C16 He Would Die from Drinking Sooner or Later

She wanted to say she wasn't hurt and there was no need to pursue the matter.

The next moment, Wen Yu's angry voice rose again, "May I ask, Wai Duke, where is that scoundrel Zheng Jun?"

Xiao Chen was stunned and instinctively turned his head to look toward the tent.

Without another word, Wen Yu strode over and tossed his granddaughter aside.

In the vast training ground, only Xiao Chen and Wen Wan stood face to face. Occasionally, a breeze would send a few green leaves swirling by.

Xiao Chen looked at the arrow stuck in Wen Wan's shoe, while Wen Wan eyed the bow in Xiao Chen's hand. Both were waiting for the other to speak first.

As long as Xiao Chen apologized, Wen Wan definitely wouldn't pursue the matter!

Xiao Chen, on the other hand, was waiting for Wen Wan to question him. He didn't care if she believed him or not, as long as he had a clear conscience.

After a moment of stalemate, Wen Wan spoke first, "Is the Duke practicing archery?"

Xiao Chen hadn't expected Wen Wan not only to refrain from questioning him but also to reach out and take the bow from his hand.

"When I was at the Nothing Free House, archery was the only skill worth watching," Wen Wan said confidently as she walked in front of Xiao Chen and forcefully pulled the arrow from her embroidered shoe. "Here, let me show the Duke my skills!"

She nocked the arrow, drew the string, and let it fly.

"Whoosh!"

The arrow that had been stuck in Wen Wan's shoe shot straight into the bullseye, splitting the old arrow's shaft. As the old arrowhead loosened and fell, Wen Wan's arrow hit the mark dead center.

Xiao Chen turned to look at the target, a flash of astonishment in his eyes. Before he could speak, Wen Wan swiftly drew three arrows from her quiver, nocking them onto the bowstring. She released them in quick succession, seamlessly replacing old arrows with new ones. Her graceful and confident demeanor at that moment made Xiao Chen briefly wonder if Wen Wan was there to show him up.

"Do you think my archery skills are decent?" Wen Wan asked, believing that Xiao Chen's indifference towards her was because he saw her as weak. People tend to gravitate towards those who are like them, and sometimes, friendships require a balance of equals and shared interests. She wanted Xiao Chen to see her strengths. No one is born a perfect archer, able to hit the bullseye every time. She, too, was a young woman who worked tirelessly to improve her skills.

In her past life, meeting Su Xuanjing had shifted all her focus to her husband. But now, under the sunlight, Wen Wan's face held a gentle yet confident smile.

Xiao Chen stared at Wen Wan for a long moment before taking the bow from her hand. "I have other matters to attend to," he said, turning to leave.

As Xiao Chen walked away, Wen Wan jogged to keep up with him. "I'm fine," she said.

Xiao Chen stopped and looked at her with suspicion.

Wen Wan spoke up, "You said you had something to do. I can help you."

She hoped that by keeping this friendship for her youngest uncle, she could ease some of the guilt she carried in her heart.

Xiao Chen said, "I need to use the restroom."

Wen Wan paused for a moment, then replied, "Oh."

Just as Xiao Chen was about to move, his gaze fell on Wen Wan's embroidered shoes, pierced by an arrow.

He was silent for a moment, then looked at Wen Wan. "Come with me."

Wen Wan's expression changed dramatically. "Uh, I'm not sure how I can help you with that..."

Under Xiao Chen's firm insistence, Wen Wan followed him to the tent.

She changed into a pair of military boots. They were big but kept the wind out.

...

In the palace, at the Cloud Terrace Hall.

The Cloud Terrace Hall was where Consort De lived, the mother of the Third Prince, Xiao Yao.

Today, the Third Prince, Xiao Yao, was visiting the palace.

After paying his respects, Consort De handed him a list.

"In two days, there will be a grand banquet for my birthday. These young ladies from prominent families are all specially invited. Take a good look and decide who catches your eye. Whoever you choose will be the one!"