Chapter 44: Do You Dare to Kill?

The vast Yanbei Hall fell into complete silence.

The young girl’s spine was perfectly straight. Though small in stature, she radiated limitless power, every movement carrying the determination to trample everything beneath her feet.

Cai Lin was momentarily speechless.

Shen Miao was right. In this mutual archery challenge, he was the one in greater danger. Since Shen Miao had no archery skills, if her shot deviated even slightly, the arrow might pierce his head. But Cai Lin hadn’t thought that far ahead. His plan was simple—shoot first, frighten Shen Miao into weak knees, make her cry and beg for mercy, then humiliate her thoroughly to avenge Shen Yue.

What happened afterward, he hadn’t considered. In his mind, Shen Miao would be too terrified to shoot back. A girl who had never drawn a bow might not even be able to pull one—it would all be a joke.

But Shen Miao’s reaction unsettled him. She simply looked at him quietly, her composure beyond her years. Her gaze made Cai Lin angry and embarrassed, as though she were watching a child at play—pitiful yet amusing.

Impulsive, Cai Lin snapped: “What would I be afraid of? Life-and-death agreement it is!”

“Ah!” Lord Cai in the men’s section sighed anxiously. He wanted nothing more than to rush forward and thrash his unfilial son. He had thought Cai Lin merely mischievous, not imagining he would challenge Shen Miao. Regarding the agreement, Lord Cai wasn’t concerned about his son’s safety, but feared Cai Lin would humiliate Shen Miao—or miss and injure her. Not everyone could withstand Shen Xin’s wrath.

Shen Yue cried out, “How could Fifth Sister establish a life-and-death agreement? It’s just an examination, how could it go to such lengths? This won’t do!”

“Indeed, how could Fifth Sister be so inconsiderate?” Ren Wanyun frowned. “How could she say such things on impulse? What if something goes wrong?”

She didn’t mention Cai Lin had forced Shen Miao into this choice, instead blaming Shen Miao’s impulsiveness. Chen Ruoqiu sighed softly: “After all, she’s too competitive.”

While they feigned concern, many in the men’s section leaned forward with interest.

Prince Yu stared intently at the purple-clad girl on stage, his murky eyes gleaming with revolting hunger, like a beast eyeing prey.

“This Shen family miss is truly brave but foolish,” Prince Zhou remarked. “She even signed a life-and-death agreement. Doesn’t she know that if something goes wrong, even Shen Xin can’t intervene?”

“Perhaps to maintain the Shen family’s reputation,” Fu Xiuyi said, watching Shen Miao. “No one wants to hear bad things about their family.”

“Unfortunately, even this won’t change the facts,” Prince Jing shook his head. “Too impulsive. No wonder they say she’s ignorant and foolish.”

Pei Lang sipped his tea. He too thought Shen Miao’s actions impulsive. Though Prince Yu’s earlier words were excessive, if Shen Miao truly cared for her family, she should have found a way to retreat unscathed. Temporary gossip would be better than public humiliation.

“Father, she will win,” Su Minglang clenched his fist, showing his stance.

Old Master Su looked at his younger son, sensing his unusual attentiveness to Shen Miao. Perhaps she had caught his eye. Since Su Minglang’s reminder had once saved the Su family, Old Master Su had grown kinder to him. Not wanting to dampen his spirits, he agreed vaguely: “Indeed, she will certainly win.”

Su Mingfeng, unaware of their attitudes, sneered. Gazing at the stage, he said, “The Shen family miss is bold, even establishing a life-and-death agreement. Could it be General Shen often tells her about military camp affairs, and she thinks this is a military competition? She’s too thoughtless.”

He expected agreement, but his friend was silent. Curious, Su Mingfeng turned.

The purple-clad young man pinched a begonia, tilting his head in thought. Sunlight fell just right, breeze stirring the tassel on his dagger. His handsome features brimmed with vigor, his contemplative air peerless.

“Xie San, what are you thinking?” Su Mingfeng asked.

Xie Jingxing tucked the begonia into his bosom, suddenly stood, and smiled. “Interesting. Shall we make a bet?”

“What bet?”

“We’ll bet—” Xie Jingxing pointed to the stage, his smile indescribably charming. “Who will win?”

“Naturally, Cai Lin.” Su Mingfeng frowned. “Could you possibly think there’s another candidate?”

“I bet Shen Miao will win,” Xie Jingxing said.

On stage, preparations began.

This martial archery challenge captivated everyone. It was no mere examination—it was a wager of life.

Guangwen Hall had them write a life-and-death agreement, blood-red characters stark on white cloth. Shen Miao took the brush and wrote her name with exceptional grace, unburdened by the thousand-pound weight.

She had written her name countless times before—on surrender letters to the Huns for Fu Xiuyi, when becoming a hostage for Qin, when Princess Wanyu married, when the Crown Prince was deposed. The name “Shen Miao” was soaked in blood and tears, suffering known to none.

In contrast, Cai Lin was uneasy.

Though youthful pride burned, it was his first time signing such an agreement. Protected by his family, still immature, he faltered before Shen Miao’s composure. His brush felt heavy as iron, his characters crooked and twisted, a stark contrast to Shen Miao’s name.

After writing, he asked nervously: “Shen Miao, aren’t you afraid I might miss in the first round? If I fear you hitting me in the second, I could injure you in the first.”

Shen Miao picked up a walnut, turned, and stared at him. “Is that what Young Master Cai thinks? I disagree.”

She said: “Everyone knows Young Master Cai’s archery is outstanding. If you miss, it wouldn’t be an accident, but deliberate—intentionally trying to kill me. I, however, am different. Everyone knows I know nothing of this, so if I miss, it’s only natural.”

Cai Lin was stunned, dumbfounded, a deep powerlessness surging within him.

Indeed, if he missed, it would be deliberate; if Shen Miao missed, it would be expected. He couldn’t even pretend otherwise—everyone would see it was intentional.

He had trapped Shen Miao, and she immediately returned the favor.

Either way, he was wrong.

“To avoid being shot by me in the second round, Young Master Cai can naturally kill me outright in the first. We’ve established a life-and-death agreement—if you kill me, it’s merely the competition’s result. Besides the contempt of the world, you need bear no responsibility.”

“I’m right here. Do you dare to kill me?”