TSWRLM -Chapter 239 You’re More Fit to Be an Opponent Than Him

Yun Wantang fell silent, and Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang quietly started competing in archery.

Both of them had impressive aim, and as the rounds progressed, the distance between their scores widened and narrowed back and forth, but after several rounds, neither clearly outshone the other.

However, with the explosive news about the Wei family circulating, no one was in the mood to be amazed by Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang’s archery skills.

Did Wei Lingze really have an illegitimate child?

Back when Wei Lingze was paralyzed in bed, no one knew if he would recover. The Xiao family had delayed the wedding and refused to enforce the engagement. It was understandable for the Wei family to want to leave behind an heir for him, but deceiving and hiding this from Xiao Qinghe and her family was extremely unfair.

Where had the Wei family hidden the child? Was the mother kept secretly in a “golden house” or had she already been dealt with?

The crowd had initially thought the winter hunt would be entertaining, but now they wished it would end quickly so they could send people to dig up more information.

Sensing the crowd’s thoughts, the Empress specifically ordered everyone not to gossip privately and, under no circumstances, to disturb Wei Lingze’s focus. If his performance in the competition were affected, and the prestige of Zhaoling were damaged, anyone spreading rumors would be guilty of treason.

Although the Empress spoke gently, her words were serious, and everyone responded in agreement.

By evening, the people gradually returned from the hunting grounds.

Wei Lingze and Xuanyuan Lang arrived close together, both heavily loaded with game, far surpassing the others. Wei Lingze’s luck had been better, as he had hunted a wild boar.

The boar was not especially large, but its tusks were long and looked vicious. Wei Lingze’s face had scratches, and his clothes were torn in several places, showing how much effort he had spent to capture it.

With that boar, Wei Lingze narrowly beat Xuanyuan Lang in quantity.

After the Imperial Guards counted and announced the results, many people couldn’t help cheering—not for Wei Lingze, but because the first day had ended on a strong note, keeping the envoy’s arrogance in check.

Hearing the cheers, Wei Lingze straightened his back and looked proudly at Xuanyuan Lang. However, Xuanyuan Lang didn’t look at him. Instead, in a clumsy, almost ridiculous accent, he asked: “Your Majesty, has the first hunter returned today? I want to see who it is.”

As soon as the signal flare went off, Xuanyuan Lang had rushed to that direction, but he found no one—not even a trace.

It was a meticulous and swift hunter. Xuanyuan Lang’s interest in him grew, even surpassing his desire to compete with Wei Lingze.

No sooner had Xuanyuan Lang spoken than the sound of horse hooves echoed. Everyone turned and saw Shen Qingyuan riding in, his horse loaded with a bounty of game.

From closer up, the crowd noticed two wolves strapped to the horse’s neck, and they drew a sharp breath.

“Isn’t Lord Shen a civil official? How is he so skilled at hunting?”

The Imperial Guards had already relayed everyone’s hunting status. Seeing the wolves, the Emperor was delighted, and the Crown Prince laughed as he introduced: “This is the first hunter to secure game today. His name is Shen Qingyuan. He became the top scholar at seventeen and now serves as a third-rank minister in the Censorate.”

Even without counting, it was obvious that Shen Qingyuan had caught the most game.

Xuanyuan Lang narrowed his eyes, studying Shen Qingyuan seriously.

Amid the crowd’s cheers, Shen Qingyuan remained calm, neither arrogant nor anxious, and even aware of Xuanyuan Lang’s gaze, he stayed composed.

This was a strong individual.

Xuanyuan Lang’s competitive spirit surged. When Shen Qingyuan arrived before him, he said immediately: “I hadn’t heard your name before, but I think you are more suitable as my opponent than the current Wei Young General.”

Wei Lingze’s expression changed instantly.

He took a step forward, glaring fiercely at Xuanyuan Lang: “You haven’t even caught more game than I have today. What right do you have to pick and choose here? Don’t forget, this is Zhaoling, not some place where outsiders can run wild!”

Wei Lingze’s tone was harsh, yet his words made sense.

This was Zhaoling. Allowing the envoys to spar was already generous; it wasn’t Xuanyuan Lang’s place to swap opponents at will.

Xuanyuan Lang’s Zhaoling dialect was imperfect, and he didn’t grasp Wei Lingze’s meaning fully. After thinking for a moment, he nodded: “If the young general means I must defeat you first before sparring with Lord Shen, I can accept that.”

Xuanyuan Lang spoke casually and confidently, as if defeating Wei Lingze were trivial.

Wei Lingze’s fury nearly erupted like a tangible force.

Xuanyuan Lang’s words not only belittled him but made him seem like a mere stepping stone for Shen Qingyuan.

Suppressing his murderous intent, Wei Lingze said, word by word: “You have no chance of beating me. I’m taking your other arm!”

He spoke with full force, like an enraged wild beast.

Xuanyuan Lang, however, remained leisurely, dismissing Wei Lingze’s threat, and looked only at Shen Qingyuan: “So, will you accept my challenge?”

Shen Qingyuan glanced at Xuanyuan Lang and then at Wei Lingze, and said calmly: “If you insist, I will accompany you.”

Shen Qingyuan had been the first to capture game and had caught the most. The Emperor was delighted and rewarded him handsomely.

Wei Lingze also received rewards, but because Xuanyuan Lang now wanted to spar with Shen Qingyuan, no one paid attention to the quantity Wei Lingze had hunted.

Everyone marveled at Shen Qingyuan’s skill and composure.

A seventeen-year-old top scholar, silent in Jingzhao for ten years, had not been worn down by time. Instead, he had become more calm and sharp.

If he could truly beat Xuanyuan Lang, imagine the honor in front of the Emperor. Rising to one of the Three Dukes in the future might not be impossible.

The Emperor praised Shen Qingyuan incessantly, and everyone joined in. To Wei Lingze, these words were like daggers.

When he fought for that wild boar, he had assumed such praise would be his, a display of his strength for Xuanyuan Lang and the Emperor.

But now, he was completely overshadowed by Shen Qingyuan.

Frustrated and restless, Wei Lingze drank heavily. After the banquet, he found himself near the women’s quarters.

The night air was biting cold, the wind chilling his face. He suddenly wanted to see Xiao Qinghe and talk to her.

But just as he stepped forward, he heard whispers.

“So all this time, Xiao Qinghe’s happy marriage was just an act. Makes sense—the Xiao family delayed the wedding, clearly showing disdain for Wei Lingze. How could he not harbor resentment?”

“I think Wei Lingze probably didn’t even like her much at first. It was just because the families were old friends, spending time together and getting teased. Otherwise, how could he let another woman have a child without breaking the engagement?”

Wei Lingze couldn’t bear it. He rushed in front of them and asked coldly: “Who has a child? What are you talking about?”