A Stolen Romance - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Archery

The next morning, Tu Chunhua saw off Shi Yuning with an entire cart full of gifts.

Before she left, she carefully instructed Shi Yuning to be respectful to the Crown Princess and to learn from her. She praised the Crown Princess as a model of virtue for women and said that if Shi Yuning could learn a thing or two, she would surely earn a good reputation.

Shi Yuning thought that if her mother had seen Xie Zhaoran’s ruthless and decisive side, she probably wouldn’t have said such a thing.

She was smart enough not to mention it. Her mother had no idea that she was going to the Eastern Palace today not just to visit, but also to learn riding and archery.

The Eastern Palace was as vast as Xie Zhaoran had described. Its carved beams, painted pillars, pavilions, and terraces were breathtakingly beautiful.

Shi Yuning was taken directly to Xie Zhaoran.

In a quiet room with embroidered screens and brocade curtains, Xie Zhaoran’s chambers were divided by a standing screen made of sandalwood, painted with a picture of a lone goose in the northern deserts.

In the outer chamber, a square table with legs carved with curling vines stood in the middle, flanked by two large chairs with carved dragon-patterned armrests. Xie Zhaoran, dressed in a simple pale-moon robe, sat in one of them and smiled, inviting Shi Yuning to sit in the other.

Shi Yuning curtsied before sitting in the empty seat next to Xie Zhaoran.

“How is the Crown Princess’s injury?”

Last night, after the lights were out and she was settled in bed, her mind kept uncontrollably replaying the image of Xie Zhaoran’s bleeding leg. Because of this, Shi Yuning immediately asked with concern as soon as she sat down.

“It’s nothing. Miss Shi doesn’t need to worry,” Xie Zhaoran said. Seeing the genuine concern in Shi Yuning’s eyes, and remembering how she got the wound, she felt a little awkward and didn’t want to talk about it.

After all, she had already tricked the person into coming. She didn’t want Shi Yuning to genuinely worry.

Shi Yuning saw that Xie Zhaoran didn’t want to talk about it, assuming there was an inside story. She looked around. The room was empty except for the two of them; the servants were all waiting outside.

Shi Yuning lowered her voice, speaking in a tone only they could hear. “Did the captured assassin confess?”

Yesterday, Xie Zhaoran had secretly brought one of the assassins back, claiming to everyone else that all the assassins were dead. Shi Yuning figured Xie Zhaoran wanted to secretly interrogate him to find out who was behind it.

“Not yet,” Xie Zhaoran replied, but she wasn’t telling the truth. The assassin had confessed to everything, including Prince Yu’s true purpose for the ambush.

He not only wanted to get rid of her, but he also wanted to ruin Shi Yuning’s reputation to force her to marry him.

What a fool’s dream!

Xie Zhaoran sneered inwardly, her face unreadable. “The kind of assassins who get assigned to be personal guards are tight-lipped. It’s difficult to get them to talk using ordinary methods.”

Shi Yuning understood immediately. She looked up at Xie Zhaoran.

The Crown Prince was sickly, and the Crown Princess had a refined, gentle demeanor. The assassin probably thought the two of them wouldn’t resort to cruel measures.

Xie Zhaoran told Shi Yuning not to worry, assuring her she would handle it.

“I said yesterday that I would teach you some riding and archery. Do you still want to learn, Miss Shi?”

“Yes!” Shi Yuning was immediately distracted by this more important matter. Ever since she had witnessed Xie Zhaoran’s skill, she had been itching to learn.

“Then come with me to the training grounds.”

Xie Zhaoran rose first. Just as she was about to take a step, Shi Yuning quickly stood up, walked to her side, and took her arm.

“Be careful. I’ll help you walk.” Shi Yuning anxiously glanced at Xie Zhaoran’s leg. Although the wound was hidden by her clothes, it had only been a day, so it must still be painful.

Xie Zhaoran’s arm stiffened, and the casual expression on her face vanished.

Shi Yuning understood. Walking was indeed affecting her wound.

She put more strength into supporting Xie Zhaoran. When they reached outside, Xie Zhaoran thanked her and gently pulled her hand away. “Let Qiangdi do it. Thank you, Miss Shi.”

When Qiangdi saw Xie Zhaoran being helped out, she was almost too shocked to react. Only after Xie Zhaoran called for her did she quickly take over from Shi Yuning, carefully supporting Xie Zhaoran.

What’s going on? she wondered. Xie Zhaoran was walking fine this morning. Why is she suddenly so badly injured?

She was quick-witted and immediately called for a soft palanquin.

At the training grounds, Shi Yuning was once again stunned.

Not only was the field as wide as half their residence, but the various weapons on the racks lining the walls were all extraordinary.

Blades, spears, swords, and halberds all shone with a sharp silver light, looking so lethal they could slice through metal like mud and draw blood with a touch.

Xie Zhaoran led Shi Yuning to a wall covered in arrows.

“Miss Shi, pick a bow you like,” Xie Zhaoran said, her tone as casual as if she were asking Shi Yuning to pick a pair of chopsticks.

Shi Yuning, however, couldn’t be so calm. Her eyes grew wide and sparkled brightly, her mouth slightly agape as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words.

After a long moment, she swallowed hard and asked excitedly, “I can pick any one?”

Xie Zhaoran nodded. “If you want to try every one, that’s fine too. Let’s start with this side.”

Shi Yuning swallowed again and nodded vigorously. She really couldn’t choose; she wanted them all.

Xie Zhaoran was so amused by her expression that she turned away, pursing her lips as she looked at the bows and arrows in front of them.

“These are light arrows. Although they have a longer range, their penetration is slightly weaker. They are specifically used on the battlefield to deal with lightly armored infantry.”

“Over there are heavy arrows. Heavy arrows have a shorter range but stronger penetration, and are generally used to deal with heavily armored cavalry. You’re a beginner, so we’ll start with light arrows.”

Shi Yuning watched as Xie Zhaoran’s hands ran over the cold, hard weapons, and she spoke with such familiarity about each one’s characteristics. She radiated the kind of brilliance you see in the morning sun, so dazzling that people couldn’t look away.

Shi Yuning had never liked studying, but listening to Xie Zhaoran lecture on this knowledge was the first time she had ever felt a genuine interest in learning.

After the theory lesson, Xie Zhaoran had Shi Yuning try it out.

“Back straight, don’t tilt your head, look forward, and keep the three points aligned.”

Xie Zhaoran watched as Shi Yuning drew the bow and pointed out a few places where her form was incorrect. Shi Yuning adjusted herself accordingly.

Swish! A white-fletched arrow shot out and flew toward a straw target in the distance.

Although it didn’t hit the bullseye, it still hit the target. Shi Yuning was so happy that she turned to Xie Zhaoran with pride. “I’m not so bad, am I?”

“Mm,” Xie Zhaoran nodded seriously.

Shi Yuning picked up another arrow. Suddenly, a shadow fell over her, and a clear, cool scent wafted from her side.

Xie Zhaoran had walked up next to her at some point.

Before Shi Yuning could react, that familiar, unique voice came from above her. “Remember, look at this spot with your eye, and don’t move your elbow.”

Shi Yuning felt like half her body was enveloped. Xie Zhaoran held her hand and guided her to pull the bowstring fully.

“Don’t look at me. Look straight ahead.”

Xie Zhaoran’s words just barely stopped Shi Yuning from turning her head. She took a deep breath and looked forward as Xie Zhaoran had told her to.

“Good, that’s the angle. Release.”

Xie Zhaoran let go of Shi Yuning’s hand, and at the same time, Shi Yuning released the bowstring.

Swish! The arrow hit the bullseye!

“I hit it!” Shi Yuning shouted excitedly as she turned her head. Xie Zhaoran hadn’t had time to move away, and Shi Yuning’s cheek narrowly brushed past Xie Zhaoran’s red lips.

When their eyes met, Xie Zhaoran’s body stiffened. They were so close that the breath from Shi Yuning’s words sprayed directly onto her chin.

She suddenly took a step back, creating distance between them.

“Mm, you hit it,” Xie Zhaoran said. Seeing the excitement in Shi Yuning’s eyes, she added, “You’re very skilled.”

Shi Yuning thought Xie Zhaoran was such a good person. She was the one who had given her good guidance, yet she was the one being praised.

However, Shi Yuning felt a small surge of pride. She was indeed very skilled. Her previous master had also said that she had a certain talent for martial arts.

“I’ll try again.”

Shi Yuning smiled and redrew the bow. Recalling Xie Zhaoran’s instructions, she let another arrow fly. Although it was a bit off, it was still close to the bullseye.

She happily shot arrow after arrow, wanting to master the feeling completely.

Xie Zhaoran watched as Shi Yuning immersed herself in archery. The hand she had been tightly clenching inside her sleeve slowly relaxed. She felt a dull ache in her palm and looked down.

She had been holding on so tightly that her fingernails had dug into her flesh, leaving four distinct marks.

She gently rubbed the marks and retreated a bit, sitting down on a chair Qiangdi had prepared for her, silently watching the lively figure in the distance.

It wasn’t until the sun was almost directly overhead that Xie Zhaoran finally spoke, calling a halt to the tireless Shi Yuning.

“Miss Shi, take a break.”

When Shi Yuning heard the call, she was a little reluctant, but she complied. She put down the bow and ran to the Crown Princess’s side, casually wiping the sweat from her face.

“Here, use this.” Xie Zhaoran offered her a handkerchief.

Shi Yuning refused. “No need. I’m covered in sweat. I don’t want to dirty your handkerchief. I’ll just use my sleeve.”

With that, she carelessly pulled up her sleeve and wiped her face.

Xie Zhaoran put away her handkerchief. Looking at Shi Yuning, whose collar was also soaked in sweat, she wondered why the girl was sweating so much.

“Are you very sensitive to heat?” Xie Zhaoran asked, curious. In late spring, even with the sun out, it shouldn’t be enough to make someone sweat like this.

Shi Yuning fanned her neck with her hand, annoyed. “I’m wearing too many clothes.”

It was a frustrating story. Shi Yuning even blamed herself. She shouldn’t have given her mother that excuse. She didn’t want to dress so warmly, but she was afraid of Tu Chunhua’s constant nagging. She had said that all the girls in the capital wore spring dresses now, and it would be embarrassing if she wore a thick padded jacket on the outside.

Tu Chunhua had listened, so she had her wear the padded jacket on the inside instead.

If the jacket had been on the outside, it would have been easy to take off when she got hot. Now, she had really shot herself in the foot.

Xie Zhaoran saw that the sweat on Shi Yuning’s face was endless and her cheeks were flushed. She guessed that even her inner clothes must be soaked.

“Qiangdi, prepare some hot water and take Miss Shi to bathe and change,” Xie Zhaoran ordered, turning to her maid. Qiangdi quickly sent a young servant to prepare.

Shi Yuning wanted to say there was no need, that it was too much trouble.

“Miss Shi, don’t refuse. If you get all this sweat and then catch a breeze, you’ll surely catch a cold.”

Xie Zhaoran spoke very seriously. Shi Yuning thought about how miserable a cold was and didn’t refuse. She followed Qiangdi to get changed.

After a comfortable bath, Shi Yuning finally realized how thoughtful Xie Zhaoran’s arrangement was. After washing away all the sweat, she felt fresh and comfortable, and her mood became much more cheerful.

She put on the dress Qiangdi had prepared and found that it fit perfectly.

“Sister Qiangdi, who were these clothes originally for?”

Xie Zhaoran was much taller than her, so they couldn’t have been hers. Shi Yuning was worried she was wearing someone else’s clothes and would cause trouble.

Qiangdi was helping Shi Yuning arrange her hair into a lily bun and smiled as she said, “These were clothes made for our mistress when she was twelve. She grew so fast back then that many of her clothes were too small before she even had a chance to wear them.”

“This servant was just hesitating over which one to get, but our mistress said this one would be perfect. And now that I see you wearing it, it really does fit you perfectly.”

Qiangdi marveled at how good Xie Zhaoran’s judgment was.

Shi Yuning was surprised that the clothes were actually Xie Zhaoran’s, and from when she was twelve.

She was fifteen now, and she was just the right size for Xie Zhaoran’s twelve-year-old clothes…

Shi Yuning’s face flushed with shame and indignation.

She grumbled with a hint of sourness, “What did your mistress eat to grow so tall?”

Qiangdi paused her work, as if thinking about the question.

“It doesn’t seem like anything special. It’s just that our mistress isn’t a picky eater. She eats everything except spring onions, ginger, garlic, leeks, and onions.”

Shi Yuning saw the proud expression on Qiangdi’s face in the mirror as she mentioned her mistress wasn’t picky, and her mouth twitched twice. This is considered not picky?

If she didn’t eat onions, ginger, garlic, leeks, or spring onions, how were the dishes made? Steamed? Boiled?

The thought alone made Shi Yuning lose her appetite.

Then she remembered that she had agreed to stay for lunch with Xie Zhaoran. She silently prayed that the meal wouldn’t be all boiled vegetables.

After getting ready, Shi Yuning followed Qiangdi to the side hall for the meal, where she was surprised to see the Crown Prince was also present.

At this, Shi Yuning felt that the possibility of eating only boiled vegetables just got a lot higher.

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