yu, pleased, turned to his servant. “And the other item?”
“It will arrive shortly,” the servant replied.
All eyes turned to the entrance as another attendant entered, carrying a massive leather case.
Yi Xiao’s heart skipped. That shape… a bow?
Qin Yu untied the straps and revealed a gleaming silver longbow. He lifted it high. “Does the Junior Consort recognize this bow?”
Yi Xiao’s eyes widened. “The divine weapon Tan Lang?”
“The Seven Stars Bow…”
“It’s Tan Lang…”
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Feng Suige rushed forward eagerly. “Elder Qin, is this truly the Seven Stars Bow Tan Lang? Where did you find it?” He reached for it.
“Ah!” Qin Yu pulled it back with a smile. “This bow no longer belongs to me.” He nodded toward Yi Xiao. “If the Prince wishes to see it, he must ask its new owner.”
Feng Suige laughed heartily and snatched the bow. “Elder Qin truly knows how to give gifts. Suige thanks you on Yi Xiao’s behalf!”
Qin Yi cheered, running forward. “This bow has been in storage for so long—it’s finally found its master!” She traced the ancient patterns with awe, then waved at Yi Xiao. “Big Sister, come try it! See if it suits you!”
Yi Xiao stood dazed, frowning slightly as she looked from the bow to Qin Yu. “Is it for me?”
Qin Yu nodded warmly. “What Xiao Yi said was true. A divine weapon is wasted unused. Only in the hands of a worthy master can it shine. Consider this Tan Lang my gift of welcome to the Junior Consort.”
Yi Xiao hesitated, glancing helplessly at Feng Suige.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, surprised.
She leaned close, whispering a few words. Feng Suige burst out laughing. “How could you think that?”
Yi Xiao’s cheeks flushed crimson. She glared at him, biting her lip in silence.
The court looked on in confusion. Feng Suige stifled his laughter, pressed the bow into her hands, and said six words with a grin:
“You look at the bow first.”
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