The quarterly exams had finally arrived.
Study companions didn't need to take the written test, but they had to be tested on horseback riding and archery. After all, one of their responsibilities was to protect the princes' safety.
The martial arts arena at noon was exceptionally hot. The air was thick with the smell of dirt and horse sweat, and the warhorses occasionally let out uneasy snorts.
Several sets of archery targets were lined up in the center of the field. Aside from the study companions, everyone else hid in the shade. Xiao Yanchen was an exception, sticking closely by Ji Zhaoxi's side.
"I'm definitely the best among all these companions," Ji Zhaoxi said with immense confidence.
Xiao Yanchen's eyes curved into a smile. "Xiao Xizi is the best out of everyone."
Ji Zhaoxi cleared her throat uncomfortably. She realized that Xiao Yanchen sometimes wore incredibly thick rose-tinted glasses when it came to her.
She glanced at Xiao Yanchen beside her. Meeting her gaze, his eyes immediately lit up.
For a fleeting moment, Ji Zhaoxi felt as if she could see a large, wagging tail behind him.
She walked straight up to the strongest horse. The Fourth Prince's companion tried to come over and snatch it, but Xiao Yanchen directly blocked him.
Not far away, the Great General frowned as he watched the companions preparing to compete.
"Whoosh—!"
Under the scorching sun, the first arrow shot forth, hitting the red bullseye in the distance dead center.
Ji Zhaoxi released the reins and reached back with her right hand, her nails brushing past the quiver. Staring at the distant bullseye, she fired three arrows in rapid succession, all of them sinking perfectly into the center.
Overflowing with pride, she cast a glance at Xiao Yanchen outside the field. He was looking up at her, his gaze fixed tightly on Ji Zhaoxi, the corners of his eyes slightly red from excitement.
Out of so many people, Xiao Xizi would only look at him.
The noisy chatter in the arena instantly vanished. The princes resting in the shade all wore ugly expressions upon seeing this.
It was bad enough that Xiao Yanchen liked to show off, but his companion also loved to steal the limelight.
The companion nearby naturally noticed the atmosphere outside the field. Looking at the beaming Ji Zhaoxi, a flash of sinister coldness crossed his eyes.
He suddenly cut in directly from the side, letting out a panicked shout: "Get out of the way, my horse is spooked!"
While shouting, the companion suddenly lashed his whip toward the eyes of the horse beneath Ji Zhaoxi.
Seeing this from the sidelines, Xiao Yanchen's mind went blank. He instinctively tried to rush onto the field but was immediately held back by the guards.
With bloodshot eyes, he yelled, "He did that on purpose! He rammed into her on purpose!"
The Emperor, watching from a distance, furrowed his brows. In the end, he was an uneducated child with no manners or understanding of the rules.
Just as the companion's whip was about to reach Ji Zhaoxi, she fiercely drew her bow, aiming it straight at him.
The Fourth Prince stood up abruptly in anger from the sidelines: "You dare?!"
"Imperial Father, look at Seventh Brother's companion..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Ji Zhaoxi's arrow pierced through the companion's collar, shooting straight toward the pennant at the end of the track and pinning the red silk to the wooden post.
Terrified, the companion fell heavily to the ground. He looked at Ji Zhaoxi, his eyes filled with disbelief.
He actually dared to point an arrow at him?
The Fourth Prince was still shouting from the sidelines, "Imperial Father, he did that on purpose! You must uphold justice for my companion."
The Emperor frowned impatiently, and the Fourth Prince instantly fell silent.
Watching this scene, the Great General finally showed a hint of a smile. "What is this companion's name?"
A nearby eunuch quickly stepped forward. "To answer the Great General, this companion is named Xiao Xizi. He is Eunuch Liu's godson and has a very good relationship with the Seventh Prince."
The Great General let out a scoffing laugh and said no more.
The teacher, sitting beside the Emperor, also looked highly satisfied as he watched this unfold.
The Seventh Prince's written and riding scores were both excellent, and this Xiao Xizi's riding and archery were equally impressive. Surely the Emperor wouldn't think he was a bad teacher now.
The teacher glanced at the Emperor, only to find that the Emperor's expression was not as pleased as he had imagined.
He paused for a moment. It seemed that no matter how well the Seventh Prince performed, the Emperor still harbored some grievances against him.
The Second Prince had been watching the events on the field the entire time.
He lowered his head, his eyes dark and unreadable.
He was growing increasingly disgusted with Xiao Yanchen. That day in the Imperial Study, his Imperial Father was supposed to praise him, and this Xiao Xizi was originally meant to be his companion.
But all the good luck had fallen onto Xiao Yanchen. The Second Prince couldn't help but clench his fists.
Eunuch Liu was still working in the Department of Punishment when he heard that Ji Zhaoxi had stolen the spotlight at the martial arts arena.
Although the weather was hot now, the Department of Punishment still exuded a gloomy and cold atmosphere.
"Eunuch Liu, your Xiao Xizi has truly made a name for himself now, beating all the other companions in front of the Great General and the Emperor," a eunuch flattered obsequiously. "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching."
Eunuch Liu rolled his prayer beads, not saying a word.
Not long after, another eunuch came to offer congratulations. "Eunuch Liu, it's all because you, his godfather, guided him well. Before, everyone said that being the Seventh Prince's companion was a death wish, but looking at it now, you and Xiao Xizi were the ones with foresight."
Eunuch Liu's head started to ache again.
He knew Ji Zhaoxi would cause trouble, but he hadn't expected her to cause such a huge scene.
Did she ever consider that the more people knew about her, the sooner her true identity would be discovered?
Eunuch Liu returned to his courtyard with a vacant gaze.
However, as soon as he opened the door, he saw the two children playing around in the yard.
"Xiao Yanchen, aren't I amazing? Having a boss like me gives you a lot of face, doesn't it?" Ji Zhaoxi stood on a stool, looking down at him from above, extremely smug.
Xiao Yanchen stood beside her, eagerly holding onto Ji Zhaoxi's hand. "Xiao Xizi is the most amazing."
Eunuch Liu: ...
He really wanted to kick these two out.
"Greetings to the Seventh Prince," Eunuch Liu greeted with difficulty.
Xiao Yanchen felt a bit embarrassed. "Eunuch Liu, you don't need to bow to me."
Ji Zhaoxi happily stuffed her prize into Eunuch Liu's arms. "Master, Master, did you hear about what I did today? I beat every single one of those companions!"
"Eunuch Liu, Xiao Xizi was especially amazing today," Xiao Yanchen added, looking at Eunuch Liu.
Eunuch Liu squeezed out a smile. "Xiao Xizi, have you forgotten something? Didn't we agree not to be too flashy?"
Ji Zhaoxi felt incredibly wronged. "How was I being flashy? I just put in a little effort, and those companions couldn't keep up."
"Wow!"
Eunuch Liu originally thought he could have some peace during dinner, but the two kids insisted on staying for the meal.
They claimed they felt he was lonely.
Then, Eunuch Liu watched as Ji Zhaoxi ordered Xiao Yanchen around like a grand lord.
"I want to eat meat!"
"Xiao Xizi, I'll get it for you!" Xiao Yanchen was very attentive.
"I don't want this anymore."
"Xiao Xizi, give it to me." Xiao Yanchen was very observant.
"Master, I didn't lie to you. I really am bullying Xiao Yanchen," Ji Zhaoxi said, looking expectantly at Eunuch Liu.
Xiao Yanchen also nodded seriously. "I just like being bullied by Xiao Xizi."
Eunuch Liu didn't say a word, only silently watching the moon outside the window.
This scene was simply too absurd. Was he really in the imperial palace right now?
