Chapter 55: The Arrival of King Nie

It was as if the peacocks, the males eager to attract the females, unfurled their splendid tails in a contest of allure. The young sons of the officials were no different, each striving to display their finest qualities, hoping to shine before the gathered crowd.

With every round of competition among the men, applause from the women would erupt intermittently. Those who struck the target dead center lifted their chests with pride, boldly winking at the ladies. Those who missed hung their heads in disappointment, some clearly crestfallen, yet the sound of applause drowned out the sorrow of the losers.

When the men had finished their contest, it was the women’s turn. Several young ladies had already been impatiently waiting, eager to try their hand and show off their skills. Wherever both sexes gathered, everyone wished to prove themselves.

The eldest daughter of the Yun family, daughter of the prime minister, strode forth clad in blazing red, her attire as fiery as her spirit. Her martial skills were renowned, and she was married to the Iron Banner General. At her entrance, some of the other women hesitated, stepping back. None could hope to outshine Yun Shang, and in the sudden hush, she lifted her chin in pride, her gaze sweeping disdainfully over those who had moments ago wished to make their mark.

For a moment, no one stepped forward. Sensing the awkwardness, someone suggested, “Why not have the Yun family’s young ladies compete together?”

The proposal was met with immediate agreement. Yun Zui’s gaze remained impassive, as if the mention of the Yun family’s daughters did not include her. Yun Shang was already prepared, Yun Mo and Yun Xi also stepped forward, and Yun Qiang, ever playful despite her lack of skill, joined them in a flash. Four stood ready, but one was still missing.

All eyes turned toward Chi Xuan’s side, some watching Yun Zui, others Yun Yao. Yun Yao rose and addressed Chi Xuan, “Your Majesty, I would like to try.”

Chi Xuan wore a hunting outfit in bright yellow, and Yun Yao’s attire was a soft, pale yellow. The two made a striking pair, and all eyes were drawn to them—a handsome man and a beautiful woman, a picturesque scene.

“Go ahead,” Chi Xuan replied, his gaze gentle, his lips curled in a smile.

Outside the boundary line, the five daughters of the prime minister stood in a row, each a peerless beauty. Even nine-year-old Yun Qiang was already a budding beauty, not yet fully grown, but destined to become a great beauty in time.

Yun Zui still sat quietly, seemingly forgotten despite being a daughter of the Yun family herself.

Yun Shang cast a scornful glance at Yun Zui’s calm demeanor, her lips curling as she donned lace gloves, as if archery might bruise her delicate hands.

Each sister had her own style. Yun Shang in fiery red, the second sister Yun Yao in pale yellow, the third Yun Xi in orange, the fourth in vibrant green, and the youngest, nine-year-old Yun Qiang, also in green, though her childish attire made it hard to discern her preferences.

The five stood together, each radiating her own charm and grace, each more striking than the last.

The prime minister, Yun Tai, stroked his beard in satisfaction—he was immensely proud of his daughters. At this moment, even he forgot Yun Zui, whom he had once sought to destroy.

Their mother, Dou Saiqi, was even more gratified, her gaze brimming with pride as she looked upon her five daughters.

Just as the five prepared to shoot together, a sudden official announcement cut through the air:

“Prince Nie has arrived!”