Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Still Just a Child (2)

Cold Jiu gave Lu Chang an extra look upon hearing his words. She couldn't even name the maids around her, but Lu Chang, the eunuch who had fainted upon her arrival in this world, felt safe to her. This was why she allowed him to stay, even when Long Yueli appeared. Hearing his genuine words now, she felt a slight touch of emotion, knowing the servitude of slaves in ancient times, their loyalty to their masters. His words indeed stirred something in her.

"How long have you been with me?"

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, exactly three years and three months. From the first day the Empress Dowager entered the palace, I have been by your side," Lu Chang answered.

That long? Cold Jiu raised an eyebrow, "What did you do before?"

Lu Chang, aware that Cold Jiu had forgotten many things, wasn't surprised by her question and replied, "Before, I was the chief manager of the Imperial Kitchen, responsible for the meals of nobles. When the Empress Dowager entered the palace, I was chosen from many to serve by your side."

"Just like that?"

"What else did the Empress Dowager expect?"

Cold Jiu tilted her head, "Nothing! It just seems too ordinary, as if it's not worth your absolute loyalty to me."

Lu Chang chuckled lightly, "Does the Empress Dowager doubt me? As a mere servant, my fate is tied to my master. Naturally, I wish for the best for my master. As a first-class eunuch serving the Empress Dowager, your honor is my honor, your downfall is my downfall. One prospers, all prosper; one suffers, all suffer. Wouldn't it be natural for me to be loyal?"

Cold Jiu nodded thoughtfully, "That makes some sense."

Seeing Cold Jiu's dazed, girlish demeanor, Lu Chang couldn't help but smile again, "Alright, my good Empress Dowager, it's time to change and go out. There's an archery competition today, where young nobles showcase their talents. It's quite lively, and you've always wanted to see some excitement. Don't miss it today!"

Though the event was called a hunt, it naturally wasn't just about hunting. Entertainment was also part of the agenda. With all the young nobles and ladies present, it was an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the Emperor. Good performances might lead to official titles or at least fame in noble circles. So, the talented young men were particularly enthusiastic today!

When Cold Jiu arrived, it hadn't started yet. The imperial yellow tents were set up on a small hill, with officials' seats arranged downwards, followed by seats for the young ladies and gentlemen. Looking closely, there were more than two hundred people!

"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Lu Chang's loud announcement made everyone rise and bow in unison, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager!"

"At ease!" Cold Jiu casually waved her hand and walked steadily towards the high platform, ignoring the gaze from Emperor Long Yi and took her seat.

"Did the Empress Dowager sleep well last night?" Although Cold Jiu ignored him, it didn't stop Emperor Long Yi from speaking. As soon as she sat down, Long Yi's slightly aggressive voice rang out, drawing the attention of the officials who immediately glanced between the two.

Cold Jiu smiled and looked over, "I slept very well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Emperor Long Yi looked at her coldly, "But I did not sleep well."

Cold Jiu nonchalantly adjusted the cinnabar ring on her hand, "The Emperor works day and night for state affairs, it's normal to have difficulty sleeping. Perhaps having Qu Gonggong prepare some calming incense will help Your Majesty sleep better."

Emperor Long Yi's eyes turned icy, almost shooting daggers, and even those around could feel his anger. However, Cold Jiu seemed unfazed, "Your Majesty, perhaps it's time to start the event?"

Emperor Long Yi clenched his fists, withdrew his gaze, and signaled for the event to begin. Qu Gonggong nodded and waved his whisk, "Begin!"

The first round was archery. The targets were set at a hundred meters distance. Ten young noblemen took turns, each with three arrows. Only those who hit all targets would pass. Cold Jiu watched the targets intently as ten arrows were simultaneously released. Though all reached the target, only seven hit, with just two hitting the bullseye.

One missed shot meant elimination. In the next round, the seven remaining arrows all hit their marks, with two targets each having two arrows closely nestled in the bullseye, almost like a pair of chopsticks. Cold Jiu turned to see Hua Jinzhi among the competitors, still in his flamboyant red and gold outfit, standing out among the young men. Those two arrows were his.

Sensing Cold Jiu's gaze, Hua Jinzhi turned and haughtily raised his head, showing off in a rather smug manner. This made Cold Jiu involuntarily smile.

As her smile faded, she felt a profound gaze and turned to see Long Yueli looking away. Dressed in a loose, burgundy casual outfit, he appeared relaxed but subtly despondent. She knew why, but what he wanted, she couldn't give; if she did, he couldn't handle it.

Just as she was about to look away, she met Gong Yūwei's cold, inquisitive eyes. She knew why he looked at her that way, but she wasn't guilty. Pretending not to see, she turned away. The third round had finished, and Hua Jinzhi continued to hit the bullseye with each arrow, clearly demonstrating his exceptional archery skills.

Out of the twenty-six participants, only fifteen remained for the next round. This time, targets were still a hundred meters away, but the challenge was to shoot while riding a galloping horse.

"Thud!" Fifteen horses charged simultaneously, and the arrows whizzed through the air. One of the men shooting alongside Hua Jinzhi hit two targets, earning applause from the officials and exciting the young ladies, who clapped and cheered.

Hua Jinzhi didn’t rush like the others, waiting until his horse reached the midpoint. Then he placed three arrows on his bow, pulling the string fully, "Swoosh!"

"Excellent!" All three arrows hit the bullseye, and an officer stood up excitedly, clapping vigorously.

Hua Jinzhi turned his horse around, arching an eyebrow at Cold Jiu in a self-satisfied manner.

Cold Jiu shook her head slightly and picked up a jujube from the table, starting to eat it.

"What does the Empress Dowager think of Hua Jinzhi?" Emperor Long Yi's voice suddenly sounded beside her. Cold Jiu looked up after spitting out the date pit, "He is indeed very skilled, didn't you see how excited those officials were?"

Emperor Long Yi's gaze was fixed on her, "I'm asking what the Empress Dowager thinks."

Cold Jiu met his gaze, "Is my opinion that important?"

"Of course! Hua Jinzhi was once engaged to the Seventh Princess. Counting the days, the princess is of age this year, and so is Hua Jinzhi. If the Empress Dowager thinks highly of him, I could appoint him as the Princess's husband. What does the Empress Dowager think?"