Jiang Hanyuan descended from the archery platform and, led by the ceremonial official, returned to the center of the viewing platform. Standing below, she reported back to the young emperor and expressed gratitude before returning to the western platform.

The atmosphere here had greatly changed.

The Empress Dowager maintained her dignified composure, offering a few faint words of praise. The Grand Princess smiled broadly, complimenting her excellent archery skills that amazed all four directions, though her smile was somewhat forced. Princess Yongtai and Xiao Linhua were delighted, especially Xiao Linhua, whose eyes brightened as she gazed intently at Jiang Hanyuan, her expression showing she almost wished she could stay by her side.

Jiang Hanyuan’s expression remained unchanged. She smiled at her, then sat back in her position, looking toward the grand training ground in the field.

After the deer drum’s opening arrow, golden drums resounded throughout the field again, and the joint military exercises began.

The formations used in the exercises were all arranged according to the sixty-four formations of Sun Wu’s military tactics. The soldiers participating in the exercises had practiced many times before, and today they coordinated skillfully. Infantry formations, chariot formations, and cavalry formations were demonstrated one by one. The thousands of bright-armored soldiers in the field, following commands, performed various battle formations with unified shouts. In between, there were chariot charges and galloping horses, stirring up clouds of dust, creating an extremely spectacular scene. Not to mention the Great He King’s people – even the young emperor watched with rapt attention. After it ended amid rumbling war drums, what followed immediately was the competition for today’s “Six Armies Champion” title.

Although the joint exercise scene was spectacular and rarely seen on ordinary days, for some people at today’s venue, the real main event was just beginning.

Over the years, anyone who won the champion title in the six armies spring competition would become famous, later receiving promotions and rank increases. Not only that, but the superiors of the unit where that person served would also gain honor. Moreover, this year was the first restoration in three years, so being able to show one’s face and gain glory in such an occasion before the current young emperor, anyone with even a bit of ability was secretly eager to try. Each battalion under Chang’an’s six armies had selected several strong fighters from their units. Initially numbering in the hundreds, after several rounds of competition, many had been eliminated. Today, the final eight stood on the grand training ground.

At this stage, these final eight were naturally all masters in archery, so there would be no more archery competitions. After drawing lots for grouping, under the sound of war drums, they directly engaged in paired combat competitions. After several rounds, two people finally emerged to compete for today’s champion title.

These two were named Cheng Chong, from the Forbidden Army under Liu Xiang’s command, currently serving as squad leaders. The other was named Meng Chuan, a subordinate promoted by Lan Rong of the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office.

For these two to emerge from the initial hundreds of strong competitors and fight their way to the final, they were naturally the strongest of the strong.

For the final duel, to fully demonstrate both sides’ abilities, each was allowed to carry weapons, but was forbidden to draw blood, meaning they had to stop at the right moment. Otherwise, even if one ultimately defeated the opponent, it would be judged as a loss.

Between the two, in terms of actual strength, Cheng Chong should still have the advantage. After going back and forth, fighting for dozens of rounds, Meng Chuan gradually proved inferior. After struggling to support himself for several more rounds and taking a hit, Cheng Chong’s blade pointed at his throat, then stopped.

If this blade had advanced a few more inches, the opponent would inevitably have blood splattered on the spot.

By normal standards, he should have won this match.

However, he never expected that his opponent would not only not concede defeat but suddenly move his body slightly forward. If he didn’t retreat, the blade tip would pierce the opponent’s throat. Instinctively withdrawing his hand to avoid the throat, he didn’t expect that at the same moment, Meng Chuan seized the opportunity of his momentary distraction and flew out with a kick, hitting his elbow squarely. He felt his arm go numb, couldn’t hold the blade handle, and it fell to the ground. Immediately after, cold light flashed before his eyes as his opponent’s blade, quick as lightning, was placed against his neck.

“I yield!”

Meng Chuan’s expression showed slight smugness as he spoke quietly, then immediately withdrew his blade.

The competition ended with Meng Chuan of the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office victorious, winning today’s spring competition’s Six Armies Champion title.

In that final move just now, he exploited the rules, knowing his opponent wouldn’t dare hurt him. He took a risk, deliberately moving his throat forward slightly. The movement was small, and the entire process was extremely fast, allowing his scheme to succeed and reverse victory and defeat in almost the blink of an eye. Moreover, with the distant field, most people on site didn’t notice, only feeling he had counterattacked from a desperate situation, succeeding with one strike, showing nimble skills. The people from the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office joined in thunderous cheers. As for the remaining observers who caught what happened, though they felt the victory was dishonorable and somewhat despicable, considering Lan Rong’s current position, who dared speak up? They could only remain silent and pretend they hadn’t seen anything.

The young emperor was very satisfied, summoning the victor forward, praising him a few times, asking his name and which unit he came from. Learning he was from the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office made him even happier, and he summoned Lan Rong to praise him further.

Lan Rong repeatedly expressed gratitude, claiming it was merely luck.

According to custom, the person who finally won the champion title could carry a banner and ride around the grand training ground once.

Soon, the victorious Meng Chuan held the black banner of the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office high in one hand while spurring his horse around the field, high-spirited and without equal.

Cheng Chong had failed at the moment of success, and in such a manner, too. Seeing his opponent showing off while the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office also shared in the glory made him feel even more ashamed. After coming down, he apologized to Liu Xiang.

Liu Xiang had been watching closely the whole time – how could he not see that his subordinate had suffered a great hidden loss? But since the opponent was the young emperor’s uncle Lan Rong’s man, what could he say? He could only accept defeat, patting his shoulder in comfort: “No matter, we’ll win it back elsewhere in the future!”

The young emperor on the viewing platform was in excellent spirits and couldn’t help saying: “Who would have thought Uncle has such capable people under him? This shows Uncle has his methods in employing people on ordinary days, and he doesn’t disappoint the court’s trust in him. Don’t you think so, Third Imperial Uncle?”

Shu Shenhui glanced at Lan Rong’s back and smiled noncommittally.

At this time, a young attendant came hurrying to the front of the viewing platform, crouching low, saying that Prince Consort Chen Lun was seeking the Regent Prince on urgent business. Shu Shenhui rose and left his seat.

Chen Lun waited in a secluded corner below the viewing platform. Seeing him arrive, he quickly stepped forward, saying he had just received an urgent message from the north requiring eight hundred li rapid delivery.

“Is there news of Chi Shu?” Shu Shenhui asked.

Since Chi Shu’s whereabouts became unknown after the incident at the Forbidden Garden, the operation to set up checkpoints and search along northern transportation routes had been ongoing, but after more than a month, no trace of him had been found.

It could be determined that unless he was truly dead, if alive, he had probably escaped through some unknown wilderness path.

Indeed, Chen Lun shook his head, saying it wasn’t about Chi Shu’s whereabouts, but it was related to him.

The people responsible for the checkpoints had encountered an urgent messenger sent by the Great He King’s son Xiao Liping to Chang’an, bringing news. The White Water tribal king of the eight tribes had previously been secretly communicating with the Beidi, wanting to take advantage of the Great He King’s absence to rebel at an opportune moment. Fortunately, Xiao Liping had always been capable. After his father went to Chang’an and ordered him to temporarily take charge of affairs, he kept watch on all tribes and promptly suppressed the rebellion. After the White Water tribal king fled, he led his followers in stubborn resistance. Xiao Liping organized continued suppression while urgently sending messengers to his father.

Shu Shenhui had previously received intelligence that the eight tribes were not internally united either. Moreover, since the end of last year, Chang’an had experienced one incident after another. This time, with the Great He King’s arrival, to prevent any mishaps, protection for him was naturally extremely thorough. Even after nightfall, Chen Lun had arranged his people outside the Great He King’s quarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guest house. The security was so strict that saying not even a fly could enter was no exaggeration.

There were no problems here, but unexpectedly, such trouble arose among the eight tribes.

Shu Shenhui returned and sat in his seat for a while longer. The Metropolitan Magistrate’s Office’s Meng Chuan also finished his victory lap around the field, and this first spring competition since the young emperor’s accession was considered successfully concluded.

Golden drums sounded again, and amid cries of “Long live,” all soldiers respectfully escorted the young emperor and the regent prince’s party as they left the field.

The Great He King had received the news a moment earlier and was inevitably anxious.

The Great Wei’s Regent Prince had promised him that if the eight tribes faced difficulties, they would certainly send troops to assist. This was the purpose of his journey.

As for the marriage alliance, that day, the Wei Kingdom’s virtuous prince had privately and tactfully reminded him that the Regent Prince held great respect for the Princess Consort and appreciated the kind intention, but could not accept it. No matter how slow the Great He King was, he understood – wasn’t this just being afraid of his wife? Though he felt regretful, there was nothing he could do but abandon the idea. After seeing the Regent Prince’s consort, General Changning, with his own eyes today, even his last bit of regret was gone.

With such a princess consort, no wonder the Regent Prince was wary. If it were himself, he probably wouldn’t dare act rashly either. Now that his goal had been achieved and such events had occurred in the rear, though his eldest son was controlling the situation, he couldn’t sit still either. He sought out the Regent Prince, saying he wanted to depart tomorrow and return.

That night, the palace held another palace banquet to bid farewell to the Great He King’s party. The Great He King was preoccupied, wishing he could immediately sprout wings and fly back. The Great Wei’s Regent Prince was also somewhat absent-minded. Host and guest were coincidentally both distracted, their thoughts not on the feast, so naturally it ended early.

Shu Shenhui ordered people to escort the Great He King back to the guest house to rest, while he escorted the young emperor back to the palace.

The young emperor’s good mood from daytime continued to now. Walking along, he glanced at his third imperial uncle accompanying him.

Usually, at times like this, before they parted each day, he would typically ask about his feelings regarding studies or handling daily government affairs. Tonight, however, he remained silent, walking quietly as if lost in thought.

Shu Jian remembered that after the female general was called out by him during the day, his third imperial uncle’s gaze seemed to have remained fixed on her figure throughout. Feeling his move today was correct, he became pleased. Thinking of how he was usually the one being taught lessons, his heart stirred, and his courage grew. Unable to resist a mischievous thought, he called out, “Third Imperial Uncle.”

Shu Shenhui was thinking about Jiang Hanyuan. He knew Princess Yongtai was hosting a banquet at her residence tonight to bid farewell to the royal daughter and had also invited her. He wondered whether she had returned yet. Lost somewhat in thought, he initially didn’t hear.

Shu Jian called him again, raising his voice slightly. Only then did he realize, stop walking, and look over.

“What does Your Majesty wish?”

Shu Jian coughed slightly: “Regarding today’s spring competition, what does the Regent Prince think of General Changning’s arrow?”

Shu Shenhui was slightly startled, glancing at the young emperor. His expression looked serious, but his eyes were darting about mischievously, clearly being playful.

But since he was in a good mood at the moment, he went along with his nephew’s words, smiling slightly: “Excellent.”

The young emperor pressed on: “If so, how does the Regent Prince intend to reward the general?”

With this tone, if not restrained a bit, he would probably be climbing on roofs and removing tiles next.

Shu Shenhui’s expression darkened slightly: “Your Majesty!”

Shu Jian knew something was wrong and quickly admitted his mistake: “Third Imperial Uncle, don’t blame me, I was wrong.” After speaking, he immediately lowered his head and walked forward without a sound.

Shu Shenhui saw he had become well-behaved again, knowing it must be an act. Feeling somewhat helpless, he shook his head, thought for a moment, caught up, and asked: “Why did Your Majesty act as you did today?”

Shu Jian naturally knew what he was asking about. Hearing his tone, he knew he wasn’t truly angry, so he raised his head again and explained: “I wronged her too much before. If I don’t do something substantial, I feel uneasy. Last night I suddenly thought of this method. Also…”

“I also wanted to make Third Imperial Uncle happy. Third Imperial Uncle should be happy too, right?” He looked at Shu Shenhui with expectant eyes.

“Why didn’t you let me know in advance?”

“If I had told you, would Third Imperial Uncle have allowed it?”

Shu Shenhui looked at his nephew for a moment, suddenly smiled, and nodded: “This time, you indeed did well.”

Shu Jian completely relaxed, beaming: “Thank you for Third Imperial Uncle’s praise.”

“Do you know why I praise you?”

“Third Imperial Aunt should be able to perceive my apology and truly won’t blame me anymore in the future.”

Shu Shenhui nodded slightly, then continued: “Not only that. Does Your Majesty remember what I told you before about winning people’s hearts? Your action today was an excellent beginning for winning people’s hearts. Your speech today was also well delivered. Though you didn’t personally shoot the arrow, the effect far exceeded if you had shot it yourself.”

Shu Jian was stunned. The smile on his face slowly disappeared. After hesitating, he said quietly: “Third Imperial Uncle, I didn’t think that far about today’s matter… I also never thought of using the methods you taught me on Third Imperial Aunt… Today I just wanted to make you both happy…”

Shu Shenhui’s tone was gentle as he smiled: “I understand. I’m just using today’s events as an example to let you know that so-called winning people’s hearts, though it is the most difficult thing in the world, is also the simplest thing in the world. When you return, if you have time, think about it some more yourself.”

“Alright, I’ll remember—”

Shu Jian had lost all his spirit from moments before. Like an eggplant hit by frost, he wilted. After remaining silent for a moment, he finally responded quietly.

Just then, Shu Shenhui had also escorted him to the front of his sleeping quarters, so he stopped and let him go in to rest. Shu Jian responded gloomily and was about to walk away when Shu Shenhui suddenly remembered something, called him back, ordered all the followers behind him to step away, and said quietly: “Your Majesty, I fear your actions today will displease the Empress Dowager. Tonight is inconvenient, but tomorrow I will go see the Empress Dowager and say it was my idea. If she asks you, say the same. Avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Shu Jian said, “Why should I let Third Imperial Uncle take the blame for me? It was my own decision. No matter who asks, I won’t change my story!” His tone seemed to carry some anger.

Shu Shenhui looked at him for a moment, slowly nodded, and said: “Third Imperial Uncle understands. But in the future, if there are such matters again, you cannot act on your initiative. You must let me know in advance.”

“Yes.” Shu Jian replied.

Shu Shenhui watched the young emperor turn and enter, ordered the attendants to take good care of the emperor, then turned and left the palace himself.

He traveled on horseback, riding straight back to the prince’s residence. The first thing he asked was whether the princess consort had returned. The gatekeeper replied she had not.

Shu Shenhui paced at the gate for a moment. He thought of going to fetch her, but feared his sister would see through his thoughts and feel embarrassed, which would be undignified. After hesitating for a while, he finally restrained himself, entered first, went to his study, and instructed people to report immediately if the princess consort returned.

He sat down in the study, wanting to do some work as usual.

With the spring competition ended and the Great He King departing, next would be the southern inspection tour he had long planned. If quick, he should be able to depart within half a month. There were many recent matters. No need to wait specifically for her. When she returned, she would naturally return.

But tonight, the water clock seemed broken – the markings hadn’t moved much after a long time. As for the work at hand, there was even less progress. Feeling restless and agitated, he simply stopped working and sought out her calligraphy practice assignments. Looking at her writing, he couldn’t help smiling. Just then, he suddenly heard footsteps outside – Zhuang Shi had come.

Shu Shenhui looked up and heard Zhuang Shi come to say that Princess Yongtai had just sent word that tonight, while bidding farewell to the royal daughter, everyone was happy and had been drinking. The Princess Consort had been urged to drink quite a lot and was somewhat intoxicated. Tonight, she would stay overnight at her residence. He should rest assured and not worry – tomorrow she would send her back.

Shu Shenhui threw down the brush in his hand, stood up, and strode toward the door.

“It’s so late, where is Your Highness going?”

“To fetch the princess consort home. Staying overnight at another’s house is too much of an imposition!”

He said this and left the study.