No one could have anticipated that Wen Yuesheng would manage to pierce through the rixin (Sun Gong) with a single arrow!

This was no ordinary target; it was the rixin of the Zhuori competition. Many seasoned generals had failed to even hit it, let alone break through it entirely.

A mere hit could be attributed to luck or a glancing shot, but piercing the gong outright was unprecedented in the history of the Three-Army Tournament.

The crowd was stunned.

Some in attendance had witnessed her prowess at polo before, but polo was vastly different from archery. Prince Wei Yangwang was an excellent polo player, yet he still missed his first two arrows during the Zhuori.

Furthermore, everyone knew of her remarkable horsemanship, but before loosing the arrow, Wen Yuesheng hadn’t even driven her horse into a gallop.

Unlike the other generals who charged around the field, she had only completed half a lap—most of which was spent leisurely strolling.

Such precision and power left the audience speechless.

Even the loyal Marquis Zhongyong, who had always held Wen Yuesheng in high regard, hadn’t expected her performance to be this stunning.

Standing beside him, Wu Yong was momentarily breathless.

When he finally spoke, he blurted, “I wonder if thePrincess Guard is still recruiting?”

Marquis Zhongyong: ?

Wu Yong, his expression serious, added, “Do you think it’s too late for me to apprentice under the County Princess?”

Her skill was enviable to anyone with ambition or a martial heart.

Previously, Wen Yuesheng had only mentored Zhang Yulin, but Zhang Yulin was inherently gifted with immense natural strength.

Many had assumed her role in guiding Zhang Yulin was primarily to steady his mind and help him harness his innate abilities.

But now, in hindsight, was that truly the case?

As those on the high platform processed what they had witnessed, many were deeply shaken.

Wen Yuesheng’s golden waist badge had previously been met with skepticism, but after today’s extraordinary performance, no one could utter a single word of doubt.

In fact, the cleverest among them had already begun recalculating their plans.

Among them, Wen Xun’s emotions were undoubtedly the most conflicted.

He had no idea when Wen Yuesheng had mastered such exceptional archery, nor could he fathom how she had transformed into someone so formidable.

What stung the most was that her achievements had nothing to do with him.

The harsh words he had thrown when leaving the Princess’ Mansion were now like loud slaps reverberating in his own ears.

Wen Yuesheng had truly risen without any support from her father or brothers in the court.

She had only needed herself to carve out her place and seize authority.

Especially now, with Haozhou watching like a predator.

Though peace talks were ongoing, everyone understood this was merely a stalling tactic.

In such times, someone capable of producing top-tier generals was precisely what Dahui desperately needed.

Wen Yuesheng was poised to be a pivotal figure in future changes.

Wen Xun’s expression shifted repeatedly, his feelings a tangled mix.

Meanwhile, the emperor had risen to his feet, clapping enthusiastically and exclaiming, “Excellent!”

When the emperor himself applauded, no one else could remain seated.

Everyone on the platform stood, gazing at the cool and composed figure atop her horse, slowly approaching under the blazing sun.

The court eunuch announced loudly, “Guard Army, direct hit on the Sun Gong—”

The gathered officials wore complex expressions.

It wasn’t merely a direct hit—it was a complete penetration.

Prince Wei Yangwang, seated among the lower ranks with Xiao Jin and Prince Hengguang to either side, clapped languidly, a faint smile on his lips.

“Life truly is amusing,” he remarked. “Those who once dismissed Si Ning after the Eldest Aunt passed away, favoring others instead, even indulging their mistreatment of her, likely never imagined she’d have such a day.”

He glanced at Xiao Jin and Prince Hengguang as he spoke.

Xiao Jin’s gaze remained fixed on Wen Yuesheng, his eyes deep with emotion, offering no reply.

Prince Hengguang, on the other hand, frowned darkly and muttered, “It’s just a small skill—hardly worth such praise.”

“Xiao Yin, don’t forget,” he added sharply, “this empire belongs to the Xiao clan.”

Prince Wei Yangwang chuckled derisively at that.

Listening to his elder brother, one might think the Xiao clan’s dominance was already a foregone conclusion.

Even so, Prince Hengguang’s expression betrayed his unease.

For him, some people simply couldn’t be allowed to align with others, nor could they be ignored.

Previously, this mindset applied to Zhang Yulin; now it included Wen Yuesheng.

Her rise came after their tensions had escalated—an added sting to his already sour mood.

After the ceremony, a banquet was held in the palace.

Once most of the guests had left the high platform, Wen Yuesheng emerged from the hall.

As soon as she stepped out, she noticed Prince Hengguang staring coldly in her direction.

The Lu siblings had already left for the palace banquet, leaving Wen Yuesheng accompanied only by Gu Yu.

She wiped her hands without looking sideways and prepared to walk past Prince Hengguang.

But he sneered coldly, “Si Ning, it seems I underestimated you before.”

Wen Yuesheng paused her steps slightly and looked up at him.

Prince Hengguang’s leg injury wasn’t severe; he could already walk with a cane.

Yet, he remained seated in a wheelchair, pushed by a servant behind him.

“There’s one thing you should consider carefully,” Prince Hengguang said with a mocking smile. “Not just the present, but the future as well. You’ve already offended Xiao Shen.”

Xiao Shen referred to Prince Jingkang, who was currently said to be bedridden.

“If you continue to oppose me, your only option will be Xiao Jin,” Prince Hengguang added, his gaze turning even darker and more menacing.

Gu Yu felt a twinge of discomfort.

Yesterday, she had overheard Wen Yuesheng and the others discussing Prince Hengguang.

Lately, Prince Hengguang had faced several setbacks, including a scolding in the palace a few days ago.

Rumor had it that after returning to his residence, three of his retainers had suddenly died.

Lu Qinghuai had once commented, “If the throne changes hands and he ascends, he’ll surely be a tyrannical ruler.”

At the time, it was just idle chatter.

But now, facing Prince Hengguang directly, Gu Yu couldn’t help but think Lu Qinghuai’s assessment was spot on.

“You burned your bridges the day you annulled the engagement,” Prince Hengguang said coldly, glaring at Wen Yuesheng. “If you insist on opposing me, your fate will inevitably be death.”

Prince Hengguang was known for his ruthless and violent nature, backed by the Empress Dowager.

Although Wen Yuesheng was a princess, to someone like him, members of the imperial family were either useful or adversaries.

His methods of controlling officials were simple: reward those who obeyed and punish those who didn’t. Rewards came in the form of gifts and honors, while punishment often meant breaking bones until compliance was achieved.

He acknowledged Wen Yuesheng’s capabilities but didn’t see her as a significant threat.

To him, her actions had cornered herself.

Life was longer than a few decades. When the dynasty inevitably shifted, everything would be re-evaluated.

Her fate remained firmly in the hands of the imperial family.

As a royal, Prince Hengguang understood better than anyone that imperial power reigned supreme.

Wen Yuesheng’s current utility stemmed solely from the Emperor’s needs. Unlike the Xiao clan, who were true stewards of the empire, she was dispensable.

“Remember, tread carefully in the future,” he said, raising his hand to signal his attendant to wheel him away.

But just as he turned, Wen Yuesheng’s voice rang out behind him, “The same advice applies to you, my lord.”

Prince Hengguang halted and looked back at her.

Her cold, emotionless eyes met his as she said evenly, “Sun Qi—wasn’t he recommended by you, my lord?”

Prince Hengguang’s expression darkened.

Sun Qi was the officer executed by Wen Yuesheng at the northern military training grounds after being exposed as a spy.

Sun Qi’s execution and Princess Furui’s confinement had seemingly concluded the matter.

After all, Sun Qi was indeed acting under Princess Furui’s orders.

However, after leaving the training grounds, Wen Yuesheng had someone investigate Sun Qi.

The investigation revealed that Sun Qi’s recommendation came from none other than Prince Hengguang.

Sun Qi, though mediocre in both academics and martial arts, had one notable trait: his surname—Sun.

The late wife of Zhou Yuandu, who had fallen from grace, was also a Sun.

Not only that, but Sun had a living younger brother, Sun Mingyuan, currently the Vice Minister of Works.

When Zhou Yuandu’s wife and daughter angered the Emperor, leading to Zhou Yuandu’s demotion, Sun Mingyuan had distanced himself, refraining from offering any assistance.

Sun Mingyuan’s calculated indifference preserved his position but exposed his character.

Interestingly, after his demotion, Zhou Yuandu entrusted his wife and daughter to Wen Yuesheng instead of seeking help from the Sun family.

Sun Qi was appointed to the northern training grounds through Sun Mingyuan’s recommendation, specifically to serve Prince Hengguang’s interests.

Prince Hengguang sneered.

The assassination attempt was over; even if she knew Sun Qi was his man, what could she do?

Before he could respond, Wen Yuesheng said calmly, “Embezzlement, bribery, and selling official positions—how should such crimes be handled, my lord?”