On this day, dozens of sheds were erected outside the paddock. Countless princes and nobles of the Qing court, important ministers of the court, and even envoys from various countries sat in the sheds to enjoy the hunting activities of Jiaqing's monarchs and ministers. Jiaqing saw such a grand scene.

, he was also very interested and entered the siege in person, and a group of people who were good at shooting in the Eight Banners also followed him. At this time, many stags and mountain hares were also specially released in the paddock for the royal nobles to enjoy hunting.

There was no danger. Jiaqing had good luck that day and shot a stag himself, which was a worthwhile trip.

After returning from hunting, thinking that this day was the day to commend meritorious officials, Jiaqing also sent someone to call Ruan Yuan, pointing to a rather heroic man next to him: "Ruan Yuan, this is the first-class Marquis Delengtai, have you seen him before?"

, Marquis De has also made many military exploits in the battlefields of Sichuan and Chu, and he and you in the east and west complement each other perfectly. Now that the war in Sichuan and Chu has gradually subsided, and most of the southeastern pirates have been wiped out, it is the two of you who have contributed." Ruan Yuan saw Na De.

Lengtai was about fifty years old, and despite his prowess, he was somewhat down-to-earth. It seemed that he was indeed a man who was good at fighting and was not arrogant or violent. So he paid homage to De Lengtai and said, "Your Majesty, Ruan Yuan, I have met you."

Dehou, Dehou has outstanding merits and deeds, and he has taken risks. His lower official position is just that of a scholar, but he cannot compare with Dehou."

Delengtai himself was polite and said with a smile: "Ruan Fu is so polite. I have been marching for many years. However, I know the difference between land and sea battles. I have fought in Fujian. In this naval battle, I can't compare to that of Fujian."

Li Changgeng. However, this is not the first time that I have heard of the name Ruan Fu. Dongfu and I have met several times. He once told me that you were not only outstanding in writing among Han officials, but also in childhood.

You have practiced riding and archery, right?" Delengtai participated in the Taiwan War to pacify Lin Shuangwen. Li Changgeng was serving as the commander-in-chief of Haitan at that time. He was dismissed because someone falsely accused Haitan pirates of invading the local area, so he prepared his own ships.

He went to Taiwan to help in the war, so the two were old acquaintances.

"If this is the case, I am really ashamed." Ruan Yuan also laughed and said: "When Jia Yan was in his prime, he loved riding and archery, so he also taught Xia Guan some lessons. However, Xia Guan has been busy with official duties in recent years and has been riding and shooting.

I’ve become quite unfamiliar.”

"In that case, Your Majesty, I have an idea." De Lengtai is a military attaché, and he claims to be superior but has no worries: "Since today is also the day of Japan's envoys, I suggest that the Emperor's prospective servants compete with Ruan Fubu.

The art of cavalry and archery can also be used to add to the excitement of today's grand event. Please give your permission, please."

"Marquis De has worked hard and achieved great results. I can still agree to these requests." Jiaqing nodded and said: "Ruan Yuan, what do you think?"

"Back to the Emperor, Dehou, I'm afraid... I'm afraid that I can't handle this matter." Ruan Yuan declined: "I have weak arms, and I haven't practiced riding and shooting for many years. If Dehou competes with me like this, then I won't be able to handle it."

Naturally, he cannot compare with Dehou."

"Ruan Fubu, this competition is only for the fun of today's event, why do you have to be modest?" Delengtai said with a smile: "What's more, the books you read also said that if you are a gentleman, if you want to compete,

Next, just use archery. As for your arm strength is not strong enough, how about a light bow? Besides, I am already fifty. Today I accompany the emperor to hunt, but I feel that my archery skills are not as good as they used to be. Ruan Fubu, you are the best

At forty years old, you don’t think you are old, do you?”

"Well, a gentleman has nothing to fight for, so he must shoot? Ruan Yuan, the contest between Dehou and you is nothing more than to add some glory to today's grand event. Besides, as a scholar, you are defeated by Dehou in the competition. How can the people here here

Are you still going to laugh at you? Of course, Dehou is skilled in bow and horse after all. It is indeed inconvenient for you to compete with him in such a hurry. In this case, I will prepare a light bow for you. You can try it out a few times first, and then

How about we come back and have a competition, only limited to three rounds?" Jiaqing seemed to want to take a look at the scene of the two archery competitions.

Seeing that Jiaqing came forward to persuade him to compete, Ruan Yuan had no choice but to obey. He had to follow Jiaqing's instructions and went to the side to change into casual clothes, get the bow and horse, and after several test shots, he returned to the paddock. There were guards on the side to take out the weapons for the competition.

The target was set dozens of steps away. Seeing that the preparations were completed, Ruan Yuan also said to De Lengtai: "Dehou's meritorious service is beyond the reach of the subordinates, so let Dehou shoot first."

"Okay, then I'll show off my shame!" Delengtai is indeed an expert in riding and shooting. Although he is over fifty years old, his riding skills are as good as those in his prime. He immediately jumped out of the horse, bent his bow and arrow, and watched the target approaching.

, just as he lifted the arrow and dropped it, he heard a "swish" sound, and the arrow had inserted more than an inch below the bullseye of the first target. De Lengtai also laughed and said: "Haha, it seems that he is really old!"

"Dehou's skills are beyond the reach of the lower official, so let the lower official shoot the first arrow!" Seeing that it was his turn, Ruan Yuan was no longer polite and rode forward. However, he could not hold on for long after all, so he only let the lower official shoot the first arrow.

The mount rode forward slowly, and when it reached the target, it also hit the target with a "whisk". Although it hit the target, it was only on the edge. Ruan Yuan didn't care about the outcome, so he just rode back slowly, and shot at Jiaqing and Deleng.

Tai said: "Your Majesty, Dehou, I have indeed tried my best. It seems that Dehou's skills are superior."

"It doesn't matter." Jiaqing finally saw a large-scale competition, and he became interested. He smiled at the two of them: "Winning or losing is a common thing for military strategists. You two don't have to mind. It's just that Ruan Yuan became a Jinshi and became an official.

If you have not experienced the Imperial Academy, literature, or political positions, there is no need to rely on martial arts. You all know the art of riding and shooting. Without years of practice, it is absolutely impossible to hit the target instantly! Ruan Yuan can hit the target with this arrow.

It's enough to show his skill! He is like this for a civil servant. When you are a member of the Guards, you must practice diligently in order to fulfill your duties!" It sounds like the last few words of Jiaqing are the same as those of the imperial military attachés below.

"Haha, your Majesty is right, let's look at the slave's second arrow!" Delengtai smiled as he jumped out of the horse again. This time he seemed to be in the mood. When he passed the second arrow target, the horse was on his crotch.

Still galloping, De Lengtai didn't wait for the horse to stop, the bowstring rang, and the second arrow was shot out. Sure enough, this time it missed the target by more than an inch compared to the last time.

"Okay! Delengtai has such arrow power because of his non-stop running. I will naturally reward you today!" Jiaqing knew that Delengtai's shooting skills were not easy, and he was in his fifties. He was also worried that people who did not know the art of archery would misunderstand him.

Then he cheered on the throne. After saying that, he also said to Ruan Yuan: "Ruan Yuan, you don't ride much on weekdays. It's okay to stop and shoot again. Don't hurt yourself."

"I thank the emperor for the reward!" After Ruan Yuan thanked Jiaqing, he also rode out on horseback again. When he reached the target, he stopped, thinking about how his father taught him archery on horseback when he was a boy, with the bowstring fully drawn.

An arrow was shot, and there was only a "click" sound. The arrow actually hit the red heart! Although it was only on the upper right edge of the red heart, it was still hit by one arrow. At this time, there were many civil servants outside the field watching the shooting, although Ruan Yuan just immediately

And shooting, I still can't help but admire it.

"Haha, Ruan Fubu's shooting skills are really good! It seems that I have chosen a good opponent today?" Seeing Ruan Yuan riding back, De Lengtai also smiled at him.

"Dehou accepted the offer. Dehou is already older than Xiaguan. What's more, Dehou shot from behind the horse while Xiaguan shot straight up. Even if the winner was hit, it was Dehou who gave in. This time, Xiaguan surrendered." Ruan Yuan

He bowed back to Delengtai.

"Ruan Fubu, you and I have not finished shooting the third arrow, why do you have to admit defeat?" At this time, the guards on one side had taken the target and handed it over to the officials sitting in front of Jiaqing to watch. Only De Lengtai could be seen.

Although the two arrows did not hit the target, they did not miss much. Ruan Yuan hit one and missed the target, so it was still a tie after all. De Lengtai also said to Ruan Yuan: "Look at this, the winner today will be determined by the third arrow."

, since the emperor has the order, just shoot immediately, look at my third arrow!" After that, he rode forward again.

But this time, Delengtai obviously played a trick. When the horse was still several feet away from the target, he slowed down. Although he still shot at full speed, he was much more cautious than the last time.

I saw a "whoosh" flash in front of him, and a feather arrow had already been shot. It landed on the lower right corner of the red heart, which was considered to have hit the bullseye. Many guards in the audience also cheered. From this look, Ruan Yuan had already

It is almost impossible to equal De Lentai.

"Please let Ruan Fu shoot the third arrow!" Delengtai finished his shot and galloped back. Although Ruan Yuan had almost no chance of winning with this arrow, the fact that they were tied before had already aroused his desire to win.

This time when I said "please", I was not as polite as before.

Ruan Yuan didn't care, and after paying homage to Delengtai, he rode out again. Since Jiaqing and Delengtai didn't care about their immediate shooting, this time they shot immediately like last time. All they saw was "swift".

In a flash, Ruan Yuan's third arrow also hit the target. Upon closer inspection, it was about half an inch below the red heart. Ruan Yuan returned to the imperial court and smiled at De Lengtai: "De Hou still has great bow power. This

In this match, Xiaguan lost."

"Wait a minute!" Delengtai suddenly said to Ruan Yuan: "When I saw you shoot the arrow, for some reason, your arm was pressed down by more than an inch. If you hadn't pressed down this inch at that time, I would be the loser now. Ruan

Fubu, what do you mean by this? Are you usually too humble, so do you want to deliberately do this archery thing? Do you think I am the kind of person who is willing to accept charity from others and win?"

"What Marquis De said is wrong." Ruan Yuan also put away his bow and arrow at this time, dismounted his horse together with Delengtai, and bowed to him: "Your Majesty, you are indeed shooting with all your strength, but when you shoot the arrow, it is already

My arm strength is weak, so I pressed down even an inch. I really had to do it, but I didn't mean to despise Dehou."

"If this is the case, I have been in battle for a long time, and I have indeed taken advantage of my strength. The arrow just shot can be considered a tie." After de Lentai said this, he turned to Jiaqing and said: "In that case, Your Majesty, I beg your servant.

Shoot three more arrows with Ruan Fubu to decide the winner."

"Your Majesty, if Marquis De insists on shooting three more arrows, I will just admit defeat." Ruan Yuan also bowed to Jiaqing.

"Ruan Fubu, after all, you are too humble, aren't you? If so, I don't like your temper." Delengtai said displeased.

Ruan Yuan also paid his respects to De Lengtai solemnly: "What Marquis De did not know is that Xiaguan's archery skills were taught by his family Yan. Xiaguan was originally a military officer in his family. He was taught the art of bow and horse in the past dynasties. It was only after Xiaguan was born that he could not

His weak bones made it difficult for him to practice martial arts, so he changed his mind to studying and studying literature. The family strictly taught Xiaguan archery, and it was only to teach the six arts of the saints. Therefore, although Xiaguan acquired the skill of riding and archery, it could not last long. If Dehou thought that

"Xiaguan's words are just modest words. Since Dehou has been in battle for a long time, he naturally knows the difference between the physical strength and weakness of soldiers. So I would like to ask Dehou to take a look at Xiaguan's physical appearance. With such a body, Xiaguan can be a vanguard for Dehou's account?" said

He bowed and stood, as if waiting for De Lentai to "review" him.

When Delengtai looked at Ruan Yuan carefully, he realized that he was indeed on the thin side. When a soldier fights, bravery is the key, but his bones are the foundation. Otherwise, he cannot fight for a long time, and he is not suitable to be a soldier. He also saw that his complexion had faded.

He is flushing and breathing is getting short of breath. Maybe he can shoot one or two more arrows, but if Ruan Yuan is allowed to hold on to all three arrows, even if there is a winner, Ruan Yuan will probably be exhausted. Then he will make a fool of himself in front of Jiaqing.

, but it is definitely not what I want. Thinking that Ruan Yuan has always been a scholar, although his bow power and shooting skills are already modest, Ruan Yuan's performance is far beyond his imagination, and he is indeed a person who makes me happy.

He nodded and said to Jiaqing: "Your Majesty, it seems that what Ruan Fubu said is true. In this case, this archery competition should end here."

"That's fine. Today you two are competing with each other just to cheer up the hunt. You are also setting an example for the people present, telling them that even in a peaceful and prosperous age, we must not give up on military preparations! As for the outcome, I will decide the outcome.

Even if you two are tied, you can come with me." After saying that, Jiaqing also stood up and walked towards the place where the envoys from various countries gathered. Ruan Yuan and De Lengtai followed immediately. Ruan Yuan saw De Lengtai.

He looked very comfortable at the time. It seemed that he was already satisfied with this archery competition. He also recognized his own shooting skills and his straightforward nature. In the future, even if he did not agree with me in the court, it seemed that at least he would not be embarrassed.

Own.

Jiaqing brought Ruan and De to the envoys and introduced them loudly: "In recent years, our country, Sichuan and Chu, and the land of seas and borders, have been experiencing unrest for a while, but the so-called clown is just a temporary scabies disease.

! Last year, the troubles between Sichuan and Chu had subsided. When suppressing the rebellion, the first-class Marquis Delengtai was surrounded by a large number of thieves in the battle at Matigang. He still fought to the death and refused to retreat. Finally, he broke out and killed the thieves with all his strength.

Tianyuan was the first to come. From then on, the king's army was invincible and finally won the victory! As for the sea area, in the fifth year of Jiaqing, Annan rebelled against Lun Guili, privately known as the Marquis, and led his people to invade the territory. It was Ruan Yuan, the governor of Zhejiang, who dispatched troops along the coast of Zhejiang

There is a way, and the country of Jian has been blessed by God, and captured the leader of the thieves in a battle. Lun Guili is now in trouble! These two are both pillars of the heaven. Today's competition, De Lengtai's skills are outstanding, and Ruan Yuan's body is a civil servant.

, can also ride and shoot, which shows that the military preparedness of the Celestial Empire is not declining! With such an able minister in our dynasty, why worry about the world not being able to be peaceful, why worry about the prosperous age not being able to last forever? According to my decree, the deer I shot today will be divided into two, and half of it will be given to me.

Delengtai gave half of it to Ruan Yuan as a reward for the two of them to protect the territory!"

At this time, it was decided that Nguyen Phuc Anh would change the name of his country to Vietnam, and he specially sent an envoy to the court to meet him. Jiaqing introduced Ruan Duc to the envoy, and the implication was to warn Nguyen Phuc Anh not to profess his vassalship openly, or to do other evil things secretly.

Jiaqing felt relieved when he saw that all the envoys were impressed by each other. After Ruan Yuan received the gift of deer, he also thanked Jiaqing again and went back to sit on it. The banquet on this day was not inferior to that of Qianlong, and all the monarchs and ministers also
Chapter completed!