The impressed shopkeeper praised Si Zhan: “In all my years running this game, I’ve never seen such accuracy! Winning the shop’s best treasure on the first try!”
Si Zhan responded, “Just luck.”
The shopkeeper took down the pair of mohe le and handed them to Si Zhan, “Here, these are yours.”
Si Zhan accepted and turned to Ning Wanwan, nervously offering them, “For you.”
Ning Wanwan solemnly accepted, caressing the mohe le, “These are the most exquisitely crafted mohe le I’ve ever seen.”
She looked up, smiling at Si Zhan, “Thank you, Imperial Uncle.”
“As long as you like it,” Si Zhan’s cheeks reddened.
Ning Wanwan nodded happily, “I really like it.”
Hearing this, Si Zhan’s ears turned red.
Remembering Si Zhan’s extraordinary skill, Ning Wanwan praised, “Your aim is remarkable. Your archery must be too.”
Si Zhan’s expression darkened as he coughed softly, “Cough…”
As a disabled person who can’t draw a bow, how could my archery be good?”
Her smile faded. She remembered that Si Zhan had been physically weak since childhood and had never practiced horseback archery. She felt embarrassed for bringing up a sensitive topic.
Si Zhan turned to Ning Wanwan with a slight smile, “As for my aim… I was just bored as a child and often picked up stones to hit birds in trees. Over time, I could even hit them with my eyes closed.”
Ning Wanwan felt more sympathetic hearing how he developed this skill. She imagined young Si Zhan, confined in the palace, looking up at freely flying birds and passing long, boring days throwing stones at them. He must have been lonely.
“Imperial Uncle, don’t be discouraged. You will definitely get better,” Ning Wanwan said seriously, her tone encouraging.
“You… hope I’ll recover?” Si Zhan asked, his clear eyes sparkling.
Ning Wanwan nodded firmly, “Yes.”
A burning smile emerged from deep within Si Zhan. For these words, he would climb out of his grave even after death. She would never know that it was she who ignited his withered heart and life.
After leaving the Great Xiangguo Temple, Rui Yi reminded Ning Wanwan that it was getting late. Concerned that her grandmother would worry, she prepared to say goodbye.
