Qiao Chu

Chu Lan jolted awake in his study, greeted by the dim golden glow filling the room.

Had dusk already fallen? A full day had passed, and he hadn't even realized when he'd dozed off.

After a moment of disorientation, memories of earlier events surfaced. He tilted his head to listen—faint birdsong and the soft sounds of people moving about reached his ears, but no chaos or clamor.

Only then did Chu Lan call for attendants. Servants and maids hurried in, exclaiming "The master is awake!" as they poured tea and fetched water.

"What's the situation outside?" Chu Lan asked.

Knowing exactly what he meant, the servants vied to report, "Those people have all left."

Chu Lan sighed in relief, then straightened with a stern expression. "And Chu Zhao? Summon her to me at once!"

But instead of rushing out, the servants exchanged hesitant glances.

"After the garden competition concluded and the guests were seen off, Miss Azhao sent word to the madam and master," a maid murmured. "She said she was exhausted and needed rest, and that any matters could wait until tomorrow."

The implication was clear: she wouldn't come even if summoned. Chu Lan slammed his teacup on the table. "Does she still respect her elders? Who rules this household?"

Jiang Shi and Chu Ke entered just then, catching his words with cold sneers.

"She stopped respecting her elders long ago," Jiang Shi said. "She's been running this household for ages."

Chu Ke nodded vigorously. "Exactly, exactly!" He sat down and leaned forward urgently. "I've been saying all along that Chu Zhao has gone mad! We should send her away immediately, Father. You didn't witness the disgraceful spectacle she made today."

Though Jiang Shi had ordered him to stay hidden indoors, Chu Ke had slipped out the back door to spy on the events.

"Contestants went up against her one by one, with others acting as judges," he recounted. "There she was, humiliated before everyone's eyes."

"After each loss, she'd bow to her opponent, then announce loudly that Chu Zhao was inferior to so-and-so. Not just saying it—she'd write it down and present it with both hands!"

"This wasn't a competition—it was a trial! Judgment after judgment, with her bowing her head and admitting defeat each time."

By the end, Chu Ke couldn't bear to watch. Had it been him, he'd have thrown himself into the lake to drown.

Though Chu Lan had imagined such scenes, hearing them described still made his heart race. For a scholar, this was truly unbearable humiliation. "I knew she'd bring shame upon herself! When she competed with you, her own sibling, we showed restraint. Did she truly think herself so formidable?" He warned Chu Ke, "You must avoid appearing in public these coming days. As her brother, people will surely challenge you too. Ah, our Chu family's reputation is in ruins."

Chu Ke nodded repeatedly. "I know, I know."

Jiang Shi worried for her daughter: "She'll surely be mocked by others too." She had a maid bring a case of coins to Chu Tang, so she could manage relations with everyone around them.

The family managed fitful sleep despite their anxiety, but before dawn, servants woke them.

"Master, Madam—those people have returned."

Chu Lan sat up, clutching his robes. "Why are they back? Was yesterday's humiliation not enough? Hasn't Chu Zhao already admitted defeat?"

The servant replied, "They say Miss Azhao invited them. She wants to continue the competitions."

What was happening? Furious, Chu Lan sent for Chu Zhao. Again she didn't appear, but A Le came instead.

"It's not finished yet," she explained to Chu Lan. "There were so many people, and our young lady was alone. She couldn't possibly finish in one day. So yesterday she made an arrangement with everyone: three hours of competition per day."

Chu Lan and Jiang Shi stared in stunned silence before finally asking, "Then how long will this continue?"A Le said, "The young lady said that since the Third Prince has made her the focal point, it will naturally continue until the Hope Spring Garden Literary Gathering is held."

Madness—Chu Lan and Jiang Shi had only this thought. Previously, when they said Chu Zhao was mad, it was a rebuke, but now they wondered if Chu Zhao had truly lost her mind.

...

...

In the early morning, Chu Garden was crowded with many people, even more than the day before, but it was not as noisy. Most gathered in small groups, speaking in low voices, while others admired the scenery of Chu Garden.

"I've long heard of the elegance of Chu Garden, and seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation," someone sighed.

"Who would have thought such a mistress resides in Chu Garden," another person nearby chuckled. "Not the least bit refined."

This Miss Chu was originally unknown to them, but after some inquiries over the past few days, they learned that although she had just arrived in the capital, she had already fought with young ladies from boudoirs and scolded the household of Minister Liang. She was indeed not a refined person.

Everyone laughed, and then they heard chaotic footsteps approaching from the front.

"Miss Chu is here." "Look quickly."

People urged one another to turn toward the source of the sound. First, they saw several maidservants, and behind them, a young girl walking slowly.

Among the crowd were those who had come the day before, and they immediately noticed that, compared to yesterday's haste, Miss Chu had clearly dressed up today.

The girl wore her hair in a single spiral bun, revealing a broad forehead. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were as dark as ink, her eyes sparkled like stars, and her cherry lips were small and delicate. Dressed in a goose-yellow gown, she shone brightly in the spring garden.

Yesterday, she had repeatedly bowed, conceded defeat, and written countless notes declaring "Chu Zhao loses" for so many people. Yet today, she showed no trace of dejection or anxiety. Instead, her eyes and brows were filled with fighting spirit.

"Comparing one by one is too slow and wastes everyone's time," Chu Zhao said. "Why not have ten people compete at once?"

Comparing calligraphy with ten people might be manageable—each could write on their own—but what about chess and literary debates? Those required intense concentration and careful thought. For her to compete against ten people in chess and debates simultaneously—wasn't that just child's play?

But then again, this was all child's play to begin with. The crowd snapped back to reality. The Third Prince's intention was for everyone to humiliate this Chu girl. After yesterday's contests, not only was she unashamed, but she had even grown more arrogant.

If only she would obediently lower her head and admit her mistakes.

But she refused to concede and insisted on enduring this humiliation.

"Fine," a voice called out from the crowd. "As Miss Chu wishes."

Immediately, ten people stepped forward. Chu Zhao sat in her seat and bowed to them calmly. "Gentlemen, please."

...

...

The Third Prince's Hope Spring Garden Literary Gathering had become a widely known event in the capital. Thus, the moment the name of the Chu girl appeared at the gates of Spring Gazing Garden, it spread like wildfire throughout the city.

Even the officials within the Imperial City were whispering about it.

Compared to the common folk who were merely watching the spectacle, these officials felt the implications more deeply.

"So she's Chu Ling's daughter." "Who would have thought? How could a girl do such a thing?" "Why be surprised? Hasn't every deed of Chu Ling's been shocking?"

"Actually, this matter has little to do with the girl herself."

A dissenting voice suddenly chimed in.

The group of gathered officials jumped in surprise and turned to see Deng Yi standing behind them.

Compared to their official robes, Deng Yi held a lower rank. This minor official, who had offended the Zhao and Yang families and was assigned the bitter task of guarding the palace gates, often served them with fine tea and wine.Of course, they had received gifts before—many far more valuable than fine tea or wine. However, Deng Yi’s manner of giving was both lavish and sincere, as if he were not merely presenting a gift but offering his very heart.

Although Deng Yi had offended the Zhao and Yang families, he had not offended them, and they saw no need to trample on this minor official just to curry favor with the Zhaos and Yangs.

"Lord Deng," they greeted him with smiles. "On duty again today?"

Deng Yi nodded.

Pitiful—even as a lowly gatekeeper, he couldn’t take a break. The officials felt sympathy and struck up a casual conversation: "Lord Deng, have you heard about Chu Ling’s daughter?" "Why do you say it has little to do with the girl?" "Any inside information? Could it be that Chu Ling instructed her?"

Deng Yi smiled. "No inside information. What I mean is, the girl’s participation in the Chu Garden competition wasn’t her own intention."

If it wasn’t the girl’s intention, then whose was it? She clearly accepted the challenge to compete. The officials were puzzled.

Deng Yi explained, "Because it originally started as a playful dispute between her and her elder brother—a private family matter. But when others issued her a formal challenge based on that, how could she retreat without a fight?"

With that, he walked past them and slowly made his way toward the palace gates.

The officials stood stunned. Others? Who were these "others"? Wasn’t he implying the Third Prince? Was this an expression of dissatisfaction toward the Third Prince?

They snapped back to reality, expressions resigned. This Deng Yi dared to say anything!

No wonder he was demoted even while giving gifts—he simply couldn’t win favor with those above.