Chapter 658: Chapter 494: Three Arrows Shot Together
For instance, if three arrows are shot simultaneously and all land in the mouth of the pot, that counts as a win, an undoubtedly challenging feat. Pitch-pot and archery share similarities, yet archery is more demanding, as it also relies on arm strength.
Gu Chengyu casually shot six arrows afterward, achieving a total of seven arrows in, with one piercing the left ear. This result was not too poor, and for Gu Chengyu, so long as he wasnât last, it was enough.
Because the last place comes with a penalty, which is a drink as punishment.
"Alas! Jinyu, your jade pendant has truly become someone elseâs." Zhu Pang expressed his regret, as he had shown some interest in that Blood Jade.
He originally thought of exchanging something with Gu Chengyu for it, as his mother would surely like its color.
Gu Chengyu smiled, "Todayâs gathering hides many hidden talents. You boasted before others, causing me to lose something so precious. You must compensate me afterward."
Gu Chengyu jokingly whispered, fulfilling his wish to hear Zhu Pangâs lament.
Zheng Lun feared Gu Chengyu might be disheartened or feel embarrassed and hurried over to comfort him.
"Heir Qin has been trained in martial arts since childhood and is very skilled in riding and archery. Itâs no surprise you lost." Actually, in Zheng Lunâs view, Gu Chengyuâs result was already quite good.
Gu Chengyu nodded; he wasnât eyeing those prizes.
Earlier, only Shao Lin and Min Fengâs results were better because they had pulled away. The othersâ results were less than ideal.
However, Min Fengâs face turned pale, realizing Gu Chengyu indeed had some skills. He somewhat regretted participating.
"Brother Lu, this time itâs your turn, right?" Gu Chengyu stepped back and stood in the corner of the pavilion.
Yu Ting, who had been scornful of Gu Chengyu, saw this and his eyes lit up. Wasnât this a good opportunity?
Lu Chen didnât decline this time, taking the arrow and casually shooting one.
Gu Chengyu observed that Lu Chen hadnât precisely aimed, yet the arrow still went into the pot mouth.
Gu Chengyu wasnât surprised; the first arrow didnât mean much.
Lu Chen glanced at the Blood Jade Peaceful Heart on the table, then took three arrows from the servantâs hand.
Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised this time. Could it be Lu Chen is preparing to shoot three arrows simultaneously?
Qin Min was taken aback when he glanced at Lu Chen, puzzled, wondering if this was serious.
He and Lu Chen had competed before, even often in archery.
Yet he always believed Lu Chen never exerted his full strength, holding back. Although he did the same, he wanted to know just how profound Lu Chenâs martial arts were.
Indeed, Lu Chen wasnât just a noble son indulging in food and entertainment; he was deeply hidden!
"Whatâs this? Preparing to shoot three arrows at once? Impossible, right?" someone quietly questioned.
"I think itâs true; otherwise, why take three arrows?" Zhou Yuewei looked serious, knowing little about Lu Chen.
Qin Min walked next to Gu Chengyu, looking at Lu Chen who was pitching the pot, saying, "Lu Chenâs riding and archery are excellent, and his martial arts foundation is solid. Perhaps he might even take the top spot today!"
Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised; he hadnât heard Lu Chen could do martial arts. He only knew Lu Chen often attended literary gatherings, thus assumed Lu Chen was academically inclined.
He previously wondered why Lu Chen wasnât taking the imperial examinations since he was the second son of Marquis Zhanâs Mansion. The Princely Heir was his elder brother, and the title wouldnât pass to him.
According to Heir Qin, Lu Chen might be following the military path. Qin Min had waited for an opportunity before; perhaps Lu Chen was also waiting for one.
Yu Ting thought his chance had come, not expecting Qin Min to suddenly walk over, standing right beside Gu Chengyu, blocking Yu Tingâs view of him.
Qin Minâs martial arts were not weak. Even if Yu Ting caused chaos and tried to push Gu Chengyu into the lake, Qin Min, being closer, made it unlikely. Those trained in martial arts are agile, with a high chance of stopping it.
Yu Ting had to give up this opportunity, seething with hatred inside.
Ji Mingxuan, watching Yu Ting stand still, secretly cursed him as a coward.
He glanced at Zhu Pang, who was not far from Gu Chengyu, thinking about how to make Zhu Pang suffer.
Suddenly, he had an idea. It was said Zhu Pangâs fiancĂ©e also came with her cousin to the flower appreciation event today. Ji Mingxuan smirked, having devised a clever plan.
However, this plan was somewhat challenging to execute and required Yu Tingâs assistance; he wouldnât get involved personally.
Just as Gu Chengyu and Qin Min were talking, Lu Chenâs three arrows accurately landed in the potâs mouth.
Those present gasped in amazement, as not many could shoot three arrows at once. Not only does it require keen vision, controlling the direction of three arrows is an incredibly difficult task!
"This is truly astonishing; I never imagined Mr. Lu could achieve this. Itâs unbelievable." Zhu Pang sincerely praised.
Qin Min bitterly smiled, seeing that his role as todayâs host was destined to lose face.
However, now that Lu Chen could pitch three arrows at once, what about archery?
Gu Chengyu felt that shooting three arrows at once wasnât anything surprising; he could do it too.
But today, he intended to conceal his abilities, so naturally, he wouldnât compete nor boast about it.
It seemed todayâs top spot was undoubtedly determined since Lu Chen, after shooting three at once, pitched two more, all landing in the pot mouth. Could it be he might even go unerringly today?
Among the women, the Eldest Princessâs face darkened slightly, but she didnât act on it.
In recent years, Marquis Zhanâs Mansion hadnât faced much suppression from the late Emperor. Previously, the old Marquis of Marquis Zhanâs Mansion retired early and handed over military power. The late Emperor respected him for his merits in supporting the throne and lack of greed for power.
In this generation, the Lu Family not only has many military generals but also numerous civil servants. Though they have no high-ranking officials, around twenty family members held official positions.
What a vast official family, moreover, with many marital connections, the Lu Familyâs influence in the court is substantial.
Moreover, the Mansion produced a Noble Consort, who is the venerated Marquisâs own sister, naturally offering some regard in the Emperorâs eyes.
By the time the court reacted, the Lu Family had already established deep roots within it.
Yet the Lu Family remained very low-key; even the Noble Consort now often recites scriptures, never seeking favor but still held in high esteem by the Emperor.
"This Palace has always seen the Second Young Master Lu as promising. How has the Marchioness not secured an official post for him?"
The Eldest Princess smiled, addressing a lady clad in grape-purple brocade and branches not far away.
"Your Highness, my son is accustomed to freedom, somewhat disliking constraints, unlike Heir Qin who is so responsible," Marchioness Qu responded, a slight hint of gentle worry appearing on her face.
The Eldest Princess saw this, and her displeasure dissipated somewhat.
"This Palace sees he is quite capable indeed. Nevertheless, a good man ought to bear responsibilities. He should find a position and assist the Emperor in sharing the burdens."
The Eldest Princess looked at her daughter beside her, seemingly forming an idea.