To be honest, Shen Mo was quite worried about the bandit incident, but given Rong Yue's personality and the many 'comrades-in-arms' who had joined the battle, he knew that Rong Yue would definitely not give way.
They had expected a tough fight, but when they saw what was happening, everyone was stunned. Shen Mo swallowed hard, almost choking.
Is the man who was knocked down by a single, weak man really the demonized bandit the innkeeper had just mentioned?
After the slender man had beaten everyone to the ground, he helped the scholar who had fallen to the side to his feet, and said in a tone that was not as bold as his physique: "Look at you, you coward! See? You've all been beaten to the ground. Worship me now!"
"He Shang!" Shen Mo couldn't help but call out, feeling as if he could run into her anywhere.
"Who?" He Shang turned around and saw Shen Mo first. His expression didn't change. "It's you. How come I always run into you? What bad luck." He kept muttering to himself as he walked towards Shen Mo, but when he saw Rong Yue behind him, his face turned wary and hostile.
"Don't worry, He Shang, Lu Feng is dead. Young Master won't use you to exchange for five cities anymore," Shen Mo explained helplessly, caught in the middle.
"Young Master Rong! Miss Shen!" A voice called out with surprise. The two looked and saw that the scholar who had just been helped up by He Shang was none other than Le Chang, whom they had met by chance last time.
Shen Mo gave a slight bow and listened to Rong Yue exchanging pleasantries with him. It turned out that this time, Tiandu not only had a contest for the 'battle flag', but also a contest for the 'literary contest'. As the name suggests, it was a contest for literary giants. Lechang had come for this reason.
"How did you get here?" Shen Mo grabbed He Shang and looked at the bandits lying on the ground. Their faces were all pale and black, clearly indicating that He Shang had taken the opportunity to poison them beforehand.
"I want to go to Tiandu."
"You're going to Tiandu? Could it be..." He Shang is capable of anything, and besides, he's used to dressing as a woman, so this shouldn't be a big deal.
"Tch, who cares about battle flags or literary contests? Besides, I don't even have the qualifications to sign up. I'm going to find someone else."
Hearing this, Shen Mo's expression changed slightly. "Could it be the person with the silver mask from last time? He Shang, do you know who he is...?"
"What do you mean, wearing a silver mask? The person I'm looking for isn't that flashy. You guessed wrong, you guessed wrong." He Shang waved his hand dismissively.
Shen Mo's expression changed. Although he hadn't spent much time with He Shang, they had been through life and death together, and he didn't want her to have any connection with the evil organization at the bottom of the cliff.
"I'm asking you, are you allowed to enter the palace?" He Shang hesitated for a moment before answering.
Shen Mo looked at Rong Yue.
"Both the battle flag and the literary contest are organized by the imperial court, so the best location for the second round of the exams is naturally the palace, but the first round of the exams is not held in the palace." Knowing that Shen Mo was unaware of this, Rong Yue spontaneously chimed in.
"Sister Amo, it's so troublesome to do all your own clothes and stuff every day. How about I become your maid from now on? As long as you have food and lodging, I don't need anything else..." He Shang suddenly hugged Shen Mo and started rambling on.
Shen Mo pried her hands open, feeling goosebumps rising on his skin as he listened. "I think I'm younger than you."
"Sister Amo! Sister Amo!" He Shang came closer again.
"Tell me, what do you want to do in the palace? Is the person you're looking for in the palace?"
"I don't know either, maybe it's in the palace."
"Who are you looking for? I'll keep an eye out for them for you." Shen Mo was, after all, Rong Yue's maid, and she wouldn't make decisions on matters concerning the battle flag lightly. She looked at Rong Yue as she responded to He Shang.
"Let's go together." Rong Yue's three simple words made He Shang extremely happy.
“I have a lot to talk about with Brother Lechang. If you let her come along, you won’t be lonely.”
Shen Mo didn't react much to these words at first, but He Shang leaned in mischievously and said that he used to think she had no taste, but now he felt that her taste wasn't so bad after all. A blush instantly spread across her cheeks.
Since He Shang came along, Rong Yue has indeed said that she is no longer lonely, and has even become a little noisy. She is not acting as her own maid, but rather being a maid accompanying her mistress on an outing.
However, since entering Tiandu, He Shang has changed her usual playful ways and become completely immersed in the world. When asked who she was looking for, it seemed to be a taboo subject, just like her martial arts skills, which could not be mentioned or asked.
Rong Yue and Le Chang also became deep in thought, and even the air seemed to thin out. Shen Mo looked up at the huge "Tian Du" stone tablet at the city gate, and a sense of world war-like heaviness suddenly washed over him. He couldn't help but frown; this was not a good omen...
Author's Note: I received flowers from Ah Xiu yesterday, and I noticed my writing speed suddenly increased today. What's going on? PS: There will be another update tomorrow! [starry eyes]
Chapter Thirty-One: Fading Glory
Qi Tian Kingdom was conquered on horseback. Not only were the common people very interested in the selection of the battle flag held every five years, but even the emperor sitting in the capital's court paid close attention, hoping to select a group of outstanding and capable generals to serve the country. Therefore, although both were national events, the competition for the "battle flag" was much more lively than the "literary contest".
The competition was divided into three stages: the first was a general selection, equivalent to a preliminary round; the second was a preliminary elimination round; and the third was the battle for the flag leader, where the final winner was determined from the last ten. The latter two rounds were held in the palace, and there were even rumors that mysterious figures were involved.
At this moment, Shen Mo was sandwiched among a crowd of spectators, watching the endless duels between pairs, each vying for honor before the Emperor, suffering minor injuries and occasional serious ones. Even in this still relatively cold capital, Shen Mo couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for Rong Yue.
Fortunately, not everyone can sign up for the competition. Those without status or position would never appear, so the whole event was fairly fair, and no one harbored malicious intent to slander.
"It's almost your young master's turn!" He Shang leaned closer to Shen Mo, half-jokingly.
"There's no need to try to ease the tension for me. I have no doubt that Young Master will stand out in the first round." As Shen Mo said this, he suddenly felt much more relaxed.
As she expected, Rong Gao stood tall and imposing, brandishing his sword, his brows furrowed, and the opponent's aura instantly diminished. With a spinning kick and a half backflip, the problem was solved!
To her surprise, Rong Yue's appearance drew cheers from many women. In this fictional dynasty with its open-minded customs, the martial arts competition between men was just like a modern basketball game, and the handsome man's every move attracted attention.
After playing three matches on the first day and getting through them smoothly, Shen Mo suddenly felt a sense of pride.
He Shang scoffed at it.
But Rong Yue didn't seem happy. Back at the inn, he stayed with Mr. Lechang. Shen Mo didn't see Rong Yue treat anyone with the same level of importance as he did this pale-faced scholar. Judging from this attitude, if they were at the Rong residence, he would probably be treated as an honored guest. However, she overheard something else while serving them tea.
“Currently, there are significant differences among the various factions in the Celestial Empire regarding the selection of an heir.” Seeing that Rong Yue didn’t mind Shen Mo, Le Chang spoke frankly.
Shen Mo was taken aback. Rong Yue had actually managed to subtly steer the conversation in this direction. She was also curious to hear what this Lechang know-it-all had to say.
“The current emperor has few offspring. Originally, there were only two princes. The third prince was born to Consort Liu, but Consort Liu has been dead for many years and there is no one to rely on. He became timid and cowardly from a young age. The fifth prince was born better. His mother was Consort Gong, one of the four consorts, but his mind is not…” Lechang suddenly paused and glanced at them, “Guess who is the most favored now?”
"Could it be Murong Shi, who was instantly made crown prince after saving the emperor's life?" Rong Yue took a sip of tea, a bitter smile on his face.
“Brother Rong is absolutely right!” Le Chang nodded several times. “I wonder what kind of magic this adopted prince possesses that makes the Emperor so trusting. However, I’ve heard he’s assisted the Imperial Clan Court in solving several cases, so his abilities are not to be underestimated.” Le Chang sighed. In the eyes of the people, this emperor has always been a wise ruler who appoints people based on merit. Could it be that this time he’s going to hand over the throne to someone from another family?
Shen Mo patted Rong Yue's hand to comfort him, and Rong Yue nodded knowingly. Seeing this, Le Chang sat for a short while before taking his leave, but his words before leaving really surprised Shen Mo.
Le Chang said, "Although many people know what I said today, if it gets out, it will surely cost me my head. So, if Brother Rong ever needs me to do anything important in the future, I will be happy to do it." Le Chang emphasized the words "important" in his tone.
This startled Shen Mo. Could it be that Rong Yue had told him the whole truth, or... was there some kind of deal between them? He stared at Rong Yue for a long time, but Rong Yue only nodded slightly.
Not long after Lechang left, Longlin suddenly burst in, told Rong Yue that this person was trustworthy, and then told them a fact: the Ninth Prince Murong Shi would appear in the second round of the 'Battle Flag' competition to be held in the palace tomorrow, and as a contestant.
Upon hearing this, Rong Yue stroked his chin, a bloodthirsty desire flashing in his eyes.
Early the next morning, they were told to wait outside the palace gates and enter the palace one by one in order. Since it was a martial arts competition, and considering that there could not be no audience, Shen Mo and He Shang were both fortunate enough to enter the palace to watch. However, they had to undergo strict checks. As a result, He Shang had to wear what she considered to be "awkward" women's clothing to avoid being searched by men.
"Hey, Ah Mo, when is that legendary Ninth Prince, who's supposedly more beautiful than a woman, going to make his appearance? If I hadn't come specifically to see a beauty, I wouldn't be suffering like this with you guys!" He Shang shook her wide-sleeved silk skirt, glaring back at the lewd looks from the servants. Ever since hearing yesterday that the commoner prince, Murong Shi, was going to make an appearance, He Shang had insisted on coming along, showing great interest.
It's not surprising that she was surprised. Rumors circulated that Murong Shi had a face like jade, eyebrows like sharp peaks, and lips like poppies. His eyes were like bright pearls, yet he possessed a refined and elegant air, and those who saw him could almost smell a refreshing breeze. Recalling these rumors, Shen Mo couldn't help but want to see for herself what kind of person he really was.
A loud gong interrupted Shen Mo's thoughts, and He Shang's head, which had been looking around, became much more subdued under the warning of the stern eunuch in the palace.
"The battle flag competition has officially begun!" The eunuch's shrill voice seemed to shatter eardrums, leaving many people below stunned. How could the masters in the palace tolerate such an unpleasant voice?
"First round, begin! Thump!" Another deafening gong sounded, and the two entered the arena. The battle of wits would begin from now on. Everyone understood that it was already good enough that the Emperor had given them a place in the palace during the battle of wits. What the Emperor really cared about were the ten people who remained until the end, or rather, the last person. So the current situation was rather simple.
The two fighters were evenly matched, their first match a spectacle, both displaying considerable power and showing no mercy. Finally, after several dozen rounds, one of them caught the other off guard, delivering a powerful kick that sent him flying. The spectators below were terrified; had they not dodged quickly, they might have been seriously injured, as the man who had been kicked was clearly broken and unable to get up!
The warrior on the stage breathed a sigh of relief; he had finally won. But Shen Mo's face turned pale as she watched the man on the ground being carried away, blood still gushing from his mouth. She wondered what his future held. It wasn't that she lacked faith in Rong Yue; she simply knew he had studied martial arts with a Taoist priest on a mountaintop for several years. But how skilled was he? She dared not say, and could only comfort herself with the fact that Rong Yue possessed undefeated martial arts prowess.
Although swords and knives cannot be used in the palace, and only fist and foot techniques are allowed, every match afterward becomes like this, intense and brutal. Those who can appear here are not ordinary people. Even if they lose, they will still ask for face for loyalty and bravery. As long as they can stand up, they will resolutely refuse to give up.
In this way, time was stretched out indefinitely. Seeing He Shang looking around at the legendary "Ninth Prince" with expectant eyes, Shen Mo understood why he hadn't appeared yet. Perhaps he didn't want to lower himself and wait for them to finish fighting. When a capable person appears, he usually gives people a "tremor of Mount Tai" effect.
"Rong Yue, Lin Shan, thud!" The eunuch's sharp cry sent Shen Mo's heart leaping into his throat.
The two men clasped their fists and faced each other. Shen Mo looked over and saw that his opponent was the same loud-mouthed, burly man who had appeared at the inn in front of Parrot Valley last time. He was taller than Rong Gao and had a fierce and menacing expression on his face, as if he wanted to tear someone apart and devour them.
The attack was initiated by the burly man, who unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks without any strategy or method, drawing gasps from the crowd. They had never seen such a brutal assault before, and feared that if they weren't careful, he would be used as a punching bag and thoroughly beaten.
Fortunately, Rong Yue's boxing skills were no less than his. At first, he was a bit chaotic, but after a while he got the rhythm right. With each punch and kick, he could not only defend but also have the strength to attack.
The burly man in front of him was subdued by Rong Yue. Despite his brute force, his face was still bruised and black. Shen Mo, however, could not relax. Looking at the pool of blood still remaining on the ground, it seemed that from today onwards, Rong Yue's fists would begin to be stained with blood, blood that he would actively choose to smear.
"His Highness the Ninth Prince has arrived!"
At this sound, everyone turned to look at the newcomer, including Rong Yue, who was extremely curious about this opponent. However, there were two exceptions: one was the burly man on the stage who was on the verge of defeat but only saw honor, and he was so engrossed in fighting Rong Yue that he didn't stop; the other was Shen Mo.
"Young Master!" With Shen Mo's exclamation, Rong Yue was punched in the face. Whether it was carelessness, underestimating his opponent, or curiosity about Murong Shi, Rong Yue was punched by his opponent.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly, and in his embarrassment, he struck hard, knocking the burly man to the ground in a few blows, unable to get up. But his body was already covered in bright red blood—from his mouth, his fists, and his splattered clothes.
"This humble subject pays respects to Your Highness, may Your Highness live a thousand years!" Shen Mo, who was kneeling and bowing with the others, then realized that he hadn't even had a chance to look at the handsome Ninth Prince.
"Exempt!" Murong Shi's single word conveyed an inexplicable sense of distance.
With ink-black hair and bright eyes, and sword-like eyebrows, his exquisite features seemed to be softened by a gentle breeze. Murong Shi leaped lightly onto the high platform. Everyone felt a gentle breeze, and a strand of his hair fluttered lightly with his hair ribbon. This dignified man possessed a captivating charm. Perhaps specially prepared for the battle flag, he wore a white brocade robe today, elegant and well-fitting yet neat. The expression on his face was more composed than anyone else present. However, his face was somewhat pale, which even the golden sunlight could not hide.
At this moment, only four words came to Shen Mo's mind: peerless beauty, a peerless beauty that carried a strange sense of familiarity...
Chapter Thirty-Two: Encounter in the Flower Garden
Most of the contestants, even those who had seen such imposing presence, had never seen such a person before. They were surprised that the first person to stand opposite him was so frightened that he dared not make a move. He glanced at the eunuch beside him with a warning look on his face, and then at the Ninth Prince in front of him. He knelt down on the ground and begged for mercy without showing any temper.
Murong Shi didn't show much expression. He simply ordered his men to pull the man away, then rolled up his sleeves, preparing to deal with his next opponent. He seemed as relaxed as if he were appreciating a beautiful spring day, yet he didn't appear arrogant at all.
"I am Zheng Donghe from Hezhou. I humbly request Your Highness's guidance." Zheng Donghe's face showed eagerness. He had already won two matches before. Whether he won or lost, he was certain of advancing tomorrow. He deeply despised the person from before. No matter who the opponent was, as a martial artist, how could he be afraid of fighting?
Murong Shi gestured for him to speak, clearly reluctant to leave.
Zheng Donghe was the first to make a move. He reached out and grabbed something, and then appeared out of nowhere. For the first half of the time, Murong Shi seemed to be dodging, without any offensive power. However, after a few dozen moves, he forced Zheng Donghe to the point of being panting and in a very sorry state.
He had his eye on Zheng Donghe's still weak and small body!
The eunuchs beside him nodded in agreement, but Rong Yue's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. Even Shen Mo could tell that this Ninth Prince was not a person who was all show and no substance.
Murong Shi probably felt that it would be a bit boring if he didn't make a move soon, so the second half of the fight finally started. However, Zheng Donghe was clearly at a disadvantage at this time, and his steps were a bit flustered and his moves were slightly uneven.
With his final move, Zheng Donghe was thrown to the ground. As Shen Mo noticed that Zheng's face had become even paler, Murong Shi brushed the faint dust off his sleeve, signaling that he would not continue.
Zheng Donghe was a reasonable man, so he stopped dwelling on the outcome and voluntarily admitted defeat, saying, "Your Highness has excellent skills!"
"One day, courage and strategy will be combined." Murong Shi left behind only these eight words before gracefully departing, thus completing his advancement task. Shen Mo suddenly felt somewhat fortunate that Rong Yue had not encountered him today.
The competition didn't truly end until the midday sun was high in the sky. In the end, Rong Yue focused his energy and didn't encounter any more setbacks, but he was unwilling to wipe away the blood that remained at the corner of his mouth.
"His Majesty's decree! The nine winners of today are granted one night's lodging in the palace and will be sent to Yonghe Residence. May you all live in harmony and serve the world with boundless loyalty." The high-pitched eunuch suddenly delivered this astonishing decree after the event, as there was no precedent for it.
"He Shang, I'm afraid we're..." Shen Mo was about to call He Shang to join the others at Yonghe Residence, but there was no one around her! Shen Mo was furious. With He Shang's personality, in this heavily guarded palace, if he were to misbehave, his life would be in danger. She looked around with a sliver of hope, but was suddenly glared at by a eunuch next to her. Helplessly, she lowered her head and silently followed Rong Yue, blaming herself for not keeping a close eye on He Shang.
"He Shang is missing?" Rong Yue had actually noticed it from Shen Mo's expression long ago, and only asked after the eunuchs had settled everything for them.
“Young Master, He Shang probably ran off while playing around. What if he offends some master in the palace? Wouldn’t that be…” Whether in the modern world or in the sixteen years after his transmigration, Shen Mo could always hear people’s reverence for imperial power. People in the palace were definitely not easy to serve.
"Don't worry," Rong Yue said, taking her hand and comforting her. "Given her skills, unless she's caused some serious trouble, it shouldn't be difficult for her to escape on her own."
She reached out and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. Now that things had come to this, Shen Mo had no choice but to nod in agreement. The contest Rong Yue would face tomorrow would certainly not be easier than today, and Shen Mo did not want to distract him. She simply said that He Shang would definitely come back, and returned to her room early in the night.