The day of the qin music examination came to a close amidst everyone’s sighs and exclamations.

No matter what, Jiang Li’s performance of “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute” on this day became a topic of conversation throughout Yanjing City. Doubts about the upper three categories dissipated considerably for a time. The qin artistry Jiang Li displayed also made many people begin to re-examine the wager between Second Miss Jiang and the Meng family’s daughter. At gambling houses, some people even began betting that Jiang Li would win.

These changes were bit by bit, yet all-pervasive. It seemed everyone had reached a consensus overnight: Jiang Li was not inferior to other noble ladies of Yanjing in the slightest.

This was naturally a positive change for Jiang Li, though not so for certain others. Setting aside those other Mingyi Hall female students who were stepped on by Jiang Li, even the wager’s other party, Meng Hongjin, was currently unable to sit or stand still with anxiety.

At the Meng household, Meng Youde hadn’t yet returned to the mansion. Madam Meng also sat in the hall sighing long and short. Meng Hongjin had shut herself in her boudoir, petulantly overturning an entire table of paper and brushes. Her face showed irritability, yet looking carefully, within that irritability was also a trace of panic.

Unknowingly, matters had reached this state. When Meng Hongjin thought about it now, she still felt everything was like a dream. She couldn’t understand at all how what had been a foregone conclusion could have become the current situation. She had already heard from the servants’ private gossip that regarding her wager with Jiang Li, people at various major gambling houses had begun betting on Jiang Li. What did this mean? It meant that at least in outsiders’ eyes, she might lose to Jiang Li.

In fact, not only outsiders thought this way—even Meng Hongjin herself had long since lost her initial confidence. Meng Hongjin understood that she had probably been deceived by Jiang Li. The so-called knowing nothing at all, being completely ignorant—these were just lies Jiang Li fabricated to deceive her. Jiang Li probably had the intention of making her lose face from the very beginning, which was why she dug this trap and used a provocation method to force her into the game. In truth, Jiang Li knew everything.

But the words had already been spoken. All of Yanjing City knew about her wager with Jiang Li. Now wanting to retract the wager was too late.

A maid beside her consoled, “Miss needn’t worry too much. Tomorrow is the horseback riding and archery categories that Miss excels at most. As long as you win first place in these two categories, Miss Jiang won’t be first.”

“If she’s not first, I still lose.” Meng Hongjin said coldly. In Jiang Li’s wager, if she wasn’t at the bottom of Mingyi Hall, she herself would have to kneel and apologize to her. If Jiang Li was even more outstanding than herself, she would have to kneel and apologize to her at the entrance to the Imperial Academy. If not only more outstanding than herself but also first in the entire examination, she would have to remove her outer garment and kneel to apologize at the entrance to the Imperial Academy!

Three wagers, each more vicious than the last. Now Jiang Li had won first place in the first four categories, so she naturally wasn’t at the bottom, and moreover was more excellent than herself. Even if she could win first in the horseback riding and archery categories, at most it would mean Jiang Li failed to win overall first place. According to the wager, Meng Hongjin would still have to kneel and apologize to Jiang Li at the entrance to the Imperial Academy.

Meng Hongjin absolutely could not accept falling to such a state.

If she didn’t want her reputation ruined, she could only find an excuse to renege on the wager. But in that case, wouldn’t she also become a laughingstock throughout all of Yanjing City?

She absolutely could not let such a thing happen!

Suddenly, a previously chilling thought once again drilled into Meng Hongjin’s mind.

On the horseback riding and archery grounds, blades and arrows had no eyes. There had once been women who fell from horseback during examinations at the testing grounds, though the injuries weren’t too serious—they suffered some fright and recovered after resting a few days at their mansions. But what if Jiang Li’s luck was bad and she fell from horseback at the examination grounds? Setting aside breaking her neck and dying immediately, even if she broke her leg and could never walk properly again, or if she was scratched across the face by sharp stones on the ground and became disfigured? There was also archery—what if someone “accidentally” lost control, and in the chaos, Jiang Li was injured by someone else’s arrow? That would also be a good thing.

This way, Jiang Li wouldn’t be able to appear before everyone for a short time. That wager would no longer be mentioned. With the person already ruined, who would still care about that wager?

The more Meng Hongjin thought about it, the more excited she became. As if she had already seen Jiang Li’s appearance of suffering a fate worse than death, she couldn’t help but laugh aloud. In matters of horseback riding and archery, she had always been skilled. If she wanted to tamper with things, it would be as easy as flipping her hand.

The maid in the room looked at Meng Hongjin’s somewhat sinister smile and inexplicably felt a chill. She involuntarily lowered her head, not daring to look at her mistress again.

…

Like Meng Hongjin, unhappy about Jiang Li winning first place in qin music, there was also Jiang Youyao.

At Yaoguang Pavilion, maids knelt all over the floor. Third Miss Jiang was displeased inside and casually found an excuse to punish the entire room of servants.

Ji Shuran had just entered the room when she saw the scene of Jiang Youyao overturning a celadon flower vase.

The vase shattered all over the floor. Ji Shuran frowned slightly and carefully stepped over the broken porcelain pieces, instructing a nearby maid to clean it up quickly. Jiang Youyao turned around and only then discovered Ji Shuran’s arrival.

Ji Shuran didn’t speak, only staring at Jiang Youyao. When this beautiful woman who usually appeared amiable truly became angry, she was still quite formidable. Jiang Youyao shrank back and called out, “Mother.”

“What are you doing now?” Ji Shuran pressed her forehead and walked to sit on the couch in the room, shaking her head. “If your father sees you like this, he’ll be displeased again.”

“Father already doesn’t like me anymore,” Jiang Youyao said, biting her lip. “He’s already been fed sweet words by that little bitch Jiang Li. He listens to everything Jiang Li says!”

“I’ve told you how many times—young ladies should watch their words and conduct,” Ji Shuran spoke sternly. “If outsiders heard you say this, who knows how much trouble it would cause.”

“I know, Mother. I’m just saying it in front of you.” Jiang Youyao said desperately, “I’m truly so angry. You saw it today too—Jiang Li is clearly opposing me. I’ve always excelled at qin music, yet today she deliberately surpassed me. Now all of Yanjing City knows that Second Miss Jiang’s qin artistry is outstanding and far surpasses me. What can I do in the future?”

“Don’t rush…”

“Now it’s qin artistry surpassing me. In the future, who knows what else will surpass me? She just wants to use me as her stepping stone. Mother, you didn’t see it today—Young Master Zhou kept looking at her. This bitch wants to seduce Young Master Zhou. She still hasn’t given up!” By the end, she was gnashing her teeth, making one suspect that if Jiang Li were present, Jiang Youyao would definitely tear her to shreds.

Ji Shuran was slightly stunned. At this moment, she had no mind to fuss over Jiang Youyao’s improper words and conduct. She only said, “What you’re saying is true?”

“It’s true.” Jiang Youyao said aggrievedly, “She wants to replace me, wants to become the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family’s first branch again. Mother, didn’t you say that there’s only one legitimate daughter of the first branch, and that’s me? No one can take away what’s mine. But now even my fiancé is about to be stolen by Jiang Li. Mother, how can I not care?”

Ji Shuran’s heart shook hard. Jiang Youyao’s words “no one can take away what’s mine” stabbed at her heart.

Looking back, she saw that Jiang Youyao indeed appeared very sad, her eyes completely red. Ji Shuran couldn’t help but soften inside. She then sighed and said, “Nonsense. How could the Marquis Ningyuan’s heir be stolen by someone? Setting aside other matters, the Zhou family has already changed the marriage contract once before. A marriage contract isn’t child’s play—how could it be changed repeatedly? Moreover, with Jiang Li’s reputation, how can she compare with you? I’ve met Madam of Marquis Ningyuan. Their family members are satisfied with you too. If they changed the marriage contract again, where would that place our Jiang family? Your father wouldn’t allow it either. Youyao, rest assured—no one can steal away Zhou Yanbang.”

“But Young Master Zhou has already been bewitched by Jiang Li…” Jiang Youyao was still unwilling.

“How could she compare to even a strand of your hair? You’re overthinking this.” Ji Shuran smiled. “If he had Jiang Li in his heart, he wouldn’t have never mentioned Jiang Li even once over these eight years. Asking nothing and caring nothing—does that seem like someone who has the other person in their heart?”

Hearing this, Jiang Youyao finally felt somewhat better.

Ji Shuran, however, was contemplating inside. She said this to console Jiang Youyao, but if what Jiang Youyao said was true and Zhou Yanbang truly had intentions toward Jiang Li, then they needed to be vigilant. Although men having three wives and four concubines was common, having Zhou Yanbang marry her daughter while thinking of Jiang Li in his heart—just thinking about it made Ji Shuran feel choked in her throat.

“However, you’re not wrong. Jiang Li truly cannot be allowed to stay.” Ji Shuran said, “Originally I thought that if she were obedient and compliant, she could be useful to us in the future. But looking at the current situation, she’s not content. She’s only been back at the mansion for a short while and has already stirred up chaos everywhere. If she stays longer, she’ll only be a disaster.”

“Mother, are you going to deal with her?” Hearing this, Jiang Youyao’s eyes lit up and she immediately asked.

“I told you,” Ji Shuran smiled and stroked Jiang Youyao’s long hair, “Jiang Li is too ostentatious. The more so, the more she attracts jealousy and hatred. Rest assured, this time she made such a spectacle, she’s already offended people. Someone wants her to disappear even more than we do. Tomorrow at horseback riding and archery, just wait and watch.”

Jiang Youyao was puzzled. “Someone else also wants to deal with Jiang Li?”

“Youyao, you must remember this.” Ji Shuran didn’t answer Jiang Youyao’s question, only saying, “The best method is to win without shedding blood, to sit atop the mountain and watch tigers fight.”

Jiang Youyao nodded with half understanding.

…

In the Jiang mansion, Jiang Youyao was displeased, but at Fangfei Courtyard, there was still harmony and joy.

Jiang Jingrui had clearly become a regular at Fangfei Courtyard. Even Baixue knew he loved drinking tea that wasn’t bitter and poured a large spoonful of honey into his tea cup.

“I’m telling you, Uncle and Aunt are truly too improper,” Jiang Jingrui said. “You won first place in qin music, yet they didn’t give any congratulatory gifts at all.” He spread both hands. “Every year when Jiang Youyao wins first place, the rewards are never lacking.” He stared carefully at Jiang Li. “You’re both Father’s daughters. How can the difference be so great? Could it be… you’re actually not part of the Jiang family?”

This person’s words were truly too unpleasant to hear, practically as if he had deliberately rushed over to stab people in their hearts. Tong’er was so angry she nearly cursed aloud. Baixue also frowned.

Jiang Li looked at him quietly and said, “Perhaps.”

“Eh?” Jiang Jingrui was surprised. “How are you not angry at all?”

“There’s nothing to be angry about.” She originally wasn’t a member of the Jiang family anyway.

“You really have good composure.” Jiang Jingrui shrugged his shoulders. Suddenly thinking of something, he laughed unkindly and loudly. “Just thinking of Jiang Youyao’s expression today makes me want to laugh—”

Jiang Li truly suspected whether Jiang Youyao had severely offended Jiang Jingrui in the past. Otherwise, why would Jiang Jingrui so hope for her misfortune?

“Speaking of which, what exactly are you planning to do tomorrow?” Jiang Jingrui asked. “Tomorrow is horseback riding and archery. You…” He looked Jiang Li up and down and shook his head. “This can’t possibly win first place too, can it?”

Jiang Jingrui was also very surprised that Jiang Li could win first place in qin music and surpass Jiang Youyao, though not to the point of finding it incomprehensible. Because Jiang Jingrui himself was utterly ignorant about qin music, he simply didn’t understand what it meant that Jiang Li could completely and magnificently play “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute.” But Jiang Jingrui had also gone racing and competed in archery with his group of good friends. Because he himself learned only passably, he knew how difficult it was, which was why he came to advise Jiang Li.

“When you get on the horse, walk two steps first, then pretend you can’t do it and concede. Or don’t compete with others. I’ve seen that every year, many of those young ladies at Mingyi Hall do this. Sometimes they get on the horse but don’t run at all in the end—they just slowly walk all the way to the finish line. It’s nothing.” He shook his head. “You young ladies shouldn’t push yourselves too hard. Protecting yourself is most important. That examination ground is so large. If you fall or get injured, the loss would outweigh the gain.”

Hearing his words, Jiang Li knew Jiang Jingrui also meant well. She thought that Jiang Jingrui and Xue Zhao were ultimately different.

If it were Xue Zhao, he would definitely say, “Since you’re going to compete with others, you should naturally learn it well. If you fall or get injured, that’s no joke. So you must practice horsemanship and archery to the best level. Once something happens, you can still handle it with ease. What about being a young lady? Young ladies should also strive!”

Jiang Li couldn’t help but smile.

“What are you laughing at?” Jiang Jingrui asked strangely. “Is what I said very funny? Did you even listen to what I just said? Jiang Li, I’m only giving you this advice out of kindness because we’re relatives. If you’re this stubborn, don’t come crying to me then.”

“Rest assured, I definitely won’t come to you.” Jiang Li said.

“You!” Jiang Jingrui flicked his sleeve. “I can’t out-talk you. Do as you wish!” He stood up huffily and walked out. Halfway there, he stopped again and said, “The mansion has my horsemanship teacher. If you want to find him later, just go directly. I’ve already told him about it. At least you can’t be thrown off the horse after mounting, right?” After delivering this instruction, Jiang Jingrui truly left.

“Miss,” Tong’er said worriedly, “Is horseback riding and archery really that dangerous? Maybe you shouldn’t go.”

She and Jiang Li had stayed in the nunnery for eight years. Of course she knew Jiang Li hadn’t studied any horseback riding and archery arts. Although Jiang Li also hadn’t studied qin music, books, mathematics, or etiquette, at least those wouldn’t be dangerous. One could compete in those. But once it involved danger, Tong’er always felt uneasy.

“It’s fine.” Jiang Li said, “I have my own plans.” In her heart, she vaguely guessed why Ji Shuran’s attitude toward her during the day had been so abnormally different. Since blades and arrows on the examination grounds had no eyes and danger could occur at any time, danger occurring at such a time would just be an “accident.”

“Accidents” could happen at any time.

But she wasn’t afraid of accidents because she could handle them with ease.

This was what “confidence” meant.

…

In the western part of Yanjing City, at Duke of Su’s mansion, it was also very quiet at this moment.

Duke of Su liked colorful and splendid things, so his mansion was complex and winding, renovated extremely exquisitely and luxuriously. Before the gate was the Anding River. By the riverside were countless magnificent buildings. But none of these pavilions with upturned eaves compared to that vermillion-colored great residence in prominence.

Today, the familiar operatic singing wasn’t coming from the Duke’s mansion. It was so quiet as to be somewhat incomprehensible.

The old general—Duke Ji Heng of Su’s grandfather, Ji Dachuan—was currently squatting in the courtyard practicing with blades. That courtyard was very spacious, surrounded on all sides by well-arranged fragrant flowers and plants, many of which were rare varieties. Yet they were being cut down in great numbers by the blade wind Ji Dachuan raised, falling to the ground, so fragile as to evoke pity.

The several guards hiding on the eaves immediately cried out in distress. This batch of Persian chrysanthemums was something the Duke had spent a great price buying from sea merchants as imported goods. They had been carefully tended for several months and had finally produced a few flower buds, only to be ruined by the old general like this. When the Duke saw this, he would have to properly “appreciate” them. How terrifying.

Ji Dachuan was now past sixty years old, yet his physique remained powerful and robust. He had the appearance of white hair and a youthful face. One could vaguely see he had been a handsome man in his younger years. Therefore, even though he was old, he was still an aged handsome man. His face already had wrinkles, but his pair of eyes remained bright and spirited. In the summer, he was bare-chested, with a piece of red brocade bound around his wrists. His left and right hands each held a blade as he practiced dual-blade technique.

If this continued, the Duke’s entire batch of Persian chrysanthemums would all perish. A loyal-looking guard finally couldn’t bear it any longer and stepped forward to stop Ji Dachuan’s behavior. He said, “General, it’s already very late. Please go eat first.”

Hearing this, Ji Dachuan paused. With a “swish,” he sheathed the two curved blades in his hands and asked, “Where’s that rabbit bastard Ji Heng?”

The guard said, “…The lord just returned to the mansion.”

“Didn’t he go listen to people play the qin today? Who played well?” Ji Dachuan’s voice was loud and resonant, yet the words he spoke made it seem as if Ji Heng had gone to visit a pleasure house to hear ditties today, coming back to discuss which girl sang well and looked beautiful.

The guard endured and said, “The Chief Minister Jiang family’s Second Miss won first place.”

“Second Miss?” As Ji Dachuan went to put on clothes and walk out, he said, “Don’t know her. It’s the Chief Minister’s family—that Turtle Jiang…”

The guard looked at the ground covered with broken flowers and sighed helplessly.

Inside the room, Ji Heng reclined on the couch, playing with his fan carelessly.

If anyone could enter Ji Heng’s room, they would be greatly surprised. This Duke of Su, who by nature loved luxury and splendor, had a study that was unexpectedly simple and plain, even stern enough to be called austere. The entire study was spacious to the point of being nearly empty, all black and white pear wood without any superfluous decorations, making one feel it was empty.

However, when one’s gaze fell on that beautiful face of his, one immediately felt the empty room also became satisfying.

The lamplight emitted subtle illumination. Another person also sat in the room.

Lu Ji still wore his blue robe and kept his goatee, smiling as he said, “Today, my lord went to the examination grounds to observe qin music. How was it?”

“Extremely boring.” Ji Heng said lazily.

“Yet tomorrow, my lord must continue observing horseback riding and archery. You have worked hard, my lord.”

Ji Heng raised his eyelids slightly, seeming somewhat impatient.

He wasn’t only a judge for qin music but also a judge for horseback riding and archery. Therefore, for tomorrow’s horseback riding and archery, he still had to go to the examination grounds once more.

“Why did His Majesty have my lord serve as a judge?” Lu Ji was puzzled.

Ji Heng said, “Lu Ji, I recruited you not to have you pose questions to me.”

Lu Ji’s heart tightened. Then he heard the person before him answer carelessly, “Because the Emperor wants me to watch Prince Cheng.”

Prince Cheng? Lu Ji was startled, then suddenly understood.

Although the Hongxiao Emperor was now Emperor, the Crown Prince was young. If Prince Cheng wasn’t eliminated, he would always be a thorn in the Hongxiao Emperor’s eye. But with Imperial Concubine Dowager Liu supporting Prince Cheng from behind, and the Hongxiao Emperor implementing “benevolent governance,” unable to catch Prince Cheng’s weak points, he could only let Prince Cheng live for now. But as a ruler, he ultimately couldn’t feel at ease. Since Prince Cheng was coming to observe the examination, the Hongxiao Emperor simply sent Ji Heng over as well.

However, Lu Ji couldn’t help but glance at the young man before him. The Hongxiao Emperor probably didn’t know that the current expansion of Prince Cheng’s power was precisely supported by Ji Heng’s own hands.

Having Ji Heng watch Prince Cheng? It would be fortunate if Ji Heng didn’t take the opportunity to help Prince Cheng expand his power.

“The Right Chancellor and Prince Cheng are very close,” Ji Heng said carelessly. “I think the Secretariat Drafter position is coming soon too.”

“Shen Yurun?” Lu Ji said, “He and Princess Yongning seem to…” Just thinking of the inside story, Lu Ji found it tongue-clicking. After all, she was a princess of a nation. Doing such shameful things was truly hard to believe.

“This is also a good show, just that I’ve watched too many and it’s a bit tiresome. Let them be.” Ji Heng opened the folding fan in his hand. On that fan were hand-painted large, wealthy, and elegant peonies with curled petals, lifelike, and because of the gold thread material, gleaming brightly.

“Then tomorrow…”

“Prince Cheng won’t be foolish enough to make a move at the examination grounds. The Emperor is too paranoid.” Ji Heng said, “Even if I go, nothing will happen. However,” he said, “pay more attention to Ye Shijie’s movements.”

“Is there a problem with Ye Shijie?” Lu Ji said, “He’s now become first at the Imperial Academy. He’ll enter officialdom soon and may be very useful in the future.”

“Never mind the future. His suddenly distancing himself from Li Lian,” Ji Heng smiled playfully, “I’m also very curious about who reminded him behind the scenes.”

Lu Ji was startled and said no more.

…

This night, Jiang Li slept very soundly.

She even had a dream. In the dream, Xue Zhao and she each rode a horse, galloping through the forest. Xue Zhao’s quiver ran out of arrows, so he asked her for a few. The bag on her horse’s back was filled with game.

Just as the two of them were about to return, a fierce tiger suddenly burst from the forest. Xue Zhao, to protect her, rode his horse to lead the tiger away. Jiang Li couldn’t catch up and could only watch Xue Zhao’s back gradually disappear from her sight.

When she woke up, she was drenched in sweat, which startled Tong’er. Tong’er hurried to adjust the ice blocks in the bronze ox, complaining, “The kitchen gave our courtyard far too few ice blocks…”

The kitchen was all Ji Shuran’s people. Giving Jiang Li small setbacks in such minor matters was commonplace. Jiang Li didn’t particularly care. She only thought about last night’s dream in her heart, vaguely feeling it was some kind of premonition. They said deceased relatives would appear in dreams to give messages to their family members. Could Xue Zhao be appearing in her dream to tell her something?

Was there danger today?

Jiang Li contemplated this but wasn’t surprised. Since she came to Yanjing City, countless people secretly regarded Second Miss Jiang as a thorn in their eyes. If she wanted to achieve her goals, she would inevitably block many people’s paths. Removing her, this obstacle, was to be expected.

Baixue came over carrying brand new riding attire, saying, “Miss, the clothes are ready.”

Jiang Li’s gaze swept over the clothes in Baixue’s hands. She said, “Good. Just place them on the table.”

Since horseback riding required riding horses, one naturally had to wear riding attire. Jiang Li didn’t have any, so Old Madam Jiang had ordered new ones made. To show fairness, all four daughters in the mansion received them. They each selected their own fabric. Of course, what was given to Jiang Youyao was naturally the best.

Tong’er had thought it would take great effort for Jiang Li to wear riding attire for the first time. Unexpectedly, Jiang Li was very skilled and didn’t even need help. In a few swift movements, she was dressed. Tong’er tied her hair into a single bundle for her—both spirited and neat, displaying a heroic air she didn’t usually have. This prompted several maids in the courtyard to praise how good it looked.

Because horseback riding and archery started early, Jiang Li also rose early and went to Wanfeng Hall to join everyone. She timed it well. The others had also just arrived. Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Youyao began sizing up Jiang Li.

Jiang Youyao wore pink-rose colored riding attire. She was already delicate and radiant, with the appearance of Yanjing City’s uniquely lively young ladies. Jiang Yu’e wore light blue riding attire, with pitiful eyes and a charming smile. Jiang Yuyan wore goose yellow. Her complexion wasn’t fair, and the goose yellow made her appear even more dull—the kind of appearance that would be invisible if thrown into a crowd.

Jiang Li’s riding attire was pale blue-green. She very much liked blue-green colors, and even chose such a hue for her riding attire. Originally, Jiang Li’s features were delicate and clear, appearing refined and plain, seemingly unsuited to such spirited attire as riding clothes. Yet somehow, standing here with her sleeves neat, her smile faint, she was like a straight bamboo shoot, its branches and leaves still carrying morning dew, bursting with heroic spirit and vitality.

Even Old Madam Jiang couldn’t help but show appreciation in her eyes.

Jiang Youyao felt displeased again inside. However, thinking of what Ji Shuran had said to her yesterday, she looked at Jiang Li and smiled, “Second Sister looks different from usual today—truly beautiful. I wonder if your horseback riding and archery skills will once again astound everyone.”

Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Third Sister flatters me.”

Jiang Youyao very much disliked Jiang Li’s smile. Jiang Li’s smile was too sincere. To Jiang Youyao, who knew Jiang Li was cunning, such a Jiang Li was even more nauseating. She turned her head, no longer looking at Jiang Li, and instead said to Ji Shuran, “Mother, let’s go.”

It was Jiang Yuanbai who fell behind. He paused, then said to Jiang Li, “If you can’t do it, don’t force yourself.” He then left on his own.

Jiang Li was slightly stunned. She shook her head, didn’t think much of it, and followed them onto the carriage, heading toward the examination grounds.

Today, Yanjing City was nearly deserted of people. Outside the examination grounds was a sea of humanity. Perhaps yesterday’s qin music category had attracted many people, because today’s horseback riding and archery had twice as many spectators as yesterday.

Jiang Li got off the carriage and walked toward the area below the examination platform.

Liu Xu, seeing her arrive, happily greeted her, saying, “You seem to be in good spirits today. Should be no problem?” Her words carried some probing.

Jiang Li said, “So-so.”

Liu Xu was satisfied with this. She then caught sight of Meng Hongjin. Among the crowd, today’s Meng Hongjin was particularly conspicuous in fire-red fitted riding attire that made her entire person passionate as flames. Seeing Jiang Li arrive, Meng Hongjin glanced at her once, then quickly looked away.

Jiang Li was somewhat puzzled.

Today, there weren’t as many people mocking Jiang Li as yesterday. Perhaps yesterday’s spectacular display had deterred the entire venue. Even the female students of Mingyi Hall only gathered to one side, secretly sizing up Jiang Li, not daring to discuss her to her face.

Liu Xu snorted lightly. “Only now do they know to be afraid.”

This was the first time Jiang Li had seen Liu Xu like this. Finding it somewhat fresh, she said, “What’s scary about me?”

“You’re now definitely not going to be at the bottom of Mingyi Hall. You can’t lose the wager with Meng Hongjin. Do you know, in Yanjing City’s taverns yesterday, how many people went out to buy wine and drink themselves silly? They had wagered large sums on Meng Hongjin, and now they’ve lost everything—heartbroken!” At this point, Liu Xu said gleefully, “I heard even the Meng family themselves bet a lot of silver. This time they’ve lost terribly. If my father didn’t forbid me from gambling, I should have placed a bet too. Who knows how many times over I’d have earned by now.”

Jiang Li smiled helplessly. “I’m not a gambling chip.”

“Setting that aside, you must take it easy today.” Liu Xu became serious again. “Horseback riding and archery has always been Meng Hongjin’s strong suit. If you can’t match her, absolutely don’t force yourself. If you fall or get hurt, the loss would outweigh the gain. You’ve already secured a win anyway—these minor details needn’t be considered too much.”

She didn’t know how many people had reminded her like this. Jiang Li still responded sincerely, “I know. Thank you for the reminder.”

This year’s horseback riding and archery were combined. Unlike qin music, they were divided into groups—thirty people total, split evenly into five groups. They drew lots to determine five people per group. The five groups would be examined according to their drawn order.

The drawing went smoothly. Jiang Li took a wooden lot from the tube and handed it to the young attendant. Liu Xu went to look and said, “I’m in the second group. You’re in the fifth group. We’re not together.” She seemed somewhat regretful.

Jiang Li didn’t particularly mind this. She only heard commotion from Meng Hongjin’s direction—probably people friendly with Meng Hongjin, saying, “Hongjin, you’re in the last group.”

She was actually placed in the same group as Meng Hongjin. What narrow paths for enemies to meet. Just as Jiang Li was thinking this, she saw Jiang Youyao also approach her, saying, “Second Sister, I didn’t expect you’d also be in the fifth group. Fifth Sister and I are also in the fifth group.”

Jiang Li almost wanted to lament inwardly. What kind of ill fate was this? A group of six people, yet Meng Hongjin, Jiang Youyao, Jiang Yu’e, and herself were all in one group. Setting aside who the remaining two were, within just this one group, three people regarded her as a thorn in their eyes. It would be strange if they didn’t trip her up during the group competition.

Liu Xu also thought of this and couldn’t help but change color slightly.

Just as they were thinking this, the crowd in the distance began to stir. Liu Xu turned to look and said, “Today’s judges have arrived.”

Today’s judges weren’t as numerous as yesterday—only three people. One was a soldier wearing armor, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, walking with a dragon’s stride and tiger’s step, extraordinarily martial and valiant. He was the current Superior Charioteer Commander Kong Wei. Because he was sixth in his family, people called him Kong Liu.

One was a former Military Zhuangyuan, the current Cavalry Commander, named Zheng Huchen. About the same age as Jiang Yuanbai, with dark skin and also a strong physique, commanding respect without anger.

These two clearly practiced martial arts. Their bearing was extraordinary. Just standing there inspired awe in people. However, the last person was truly beyond expectation.

Dressed in red, with a gold-threaded folding fan, faint smile, deep and colorful eyes and brows—Duke Ji Heng of Su stood here. He wasn’t made to appear weak by Kong Liu and Zheng Huchen’s martial bearing. On the contrary, his splendid elegance made Kong Liu and Zheng Huchen seem like his guards instead.

Yet he was always out of place here.

Jiang Li also felt somewhat surprised inside. What was Ji Heng doing here? Yesterday, him being a judge for qin music was already very surprising. Could he also be getting involved today?

Jiang Li obviously wasn’t the only one puzzled. In the viewing seats, Prince Cheng also frowned, saying, “What does Imperial Brother mean by this? Why did he have Duke of Su come today too?”

Prince Cheng was very wary of Duke of Su. Everyone knew that the current Hongxiao Emperor trusted Ji Heng most of all. Prince Cheng had also tried to win over Ji Heng, but this person was unmoved by either soft or hard approaches and was quite capable. After hitting a few snags, Prince Cheng no longer provoked Ji Heng, but he would always watch him secretly to avoid dying mysteriously from Ji Heng handling affairs for the Hongxiao Emperor.

Princess Yongning didn’t answer Prince Cheng’s words. Her thoughts had long since flown to Shen Yurun not far away. Yesterday afternoon, after the qin music examination, Shen Yurun had arranged to meet with her, but he had declined. Princess Yongning could see his avoidance. She knew that yesterday, hearing the female students’ qin playing, Shen Yurun had thought of the deceased Xue Fangfei, feeling conflicted. Thinking of this, Princess Yongning became even more furiously angry. Xue Fangfei was already dead—could she still not compare to a dead person? She must marry Shen Yurun as soon as possible. Shen Yurun wanted to play the devoted lover and observe three years of mourning for Xue Fangfei, but she couldn’t wait that long.

After the examination, she would bring this matter up with her mother, Imperial Concubine Dowager Liu, Princess Yongning thought secretly.

On this side, Jiang Li was staring blankly at the paper slip in her hand.

Six people total. Besides Meng Hongjin, Jiang Yu’e, and Jiang Youyao, there were two other noble ladies from Mingyi Hall: Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xin’er.

These two appeared to be pampered official family young ladies. Their temperaments also didn’t seem easy to get along with. Compared to Jiang Li, their relationship with Jiang Youyao was much better. Jiang Li wasn’t surprised. Most of Yanjing City’s noble ladies liked Jiang Youyao more than her.

It just had to be the last group… Jiang Li pondered.

No one noticed that Meng Hongjin, standing in a corner, quickly glanced at Jiang Li again. Her gaze contained undisguisable triumph and resentment, making her expression appear somewhat twisted. When people walked past, Meng Hongjin withdrew her gaze but secretly gripped the lot tube tightly.

Even Heaven was helping her, placing herself and Jiang Li together, along with Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu’e, who didn’t get along with Jiang Li. This way, making Jiang Li suffer would be as easy as flipping her hand.

Meng Hongjin’s palms trembled somewhat. This was her first time doing such a thing. Strangely, though afraid, Meng Hongjin’s attitude was very resolute. She knew that if she didn’t do this, tomorrow she would have to kneel before Jiang Li and apologize to her in front of everyone at the Imperial Academy. In that case, her reputation would be completely ruined!

Either you die or I perish. This was a contest even more cruel than Mingyi Hall’s examination. And she was destined to be the final winner.

The examination began.

The examination grounds were very large. Each group’s students would simultaneously mount horses and depart, racing toward the finish line. It wasn’t whoever reached the finish line first who would be first—they also had to observe the students’ horse-riding ability. After all, “riding” emphasized the character “control,” not “speed.” Near the finish line would be a row of archery targets. Each would shoot arrows. Everyone’s arrows had their own markings and wouldn’t be confused. They would distinguish by the arrows on the final targets. This was “archery.”

Because when people were riding horses, bouncing and running on horseback, hitting archery targets became even less easy. For this year’s Mingyi Hall examination, never mind hitting the bullseye—if several young ladies could hit the targets without missing completely, that would already be a very good result.

The first group began.

Jiang Li watched carefully. Regarding Mingyi Hall’s examination rules, thanks to Xiao Deyin’s past relationship with her, she knew some things, though not in detail. Today, going on stage herself was different from watching in the past. Jiang Li planned to observe clearly so she wouldn’t make any mistakes when going on stage.

Thinking of Xiao Deyin, Jiang Li hadn’t seen her figure today. However, this was the horseback riding and archery examination—Xiao Deyin indeed had no need to come.

Jiang Yuyan and Liu Xu were in the second group. The first group’s competition passed quickly. Although the examination grounds were large, the first group’s female students were probably not very good at horseback riding and archery. They just mounted horses, trotted a bit, and shot their arrows. The arrows flew haphazardly—not a single one hit the archery targets. Their horse-riding skills were even more mediocre. However, these students weren’t disappointed after leaving the stage. As long as they could mount and dismount properly, they seemed content.

Northern Yan’s women ultimately didn’t advocate wielding blades and swords. Although young ladies from military families were admirable, when it came to themselves, they couldn’t endure such hardship.

Jiang Li observed all this, roughly gauging Mingyi Hall’s level in horseback riding and archery in her heart.

The second group, where Liu Xu and Jiang Yuyan were, was somewhat better than the first group. At least those riding horses truly “ran,” and even tried to compete to be the first to reach the finish line. Liu Xu surprisingly had the best archery in this group, simply because her shot arrow didn’t fall outside the target but rather slanted into the edge of the archery target.

Yet this was already the best in this group.

After leaving the stage, Liu Xu was still slightly panting, seemingly somewhat tired, though her face was very excited. She said to Jiang Li, “Combining horseback riding and archery this year is truly very difficult. I really can’t imagine how those cavalry troops in the military train. To hit the bullseye while on horseback is simply beyond what ordinary people can accomplish…”

“You were the best in this group.” Jiang Li smiled and congratulated her.

“I’ve never been outstanding at horseback riding and archery. Today was just good luck. However, I also didn’t expect to do very well,” Liu Xu said. “As for you, this time you’re grouped with Meng Hongjin. Many people will definitely be waiting to watch your spectacle. You must take it easy. Don’t rush.”

“I won’t rush.” Jiang Li smiled.

Liu Xu thought about it—indeed. Since she first met Jiang Li, she truly hadn’t seen what Jiang Li looked like when anxious. Jiang Li’s temperament was just this gentle and soft, unhurried and calm. Perhaps this competition didn’t matter so much to Jiang Li either.

She felt reassured.

Jiang Li was still seriously watching the subsequent competitions. Perhaps the first and second groups happened to have students poor at horseback riding and archery grouped together. The next two groups weren’t so terrible. Several young ladies even performed some beautiful mounted maneuvers, very eye-catching. The archery targets placed in the field also gradually filled with arrows—some falling outside the targets, some near the bullseye.

The competition gradually intensified.

Soon, an hour later, it was the last group’s turn.

It was time for Jiang Li to take the stage.