"Whoosh!" Xin Rui shot an arrow, hitting the bullseye red dot!

"Great!" the crowd cheered.

Not to be outdone, Xiao Chengrui spurred his horse forward, drew his bow and nocked an arrow with fluid movements, and also hit the target with a single shot!

"A tie! Another tie!" Qi Mingyue shouted, jumping up and down. "Brother, Cousin Rui, let's have another match!"

Xiao Chengji and Xiao Chengyu arrived unnoticed and stood under the pavilion watching. Xiao Chengji nodded slightly: "Rui'er's riding and archery have improved more and more. Xin Rui is also good, quite like his uncle back in the day."

Xiao Chengyu held a handkerchief and fanned himself gently, laughing, "When Second Brother and Cousin Rui meet, it's like Mars colliding with Earth. It'll probably never end until a winner is decided."

Sure enough, Xiao Chengrui and Xin Rui exchanged a glance and both saw the fighting spirit in each other's eyes.

“Brother Rui, what’s the point of just shooting at the target? How about something more exciting?” Xiao Chengrui shouted.

"What's there to be afraid of? Tell me!" Xin Rui reined in his horse, his spirit soaring.

Xiao Chengrui pointed to the wooden frames and low walls used for obstacle course practice on the sidelines: "Use these as obstacles. You and I will start at the same time, each acting as the 'enemy,' using wooden swords and spears as weapons. The first to hit the other three times wins! How about it?" This was almost a simulated real combat exercise.

Xin Rui's eyes lit up: "Great idea! Let's do it!"

The guards quickly cleared the area and inspected the equipment, making sure the wooden weapons were free of splinters. Xiao Chengji did not stop them, but simply gave the guard commander a look, signaling him to strengthen the defenses.

At the command, two steeds charged into the obstacle course like arrows released from a bow! Instantly, the sound of hooves thundered, dust billowed, and the clash of wooden swords and spears filled the air! The two warriors maneuvered and dodged within the limited space, using the obstacles to chase and intercept each other. Their actions were thrilling and exciting, eliciting gasps of admiration from the spectators.

Xiao Chengrui was brave and aggressive, launching fierce attacks; Xin Rui, on the other hand, was more experienced and adept at using the environment and techniques to maneuver. After several rounds, both of them had taken a few blows, but they fought with increasing ferocity.

"Bang!" After a fierce exchange, the two men's wooden swords were locked together, and their horses almost reared up!

"Good lad! Your strength has improved!" Xin Rui laughed, his eyes full of admiration.

"Brother Rui! Watch out!" Xiao Chengrui was also extremely excited and forcefully pushed away.

In the end, Xin Rui used a clever feint to lure Xiao Chengrui into revealing a weakness, and the tip of his wooden knife lightly touched his breastplate.

"Third time! Xin Rui wins!" the guard acting as referee announced loudly.

Xiao Chengrui, panting heavily, looked regretful but mostly triumphant. He shook his sore and numb arms and said cheerfully, "Cousin Rui, you're still the best! I'll definitely beat you next time!"

Xin Rui jumped off his horse, reached out to pull him down, and put his arm around his shoulder: "Alright! I'm ready anytime! You've improved too fast, kid. In another two years, I'm afraid I won't be able to beat you!"

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter, their fierce competition instantly transforming into mutual respect. Sweat and dust mingled on their youthful, spirited faces, radiating the purest youthful vigor.

Qi Mingyue ran over, handed Xin Rui a handkerchief, and then gave Xiao Chengrui a reproachful look: "Second brother, all you know how to do is act recklessly! Look at you covered in dirt!"

Xiao Chengrui chuckled, completely unconcerned.

Xiao Chengji and Xiao Chengyu also came over. Xiao Chengji said, "That's right. Cousin Rui has the advantage of experience, while Rui'er has the advantage of vigor. In the future, on the battlefield, the two must combine their strengths to defeat the enemy."

Xiao Chengyu handed over a water pouch and said softly, "Second Brother, Cousin Rui, quickly drink some water and rest."

Little Yue'er timidly handed over two clean handkerchiefs.

The boys and girls huddled together, drinking water, wiping their sweat, and discussing the competition they had just finished; the atmosphere was warm and lively. Sunlight filtered through the rising dust, outlining their energetic and hopeful figures.

**(III) Secrets in the Painting Hall, Whispers Among Sisters**

Compared to the bustling martial arts arena, the painted hall in the side hall of Kunning Palace appears tranquil and elegant.

Xiao Chengyu was sitting in front of the embroidery frame by the window, her slender fingers holding a silver needle, embroidering a "Painting of Orchids and Bamboo" on the plain white satin. Her expression was focused, and her technique was skillful, clearly showing that she had a good grasp of this art. On the small table beside her were several open collections of poetry and musical scores.

Qi Mingyue and Xiao Yue'er sat on the carpet to the side, fiddling with a set of exquisite glass chess pieces. Mingyue made her moves quickly, with her usual nimbleness, while Xiao Yue'er frowned, thinking for a long time before carefully making her next move.

"Sister Yu, your orchid embroidery is so beautiful, it's almost as if you can smell its fragrance," Mingyue exclaimed, looking up at the embroidery frame.

Xiao Chengyu smiled slightly, his hands still moving: "Just killing time when I have nothing else to do. Not as good as you, Mingyue. I heard that your uncle has already started having you manage some of the shop's accounts?"

Mingyue proudly raised her chin: "That's right! Father says I have talent, I can calculate on the abacus faster than many old accountants! It's just that Mother always nags that as a girl, I should learn needlework to calm my mind and cultivate my character." As she spoke, she made a face, "I can't sit still, those threads make my eyes dizzy."

Little Yue'er said in a soft voice, "Sister Mingyue is amazing. I'm not so good at it; I get dizzy just looking at numbers. It's much more interesting to learn about herbs from my mother." Influenced by her mother, Xin Kui, she showed a strong interest in medicine.

Xiao Chengyu put down her needlework, picked up a round fan and gently waved it, gazing out the window with a hint of the hazy thoughts unique to a girl her age: "Everyone has their own ambitions. Father and Mother often say that we shouldn't be bound by worldly views. Mingyue is good at business, which is a good thing. Yue'er is knowledgeable in medicine and can help people. As for me... perhaps I'm more suited to reading and embroidering, and in the future..." She paused, her cheeks slightly flushed, and didn't finish her sentence.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!