Li Rong slept until dawn. Rising in the early morning, she looked out the window and, seeing the excellent sunshine, couldn’t help but feel somewhat pleased. She turned to glance at Jing Lan: “The weather is quite good today.”

“It’s a day selected by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, so naturally it’s good.”

Jing Lan finished arranging Li Rong’s hair: “Your Highness, you may depart now.”

“Have all the necessary items been brought?”

Li Rong sat with her back to Jing Lan, examining herself in the mirror. Jing Lan’s voice responded: “Wound medicine, poison, daggers—everything we could think of has been brought.”

Li Rong nodded. She looked at the young maiden’s features in the mirror. After a moment, she stood up, turned around, and said calmly: “Let’s go.”

As Li Rong boarded her carriage to leave, Su Rongqing had also finished dressing and was about to go out when he heard Su Ronghua’s loud call from behind: “Rongqing!”

Su Rongqing turned around to see Su Ronghua hurrying out from the inner courtyard at a trot. Su Rongqing frowned: “Big Brother?”

“I’ll go with you.”

Su Ronghua tossed back the hair that had fallen forward, raised his hand to rest it on Su Rongqing’s shoulder, and said happily: “Let’s go.”

“Big Brother, don’t you usually avoid these kinds of occasions?”

Su Rongqing was pulled along by Su Ronghua toward the exit, somewhat puzzled. Su Ronghua smiled as he boarded the carriage with him, casually grabbed a handful of melon seeds from the table, leaned carelessly against the table edge, and said with a grin: “Isn’t it because we haven’t gone out to play together in many years? I’m looking for some fun. Look at you—I don’t know what’s wrong, but you’ve been gloomy these past two years.”

Su Rongqing said nothing and lowered his head to pour tea. Su Ronghua thought for a moment, then leaned forward: “Still thinking about the Princess?”

“Big Brother, watch your words.”

Su Rongqing immediately raised his head, looking at Su Ronghua with warning. Su Ronghua quickly spread his hands in surrender and backed away. Su Rongqing poured the tea and said blandly: “Is Big Brother doing this for Miss Shangguan?”

At these words, Su Ronghua’s body stiffened. Su Rongqing thought for a moment and said slowly: “Since you like her, Big Brother, why don’t you directly propose marriage?”

“It just… seems somewhat presumptuous.”

Su Ronghua pondered this. He thought for a moment and said slowly: “When two people are together, they should first become acquainted, understand each other, fall in love, and then when they feel they’ve reached the point where they can spend a lifetime together, talk about that lifetime.”

As Su Ronghua spoke, he couldn’t help but smile, with some longing.

He thought again and continued: “Plus, these years the political situation hasn’t been good. The Shangguan family is being watched by His Majesty. If I propose marriage, in everyone’s eyes, this would be an alliance between the Su clan and the Shangguan clan. Either we’d have to hurriedly get married before His Majesty notices, or His Majesty would probably quickly issue an imperial marriage decree and separate Miss Aya and me. I don’t want to take either of these paths. When I marry someone, it must be with eight palanquin bearers, grand and glorious. Worrying about this and that—I’m not willing. I’m thinking of waiting until after the Crown Prince ascends the throne, then I’ll go propose marriage.”

“Aren’t you afraid Miss Shangguan won’t wait for you?” Su Rongqing pushed the poured tea toward Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua shook his head: “She’s currently managing the Shangguan household. For now, she probably doesn’t want to marry.”

“What if she wants to marry?”

This question stumped Su Ronghua. He thought for a moment and smiled: “Then let her marry. As long as she says one word, I’ll go back and find that old man, give him a beating, and immediately go propose marriage.”

“However, don’t rush me about marriage with her anymore,” Su Ronghua waved his hand. “You’re still fighting with people over that fool Prince Su. If the Crown Prince doesn’t ascend the throne, how can I properly propose marriage?”

“You’re so certain the Crown Prince will ascend the throne?” Su Rongqing’s tone was bland. Su Ronghua turned the teacup in his hand, answering carelessly: “There are only two imperial princes—Prince Su and the Crown Prince. No need to even think about it.”

With that, Su Ronghua glanced at him with considerable disdain: “I really can’t figure out which nerve of yours went wrong to hang yourself on Prince Su’s rope. But listen to your brother’s advice,” Su Ronghua leaned forward, pressing his fan on the table and lowering his voice with some seriousness, “know when to stop, turn back while you can.”

Su Rongqing lowered his head without speaking. After a moment, he smiled lightly: “Big Brother needn’t worry. It will end soon.”

“That’s good then.”

“However,” Su Rongqing raised his eyes to look at Su Ronghua, “if Miss Shangguan’s and my positions remain opposed, what will Big Brother do?”

At these words, Su Ronghua froze, slowly raised his eyelids, and gazed at Su Rongqing.

“You’re my younger brother.”

Su Ronghua’s voice was very calm: “I’ll keep advising you until the day I die.”

Su Rongqing was stunned. Su Ronghua suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder: “So, if you’re truly thinking of my welfare, be a good person, don’t cause trouble, hmm?”

Su Rongqing didn’t speak. After a long while, he murmured: “You two will be together.”

“Hmm?” Su Ronghua couldn’t quite understand. “What did you say?”

Su Rongqing looked up with a smile and pushed his hand away: “I said, when the time is right, I’ll personally help you propose marriage.”

After saying this, Su Rongqing smiled and changed the subject. The two brothers chatted and laughed until they reached the outskirts.

Li Rong entered the venue ahead of them. After entering, she saw Shangguan Ya already sitting on the platform reserved for female family members. Pei Wenxuan had also arrived. Seeing her enter, he looked at her from afar in the crowd and nodded lightly.

Li Rong walked to Shangguan Ya’s side and tapped her shoulder with her fan: “Want to go to my seat?”

As an imperial heir, Li Rong’s position was next to Li Chuan’s, in a small pavilion directly below Li Ming, directly facing the training ground with an excellent view.

At these words, Shangguan Ya stood and followed Li Rong to her position, kneeling behind Li Rong.

Shortly after Li Rong took her seat, Li Ming arrived at the training ground leading Shangguan Yue. Everyone rose to welcome Li Ming to his seat. Then soldiers selected from the six armies filed out, dressed in six different colored uniforms and standing on the training ground.

A ritual official led Li Chuan up to the high platform. After Li Chuan burned incense and offered sacrifices to the mountain god, he turned to express condolences to the soldiers for guarding Hua Jing throughout the year. Then Li Ming rose and announced the official start of the entire winter hunt.

“This year’s winter hunt will be divided into six teams. Each team has one military flag. Deep in the forest, there is another military flag. After the hour of the Rooster, those who exit the forest with the most military flags win. There are wild beasts in the forest—if you can obtain prey, you can also earn points. Fifty wild beasts equal one flag. During the process, no one may be injured. If anyone deliberately injures another, they will be dealt with according to law.”

Li Chuan said this, glanced at a eunuch below, then continued: “Now distribute the flags. After the drum sounds, enter the forest from the left side in order. At the hour of the Rooster, drums will be beaten and horns sounded. Upon hearing this, return.”

Eunuchs carrying flags of different colors ran into the arena and handed the flags to each team’s leader. After the flags were distributed, drums thundered, soldiers rode into the forest, and the training ground gradually became empty.

Su Ronghua sat with Su Rongqing in the aristocratic seating area, took an orange, and watched the field carelessly: “Year after year, you come to this place to watch this kind of excitement? What’s so interesting about this?”

As he spoke, Su Ronghua casually glanced at the high platform. In the distance, Shangguan Ya knelt upright and proper, lowering her head to say something to Li Rong.

“In a while, after His Majesty gives the order, each family will move about,” Su Rongqing knew what he was waiting for and reminded him in a low voice. “At that time, you can go find Miss Shangguan.”

Su Ronghua raised an eyebrow at Su Rongqing. Su Rongqing’s expression didn’t change. After a moment, he smiled: “You clever ghost.”

After Li Chuan arranged everything, he returned to his position. With all the soldiers in the forest, there wasn’t much excitement to watch. After Li Ming said everyone could move about freely, everyone dispersed and found familiar people to chat with.

Su Ronghua looked around, moved closer to Su Rongqing, and said somewhat anxiously: “Should I just go over like this?”

“Go ahead.” Su Rongqing nodded and smiled: “Just walk straight over.”

After asking this question, Su Ronghua also felt himself a bit foolish. He coughed lightly. Too embarrassed to face Su Rongqing, he turned and left quickly.

He deliberately slowed his potentially undignified pace, went around the corridor, climbed the steps, and arrived at Shangguan Ya’s seat. But before he reached it, he saw Lin Feibai walk from the other side to Li Rong. He bowed to Li Rong. He couldn’t hear what was said clearly, but he saw Shangguan Ya smile at him. Shangguan Ya beckoned to Lin Feibai. Lin Feibai seemed somewhat embarrassed but eventually bent down, allowing Shangguan Ya to take her handkerchief and gently wipe the sweat from his forehead.

Su Ronghua froze in place for a moment.

He had never seen Shangguan Ya look so gentle. Although Lin Feibai didn’t smile—he even seemed somewhat awkward—the way he carefully bent over, afraid of tiring Shangguan Ya with her raised hand, also demonstrated his silent thoughtfulness toward Shangguan Ya.

The two of them seemed to form their own world, silently excluding him.

Su Ronghua stopped in his tracks. He quietly watched them. After a moment, Lin Feibai also seemed to notice Su Ronghua’s presence. As he was talking with Shangguan Ya, he turned his head and suddenly froze.

Lin Feibai suddenly stopped speaking. Li Rong and Shangguan Ya both found it strange. The two looked over together to see Su Ronghua standing not far away, quietly watching Lin Feibai, his gaze slightly cold.

Lin Feibai straightened up and met Su Ronghua’s gaze. The surrounding people all whispered. Su Ronghua vaguely heard fragments: “Young Master Su doesn’t seem to know.”

“It’s only been a few days.”

Su Ronghua said nothing. He quietly watched the two people. After a moment, he suddenly moved forward, walking quickly to Shangguan Ya. But before he arrived, Lin Feibai stepped forward, blocking his path.

“Let me say one thing to her.”

Su Ronghua restrained his emotions, staring at Lin Feibai, lowering his voice.

“Go back and talk,” Lin Feibai’s voice was very cold. “Don’t make a spectacle here for people to laugh at.”

These words reminded Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua stared at Shangguan Ya. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he was much calmer, only saying: “I’ll just say a few words. I won’t make people laugh.”

Lin Feibai hesitated. Shangguan Ya looked at the training ground and said blandly: “Then speak. Feibai, step aside.”

Lin Feibai turned to look at Shangguan Ya and finally gave way.

Su Ronghua walked to Shangguan Ya. He half-crouched, staring at Shangguan Ya: “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: “Yes. So what?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Su Ronghua,” Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but laugh. “What relationship do you and I have? Do I need to submit a memorial to you about what I do? I’ll marry whoever I want, like whoever I want. I don’t want to see you now, and I hope Young Master Su will maintain his dignity and stop looking for me in the future.”

Su Ronghua said nothing. He stared at Shangguan Ya.

Shangguan Ya picked up her teacup, raised an eyebrow with a smile: “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t make people laugh? Young Master Su, if you continue crouching in front of me like this, you’ll truly become a joke.”

“Shangguan Ya, don’t do things you’ll regret.”

“When I do things,” Shangguan Ya raised her head slightly, her eyes carrying some provocation, “I never regret.”

Su Ronghua laughed lightly. He supported himself to stand up. His gaze moved from Shangguan Ya all the way to Lin Feibai. After looking for a few moments, he smiled and nodded, then turned and walked down.

When he returned to his seat, Li Rong’s gaze turned to Shangguan Ya: “Why provoke him when everything was fine?”

“Annoying.”

Shangguan Ya drained her tea in one gulp: “He never came to these kinds of places before. I don’t know what he’s doing here today.”

Li Rong looked at Shangguan Ya’s angry appearance. She picked up her teacup leisurely: “I just watch you young people’s excitement.”

Shangguan Ya turned her head away. Li Rong threw her a flirtatious glance: “Saying one thing while meaning another, full of ups and downs.”

Shangguan Ya was left speechless by her words. After holding it in for a long time, she turned her head away, only saying: “Your Highness, you’re also incredibly annoying.”

Li Rong laughed aloud. Just then, Li Ming’s voice rang out: “Everyone.”

As soon as Li Ming spoke, the entire venue quieted. Li Ming’s voice carried laughter, seeming very pleased: “Having nothing to do, let the young people form teams and play a polo match.”

Li Ming continued: “Whoever wins, I’ll grant them one wish. However, you must promise me to play beautifully and make it good to watch!”

With that, Li Ming looked around: “Anyone who wants to participate, step forward and let me see.”

The imperial family never did things without reason, especially making a solemn promise like granting one wish. Everyone present had mixed in court circles for many years as high-ranking nobles and naturally understood this principle. They didn’t dare rashly step forward.

Lin Feibai walked out from the crowd, knelt on one knee: “Your Majesty, this subject requests to compete.”

“You are…” Li Ming thought for a moment, somewhat surprised. “Ah, you’re that son of Xie Lanqing!”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject was exiled to the southwest. Over these years, I’ve beheaded enemies and killed bandits, accumulated merit, and was promoted to the fifth-rank General Zhennan. Recently, the war just ended. Missing my homeland, I requested leave to return to the capital.”

“You’ve had such experiences—you’re truly an extraordinary person. Knowing your errors and correcting them is a good thing. Since you’ve requested to compete, do you have a desired opponent?”

“This subject has long heard that among the capital’s young masters, the Su family’s Second Young Master has excellent polo skills. Today, with this opportunity,” Lin Feibai looked toward Su Rongqing, “I hope Minister Su will not be stingy with his instruction.”

Hearing that Lin Feibai had chosen Su Rongqing, everyone looked at each other, unable to figure out for the moment what kind of medicine was being sold in this gourd.

Su Rongqing heard Lin Feibai’s words and quietly watched Lin Feibai. Before he could speak, he heard a lazy voice ring out.

“When it comes to polo, you’ve found the wrong person asking for my younger brother,” Everyone looked over to see Su Ronghua lazily standing, stepping down from his seat. “In this capital for polo, I, Su Ronghua, can’t claim to be first or second, but I do have some modest reputation. General Xie,” Su Ronghua raised his hand, “I’ll substitute for my younger brother and play a match. Surely the General won’t take offense?”

“Good.” Before Lin Feibai could agree, Li Ming immediately accepted. He turned to look at Su Ronghua, smiling: “Young Master Su also came today. I’ve always liked your temperament. You and General Xie are both wonderful people. I very much look forward to this match.”

Since Li Ming had spoken, Lin Feibai couldn’t refuse. He could only respectfully bow and withdraw with Su Ronghua to change clothes.

As soon as they left, Shangguan Ya immediately stood up. Li Rong held her teacup, blowing on the tea leaves floating on top: “Where are you going?”

“To persuade him to be more clear-headed.”

Shangguan Ya dropped this line and hurried toward the tent where they were changing clothes.

When she reached the tent, Su Ronghua had just changed clothes and come out. Seeing him, Shangguan Ya immediately went up to him: “Su Ronghua!”

Su Ronghua glanced at her sideways, took a polo mallet from a young servant’s hand, ignored her, and walked straight ahead.

His legs were long and his strides large. He didn’t deliberately wait for Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya could only jog to keep up with him: “What are you competing with Lin Feibai about? What madness has possessed you!”

“You people are clearly scheming against my younger brother—do you take me for a fool?” Su Ronghua glanced at her. “Besides, what relationship do you and I have? If I want to play polo, I’ll play polo. Do I still need to submit a memorial to you?”

Su Ronghua returned her words to her verbatim. Shangguan Ya was momentarily speechless, watching as Su Ronghua walked out.

Li Rong leisurely finished a cup of tea, then saw Shangguan Ya charge back aggressively. As soon as she sat down, she began gulping tea.

Li Rong looked at her sideways and couldn’t help laughing aloud: “Hit a snag?”

“Your Highness, now isn’t the time to laugh,” she was somewhat anxious. “Su Ronghua has taken the field, but Su Rongqing is still sitting down there. If we don’t divert him away and move against Xie Chunhe, I’m afraid something might go wrong.”

“It’s fine.” Li Rong’s voice was very light. She smiled and glanced at Pei Wenxuan, who was still sitting calmly and unmoved on the field. “Pei Wenxuan is also sitting there.”

Li Rong’s attitude helped Shangguan Ya relax somewhat. At this time, Lin Feibai also returned to the training ground. They each led four people, mounted their horses, took their polo mallets, and came to the center of the field. After an order was given, before Lin Feibai could react, Su Ronghua swung his mallet and struck the ball out. Then, riding his horse, he charged straight through the middle of Lin Feibai’s team. Lin Feibai also reacted extremely quickly, instantly turning around, spurring his horse in urgent pursuit. Before Su Ronghua could strike the ball into the goal, he backhanded his mallet and struck the ball back.

The opening was so intense that the entire venue instantly erupted. The two teams began chasing back and forth across the field.

Lin Feibai himself was a born assassin, so his physical abilities went without saying. But after all, he didn’t often play polo. Under the rules, he wasn’t as nimble as Su Ronghua, who was accustomed to playing polo.

However, his movements were still agile. Every time Su Ronghua was about to score, he was blocked.

Thus, both sides were deadlocked throughout the entire first half—remarkably, not a single ball went in.

Although no balls scored, this evenly matched state made the entire field very tense. Even Li Ming, who was accustomed to watching polo matches, couldn’t help but stare at the two people clashing on the field.

Tong Ye, holding a teapot, knelt behind Pei Wenxuan and said in a low voice: “Young Master, Su Rongqing’s people keep interfering. We need to divert Su Rongqing away so he can’t continue managing things from behind.”

Pei Wenxuan took the tea and watched the field without speaking.

Seeing the first half nearing its end, Su Ronghua suddenly accelerated his offense. Lin Feibai defended tightly. Seeing Su Ronghua switch to a reckless playing style, he couldn’t help frowning. As they crossed paths, he said: “What are you competing for?”

“Whatever you’re competing for,” Su Ronghua chased after the polo ball, “I’m competing for that.”

“She doesn’t even like you.” Just as Su Ronghua was about to strike the polo ball into the goal, Lin Feibai backhanded his mallet, and the ball folded back. “With your status, finding another noble lady would be easy. Why should Young Master Su take offense?”

“You think I’m taking offense?”

Su Ronghua looked at him coldly, leaned sideways, slid halfway down from his horse, suspended in the air, and nimbly passed between four people surrounding him. With one swing of his mallet, he sent the ball flying toward the distance.

“You’re just a playboy. Why pretend to be devoted?” Lin Feibai caught up with him. “If you like her, why didn’t you marry her earlier?”

With that, Lin Feibai’s teammate rushed up to block him. Lin Feibai then charged forward, guarding in front of the goal, and raised his hand to strike the ball back.

Just then, the three ending gongs sounded—the first one rang!

Everyone stood up, cheering aloud.

Su Ronghua circled around the crowd and charged toward Lin Feibai.

Lin Feibai also chased the ball, charging toward Su Ronghua.

The ball was in the middle of the field. As long as one final strike was made, there was a possibility of scoring. It depended on which of the two made that final strike first.

The two rode their horses charging toward each other. Li Chuan couldn’t help but show a shocked expression: “What are they doing?”

The second gong rang!

Li Rong didn’t answer him. Shangguan Ya involuntarily clenched her fists.

Watching the two horses draw closer and closer, until the final moment, the two horses violently collided. The polo mallets also struck together. Then, between the third gong’s sound, accompanied by the neighing of both horses, both men were violently thrown by their horses and rolled off their backs!

Su Rongqing abruptly stood up and shouted: “Imperial physicians!”

With that, he rushed toward the field.

Pei Wenxuan also stood up and hurried to Lin Feibai’s side.

Lin Feibai currently had no foundation in Hua Jing. The Xie family members who came today weren’t on good terms with him. If something truly happened and no one cared, he would probably die on the field.

The imperial physicians came running. Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan each first checked the two men’s injuries. After confirming there were no major problems, the imperial physicians also arrived.

Both men had sustained injuries to varying degrees. After the imperial physicians examined them, they had people help the two leave.

Unexpectedly, just as Pei Wenxuan was supporting Lin Feibai and had turned around, he heard Su Ronghua’s voice from behind: “There’s still the second half.”

Lin Feibai stopped in his tracks and turned around to see Su Ronghua’s hand dripping blood, calmly looking at him: “I haven’t won yet.”

“Big Brother.”

Su Rongqing frowned: “You should rest first.”

“Fine.”

Lin Feibai met Su Ronghua’s gaze: “I’ll see it through to the end with you.”

The two were deadlocked. Just then, Pei Wenxuan laughed lightly: “It’s just a polo match. It’s not like substitutions aren’t allowed.”

As Pei Wenxuan spoke, he took the polo mallet from Lin Feibai’s hand, turned to look at Su Rongqing with a half-smile: “Wouldn’t you agree, Second Young Master Su?”

Su Rongqing looked at Pei Wenxuan coldly. Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow: “I’ve already taken the field. What is Second Young Master afraid of?”

Hearing this, Su Rongqing smiled.

“Lord Pei speaks correctly.”

Su Rongqing took the polo mallet from Su Ronghua’s hand, raised his eyes in a gaze, his brow and eyes containing ice: “The second half—I’ll substitute for Big Brother and request instruction from Lord Pei in a match.”