Among those in the capital who were skilled at polo, the direction of the match was not difficult to predict, and many could already see that Su Xingzhi was willing but unable — no single person could carry an entire team, and defeat was inevitable.

That said, none of this diminished the fact that the polo match itself had been played with exceptional brilliance. The Empress sat on the viewing platform and was well satisfied with this exhibition match.

The new scholars were high-spirited and evenly matched — this was the bearing befitting the Great Zhou dynasty. She had fought and struggled for forty years, and in the end had returned power to the Li family. Though she had come back to Chang’an, it was not because power had slipped from her grasp, but because she had chosen to pass the throne to an heir of the Li surname.

The tigress may have grown old, but her movements were still agile and her senses still keen. The young people on the field below were the embodiment of her authority. That the top three finishers had all come from the Xuan Xiaowei was the finest proof of this.

The people around her could see the Empress was in good spirits, and they laughed and joined in the pleasant atmosphere. Princess Taiping smiled and said: “Congratulations to Mother — this year you have gathered no small number of talents. In this daughter’s estimation, every person on the field below is a future Chief Minister.”

The thing the Empress took greatest pride in was her ability to recognize and appoint talent — many of the most distinguished officials at court had been discovered and promoted by her own hand. The Empress smiled but said nothing. Prince Wei, listening to the flattery all around, felt as though he had been pricked by a thorn.

Future Chief Ministers — what of it? They were still destined for the Crown Prince. Prince Wei looked across at the Eastern Palace’s seating area. He truly could not accept it — that the throne was to go to a timid, indecisive wretch who could not even read aloud from a prepared script without fumbling.

Prince Wei’s mood soured, and he suddenly said: “Su Xingzhi is the top scholar personally designated by the Imperial Mother, yet today he has suffered defeat at another’s hands — it is truly an embarrassment. In my view, the other team’s level is nothing remarkable either. They rely on nothing more than family connections — pulling in in-laws and old friends to secure the advantage from the start.”

The viewing platform fell quiet for a moment. Everyone could hear that Prince Wei had come with hostility in his heart. His words were not truly about Su Xingzhi at all — he was using Su Xingzhi as a pretext to insinuate that the Li family had sunk deep roots in Chang’an and harbored private ambitions.

Chang’an was the old capital of the Tang of the Li house, and most of the aristocracy within the city had come up in the era of Emperor Taizong. For the Empress to pass the throne back to the Li family was, in the eyes of the Chang’an nobility, merely the righting of a great wrong — as it should be. They were eager for the Crown Prince to ascend as quickly as possible and restore everything to its former order. Seen from the Empress’s perspective, however, this amounted to profound disrespect.

The older an emperor grows, the stronger their desire to hold power — even the most capable and enlightened of sovereigns throughout history had been unable to avoid this. The Empress heard Prince Wei’s words with an expressionless face and made no response. Princess Taiping was somewhat anxious and was just about to say something when a young voice suddenly rang out from a nearby seating area.

“Victory on the polo field is victory, and defeat is defeat. If Prince Wei feels this round was unfair, I am willing to lead another team and play a match against Prince Wei.”

Everyone turned around together to look. At the Prince Xiang estate’s seating, a vigorous and martial young man was standing boldly upright — it was Prince Xiang’s third son, the Prince of Linzi. Prince Xiang frowned and rebuked his son in a low voice: “Third Son — show some propriety.”

At the reprimand, the Prince of Linzi bowed to Prince Wei and the Empress, but held his neck perfectly straight, clearly seeing nothing wrong in what he had done. Prince Wei gave a short, cold laugh and said mockingly: “On what basis — you?”

“I request Prince Wei’s guidance.”

Princess Taiping felt that this move, though bold, was nonetheless a case of brute force overcoming all. She smiled and said: “I was just feeling as though I hadn’t had my fill. Mother — it is rare to leave the palace. Would it not be fine to enjoy some merriment properly? Our family has not had such a festive gathering in a long time. Since both Prince Wei and Third Son are in the mood, let them each lead a group of your new scholars for a match — this is what it means to share joy with the people.”

Princess Taiping kept her expression pleasant, but in reality she was quietly defining the whole affair as “a bit of fun.” Whether Li or Wu, all were the Empress’s kin — what distinction was there among family? The Empress appeared to have been persuaded: “Then let them go.”

With the Empress having spoken, Prince Wei had no choice but to stand and accept the command. The Prince of Linzi showed not a trace of nerves and responded in a clear, resonant voice: “Thank you, Grandmother. Your grandson will not disappoint you.”

Li Chongrun sat behind the Crown Prince, watching his cousin the Prince of Linzi step forward to champion the Li family’s cause, and felt a tangle of joy and grief. Joy, that the Li family still had sons of unyielding spirit who had not let their ambition flag; grief, that he, a royal grandson of the Eastern Palace, skulked and fretted like a turtle retreating into its shell — even less courageous than a son born of a concubine.

Li Chongrun could bear the humiliation no longer. He abruptly stood up and declared: “This vassal is willing to fight alongside the Prince of Linzi.”

No one had expected Li Chongrun to step forward, and many were taken aback — none more so than the Crown Prince and his consort. The Crown Prince hurriedly signaled to his son with his eyes, and Imperial Consort Wei tugged sharply at his arm to pull him back down: “Don’t make a scene. What business is this of yours? Sit down at once.”

Li Chongrun stiffened his neck and refused to move. The Empress only smiled and said: “It is just a family polo match — if you want to go, go. It will be a good chance for this ruler to see how their riding and archery practice has progressed.”

The Crown Prince accepted with something close to trembling dread, his mind going blank; he could not find a word to say. Imperial Consort Wei had no recourse and had to offer gratitude on his behalf: “This consort thanks Your Majesty.”

Down on the field, Ming Huashang and Jiang Ling were in the middle of their mutual bickering. Jiang Ling’s eye caught a flash of movement at the periphery of his vision and he suddenly stiffened: “This is bad — Ren Yao has disappeared!”

Ming Huashang heard this and was startled. She put down her hand and turned around — sure enough, Ren Yao was nowhere to be seen: “Where has Elder Sister Ren gone?”

Jiang Ling, being taller than Ming Huashang, craned his neck and swept the area, then suddenly pointed in one direction: “She is there!”

Ren Yao had just quarreled with her grandmother and was in no mood for amusements. Seeing Ming Huashang and Jiang Ling absorbed in their squabbling, she had slipped away quietly, and without quite realizing it had drifted toward the edge of the polo field.

The new scholars galloped across the field on horseback, and the whole city was swept up in the excitement. She would admit they played well — but she was also a top military scholar. She could also mount a horse and strike a ball. She was confident she was no worse than any of them. So why — why did she not even have that chance?

Ren Yao stood at the edge of the polo field, watching as the referee waved a flag and the result of the round was declared. The scholars dismounted and came walking this way, chatting and laughing. The winning team was flushed with triumph, vibrant and radiant, drawing every eye in the stands. Even a eunuch hurried past Ren Yao to reach them: “Top Scholar Su, Second Scholar Ming, Third Scholar Xie — please wait! His Majesty commends you for this round. Prince Wei, Prince Shao, and the Prince of Linzi are about to take the field for another match. Would the three scholars be willing to stay and lend their support?”

Ren Yao stood not far away and happened to catch these words. She paused for a considerable moment. On the field, the scholars were also surprised — Prince Shao was the title of the Crown Prince’s legitimate son Li Chongrun. The fact that Prince Wei and Prince Shao were personally taking to the field carried enormous implications.

So many guests had come today, and whatever happened in Hibiscus Garden would be all over the city within a day. The match between Prince Wei, the Prince of Linzi, and Prince Shao was far from a simple contest of winning and losing. Su Xingzhi was somewhat hesitant — he had devoted ten years of bitter study to pass the examinations and secure his path in official life. He truly did not want to be drawn into the princes’ rivalry. While he was weighing how to politely decline, behind him Ming Huazhang spoke with decisive finality: “To share the field with Prince Shao and Prince Wei is this vassal’s honor. This vassal is willing to serve at Prince Shao’s direction.”

With Ming Huazhang already having agreed, Su Xingzhi found he could not refuse even if he wished to. He let out a quiet sigh, clasped his hands, and bowed: “This vassal accepts the command.”

Jiang Ling and Ming Huashang had just come running up from behind. Ming Huashang had not even had time to call out “Second Elder Brother” when she heard Ren Yao suddenly say in a loud, clear voice: “This vassal, Ren Yao, is willing to serve the princes as a most humble follower.”

Jiang Ling and Ming Huashang’s expressions both went rigid. They looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing what had happened. The eunuch heard the voice and turned to look Ren Yao over, his face showing unmistakable contempt: “You?”

Ren Yao paid no attention to the eunuch’s obvious dismissal. Amid the many whispers of those around her, she nominated herself with a clear, resonant voice: “This vassal is the daughter of the Marquis Pingnan estate. I am the heir of the Ren family spear technique and the top military scholar of this year. In the four military examination disciplines of mounted archery, foot archery, flat-surface archery, and mounted spear, this vassal received full marks in every one. I am confident I can help the Prince claim victory.”

The eunuch remained scornful and said in a pinched voice: “Polo is a dangerous and intense sport — it is a man’s pursuit. What business does a young woman like you have meddling here?”

To be refused in front of so many people — any ordinary young woman would surely have burst into tears. But Ren Yao refused to give up and persisted stubbornly: “Eunuch, you have not seen this vassal on horseback — how can you say I am not capable? I beg of you to give this vassal a chance.”

The eunuch rolled his eyes sideways, already showing signs of impatience: “Outrageous. This is a great affair of the imperial court — how dare a little woman like you make such unreasonable demands?”

Ming Huashang could hear the growing whispers of gossip all around them. Jiang Ling saw that even a mere messenger eunuch dared humiliate Ren Yao so openly. He was furious at once, pushing up his sleeves and about to charge forward and argue the point — when Ming Huashang grabbed hold of him.

Ming Huashang quickly performed a salute to the eunuch and said: “Eunuch, His Majesty does not select talent by conventional rules alone — how do you know His Majesty would not welcome seeing a woman on the field? Prince Shao and the Prince of Linzi are here. Would it not be better to first seek their opinion, and then make the decision?”

The eunuch was ordinarily imperious and high-handed in his dealings outside the palace, but Ming Huashang’s words struck like a warning bell in his ears. She was right — the Empress herself was a woman, and had championed the principle of the phoenix above and the dragon below. If his words just now reached the Empress’s ears, would they not displease her?

The eunuch no longer dared be so domineering. At just that moment, Li Chongrun and the Prince of Linzi came walking over. Seeing a ring of people gathered here, they asked: “What has happened?”

The eunuch immediately trotted over to Li Chongrun and the Prince of Linzi and recounted what had just passed in a low voice. The Prince of Linzi looked at Ren Yao with some surprise — he clearly had not anticipated that any woman would dare to challenge men at polo. Li Chongrun was by nature benevolent and generous. He could see that Ren Yao was perhaps only sixteen or seventeen years old, and that it had taken no small courage to nominate herself publicly. If he refused her, he feared it might wound her dignity.

General Ren of the Marquis Pingnan estate had rendered distinguished service in the southwest, and the men of the entire household had shed their blood on the battlefield. He had not the heart to treat their surviving daughter this way. Polo was a team sport — accommodating one extra player, even if she proved to be a burden, was not impossible. Li Chongrun therefore said: “Very well — let it be as you wish.”

Upon hearing this, Ren Yao was overjoyed and immediately bowed: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Ming Huashang was genuinely happy for Ren Yao on her behalf. Jiang Ling, seeing this, immediately declared: “I am joining too!”

Ming Huashang grabbed hold of Jiang Ling at once and glared at him under her breath: “What are you doing? Don’t cause trouble.”

When Ming Huazhang had agreed to the match a moment ago, he had made his allegiance plain — he said he was “willing to serve at Prince Shao’s direction.” Now Prince Shao had agreed to let Ren Yao take the field too. With her elder brother and Elder Sister Ren on the same team, how could Ming Huashang let Jiang Ling — a rank amateur — go in there and drag them down?

Taking advantage of the motion of pulling Jiang Ling back, at an angle hidden from everyone else’s view, she said through gritted teeth: “Do you not know what level you are at? Don’t go in there and hold my Second Elder Brother back — what if because of you they cannot win?”

Jiang Ling was indignant: “Who are you calling a liability? Am I not better than you?”

“And is being better than me something to be proud of?” Ming Huashang said. “I finished dead last in the military examinations — anyone in there is stronger than me.”

Ming Huashang and Jiang Ling pulled at each other and traded insults, each inwardly convinced the other was useless — but to outside observers, the two of them looked remarkably close. Ming Huazhang stepped forward with a cold expression and separated them effortlessly: “Huashang, you must not be discourteous to the heir of the Marquis Jiang’an estate.”

Li Chongrun, seeing so many people so eagerly joining his team and wishing him victory, felt genuinely moved. Jiang Ling was the son of the Marquis Jiang’an — that made him one of his own people. Li Chongrun did not want to chill the heart of an important minister’s family, so he said: “Since Young Master Jiang is willing, let him come along.”

Jiang Ling immediately shot Ming Huashang a triumphant look, wrenched his hand free, and trotted off cheerfully to where Ren Yao stood. Ming Huashang stared after Jiang Ling in despair, then glared at Ming Huazhang in exasperation: “Second Elder Brother! Why did you hold me back?”

Ming Huazhang thought to himself that if he had not held her back, the palace would be getting the impression she and Jiang Ling had fallen for each other at first sight — and if an imperial edict of betrothal came down in response, that would be a real problem. He held Ming Huashang’s hand firmly and offered consolation: “It is fine. Polo depends on team coordination. Having him on our side may actually be an advantage.”

On Zhongnan Mountain, all five of them had been one team. They had trained together, and that natural rapport gave them an inherent edge. Bringing Jiang Ling in might well prove better than a solo performer who was individually stronger but unfamiliar with the rest of them.

“Jingzhan.” Li Chongrun and the Prince of Linzi had already gone off to one side to discuss strategy. Xie Jichuan had not gone with them and stood alone on the field, looking at Ming Huazhang from a distance. “Time to go.”

This match had implications for public sentiment and face — Ming Huazhang dared not be careless. He spoke a few quick words to settle Ming Huashang and then left. Ming Huashang shielded her eyes against the dazzling white sunlight and watched Ming Huazhang and Xie Jichuan walk away until they joined Prince Shao’s team.

News that a prince had personally taken to the polo field spread like a drop of water falling into boiling oil, instantly igniting a wave of excitement across Hibiscus Garden. Ordinary people surged forward, eager to witness the spectacle of the imperial princes. On Prince Wei’s side, aside from Su Xingzhi, the rest were soldiers he had hand-selected from the military — formidable men who fought hard and tough. He was confident he would win this match. He had not expected that when the teams entered the field, the gasps and attention from the crowd inside and out would not be directed at his side at all.

Prince Wei stared in equal astonishment at the opposing team — what was that soft son of the Crown Prince doing? Why was there a woman among his ranks?

The teams were distinguished by the color of their horses. One team rode in on white horses, making a graceful and leisurely entrance. Every rider was a young, handsome young man; even Li Chongrun, the eldest among them, was no more than eighteen this year. Yet the most striking figure was not the two princes — it was a woman.

Ren Yao, wearing a red foreign-style riding outfit, moved among the men’s ranks. She could feel countless eyes on her — spectators, those in positions of power, her own family, and the enemy across the field. She knew this kind of scrutiny all too well. Women despised her for bringing shame to their sex; men fixed their gaze upon her with a high and imperious judgment, as though assessing an anomaly. She had lived through this kind of scrutiny for years.

And yet — this time, something felt different. Ren Yao looked ahead. Directly in front of her was Ming Huazhang’s straight and upright spine. Before taking the field, Ming Huazhang had deliberately lowered his voice and told her: “Do not feel the burden of it. In victory or defeat, it is heaven’s will — give your best, and that is enough.” And Jiang Ling rode at her side on his horse. Seeing that her face was somber, he assumed she was nervous and leaned over with brimming confidence: “Don’t worry — we are absolutely going to win.”

Ren Yao looked farther out. She could not find her grandmother, her uncle, or her aunt in the crowd. But she knew they were watching. She had no way of knowing what expression her grandmother wore at this moment — just as she could not see the Empress’s expression behind the layered fans on the high platform. But she could see Ming Huashang, standing at the edge of the polo field, jumping up and down and screaming herself hoarse as she called out to her: “Elder Sister Ren, do your best!”

Ren Yao silently tightened her grip on the crescent-blade mallet. She had endured ten years of bitter cold — what was one polo match to fear? What was more, today she was no longer alone.

She refused to believe this was the fate destined for her. She refused to believe that in all this world, there was no place for a woman to plant her feet!

Under the gaze of ten thousand eyes, the referee raised the colorful ball high. A sharp whistle rang out, and the ball painted with seven-colored auspicious clouds was flung into the air. In an instant, hooves thundered, yellow sand billowed, and more than a dozen riders urged their horses forward as one, crashing together in the fray.

This was Su Xingzhi’s second match, and this time he was competing alongside princes and royal grandsons. Su Yuji, too, could not help but drift to the edge of the polo field, her eyes fixed tensely on the action inside. Ming Huashang, standing beside her, cheered and leapt as if completely oblivious to anyone around her. Even though it was not Su Yuji making a spectacle of herself, Su Yuji felt a measure of embarrassment all the same.

Su Yuji could not help saying: “Please lower your voice — so many people are looking this way!”

Ming Huashang had been shouting until her voice was nearly gone. She took the sour plum juice from Zhao Cai’s hands and took a fierce gulp, then said: “There will be many polo matches — but a match where a woman competes alongside men, in direct contest against a prince, may only happen this once. I know I could not — after being refused publicly twice — still find the courage to nominate myself a third time. She did it. And she dared to compete against those men beneath all their stares. I admire her sincerely.”

Su Yuji fell silent. She watched the fierce polo match on the field. Though Su Xingzhi was out there too, she found herself — shockingly, for the first time — hoping that her elder brother would not win.

She was not Ren Yao. But Ren Yao was every one of ten thousand women like herself. No more words were needed. Su Yuji understood Ming Huashang completely, felt it as her own.

She, too, hoped Ren Yao would win.