Ancient Love for His Majesty
Ep2: Whispers of the Bow
A year prior, the air in the Imperial Academy crackled with anticipation.
The annual examinations loomed, and I, found myself buried beneath a mountain of scrolls, desperately trying to memorize the intricate details of Confucian philosophy and imperial edicts.
The weight of expectation pressed heavily upon me. Not only was I expected to excel in my studies, but I also had to maintain my reputation as a skilled archer, a deft embroiderer, and a culinary artist.
The pressure was immense, but I thrived on it. Or so I told myself.
The hushed whispers of my classmates, usually a dull background hum to my studies, suddenly piqued my interest. They huddled in a corner of the library, their voices laced with excitement and speculation.
Young lady Wei #1
Did you hear? Lady Li is already practicing her stance,
Young lady Zhang #2
Her embroidery skills are unmatched, but her archery… well, let's just say she relies more on luck than skill,
Another replied, earning a chorus of suppressed laughter.
Intrigued, I leaned closer, feigning interest in a particularly dense passage on the virtues of filial piety.
Qin Meixin
What are you all discussing?
I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Lady Wei, a sweet-faced girl with a penchant for gossip, turned to me, her eyes wide.
Young lady Wei #1
Meixin, you haven't heard? The Imperial Archery Ceremony! It's being held next month, during the Emperor's birthday celebrations.
I frowned, my brow furrowing in confusion.
Qin Meixin
The Imperial Archery Ceremony? I don't recall any mention of it in the official announcements.
A wave of knowing glances passed between my classmates. Lady Zhang, a sharp-tongued girl known for her ambition, stepped forward.
Young lady Zhang #2
It's not an official event, per se. It's more of a… private competition, organized by the Empress Dowager. Only the most skilled ladies of the court are invited to participate.
My heart skipped a beat. A private competition, judged by the Empress Dowager herself? This was an opportunity to showcase my skills, to elevate my family's standing in the court. But why hadn't I heard about it?
I said, trying to mask my surprise.
Qin Meixin
And what exactly does this ceremony entail?
Young lady Wei #1
Archery, of course,
Young lady Wei #1
But also displays embroidery, calligraphy, and even culinary skills. It's a chance to demonstrate one's overall refinement and talent.
My mind raced. Archery, embroidery, cookery… these were all areas in which I excelled. But the fact that I had been kept in the dark troubled me.
Was I not considered worthy of an invitation? Had my skills been underestimated?
Qin Meixin
It sounds… interesting,
Qin Meixin
I suppose I should return to my studies. The examinations are far more important than a frivolous competition.
But as I turned back to my scrolls, my mind was far from the teachings of Confucius. The whispers of the Imperial Archery Ceremony echoed in my ears, planting a seed of doubt and ambition in my heart.
Why hadn't I been informed? And more importantly, what could I do to ensure that I would be invited?
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