No sooner had I drawn near than I heard the twang of bowstrings ringing out beside Purity Tower, mingled with …
No sooner had I drawn near than I heard the twang of bowstrings ringing out beside Purity Tower, mingled with bursts of applause. I found a high spot and stole a look. What a sight. On the archery ground, a band of elites was drilling with the bow, and several feathered arrows were clustered tightly around the bull's-eyes. Clearly, every last one of them was a skilled shot.
So this place not only stores books, but also serves as a ground for royal archery contests. It makes sense enough. The Son of Heaven's close attendants and palace guards must be accomplished in the written word, yet no less proficient in arms.
Watching them shoot made me itch to have a go myself. A pity the place is tightly guarded today. The Imperial Service agents and the eunuchs overseeing the rites are watching the place like hawks, so there is no easy way to slip in. I shall mark this place down for now. I will find a chance to try my hand another day, and perhaps even sample some of the wine being served while I'm at it.