Chapter 44: What a fine day today, with so much happening…

Chapter 44: What a fine day today, with so much happening...

The Xu Garden Polo Field was originally opened by a retired official surnamed Xu for leisure. After several generations of mismanagement and decline, it fell into the hands of the government. Now, it is considered the property of the Imperial City Bureau. In recent years, the new head of the Imperial City Bureau has been an extraordinary figure, managing the place with great success. The business is booming, not only with the polo field but also with surrounding estates that were also built for the entertainment of wealthy young men and women.

During peak seasons, one must pay and book the field a month in advance.

Recently, due to snowfall, the polo field had no business until yesterday when the weather cleared. Young men and women from official families near and far, as well as those who had just returned to the capital, came to join the excitement.

Moreover, with the bet between Cheng Yiqiao and Shi Feiyan earlier and the appearance of Cui Han, the young master of the Cui family, later on, more guests were attracted, causing the streets outside the polo field to be completely jam-packed.

A long hall was built to the north of the polo field, open on all sides, with elegant seats set every five paces, separated by bead curtains or gauze. Cheng Yiqiao, as the host today, sat in the central seat, with Cheng Yian accompanying her. Shi Feiyan sat in the guest seat next to them.

With the bead curtain partially drawn, Shi Feiyan glanced sideways at Cheng Yiqiao and asked, "What's your game plan today?"

Cheng Yiqiao replied, "New Year's Eve is my father's birthday celebration. I remember three years ago, a piece of his small regular script calligraphy was auctioned off at the Duobao Pavilion. I couldn't outbid you back then, and you took it. I've been holding a grudge about it ever since. Today, I propose that we use that piece of calligraphy as the prize. If I win, you give it back to me, and I'll pay you the auction price in silver as a birthday gift for my father. How does that sound?"

Shi Feiyan laughed, "That piece of calligraphy is now in my father's possession. It would be hard to get it back."

Shi Feiyan actually wanted to say that she didn't think she would lose to Cheng Yiqiao, so she didn't take Cheng Yiqiao's proposal to heart.

Cheng Yiqiao scoffed, "That won't do. You must guarantee that you can provide it as the prize before we compete. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair if you renege on the bet after losing."

Hearing this, Shi Feiyan responded briskly, "Alright, I agree."

Cheng Yiqiao noticed that Shi Feiyan wasn't taking it to heart and feared she might go back on her word, showing hesitation.

Cheng Yian gently tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Second sister, everyone here today has heard the terms of the bet. Even if Shi Feiyan tries to renege, her father Shi Heng wouldn't dare to do so, as it would tarnish the Shi family's reputation."

Shi Heng, no matter how unwilling, couldn't disregard the face of the Left Military Governor of the Five Military Commands.

Cheng Yiqiao set aside her concerns, "You're right."

"Then what about you? If I lose, what do you want?" she asked Shi Feiyan.

This was exactly what Shi Feiyan had been waiting for. She glanced coldly at Cheng Yian, "I don't want anything else, just have your sister apologize to me in person."

Cheng Yiqiao's expression changed, "My sister has no grudge against you. Why should she apologize?"

Shi Feiyan's face showed resentment, "If it weren't for her and Lu Xusheng interfering last time, I would have definitely beaten Zheng Ying."

Cheng Yiqiao retorted, "Even if my brother-in-law hadn't helped Zheng Ying last time, the winner would have been him, not you. You were outmatched, so why take it out on my sister?"

Shi Feiyan felt a lump in her throat and angrily said, "Then I won't compete today."

"You..." Cheng Yiqiao pointed at her nose, "You're backing out at the last minute."

"If you don't accept my prize, then let's find something we both can agree on," Shi Feiyan argued.

Cheng Yiqiao was speechless.

Cheng Yian didn't care about the outcome of the polo match. As long as the plan went smoothly, today's match might not even be completed.

"Why don't you agree to her?"

Cheng Yiqiao frowned and refused, "No, I can't afford to lose something so important."

What if she really lost and had to gamble with her sister's dignity?

Cheng Yian said, "Then let's change the prize."

Cheng Yiqiao fell silent, as her father's small regular script had always been a source of concern for her.

Seeing Cheng Yiqiao remain silent, Shi Feiyan offered a compromise, "How about this? If you lose, you can have your father write another small regular script for me, okay?"

Shi Feiyan didn't tell Cheng Yiqiao that it was actually her mother who truly collected Cheng Mingyu's small regular script. Her mother, a woman of rare talent and profound expertise in calligraphy, most admired Cheng Mingyu among contemporary calligraphy masters. Unfortunately, due to Princess Minglan's influence, Cheng Mingyu's calligraphy was no longer publicly circulated. The last piece of small regular script was from Cheng Mingyu's younger days. If she could obtain a piece of Cheng Mingyu's calligraphy from his middle age today, her mother would likely be overjoyed to the point of tears.

This time, Cheng Yiqiao didn’t hesitate; she gritted her teeth and agreed.

Although neither of them had sought approval from their elders about this bet, both girls were extremely confident in their abilities and believed they could win.

Next came the selection of players.

Shi Feiyan, hell-bent on winning, naturally picked her top players.

"Me, my brother, Wei Shuting, He Chengli, and Yao Yuxiang."

Yao Yuxiang, Yao Yuzhuang’s older brother, harbored a deep grudge against Cheng Yian because Yao Yuzhuang had been sent to the palace’s detention quarters due to her rivalry with Cheng Yian. If he played, he would surely go all out.

Cheng Yiqiao also had her usual team.

She called over the twelfth son of the Cheng family's second branch. The twelfth son had placed second in the provincial exams this autumn and was mature beyond his years. He was an excellent polo player and often joined Cheng Yiqiao for matches.

Next, she invited Chen Yitong, the niece of the Empress from the Marquis Chen's household. Chen Yitong and Shi Feiyan, both admirers of Prince Ning, were natural rivals. When Cheng Yiqiao invited Shi Feiyan, Chen Yitong volunteered to join.

Then...

From the Sichuan Governor’s residence, a pair of siblings showed up today. The sister, without a second thought, shoved her brother forward.

"Go, go and support Miss Cheng."

Pushed out by his sister, the young man in black robes blushed deeply, stiffly approached Cheng Yiqiao, and bowed.

"Miss Cheng... I’m decent at polo. Would Miss Cheng consider giving me a chance?"

As he spoke, he didn't dare to look at Cheng Yiqiao.

Cheng Yiqiao, unbothered, boldly sized him up. The young man had a sun-kissed complexion, with spirited brows, exuding vitality, though he seemed a bit shy.

Gracefully standing, she returned the bow, "Thank you, Mr. Meng."

Cheng Yian, of course, knew Meng Ruchuan and his sister well. Seeing them brought a special warmth. Catching her glance, Meng’s sister gave an enthusiastic nod, which Cheng Yian returned with a smile. Once her second sister’s marriage was finalized, she planned to get to know them better.

For the final player, Cheng Yiqiao scanned the bustling crowd, but Cui Han was nowhere to be seen. The polo match was about to begin, yet Cui Han was still missing. She gave up and turned to Cheng Yian, "Can you handle it?"

"Absolutely not!" Cheng Yian shot back firmly. She not only had pressing matters but also lacked impressive polo skills.

"It’s a shame my brother-in-law isn’t here today..." Cheng Yiqiao sighed.

Hearing this, Shi Feiyan gasped, "No way! Lu Xusheng can’t play again!"

As Cheng Yiqiao fretted over her choice, a young woman in striking silver-red attire strode forward.

"I'll do it."

It was Zheng Ying, Prince Ning's fiancée.

Originally, as an unmarried woman, she shouldn't have been out, but hearing that Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yian were organizing the event, she decided to come and show her support.

Cheng Yiqiao lit up at the sight of her and sprang to her feet, "Your support means everything!"

The imperial decree has been proclaimed, and Zheng Ying is now officially the Princess Consort of Prince Ning, potentially the future Crown Princess or even the Empress. Everyone present rose and bowed to her, which made Zheng Ying somewhat uncomfortable.

"You are all too gracious."

Cheng Yiqiao offered her the seat of honor, and though Zheng Ying wanted to decline, she reluctantly sat down, following royal protocol.

"Next, we need to choose substitutes."

Since Cheng Yiqiao wanted to gauge Cui Han's capabilities, she had to get him to participate. Unfortunately, Cui Han had arrived but remained unseen, suggesting he was putting on airs. Given his demeanor, she let Shi Feiyan choose first.

"Go ahead and choose."

The Shi and Cui families lived in the same district, so Shi Feiyan knew Cui Han. When Cheng Yiqiao asked her to pick a substitute, the first person she thought of was Cui Han.

"Go check if Brother Cui Han has arrived yet."

As she spoke, Shi Feiyue arrived, accompanied by someone approaching slowly. The spectators in the hall craned their necks and started whispering immediately.

"It's Master Cui... Wow, he's really handsome. Rumors say he's the second Cheng Mingyu, and it's true."

"His looks are secondary; what's even more impressive is that he's a top scholar."

"He truly looks like an immortal descended from heaven."

"I heard Master Cui is quite reclusive. Why would he come out to play polo today?"

"It's obvious; he must be here for that little ancestor of the Cheng family..."

Cheng Yiqiao finally laid eyes on Cui Han.

He had an exceptionally handsome face, with clear and striking features, radiating a calm and scholarly air.

No wonder her grandmother praised him so much; he truly resembled her father.

Cheng Yian noticed Cheng Yiqiao staring intently at Cui Han and sighed silently.

Of course... she's into this type.

Sigh, there are plenty of men like him in Princess Minglan's residence. What's so special about him?

If Cui Han had no power or influence, he would just be another male concubine in Princess Minglan's residence.

Cheng Yian tugged at Cheng Yiqiao's sleeve, frowning, "People in the neighborhood are blind. He's just a bit more handsome, but how can he compare to our father?"

Cheng Yiqiao thought her sister was just uncomfortable with someone being compared to their father and chuckled, "He's already quite impressive."

Zheng Ying also chimed in, "Yesterday, I heard Prince Ning mention him, saying his calligraphy is also outstanding."

It's true that whatever her father excelled at, he tried to emulate. How pitiful and pathetic.

Cheng Yian, hearing Zheng Ying mention Prince Ning, smiled and asked, "Oh, so you saw His Highness again yesterday?"

Zheng Ying, recalling the previous incident, blushed and explained softly, "Yesterday, Her Majesty the Empress summoned me to the palace to give me gifts for the Laba Festival, and I happened to see His Highness."

She seemed much more at ease than last time, indicating that their relationship had progressed.

Cheng Yian gave her a knowing smile, and Zheng Ying quietly grinned back.

Meng Ruchuan, impressed by Cui Han's charisma, had no idea that this man was his rival and instead wanted to befriend him. Meanwhile, Wei Shuting, noticing Cheng Yiqiao's reaction, sighed and closed his eyes.

Shi Feiyan spotted Cui Han and quickly stood up, waving at him, "Brother Cui Han, would you be my substitute?"

Shi Feiyue glared at his sister and waved his hand, "No need for a substitute; I'll step down and let Brother Cui take my spot."

In the lively atmosphere, the young, handsome man strolled to the front of the hall, hands clasped behind his back, his dark eyes casually drifting towards the central seats.

This was not the first time he had seen Cheng Yiqiao, but even if he had, she hadn't made much of an impression on him. What really mattered was her position as the daughter of the Cheng family's main branch.

His mother had insisted he marry one of Cheng Mingyu's daughters. Initially, it was Cheng Yixin, but before the Cui family could make a move, Cheng Yixin was engaged to He Qingyun. When they shifted their focus to Cheng Yiqiao, they discovered she was already engaged through a childhood betrothal. Furious and frustrated, his mother locked him up and berated him for hours.

Late that night, he watched his mother cry bitterly, his face pale and a cold sneer on his lips.

"As long as she's unmarried, there's still hope."

Even if she were married, couldn't she be taken?

Just a woman. He'd marry whomever his mother chose.

After achieving the top scholar rank, the emperor wanted to appoint him to the Hanlin Academy, but he refused and requested an external post.

He selected a county adjacent to Cheng Yiqiao's fiancé's home to serve as magistrate. He covertly bribed someone to infiltrate the Ren household, waiting for a chance to get close to young master Ren, luring him to frequent brothels until he contracted a fatal venereal disease.

Cheng Yiqiao still naively thought her fiancé was deeply devoted to her, unaware that he was just another lustful man easily swayed by a beautiful courtesan. Hadn't he done her a service?

He was practically a savior.

The disdain in his heart gradually seeped through his veins, finally breaking through his cold, pale skin and morphing into a warm smile under the winter sun, making his face glow.

He concealed his inner cruelty well, appearing graceful and composed as he stepped forward, first bowing to Zheng Ying, then turning his gaze to Cheng Yiqiao and bowing again, "Miss Cheng, may I ask what the stakes are today?"

Cheng Yiqiao stood up gracefully and returned the bow, "I intend to reclaim my father's calligraphy, and Feiyan has the same stake."

Cui Han was already familiar with Cheng Mingyu's early calligraphy, which the Cui family also possessed. He smiled and said, "Cheng Gong's calligraphy is unparalleled, and I deeply admire it. May I ask if you have chosen a substitute yet?"

Cheng Yiqiao pointed at Shi Feiyan and laughed, "Not yet, but I've asked Feiyan to choose first."

Cui Han was clever and understood that Cheng Yiqiao had no intention of recruiting him, so he turned to Shi Feiyan and said, "Alright, then I'll assist Miss Shi."

Cheng Yiqiao then asked Cheng Shisanlang to be the substitute.

As Cui Han was about to leave with Shi Feiyue to change clothes, his sharp gaze suddenly flicked towards Cheng Yian.

Due to his mother's influence, Cui Han was extremely sensitive to people's emotions and felt that Cheng Yian seemed to harbor some hostility towards him.

He was certain he had never met Cheng Yian before.

Where did her hostility come from?

Without dwelling on it, the teams went to the back pavilion to change clothes.

When everyone returned to the field on horseback, Cheng Yian noticed that Cui Han was starting the game.

Cui Han changed into a black riding outfit, sitting tall and straight on his horse, making him look exceptionally handsome. Many girls in the crowd couldn't help but cheer, and some even boldly threw handkerchiefs and flowers at him. However, Cui Han paid them no mind, his face impassive as he rode on.

Cheng Yian sneered, excused herself to relieve herself, and was the first to leave the gathering.

Ru Lan and others waited outside the hall and immediately followed her when they saw her.

The location of the Xu Garden polo field was excellent, situated to the north of the Cheng family estate, nestled between two small hills. Both hills were thickly forested, offering cool shade in summer and warmth in winter. On this particular day, the hills blocked the north wind, allowing the polo field to bask in bright sunlight with a comfortable temperature.

The manor used for entertaining guests at the polo field was built at the foot of the northern hill, where Cheng Yiqiao and others changed their clothes.

As for the southern hill, it was part of the Cheng family estate. A high wall was built at the foot of the hill, with a corner shop of the Cheng family at its base, guarded by many of the family's servants and guards. Between the high wall and the polo field's wall was a patch of low bushes.

Qiu Qing, with his military background, had already secured the best vantage point and was lying in ambush there.

The low wall of the polo field was made of rammed earth and not very sturdy. Qiu Qing easily dug out a small observation hole with his hands and placed a crossbow on it. He lazily chewed on a mint leaf, keeping a casual eye on the activity on the field.

Hearing the crunch of footsteps on dry leaves behind him, he turned to see Cheng Yian approaching with Ru Lan and a few female servants. He first spat out the mint leaf, then turned and bowed to her.

"Madam Cheng."

The female servants brought a horse stool, and Cheng Yian, lifting her skirt, stepped onto one of the stools to peek over the wall. She saw dust flying on the polo field, with Cui Han's black outfit standing out prominently among the crowd.

After a quick glance, Cheng Yian turned to Qiu Qing and asked, "What's your plan?"

Qiu Qing gave a mysterious smile and said, "Madam Cheng, please step down."

Cheng Yian was surprised. "Why should I step down? I want to see you deal with Cui Han with my own eyes."

Qiu Qing grinned, pulled out another handful of mint leaves from his pocket, and prepared to chew them. "I'm afraid it might be unpleasant to watch."

Cheng Yian hesitated but didn't protest. She took Ru Lan's arm, stepped down from the stool, and stood aside to watch Qiu Qing.

Qiu Qing popped another mint leaf into his mouth, chewing continuously, but his hands were steady as he loaded the crossbow. He leaned slightly forward, focusing intently on the hole, occasionally adjusting the direction of the crossbow. Suddenly, Cheng Yian heard a few whooshing sounds as the bolts were released. Moments later, a cry of pain echoed from the polo field, followed by a wave of screams.

Then... an unsettling silence descended.

Cheng Yian was extremely curious and couldn't resist climbing back onto the stool to look. Qiu Qing couldn't stop her in time and could only helplessly cover his forehead, thinking, "It's over. The young general will definitely punish me when we return."

Cheng Yian eagerly looked over and saw that the once dashing man had somehow fallen off his horse. He stood rigidly, his pants having slid down to his ankles. Fortunately, his robe was long enough to cover his body, but the wind lifted the hem, revealing glimpses of bare skin.

Cheng Yian's eyes widened in shock.

What celestial prince?

What unparalleled beauty?

Now with his pants down, let's see you pretend, let's see you imitate. Your face is lost, and you won't dare to show yourself in public anymore, will you?

You won't have the face to propose to the Cheng family anymore, will you?

Cheng Yian had thought about telling her father about the Li family's affairs, but nothing was as satisfying as this moment.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on him.

For the first time, Cheng Yian witnessed such a vivid spectrum of emotions on so many faces. The transition from admiration and awe to awkwardness and disgust was too quick, leaving everyone looking utterly bizarre and even comical.

Cheng Yian was amazed by Qiu Qing's skill.

"How on earth did you manage that?"

Qiu Qing, covering his face and squatting aside, replied with a look of resignation,

"While he was turning to grab the ball, I first hit his coccyx acupoint with a pellet, knocking him off his horse. Then, I shot another pellet at his waist acupoint. This pellet has a fine wire hook on one side to snag his clothes and a built-in spring on the other. Upon impact, the spring triggers, yanking down his pants. This pellet is a military favorite for dealing with entitled young masters sent to the frontier who look down on the troops. We even designed the hook to snag the drawstrings of their underpants—no dignity spared. Once hit, they’re exposed and humiliated, forced to adapt to military life."

Cheng Yian couldn’t decide whether to laugh or facepalm. Although she found the scene indecent, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Caught up in the moment, she forgot she was on a stool and stepped back—straight into thin air.

Ru Lan and the matrons lunged to catch her, but just in time, a slender arm shot out to steady her elbow.

Cheng Yian, sensing something amiss, glanced up and locked eyes with a man whose gaze was as warm and smooth as jade.

His eyes held admiration, longing, and a touch of regret as he murmured,

"An An, it’s been too long."

At first, Cheng Yian was confused, but as recognition dawned, her eyes turned icy.

It was a face etched into her memory, one she’d recognize even in ashes.

"Fan Yulin?"

Cheng Yian pushed Ru Lan's arm away, brushed the dust off her sleeves, and stood upright, casting a disdainful glance over him as she sneered,

"What are you doing here?"

Fan Yulin stepped back, bowed with practiced grace, and explained, "I returned to the capital yesterday and heard you were playing polo here today. I came to see you and followed you into this backyard, worried something might happen."

Cheng Yian scoffed, "Followed me? Do you realize I’m a married woman? How dare you? Do you even understand what that means?"

Fan Yulin’s face flushed with embarrassment, and he stammered, taken aback by her icy tone, "An An..."

Cheng Yian cut him off, her voice icy as she pointed at him and Qiu Qing,

"Qiu Qing, teach him what a married woman means..."

"Right away!"

Qiu Qing shot up from the corner like a coiled spring. He was furious for missing Fan Yulin’s approach and his pestering of the young mistress. At Cheng Yian’s word, he drove his fist straight into Fan Yulin’s nose. Before Fan Yulin could even cry out in pain, Qiu Qing's second punch followed, hitting his mute acupoint and pinning him down on his knee, beating him until he was drenched in sweat but unable to make a sound.

Cheng Yian turned her back to Fan Yulin, supporting her waist as she gazed at the azure sky, blinking her eyes,

What a glorious day—two scoundrels taken down in one fell swoop.