Thanks to the powerful dynasty, she has the capital to act recklessly.
Men are all concerned about their image, especially princes. Tulev fell into a misconception. As a prince of a country, he had no need to challenge anyone. However, he was provoked by Zhao Shu. His competitive spirit and contempt both got the better of him, and he actually ordered the envoy to leave the Ganlu Hall.
With her advisor absent, Zhao Shu smiled brightly. "In the imperial court, refined scholars abound, unlike on the battlefield. Our Dayong is a land of etiquette, where we make friends through literature. Will the eldest prince compete in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, or poetry and songs?"
"You!" Tulev pointed at Zhao Shu, "Didn't you say that entertaining others is lowly?"
"No, no, Your Highness has misunderstood me. Our King of Dayong loves his people like his own children. Whether it is the dancers performing or the musicians playing, they are all his subjects. His Highness loves his people like his own children, so how could I, as his niece, consider them lowly? If Your Highness thinks the people of Dayong are lowly, then..." She smiled knowingly, "then the swords of our warriors will disagree!"
Xie Yun and the others secretly gave a thumbs up. This method of turning black into white and blaming others was truly shameless, but they liked it!
Tulev was trembling with anger and was about to roar at Zhao Shu when the handsome man beside him pulled him back and whispered a few words in his ear. He immediately changed his expression and waved his hand, "Since it's a competition, how can we leave out martial arts and archery?"
"Does the eldest prince mean that both literary and martial arts will be tested?"
"That's natural. I am not proficient in the poetry, songs, music, calligraphy, painting and music of Dayong. The princess is a woman and is not proficient in martial arts and archery. If I were to compete with the princess in martial arts and archery, it would seem like I am bullying her. However, I am not proficient in music, calligraphy, painting and music, poetry and songs. In this way, it is considered a draw."
These words caused an uproar among everyone present. This prince actually wanted to compare himself with Zhao Shu! It was utterly shameless, but he had a point. If viewed from the perspective of the concept that might makes right, there was nothing unfair about it.
The Empress Dowager tried to speak up to stop him, but Emperor Mingde stopped her, saying, "Mother, Ajun has a way."
He's right, Zhao Shu does have a solution.
Since others have already bullied her to this extent, if she backs down, it would be considered weak. Weak people can be bullied, but Zhao Shu is not one to be bullied in this life.
"Since that's the case, let's start with a literary contest. Since the eldest prince isn't proficient in Chinese, I won't make things difficult for him. How about we solve a riddle?"
Tulev wondered, which of the following arts does this riddle belong to: music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, or song?
Zhao Shu would certainly not embarrass herself at a state banquet, because her achievements in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry and prose are not those of a master. Since she is not a master, there is naturally no need for her to bring her achievements to the halls of power.
Tulev originally wanted to ask a question, but Zhao Shu had already posed the question: "How can one achieve immortality? Answer with a single action."
The riddle was a familiar one, and Huo Guxian, who represented the Huo family, immediately knew it. Many of the ministers present also knew it, as it was not a new riddle.
Tulev was furious, feeling that Zhao Shu was playing a trick on him. He wished he knew how to achieve immortality.
After thinking for a long time, he felt that Zhao Shu would definitely lose the martial arts match, so he didn't care so much about it. "If you can't guess, may I ask what move it is?"
"Keep breathing." After saying that, Zhao Shu took a sip of tea to moisten her throat.
The answer was so simple that Tulev felt tricked once again, and he couldn't wait to fight Zhao Shu.
"Princess, it's time for the martial arts competition."
“Alright, but before the competition, I’d like to discuss the rules with the eldest prince,” Zhao Shu said slowly and deliberately.
Tulev was confident he could win against Zhao Shu, and said nonchalantly, "Tell me, tell me."
"The Ganlu Palace is a place blessed by Heaven. Every item here is a gift from Heaven and must not be damaged. Let's draw a circle in the center. Whoever steps out of the circle first loses. How about it?"
"Alright, whatever you say." Tulev saw that Zhao Shurou looked weak and frail, as if she couldn't even kill a chicken, and immediately agreed.
Upon receiving a signal from Emperor Mingde, Liang Yunsi immediately fetched a brush and ink and drew a circle in the center of the hall. It was not large, but it was not small either.
Zhao Shu stood up from her seat and bowed to the Empress Dowager, Emperor Mingde, and the Empress. After bowing, she walked into the circle. She was not carrying anything in her hands, while Tulev was carrying a sword.
Seeing that Zhao Shu was unarmed, he arrogantly left his sword outside the circle.
Logically speaking, it was really beneath Tulev to compete with a woman, and many people didn't understand why. But Zhao Shu saw it as soon as he stepped into the ring.
This guy isn't satisfied with Zhao Wanshi; he wants to marry himself!
Women in Dayong are extremely conservative and cannot be touched by strange men. If Zhao Shu is hugged in public, Tulev will definitely marry her!
Glancing at Zhao Wanshi beside the Empress Dowager, she saw that Zhao Wanshi was looking at the two of them nervously, her face already pale, and she had lost all of her previous smugness.
She saw through Tulev's plan, and the others must have seen right through it too. Tsk tsk, do they think she, Zhao Shu, is some kind of delicate flower? What kind of pig can be robbed? What a pipe dream.
“Princess, if you are no match for me, you may beg for mercy. I have always been a man who cherishes women.”
“The prince speaks Chinese quite well, but unfortunately, he ruins such beautiful idioms.” She pulled a gold hairpin from her hair and held it in her hand. “The prince can use weapons.”
"No need, this prince truly cherishes women." He finished speaking and gestured for them to proceed.
Ladies first, Zhao Shu didn't stand on ceremony. All those years of Tai Chi training hadn't gone to waste. She pounced on him, and Tulev felt a faint fragrance waft over. Then Zhao Shu stepped back, and he immediately chased after her.
Zhao Shu's body was as soft as silk. He wanted to grab her, but he couldn't. He couldn't even pinpoint her location.
The fragrance grew stronger with each passing moment. At first, it was fine, but later he felt his vision becoming blurry, as if Zhao Shu could be in two places at once.
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