"Marquis Su, the dishes served at your mansion are good enough to rival that of the imperial palace."
"Your Royal Highness, you jest too much. This is but a simple meal; how could it ever compare to that of the imperial chefs?"
I have noticed one thing since the crown prince entered, and that is his hostility towards my father. It feels like his every sentence is trying to frame my father for treason.
"Honestly, the food is good, but it can't compare to the dishes at the Prince of Zhenbei's palace. Your Royal Highness, it might be time for a cleanup of the imperial kitchen, don't you think?"
"Pfft—"
I immediately cover my mouth as all eyes turn to me. Shit. They always told me that my ability to laugh in serious situations would get me into trouble. Now look.
"My apologies, Your Highnesses. I was simply discussing something with my third brother, and I was unable to control myself. Please do not hold my unseemly behavior against me."
"Of course. Miss Su is the star of this banquet. How could I dare hold it against her?"
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
"But just drinking and eating like this is quite boring, don't you think?"
What the hell is this crown prince saying?
Liu Meiying immediately jumps in with a practiced smile.
"Your Royal Highness, if I may be so rude as to suggest, since we are in the General Marquis Mansion, why don't we hold an archery contest? I believe that would be far more entertaining than reciting poems. What may be your opinion?"
"Alright. That is an excellent idea, and I would even throw in a reward for the winner of the contest."
Su Wanwan then stands up at that exact moment.
"Your Royal Highness, I personally love that idea. But Xin-jie just got back; she must know nothing of archery. And being the star of the banquet, it would reflect poorly if she didn't participate."
"That's okay. I'm sure Miss Su wouldn't mind the slight embarrassment, right?"
My father stands to defend me again, but Prince Zhenbei beats him to it.
"Your Royal Highness, all the noble ladies here have been training since young. It wouldn't be fair to Miss Su. We can surely make an exception in order to give the Su Marquis some face."
"Yes, Your Highness, please consider this old man and excuse her from such participation."
"Wonderful. Prince Zhenbei, you have been protecting Miss Su and the Marquis Mansion since we got here. Are we going to be getting some good news from the Marquis and Prince's mansion soon?"
He asks with a wide smile that looks worse than a grimace.
My father scrambles to explain once more, but I stand up this time.
"I am willing to embarrass myself to contribute to the Crown Prince's entertainment. After all, it is part of my duty as a loyal subject of this empire."
"Good, good, good. The Su mansion has gotten themselves a fine daughter. How lucky."
"We thank the Crown Prince for his compliment and grace."
The guards and maids move swiftly, bringing in bows and arrows while also setting the targets.
All the noble ladies stood up and picked their bows, not forgetting to throw snide remarks my way.
Something as simple as archery, and they're acting so smug.
Back then, in order to have complete skill sets for any role, I learned archery, martial arts, and even war tactics. Wanting to compete with me? You're all still too green.
The rules were simple: three arrows, three shots, highest score wins.
They all took their time shooting arrows. Nothing really impressive. They had average skills, and only a few of them hit the bullseye more than once.
Liu Meiying and Su Wanwan were up next. Wanwan beat Meiying by one point and then turned to me.
"Jiejie, it's your turn. But I have to warn you: if you don't get all perfect shots, then you can't beat me."
"Oh, so then I have to just hit the middle three times."
"Yes. But if you're scared, you can leave. I'm sure the Crown Prince won't hold it against you."
"Scared? Why would I be? It's just hitting that target three times. How hard could it be?"
All the noble ladies erupted into rage at my words.
"Hey, are you sure you can even pull the bow?"
"What else to expect from a country bumpkin? No rules."
I tuned out their words and insults, drew my bow. First arrow: bullseye. Second arrow: bullseye.
At this point, all chatter had died down as everyone focused on my hands and the target in front of me.
Third bow. It slices through the air with insane speed and lands with a loud thud. Third arrow: bullseye.
The shock on their faces was satisfying beyond measure, but I said no words and simply made my way in.
"Your Royal Highness, I have won. I wonder what my reward shall be?"
"Impossible! There's no way you could do that! You must have cheated! You had to have cheated!"
I turn to Wanwan as if she were a fool—because quite frankly, I believe she is.
"So how exactly did I cheat, Wanwan? Don't make such false accusations in the presence of the Crown Prince. I believe it could classify as a capital crime."
"No, I— you must have— I just can't—"
"Wanwan, enough. Come here now," my father yells as my eldest brother drags her to the seat beside him.
Mother had warned them not to say anything today, and I believe that is the only reason they are remaining quiet.
Ever since the poisoning incident, there has been an unspoken tension between Wanwan and my brothers. And her actions today will most likely ruin her relationship with them completely. But that was the bed she chose, so she must lie in it.
"Impressive, Eldest Miss Su. How about as a reward, I bestow upon you the title of my secondary consort? How about that?"
"Su Jingxin respectfully rejects the reward."
"You are rejecting me? Why?"
"I am not worthy of such a high reward. His Highness recognizing my skills is already enough of a reward for me. Thank you, Your Royal Highness, for the excellent reward of recognition. Your loyal subject will always remember it in her heart."
I rise once I am done and try to make my way to my seat. From the corner of my eye, I spot two things: firstly, the smile on the Crown Prince's face seemed genuine for the first time this night; and secondly, Prince Zhenbei is grinding his teeth and clenching his fists in utter frustration.
Men are really a confusing species. Understanding them is the beginning of madness.
---
Drinks are brought out and served, and this is the moment I have been waiting for all night.
I watch as Wanwan and Meiying exchange a look and give a signal to a maid.
Liu Meiying stands up with her wine cup and raises it.
"A toast to you, Eldest Miss Su. Consider it my apology for underestimating you."
A maid then steps towards me and pours some wine for me. I look at it for a while before bringing it to my lips.
The game has officially started. It would be really rude of me not to play along.