The Yan Archery Banquet finally began amidst the great anticipation of the people of the capital.
Early that morning, the entire capital was bustling with activity, and people everywhere could be seen excitedly discussing the matter.
Many people even argued over who would win, and set up gambling dens.
Although it was called a gambling game, it was basically focused on the soldiers of the Great Jin side, with everyone united against an unprecedented external threat.
Even more, they meticulously analyzed how the Great Jin could achieve victory more quickly this time and thoroughly humiliate the Tuyuhun people.
Even Liu'er was excited to enter the palace with Jiang Yimian; it was rare to see such enthusiasm on her face.
Jiang Yimian, however, remained unusually silent, not because she wasn't very interested in the outcome of the archery banquet.
It was simply because of the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Marquis of Anding that her expectations for the archery banquet were focused on these two people.
However, the sight of people excitedly discussing the event everywhere piqued her interest in the upcoming archery banquet.
After all, this is a great event for the Great Jin Dynasty, especially since this is the first time Wei Jinghai has brought back a letter of peace from Tuyuhun. If they can defeat the Tuyuhun people at the Yan Archery Banquet, it will be a great encouragement to the people and soldiers of the Great Jin Dynasty.
When the carriage arrived at the palace gate, there were already quite a few carriages parked outside, all kinds of them, and it was quite a spectacular sight.
Jiang Yimian took Liu'er into the palace. They rode in a palanquin through several palaces before finally arriving at the martial arts arena.
By now, quite a few people had arrived at the training ground.
The huge training ground was packed with people, and the air was filled with the sounds of greetings. Many people gathered in twos and threes to talk, and occasionally you could hear people talking about Jiang Yimian, mostly to some of the Tuyuhun people present.
Seeing the increasingly grim expressions on the faces of the Tuyuhun people only made them feel more satisfied.
Jiang Yimian found it somewhat amusing and didn't pay much attention to it.
Liu'er, standing to the side, was filled with excitement. She lowered her voice and whispered, "Let those Tuyuhun people be arrogant. They'll weaken their morale before the competition even starts. Our Great Jin will definitely win."
She was very confident about the upcoming archery banquet. Zhao Xiaonian had also calculated the outcome in the mansion these past few days, and it was certain that their Great Jin would win the banquet.
She hadn't really believed in Zhao Xiaonian's fortune-telling in the past, but this time she trusted him completely.
As soon as Chen Feiyan saw the two of them, she happily came over and said, "Yimian, have you heard? The Empress Dowager will also be coming to the martial arts arena this time."
It's been a long time since we've heard of the Empress Dowager attending any banquets. The fact that she's actually coming to this archery banquet suggests she has a lot of confidence in the Jin army.
Liu'er nodded repeatedly, about to agree, when she heard a dissatisfied voice.
"Of course we're confident. The princess deliberately poisoned us just for this day, isn't she?"
Amu Ren followed Aguzan toward Jiang Yimian and the others, his face full of anger and his eyes wide open.
In the past, his appearance would have scared away many people.
Today, however, his face was covered with small scratches, and his neck was wrapped in bandages, making him look rather strange. This made the terrifying feeling less intense and even a little comical.
Seeing this, Liu'er almost burst out laughing, but she held back and then nervously hid behind Jiang Yimian and chuckled.
Seeing this, Jiang Yimian could only shake her head helplessly, her gaze falling on Amuren, and said indifferently, "I don't know if all Tuyuhun people are like you, who like to slander people at will."
I have no idea about poisoning. If I really wanted you dead, I wouldn't need to poison you.
Besides, I hit you that day simply because you deserved it.
If it weren't for the negative impact of killing someone in the street, she definitely wouldn't have shown any mercy.
Upon hearing this, Amu Ren's face turned ashen with anger, and he roared, "You're the one who deserves a beating! Don't think that just because I'm injured I can't do anything to you!"
As he spoke, he continued rushing towards Jiang Yimian.
Aguzan gave him a cold look, and he lowered his head and stood down next to Aguzan again, but his eyes were still full of anger, clearly showing his unwillingness.
Aguzan ignored him and just smiled at Jiang Yimian, his handsome face showing his usual allure. "You really are quick-witted, much more interesting than the rumors suggest."
He had already witnessed it last time, but this time it gave him a new understanding.
Jiang Yimian merely glanced at him and said indifferently, "If the Second Prince has nothing else, I'll take my leave."
After saying that, he turned to leave.
Aguzan suddenly laughed, and as she passed by, he lowered his voice and said, "There should be quite a show to watch in the capital soon, Princess. You mustn't miss it. I'm really looking forward to it!"
After saying that, he gave her a meaningful look and then left with his men.
Jiang Yimian frowned, watching the figure walk away, somewhat confused about the meaning of what the person had said.
What kind of show is this? Is it related to Tuyuhun, or the Marquis of Anding, or the King of Chu?
While they were still in a daze, the voice of the eunuch announcing the news came from outside.
"His Majesty has arrived."
"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."
Amidst a series of announcements, everyone in the training ground knelt down to pay their respects.
Only when the emperor sat on a high platform not far from the competition stage and smiled, telling everyone to dispense with formalities, did the ministers take their seats.
At that moment, the sound of drums resounded from the high platform where the competition was taking place. The magnificent sound ignited the enthusiasm of everyone in the arena.
Several young men in their prime brandished swords and halberds on a high platform, while honor guard soldiers wearing red headscarves beat drums vigorously, showcasing the strength of the younger generation of the Great Jin Dynasty.
The musicians on the side also began to play at the right time, and the sound of drums instantly made the quiet training ground lively.
Jiang Yimian's gaze, however, fell on the high platform.
The young emperor sat in the center, with the empress to his left and several concubines and young princes below him.
The Empress Dowager was seated to the right, towards the back.
Despite being in her forties, she still looked radiant and showed no signs of aging. Her palace attire exuded just the right amount of majesty, and her hair ornaments were simple. Her overall demeanor was kind and gentle.
He was talking to Xie Yu, who was standing next to him.
He looks like a kind and loving elder, and it's hard to believe he would have any connection with the Marquis of Anding.
Jiang Yimian quickly looked away and gazed at Lu Cijian in the crowd.
The young man was wearing the official robes of the Censorate today, sitting with a group of ministers, but he attracted a lot of attention.
He was staring blankly at the platform, lost in thought.
Perhaps noticing someone watching him, he turned around and met Jiang Yimian's gaze.
He smiled slightly, indicating that she shouldn't worry, and he remained quite calm.
Jiang Yimian then withdrew her gaze and casually glanced at the crowd, and sure enough, she saw the Marquis of Anding.
Logically speaking, he was ordered by His Majesty to rest at his residence, and could have easily used this as an excuse not to come today. But since he came, it proves that he must be meeting or contacting the Empress Dowager.
I just don't know when these two will meet.
Just then, the drumming sound from the high platform also stopped.
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