The autumn breeze was always crisp and elegant, yet at this moment, the tension in the air seemed to intensify even the fragrance of the flowers.
Shen Yue covered her mouth in surprise. "This... Fifth Sister is a woman. How could someone challenge her to this?"
"Indeed," Chen Ruoqiu also expressed concern. "Fifth Young Lady, you mustn't force yourself. Although your father is a military general, you've never been skilled in these things."
Chen Ruoqiu's words were tactful, implying that while Shen Xin was a military man, his daughter Shen Miao had never learned mounted archery. It was understandable for a young lady not to favor martial skills, but to lack both martial and literary talents was rather unfortunate. Everyone knew Shen Miao was unversed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Now, to add that she was also unskilled in martial arts would only further belittle her and, by extension, Shen Xin's entire household.
"But... the rules of the challenge cannot be changed," Shen Qing said with feigned urgency, her tone dripping with schadenfreude. "Once chosen as an opponent, regardless of the category, one must complete the challenge. However, people usually pick outstanding individuals in each category to compete against. Fifth Sister, could it be that you've been hiding your skills? Otherwise, why would Cai Lin single you out?"
Her words were undeniably sharp. Strangely, Ren Wanyun didn't reprimand her, merely smiling as she said, "Eldest Sister, what nonsense are you spouting? Fifth Young Lady has never been one for martial arts. Fifth Young Lady, if you don’t wish to take the stage, your Second Aunt will personally speak to the verification officer. Given your youth and your father’s reputation, they won’t make things difficult for you."
Though Ren Wanyun’s words seemed kind and protective, upon closer thought, they were anything but. After all, no one had ever been exempted from the Verification stage in all these years. If Shen Miao became the first, rumors would surely spread like wildfire through Fixed Capital by tomorrow. Moreover, invoking Shen Xin’s name might lead some to accuse him of exploiting his military achievements for special treatment. Reputation was a double-edged sword—while it brought privileges, it also invited scrutiny.
And she would never allow anyone to speak ill of Shen Xin.
"Thank you, Second Aunt, but there’s no need." She rose from the women's seating area and slowly made her way to the stage. The arena gradually fell silent, with only the young girl’s voice ringing clear, stirring waves among the spectators.
"This challenge—I accept."
Cai Lin’s gaze flickered. His actions were solely to avenge Shen Yue. For a man to challenge a woman in martial arts was unprecedented. But he was already known for his recklessness—at worst, he’d face a scolding from his parents. The thought of avenging Shen Yue filled him with glee. He had planned to mock Shen Miao mercilessly if she refused the challenge.
Yet, to his surprise, Shen Miao not only accepted but did so with such composure. Watching the figure in purple robes approach the stage, Cai Lin felt an inexplicable unease.
As if she wasn’t afraid at all.
But how could that be? He knew better than anyone that Shen Miao had never practiced martial arts. She likely didn’t even know how to hold a bow. Facing something she had no experience with—no one could remain unshaken.
Had she really learned to feign confidence so well?
Lost in thought, Cai Lin suddenly sensed someone’s gaze on him. Turning, he met Shen Yue’s eyes from the women’s seating area. When she noticed him looking, she blushed and lowered her head. Cai Lin’s heart skipped a beat.
Every young man dreamed of being the hero in a tale of rescuing a beauty. In Cai Lin’s eyes, he was the gallant savior standing up for Shen Yue, while Shen Miao was the villainous, arrogant bully.
Whether she accepted the challenge or not, he would ensure Shen Miao was humiliated before the entire crowd.
He would make her never dare to cross Shen Yue again!
Typically, the challenger set the rules, and the challenged had no choice but to comply. Since no one knew how things would unfold, this round was always the most anticipated.
Shen Miao stepped onto the stage.
The presiding verification officer was troubled. Shen Miao was, after all, a delicate young girl. For a woman to compete against a man in literary arts was one thing, but martial arts? Clearly, Cai Lin intended to embarrass her.
"This is quite the spectacle," Prince Zhou remarked, clapping with amusement. "The Shen family’s eldest branch is about to suffer another blow to their reputation."
Jing Wang sighed and shook his head. "General Shen has earned such glory on the battlefield, yet his daughter is utterly disappointing." He thought to himself—not just disappointing, but downright foolish. Today, whether she accepted or refused the challenge, she was doomed. Her current display would only make her eventual humiliation all the more laughable.
Cai Lin smirked triumphantly. "I’ve thought of an interesting rule this year. The usual mounted archery is too dull. For this challenge, we’ll take turns shooting at each other. You’ll place the Herb Fruit on your head, and I’ll shoot it. Then I’ll do the same, and you’ll shoot at me. How about that?"
The crowd erupted in shock!
Even the verification officer was alarmed—this was life-threatening! Shen Miao was, after all, Shen Xin’s daughter. If anything happened to her, who could bear the consequences when Shen Xin returned at year’s end?
"Student Cai—" the officer began hastily.
Cai Lin waved him off. "Professor, the Hall of Extensive Learning has never made exceptions for anyone. The rules have always been set by the challenger. What, is the great general’s daughter also a coward?"
Shen Yue lowered her head, hiding her smirk. Feng Anning frowned, unsure of what to do.
"Well said." The hoarse voice came from Prince Yu, who had been sitting with his eyes closed. His grotesque face twisted into a strange smile. "Naturally, rules shouldn’t be bent for individuals. Otherwise, on the battlefield, if the enemy is strong, would General Shen flee? That would explain a lot." He burst into laughter at his own joke.
Shen Miao’s gaze sharpened.
These people were mocking Shen Xin through her, as if she were the Shen family’s greatest weakness. She looked at Cai Lin’s gloating expression, then swept her eyes over the malicious smirks in the crowd. The anger she had suppressed for so long finally erupted.
The reborn Shen Miao could endure much, but Empress Shen—the ruler of the inner palace—was vengeful by nature.
She said coldly, "My father fights bloody battles abroad, defending our homeland, so that we may enjoy today’s Chrysanthemum Banquet and the flourishing talents at this Verification." Her voice dripped with scorn. "Winning here means nothing. True excellence is proven on the battlefield, where lives are at stake. As for your rules—why wouldn’t I dare?"
The crowd froze.
"Why wouldn’t I dare? Your archery is superb, so you’ll hit the Herb Fruit. Mine is lacking—if my arrow strays, it’s your life at risk."
She smiled faintly, her voice distant yet thunderous in everyone’s ears.
"In that case, let’s sign a life-and-death contract. Injuries or death—each bears their own consequences."
"Do you dare, Cai Lin?"
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