The Cold Door Hero

Summary

At the 20th checkpoint of an archery competition, Li Yan Qing impresses the examiners with his exceptional skill, hitting all ten arrows perfectly in the target's center. His performance shocks the officials, who have never seen such talent. Afterward, he celebrates with friends at a tavern, discussing the competition's significance and the court's indifference to military affairs. They speculate on the political maneuvering between Tong Guan and Cai Jing, particularly regarding the archery competition's organization. Tang Huai reveals he learned about the court intrigues from Zong Ze, an outspoken figure he met. The chapter highlights the tension between military and civil authority in the Song Dynasty and Li Yan Qing's growing role in this conflict.

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