CHAPTER 106 — WHEN THE ARROW DEFIED EXPECTATIONS
Feng Qingyan was utterly convinced that Tang Ke Xin would not know how to shoot.
In her mind, the outcome was already decided.
Tang Ke Xin would fail.
Tang Ke Xin would embarrass herself.
Tang Ke Xin would finally be put back in her place.
With that certainty warming her chest, Feng Qingyan stepped forward with a serene smile, lifting the bow with a show of unfamiliarity. She tugged at the string several times, feigning difficulty, before finally drawing it back with exaggerated effort.
Then she released.
The arrow flew toward the target and struck the outer edge.
A respectable shot — for someone who had claimed she had never touched a bow.
In truth, with her skill and at such close range, she could have easily struck near the centre. But she had already declared she knew nothing. If she performed too well, she would be accused of deceiving the Emperor.
Still, the result was impressive enough to draw admiration.
"Miss Feng is remarkable," someone whispered. "She excels in everything — zither, chess, calligraphy, painting… and now archery as well!"
"That's right. I wouldn't even be able to pull the bow."
"Nor I."
The young noble ladies murmured in awe.
The Empress, however, frowned.
She knew Feng Qingyan had never learned archery.
This was clearly a deliberate attempt to embarrass Tang Ke Xin.
Her gaze shifted to Tang Ke Xin, worry flickering in her eyes.
Xin'er had never trained in such things.
If she missed, it would be nothing.
But if she injured herself…
Yet withdrawing now was impossible.
Feng Qingyan had already taken her shot.
"Miss Tang, it is your turn," Feng Qingyan said sweetly, stepping forward and offering the bow with both hands.
Her smile was gentle.
Her eyes were merciless.
Everyone turned to Tang Ke Xin, waiting to see whether she would dare accept.
Tang Ke Xin said nothing.
She simply took the bow and arrows with natural ease, turning them over in her hands.
She blinked innocently.
"It seems a bit heavy."
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.
"She's never touched a bow."
"She won't even be able to draw it."
"There's no need for a competition — Miss Feng has already won."
Ye Lan Jue's gaze, however, was fixed entirely on Tang Ke Xin.
His eyes held a strange, simmering anticipation.
Tang Ke Xin lifted the bow again — only halfway — before letting it drop with a sigh.
"Aiya, it's so heavy."
More laughter.
Feng Qingyan's lips curved in triumph.
She glanced toward Ye Lan Jue, expecting to see admiration in his eyes.
But he wasn't looking at her.
He wasn't looking at anyone.
His gaze was locked on Tang Ke Xin — unwavering, unblinking, intense.
Feng Qingyan's triumph curdled into jealousy.
Why?
Why was Tang Ke Xin the only one he saw?
Why did he never look at her — not even once?
Her heart twisted painfully.
She wished Tang Ke Xin would disappear.
Disappear completely, so she could return to the days when she alone stood near Ye Lan Jue.
Tang Ke Xin raised the bow again, resting it lightly on her shoulder.
But instead of shooting, she extended her hand and waved it gently through the air.
The crowd stared, baffled.
"What is she doing?"
Ye Lan Chen leaned forward, curious.
"Xin'er, are you… opening a door?"
Tang Ke Xin didn't look at him.
"Testing wind speed and direction," she said calmly. "Wind affects the arrow's path."
Ye Lan Chen blinked.
"Wind? Wind speed? Does that matter? And you can test it with your hand?"
"Of course it matters," Tang Ke Xin replied, finally glancing at him. "Wind speed, wind direction, even breathing and heartbeat affect the shot."
The crowd fell silent.
She spoke with such seriousness, such precision, that even those who knew nothing of archery felt a stir of awe.
Most archers never considered such details.
They simply aimed and shot.
But Gu Xiuran — the empire's greatest archer — understood every word.
Tang Ke Xin turned to him.
"General Gu, am I correct?"
Gu Xiuran's eyes flickered with surprise.
"Yes."
His voice was calm, but his heart was shaken.
He had never told anyone about these calculations.
Most would not understand even if he tried to explain.
Yet this woman — who had never touched a bow — understood perfectly.
Ye Lan Chen's admiration grew instantly.
"Xin'er, you're amazing!"
The crowd stared at Tang Ke Xin with wide eyes.
Feng Qingyan's confidence wavered.
Her fingers tightened around her sleeve.
Impossible.
Impossible!
Could Tang Ke Xin truly know how to shoot?
Ye Lan Jue's expression darkened further.
She was speaking to Gu Xiuran.
She was looking at Gu Xiuran.
She was impressing Gu Xiuran.
And he hated it.
"How do I move this arrow?" Tang Ke Xin asked suddenly, pulling the bowstring back with awkward stiffness.
The crowd nearly collapsed.
She had explained everything so expertly — yet she didn't know how to shoot?
Feng Qingyan's lips curled in mockery.
So it had all been an act.
"How about this king teaches you?" Ye Lan Chen offered kindly.
"No need," Tang Ke Xin said lightly. "Miss Feng might think it unfair. I'll figure it out myself."
She lifted the bow again, turning her body this way and that, adjusting her stance.
The crowd panicked and scrambled backward.
"Move aside," Tang Ke Xin said seriously. "I might accidentally shoot you."
Everyone retreated further.
"Those behind me, left and right — move away. I cannot guarantee where the arrow will go."
More frantic shuffling.
Only a few remained unmoved:
The Emperor.
The Empress.
The Crown Prince.
Ye Lan Jue.
Ye Lan Chen.
Gu Xiuran.
The Prime Minister.
Tang Ke Xin noticed the Empress still standing beside her.
Her lips curved in a soft, grateful smile.
Then—
She drew the bow in one smooth, powerful motion.
And released.
The arrow shot forward like lightning.