CHAPTER 606: CHAPTER 503: STRENGTH THAT SHOCKED THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE_2

Others only saw the outcome and deduced based on that. Lu Yuan had aimed at the bullseye from the beginning, so no one suspected him of any foul play.

Lu Qi was like someone eating bitter herbs in silence, unable to voice his grievances.

"How despicable!"

King Qi clenched his fists in frustration.

Prince Rui sighed, "A single misstep. If only I had thought to switch the target locations earlier."

But as things stood, it was already too late to change tactics.

The current strategy to break the deadlock was to create some distance from Lu Yuan or circle around to his outer flank.

Yet, as luck would have it, the black horse simply couldn’t outrun Lu Yuan’s white steed.

Despite being injured, the horse erupted with astonishing strength.

It seemed to understand Lu Yuan’s every physical cue, executing each leap and acceleration with impeccable timing.

Lu Yuan released his third arrow.

This time, he didn’t use any tricks against Lu Qi but shot the arrow properly.

Lu Qi flinched instinctively, thinking he’d need to dodge again, only to realize the arrow had sailed past in front of him. By the time he came back to his senses, Lu Yuan had already overtaken him.

Hastily, Lu Qi fired his third arrow as well.

However, perhaps due to Lu Yuan’s influence, this arrow only hit the edge of the bullseye.

"Hahahahahahaha! Missed the mark!"

Duke Jiang made no effort to hide his mocking laughter.

Prince Fu pressed his hand to his forehead in exasperation.

On the other side, the noblewomen had a clear view of the two imperial grandsons’ first three arrows.

Liu Qingyun beamed with pride, declaring, "My son is truly remarkable!"

Chen Fei nodded indulgently, her eyes fixated on the grandson riding atop the horse, unwilling to look away for even a moment.

Consort Jiang was also highly impressed by Lu Yuan’s performance. "Who would’ve thought, Zhao Yan wasn’t skilled in martial arts, yet has a son with such extraordinary talents."

Chen Fei chuckled, "It’s all thanks to Xiao Bai."

Consort Jiang completely agreed, adding, "You’ve found an excellent daughter-in-law. When will I get to drink at their wedding banquet? I have no interest in the one at the Jin Prince Mansion, but I absolutely must toast at the Crown Prince Mansion’s celebration."

Her words carried a hidden meaning.

Chen Fei glanced at Meng Qianqian on the Emperor’s Platform and leaned closer to Liu Qingyun, whispering softly, "The girl by His Majesty’s side—could she be my granddaughter-in-law?"

Liu Qingyun was momentarily startled and whispered back, "How did you know, Your Grace?"

Chen Fei smiled knowingly. "Yuan’er has shot three arrows and glanced at her no less than eighteen times."

Before making his move, he had been stealthily sneaking peeks at her the entire time.

Liu Qingyun choked in disbelief. What a rascal—couldn’t he be a bit more focused...

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and looked toward the Emperor’s Platform.

"Your father is watching you," Emperor Liang said to the little bundle in his arms.

Treasure Piggy turned her tiny head away indignantly. "Hmph!"

Lu Yuan wasn’t looking at her at all.

Meng Qianqian gazed at him sternly. Compete properly.

The wife is truly fierce.

Lu Yuan withdrew his gaze and sighed, "Fine. Time to get serious."

Beside him, Lu Qi heard this and nearly fell off his horse in fury.

"Let’s see if your archery skills can match your boasting!"

"Oh, that’s impossible. This prince’s boasting skills are far superior."

Lu Qi: "..."

Lu Yuan smirked. "But against you, my skills are more than enough."

Lu Yuan released three successive arrows, each striking true.

Then, in one swift motion, he pulled an arrow from his quiver and clenched it in his teeth.

The crowd couldn’t comprehend his intent.

Only three arrows remained in his quiver.

He retrieved them all at once and placed them on his bowstring.

The Deputy Commander of the Imperial Army stood up in shock. "Is he trying to fire three arrows simultaneously?"

The white horse under Lu Yuan showed no sign of slowing, instead surging forward with even greater speed.

At such a pace, aiming a single arrow at the target would already be difficult, let alone firing three at once.

"Is he insane?"

Prince Rui murmured.

King Qi scoffed. "What a show-off!"

Lu Zhaoyan took a deep breath.

The brat—always showing off in front of his wife. No idea who he inherited that from.

Prince Ming teased, "Second brother, sister-in-law seems to be watching you."

Lu Zhaoyan immediately picked up a teacup, assuming the most elegant and dashing pose he could manage.

Charging toward the finish line, Lu Yuan suddenly brought his horse to an abrupt halt and wheeled it around. Three arrows flew in unison!

All three landed squarely in the bullseye!

Then, he took the final arrow from his mouth.

Standing there, he seemed as if he were facing an impregnable fortress alone, battling against a thousand soldiers and ten thousand horses.

He drew the bowstring, and in that moment, his gaze was devoid of Lu Qi, of the mounted archery competition.

"For a flourishing era and an age of peace, the tenth arrow is a tribute to Your Majesty. May it bring balance to heaven and earth!"

As his words rang out, the arrow left the bowstring, soaring like a star streaking across the heavens, striking deep into everyone’s heart.

The civil and military officials collectively gasped.

In that instant, even the most critical military generals were left utterly speechless.

The reason was simple: they were wholly captivated by his archery and commanding presence.

"Look quickly! The Commandery Prince also fired three arrows simultaneously, and all of them hit the bullseye!"

A military officer exclaimed in surprise.

Because everyone’s attention had been fixed on Lu Yuan, by the time they turned to look at Lu Qi, his arrows were already embedded in the target.

To be honest, his performance was equally impressive.

The only pity was that the audience had missed it.

Moreover, with Lu Yuan’s dazzling display preceding his, the second set of three simultaneous arrows failed to evoke the same level of awe and excitement.