Chapter 45

Gu Ying would occasionally notice him.

He was born so outstanding that she couldn't ignore that trace of cold and cruel beauty. The entanglement in her previous life and the misunderstandings in this life caused her to only be able to keep her distance from him.

Gu Ying didn't know what to feel in her heart. She looked away again and quietly waited for the Emperor to flip the plaques.

The Tianqi Emperor said, "Come, bring the name plaques here!"

The high-ranking eunuch Guo beside the Emperor smiled and walked over to the Tianqi Emperor with a lacquered golden wooden tray in his hands, "Your Majesty, all the name plaques are here."

The Tianqi Emperor let out an imposing "hmm".

Upon hearing this, many people's hearts jumped, including Jiang Yin. He had just become the second top scorer in the imperial examination, and hadn't been assigned an official position yet. If he could stand out today at the royal hunting game, he would definitely be able to get a better official position.

As long as he got this archery opportunity, he would definitely seize it to show off his skills in front of the Emperor and make a name for himself in one shot.

He seemingly glanced at Gu Ying unintentionally, thinking shamelessly in his heart, this way, she could also see his elegant bearing...

She used to admire him before, so would she like him again afterwards?

Men are like this, they allow women to admire them, while they remain cold towards others. But they cannot accept a woman's indifference and coldness towards themselves.

Just like the current Gu Ying.

After she stopped bothering him, he became more obsessively possessive of her instead.

Gu Ying didn't notice Jiang Yin's wolf-like gaze at all. She just kept her eyes on the Tianqi Emperor's hand reaching into the tray, and couldn't help but tense up in anticipation.

Would things unfold the same way as her previous life?

If the Emperor drew her name again...

Would she bravely step forward, pick up the bow and arrow, and shoot at the target?

The Tianqi Emperor lifted his hand from the tray, and a wooden plaque carved into a dragon head appeared in his palm. He frowned. Everyone held their breath and waited silently for the chosen one.

A light breeze blew by in the warm sunshine on this snowy day.

Gu Ying closed her eyes briefly.

When she heard her name come out of the Emperor's mouth, the tense strings in her heart suddenly relaxed.

Just as expected -

Everything was still unfolding the same way as her previous life without much deviation.

As soon as Gu Ying's name came out, the gaze of all the young masters and ladies present simultaneously turned towards her.

Jiang Yin was no exception.

He stared straight at Gu Ying. His pitch-black pupils surged with blazing ambition.

After all, they all thought that the second young lady of the Dongping Earl Manor, who was illiterate and ignorant, would become a laughing stock and be mocked by all the noble ladies of Bianjing for a whole year if she went out there on such an important occasion.

She might as well give this archery opportunity to the men present.

Gu Ying stayed silent and lowered her long eyelashes to hide the complex emotions in her eyes.

To others, this seemed like she was afraid and didn't dare to step forward.

Gu Jia raised the corner of her mouth in disdain, and her mocking words reached Gu Ying's ears, "I already told you, Gu Ying, I won't let you off easily."

"So my name was submitted by eldest sister to embarrass me?"

"What do you think?"

Gu Ying didn't want to guess. Gu Jia's arrogant expression had already explained everything. She had made preparations to humiliate her.

But how could she let her have her way?

When the eunuch Guo called out Gu Ying's name again, Su Huanfeng immediately stood up without any hesitation. He knelt down towards the Tianqi Emperor, "Your Majesty, Second Miss Gu is not skilled at riding and archery. This inferior subject is willing to shoot the arrow on her behalf!"

Zhao Changdu raised an eyebrow. His sword-like brows slanted into his sideburns, and his deep, cold eyes flashed a trace of chill.

The ladies were all shocked. They didn't expect that before Gu Ying even opened her mouth, the young marquis of the Yong’an Marquis Manor had voluntarily stepped forward to take over this job for her.

Didn't they say the young marquis disliked his fiancée and was making a fuss about cancelling the engagement every day?

Why was the young marquis suddenly standing up for Miss Gu now?

Everyone became envious and jealous. This was also unexpected for Gu Jia.

However, what surprised them even more was that Jiang Yin, the new top scorer scholar, also stood up from his seat after the young marquis, knelt down, and said, "Long live Your Majesty. This student is also willing to shoot the arrow on Miss Gu's behalf."

Gu Jia froze, her petite face stiffened.

She couldn't imagine that Jiang Yin would actually stand up to help Gu Ying. Wasn't this a slap in her face!

Gu Ying, however, was a little surprised. She didn't feel that Jiang Yin was helping her.

He was just finding a justified excuse to get this opportunity to show his face.

Unfortunately, did he think she would give this opportunity to him?

How na?ve.

Although she was a little touched that Su Huanfeng sincerely wanted to help her, the young marquis was a nice person, but not a good match for her.

Su Huanfeng gnashed his teeth in anger and said harshly, "Jiang, what are you meddling for? Get lost!"

Jiang Yin remained unmoved, bowing his head humbly, "This student and Second Miss Gu have some history. Now I am also discussing marriage with the Gu family. I cannot bear to see Second Miss Gu helpless and want to lend her a hand as an elder brother."

"Elder brother?" Su Huanfeng arrogantly lifted his chin. "This young master is her fiancé! If anyone is to help, it should be this young master! Who do you think you are to put on an act!"

Zhao Changdu gave Su Huanfeng an indifferent glance, standing still.

Since Su Huanfeng was here, he was no longer needed.

The Tianqi Emperor said displeasedly, "Su Huanfeng, watch your attitude in this place."

Su Huanfeng remained composed and asked, "Your wise Majesty, please judge whether it should be I, her fiancé, or him, the self-proclaimed elder brother with no proper status, to shoot this arrow?"

Jiang Yin's handsome face soured as he pursed his lips. "This student will accept whatever Your Majesty decides."

All the ladies present were very envious and jealous that Gu Ying could receive such treatment. They began whispering among themselves. Even Huo Qiyan couldn't help but turn her head to look at Gu Ying across the vast crowd.

She felt a little unhappy and disdainful.

No matter how much Gu Ying stood out again, and no matter how willing Jiang Yin and the young marquis were to help her, as long as cousin's heart was not with her, she would not pose a threat. So Huo Qiyan was happy to watch the show.

On the high platform, the Tianqi Emperor encountered this kind of situation for the first time too. He turned to look at his sickly Empress and passed the question to her, "Empress, what do you think is the best way to handle this?"

The Empress coughed and glanced at the two proud sons of Heaven kneeling below, then at Gu Ying sitting calmly in her seat. She gently said, "Your Majesty, in this concubine's opinion, why not let Miss Gu decide for herself."

The Tianqi Emperor also felt this was best. He called for Gu Ying by name, "Gu Ying, come forth."