TSWRLM -Chapter 236 Stealing the Spotlight

His Majesty was advanced in years and did not personally attend the winter hunt, but the Crown Prince and the other princes all participated.

As soon as the bronze gong signaling the start of the hunt rang, Wei Lingze rode forward at full speed, charging into the hunting grounds.

Xuanyuan Lang followed closely behind. Even with the dense forest and numerous obstacles, he maintained a steady distance—never too close, never too far—like a wolf silently tracking its prey.

Wei Lingze soon grew annoyed. He reined his horse and glared at Xuanyuan Lang: “Today’s competition is about who hunts first and who catches the most. Why are you just following me around?”

Xuanyuan Lang smiled, speaking in his awkward Zhaoling dialect: “I just wanted to remind you that a hunter needs patience and shouldn’t be too hasty. I’ve been anticipating this duel for a long time and don’t want my opponent to be disappointing.”

Wei Lingze hated feeling belittled. He frowned and said coldly, “I have my own method, and you—crippled as you are—have no right to tell me what to do!”

Before he could finish, Xuanyuan Lang suddenly set his crossbow on his foot, drew it single-handedly, and fired an arrow.

The movement was fluid and precise. Wei Lingze dodged just in time; the arrow embedded itself deep into a tree trunk behind him, vibrating fiercely and humming.

Xuanyuan Lang lowered his bow and said seriously, “Yes, I am disabled, but not useless. You, on the other hand, have slowed considerably compared to before.”

At the end, there was a hint of regret in his tone, as if Wei Lingze no longer deserved to be his rival.

Wei Lingze’s face darkened, wanting to retort, when a sharp “snap” echoed through the hunting grounds.

Both Wei Lingze and Xuanyuan Lang stiffened.

Someone had just claimed a prey first.

While it didn’t determine the final outcome, securing the first kill in the winter hunt was an auspicious sign.

Xuanyuan Lang stopped pursuing Wei Lingze and turned his horse toward the sound, while Wei Lingze stuck to his chosen path. But when he glanced back, he saw the arrow Xuanyuan Lang had just fired—it was lodged almost halfway into the tree trunk.

All arrows were standard issue from the Imperial Household Office, and at such close range, Xuanyuan Lang’s shot revealed extraordinary strength.

He had indeed lost an arm, but he was far from weak—if anything, he was stronger than three years ago.

Wei Lingze gripped his bow tightly, his panic rising. No matter what, he couldn’t lose to Xuanyuan Lang—but now he wasn’t sure he could win.

**

Once the Crown Prince and the others entered the hunting enclosure, Princess Hengyang eagerly pulled Chun Xi to a nearby open space for a competition.

Palace attendants quickly brought two well-tempered horses. Chun Xi didn’t dampen the princess’s enthusiasm and took the challenge seriously, whipping her horse forward.

Princess Hengyang was dressed in a crimson maple riding outfit, looking radiant and eye-catching. Her maidservants cheered loudly, drawing the attention of the Empress and other nobles.

Everyone praised the princess for her heroic bearing, saying she rivaled men. But upon realizing her companion was Chun Xi, the tone shifted: women should remain gentle and refined, not too spirited, or it might disrupt the household’s harmony.

Gossip spreads easily among crowds; the Empress just listened quietly without intervening.

Yun Wantang also attended the hunt. She did not join the chatter of the noble ladies, quietly brewing tea instead. Soon, the refreshing aroma drew everyone’s attention.

Yun Wantang first poured a cup for the Empress: “Your Majesty, I have no particular skill except for my tea-making. Please don’t disdain it.”

“This tea smells wonderful; you are too modest,” the Empress said, taking a sip, her eyes brightening.

The tea was indeed excellent.

The Empress chatted with Yun Wantang about the customs and culture of Wengzhou. Calm and unassuming, Yun Wantang answered patiently, and the crowd gradually fell silent, listening attentively.

Even those young ladies who had envied Princess Hengyang and Chun Xi for their galloping skills straightened themselves, realizing that a woman’s worth was not just in riding fast but in poise and composure, like the fifth madam of the Grand Tutor residence.

Unaware of these thoughts, Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang rode freely in the expansive imperial grounds. With little obstruction, the ride was exhilarating, the wind truly free.

After five laps, Chun Xi narrowly won by half a lap.

Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue had stayed at the starting point, and upon seeing Chun Xi win, Xiao Qingyue couldn’t help jumping in excitement: “Awooo! We won!”

Having practiced riding and archery with Chun Xi, Xiao Qingyue felt a sense of pride in her victory over Princess Hengyang.

The princess, returning, heard the cheer and smiled, saying: “You’re slightly better at riding, Chun Xi, but archery is another matter. Let’s continue.”

She tossed the reins and headed for the archery range.

At that moment, the Empress sent for them, so all four went to meet her.

The enclosure was windy and cold; the Empress and noble ladies huddled around hand-warming braziers, while Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang were sweating from exertion. Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue were flushed but happy.

The four of them walking together was a cheerful, lively sight.

The Empress smiled, asking the princess, “I heard all your commotion earlier. Who won?”

Princess Hengyang, unashamed of losing, pouted: “Didn’t you see? Chun Xi led me by half a lap.”

The Empress teased: “Madam Shen is impressive—skilled in riding, brave, and even able to beat Princess Hengyang.”

Chun Xi quickly replied, “Your Highness is noble and talented. If I had faked it to please you, it would have been disrespectful.”

Although a bit flattering, the words delighted the princess. She lifted her chin proudly like a peacock: “Chun Xi is right. My heart is broad, and losing in riding isn’t a problem. We still have archery to compete in—who knows, I might turn the tables.”

Amused, the Empress rewarded Chun Xi, Xiao Qinghe, and Xiao Qingyue, then said: “Since sitting around is boring, I’ll accompany you and witness the competition.”

Naturally, the others had to accompany her. Among the crowd, Yun Wantang’s eyes flashed coldly.

She had brewed the tea for the Empress, explained Wengzhou’s customs, and though praised, had received no tangible rewards.

She could not let Cao Chun Xi steal her spotlight!