Volume One, Chapter 18: The Winds of Change

The empress’s gaze darkened in an instant, the smile vanishing from her face. That damned Consort Li! How dare she bring up Pei Jing’s three military victories in pacifying Beiliang to make her point!

“Consort Li, your dedication to Jing’er is truly heartfelt. Poor Jing’er lost his birth mother at a young age. If Consort Yun’s spirit were still here, she would surely be grateful to you,” the empress said with unmistakable sarcasm.

Pei Jing’s biological mother was Consort Yun, who had passed away early. Consort Li, unable to bear children, had raised Pei Jing as her own. The empress’s words were a thinly veiled jab, mocking Consort Li’s childlessness and implying that her ambitions were pinned solely on Pei Jing.

At sixteen, Pei Jing had led troops into battle three times, pacifying Beiliang each time. Such military achievements should have earned him the title of prince long ago, but the emperor had neglected him and delayed the bestowal.

Consort Li bowed respectfully, hands at her waist. “Your Majesty, you jest. Jing’er is like my own son; I have raised him with care. Moreover, Jing’er has married Lady Shen Zhi, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family. By all reason and sentiment, Jing’er has indeed reached the rank worthy of a prince.”

Hearing this, the empress’s face turned green with rage. The damned Shen family! To favor Shen Qi, they had even manipulated a marriage alliance! That bride was supposed to be for her own son!

Her son deserved a proper lady. Now that Shen Zhi was wed to Pei Jing, it meant Shen Zhan’s allegiance had shifted to Pei Jing’s faction!

She must eliminate Shen Zhi and Pei Jing. She would not allow anyone to block Huai’er’s path!

The emperor furrowed his brows slightly, his voice calm but authoritative. “Enough! I know what is in my heart.”

Both the empress and Consort Li trembled and knelt. “We understand, Your Majesty.”

At the archery range, Pei Huai and Pei Jing were evenly matched. Pei Huai’s several arrow attacks were repelled by Pei Jing and Ji Qingyue’s coordinated defense.

Neither side gained the upper hand as the two worked seamlessly, eliminating a large portion of the competing teams. In the end, only three teams remained.

There was the Pei Jing-Pei Huai team, another led by a young general, and the third was a group of soldiers.

The young general exchanged a glance with Pei Huai before launching an attack on Pei Jing.

“Charge!” Pei Huai commanded, aiming an arrow straight at Pei Jing’s head.

Focused on the other team, Pei Jing and Ji Qingyue struggled slightly. Shen Zhi, anxious, shouted, “Pei Jing, watch out!”

She quickly drew her bow, aiming at the arrow Pei Huai had shot. The arrow dropped to the ground just before hitting Pei Jing.

Seeing this, Pei Jing quickly released an arrow. The young general’s team, unprepared with no shields, lost two members immediately.

Ji Qingyue leapt up and fired three precise arrows, each striking their mark amidst the wind. His shots eliminated the remaining two members of the young general’s team and even took out one of the Pei Huai team’s young nobles.

“Damn, Ji Qingyue, you’ve got some skill,” Shen Zhi admired, impressed. No wonder they say never doubt your men.

He was truly a versatile talent—both cultured and martial.

Pei Huai’s eyes darkened with fury. Pei Jing, you stir trouble within your own household and still dare to compete with me for everything!

With that, he unleashed a barrage of arrows aimed at Shen Zhi. Alarmed, she swiftly took up her bow and fired back arrow after arrow, intercepting them.

“Shen Zhi!” Pei Jing called out, concerned.

“I’m fine, trust me. I can handle this. You go shoot down their shields!” she urged.

Pei Jing calmed himself, acknowledging Shen Zhi’s archery prowess. Besides, Pei Huai was clearly losing his composure; Shen Zhi could handle him.

He exchanged a glance with Ji Qingyue, and together they swiftly targeted Pei Huai’s shields.

Pei Huai panicked, shouting, “Protect the shields!”

By the time the others reacted, Ji Qingyue and Pei Jing had already shot down all three shields.

Cheers erupted throughout the arena.

The emperor rose, astonished. He had not expected Pei Jing’s martial skills to be so formidable.

Pei Huai turned to see the fallen shields, a shadow crossing his face. He suppressed the gloom and smiled as he approached Pei Jing. “Seventh Brother, congratulations.”

“No need. Your loss was inevitable,” Pei Jing replied, turning to find Shen Zhi.

Watching their affectionate exchange, Pei Huai’s smile vanished instantly.

The emperor stood, his gaze filled with newfound respect. “I hereby declare Prince Pei Jing and Princess Pei Jing the victors of this year’s archery contest. They shall be awarded the Twin Nine-Patterned Rainbow Scales Cups!”

“Furthermore, due to Prince Pei Jing’s three victories in pacifying Beiliang, his marriage to Lady Shen Zhi, and winning this competition, I decree him Prince Qi, Lady Shen Zhi Princess Qi, and their residence shall be known as Qi Prince’s Mansion!”

The emperor’s proclamation drew a collective gasp. The first prince to be titled was none other than Pei Jing…

What of the crown prince then?

A change was coming…

The empress and Pei Huai nearly lost their composure. Just as the empress was about to speak, the emperor continued, “For Pei Huai’s meritorious service in governing the court and his marriage to Lady Shen Qi, I hereby confer upon him the title Prince Jin, Lady Shen Qi shall be Princess Jin, and their residence named Jin Prince’s Mansion!”

In an instant, the political landscape swirled tumultuously, allegiances shifting uncertainly.

Once thought to be the predetermined crown prince, Pei Huai was now rivaled by Pei Jing’s elevation. The realm was effectively divided between two powers.

Ji Qingyue surveyed the situation quietly, withdrawing to the small pavilion above the archery grounds.

“Your Highness, what do you make of these developments?” someone in the pavilion asked.

The figure smiled faintly. “The dynasty is about to change.”

Ji Qingyue was struck with sudden clarity. “Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness.”

“You know the consequences of betraying me,” the figure warned.

A bead of cold sweat formed on Ji Qingyue’s brow, but his resolve remained unshaken. His eyes revealed a complex mixture of emotions. “I will never deceive you. I am willing to face fire and water for Your Highness!”

“If you achieve what you desire, even death is a small price,” he vowed.

The voice responded crisply, “Remember, do not disappoint me.”

“Yes, sir!”

The crowd at the archery range chanted in unison: “Long live Prince Qi! Long live Prince Qi! Long live Prince Jin! Long live Prince Jin!”

As Shen Zhi returned to the mansion holding the Twin Nine-Patterned Rainbow Scales Cups, she was still in a daze.

This situation was unlike the previous life. Last time, she had attended the archery contest as a guest; Pei Jing did not participate, and only Pei Huai was granted a princely title.

Now, she had taken one step closer to the position she desired.

“Wait, where is Ji Qingyue?” Shen Zhi suddenly remembered the presence of this key figure.

Pei Jing pulled Shen Zhi into her room and whispered, “Fool! He came prepared.”