After two rounds of competition, it was already noon.
The civil and military officials, having endured a morning full of thrills and excitement, were drenched in sweat and parched-throated.
Emperor Liang graciously allowed everyone a brief respite, instructing that the horseback archery trial would resume after an hour.
During this break, the Empress had the Imperial Kitchen send tea, snacks, fruits, and food; the officials all praised her virtuous benevolence.
In the pavilion of Prince Jin, Prince Jin, Prince Rui, King Qi, and Lu Qi were eating the lunch laid on the table. Beyond the Empress's offerings, there were also restorative soups and dishes sent by Consort Hu through her attendants.
However, none of them had much of an appetite at this moment.
King Qi said, "Big Brother, Third Brother, I think there's no reason for you to fret. Lu Linyuan is just full of some minor tricks. When it comes to actual strength, he's helpless."
