Among the seven legendary bows named after the stars—Greedy Wolf, Giant Gate, Prosperity Existence, Literary Melody, Chaste Integrity, Martial Song, and Troop Breaker—Greedy Wolf’s reputation shone brightest. Carved from a single piece of mulberry heartwood, it stood sixty-eight inches tall, famed for its accuracy and unrivaled range.
Yi Xiao’s gaze traced the silver-threaded bow arms and the totem-carved body. She raised her arm and gave it a shake; the yellow sinew bowstring of resilient Indian rattan thrummed with a resonant hum. “What a magnificent bow!” she praised.
Qin Yu asked curiously, “Was the Consort thinking of the saying—divine weapons entering one’s fate?”
“Divine weapons entering one’s fate?” Yi Xiao tilted her head, puzzled. “What does that mean?”
Qin Yu explained solemnly, “Legend says those whose fate is bound to Greedy Wolf will live through great upheavals. Their temperament shifts with the star’s influence—kindness and cruelty alike, mood swings, and extremes.”
Feng Suige exclaimed, “Is this true?”
Qin Yu nodded gravely.
Yi Xiao stroked the arrow resting on the bow and smiled. “I was born to love fiercely and hate intensely. I’ve long yearned for a life of great ups and downs. How could I refuse Mr. Qin’s kindness because of a legend?” She bowed, offering thanks.
Qin Yu hurried forward. “Oh my, the Consort is too kind…”
Feng Suige chuckled. “So quick to show gratitude. Aren’t you afraid of misunderstandings?”
“What misunderstandings?” Qin Yu asked.
Yi Xiao glared at Feng Suige, embarrassed, and whispered, “In folklore, when a man gives a bow to an unrelated woman, it means he has chosen her as his lifelong… lover.” Her face twisted with sudden pain.
Qin Yu was not the first man to give her a bow.
Memories surged—Xia, Jing, Shi.
“Yi Xiao, there’s a silver bow among the Emperor’s rewards. Do you want it?”
“I want it! Give it to me!”
“If you want it, earn it. Take down a beast within five breaths, and it’s yours.”
Why hadn’t she understood then? Why remember now?
Her chest tightened, her heartbeat unbearable. Pain tore through her like invisible claws. She saw those bottomless eyes again, heard that voice: As you wish.
“As you wish, as you wish…” The words echoed, louder each time.
Yi Xiao raised her hand to cover those eyes, then hesitated, reaching for his lips instead. But her hand was seized, squeezed painfully.
“Please don’t say anymore… You’ve already killed me. Do you still want to flog my corpse?” she murmured.
“…Yi Xiao, what’s wrong? What are you saying?” Feng Suige’s alarmed voice trembled as he clutched her hand, terrified she might vanish.
Yi Xiao stared at him for a long moment, then slung the Greedy Wolf bow onto her back and flashed a sly smile. Feng Suige froze, stunned. Qin Yi burst into laughter. “That was brilliant! Brother Feng, your face turned pale with fright, hahaha!”
Feng Suige glared at her, embarrassed. “Fu Yi Xiao, you did that on purpose!”
Yi Xiao tilted her head, chuckling. “Who told you to speak nonsense?”
Before he could retort, Feng Qishan’s cold voice cut in. “I overlooked the matter with Consort Zhuang, yet you dare mock Suige again? Since Old Qin has gifted you the Greedy Wolf, demonstrate its power. Three arrows remain—what shall be the targets?”
His gaze swept the hall, finally resting on Consort Jing. She forced a smile. “Your Majesty wouldn’t want me to…”
But Feng Qishan plucked a phoenix hairpin from her hair. “This will do.” He pulled the other two as well. “Place them on the Prince’s side consort.”
The hall erupted in murmurs. Qin Yi turned pale, clutching Qin Yu. “Grandfather, they…”
Qin Yu soothed her, though his brow furrowed deeply.
Feng Suige stopped the servant. “Father, didn’t you want Yi Xiao to try the bow?”
“Did I say that?” Feng Qishan replied coldly.
“But—”
“No buts. All three hairpins must be shot and broken. Who volunteers?” Officers stepped forward eagerly.
Before Suige could argue, Yi Xiao calmly took the hairpins, fixing them into her own hair. She turned to him with a mirthless smile. “Do you know how to use a bow?”
“I do,” he admitted, narrowing his eyes, “but I’m not skilled.”
Ignoring his protest, she held out the Greedy Wolf. “Then it’s yours.”
“I told you—I’m not skilled!” His face darkened.
Yi Xiao’s gaze was steady. “Do you think I truly wish to die?”
He clenched his jaw, eyes sweeping the eager officers.
“If you want me to survive today,” Yi Xiao said softly, “then take this bow.”
He stared at her. “But if I miss?”
“Then I’ll die by your hand,” she answered as if it were nothing.
After a long silence, Feng Suige took the bow. “If I miss, I’ll put another arrow through my own heart.”
“Alright,” Yi Xiao winked. “You’re not planning revenge, are you?”
He gave a bitter laugh. “If I’d known I’d have this chance, I wouldn’t have given you that arrowhead.”
Yi Xiao pulled out the sachet with the arrowhead, waving it teasingly. “Do you want it back?”
“Even if you were about to die, remember this: once I’ve given you something, I will never take it back,” Feng Suige said firmly.
The hall quieted. Officers returned to their seats. Feng Qishan watched indulgently, thinking perhaps these were last words.
Feng Suige’s gaze burned with tenderness and resolve. Yi Xiao avoided his eyes, smiled faintly, and walked toward where Consort Zhuang had stood.
“Fu Yi Xiao,” Feng Suige called hoarsely. “Would you mind remembering one more thing?”
She turned—and was pulled into his embrace. His emotions surged through her, overwhelming. She pushed lightly against his shoulders, but his grip held firm.
“Yi Xiao,” he whispered, “Will you get your ears pierced with me tomorrow?”
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