Shang Ruyi immediately knew that someone must have overheard their conversation in the tent just now, and this Huang Gongyi, with his rough temper, clearly couldn’t swallow his pride.
Next to him, Dabo urged in a low voice, "Keep it down."
"What’s the big deal about shouting? I’ve achieved more on the battlefield than she’s had meals, and I can’t even shout?"
"If nothing is allowed, why not let this army be led by a young girl!"
Shang Ruyi’s face immediately turned a bit hot, while Yu Wenye looked down at her with a slightly amused expression, then looked forward and said, "Old Huang, why are you shouting."
When Huang Gongyi saw the two of them come out, he strode over without looking at Shang Ruyi and saluted Yu Wenye, saying, "Second Young Master, there’s a clear rule in the army that no outsiders are allowed in. Today, we just assumed the Young Madam was related to those bandits and let it go. But if outsiders keep coming in and interfering with our military affairs, then Old Huang can’t lead these troops anymore!"
This remark directly challenged Shang Ruyi to her face.
Shang Ruyi was known for her eloquence, but dealing with someone straightforward like Huang Gongyi, who laid everything on the table, was indeed tricky.
However, Yu Wenye just smiled faintly and said, "Who told you that today’s visitor is an outsider."
Huang Gongyi was stunned, and Shang Ruyi also froze upon hearing this, turning her head to look at him.
Yu Wenye continued, "Ruyi—my wife, is the eldest daughter of the late Emperor’s most trusted Left Merit Guard Cavalry General, Shang Ruohong. She once trained in archery and horsemanship among the Turkic, and today, she is here not just to look at those captives, but to review our soldiers’ archery skills."
Shang Ruyi’s eyes immediately widened.
What Yu Wenye said—was he putting her in the hot seat?
But as soon as he spoke, several deputy generals around revealed looks of astonishment, especially Dabo, who was full of admiration and exclaimed, "Shang, Shang Ruohong... So the Young Madam is actually Shang Ruohong’s daughter! My apologies, my apologies!"
He quickly bowed deeply to Shang Ruyi.
Shang Ruyi felt a bit at a loss, while Huang Gongyi also clearly understood the weight of "Shang Ruohong," his face turning red, and after a while, he said, "So, what of it? Just because the father is skilled, doesn’t mean the daughter is."
Yu Wenye replied, "It’s not about talking tough, but proving it."
"In this army, to be considered skilled, you have to show it."
This time, Shang Ruyi couldn’t stand by any longer, "Second Brother—"
Yu Wenye looked down at her and said, "On the way here, you mentioned competing in archery with the Turkic on the grasslands. I’ve always wanted to see the archery skills that could defeat the Turkic. Why not let me witness it today?"
"And let them witness it too."
Shang Ruyi felt her heart sink and inwardly lamented her predicament.
On the way here, she had indeed gotten carried away, recklessly sharing stories from her past. But those were childhood tales, and she hadn’t touched a bow and arrow in over ten years. Competing with soldiers who train daily was like asking for her life.
At this moment, Huang Gongyi also loudly said, "Fine, if that’s the case, then Old Huang will take you up on it. If Young Madam beats me, from now on, whatever you say goes, and Old Huang won’t argue!"
This time, she was really put on the hot seat.
Shang Ruyi’s scalp tingled; she glanced at Yu Wenye, then at Huang Gongyi, and finally gritted her teeth.