"Shaofu, I will take your hatred and grudges, and I will not let those who have wronged you live in this world. You... rest assured!" Xue Zining whispered softly in Gu Yun'ge's ear.
Gu Yun'ge's expression was gentle, and she looked at Xue Zining, seemingly giving her approval.
Xue Zining took a deep breath, stepped back a few paces, and then suddenly shouted, "Bring the bow."
The golden bow felt heavy in her hands, just like her current mood, as heavy as a mountain.
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yunjin approached her, her voice trembling.
She knew the golden bow in her hand was shaking.
Her bow was aimed at someone who had once treated her like family.
Today, here, she was going to shoot her.
Her eyes began to blur.
"Wuwuwu..." Gu Yun'ge suddenly cried softly.
Xue Zining trembled. Although the sounds were jumbled, she still recognized them. This... this was the song Gu Yun'ge used to sing to coax her when she refused to sleep.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she knew she couldn't cry.
She truly couldn't bring herself to do it.
"Your Majesty, your bow hand must be steady for a sure kill," a calm voice sounded in her ear. She stiffened. Was this...?
"Your Majesty, do not tremble," a fair and slender finger held her hand, drawing the bow. The finger was cold to the bone, a perfect match for her current heart.
"Your Majesty, your eyes must focus only on the target to hit it, and to avoid causing pain to the one who waits..." The last two words were very soft, but she still heard them.
She knew Shaofu was already in great pain and sought death. She was about to fulfill Shaofu's wish, leaving all the hatred to herself.
"Shaofu, Xue Zining sends you on your way!" she chanted silently in her heart. The moment the arrow left the string, she suddenly felt a sense of release.
The arrow struck Gu Yun'ge directly in the chest, hitting the mark precisely.
Gu Yun'ge spat out a mouthful of blood, looking at Xue Zining with a smile, her expression filled with a satisfaction she had never shown before.
Gu Yun'ge's head drooped.
The tears she had held back now poured down.
"I have offended Your Majesty, and I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
She secretly wiped away a tear, turned around, and at this moment, she was once again the empress who stood high above.
"Considering this is your first offense, go back and reflect behind closed doors until the hunt concludes."
After speaking, she walked past him without the slightest pause.
Yan Zhao's lips curved upwards slightly, revealing a hint of self-mockery, yet he realized he didn't regret it. At that moment, seeing her struggle to make a decision, he had inexplicably wanted to help her.
"Young Master Yan, you have gained quite the reputation today. I had no idea you possessed such excellent archery skills," Jin Ming said mockingly as he approached Yan Zhao.
"There is much that Young Master Jin does not know, and I will let you know it all in time," Yan Zhao replied calmly as he stood up.
Jin Ming let out a cold snort. With Yan Zhao's actions today, he didn't believe the Regent would harbor no ill will.
"Your Highness." Yan Zhao approached Xue Wenjie and bowed.
Xue Wenjie coldly appraised Yan Zhao and said, "I did not realize Young Master Yan had such a kind heart."
"Your Highness, now is not the time to break ties with the Empress. Do you want her to know what Your Highness did last night?" Yan Zhao looked up, his clear and handsome face revealing eyes that were exceptionally cold and deep, as if they could see through everything.
Xue Wenjie's body stiffened, his gaze turned completely cold, and his aura shifted. "Young Master Yan, what have you learned?"