TFSRITA Chapter 179

Shi Yibin and the others saw it was Yan Qing and immediately stepped aside, clearing a path for her to move through the crowd and reach Ji Jiaxun’s side.

This man was also the emperor’s nephew—Xu Chengbo. His father was a prince, though a leisurely one without real power. Still, his royal lineage was enough to let him hold his head high among most peers.

He and Ji Jiaxun were well-known adversaries, often clashing and causing trouble. However, word had it that Xu Chengbo was always the one punished in the end.

Occasionally, Ji Jiaxun would tell Yan Qing amusing stories about Xu Chengbo, painting a picture of a perpetually unlucky and miserable figure.

Thus, Yan Qing wasn’t surprised at Xu Chengbo’s obvious dislike of Ji Jiaxun. But today, Ji Jiaxun was under her protection.

Yan Qing’s arrival immediately drew attention.

Seeing her, Xu Chengbo sneered. “Well, since the couple is here, why don’t we get started?”

“Cough, cough…” Ji Jiaxun cleared his throat, nervously tugging at Yan Qing’s sleeve.

Xu Chengbo’s expression grew more amused, thinking, Is Ji Jiaxun this cowardly? Shouldn’t he at least act like a man in front of others?

But, to everyone’s astonishment, Ji Jiaxun indeed seemed so timid. He ignored Xu Chengbo and instead murmured to Yan Qing in a soft, slightly guilty tone, “Qingqing, I swear, I didn’t start this. He came looking for trouble. It’s not my fault…”

The crowd: “???”

Were they hallucinating? Was this the notoriously cocky and unruly Young Marquis? How had he suddenly transformed into a docile puppy?

They blinked and rubbed their eyes. Yet, before them stood the same robust-looking teenager. However, his gaze was now filled with nothing but gentle devotion as he looked at the woman in front of him, as if she were his entire world.

The person he gazed at, Yan Qing, was smiling softly back at him. Together, they exuded an atmosphere so intimate it seemed to repel everyone else.

The male onlookers felt something odd but couldn’t pinpoint it. Meanwhile, the young women present instantly understood.

Many of the girls felt a pang of jealousy. None of them had anticipated that the man they had previously scorned would transform into such a tender and attentive husband after marriage.

And when they looked closer, they realized something else. Ji Jiaxun, the future heir to the Marquisate, had power, influence, and good looks. In the past, his overly pale, doughy complexion had made him less appealing, but now, he looked quite handsome—rugged and full of vitality.

“Yan Qing is lucky,” one girl whispered.

Her companion nodded in agreement. “She is.”

Yan Qing, oblivious to their thoughts, felt a small warmth at Ji Jiaxun’s public display of affection. She asked gently, “What are you competing in?”

“Pitch-pot. I’m pretty good at it,” Ji Jiaxun replied with some pride, though he quickly added, sounding a bit discouraged, “But he’s been practicing a lot lately. I’ve been busy with martial arts training, so I haven’t had much time for games. He’s betting on entering my father’s troops if he wins. If I win, I’ll get one of his estates in the countryside.”

Yan Qing blinked. Her expression remained calm, but her heart sank slightly. She leaned closer and asked in a low voice, “Do you have confidence?”

“…Not really,” Ji Jiaxun admitted, shaking his head.

Yan Qing thought for a moment and suggested, “How about renegotiating the stakes?”

“Sister-in-law, that won’t work,” Shi Yibin interjected, overhearing their conversation. “They’ve been after this bet for a while now. If we back out, they’ll say it’s because my brother’s scared to lose.”

Yan Qing glanced at Ji Jiaxun, who looked conflicted but nodded reluctantly. She patted his hand reassuringly. “Alright. Don’t worry too much. It’s not the end of the world.”

“Okay.” Ji Jiaxun perked up slightly, but he still looked like a dejected puppy, his energy drained.

Yan Qing chuckled and gently squeezed his hand. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered in a soft, sweet voice, “You’re the best. I believe in you.”

Her words instantly lifted his spirits, and he walked forward with newfound determination.

“Let’s do this!” Ji Jiaxun said loudly, his energy fully restored.

Xu Chengbo smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Bring it on! Let’s get started.”

As Ji Jiaxun strode forward, he stole a glance back at Yan Qing. Seeing her warm smile, he grinned back like a fool before focusing on the task ahead.

Yan Qing stood quietly on the sidelines, observing and already considering contingency plans if Ji Jiaxun lost.

Just then, a familiar, low voice whispered near her ear, “Zui Xian Pavilion tomorrow. Will you come?”

Yan Qing stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. Her eyes darted around, but no one else seemed to notice. All attention was on Ji Jiaxun and Xu Chengbo. Slowly, she nodded.

The fourth prince stepped forward, brushing past her, and Yan Qing felt a chill run down her spine. She turned her focus back to Ji Jiaxun, deciding there was no need to worry too much. If she mentioned this to the Marquis of Pingwu, he’d likely understand, given recent events involving the crown prince and the looming trouble with the fourth prince.

For now, she watched as the competition began. Each participant had three arrows, taking turns to throw them into a narrow-mouthed pot from a significant distance. The game required excellent aim and arm strength.

Ji Jiaxun picked up an arrow, his usual playful smirk replaced with intense focus. He squared his shoulders, took aim, and threw it with precision.

The arrow landed squarely in the pot.

The crowd erupted in murmurs of admiration, many praising his skill. Ji Jiaxun turned to look at Yan Qing, and when she rewarded him with a sweet, encouraging smile, he practically glowed with satisfaction before returning his attention to the game.