Li Rоng slерt sоundlу until dаwn. When she rоsе in thе mоrning, shе glanced оut thе window and, sеeing the bright sunlight, соuldn’t hеlр fееling a bit chеerful. She turned to look аt Jing Lаn and rеmarkеd, “Тhе wеathеr tоdау is quitе plеasant.”
“Thе dаy сhosen by thе Imperiаl Astronоmiсаl Вurеаu is nаturally аusрiciоus.”
Jing Lаn finishеd cоmbing Li Rong’s hаir аnd said, “Your Нighnеss, it’s time tо set off.”
“Hаve you расked еverything we nееd?”
Li Rоng, with her bасk tо Jing Lаn, ехaminеd hеr reflеctiоn in the mirror. Jing Lаn reрliеd, “Wоund mediсinе, роison, daggers—еverything we could think оf is packеd.”
Li Rong noddеd. She gаzеd at thе youthful features of the girl in the mirror for a moment, then stood up and turned around calmly. “Let’s go.”
As Li Rong boarded the carriage to depart, Su Rongqing was also dressed and ready to leave when he heard a loud call from behind: “Rongqing!”
Su Rongqing turned around to see Su Ronghua hurrying out from the inner courtyard. Su Rongqing frowned. “Elder Brother?”
“I’ll go with you.”
Su Ronghua tossed the hair that had fallen in front of him back and placed a hand on Su Rongqing’s shoulder, saying cheerfully, “Let’s go.”
“Elder Brother, don’t you usually avoid such occasions?”
Su Rongqing was dragged along by Su Ronghua, a hint of confusion in his voice. Su Ronghua laughed as they boarded the carriage together. He casually grabbed a handful of melon seeds from the table, leaned lazily against the side, and said with a smile, “It’s been years since we last went out to have fun together. I thought I’d find some amusement. Look at you—I don’t know what’s going on, but you’ve been so gloomy these past two years.”
Su Rongqing remained silent, lowering his head to pour tea. Su Ronghua thought for a moment and leaned closer. “Still thinking about the princess?”
“Elder Brother, watch your words.”
Su Rongqing instantly looked up, his gaze warning Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua quickly raised his hands in surrender and backed away. Su Rongqing poured the tea and said calmly, “Is Elder Brother going for Miss Shangguan?”
At these words, Su Ronghua stiffened. Su Rongqing thought for a moment and continued slowly, “If you like her, why not propose directly?”
“It just… feels a bit presumptuous.”
Su Ronghua pondered, then said slowly, “When two people are together, they should first get to know each other, understand each other, fall in love, and then, when they feel ready to spend a lifetime together, talk about spending a lifetime.”
As he spoke, Su Ronghua couldn’t help but smile, a hint of longing in his expression.
After a moment, he added, “Besides, with the political situation being unstable these years and the Shangguan Clan under His Majesty’s watch, if I were to propose, everyone would see it as an alliance between the Su Clan and the Shangguan Clan. Either we’d have to rush into marriage before His Majesty notices, or His Majesty would likely issue an imperial decree to separate Miss Aya and me. I don’t want either of those paths. If I’m to marry someone, it must be with a grand procession, a splendid ceremony. I don’t want to be constrained by worries and restrictions. So, I thought I’d wait until the Crown Prince ascends the throne before proposing.”
“Aren’t you afraid Miss Shangguan might not wait for you?” Su Rongqing pushed the poured tea toward Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua shook his head. “She’s currently managing the Shangguan Clan affairs. I doubt she’s in a hurry to marry anytime soon.”
“What if she wants to marry?”
The question caught Su Ronghua off guard. He thought for a moment and smiled. “Then let her marry. As long as she says the word, I’ll go back to the old man, take a beating from him, and propose immediately.”"However, don't rush me about marrying her," Su Ronghua waved his hand dismissively. "You're still fighting with that fool Prince Su over her. How can I propose before the Crown Prince ascends the throne?"
"You're so certain the Crown Prince will ascend?" Su Rongqing's tone was indifferent. Su Ronghua spun the teacup in his hand, answering casually, "There are only two princes—Prince Su and the Crown Prince. It doesn't even require thinking."
As he spoke, Su Ronghua glanced at him, somewhat disdainfully. "I can't figure out what's wrong with you, hanging yourself on Prince Su's rope. But listen to your elder brother's advice," Su Ronghua leaned forward, pressing his fan on the table and lowering his voice, showing a hint of seriousness. "Know when to stop and turn back before it's too late."
Su Rongqing lowered his head in silence. After a moment, he chuckled softly. "Elder brother need not worry. It will all be over soon."
"That's good."
"But," Su Rongqing looked up at Su Ronghua, "if Miss Shangguan and I remain on opposing sides, what will you do?"
Hearing this, Su Ronghua paused, slowly raising his eyelids to gaze at Su Rongqing.
"You are my brother."
Su Ronghua's voice was calm. "I will keep advising you until the day I die."
Su Rongqing was taken aback. Su Ronghua suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder. "So, if you truly care for me, behave properly and don't cause trouble, alright?"
Su Rongqing said nothing. After a long while, he murmured, "You will be together."
"Hmm?" Su Ronghua didn't quite understand. "What did you say?"
Su Rongqing looked up with a smile, pushing his hand away. "I said, when the time is right, I'll personally help you propose."
After saying this, Su Rongqing skillfully changed the subject. The two brothers chatted and laughed as they arrived at the outskirts.
Li Rong had entered earlier than them. Once inside, she saw Shangguan Ya already seated on the raised platform for female attendees. Pei Wenxuan had also arrived. Seeing her enter, he glanced over from the crowd and gave a slight nod.
Li Rong walked over to Shangguan Ya and tapped her shoulder with her fan. "Want to come to my seat?"
As a member of the royal family, Li Rong's seat was next to Li Chuan, in a small pavilion just below Li Ming, facing the drill ground with an excellent view.
Hearing this, Shangguan Ya stood up and followed Li Rong to her seat, kneeling behind her.
Not long after Li Rong took her seat, Li Ming arrived at the drill ground with Shangguan Yue. Everyone rose to welcome Li Ming as he took his place. Then, soldiers selected from the Six Armies stepped forward, each dressed in one of six colors, standing on the drill ground.
The ceremonial official led Li Chuan up to the high platform. After Li Chuan burned incense to pay respects to the mountain deity, he turned to express his gratitude to the soldiers for guarding Huajing throughout the year. Then Li Ming stood up and announced the official start of the Winter Hunt.
"This year's Winter Hunt is divided into six teams, each with one Army Banner. Deep in the forest, there is another Army Banner. After the hour of you, those who emerge from the forest with the most banners will be the winners. There are wild animals in the forest; if you can hunt them, you can earn extra points. Fifty wild animals equal one banner. No one is allowed to harm others during the hunt. Anyone who intentionally injures others will be punished according to the law."
As Li Chuan spoke, he glanced at the eunuch below before continuing, "Now, distribute the banners. Once the drum sounds, enter the forest in order from the left. At the hour of you, drums will sound and horns will blow. Return upon hearing them."Eunuchs carrying flags of different colors jogged into the arena, handing the flags to each team leader. Once the flags were distributed, the drums thundered, and soldiers rode their horses into the forest, leaving the Drill Ground gradually empty.
Su Ronghua sat with Su Rongqing in the noble family seating area, picking up an orange as he glanced at the competition grounds and remarked casually, "Year after year, you all come to this place just to watch this kind of spectacle? What’s so interesting about it?"
As he spoke, Su Ronghua pretended to glance unintentionally toward the high platform. In the distance, Shangguan Ya knelt upright and straight, her head lowered as she spoke to Li Rong.
"In a moment, after His Majesty gives the order, the families will begin moving around," Su Rongqing, knowing what he was waiting for, reminded him quietly. "Then you can go find Miss Shangguan."
Su Ronghua raised an eyebrow and looked at Su Rongqing, whose expression remained unchanged. After a moment, Su Ronghua chuckled. "You clever little thing."
Once Li Chuan had arranged everything, he returned to his seat. With all the soldiers having entered the forest, there was little excitement left to watch. After Li Ming announced that everyone was free to move about, the crowd dispersed, each seeking out familiar faces to chat with.
Su Ronghua glanced around, then leaned closer to Su Rongqing, somewhat nervously asking, "Should I just go over like this?"
"Go ahead," Su Rongqing nodded with a smile. "Just walk straight over."
After asking, Su Ronghua felt a bit foolish. He cleared his throat, too embarrassed to face Su Rongqing, and turned to leave briskly.
He deliberately slowed his steps, which might have seemed too hasty, winding around the corridor and ascending the steps until he reached Shangguan Ya’s seating area. But before he could approach, he saw Lin Feibai walking toward Li Rong from the other side. Lin Feibai bowed to Li Rong, and though Su Ronghua couldn’t hear what was said, he saw Shangguan Ya smile at him. She beckoned Lin Feibai closer, and though he seemed somewhat embarrassed, he eventually bent down, allowing Shangguan Ya to take a handkerchief and gently wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Su Ronghua froze in place.
He had never seen Shangguan Ya look so gentle. Though Lin Feibai wasn’t smiling and even seemed a bit awkward, the way he carefully bent down, as if afraid of tiring Shangguan Ya by raising her hand, revealed his silent thoughtfulness toward her.
The two of them seemed to form their own world, quietly excluding him.
Su Ronghua halted his steps, quietly watching them. After a moment, Lin Feibai seemed to notice Su Ronghua’s presence. While speaking to Shangguan Ya, he turned his head slightly and paused.
Lin Feibai suddenly fell silent, and both Li Rong and Shangguan Ya found it strange. They looked over together and saw Su Ronghua standing not far away, his gaze fixed coldly on Lin Feibai.
Lin Feibai straightened up and met Su Ronghua’s eyes. Whispers spread among the surrounding people, and Su Ronghua faintly caught fragments of conversation: "It seems Young Master Su doesn’t know."
"It’s only been a few days."
Su Ronghua said nothing, quietly observing the two. After a moment, he suddenly strode forward, heading straight for Shangguan Ya. But before he could reach her, Lin Feibai stepped forward, blocking his path.
"Let me speak to her."
Su Ronghua restrained his emotions, his eyes fixed on Lin Feibai as he lowered his voice.
"Talk later," Lin Feibai’s voice was cold. "Don’t make a scene here for everyone to see."These words reminded Su Ronghua. He stared at Shangguan Ya, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he had calmed down considerably, saying only, "I'll just say a few words. I won't let anyone see a joke."
Lin Feibai hesitated for a moment. Shangguan Ya looked toward the Drill Ground and said calmly, "Then speak. Feibai, step aside."
Lin Feibai glanced back at Shangguan Ya and finally relented.
Su Ronghua stepped up to Shangguan Ya, crouching down halfway to meet her gaze. "Why?"
"Why what?" Shangguan Ya turned to look at him. "Haven't I already said what needed to be said?"
"You plan to marry him?"
Su Ronghua asked directly. Shangguan Ya responded with a hum, "Mm, so what?"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Su Ronghua," Shangguan Ya couldn't help but laugh. "What is our relationship? Do I need to submit a memorial to you for everything I do? I'll marry whomever I want, like whomever I want. Right now, I don't want to see you. I hope the esteemed Young Master Su will maintain his dignity and not seek me out in the future."
Su Ronghua said nothing, his eyes fixed on Shangguan Ya.
Shangguan Ya picked up her teacup, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "Didn't you say you wouldn't let anyone see a joke? Young Master Su, if you keep crouching in front of me like this, you'll truly become a laughingstock."
"Shangguan Ya, don't do anything you'll regret."
"When I do things," Shangguan Ya lifted her chin slightly, her eyes carrying a hint of provocation, "I never regret them."
Su Ronghua let out a soft chuckle. He pushed himself up to stand, his gaze shifting from Shangguan Ya to Lin Feibai. After a moment, he nodded with a smile and walked away.
When he returned to his seat, Li Rong looked toward Shangguan Ya. "Why provoke him for no reason?"
"He's annoying."
Shangguan Ya drained her teacup in one gulp. "He never used to come to places like this. I don't know why he showed up today."
Li Rong observed Shangguan Ya's irritated expression and leisurely picked up her own teacup. "I, for one, enjoy watching the drama unfold among you young people."
Shangguan Ya turned her head away. Li Rong winked at her. "Saying one thing but meaning another, full of ups and downs."
Shangguan Ya choked on her words, struggling for a moment before turning away again. "Your Highness, you're just as annoying."
Li Rong laughed out loud. Just then, Li Ming's voice rang out, "Everyone."
As soon as Li Ming spoke, the entire gathering fell silent. His voice carried a cheerful tone, as though he were quite pleased. "Since we have some leisure time, let the younger generation form teams and play a game of Polo."
Li Ming raised his voice slightly. "Whoever wins, I will grant them a wish. But you must promise me—play beautifully, make it a spectacle!"
With that, Li Ming scanned the crowd. "Who among you wishes to take the field? Step forward and let me see."
The royal family never acted without reason, especially when offering such a weighty promise as a wish. Those present were all high-ranking nobles who had navigated the court for years and naturally understood this principle, hesitating to step forward rashly.
Lin Feibai stepped out from the crowd and knelt on one knee. "Your Majesty, this humble servant requests to compete."
"You are..." Li Ming thought for a moment, somewhat surprised. "Ah, you're Xie Lanqing's son!"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant enlisted in the southwestern army. Over the years, I have slain enemies and bandits, earning merit and rising to the rank of General Who Guards the South, a fifth-grade official. The recent battles have just subsided, and longing for my homeland, I requested leave to return to the capital.""You have encountered such a fate, truly you are no ordinary person. To know one's mistakes and correct them is a good thing. Since you have requested a match, do you have a desired opponent?"
"I have long heard that the second young master of the Su family in the capital is highly skilled in polo. Today, having this opportunity," Lin Feibai said, looking at Su Rongqing, "I hope Vice Minister Su will not hesitate to instruct me."
Hearing that Lin Feibai had chosen Su Rongqing, everyone exchanged glances, momentarily unable to figure out what scheme was being plotted.
Su Rongqing listened to Lin Feibai's words, quietly watching him. Before he could speak, a lazy voice rang out.
"When it comes to playing polo, you're mistaken to seek out my second brother," everyone turned toward the voice and saw Su Ronghua lazily rise to his feet, stepping down from his seat. "In the capital, when it comes to polo, I, Su Ronghua, may not be the absolute best, but I do have a modest reputation. General Xie," Su Ronghua raised his hand, "I will play a match in place of my younger brother. I trust you will not take offense?"
"Excellent," before Lin Feibai could respond, Li Ming agreed immediately. He turned to Su Ronghua with a smile and said, "Su the Elder is here today as well. I have always admired your temperament. Both you and General Xie are remarkable individuals. I greatly look forward to this match."
Since Li Ming had spoken, Lin Feibai could not refuse. He could only bow respectfully and withdraw with Su Ronghua to change clothes.
As soon as they left, Shangguan Ya immediately stood up. Li Rong lifted her teacup, blowing on the floating tea leaves. "Where are you going?"
"To talk some sense into him."
Shangguan Ya tossed out the words and hurried toward the tent where they were changing clothes.
When she arrived at the tent, Su Ronghua had just changed and emerged. Seeing him, Shangguan Ya immediately approached. "Su Ronghua!"
Su Ronghua glanced at her sideways, took a polo mallet from his attendant, ignored her, and walked straight ahead.
His legs were long and his strides large; he did not deliberately wait for Shangguan Ya, who had to jog to keep up. "Why are you competing with Lin Feibai? Have you gone mad?"
"You are clearly scheming against my brother. Do you think I'm a fool?" Su Ronghua shot her a look. "Besides, what is our relationship? If I want to play polo, I'll play polo. Do I need to submit a memorial to you?"
He threw her own words right back at her. Shangguan Ya was momentarily speechless as she watched Su Ronghua stride away.
Li Rong leisurely sipped her tea, watching as Shangguan Ya stormed back, sat down, and began gulping tea.
Li Rong glanced at her sideways, unable to hold back a laugh. "Did you hit a wall?"
"Your Highness, now is not the time for laughter," Shangguan Ya said anxiously. "Su Ronghua is on the field, but Su Rongqing is still down below. If we don't draw him away, I'm afraid something might go wrong when we move against Xie Chunhe."
"It's fine," Li Rong's voice was soft. She smiled and glanced at Pei Wenxuan, who remained calmly seated on the field. "Pei Wenxuan is still sitting there too."
Li Rong's attitude slightly reassured Shangguan Ya. At that moment, Lin Feibai also returned to the Drill Ground. Each of them led four men, mounted their horses, and took up their mallets, heading to the center of the field. At the signal, before Lin Feibai could react, Su Ronghua swung his mallet, striking the ball and then charging his horse straight through the midst of Lin Feibai's men. Lin Feibai reacted swiftly, instantly turning and spurring his horse in pursuit. Just before Su Ronghua could drive the ball into the goal, Lin Feibai swung his mallet backhanded, sending the ball flying back.
The match began with such intensity that the entire crowd instantly erupted in excitement. The two teams began chasing back and forth across the field.Lin Feibai was originally an assassin, so his skills were naturally exceptional. However, he wasn’t accustomed to playing polo, and within the rules of the game, he couldn’t match the agility of Su Ronghua, who was a seasoned polo player.
Nevertheless, Lin Feibai’s reflexes were sharp, and every time Su Ronghua was about to score, he managed to block him.
Thus, the two sides remained deadlocked throughout the first half, with not a single goal scored.
Although no goals were made, the evenly matched tension kept the entire field on edge. Even Li Ming, who was used to watching polo matches, couldn’t help but fix his gaze on the two opponents on the field.
Tong Ye carried a teapot to Pei Wenxuan’s side, knelt down, and whispered, “Young Master, Su Rongqing’s people keep causing trouble. We need to get Su Rongqing out of the way so he can’t manage things from behind the scenes.”
Pei Wenxuan took the tea, watching the field without a word.
As the first half neared its end, Su Ronghua suddenly intensified his offense. Lin Feibai defended fiercely, but when he saw Su Ronghua adopt a reckless, all-or-nothing style of play, he couldn’t help but frown. As they crossed paths, he spoke up, “What are you fighting for?”
“What are you fighting for,” Su Ronghua chased after the polo ball, “I’m fighting for the same.”
“She doesn’t even like you,” Lin Feibai swung his mallet backhanded just as Su Ronghua was about to drive the ball into the goal, sending it flying back. “With your status, finding another noblewoman would be effortless. Why must Young Master Su be so stubborn?”
“You think I’m being stubborn?”
Su Ronghua shot him a cold glance, leaning sideways and sliding halfway off his horse, suspended in mid-air. He deftly maneuvered past four defenders, swinging his mallet to send the ball flying far into the distance.
“You’re just a playboy, so why pretend to be deeply devoted?” Lin Feibai chased after him. “If you like her, why didn’t you marry her sooner?”
As he spoke, Lin Feibai’s teammate rushed forward to block Su Ronghua, allowing Lin Feibai to charge ahead and position himself in front of the goal. With a swift swing, he sent the ball flying back.
Just then, the three concluding gongs sounded—the first strike rang out!
The crowd rose to their feet, cheering loudly.
Su Ronghua maneuvered around the others, charging straight toward Lin Feibai.
Meanwhile, Lin Feibai chased after the ball, heading directly for Su Ronghua.
The ball lay in the center of the field. One final strike could score a goal—it all depended on which of the two would land that decisive hit.
The two rode toward each other at full speed, and Li Chuan couldn’t help but show a look of astonishment. “What are they doing?”
The second gong struck!
Li Rong didn’t answer him, while Shangguan Ya unconsciously clenched her fists.
As the two horses drew closer and closer, at the very last moment, they collided violently. Their mallets clashed, and as the third gong sounded, accompanied by the neighing of the horses, both men were thrown from their saddles and tumbled to the ground!
Su Rongqing abruptly stood up, shouting, “Summon the imperial physician!”
With that, he hurried toward the field.
Pei Wenxuan also rose to his feet, rushing to Lin Feibai’s side.
Lin Feibai had little standing in Huajing, and the Xie family members present today weren’t on good terms with him. If something serious happened and no one intervened, he might very well die right there on the field.
The imperial physician arrived at a jog. Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan each checked their respective players’ injuries first, confirming there were no major issues before the physician arrived.
Both men had sustained injuries of varying degrees. After the imperial physician examined them, he had them assisted off the field.
Just as Pei Wenxuan helped Lin Feibai turn to leave, Su Ronghua’s voice came from behind: “There’s still the second half.”Lin Feibai halted his steps and turned around to see Su Ronghua calmly watching him, blood dripping from his hand. "I haven't won yet."
"Elder Brother."
Su Rongqing frowned. "You should go rest first."
"Fine."
Lin Feibai met Su Ronghua's gaze. "I'll see this through to the end."
As the two stood locked in a stalemate, Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly. "It's just a game of polo. It's not as if we can't switch players."
With that, Pei Wenxuan took the mallet from Lin Feibai's hand and turned to Su Rongqing, a faint, ambiguous smile on his lips. "Don't you agree, Second Young Master Su?"
Su Rongqing stared coldly at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. "I'm already on the field. What is Second Young Master still afraid of?"
Hearing this, Su Rongqing smiled.
"Minister Pei is right."
Su Rongqing took the mallet from Su Ronghua, lifted his gaze, his eyes icy. "For the second half, allow me to take my elder brother's place and challenge Minister Pei to a game."
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