NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

PART 10

''What?'' the first person who spoke was my imperial mother. To not let them know about that event,'' Ha ha ha. Oh my little princess is well known. It is not suitable to show her poor talent now. How about next week?"

'' Emperor, you mean that we are not qualify. ''

'' It is not the meaning that my imperial father said. As my archery skill is poor he wants me to practise more to not lose my face. Please give this little princess some time for practising. All of you are famous for kindness. Hope all of you will understand.'' I said.

'' Princess, don't say like that. But ... to wait seven days is too long. How about next three days from now on?"

''This , this...''

No they make me not to be able to escape. Next three days- my wounds were not fully healed. What should I do? To let them know, I signed . I must accept their request. but..

Before the crown prince refuse, '' This princess accept... how about next five days.'' I was sure I would be fine on the fourth day but i would have to practise on that day as well. With my practising for four years, I think it will be enough. '' May this princess ask something all of you. I heard that some of the young princess and some of your sons came along with you. If you only watch my poor skill , you will be so bored. Moreover, I also want to learn some skills from them . You don't mind, right?"

''Of course. Then next five days.''

''Yes next five days. But my skill is very poor so please don't laugh at me at that time.'' I said smiley. '' Then this case will be set like this.''

After the banquet finished, my imperial mother asked me how could I accept with this condition. I only said,'' Believe me''

I only stayed in my residence on the first and second day. I took care of myself to not leave scars on my body. On the third day I rode on my horse. Riding on a horse -is my most favourite hobby.

On the fourth day, I practised archery skill. My brother told me not to do so hard, just relax. With my skill, he was sure I would be the best among them but now I should only to try to not lose face.

The day had arrived.

I paid my greetings to my imperial parents, my imperial siblings
and the envoys. Before starting, they requested to make a bet. The winner would get the priceless things from the losers.

In the first round, we would have to complete who could shoot more arrows to the target in the limited time. All the players shot as fast as they could. No one missed the target. I had to win in every round. So I aimed the target with three arrows once a time. Not even an arrow missed. Before ending, I had no arrows to shoot. It meant I won. In normal the red target was small but as we were so young and to test how many arrows could be shot the red point was a lot larger then normal. That is the fact that I had no arrows to shoot. The given were 100.

'' So this mean she is poor in that. If she is poor ,.... the others.... I don't want to say it anymore.''

In the second round, we had to ride on a horse and shot the dead targets. This time we completed not only archery skills but also riding skill. The main point was how fast we could ride on a horse and could we aimed at the dead target with accuracy. This time the winner was also me and Prince from Qin country. But my face pale as white as snow. I was noticed by that prince who is one year older than me. His eyes met with mine. He said loudly,'' How about we took a break for a while. Some of us may be exhausted so we could not learn something from them right Princess Qin lian?" and smiled at me.

I was shocked. Did he know something? But it was the best for me to rest for a while. Then I could used my effort to win the last round. The things we bet were 1000 silks, 1000 brocades, 500 tiger leathers,
200-100 years ginsengs , 5000 gold and 10000 silver and 1000 jade.
It was a little problem for us but our citizens. I must win.

Three hours later,
In the last round, we had to not only ride on a horse but also try to aim at live targets. I focused on my work. I must win for my people. I must. ''Ha.. Kya..''

That princess seemed to be injured why must she be forced to do. Although she wore in dark red . I could smell blood from her faintly.
So now she was soaked in blood. I, prince of Qin, admired her. It was not easy for her.

Only three more left. I must . ''Argh'' I could feel pain. Who shot me and why.

''Qin Lian''

''Qin Lian''

''GUARDS THERE ARE ASSASSINS. CATCH THEM. PROTECT THE ROYAL FAMILY ,THE ENVOYS AND THE MINSTERS.'' the crown prince ordered.

I reached my hand to the arrow and broke it into two. The shorter part was within my body.

I shot the arrows at the assassins. My vision became blurred. I fell from the horse.

''LIAN ER''

My mother fainted. Someone caught me. I could not see who he was. Then I went into dark.