“Yes, it’s the five-nation competition held every five years, and this time it’s my turn to host it, Dasheng.” Luo Mangong personally served her tea and stood beside her, speaking softly.

Xiao Zhixing put down his brush and dug out relevant information about the matter.

Two hundred years ago, the five kingdoms fought each other without a clear victor. Finally, the rulers of the five kingdoms sat down to negotiate and proposed this compromise competition.

The competition includes both literary and martial arts components.

In literature, it is compared to poetry, prose, essays, and policy discussions; in martial arts, it is compared to individual combat and team combat capabilities.

The competition prizes were somewhat frivolous; they claimed that the prizes would be used to resolve disputes between the participants based on their rankings, with the winner having the most say.

For example, if you take over my territory, I, as the first-ranked person, have the right to demand that you return it.

Why do I call it child's play? Because in the more than two hundred years, the results of this competition have only been truly implemented a few times.

Most of the time, however, countries choose to renege on their promises.

They were so enthusiastic about organizing the five-nation competition that they always made it a grand spectacle, showcasing their power among the five nations.

Xiao Zhixing picked up his pen again and sneered, "Shouldn't this kind of childish game be canceled?"

She believes that whoever has the bigger fist is right, and that holding this kind of competition is not as good as just having a real fight.

Luo Mangong bowed slightly, "It should indeed be cancelled, but after all, it is a tradition of our ancestors. If our country does not participate, it would seem out of place."

Xiao Zhixing glanced at him and asked, "What does this have to do with me?"

He came all this way to bring this up; it couldn't have been just something he said casually, could it?

Luo Mangong cupped his hands in greeting, “By order of His Majesty, I wish to have you represent Dasheng and take full charge of this competition.”

Xiao Zhixing's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Your Majesty really wants to exhaust me. I just returned from the Northern Frontier and wanted to rest for a few days."

Luo Mangong smiled obsequiously, "You are the number one young talent in our Great Sheng, skilled in both literature and martial arts, with outstanding achievements. Just your presence is enough to win our Great Sheng."

Xiao Zhixing pointed at him, "I didn't realize Eunuch Luo had such a sweet tongue."

Luo Mangong smiled kindly.

Since she'd been put on this show, she figured she might as well accept it; following the old rules for the competition wouldn't be a hassle.

Moreover, the Northern Barbarians are now divided into three factions; I wonder how they will manage to participate in the event?

More than twenty days later, Xiao Zhixing returned to Shengjing after three years.

Now a 19-year-old young woman, gazing at the ancient and majestic city walls of Shengjing, I feel a sense of familiarity.

"Your Highness, there are people waiting to greet us ahead." Not far from the Ten Mile Pavilion, Shi Jiaowu, with his sharp eyesight, quickly reported.

Xiao Zhixing couldn't help but smile; she knew who it was.

When the three years were up, the young people scattered across the thirteen prefectures returned to the capital one after another, with even Li Wenxiu and Lin Rushu returning earlier than her.

She was the last to arrive. Oh, Mu Wan was with her in the group; she had rushed over from behind.

At this moment, Huo Baijun and Xiong Chumo led the way, and the boys rode over on horseback.

"Your Highness!"

"Prince Yuansheng!"

"Wanwan!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Xiao Zhixing smiled broadly, "Hahaha, everyone, it's been three years, but you're still as charming as ever, even more so than before!"

Huo Baijun and the others excitedly dismounted and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Xiao Zhixing jumped down and patted him and Xiong Chumo on the shoulders. "Very good. I am proud of you. Our General Huo and General Xiong are renowned throughout the south. They have not tarnished the reputation of my Xiao family army."

The two grinned foolishly, showing no trace of the young general's imposing manner.

Lin Rushu and the others exchanged greetings with Mu Wan, then turned to bow to her, saying, "Your Highness."

Xiao Zhixing helped them up one by one, his gaze gentle, "Our seven ladies are now famous throughout the world, they are all outstanding."

Zhao Xianyin's eyes reddened slightly, and she covered her mouth with a coquettish laugh, "We can't compare to the Prince; we've just benefited from his good fortune."

Xiao Zhixing couldn't help but laugh, "Xiao Yinyin is still so lovable."

Zhao Xianyin playfully scolded her, which amused everyone.

Xiao Zhixing paused for a moment, then reached out and patted Zhao Xi, who was standing there silently with a gaunt face. "You've worked hard."

Zhao Xi's throat tightened instantly.

Only she herself knew how hard she had been for the past three years, caught between Zhao Xianyin and the Feng family.

On one side are like-minded friends, and on the other side are aggressive relatives.

She persevered through sheer willpower, unwilling to give up.

As one of the Seven Women, she didn't want to be inferior to them.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xianyin squeezed Zhao Xi's hand, offering silent comfort.

Li Jun led the others in bowing, "Greetings, Your Highness. It has been three years since we last met. Your brilliance is beyond our reach."

Three years ago, she was merely Prince Yuansheng, a rising star, a madman who was unworthy of his position.

Now, she is the most dazzling sun on the Qian Yuan Continent, shining for thousands of miles.

Xiao Zhixing smiled and said, "Please don't be modest, everyone. Those who come out of our Gentleman's Academy are all excellent."

For a moment, everyone was laughing and chatting happily.

Upon arriving at Wuliting, after the usual rest and freshening up, Xiao Zhixing and his men set up camp before returning to Shengjing.

Luo Mangong said, "There will be an entry ceremony tomorrow, and His Majesty will personally lead all the officials to welcome him."

Having done it once, Xiao Zhixing became quite adept at it.

He would still stay up all night reviewing documents and handling affairs, and the next day he would get up full of energy and put on his armor.

Once again, it was a lively affair with flowers in full bloom and an even grander ceremony than the last time.

Xiao Zhixing led his soldiers to stand before the emperor.

Fu Lu loudly proclaimed the imperial edict of bestowal and rewards, which included Huo Baijun, Xiong Chumo, Mu Wan, and others, who were all appointed as Lieutenant Generals.

"...By special decree, Prince Yuansheng is granted the privilege of not kneeling before the Emperor, is bestowed with golden imperial armor, and given command of the military and political affairs of the twelve northern prefectures. He is also granted the title of Grand Marshal of all the armies under Heaven. This is the imperial decree!"

The scene was completely silent. Li Xiao and several of his senior ministers had to support each other to prevent them from falling.

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