Chapter 23 Crown Prince of Daqi

Chapter 23: The Crown Prince of Daqi

That trailing note from Xiao Yunlang cut off everything Jiang Yanzhou was about to say.

It wasn't that Jiang Yanzhou couldn't find the words to argue back, but the moment he saw his own foot being placed on Xiao Yunlang's knee, his entire body instantly heated up, flushed crimson all over.

Jiang Yanzhou felt dizzy, his ears burning crimson as if about to drip blood, and his usually pale face was now flooded with color.

Xiao Yunlang's hands were perfectly proper, but with Jiang Yanzhou half-reclining on the couch, blushing, looking at him with wide, startled, and bewildered eyes—like someone who had been bullied…

The whole scene seemed to take on an improper air.

The lamplight cast a flattering glow on the beauty, adding an air of intimate warmth.

Xiao Yunlang's fingers paused briefly before he took the medicinal oil from the returning Feng Lan as if nothing were amiss and instructed, "Wait outside."

Feng Lan naturally complied.

Seizing the chance, Jiang Yanzhou pulled his foot back, hugging his knees and curling up against one side of the couch, trying to make himself as small as possible.

Unfortunately, the small space offered nowhere to hide.

Jiang Yanzhou lifted his eyes in panic. "I think we should still let Feng Lan—"

"I think not," Xiao Yunlang declared autocratically. "Don't hide, Second Young Master Jiang. Let's get this over with sooner rather than later."

Poor Jiang Yanzhou's freshly retracted foot was captured once more. Xiao Yunlang didn't seem to use much force, yet Jiang Yanzhou simply couldn't break free.

His hands felt as scorching as branding irons; the moment they touched him, Jiang Yanzhou felt as if he might melt from the heat.

How could a person be so hot? Or was it just his imagination? Because these were the hands of Emperor Wu? Having him untangle his hair was one thing, but now, actually, actually…

Jiang Yanzhou's face burned even hotter.

Xiao Yunlang settled Jiang Yanzhou's foot properly, then hooked and lifted the silk garment, revealing a stretch of fair, slender calf.

Straight and beautiful, exceptionally pale from years of being shielded from the sun, dazzlingly white.

Xiao Yunlang warmed the medicinal oil in his palms, then began by smoothing his hands along Jiang Yanzhou's leg.

Unexpectedly, the touch was like cupping a handful of soft, silky water, or encountering warm, smooth, fine jade—more pleasing to the touch than the finest brocade.

Even the usually composed and detached Crown Prince paused for a moment before continuing.

Since Xiao Yunlang had already begun, Jiang Yanzhou knew escape was impossible and could only endure it.

At first, he propped himself up to watch, but as he watched, his lips pressed tightly together, and as they pressed, he gradually sank back into the soft couch, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

Because as the massage continued, pain set in. Worse still, the pain was mixed with soreness and a strange, indescribable stimulation. With every press of Xiao Yunlang's fingers or every rub of his palm against his leg, shivers ran through his entire body.

Logically, having endured the flare-up of Bujianyue, his pain tolerance should have reached record levels, yet the current sensation was even more unbearable.

…It shouldn't be like this.

Jiang Yanzhou bit his lip harder, panting helplessly.

Was it because of the medicinal oil and the supposed stimulation of acupoints?

When enduring pain before, he relied on resilience and a resolute mindset. But now, no one was harming him; the medicinal oil seeped in with a tingling numbness, wrapped in another person's care for him.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't know how to handle such a situation.

Whether it was Xiao Yunlang forcing medicine down his throat before or holding him at the palace banquet, Jiang Yanzhou had been in a daze.

But now, facing such close care while fully conscious and precisely when he was unwell—what was he supposed to do? No one had ever taught him since childhood.

There had never been such occasions before for him to figure it out on his own.

Because no one had ever cared for him like this before.

At the very least… he definitely couldn't appear too fragile, making others worry.

But then Xiao Yunlang's voice drifted over. "To stimulate blood circulation, there will inevitably be some discomfort. If it hurts, cry out. Don't hold it in."

Jiang Yanzhou's eyelashes fluttered lightly as he glanced sideways.

Xiao Yunlang continued massaging earnestly. "Crying when it hurts, speaking up when in pain—even children know this logic. There are no outsiders here, and it's safe. You don't need to worry or fear anything. If you feel unwell, tell me."

He gently squeezed Jiang Yanzhou's tense calf. "If you stay this stiff, how can the muscles be loosened?"

This statement proved more effective than all the previous words. Jiang Yanzhou's clenched fingers and tightly pressed lips finally began to relax. Suppressing his voice, he mumbled, "It's not that painful, really. It's just… a bit strange…"

Taking advantage of his speaking, Xiao Yunlang pressed an acupoint on his leg. Jiang Yanzhou's calf twitched, and he finally let out a muffled groan.

"If it's uncomfortable here, it means it's almost loosened. Just a couple more rounds will do," Xiao Yunlang said. "See? Only if you don't hold back can I judge properly."

Jiang Yanzhou seemed to finally take it in, letting out low hums from time to time instead of stubbornly enduring in silence.

In truth, Xiao Yunlang was also having a hard time—in a different sense.

Whether it was because the charcoal fire in the room burned too fiercely or the warmth of the medicinal oil traveled from his palms to his heart, Xiao Yunlang appeared calm but was actually unbearably restless.

Jiang Yanzhou's thin robes were disheveled as he reclined on the couch, his beautiful waistline more alluring than usual.

The medicinal oil applied to his porcelain-white skin coated the jade-like surface with a glossy sheen, sliding through Xiao Yunlang's hands with each stroke, warm and soft.

It was hard to say whether he was warming Jiang Yanzhou's cool skin or heating his own palms in the process.

As the Crown Prince, even during the most arduous marches, Xiao Yunlang had only ever massaged himself. Watching army medics and soldiers massage each other, the howls could turn a military tent into a slaughterhouse, livelier than New Year celebrations.

Even with light pressure, some would curse and grumble.

None were as easygoing, as obedient as Jiang Yanzhou.

—Although Xiao Yunlang had already exerted as little force as possible while still ensuring efficacy.

Finally, the massage ended, and both let out long sighs of relief.

Xiao Yunlang stood up, seeing the thin sheen of sweat on Jiang Yanzhou's forehead. His eyes were now moist, shimmering with ripples, dazzlingly radiant in the candlelight. The heat on his face hadn't yet receded, his complexion more splendid than peach blossoms.

…This appearance was not suitable for outsiders to see.

Xiao Yunlang turned away to wash his hands, doing so slowly, waiting until Jiang Yanzhou had recovered before calling Feng Lan in to attend.

Jiang Yanzhou's freshly massaged legs felt weak and numb, as if they didn't belong to him. Lying on the couch with eyes open, his dark lashes fluttered with each breath as he rested for a good while.

When Feng Lan entered, he pushed himself up, moved his legs, and let out a soft sound of surprise.

Once the tingling numbness passed, his legs really did feel less sore and had regained some strength.

Xiao Yunlang dried his hands and picked up his armguard. "They'll most likely strike on the third day. Rest up. You don't need to rise early with the others tomorrow. Everyone knows your health is poor, so the emperor won't say anything."

Jiang Yanzhou flexed his leg and hummed in acknowledgment, then suddenly remembered something. "Tomorrow is the mounted archery contest, right? Will you be participating?"

Xiao Yunlang had already reached the window, peering through a crack to observe the patrolling soldiers outside. Without turning back, he replied in a low voice, "Depends on my mood. But that Tieguluo from the White Wolf Tribe... I want a match against him."

As the imperial guards passed by, Xiao Yunlang tossed out a "I'm off." By the time his words drifted over on the wind, his figure had already vanished from the window.

Swift as the wind.

Jiang Yanzhou felt a pang of envy. Such skill was something he could never achieve in this lifetime. But his legs aching after just a bit of mountain walking made him seem too weak. After a moment's thought, he said earnestly, "I should start building up my strength."

Feng Lan closed the window. He had already witnessed firsthand how unreliable Jiang Yanzhou was when it came to his own health.

He hurriedly advised, "Your health hasn't fully recovered yet, there's no rush. If you feel bored, a stroll through the streets is fine. For anything else, please consult Young Miracle Doctor before deciding!"

Fortunately, in areas outside his expertise, Jiang Yanzhou was willing to listen to experts. Thus, he abandoned his plan to devise his own strenuous exercise plan.

In the detached palace, candle shadows flickered gently, and outside, tree shadows swayed, hiding sinister intentions in the darkness. Once the candles were extinguished, the atmosphere grew even more eerie and terrifying.

Jiang Yanzhou was utterly exhausted, but the lingering warmth on his calves left his whole body feeling cozy and relaxed. No matter how lively the unseen world outside might be, he slept soundly and deeply that night.

So much so that he woke up later than usual the next day, actually sleeping right past noon.

With his dark hair disheveled, Jiang Yanzhou sat on the bed, rubbing his bleary eyes in a daze. Upon hearing Feng Lan announce the time, he was startled.

So late already?

He had planned to study the layout of the detached palace today, but now it was too late. He needed to hurry to the camp. What if Xiao Yunlang and Tieguluo were already competing? Missing it would be a lifelong regret.

Jiang Yanzhou wanted to grab a quick bite and leave, but Feng Lan insisted he eat a bit more and properly take his medicine before driving him from the detached palace.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't know that Feng Lan had already voluntarily accepted his punishment the previous night.

This was also to show others that from now on, caring for Jiang Yanzhou must not be neglected. They couldn't slack off just because Jiang Yanzhou was kind-hearted and never punished his servants.

However, everyone kept silent about this matter; it would never reach Jiang Yanzhou's ears.

Because Jiang Yanzhou was clearly the type to feel guilty if others were punished because of him.

Feng Lan drove the carriage to the outskirts of the camp. Jiang Yanzhou hadn't walked far inside before he heard a burst of cheers from within.

In the arena, two figures were drawing bows on horseback, arrows flying like shooting stars.

It was Xiao Yunlang and Tieguluo. They were really competing.

Jiang Yanzhou's eyes lit up, and he unconsciously quickened his pace. Taking advantage of everyone's focus being on the arena, he quietly made his way to his own seat, leaning against the railing to watch, his gaze fixed eagerly on Xiao Yunlang.

Seeing them arrive, Feng Yi began speaking. Though seemingly chatting with Feng Lan, his words were actually meant for Jiang Yanzhou.

"Tieguluo of the White Wolf Tribe has defeated three in a row—the Prince of Jin, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, and the young Marquis of the Wei family have all been bested. He now challenges the Crown Prince of Daqi, and His Highness has accepted."

But Xiao Yunlang never shied away from a challenge.

Feng Lan quickly asked, "What's the situation now?"

Feng Yi replied, "They've competed in stationary target and moving target archery. It's still a draw."

The mounted archery round had just finished, and clearly, it was still a draw.

No wonder, though the crowd from the Qi Dynasty cheered, everyone was still tense, holding their breath.

With national prestige at stake, regardless of whether these people were usually political rivals of the Crown Prince, they all hoped someone could save face for Daqi.

Otherwise, being trampled by a small northern tribe—where would Daqi's dignity be?

Win, they must win!

Whether spoken aloud or not, their expressions and posture urgently conveyed this point, pressing anxiously from all sides toward the arena.

Even Jiang Yanzhou, standing at the sidelines, was affected by the atmosphere and couldn't help but feel nervous.

But Xiao Yunlang, steady on his horse, remained composed and utterly fearless.

Jiang Yanzhou noticed that Xiao Yunlang seemed different today.

Though he usually carried an air of unrivaled confidence and unrestrained arrogance, even disregarding the emperor, he was actually restrained, aware of his actions and never indulgent.

Only today, from his flying hair, Jiang Yanzhou saw an expression of pure exhilaration.

Xiao Yunlang hadn't felt this carefree in a long time.

Here in the arena, he was unbound, free from schemes and plots. With his bow and horse, he could come and go as he pleased, breaking through all obstacles.

Tieguluo, having met his match, was clearly also exhilarated. He laughed heartily, unwilling to settle for a draw, and raised his voice, "We grassland warriors are skilled in archery from childhood. I won't take advantage of you—let's compete again!"

As he spoke, to everyone's astonishment, Tieguluo tore off a strip of cloth and blindfolded himself!

He intended to shoot blindfolded.

Xiao Yunlang stood tall on his horse, straight as a pine or bamboo. "Daqi rose from chaos, securing its rivers and mountains through battle in perilous times. The Xiao family are all sons of the saddle—there's no need for you to yield. Come—"

Xiao Yunlang raised his hand, and immediately a bodyguard leaped down, presenting a black silk ribbon.

Xiao Yunlang was also going to blindfold himself.

But just before covering his eyes, his gaze swept past the sidelines, catching sight of Jiang Yanzhou's figure on the high platform.

Jiang Yanzhou's heart skipped a beat.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but before the black silk obscured Xiao Yunlang's eyes, it seemed he smiled toward him.

It was too quick, and the distance was great—maybe he had misseen.

But regardless, Xiao Yunlang looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

Jiang Yanzhou's tension gradually eased. No matter how the people around him whispered, it no longer reached his ears.

After all, this was Xiao Yunlang—the same Xiao Yunlang who would later lead three northern campaigns against the Northern Barbarians without a single defeat.

Accompanied by the thunderous roll of war drums and whistles, the figures in the arena moved once more.

Flying targets were launched into the air, and only then did Jiang Yanzhou see what they were using.

They were actually blunt arrows with their tips removed, tied with small bamboo balls filled with colored powder. If hit, the balls would burst with color in the air for all to see.

So small, so fast—could anyone possibly hit these?

And yet, someone could.

Xiao Yunlang sprang into action, pivoting to draw his bow. As his horse kicked up dust, his legs remained steady as a rock. Two arrows whistled through the air in such rapid succession that they were almost invisible, and two puffs of yellow smoke blossomed in the sky.

Xiao Yunlang shot the yellow smoke balls, while Tieguluo shot the red ones. Whoever missed more balls would lose.

So far, neither of them had missed a single one.

Could it still end in a draw?

Although Xiao Yunlang's performance had already done them proud, Tieguluo had defeated three opponents in a row. If they tied, it wouldn't diminish his prestige—he would still be the most outstanding today!

The people of the Qi Dynasty held their breath, tense to the extreme.

After twenty targets had passed, it truly was a deadlock.

The two officials responsible for announcing the result at the sidelines held their gongs, hesitating whether to strike them or not.

At that moment, Xiao Yunlang suddenly spoke: "One final target."

This was to decide the winner in a single round!

But with so many previous rounds failing to determine a victor, could this one target make the difference?

Hearing this, Tieguluo did not refuse. He raised his bow again, and this time, everyone clearly saw him nock two arrows at once.

They had fired multiple arrows in quick succession before, but why use two arrows for a single target?

Someone slapped their thigh and exclaimed in alarm: "He's planning to intercept His Highness the Crown Prince's arrow!"

In contrast, Xiao Yunlang seemed unaware, still nocking only one arrow.

The crowd immediately wished they could shout out a warning, but they couldn't—after all, winning through underhanded means would be more shameful than losing.

Although Xiao Yunlang still used only one arrow, this time he drew his bow like a full moon. The muscles and tendons in his shoulders, back, and arms were all taut, and the grating sound of the bowstring being drawn was sharp in their ears, making people unconsciously clench their jaws.

Even those who knew nothing about archery could tell this shot would be exceptionally powerful.

Both Xiao Yunlang and Tieguluo held their drawn bows, remaining completely still even as the targets appeared.

Everyone held their breath. The wind in the arena grew still, and the atmosphere lightened. Only when the two targets in the sky drew extremely close did the two men move almost simultaneously.

Almost.

Tieguluo released both arrows at once—one aimed at the target, the other to intercept his opponent's arrow.

But he couldn't stop it.

Because Xiao Yunlang's arrow was faster.

That heavy arrow pierced through the target ball and, undiminished in force, slammed into the other moving target. It brushed past Tieguluo's belated arrow and, with a solid thud, embedded itself in a tree ten zhang away.

The Crown Prince's arrow feathers trembled ceaselessly.

One arrow, two targets.

Everything happened in an instant.

A moment later, the quiet camp erupted like a boiling pot of oil. All the pent-up tension burst into high-spirited cheers and enthusiastic applause!

Even the Emperor, who had been gripping his fists and leaning forward earlier, finally leaned back in his chair, sharing a smile with those beside him.

Xiao Yunlang tore off his blindfold. Tieguluo looked at where the arrow had struck, completely convinced. On horseback, he made a fist and saluted Xiao Yunlang.

"You are strong," he said, spreading his arms and grasping at the air as if catching something. "But I have many brothers, just as strong as I am."

Having already defeated three opponents today with remarkable achievements, his words seemed to imply that aside from Xiao Yunlang, the others were not worth fearing.

The faces of the two defeated men—the Commander of the Imperial Guards and the young Marquis Wei—were far from pleasant. Only the Prince of Jin seemed thoughtful, glancing toward the envoy delegation.

The laughter of the Qi Dynasty crowd, celebrating Xiao Yunlang's victory, gradually faded under Tieguluo's words.

Tieguluo named his other defeated opponents, then continued: "I have valiant fathers and brothers, and I also have a wife."

"My wife can draw a bow. She is the most beautiful pearl, an eagle who can soar with me across the grasslands." As Tieguluo spoke, an eagle rose with a cry, circling high above his head.

Tieguluo looked steadily at Xiao Yunlang and declared: "Can your wife draw a bow?"

The Emperor and Jiang Linque's expressions darkened.

Using Jiang Yanzhou to belittle the Qi Dynasty also brought shame upon the Jiang family. Could Chancellor Jiang possibly smile at this?

The Emperor's anger was even more understandable. He already despised the Jiang family and was dissatisfied with this marriage. Now, Jiang Yanzhou's frailty was being highlighted as a weakness—a profound humiliation.

But as the saying goes, family matters should be settled behind closed doors. As the Crown Prince, Xiao Yunlang had to defend the Crown Princess in front of foreign envoys.

Deep furrows formed between the Emperor's brows: if Xiao Yunlang's defense wasn't eloquent enough, if he couldn't win back a point for the Qi Dynasty...

Xiao Yunlang suddenly laughed.

"My wife does not need to draw a bow," Xiao Yunlang said.

"Our Daqi has countless talents. In civil affairs, we have virtuous ministers whose pens can pacify mountains and rivers; in military affairs, we have warriors whose blades can secure our borders." The Crown Prince's voice rang clear into the bright sky. "My wife is my pen, and I am her blade. As for you—"

Xiao Yunlang abruptly drew his bow, aiming straight at the heavens. Without any warning or aiming, an arrow whistled through the air. The White Wolf Tribe's circling eagle let out a mournful cry and crashed to the ground.

It flapped, still alive, but several feathers had been precisely shaved off by the arrow.

Xiao Yunlang raised his longbow high with one hand, his words resounding: "The eagles of the grasslands cannot fly over Daqi's sky."

—Friends who visit are welcomed with wine, meat, and songs of blessing. But dare to invade our borders, and you will be met with iron armor.

Everyone was awed by Xiao Yunlang's arrow. The Daqi soldiers were especially invigorated, their fervent blood stirred by the Crown Prince's words, as if they had already crossed mountains and rivers, flying to the dusty frontiers, resting their heads upon spears and armor.

Some cheered repeatedly, and in the excitement, someone shouted: "The Crown Prince is divine and mighty, hitting every target! May Heaven bless Daqi and glorify our nation's prestige!"

One person raised their arm, a hundred followed, and a thousand voices joined in unison.

"May Heaven bless Daqi and glorify our nation's prestige—!"

The voices surged like crashing waves, one after another, layer upon layer, powerful and resonant, striking a metallic echo through the mountains and forests. The war drums rose again, wind and thunder carrying sincere passion, shaking the vast mountains.

That wind brushed past Xiao Yunlang's bow, swept over everyone, traversed the annals of history, and gently stirred Jiang Yanzhou's hair.

Unconsciously, his hand gripped the railing so tightly that his knuckles turned white, though he didn't notice it himself.

Xiao Yunlang.

Ten thousand volumes of history could not fully record his life; a thousand poems could not completely sing of his heroism.

Jiang Yanzhou heard his own heartbeat overpowering the thunder of war drums. Gazing at the Crown Prince holding his bow aloft, he couldn't tear his eyes away.

This was Daqi's Xiao Yunlang.

The Xiao Yunlang he had met after crossing a thousand years.