ALL NOVEL Chapter 300: Let Skills Speak
The ladies moved to the backyard of the Guo Residence, a sprawling area adorned with lush greenery and trees, with plants nestled near the outer walls of the residence. The vast expanse of the Guo Residence's backyard spoke volumes about their wealth and status in society.
In the backyard, the servants had meticulously prepared for the archery competition. Two large target wooden boards, adorned with circular markings, awaited participants. The central marking, highlighted in red, stood out prominently.
Given the vastness of the Guo Residence's backyard, the two wooden target boards were strategically positioned a considerable distance from the starting point, where arrows and bows were neatly arranged.
The servants who had accompanied their masters, earlier delighting in the refreshments, had efficiently cleared the area and assisted in setting up for the game. Now, they stood in the corner, eagerly awaiting the start of the competition, ready to cheer for their masters.
Among them, Xiaowei, standing with the other maids, couldn't help but smile secretly as she observed her lady standing there nonchalantly as if the event was a routine occurrence. While others might not be aware, Xiaowei had witnessed Yang Ning's exceptional archery skills.
She didn't know when or how her lady acquired such polished skills, but she was confident that no one could beat Yang Ning in today's archery game. While others boasted about their masters, Xiaowei stood silently, letting Yang Ning's skills do all the talking. She anticipated their boastful claims would soon be silenced.
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All the ladies gathered in a circular formation near the starting point, awaiting Guo Yurong's explanation of the game's rules. Guo Yurong, standing on the sturdy wooden porch, observed everyone's curious expressions from the elevated position.
She addressed the group with her usual cold and indifferent demeanor, explaining, "The rules of the game are simple. Among the 12 of us, Madam Liu and I will be overseeing the proceedings to ensure everyone follows the rules."
"Out of the remaining 10 ladies, we will form 5 teams of 2. Each team will have 10 shots. After the initial round, the two teams with the highest number of targeted shots, closest to the center target, will compete against each other. The winning team will receive the promised prize. Since it's a team game, both members will receive a prize.
However, the one with the most winning shots will also get a surprise gift. So, get excited for that." Her announcement sparked chaotic discussions among everyone, eager to learn about the surprise gift for the highest scorer.
"For the teams, you can create them yourselves. No restrictions," Guo Yurong added, leaving the decision of team formation to the participants. She didn't want the responsibility of pairing contestants and potentially facing accusations of bias.
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The ladies exchanged glances and frowned uncomfortably. Those skilled at archery worried about having an incompetent partner who might hinder their chances of winning. Meanwhile, those less skilled couldn't help but feel concerned about dragging down their partner.
After Guo Yurong's announcement, the ladies began forming groups. Zhu Yating partnered with Lady Shen, who had earlier spoken against Yang Ning and shared Zhu Yating's disdain for her. Zhu Yating chose Lady Shen as her partner not because she was the best at archery, but because she possessed a basic understanding of the game, which would be helpful to Zhu Yating.
Zhu Yating didn't want an exceptionally skilled partner, fearing they might overshadow her or showcase their talents. Instead, she preferred someone who would listen to her directions and not hinder her game.
Soon, everyone organized into groups, and only two individuals remained without partners—Yang Ning and Jiang Yi, a lady who had attended Yang Ning's tea party. Yang Ning wasn't selected as a partner because others were uncertain about her archery skills.
Most people were meeting her for the first time, and her infrequent participation in tea parties contributed to the lack of familiarity with her abilities. This uncertainty made everyone apprehensive, concerned that teaming up with her might result in awkwardness and jeopardize their chances of winning.
As for Jiang Yi, despite her good reputation, she carried an image of being soft and easily influenced. Her admission of excitement to play the game, having only observed her husband play and never participated herself, implied a low likelihood of her excelling.
Her honest words about her lack of experience made everyone hesitant, fearing that her limited archery skills might drag down the overall performance of the team.
Yang Ning, standing on the side with her hands folded in front of her chest, observed everyone forming pairs. Her gaze landed on Jiang Yi, who appeared out of place, standing awkwardly alone. Yang Ning smiled at her and said, "Looks like it's just us two left. Seems we're destined to be partners. Let's do our best." She extended her hand for a handshake.
Jiang Yi stared at Yang Ning in confusion, wondering what she wanted. Does she expect me to give her my bracelet as a thank-you gift? she pondered.
Observing Jiang Yi's confusion, Yang Ning sighed, realizing that the concept of a handshake was unfamiliar in this world. While Xiaowei and Zheng Liang had grown accustomed to her unconventional actions, Jiang Yi, encountering Yang Ning for the second time, found herself perplexed.
Without explanation, Yang Ning held Jiang Yi's hand with her other hand and compelled her to shake hands by using her right hand to shake Jiang Yi's left hand. "Shaking hands seals the deal. Now, you cannot back out from this promise and must do your best. Alright? Let's go," Yang Ning encouraged.
Jiang Yi blushed shyly and nodded, "Oh! Thank you for your cooperation, Your Highness. However, I'm afraid of bringing you down. I worry that you might lose this game because of me."
Yang Ning shook her head, smiling meaningfully, "Don't worry. When it comes to archery, no one can bring me down."
Jiang Yi raised her brows in confusion, "Ah? What do you—"
"Nothing! Let's stretch our bodies and fingers. You don't want to get a cramp later in your hands, do you?" Yang Ning said, pulling Jiang Yi to the side and demonstrating how to stretch. Confused but feeling obligated to follow the Crown Princess's lead, Jiang Yi mimicked her actions, engaging in some peculiar exercises in public.
The others, engrossed in discussing their strategies, frowned upon witnessing Yang Ning and Jiang Yi's unconventional stretching.
"What are they doing? So embarrassing."
"She's the Crown Princess but doesn't even know how to carry herself in public gatherings. She might not be as bad as the rumors, but she truly doesn't deserve to be the Crown Princess," the ladies whispered to each other.
Zhu Yating observed them and scoffed, remarking, "Birds of a feather flock together, don't they? A pair of losers indeed." She shook her head in mock and resumed discussing her strategies to win the game with Lady Shen.
"Lady Shen, we have to win this game at any cost. So when playing, be serious and concentrate only on the target. If you get distracted, you'll make me lose a point. So be serious and don't act like you usually do. Alright?"
Lady Shen pursed her lips at Zhu Yating's words. Despite being good friends, Zhu Yating's detached and cold demeanor today rubbed her the wrong way. What does she mean by 'don't act like you usually do'? Is she implying that usually, she isn't serious about things?