Chapter 44 Chapter 44 What a good day today is, a mouthful...

Chapter 44 Chapter 44 What a good day today is, a mouthful...

Xu Garden Polo Field was opened by an official named Xu in the past when he had some free time. After several generations of operation, it fell into decline and passed into the hands of the government. Now it is considered the property of the Imperial City Administration. The new director of the Imperial City Administration in recent years is a remarkable figure who has managed this place very successfully and the business is very prosperous. Not only is there a horse farm, but there are also manors built around it for the entertainment of wealthy children.

During the peak season, you may even have to pay a month in advance to reserve a venue.

It snowed a while ago and the polo field was deserted until yesterday when the weather cleared up. Sons of officials from near and far, as well as young men and women who had finally returned to Beijing, all came to join in the fun.

In addition, today there was a bet between Cheng Yiqiao and Shi Feiyan, and the appearance of Cui Han, the young master of the Cui family, which attracted more visitors and the street outside the polo field was blocked.

A long hall was built to the north of the polo field. It was open on all sides and there was a banquet table every five steps, separated by pearl curtains or gauze. Cheng Yiqiao was the host today, so she sat at one of the tables. Cheng Yian sat with her, and Shi Feiyan sat in the guest seat next to her.

The pearl curtain was half lifted, Shi Feiyan glanced at Cheng Yiqiao and asked, "What's your fighting style today?"

Cheng Yiqiao said, "New Year's Eve is my father's birthday. I remember that three years ago, one of his calligraphy works was lost and was auctioned off by Duobao Pavilion. I failed to snatch it from you at that time, so you bought it instead. I have always felt resentful. Today, I will use this calligraphy work as a prize. If I win, you can give it back to me. I will pay you the money according to the auction price last time as a birthday gift for my father. Do you think it is feasible?"

Shi Feiyan smiled and said, "My father has kept that small calligraphy. It may be difficult 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 words seriously.

Cheng Yiqiao snorted and laughed, "That won't work. Can you guarantee to bring it out as a stake? Then we can compete again. Otherwise, it will be bad if you lose and then ask for forgiveness."

After hearing what she said, Shi Feiyan said cheerfully, "Okay, I promise you."

Cheng Yiqiao saw that Shi Feiyan didn't take it seriously, and was afraid that she might go back on her word, so hesitantly appeared on his face.

Cheng Yian gently pulled her clothes and said, "Second sister, everyone present here can hear clearly what was bet on today. Even if Shi Feiyan wants to deny the debt, her father Shi Heng will not dare to deny the debt, as it will damage the reputation of the Shi family."

Even if Shi Heng refused, he could not consider the face of the Left Commander-in-Chief of the Five Military Commands Office.

Cheng Yiqiao put aside his worries and said, "That makes sense."

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

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

Cheng Yiqiao's face changed, "My sister has no grudge against you, why should I compensate you?"

Shi Feiyan's face showed hatred, "If she and Lu Xusheng hadn't interfered last time, I would have won against Zheng Ying."

Cheng Yiqiao said, "Last time, even if my third brother-in-law didn't help Zheng Ying, he would have won instead of you. You are not as skilled as him, so why do you take it out on my sister?"

Shi Feiyan felt as if something was stuck in her throat, and said in embarrassment, "Then I won't compete today."

"You..." Cheng Yiqiao pointed at her nose angrily, "You are running away from the battlefield."

"If you don't accept my bet, then let's change to something we both can accept." Shi Feiyan argued.

Cheng Yiqiao choked.

Cheng Yian doesn't care about winning or losing the polo match at all. As long as the plan goes well, today's polo match may not be completed.

"Why don't you just agree to her?"

Cheng Yiqiao refused with a frown, "No, I can't gamble with something I can't afford to lose."

What if she really loses and makes fun of her sister's dignity?

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

Cheng Yiqiao was silent. Her father's calligraphy had always been a source of worry for her.

Seeing that Cheng Yiqiao remained silent, Shi Feiyan gave in and said, "How about this, if you lose, can you ask your father to write a small calligraphy for me?"

Shi Feiyan did not tell Cheng Yiqiao that the person who actually collected Cheng Mingyu's regular script was her mother. Her mother was extremely talented and had a profound understanding of calligraphy. Among the great calligraphers of the time, she admired Cheng Mingyu the most. Unfortunately, because of Princess Minglan, Cheng Mingyu's calligraphy was no longer passed on to outsiders. The last piece of regular script was a work by Cheng Mingyu when he was young. If she could get Cheng Mingyu's calligraphy style when he was middle-aged today, her mother would probably laugh and cry.

This time, Ye Qiao did not hesitate and agreed after gritted her teeth.

Although they had not discussed this bet with their elders, the two girls were very confident that they could win.

The next step is to select the soldiers and generals.

If Shi Feiyan wants to win, she must have the best soldiers and generals.

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

Yao Yuxiang is Yao Yuzhuang's brother. Yao Yuzhuang was imprisoned in the palace because of a feud with Cheng Yian. Yao Yuxiang hated Cheng Yian so much that he would beat him to death as long as Cheng Yian came on the field.

Cheng Yiqiao also has his own usual team.

She recruited Shi Erlang from the second branch of the Cheng family. Shi Erlang had ranked second in the provincial examination this autumn. He was mature beyond his years and was also very good at polo. He was close to Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yiqiao always took him with her when she played polo.

Then, Chen Yitong, the niece of the Queen of Chen Houfu, was invited. Both Chen Yitong and Shi Feiyan admired Prince Ning, so they had never gotten along with each other. This time, Cheng Yiqiao invited Shi Feiyan, and Chen Yitong took the initiative to ask for permission.

And then...

Today, a brother and sister came to the Sichuan Governor's Mansion. The elder sister pushed her brother out without saying a word.

"Go quickly, go and help Miss Cheng Er."

The black-robed young man was pushed out by his sister. His handsome face flushed red. He came to Cheng Yiqiao with his neck stiff and bowed.

"Ms. Cheng...Ms. Cheng, I'm pretty good at playing polo. Why don't you give me a chance?"

When he said this, he didn't dare to look at Cheng Yiqiao.

Instead, Cheng Yiqiao looked at him boldly. The young man had an oatmeal complexion and raised eyebrows. He looked full of life, but a little shy.

She stood up and returned the greeting gracefully, "Thank you very much, Master Meng."

Cheng Yian was certainly no stranger to Meng Ruchuan's siblings. She felt particularly cordial when they met. When she glanced to the side, the elder sister of the Meng family nodded and greeted her enthusiastically. She smiled back and decided to find a chance to get to know her second sister again after her second sister's marriage was settled.

The last candidate... Cheng Yiqiao glanced at the bustling crowd, wondering which one was Cui Han. The polo match was about to start, but he hadn't shown up yet. She didn't know what his plan was, so she could only give up and turned to Cheng Yian, "Can you do it?"

"I can't do it!" Cheng Yian flatly refused. Not to mention that she had something important to do, she couldn't even use her three-legged cat kung fu.

"It's a pity that my third brother-in-law didn't come today..." Cheng Yiqiao said with regret.

Shi Feiyan was horrified when she heard this. "Hey, hey, hey, you can't call Lu Xusheng to the field again, otherwise, I will definitely not fight today."

Cheng Yiqiao was just wondering who to pick when a girl in a silver-red dress came striding over.

"I'll do it."

It was Ning Wang's fiancée Zheng Ying.

She was originally unmarried and it was inconvenient for her to go out, but when she heard that it was a party organized by Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yian, she decided to come and show her support.

Cheng Yiqiao saw that she was overjoyed and quickly stood up, "It would be best if you could help."

The Imperial Edict Has Been Issued

Zheng Ying was definitely the Princess of Ning, and she might even be the Crown Princess or even the Queen Mother in the future. Everyone present stood up and saluted her. Zheng Ying was a little uncomfortable seeing this.

"You're welcome."

Cheng Yiqiao gave the main seat to her. Zheng Ying wanted to refuse but she finally sat down reluctantly because of the royal rules.

"The next step is to fill in the gaps."

Since Cheng Yiqiao wanted to test Cui Han's skill, he had to let him take the stage. Unfortunately, Cui Han had come but had not yet shown up. It was obvious that he was a bit arrogant. Since he was arrogant, he should let Shi Feiyan take the stage.

"You pick first."

The Shi family and the Cui family lived in the same neighborhood. Shi Feiyan and Cui Han knew each other. Cheng Yiqiao asked her to pick a replacement, and the first person she thought of was Cui Han.

"Go and see if Brother Cui Han has come in?"

As he was speaking, he saw Shi Feiyue and another person walking slowly towards this side. The spectators in the hall immediately leaned in and whispered to each other.

"It's Master Cui... Wow, Master Cui is so handsome. It's rumored that he is the second Master Cheng. It really lives up to his reputation."

"His appearance is secondary. What's even more rare is that he is the top scholar in the imperial examination."

"He is truly a banished immortal."

"I heard that Master Cui rarely goes out, so why is he out playing polo today?"

"Of course, they are coming for the young ancestor of the Cheng family..."

Cheng Yiqiao finally saw Cui Han at this time.

It was truly a very beautiful face, with clear and eye-catching features, and a steady and elegant demeanor.

No wonder my grandmother praised him so much, he really has the same charm as my father.

Seeing Cheng Yiqiao staring at Cui Han intently, Cheng Yian rubbed his forehead secretly.

Sure enough...she likes this.

Alas, there are a lot of people like this in the Princess's Mansion. What's so great about that?

If Cui Han had no power, he would just be a male favorite in the Princess's Mansion.

Cheng Yian pulled Cheng Yiqiao's sleeve unhappily and said sternly, "People in the market are really blind. He is just a better-looking guy. How can he be compared with Daddy?"

Cheng Yiqiao thought that her sister was not used to seeing others compare her work with her father, so she laughed and said, "It's already very good."

Zheng Ying also said, "Yesterday I heard His Royal Highness Prince Ning mention him, saying that his calligraphy and poetry are also outstanding."

It's true that he learns whatever his father can do. It's hateful, sad and pitiful.

When Cheng Yian saw Zheng Ying mention Prince Ning, he asked with a smile, "Hey, did you see His Highness again yesterday?"

Zheng Ying became more shy when she thought of what happened last time, and explained in a low voice, "Yesterday, the Queen summoned me to the palace and gave me a gift for the Laba Festival, so I met His Highness."

They are obviously much more relaxed than last time, which shows that their relationship has progressed.

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

Meng Ruchuan was attracted by Cui Han's demeanor and did not think that this person was his competitor. He wanted to make friends with her. On the other hand, Wei Shuting closed his eyes helplessly after seeing Cheng Yiqiao's reaction.

When Shi Feiyan saw Cui Han, she immediately stood up and waved to him.

"Brother Cui Han, can you be my substitute?"

Shi Feiyue glared at his sister and waved his hand, "What's the point of being a substitute? I'll come down and let Brother Cui take over."

Amidst all this noise, a young and handsome man walked to the front of the hall with his hands behind his back, his pair of black eyes inadvertently moving towards the seat in the middle.

This was certainly not the first time he had met Cheng Yiqiao. Even if he had, he did not have a deep impression of Cheng Yiqiao. What he really cared about was her identity as the eldest daughter of the Cheng family.

His mother insisted on letting him marry Cheng Mingyu's daughter, first Cheng Yixin. After Cheng Yixin got married, the Cui family didn't have time to take action. Cheng Yixin was assigned to He Qingyun. The next best thing was to consider Cheng Yiqiao. Cheng Yiqiao had already arranged for a baby girl when he was young. , when his mother saw that her long-cherished wish could not come true, she became angry and locked him up and scolded him for a long time.

Late at night, he looked at his mother crying bitterly and sneered with a green face.

"As long as you are not married, you have a chance."

Even if she's married, she can still be snatched away, right?

She is just a woman. He can marry whoever his mother wants.

After he became the top scorer in the imperial examination, the emperor wanted to appoint him to the Imperial Academy, but he refused and asked to take up an external post.

He chose to be the magistrate of the neighboring county where Cheng Yiqiao's fiancé lived, secretly hired someone to sneak into Ren's mansion, wait for an opportunity to get close to Mr. Ren, and secretly lead him to fool around in a brothel, where he eventually contracted syphilis and died.

Cheng Yiqiao still thought that her fiancé loved her deeply, but who knew that he was just a pervert who couldn't move when he saw a beautiful prostitute. So he did a good thing, didn't he?

He is truly a Bodhisattva who saves people from suffering.

The contempt in his heart slowly climbed up along his blood vessels, and finally broke through his cold white skin and turned into an extremely warm smile along the corners of his torn mouth. The winter sun poured down from the sky, making his face extremely gorgeous.

He concealed his coldness very well, and walked up to the crowd gracefully. He first bowed to Zheng Ying, then his eyes fell on Cheng Yiqiao, and he bowed and said,

"Second Miss Cheng, may I ask what the prize is today?"

Cheng Yiqiao stood up gracefully and returned his greeting, "I plan to take back my father's calligraphy, and Feiyan also took this as a prize."

The calligraphy of Cheng Mingyu in his early years was also in the Cui Mansion, and Cui Han had already memorized it by heart. He smiled and said, "Mr. Cheng's calligraphy is the best in the world, and I admire him very much. Then may I ask if the second young lady has a replacement candidate?"

Cheng Yiqiao pointed at Shi Feiyan and said with a smile, "Not yet, but I'll let Feiyan choose first."

Cui Han was very smart and knew that Cheng Yiqiao had no intention of recruiting him, so he said to Shi Feiyan,

"Okay, then I'll help Miss Shi."

Cheng Yiqiao then asked Cheng Shisanlang to be the substitute.

When Cui Han was about to leave with Shi Feiyue to change clothes, his eyes suddenly glanced sharply in the direction of Cheng Yian.

Because of his mother, Cui Han is extremely sensitive to people's emotions and always feels that Cheng Yian seems to be hostile to him.

He was very sure that he had never met Cheng Yian before.

Where does her hostility come from?

Without thinking too much, each team went to the building at the back to change clothes.

When everyone rode back into the racecourse, Cheng Yian discovered that Cui Han was the first to start.

Cui Han changed into a black riding suit and sat upright on horseback, which made him look extremely elegant. Many girls at the scene could not help cheering, and some even dared to throw handkerchiefs and flowers at him. However, Cui Han turned a blind eye and rode forward with an expressionless face.

Cheng Yian smiled contemptuously, and left the table first, using the excuse of going to the toilet.

Rulan and others were waiting outside the hall, and immediately followed her when they saw her.

Xuyuan Polo Field is in an excellent location, sitting to the north of Chengjiayuan, sandwiched between two small hills. The hills are covered with dense forests, making it cool in summer and warm in winter. Take today for example, because the hills block the cold wind from the north, the polo field is sunny and the temperature is just right.

The manor used for banquets at the polo field was built at the foot of the hill in the north. Cheng Yiqiao and others changed their clothes here.

As for the hill in the south, it was included in the Cheng family garden. A high wall was built at the foot of the hill, and at the corner of the wall was the Cheng family corner shop, where many of the Cheng family's guards were stationed. Between the high wall and the wall surrounding the polo field was a low forest.

Qiu Qing was born in a military camp, so he found the best base early and ambushed there.

The rammed earth used for the low wall of the polo field was not strong. Qiu Qing easily dug out a reconnaissance hole with his hands, and then set up a crossbow on it. He chewed a mint leaf and stared at the movements on the field lazily.

Hearing the sound of footsteps on dry leaves behind her, she turned around and saw Cheng Yian, Rulan and several maids coming over. She turned her face away and spat out a mouthful of mint leaves, then turned around and bowed to her.

"Young Madam."

The maid brought over a pair of stools. Cheng Yian lifted her skirt and stepped on one of the stools to look up. She saw dust flying on the polo field, and Cui Han, wearing a black shirt, was very eye-catching in the crowd.

He glanced at Cheng Yian and turned to ask Qiu Qing, "What are you going to do?"

Qiu Qingshen smiled mysteriously and said, "Young Madam, please come down."

Cheng Yian exclaimed, "Ah? Why do you want me to come down? I want to watch you deal with Cui Han with my own eyes."

Qiu Qing grinned, and took out a handful of mint leaves from his pocket again, ready to stuff it in. "I'm afraid it will be a nuisance to the audience."

Cheng Yian was stunned for a moment, but did not intend to reject him. He took Rulan's arm, got off the stool, and then stood aside and looked at Qiu Qing.

Qiu Qing stuffed another mouthful of mint leaves and kept chewing them, while his men were leisurely loading bullets into the crossbow. He moved a little closer, his eyes fixed on the hole, and the direction of the crossbow mouth changed from time to time, until suddenly, Cheng Yian heard a few whooshing sounds, and the bullets were unsheathed. Soon, a sound of pain was heard from the polo field outside, followed by a scream.

And then....it became eerily quiet.

Cheng Yian was so curious that he couldn't help but climb onto the stool to take a look. Qiu Qing was unable to stop him and could only cover his forehead helplessly, thinking that it was all over and the major general would definitely punish him when he returned.

Cheng Yian looked over impatiently, only to see that the handsome man just now had somehow fallen off his horse. He was standing straight with his trousers fallen to his heels. Fortunately, the hem of his robe was long enough to cover his body. The wind lifted his robe, revealing a glimpse of his naked skin.

Cheng Yian's eyes widened.

What banished immortal?

What is this man who is so gorgeous and unique?

Now your pants have fallen off, and you are asked to pretend and imitate. You are so embarrassed that you will never dare to go out and see people again, right?

You no longer have the face to propose marriage to the Cheng family, right?

Cheng Yian thought about telling his father about Li's affairs, but it was not as satisfying as what was happening now.

Everyone's eyes were focused on him.

It was the first time that Cheng Yian saw such a rich expression on so many people's faces.

Before admiration could turn into embarrassment and disgust, all kinds of bizarre emotions intertwined on their faces, making everyone look extremely weird and even funny.

Cheng Yian was amazed by Qiu Qing's craftsmanship.

"How did you do that?"

Qiu Qing was already squatting on the side with his face covered, and replied with a look of despair.

"When he leaned over to grab the ball, I shot him at the coccyx with a bullet, knocking him off his horse. Then I shot him at the waist with a bullet. One side of this bullet has a fine wire hook, which can easily hook his clothes. The other side has a spring inside. Once it hits the spring, it will pull back and pull off his belt. This bullet is often used in the barracks to discipline those young masters who were exiled to the frontier. These young masters are arrogant and disdain to associate with the soldiers. This is how we deal with them. Even the wire hook is designed to find the laces of their pants. Once they are hit, their bodies will be seen naked, and they will have nowhere to hide their faces. They can only give up and integrate into the barracks."

Cheng Yian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Even though he thought it was unsightly, he still felt relieved.

When a person is happy, he forgets that he is on a stool and steps back unconsciously, stepping into empty space.

Seeing this, Rulan and several maids hurried to hug her, and at the critical moment, a slender arm reached out and lightly held her arm.

Cheng Yian noticed something strange and raised his eyes subconsciously, his sight met a pair of eyes as warm as jade.

I saw that man staring at her with eyes full of longing, yearning and reluctance to miss her, murmuring,

"An An, I hope you are okay."

Cheng Yian was a little dazed at first glance, but when he took a closer look the second time, a chill gradually appeared in his eyes.

This was certainly a face that she was familiar with to the core. Even if he turned into ashes, she would still remember where his bones were.

"Fan Yulin?"

Cheng Yian pushed Rulan's arm away, brushed off the dust on his sleeves, stood upright, glanced at him with disgust, and said sarcastically,

"Why are you here?"

Fan Yulin took a step back, bowed to her gracefully, and explained, "I returned to Beijing yesterday and heard that you were playing polo here today, so I came to see you. I saw you sneaking into the back garden just now. I was afraid that something might happen to you, so I followed you."

Cheng Yian was so angry that he laughed, "Following me? Do you know that I am a married woman? How dare you follow me? Do you know what a married woman is?"

Fan Yulin's face flashed with embarrassment, and he was also surprised by Cheng Yian's indifference. He looked anxious, "An An..."

Cheng Yian didn't have time to listen to his excuses, he pointed at him and Qiu Qing with a cold face and said,

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

"Okay!"

Qiu Qing jumped out from the corner like a leopard, but was not aware that Fan Yulin had followed him. Seeing that Qiu Qing seemed to be entangled with the young lady, he was extremely resentful. After receiving Cheng Yian's order, he immediately raised his fist and hit Fan Yulin's nose. Fan Yulin didn't even have time to cry out in pain, as Qiu Qing followed with a second punch, pressing his mute point, and hitting him hard on his knees, causing him to sweat all over in pain but unable to make a sound.

Cheng Yian turned his back to Fan Yulin, held his waist, looked at the blue sky, and blinked.

What a good day it was that today allowed her to beat up two bastards in one breath.