The Double
Chapter 92 - 92 74 Imperial Archery_5

92: Chapter 74 Imperial Archery_5 92: Chapter 74 Imperial Archery_5 “This is quite a spectacle, only it becomes tiring to see too much of it.

Let them be,” Jih Heng unfolded the folding fan in his hand which had peonies, grand and noble, hand-painted upon it.

The flower petals were curled and lifelike, shining with the luster of the gold threads woven into the fabric.

“Regarding tomorrow…”

“Prince Cheng will not be foolish enough to strike at the Inspection Field.

The Emperor is too cautious,” Jih Heng said, “My presence there would be of no consequence.

However,” he continued, “pay more attention to Ye Shijie’s movements.”

“Is there a problem with Ye Shijie?” Lu Jiu asked, “He has become the top scholar of the Imperial College and will soon start his official career, which may prove useful in the future.”

“Never mind the future.

The sudden distance from Li Lian,” Jih Heng said with an amused smile, “I too am quite curious about who’s been whispering in his ear from behind the scenes.”

Lu Jiu was taken aback and fell silent.

…

That night, Jiang Li slept soundly.

She even had a dream, in which she and Xue Zhao each rode a horse, racing through the woods.

Xue Zhao’s quiver ran short of arrows, and he asked her for a few.

Her saddlebag, however, was filled with game.

Just as they were about to return, a tiger suddenly leapt out of the woods.

Xue Zhao, in an effort to protect her, led the tiger away on horseback, and Jiang Li, unable to catch up, could only watch as Xue Zhao’s figure disappeared from her sight.

When she awoke, she was covered in sweat, startling Tonger, who hurried to fiddle with the ice in the bronze bull, complaining, “The kitchen sends too few ice blocks for our courtyard…”

The kitchen staff were all Ji Shuran’s people, and it was common for them to trip Jiang Li up on these small matters.

Jiang Li didn’t mind too much, but she felt a premonition about the dream she had the night before.

They say deceased relatives will come to their living family members in dreams.

Could it be that Xue Zhao was trying to communicate something to her through the dream?

That there was danger today?

Jiang Li pondered, yet she wasn’t surprised.

Ever since her arrival in Yanjing City, many had seen Miss Jiang the Second as a thorn in their side.

If she wanted to achieve her goals, she would inevitably have to block many people’s paths, and removing her as an obstacle was to be expected.

Bai Xue came over with a set of brand-new riding attire, saying, “Miss, your clothes are ready.”

Jiang Li glanced at the clothing Bai Xue held, saying, “Good, just set it on the table.”

Since Archery Technique required one to ride a horse, it was necessary to wear riding attire.

Jiang Li didn’t have any; this was newly made by Madam Jiang the Elder’s orders, to ensure fairness.

All four daughters in the household had them, each choosing their own fabrics.

Of course, the best was naturally reserved for Jiang Youyao.

Tonger thought Jiang Li would have trouble putting on riding attire for the first time, but to her surprise, Jiang Li was very adept at it and didn’t need any help at all.

She was dressed in no time.

Tonger then tied her hair into a neat bundle, making her look spirited and tidy, which was a touch of martial vigor she didn’t usually show, prompting praise from the other maids in the yard for her striking appearance.

Because the Imperial Archery competition started early, Jiang Li also got up early and went to Night Wind Hall to join everyone.

Her timing was good as the others had just arrived.

Jiang Yue and Jiang Youyao began sizing her up.

Jiang Youyao was dressed in a rosy riding outfit that accentuated her naturally charming and bright beauty, epitomizing the lively young ladies of Yanjing City.

Jiang Yue wore a light blue riding outfit, her features delicate and charming, smiling sweetly.

Jiang Yuyan was in goose-yellow, a color which made her already less fair complexion look even more dull.

It made her seem like she would disappear into the crowd.

Jiang Li’s riding outfit was in a light green, a color she was quite fond of, hence her choice for her attire.

Although her features were delicate and ethereal, giving off a graceful and understated air that didn’t seem to suit the enthusiastic nature of riding clothes, somehow standing there—sleeves crisply in place, with a light smile—she resembled a straight bamboo shoot, its leaves still holding the dew of the morning, exuding a sense of vitality and vigor.

Even Madam Jiang the Elder couldn’t help but show a look of admiration.

Jiang Youyao, feeling slightly irritated on the inside but recalling what Ji Shuran had told her the day before, turned to Jiang Li with a smile and said, “Second Miss looks different from usual today, really beautiful.

I wonder if your Archery Technique will dazzle everyone once again later.”

Jiang Li returned a light smile, “You flatter me, Third Sister.”

Jiang Youyao detested Jiang Li’s smile—it was too genuine, making her, who knew of Jiang Li’s cunning, feel nauseated.

She turned her head away and no longer looked at Jiang Li, instead turning to Ji Shuran and saying, “Mother, let’s go.”

It was Jiang Yuanbai who held back and finally said to Jiang Li, “If you can’t do it, there’s no need to force yourself.” He then walked away.