Qin Zhao glanced at Ling Long's wrists wrapped in bandages and said, "You don't need to worry about this. Just focus on resting."
"Is there no other maidservant in this residence who can serve Us except you?"
Ling Long looked slightly embarrassed, "This slave is too used to working hard. Lying in bed makes me feel restless all over. Please allow this slave to serve You."
Qin Zhao was helpless. This girl was just born to toil. No amount of persuasion would work.
"Go tell that person that We are feeling unwell and it's not suitable for Us to go horse riding."
"Yes."
Ling Long went out of the yard. Qin Zhao continued lying in the chair basking in the sun.
A gust of wind blew by and Qin Zhao opened her eyes to see Ling Yuan already half kneeling before her.
She reported, "Master, this subordinate had previously discovered traces of Qi Yan Su Luo's group in Guyuan Commandery. But I haven't been able to find them since."
Guyuan Commandery wasn't far from Long'an Commandery...
Qin Zhao waved her hand, "You're dismissed."
Ling Yuan acknowledged, "Yes." Then she disappeared like the wind.
Ling Long ran back to the main hall, with someone following behind her. It turned out to be Huo Jun!
Ling Long's face was red as she came to Qin Zhao's side and whispered, "Your Highness, Miss Huo heard that you were sick and insisted on coming to see you."
Qin Zhao really wanted to knock her on the head, but seeing that she was still injured, she held back.
"Do you not know whether We are sick or not?"
Ling Long twisted and turned hesitantly, "Your Highness, this slave really couldn't refuse..."
"Alright, We know."
Qin Zhao took a look at the tall and handsome Huo Jun.
It would be difficult for Ling Long to reject such a woman.
Ling Long retreated to one side.
Huo Jun stepped forward and said, "This commoner pays respects to Your Highness."
Qin Zhao said, "Rise, no need for such courtesy."
Looking at Qin Zhao's flushed face, Huo Jun understood in her heart.
The words she had prepared earlier could not be said. So she asked, "Did Your Highness reject the invitation because you don't have much interest in horse riding and archery?"
This was the first time Qin Zhao realized that Huo Jun was actually such a blunt person!
It was much easier to communicate with such a person. Qin Zhao was also straightforward, "I just don't want to accept Huo Chengjin's invitation,
to avoid him developing some unrealistic fantasies."
Huo Jun laughed, "If I were to invite Your Highness in my name, would you be willing to come along?"
Qin Zhao: "If you promise to accompany me the entire time, I'll go."
"Then as you say."
"Good. Ling Long, go find a riding robe for me."
Ling Long acted swiftly. In less than half a tea time, she had prepared everything needed for horse riding and archery.
Cong Han led two horses and followed behind Qin Zhao and Huo Jun.
When they reached the manor gates, the three mounted their horses and headed for the outskirts.
After riding for about half a shichen, they arrived at the riding grounds.
The riding grounds already had over a hundred people gathered, with all the young generation of nobles present.
Seeing Princess Zhao Yang appear, various kinds of gazes were cast upon her.
Qin Zhao knew that she would probably have to fool around with these people again today.
Huo Chengjin was the first to come over. He rode alongside Qin Zhao and said, "I just knew Your Highness would definitely come!"
Huo Jun cut in, "Your Highness came at my invitation. Don't get the wrong idea."
Huo Chengjin's smile remained unchanged. He thought to himself that Her Highness must be shy to admit that she came at his invitation!
Qin Zhao didn't know what delusions he was having about her in his mind again. She asked, "What are you planning to practice?
I see everyone gathered here chatting, with no targets set up."
Huo Chengjin said, "We were just discussing using more effective practice methods, like having people act as targets.
Prey encountered during a hunt won't stand still waiting to be shot. Practicing on fixed archery targets is of little use."
Whose bright idea was this?
Qin Zhao doubted the intelligence of this group.
If they practiced well on fixed targets first, then during an actual hunt, as long as they predicted the prey's escape route, they could increase their hit rate.
It was a foolish act to try practicing on moving targets before even mastering the basics.
But Qin Zhao didn't want to argue right or wrong with Huo Chengjin.
Her purpose in coming here was to test Huo Jun's skills!
After getting close to the crowd, Qin Zhao dismounted and stood to the side.
She didn't intend to say much, but some people just had to pick on her.
Qin Ling said, "I can't believe little sister is actually condescending to participate in our group activity. We are truly honored."
Qin Zhan added, "An immortal has descended to the mortal realm. Quick, bow down!"
They were mocking Princess Zhao Yang for not daring to participate in noble circles' activities in the past because of her ugliness.
This elicited laughter from the crowd.
The nobles present knew a thing or two about why Princess Zhao Yang wore a mask.
They would refer to her privately as the Masked Princess or directly as Dong Shi Princess.
They all assumed she was too ugly to show her face.
Qin Zhao didn't want to bother quibbling with them for now. For this kind of thing, it would be most satisfying to overturn their perception when all eyes were on her.
Cong Han was furious and wanted to reason with them, but was stopped by Qin Zhao, "Let go of your anger. I don't mind."
Huo Jun calmly said, "Even with just half her face exposed, Her Highness is better looking than you all."
Cao Yan, the son of the Chancellor, retorted, "Isn't this Miss Huo Jun who's always following Huo Chengjin? Why are you acting so cocky all of a sudden? Could it be because you've switched masters?"
Huo Jun remained composed, "Huo Chengjin doesn't have the qualifications to have me follow him yet.
As for Her Highness..."
Qin Zhao cut off Huo Jun's words, "There's no need to explain yourself to such people. You'll just fall into a vicious cycle of self-justification."
The three words "such people" stimulated Cao Yan's nerves and he let out a dissatisfied humph, but didn't speak again.
After a brief awkward pause, Huo Chengjin respectfully asked Qin Zhao, "Does Your Highness have any thoughts on how we should practice?"
Qin Zhao said, "We suggest starting with fixed archery targets to improve your aim first. Then move on to moving targets to simulate a hunting scene."
Qin Zhan scornfully said, "The men here have all been learning the Six Arts of a Junzi since childhood. Our skills in riding and archery are already beyond what you girls can compare to. If Ninth Imperial Sister insists on using fixed targets, then we can practice separately by gender."
The noble ladies didn't want that. They came here precisely hoping the gentlemen could help them practice.
One by one, they voiced their opposition.
Cao Yan's sister, Cao Keyao said, "If the Ninth Princess wants to practice that way, she can do it herself. We want to practice with the princes."
Her words drew agreement from the other noble ladies.
Qin Zhao thought to herself, you've all already made up your minds, so why even ask for my opinion?
However, since she had already expressed her view, she would not tolerate others objecting to it!
After listening to everyone chatter, Qin Zhao finally spoke, "How about this - you pick the person with the best archery skills to compete with me. If you win, we'll do as you say. If I win, we do as I proposed. What do you think?"
Qin Zhao glanced at Ling Long's wrists wrapped in bandages and said, "You don't need to worry about this. Just focus on resting."
"Is there no other maidservant in this residence who can serve Us except you?"
Ling Long looked slightly embarrassed, "This slave is too used to working hard. Lying in bed makes me feel restless all over. Please allow this slave to serve You."
Qin Zhao was helpless. This girl was just born to toil. No amount of persuasion would work.
"Go tell that person that We are feeling unwell and it's not suitable for Us to go horse riding."
"Yes."
Ling Long went out of the yard. Qin Zhao continued lying in the chair basking in the sun.
A gust of wind blew by and Qin Zhao opened her eyes to see Ling Yuan already half kneeling before her.
She reported, "Master, this subordinate had previously discovered traces of Qi Yan Su Luo's group in Guyuan Commandery. But I haven't been able to find them since."
Guyuan Commandery wasn't far from Long'an Commandery...
Qin Zhao waved her hand, "You're dismissed."
Ling Yuan acknowledged, "Yes." Then she disappeared like the wind.
Ling Long ran back to the main hall, with someone following behind her. It turned out to be Huo Jun!
Ling Long's face was red as she came to Qin Zhao's side and whispered, "Your Highness, Miss Huo heard that you were sick and insisted on coming to see you."
Qin Zhao really wanted to knock her on the head, but seeing that she was still injured, she held back.
"Do you not know whether We are sick or not?"
Ling Long twisted and turned hesitantly, "Your Highness, this slave really couldn't refuse..."
"Alright, We know."
Qin Zhao took a look at the tall and handsome Huo Jun.
It would be difficult for Ling Long to reject such a woman.
Ling Long retreated to one side.
Huo Jun stepped forward and said, "This commoner pays respects to Your Highness."
Qin Zhao said, "Rise, no need for such courtesy."
Looking at Qin Zhao's flushed face, Huo Jun understood in her heart.
The words she had prepared earlier could not be said. So she asked, "Did Your Highness reject the invitation because you don't have much interest in horse riding and archery?"
This was the first time Qin Zhao realized that Huo Jun was actually such a blunt person!
It was much easier to communicate with such a person. Qin Zhao was also straightforward, "I just don't want to accept Huo Chengjin's invitation,
to avoid him developing some unrealistic fantasies."
Huo Jun laughed, "If I were to invite Your Highness in my name, would you be willing to come along?"
Qin Zhao: "If you promise to accompany me the entire time, I'll go."
"Then as you say."
"Good. Ling Long, go find a riding robe for me."
Ling Long acted swiftly. In less than half a tea time, she had prepared everything needed for horse riding and archery.
Cong Han led two horses and followed behind Qin Zhao and Huo Jun.
When they reached the manor gates, the three mounted their horses and headed for the outskirts.
After riding for about half a shichen, they arrived at the riding grounds.
The riding grounds already had over a hundred people gathered, with all the young generation of nobles present.
Seeing Princess Zhao Yang appear, various kinds of gazes were cast upon her.
Qin Zhao knew that she would probably have to fool around with these people again today.
Huo Chengjin was the first to come over. He rode alongside Qin Zhao and said, "I just knew Your Highness would definitely come!"
Huo Jun cut in, "Your Highness came at my invitation. Don't get the wrong idea."
Huo Chengjin's smile remained unchanged. He thought to himself that Her Highness must be shy to admit that she came at his invitation!
Qin Zhao didn't know what delusions he was having about her in his mind again. She asked, "What are you planning to practice?
I see everyone gathered here chatting, with no targets set up."
Huo Chengjin said, "We were just discussing using more effective practice methods, like having people act as targets.
Prey encountered during a hunt won't stand still waiting to be shot. Practicing on fixed archery targets is of little use."
Whose bright idea was this?
Qin Zhao doubted the intelligence of this group.
If they practiced well on fixed targets first, then during an actual hunt, as long as they predicted the prey's escape route, they could increase their hit rate.
It was a foolish act to try practicing on moving targets before even mastering the basics.
But Qin Zhao didn't want to argue right or wrong with Huo Chengjin.
Her purpose in coming here was to test Huo Jun's skills!
After getting close to the crowd, Qin Zhao dismounted and stood to the side.
She didn't intend to say much, but some people just had to pick on her.
Qin Ling said, "I can't believe little sister is actually condescending to participate in our group activity. We are truly honored."
Qin Zhan added, "An immortal has descended to the mortal realm. Quick, bow down!"
They were mocking Princess Zhao Yang for not daring to participate in noble circles' activities in the past because of her ugliness.
This elicited laughter from the crowd.
The nobles present knew a thing or two about why Princess Zhao Yang wore a mask.
They would refer to her privately as the Masked Princess or directly as Dong Shi Princess.
They all assumed she was too ugly to show her face.
Qin Zhao didn't want to bother quibbling with them for now. For this kind of thing, it would be most satisfying to overturn their perception when all eyes were on her.
Cong Han was furious and wanted to reason with them, but was stopped by Qin Zhao, "Let go of your anger. I don't mind."
Huo Jun calmly said, "Even with just half her face exposed, Her Highness is better looking than you all."
Cao Yan, the son of the Chancellor, retorted, "Isn't this Miss Huo Jun who's always following Huo Chengjin? Why are you acting so cocky all of a sudden? Could it be because you've switched masters?"
Huo Jun remained composed, "Huo Chengjin doesn't have the qualifications to have me follow him yet.
As for Her Highness..."
Qin Zhao cut off Huo Jun's words, "There's no need to explain yourself to such people. You'll just fall into a vicious cycle of self-justification."
The three words "such people" stimulated Cao Yan's nerves and he let out a dissatisfied humph, but didn't speak again.
After a brief awkward pause, Huo Chengjin respectfully asked Qin Zhao, "Does Your Highness have any thoughts on how we should practice?"
Qin Zhao said, "We suggest starting with fixed archery targets to improve your aim first. Then move on to moving targets to simulate a hunting scene."
Qin Zhan scornfully said, "The men here have all been learning the Six Arts of a Junzi since childhood. Our skills in riding and archery are already beyond what you girls can compare to. If Ninth Imperial Sister insists on using fixed targets, then we can practice separately by gender."
The noble ladies didn't want that. They came here precisely hoping the gentlemen could help them practice.
One by one, they voiced their opposition.
Cao Yan's sister, Cao Keyao said, "If the Ninth Princess wants to practice that way, she can do it herself. We want to practice with the princes."
Her words drew agreement from the other noble ladies.
Qin Zhao thought to herself, you've all already made up your minds, so why even ask for my opinion?
However, since she had already expressed her view, she would not tolerate others objecting to it!
After listening to everyone chatter, Qin Zhao finally spoke, "How about this - you pick the person with the best archery skills to compete with me. If you win, we'll do as you say. If I win, we do as I proposed. What do you think?"
