With the arrival of autumn, Xia Xiuyan finally returned to the academy for classes.
As he entered, a crowd had gathered inside, noisy and boisterous. The first thing he heard was Li Hanyi’s loud voice: “Just tell me—are you going to bet or not!” Xia Xiuyan wasn’t surprised; this was typical of Li Hanyi. In the academy, if someone was yelling, it was almost certainly him.
What did catch him off guard, however, was a faint female voice trying to argue from within the throng: “But this contest isn’t fair…” Her words were quickly drowned out by the surrounding chatter.
Li Hanfeng was the first to notice Xia Xiuyan’s return. He turned to greet him. “Your leg’s healed, right?”
Xia Xiuyan nodded. He didn’t go over to the commotion but instead took a seat at his desk, leaning casually. “What’s going on now?” he asked.
“Autumn hunting season is coming,” Li Hanfeng explained with a smile, “and my second brother wants to challenge you, Qiu Sichen, to a contest.”
He continued, “A few days ago, Father scolded my brother for goofing off and not focusing on his studies. Somehow, Qiu Sichen came up. Father said you’re neither good at academics nor martial skills, not even comparable to a girl. Naturally, my brother didn’t take that lightly and now wants to challenge you.”
The situation was somewhat amusing. Life in the academy was dull, and everyone was eager for entertainment. Li Hanxing, meanwhile, egged the excitement on: “Brother, I’d advise against it. If you win, they’ll say you were unfair; if you lose, they’ll say you’re weak.”
Li Hanyuan frowned in protest: “Exactly! You’re older and stronger than Xinran. And you’re a man, she’s a girl—you have the advantage!”
Others chimed in, shouting: “The second prince can win, sure, but no bullying the smaller one!”
Li Hanyi clenched his brows, frustrated. “No, I must challenge her! Otherwise, I won’t be able to raise my head in front of Father!” He glared angrily at Qiu Xinran. “Tell me—what would be fair? Should I let you take a few arrows?”
Qiu Xinran groaned, holding her head: “No need, I’ll voluntarily forfeit.”
“That won’t do! If Father hears about this, it’ll look like I bullied you!”
Her eyes flicked to Xia Xiuyan, seated at his desk. She froze for a moment—when had he returned? Their gazes met.
Ever since that day on the mountain, she had pondered whether his decision to spare her had been a joke, a moment of mercy, or a strategic choice to keep her alive for his own purposes. Since then, he hadn’t appeared at the palace. She had given up trying to figure it out, since she had survived and no one had approached her about that night. But now, this troublesome situation had her standing in for Xia Xiuyan, and she desperately tried to convey a silent plea for help with her eyes. After all, in this matter, they were at least “on the same boat,” and normally, he shouldn’t abandon her…
Of course, that was just her reasoning. In reality, Xia Xiuyan met her gaze and then, coldly, looked away.
From the crowd, Li Hanling suddenly spoke up: “Why not each pick a partner—one boy, one girl—and form two teams? That would be fair, right?”
Li Hanyi’s eyes lit up. “Good idea!” He looked down at Qiu Xinran, assuming authority. “You get to pick first. Who will it be?”
Li Hanxing, who had been excitedly stirring things up before, immediately objected: “No! Who would want to get involved? If your team loses, you’ll all be punished!”
Li Hanfeng also chuckled: “Yeah, what happens if you lose? And what if you win?”
Li Hanyi thought for a moment. “If I lose, you can do whatever you want. If I win… you’ll cast me a fortune.”
Qiu Xinran raised an eyebrow. “I thought you never believed in that?”
Li Hanyi’s face flushed, and he said roughly, “Then why should a mere junior officer like you have anything to lose? I’m just being considerate with this little incentive!”
He spoke so confidently that Qiu Xinran realized there was no avoiding the bet. She sighed inwardly: Fine, but this bet only involves you and me. If we need partners, it’s their business, not ours.
“Fine, fine, stop nagging!” Li Hanyi turned to the crowd. “What do you all say?”
Most of the boys were eager, though a few looked hesitant. With no objections, Li Hanyi turned back to Qiu Xinran. “So, who do you choose?”
Xia Xiuyan lowered his head to his book, pretending not to care about the commotion. He didn’t turn a single page. Honestly, he found the entire thing trivial and didn’t want to participate. Moreover, contests were risky—he was always cautious in the capital, and only a fool would get involved.
But what if no one partnered with her? Would she even know how to ride and shoot? He did. He remembered the mountain and the lies they had told; failing now could expose them.
Ultimately, the fault was hers. Li Hanyi was foolish, and she had fallen into his trap. Foolish all around.
Xia Xiuyan felt a mix of irritation and concern, when she suddenly cleared her throat: “Then I’ll choose—”
She scanned the room. Some avoided eye contact, unwilling to be involved; others eagerly volunteered. Silence fell, tense enough to hear a pin drop.
“I choose Lord Zheng!” the little Taoist said with a sly smile, looking at the tall youth at the back. “I wonder if he’s willing?”
Everyone turned to Zheng Yuanwu. He looked surprised. “Qiu Sichen is asking me?”
She smiled sincerely. “Yes. Your skill in mounted archery is renowned. Would you join my bet with the second prince?”
Zheng Yuanwu scratched his head, embarrassed. “If Qiu Sichen doesn’t mind, then I’m happy to help.”
Zheng Yuanwu was one of the academy’s finest in martial and riding skills, so her choice was no surprise. The others either breathed a sigh of relief or felt a twinge of regret but grew excited at the prospect of the autumn hunting contest.
Li Hanyi sniffed. “You really know how to pick your allies.”
“Regret choosing?” Qiu Xinran asked, smiling.
“Who would regret it! You chose Zheng Yuanwu—I’m not afraid of you, am I?”
The crowd erupted in noise again. Li Hanfeng watched the bet unfold, still curious: “Now that Qiu Sichen has Zheng Yuanwu on her side, her chances look good. Who do you think will win?”
Suddenly, the sound of pages turning came from behind. A cool voice snorted: “Boring.”
Li Hanfeng paused, seeing Xia Xiuyan staring at his book, indifferent. He smiled wryly and turned his gaze back.
The western part of the palace housed a training ground where the Yulin Army drilled each morning. Martial and mounted archery lessons were held here, along with polo or cuju matches. The large open space was ideal for riding, and princes and nobles often came here to pass the time.
That day, after class, some students left, but many remained. Spectators gathered in the stands, shaded and with a good view, excited for the spectacle.
Li Hanfeng served tea to those nearby and asked, “Why are you staying today? Xia Xiuyan usually leaves immediately after class.”
Xia Xiuyan took a sip quietly, answering only with a shrug.
Li Hanyuan, meanwhile, had brought Seventh Princess Li Hanru along to accompany him. She was his full sister, both born to Consort Chen, now fourteen. Though she had studied with her brothers like the Ninth Princess, she had been less present recently. She was spirited and unafraid of boys, skilled in polo and cuju.
Suddenly, cheers rang out. While speaking, Li Hanru rode past a target, drawing three arrows in succession—each hitting the mark, one dead center.
Li Hanyi rode over to compliment her cheerfully: “Mother always complains you’re bad at handiwork. I think these hands aren’t made for embroidery!”
Li Hanru scowled half-heartedly, knowing her brother’s nature, and turned her horse with a small snort, proud of her skill.
Nearby, the small Taoist struggled onto his horse with help. As soon as he sat, the horse moved, startling him. He bent over, clutching the horse’s neck in fright.
The boy assisting him looked on, amused, coaxing him upright. But Qiu Xinran couldn’t sit straight, looking as if about to cry.
Li Hanyi, noticing her, snorted. “Looks like victory is ours!” He spurred his horse and galloped toward the target, leaving the reluctant girl to follow, gritting her teeth.