Now I really have to marry the princess.

Chapter 102 Empress Zhangsun, quite troubled

Yang Zhengdao smiled and patted Li Hui on the shoulder: "This is feasible! We'll plan it out again later."

After saying that, Yang Zhengdao ignored Li Hui's delighted expression and went to practice his archery skills.

There were no lectures scheduled for today; the training continued with archery and horsemanship.

His archery skills have reached a completion rate of 9/10.

If you hurry, you may be able to complete the advancement and reach mastery of archery by this morning.

Yang Zhengdao is very much looking forward to this.

He was curious whether, if he became proficient in archery, he could possess the divine skill of Lü Bu shooting the halberd at the gate, or accomplish the feat of Xue Rengui pacifying the Tianshan Mountains with three arrows.

Nock the bow, draw the string, and release the arrow.

He discovered that as his progress improved, he could find that focused feeling of watching someone fix a horse's hoof more and more quickly.

Cheng Chubi had previously said that his state of mind was called unity of spirit and will, and harmony between mind and hand, a state of mind that was especially rare.

When Cheng Chubi said this, his words were full of bitterness and envy.

Yang Zhengdao simply laughed it off. He didn't think he was some kind of martial arts prodigy; he just had a system.

If he were to learn martial arts techniques that hadn't been unlocked by the system, he certainly wouldn't be able to achieve this state.

He shot arrow after arrow, and after finishing a quiver of arrows, Yang Zhengdao rested briefly before continuing to practice.

When the captain led everyone to the Imperial Horse Park, Yang Zhengdao specifically asked Xu Shiji for permission to continue practicing archery.

Xu Shiji narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Do you sense something?"

Yang Zhengdao didn't know how to explain, so he could only nod.

Xu Shiji then waved to Jiang Cheng and told him to plant the horse spear in the ground a hundred paces away.

Then he solemnly ordered Yang Zhengdao, "You may only shoot the spear shaft; otherwise, practice shooting until the evening drum."

After saying this, Xu Shiji left with the others.

Jiang Cheng brought over seven or eight quivers of arrows with a grin, then patted Yang Zhengdao on the shoulder and went to rest under the eaves.

Yang Zhengdao was left alone in the warm breeze, feeling utterly bewildered.

The lance is eighteen feet long, and the shaft is extremely flexible; it will swing with just a gentle breeze.

Looking at the swaying spear shaft a hundred paces away, Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but twitch his lips.

He drew his bow again, nocked the arrow, aimed, and released it.

Unsurprisingly, the arrow grazed the swaying spear shaft.

How could that possibly hit?!

Yang Zhengdao felt a surge of irritation.

He then realized that as long as he focused on practicing archery, whether he hit the target or not would not affect his progress in advancing his archery skills.

Once I calmed down, that feeling of watching someone fix a horse's hoof quickly returned.

He stopped calculating how many more arrows he needed to advance, and he paid no attention to the rising sun.

He simply followed his usual shooting rhythm, shooting one quiver of arrows, stretching his arms, and then shooting the next.

The shadow on the ground gradually shortened. Yang Zhengdao raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead and continued to nock the arrow.

But the moment he drew his bow, he suddenly realized that this time was different.

The spear shaft a hundred paces away seemed to become clearer, and even its swaying trajectory seemed to slow down.

Everything around was quiet.

The sound of the wind disappeared, the birdsong faded away, and even his own breathing and heartbeat were silenced.

All he could see was the swaying spear shaft and the invisible line between the arrow and it.

He released the bowstring naturally, as if it were the natural course of events, without even glancing at the arrow that had flown away.

"beep!"

Unsurprisingly, the arrow struck the swaying spear shaft squarely.

The entire lance vibrated and hummed.

Immediately, a line of information popped into my mind.

[Mastered archery skills, advanced level complete]

Jiang Cheng suddenly sat up from under the eaves, staring blankly at the arrow on the spear shaft that swayed with it, and remained in a daze for a long time.

"Brother, how did you do that!"

Perhaps he was too shocked to realize that he had called Yang Zhengdao by his previous name.

Yang Zhengdao waved his hand dismissively: "Nothing special, just practice makes perfect."

We must not be arrogant! We must not be proud!

Lu Bu shot an arrow at the halberd at the gate, but only from 150 paces away, hitting a small branch on the halberd.

But the corners of his mouth were already uncontrollably turning up.

He glanced at the sun, which was already high in the sky, and smiled at Jiang Cheng, saying, "With Duke Cao's military order successfully completed, Lieutenant Jiang can now go and eat in the corridor with peace of mind."

Jiang Cheng quickly composed himself and bowed, saying, "Excellent! Excellent! Young Master Yang, let's go together."

Yang Zhengdao smiled mysteriously: "I probably don't need to go!"

Just as Jiang Cheng was wondering, a palace eunuch dressed in a dark green robe turned around the palace gate and walked towards them.

Yang Zhengdao's guess was indeed correct.

The visitor was none other than Eunuch Jian.

After Empress Zhangsun saw the manuscript of the first volume of "Lianpingchun" last time, she summoned him to the Lizheng Hall for a talk.

Having seen his "Story of the Stone," written specifically for young women and wives of the Tang Dynasty, there was no reason not to summon him again.

Yang Zhengdao smiled and cupped his hands to Jiang Chengkuan, and invited Jiang Chengkuan to visit the hot spring bathhouse when he had time.

Jiang Cheng was naturally very much looking forward to it, and couldn't help but hint again: "There might be an opportunity after the martial arts training at the Martial Virtue Hall is over."

This is no longer a hint!

Yang Zhengdao knew that if Jiang Cheng said "there might be a chance," it was almost certain that they would be working together again.

This indicates that Li Er has already finalized his position.

With nine days left until the end of the month-long martial arts training at the Wude Hall, Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but feel excited.

This is his first time being a civil servant, both in his past and present lives.

This small step was truly hard-won.

Historically, Yang Zhengdao held only one minor official position as Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and one official position as Imperial Wardrobe Attendant with no real power.

Now, whether it's an eighth-rank or ninth-rank position, as long as it's a substantive post, it's more promising than the fifth-rank position of Shangyiju Fengyu.

Seeing the smile on Yang Zhengdao's face, the eunuch Jian, who was leading the way, couldn't help but tease, "Young Master Yang, is there some good news?"

"I am overjoyed to hear that Your Highness has summoned me and will surely provide me with lunch."

The eunuch smiled awkwardly, but for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

This young master Yang is quite frank, expressing his intention to eat in such a way. I don't know whether to say he is ignorant of etiquette or that he is not respectful of others.

Even Changsun Dalang would be more modest and reserved.

However, the emperor and empress liked his straightforwardness.

After that, the eunuch Jian said no more.

Soon, they arrived at the Lizheng Hall.

Yang Zhengdao did not expect that this time, the eunuch Jian would lead him directly into the main hall.

Empress Zhangsun was already seated in the hall.

After Yang Zhengdao bowed respectfully, Empress Zhangsun ordered the meal to be served.

The eunuchs filed in, and lunch seemed to be much more lavish than the last time.

A plate of flatbread, a plate of venison, a steamed fish, two plates of spring vegetables, two servings of pastries, a bowl of mushroom and bamboo shoot soup, and a pot of pine nut wine.

Such a lunch was considered a treat for Empress Zhangsun, who was known for her frugality.

Yang Zhengdao presented himself as sincere to Empress Zhangsun, and his youthful age naturally won him favor.

His eyes crinkled with joy, and he quickly cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for the meal, Your Highness!"

Empress Zhangsun smiled when she saw him like this.

Yang Zhengdao had just eaten a piece of venison when Empress Zhangsun's casual question nearly made him break out in a cold sweat.

"Zhengdao, are you finding the maid in red to be of good use?"

No good banquet ever!

In the blink of an eye, countless thoughts flew through Yang Zhengdao's mind.

Your Majesty, are you about to reveal your true intentions?

Yang Zhengdao immediately stood up and bowed deeply to conceal the change in his expression.

Did Su Hongyi report the truth?

That's impossible. If she wanted to report it, she would have done so the very first time!

Su Hongyi was examined by the Imperial Inspector?

That's impossible. Su Hongyi was waiting in the corridor outside the palace gate with other people's attendants. Si Wei would never take her away in front of everyone.

If we rule out all the impossibilities, then there is only one truth!

You beautiful and kind-faced empress, you really are the kind of person who can share a bed with Li Erfeng, yet you dare to deceive me!

Having made his judgment, Yang Zhengdao stood up again with a smile on his face.

"Your Highness, Zhengdao is very pleased with the woman in red. She is a woman of few words but meticulous, with exceptional skills and outstanding appearance. Li Hui is extremely envious of such an attendant."

At this point, the pride on his face was palpable.

Empress Zhangsun did not notice anything amiss, and when she heard Yang Zhengdao praise Su Hongyi's outstanding appearance, she smiled faintly.

Indeed, what young man is not attracted to beauty?

With Su Hongyi watching over him, it's better than him indulging in dry music like Li Hui!

She raised her hand to signal Yang Zhengdao to continue his meal, and then made Su Hongyi's identity public.

"Although Hongyi is a maidservant born in the inner palace, she has been carefully trained and is well-rounded in both literary and martial arts. I feel at ease having her by your side."

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhengdao was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Now that Empress Zhangsun has made it so clear, there is absolutely no reason to take Su Hongyi back.

This put his mind at ease.

Otherwise, if we want to take Su Hongyi away, we'll probably have to beg Azhi.

As expected of a wise empress, she so knew how to please people and manipulate their hearts. This favor, which went along with the flow, had to be accepted.

With Empress Zhangsun's probing over, the ensuing lunch was naturally a pleasant affair for both host and guests.

Lunch has been served.

Empress Zhangsun then directly inquired about the manuscript she had just finished reading that morning.

Her face was filled with shock: "Zhengdao, I heard that the fee for writing 'The Story of the Stone' is as high as a thousand strings of cash?"

Good heavens! Yang Zhengdao was worried that Li Er would come to harass him, but he didn't expect it to be Empress Zhangsun.

This lunch was a bit expensive.

Although Yang Zhengdao felt a pang of regret, he could only smile and reply, "Your Highness, the Double Fifth Festival is approaching, and I was still thinking about how to prepare some gifts for the festival when the Ninth Prince of the Cui family asked me for one, so I agreed."

Empress Zhangsun nodded in satisfaction. She liked Yang Zhengdao's quick wit. In comparison, her nephew Zhangsun Chong seemed too straightforward.

However, this "Story of the Stone" is truly a wonderful read, so it's no wonder that the Cui family spent thousands of coins on it.

Yang Zhengdao was truly a man of exceptional literary talent. Although his "Story of the Stone" could not compare to the vivid and captivating beauty of "Springtime with a Curtain Screen," it was still elegant, lingering, and tender.

One is truly blush-inducing and heart-pounding, while the other makes one close the book and fall silent.

No wonder Ah Zhi was so infatuated with this guy.

Yesterday I was worried that he was obsessed with music, and today he comes to ask me to give away the red dress.

Well then, what young woman doesn't admire talent?

Thinking of this, Empress Zhangsun rubbed her temples, trying to stop thinking about this troubling matter.

We'll have to wait and see.

Her gaze slowly fell on the stack of manuscripts on the table, which was the first volume of "The Story of the Stone".

She then spoke slowly, "Wang Baoyu, Xie Baochai, Xiao Daiyu—how did Zhengdao come up with these three names?"

That's obvious!

That must be because of Ah Zhi, because of love.

Yang Zhengdao's face immediately filled with sorrow: "What is love in this world that makes people willing to die for each other? The Buddha said that there are eight sufferings in life, but I believe that the most painful are the suffering of not getting what you want and the pain of being separated from your loved ones."

Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but rub her temples again. She was quite troubled and helpless about these two little devils.

If it were an ordinary family, they would have already agreed to your marriage.

Who would want to be like Jiao's mother and Liu's brother in "The Peacock Flies Southeast," who insisted on breaking up your loving relationship?