Chapter 138:138. How could it be her?
Translator: 549690339
As for Duanmu Ao’s undisguised hostility, Su Liang was calm.
In broad daylight, what could he do to her?
Su Liang glanced to her side and caught Xiao Muyun’s eye. His face lit up, and he started to come over.
Su Liang: …I hope he doesn’t make a scene in public, how annoying!
The next moment, a familiar figure appeared next to Xiao Muyun and said something to him.
Xiao Muyun frowned and turned away.
Su Liang looked back and saw Duanmu Chen smiling faintly. His gaze swept past her as he followed the crown prince and the second prince towards the viewing seats beside the Combat Stage, reserved for the royal family and nobles.
The one who had timely sent Xiao Muyun away was Chang’an.
Su Liang knew that Duanmu Chen must not want her to be entangled by Xiao Muyun again, so he had stepped in to help.
The princes and princesses were already seated in the viewing platform.
The young man in the middle, who bore a resemblance to Duanmu Ao but was a bit thinner, was the Crown Prince of Qian Country, Duanmu Cheng.
Su Liang recognized the second and fourth princes, so the other man sitting in a wheelchair must be the fifth prince, Duanmu Che, whom Su Liang wanted to meet.
Duanmu Che’s appearance was the most outstanding among them, but he looked pale and weak, with a very poor physical condition, reminding Su Liang of Xing Yusheng when they first met.
Sixth Princess Duanmu Qianqian was dressed gorgeously, with delicate makeup and porcelain-white skin, exuding an air of aristocracy.
“Fourth brother, you suggested changing the rules of the Military Exam to Father Emperor yesterday. I should thank you for that.” Duanmu Cheng looked at Duanmu Chen sitting on his right with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes.
Duanmu Chen’s expression remained unchanged, “Crown Prince, you are too kind. I just want to select talents for Qian Country, and I dare not take credit.”
Duanmu Cheng naturally felt displeased because Duanmu Chen had gone directly to the emperor to make a suggestion, bypassing him who was in charge of this Military Exam.
Moreover, whether it was on the surface or secretly, Duanmu Chen, who had made remarkable achievements in recent years and repeatedly gained important positions, was Duanmu Cheng’s biggest competitor.
Although Duanmu Cheng had the rightful status of the first legitimate son, his father had not been the first legitimate son either but had eventually ascended the throne.
Therefore, Duanmu Chen definitely had a chance.
Especially after breaking the iron mine smuggling case, he had won the emperor’s favor. In the eyes of Qian Country’s officials and common people, he had become the most talented prince among them.
Hearing Duanmu Chen’s words, Duanmu Cheng’s smile faded even more,
“Father Emperor is very busy with state affairs. Since he entrusted the Military
Exam to me, if you have any ideas, Fourth brother, just come to me directly.” These words were meant to be unfriendly, and Duanmu Chen knew it very well. Still, his expression did not change; he just smiled and said, next time for sure.
Duanmu Ao was more blunt, “Old fourth, mind your own business, and don’t overreach!”
Duanmu Chen frowned, “Thank you for the warning, Second Royal brother. I will keep that in mind. How is your health, by the way? Miss Nian Ruxue has been performing brilliantly in the Military Exam. I must congratulate you first.”
Duanmu Ao’s face darkened at this, “I’m fine! You don’t need to worry about me!”
Seeing this, Duanmu Chen realized that he had struck a nerve with Duanmu Ao, who was embarrassed and angry. He must have been quite ruthless with Su Liang!
Duanmu Chen secretly rejoiced in his heart, yet his face remained unchanged, taking the initiative to apologize, “It’s my fault for being nosy, Second Royal brother, please calm down.”
However, Duanmu Cheng asked Duanmu Ao, “Second brother, do you not like
Miss Nian Ruxue?”
Duanmu Chen narrowed his eyes, trying not to laugh. He almost forgot that Nian Ruxue was originally a concubine Duanmu Cheng wanted to marry. After several twists and turns, she was granted to Duanmu Ao.
It shouldn’t have been a big deal, but when Nian Ruxue amazed everyone in the Military Exam and displayed her talents, how could Duanmu Cheng feel happy about it?
Duanmu Ao was in a bad mood and did not notice Duanmu Cheng’s unhappiness. He snorted and said, “Father Emperor granted us to get married, so how can I not like her?”
His demeanor suggested that he didn’t want to do it, but he had no choice.
Sixth Princess Duanmu Qianqian noticed the tense atmosphere and quickly smiled, “Crown Prince, isn’t it time to start the Martial Arts competition?”
Duanmu Chen discreetly glanced at Duanmu Che, who was sitting beside him, as quiet as a statue, then shifted his gaze back.
There had been a few clashes amongst the princes, but when the people outside the viewing platform saw them, they appeared to be smiling and chatting casually, with an air of harmony.
Duanmu Cheng motioned, “Let’s begin.”
All thirty-six advancing martial artists stepped onto the Combat Stage, where they drew lots to determine their groups and order.
The dark-coloured attire Su Liang wore today had been specially made for her by the Yang Family’s embroiderer in the capital city. It fit her like a glove and was low-key but exquisite.
Duanmu Cheng’s gaze fell on Su Liang, and he asked Duanmu Chen, “Is that Miss Su Liang?
Duanmu Chen blanked for a moment as if he’d just understood, then searched the Combat Stage with his eyes for a while before nodding, “There are only two women; since I don’t see Miss Nian Si, this must be Miss Su. She’s wearing black so I almost didn’t notice her.”
He acted as though he was seeing Su Liang for the first time today.
Duanmu Cheng chuckled, “I heard that Miss Su had been living at her old home in Bei’an County since she left the capital two years ago. I remember that Fourth Brother went to Bei’an County for an investigation several years back and even became sworn siblings with the previously estranged Seventh Prince of the Ning Family from Xunyang. Now Ning Jing has become the head of the Nian Family. I thought you two would have known each other already.”
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Cheng had been keeping tabs on him, but he kept a straight face, “Due to the Imperial examination, I did meet Ning Jing in Bei’an County but never got to meet his sworn sister.”
“Is that so?” Duanmu Cheng clearly didn’t believe Duanmu Chen’s words.
However, Duanmu Chen wouldn’t admit it. If Ning Jing and Su Liang both excel in the Civil and Military Exams, and people perceive them as being aligned with him. it wouldn’t be a good thing for him.
To cooperate in secret, one must distance oneself publicly – that was a tactic for concealing one’s true strength.
“Wasn’t it Miss Su’s grandfather who caused the death of the former Second Imperial Concubine? That matter…” Duanmu Qianqian seemed to suddenly remember this and hesitated to go on.
Duanmu Cheng sighed, “Sins have their origin, debts have their debtor. That matter has no direct connection with Miss Su.”
Duanmu Qianqian smiled, “Crown Prince and Second Prince have such broad minds, otherwise, she wouldn’t have the chance to participate in the Military
Exam.”
Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Qianqian’s words were not spoken without ulterior motives. She had feelings for Nian Jincheng and had always been on very good terms with Nian Ruxue, so she naturally didn’t like Su Liang stealing Nian Ruxue’s limelight.
“Why hasn’t Xuexue arrived yet? I hope that nothing goes wrong, as she is this competition’s_most focused on. ” Duanmu Qianqian was worried that she couldn’t see Nian Ruxue.
As soon as her words fell, Nian Ruxue arrived right on schedule.
Duanmu Chen secretly observed Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao’s reactions one was resentful, the other smug, although neither showed it clearly.
Fascinating… Duanmu Chen secretly made up his mind to ensure Nian Ruxue marries Duanmu Ao and not allow any complications to arise.
With everyone now present, the draw began.
The ranking competition was a points-based system.
It would have a total of ten rounds.
Each round would be a one-on-one pairing determined by drawing lots, with the winner receiving one point and the loser receiving zero.
If two people who had previously fought and obtained a result were drawn into a group again, the previous loser could choose to fight again or concede directly.
After ten rounds, the bottom six scorers would be eliminated, with the top thirty receiving the title of martial artist scholar.
The top ten would enter the final round to compete for the top three spots.
Then a newly added Challenge Contest would reduce the luck factor of drawing lots for the groupings during the martial exam, ensuring fairness.
Thirty-six people, each round consisting of eighteen matches.
Just as the lot draw was about to begin, Duanmu Cheng suddenly spoke up,
“Give the number one lot to Miss Su Liang.”
Suddenly being called out, Su Liang felt speechless, as if these people had come to watch her perform. Just because she was a woman, she had to start the first round.
However, it was just the order that was arranged at the forefront, and other aspects did not affect much.
Su Liang took one of the two number one signs, and the one who drew the other number one sign was her opponent.
After the draw, the groups were formed, and Su Liang’s opponent was a pale and thin young man.
She had heard Qi Yan mention this person before. He was the grandson of the old Imperial Physician from Duke Qin’s mansion that they had met before, named Gao Jiabao. Because he was born weak and sickly, a martial arts master was specifically hired for him. Although his foundation was poor, his comprehension was excellent, and he was also an opponent that Su Liang needed to be aware of in this military exam.
Nian Ruxue was in the tenth round.
Since Su Liang didn’t have a weapon with her, Ning Jing spoke a word to Xing Yusheng after identifying the opponent.
Soon, Qi Yan ran off and fetched a pair of maces for Su Liang from Ning Jing and Su Liang’s carriage.
Normally, martial artists were best at a single type of weapon and wouldn’t easily change to others.
The slender Su Liang held a pair of maces in her hands as she stood on the combat stage, which appeared quite disharmonious at first glance.
Gao Jiabao’s weapon was a long whip.
The contest was about to begin.
Duanmu Chen looked at Duanmu Che and asked with a seemingly casual smile, as if to avoid neglecting him, “Which one does Fifth Brother think will win this match?”
Duanmu Che stared at the figure in ink-colored clothes on the combat stage, his thin lips slightly parted, and countered, “What does Fourth Brother think?” Duanmu Chen smiled, “I hope Miss Su will win.”
Duanmu Che’s voice was devoid of any fluctuations, “That depends on whether she really has the ability.”
Because of his fair skin, his short stature, and the fact that he used a whip as his weapon, Gao Jiabao had been laughed at by some self-proclaimed macho men.
However, when his long whip started to sway in the wind, no one would treat him as a weak and powerless sickly youth anymore.
The contest began, and Su Liang and Gao Jiabao quickly engaged in battle.
As both weapons used in this match were unusual and the differences between them were significant, the audience found it quite interesting.
In previous matches, no matter what weapon Gao Jiabao’s opponent used, they would eventually have their weapon snatched away by his whip, which was also his signature move.
But Su Liang held a weapon in each hand, so Gao Jiabao could only target one.
After several probes, the mace in Su Liang’s right hand was entangled by the whip.
Gao Jiabao tugged forcefully, but Su Liang did not struggle or give up her weapon. Instead, she let herself be drawn closer to Gao Jiabao!
With a change of expression, Gao Jiabao wanted to retract his whip, but Su Liang was already close. She turned the tables by using the mace to tighten the entanglement even more.
If he wanted to avoid it, he had to give up the whip.
Gao Jiabao wasn’t willing to let go and got hit by Su Liang. The two were then pulled together by their entangled weapons to engage in close-quarters combat.
Gao Jiabao’s adaptability was excellent. Although he was in a passive position, he could still dodge Su Liang’s attacks and constantly tried to separate the weapons. Otherwise, he could only defend and hardly attack Su Liang.
“Don’t judge people by their appearance; the old Imperial Physician’s grandson is quite powerful.” said Duanmu Chen.
Duanmu Che stared at Su Liang, his lips tightly pressed together, without uttering a word.
Ning Jing’s gaze swept over Duanmu Che’s face, he pinched Zhengzheng’s little face and whispered something into his ear.
Among the crowd watching the fight silently, a child’s innocent and crisp voice suddenly rang out, “Aunt, I’m hungry!”
Hearing this, Su Liang no longer clung to the fight and suddenly dropped the mace in her right hand, and Gao Jiabao retreated two steps unprepared due to inertia.
Su Liang’s eyes calmed down, and she increased her offensive, pushing relentlessly!
With his whip yet to be unfolded, Gao Jiabao retreated continuously, unable to counter Su Liang’s attacks at all.
In the end, he reached the boundary of the Combat Stage, and just as his whip was finally ready to be used, Su Liang’s mace was heavily smashing towards his brow!
Duanmu Cheng sat up straight as many in the audience held their breath!
But Su Liang wasn’t using the wooden maces Ning Jing made for her. Instead, she used the ones cast from black iron that he had someone else make later. If this hit landed, it would cause either death or severe injury.
Just before hitting Gao Jiabao’s head, Su Liang stopped her hand, asking calmly, “Will you admit defeat?”
Gao Jiabao nodded, “I admit defeat.”
Su Liang withdrew her hand, turned around and picked up the other mace.
“First round, first match, Su Liang wins, scoring one point!” the Order Officer shouted loudly.
Gao Jiabao breathed a long sigh of relief, wound his whip around his arm, and stepped down from the Combat Stage.
After years of practicing martial arts, this was his first time encountering an opponent who dual-wielded weapons. He was almost entirely suppressed by Su Liang during the entire fight, which made him deeply realize the weakness of the weapon he relied on the most.
Duanmu Qianqian smiled and said, “Miss Su Liang is really awesome! However, isn’t it a bit unfair for her to use two weapons against martial artists who are only using one? I don’t get it, what do you think, brother Crown Prince?” Duanmu Cheng looked at Duanmu Chen, “What does Fourth brother think?”
Duanmu Chen smiled, turned to Duanmu Che and asked, “What does Fifth brother think?”
Duanmu Che watched Su Liang walk down the Combat Stage. He naturally handed the pair of maces to a young noble with an outstanding appearance and cold temperament. Then, he picked up a cute little child next to him, and gently patted his head with a smile…
“Fifth brother?” Duanmu Chen called again.
Duanmu Che looked back, his expression indifferent, “If Sixth sister feels it’s unfair, she can ask the Crown Prince to require every martial artist to use dual-wielded weapons from now on. It would be more interesting that way.”
Duanmu Chen coughed lightly, “Not everyone can use dual-wielded weapons, and having more weapons doesn’t necessarily mean being more powerful. Fifth brother, don’t tease Sixth sister. If we truly required everyone to use two weapons, many martial artists would be unsure of how to attack.”
“Fourth and Fifth brothers, you can just say it directly. Why mock me? I already said I don’t understand.” Duanmu Qianqian pouted, still smiling, “So it seems you all think Su Liang is the most formidable? She can dual-wield weapons and even uses different weapons in every match.”
“It’s too early to tell after just one match,” Duanmu Chen shook his head, “I’m most looking forward to seeing Lady Nian in action; it’s bound to be exciting.”
Duanmu Che looked at the elderly servant standing nearby, “Crown Prince, I’m tired. Can we go back?”
Duanmu Cheng nodded, “Alright. Fifth brother, go back and rest quickly. Take good care of your health; Father Emperor is most concerned about you.”
Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Cheng’s last sentence was deliberately said for his ears…
The old servant came forward and led Duanmu Che away from the Viewing Platform.
The second match was about to begin, and Su Liang planned to watch for a while longer.
Zhengzheng wasn’t actually hungry, but Ning Jing had asked him to remind Su Liang to speed up the fight and hurry down.
When Su Liang looked back at the Viewing Platform, Duanmu Che was nowhere to be seen, but she didn’t pay it any mind. She planned to investigate the matter after the Martial Arts Exam ended.
As Duanmu Che got into the carriage, he asked the old servant driving the carriage, “Did you know about her participating in the Martial Arts Exam from the beginning?
“Yes. Only two women participated, so it would be hard not to know. But since Master had mentioned that he didn’t want to hear that name again, I never brought it up,” the old servant sighed.
After a long silence, Duanmu Che spoke again, muttering to himself, “How could she be that foolish girl who lost all her family members yet still thought of Xiao Muyun….”
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