Palace Intrigue: The Crown Prince's Favorite Consort

Tong Wanyan's life was extremely tumultuous.

Born as a庶女 (concubine's daughter), she was raised as a嫡女 (legitimate daughter).

Just before her wedding, she was stripped o...

Chapter 245 Comparison is the thief of joy

The banquet ended rather uninspired, with everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts.

As soon as the banquet ended, the Mongolians all kept their distance from Princess Khoshut, keeping a respectful distance from her.

Princess Whitworth didn't care at all; her tribe was powerful enough that she didn't need to be subservient to others. She had always been a proud woman, and she certainly had the ability to back it up.

Meanwhile, on the Qing side, after Tong Wanyan changed her clothes, a group of people surrounded her, their concern evident in their expressions.

None of the Yinreng brothers believed that Princess Hui's targeting of Tong Wanyan was due to Tong Wanyan's own actions.

They all took the blame upon themselves, feeling that they had failed to protect their sisters-in-law or brothers' wives.

Yinti was furious: "Your Highness, why didn't you stop your sister-in-law? She's young and easily provoked. You're the Crown Prince, yet you let her accept the challenge? Your sister-in-law is delicate and frail. It's alright if she loses; our great Qing's fine men can win in the future. But if she gets injured, you'll be the one who's worried."

Yinzhen and Ulanara Fanghui squeezed together next to Tong Wanyan, both of them with the same worry on their faces.

“Second Sister-in-law, this is Mongolian territory after all. What if that Princess Khoshut can’t stand losing and resorts to some dirty tricks? Equestrian competitions are the easiest places for accidents to happen. Although you know some martial arts, you can’t compare to a veteran who has been through countless battles.” Yinzhen knew Tong Wanyan a little, but that made him even more worried.

Ulanara Fanghui nodded repeatedly in agreement with Yinzhen's words.

She was so anxious she was almost crying: "If I had known that we went out riding yesterday and Princess Whitworth would have spotted us, I would have stayed in the tent and rested properly. Anyway, we're going hunting tomorrow, so we can still ride horses. Second sister-in-law, I'm the one who dragged you into this."

This was the first time Tong Wanyan had been surrounded by her brothers from the Aisin Gioro family. Facing their handsome faces, she felt a surge of joy and secret delight.

Yinreng looked down at the slight upturn of her lips and knew what she was thinking.

"Xiao Yan, I believe in you. If you feel unwell along the way, feel free to stop. Whether you win or lose, you will always be my concubine. All the Mongols must bow down and pay their respects to you." Yinreng reassured Tong Wanyan.

Tong Ruita came from the capital later, so Tong Wanyan didn't see him on the way.

When Yinreng mentioned his arrival, she was secretly surprised and excited.

Tong Ruita rushed over from where his entourage was stationed, and only after being informed was he able to meet Tong Wanyan.

He greeted Tong Wanyan and the princes with a simple smile, showing no sign of worry.

"My lords, rest assured, the concubine will surely win against Princess Huite. I personally taught her horsemanship, although I haven't practiced as much as she has, but talent is everything. Even the wildest horse becomes incredibly docile in the concubine's hands, running wherever she's told, as if it were a spirit." Tong Ruita was there to reassure everyone.

Taking advantage of his small stature, Yinzhen stood next to Yinreng, getting close to Tong Wanyan.

He looked at Tong Wanyan with admiration: "Is Second Sister-in-law so amazing? How about you teach me to ride a horse in the future?"

"Get out of the way. Aren't there enough riding and archery instructors in the palace? Your second sister-in-law has to keep me company, she doesn't have time to be your instructor." Yinreng coldly and ruthlessly dragged Yintang aside.

"My second brother, the Crown Prince, is such a jealous man. He's always clinging to his second sister-in-law," Yinzhen muttered boldly.

Yinqi led the others in a hearty laugh. For some reason, this incident had deepened their brotherly bond. Sharing a common hatred of the enemy had proven effective.

While Tong Wanyan and Princess Whitworth were changing into their riding attire, the racetrack was already set up. The seating arrangements, including the grandstands, were meticulously planned.

The Qing Dynasty guards thoroughly inspected the runway for potential safety hazards.

No one in Mongolia dared to say otherwise.

In fact, even their own people were wondering if Princess Whitworth had pulled some dirty tricks at the racetrack, since she insisted on having Tong Wanyan race with her.

They were actually more at ease knowing that the Qing Dynasty could conduct a thorough inspection.

When Princess Whitworth appeared leading her dark brown horse, she scoffed at the Qing dynasty's tense demeanor.

She is assertive in her actions, but not a petty person. Her pride wouldn't allow her to resort to underhanded tactics.

Yinreng and the others were afraid that giving Tong Wanyan too much encouragement would increase her pressure. After saying a few words of encouragement, they all left and sat down in the stands.

Yinreng stayed behind and hugged Tong Wanyan tightly: "I'm sorry you had to suffer this time."

"Then you can make it up to me when you get back, Master. Just wait and I'll bring you glory! The woman of the Crown Prince of the Qing Dynasty will not be weak," Tong Wanyan said carefree.

She patted Yinreng on the back: "I'm going to see Father Emperor's horse now, Your Highness, you go and sit with Father Emperor first."

Yinreng looked at Tong Wanyan, who was shooing him away, with a wry smile: "Fine. Win or lose, I will compensate you. Whatever my darling wants, I will grant it."

Tong Wanyan chuckled, and Yinreng suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"Sir, a gentleman's word is as good as gold. I've got it." Tong Wanyan smiled like a cat that had just stolen some cream.

Even knowing that Tong Wanyan might be trying to trick him, Yinreng still said indulgently, "I won't go back on my word."

Emperor Kangxi's imperial horses were the finest horses in the entire Qing Dynasty. Whether in terms of appearance or speed, they were the kings among fine horses.

Tong Wanyan affectionately stroked the head of the Akhal-Teke horse: "Let's go, I'll take you to bully other horses."

At the racetrack, Princess Whitworth, dressed in red with her hair tied up, truly radiated a spirited and capable demeanor that rivaled any man.

She looked at Tong Wanyan, who was slowly riding her Akhal-Teke horse, with disdain in her heart.

Such a fine horse should be hers, a prized steed for her to ride. To let a delicate young girl ride it is truly a waste of its talent.

Tong Wanyan slowly walked to Princess Whitworth's side. The two were riding horses side by side, and people couldn't help but compare the two.

This time, it's not about comparing looks, but about comparing their aura and mounts.

Princess Whitworth's horse was her beloved steed, which had accompanied her through countless life-and-death experiences and was a renowned thoroughbred on the Great Plains.

The Mongols thought her horse was good enough, but little did they know that when Kangxi's imperial horse stood next to it, it outshone Princess Khoshut's horse in both size and appearance.

Coincidentally, Tong Wanyan also chose a red riding outfit.

Princess Whitworth was dressed in a maroon riding outfit, while Tong Wanyan wore a fiery red one, creating another contrast.

Coincidentally, Tong Wanyan also chose a red riding outfit.

The aura between the two was as if one was the genuine article and the other was a defective product.

The difference that outsiders could see was certainly not unnoticed by Princess Whitworth.

She glared at Tong Wanyan resentfully, but Tong Wanyan was no longer as kind as she had been at the banquet.

"Your Highness, instead of being jealous of my horse, you should be thinking about how to beat me later. Of course, you can only dream about it," Tong Wanyan said sarcastically.

There's no need to be too nice to people who don't like you.