USWHC -Chapter 538 Coincidence (Part 8)

A muffled bang sounded—the arrow had actually hit the target! Though it wobbled precariously, as if it might fall at any moment, it hadn’t struck the bullseye. Not only that, it had veered significantly, landing at the lower right. Perhaps the arrow without a proper tip was still greatly affected!

Even so, Yelü Haonan wore a proud expression and said, “I admit it, I admit it!” Clearly, he was already satisfied just to have hit the target. He then grinned smugly at Ji Yi and said, “Master Scholar Ji, your turn!”

Before Ji Yi could reply, Lanyi spoke adorably, “Father, isn’t the arrow supposed to hit the bullseye?”

“Yes, it should hit the bullseye!” The emperor feigned indifference, but inwardly he was secretly amused. He just didn’t dare laugh too much—if Ji Yi missed as well, it would be awkward.

He turned to Ji Yi and asked, “Do you think you can hit the bullseye, my minister?”

“Easily!” Ji Yi said with an unexpectedly proud tone.

Hearing this, everyone’s eyes widened in surprise, though no one dared to openly flatter him, fearing that overpraising might backfire.

At that moment, Ji Yi steadily drew his bow. With a controlled breath, he released the arrow with a whoosh, as if it were nothing.

The emperor watched anxiously, his eyes still wary. But as the arrow shot forward, he relaxed—then, with a duang, the arrow pierced the target completely.

Everyone was stunned. Even Yelü Haonan couldn’t believe it. Could it be that the arrows were different?

Lanyi and Zhu Jie both cried out at the same time, “It hit! It hit! Right in the bullseye!”

Hearing their excited, coquettish cheers, Ji Yi turned and smiled, his eyes brimming with sweetness as he looked at her. Of course, to everyone else, it seemed he was looking at both of them.

Lanyi’s heart fluttered, and her cheeks flushed even redder, as if lit by a burning fire.

“Good!” the emperor shouted, “Reward him!”

Lanyi, still looking adorably dazed, said, “I told you! Shooting arrows without hitting the target is no different from shooting blindly!”

Yelü Haonan’s anger almost made him spit blood. A blunt arrow hitting the target relied not on the weapon itself but on the inner strength in the hand—the force behind it. Without years of training, there was no way to achieve this.

Still, he didn’t dare underestimate Ji Yi. He drew an arrow from Ji Yi’s quiver. This move caused a small eunuch to scream, “Ah, Second Prince, that’s—”

Before he could finish, Ji Yi calmly said, “It’s fine, Second Prince, take it if you like!”

Even as he drew the arrow, Yelü Haonan sensed something unusual. “I knew it! How could I be outmatched? There’s something off about this arrow.”

Ji Yi’s arrow was noticeably heavier than Yelü Haonan’s. Though still not comparable to a tipped arrow, it wasn’t as light and inaccurate as before.

Yelü Haonan carefully aimed at the bullseye. With a bang, he released—the arrow struck the target dead center.

Yelü Haonan laughed heartily, saying, “Master Scholar Ji’s arrow really is superior. Hitting the bullseye is indeed no trouble!” He cast a glance around at everyone.

Someone stepped forward and said coldly to the emperor, “What’s this? Is the emperor of Liang intentionally toying with our prince? Why are the arrows different?”

The emperor, seeing this, realized the truth. Although he had given no instructions, the servants, clever as they were, had tampered with the arrows to avoid embarrassment.

Just then, Ji Yi picked up his own quiver and placed it before Yelü Haonan, taking the prince’s quiver in exchange.

Calmly smiling, Ji Yi said, “Since the Second Prince likes it, I’m happy to swap!” He drew an arrow from Yelü Haonan’s quiver.

Yelü Haonan merely gave a cold smile. Hmph—so stubborn! With such a light arrow, let’s see how you’ll hit the target now.