Nine out of ten gamblers lose; I've run into a jerk!

Chapter 150 Startled Horse

If Shen Qing couldn't even imagine that someone would try to take his life during the Grand Competition, then he wouldn't need to fight for military power; he could just wash his hands of the kitchen and start a family.

Getting rid of him would sever the ties between the Shen and Lu families and cut off the Shen family's shortcut to taking control of the southeastern military towns. It's a very simple truth.

Shen Qing patted the big black horse's neck, feeling somewhat reluctant and regretful; bloodshed was inevitable today.

This emotion lasted only a moment; when he looked up again, his resolve returned, and he nimbly mounted his horse.

The archery contest naturally involved shooting at moving targets. The officials presiding over the competition probably put a lot of effort into making the contest more entertaining, considering that the king and other dignitaries were present.

Obstacles such as wooden blocks, stones, haystacks, and fences were placed in the field, and soldiers carried wooden cages to release prey such as sika deer and rabbits into the field.

"The one who hits the most prey within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn wins!"

“??——”

With the sound of a gong, everyone immediately spurred their horses and chased after the fleeing prey, except for Shen Qing, who remained motionless.

"Why is Shen Qingxi still standing there? Is she going to try and steal the spot after it's all over again?"

"It's no fun doing the same thing over and over again."

“How is it not interesting? This time it’s a competition to see who can shoot the most prey. Shen Qingxi’s additional arrows won’t help. I want to see what new tricks this young lady has up her sleeve.”

"Look! She moved!"

Although he did move, Shen Qing merely tugged on the reins and rode the horse slowly around the field, as if he were there for sightseeing.

"call out--"

Another adorable white rabbit met its end. Li Ang did not pick up the rabbit, but continued to nock an arrow and aim at a new target, only glancing at Shen Qing, who was wandering on the periphery, from time to time.

Zhao Kuan missed his target with his arrow and appeared somewhat frustrated. He glanced at Shen Qing under the guise of wiping his sweat, his heart filled with anxiety. How could he possibly make a move from such a distance...?

Just then, Shen Qing's horse suddenly let out a piercing neigh, straightened its hind legs and raised its front hooves, trying to throw Shen Qing off.

"what happened?"

"Why has Shen Qingxi's horse suddenly gone berserk!"

"Cousin!" Li Wan exclaimed in surprise.

Qiu Yinong wrung her handkerchief tightly. As she had predicted, Shen Qing did not participate in the intense hunt, but the horse suddenly went berserk and did nothing unless someone had tampered with it.

God help me, please don't let her century-old wild ginseng come in handy.

The emotions of everyone present were stirred by the unexpected events on the field.

"Don't be afraid, Third Sister, I'm here to save you!"

Zhao Kuan spurred his horse toward Shen Qing, and the others followed closely behind.

Shen Qing remained calm, tightening the reins and squeezing the horse's flanks with his legs, ensuring that the black horse could not shake him off no matter how wildly it galloped.

"Tang Zhou, you're a good archer, quickly shoot the horse's leg!"

"Alright! Let's all shoot!"

"Whoosh—" Dust flew up near the horse's hooves as arrows pierced the grass.

Shen Qing dodged the stray arrow to the side, sneering inwardly. This accident was far too abrupt. He then pulled a dagger from his boot with one hand and forcefully stabbed it into the horse's neck.

The black horse neighed and fell to the ground, while Shen Qing landed unharmed after a backflip.

Just as the people in the stands were breathing a sigh of relief, a sudden change occurred.

"Third Miss, get out of the way! My horse is startled too!"

Li Ang's horse charged uncontrollably toward Shen Qing, causing everyone in the stands to hold their breath. The young lady was delicate and frail; this hooves would surely cripple her if she didn't die.

Unexpectedly, Shen Qing slid under the horse's belly and simultaneously raised his dagger, using the horse's forward momentum to rip open its belly.

Before anyone could even gasp in amazement, Shen Qing suddenly executed a Thomas Flair, throwing his dagger like a dart.

Another mournful neigh rang out; the dart struck, the horse died, and the rider fell.

……

During a mounted archery match, three horses went berserk, forcing the competition to be paused, and soldiers rushed to clean up the scene.

Emperor Yongxi narrowed his eyes and ordered someone to go and see what was going on.

The guard quickly reported, "Your Majesty, these horses have all eaten black grass, a poisonous herb that can drive livestock mad."

"Go, bring up the head stableman of the Imperial Stables!"

"Your Majesty, we just sent people to investigate and found that the stable master is dead..."

What a convenient excuse: he committed suicide out of fear of punishment, with no one to testify!

Another life has been lost so lightly and meaninglessly. With a single order from those in power, obedience means death, and disobedience also means death. Who knows how many more cannon fodder like this are present?

Shen Qing's eyes turned cold, and she stepped forward, saying, "Let's continue."

“However, the rules can be changed. I will be the target, and if anyone is hit by an arrow, I lose, regardless of life or death.” Shen Qing said as he walked into the arena. “I know that many people want me dead today, so I will give you a chance.”

Upon reaching the center, Shen Qing stopped, turned around, and raised his hand to Tang Zhou and the others, requesting permission to fight.

"Come, kill me!"