The autumn wind is always refreshing and elegant, but at this moment, because of the tense atmosphere, even the fragrance of flowers seems to have become stronger.
Chen Yue covered her mouth, a little surprised: "This... Fifth Sister is a woman, why would someone choose this?"
"That's right," Chen Ruoqiu also said worriedly, "Wu Niang, don't force yourself. Although your uncle is a military commander, you have never been good at these things."
Chen Ruoqiu's words were flattering, saying that Chen Xin was a military commander, while his daughter, Shen Miao, couldn't shoot a bow and arrow. His lack of martial arts skills was fine, as it was simply because girls didn't like to wield swords and spears. That was a reasonable excuse. But not being able to do martial arts, and not being able to do literary arts either, was truly a bad thing. Everyone knew that Shen Miao knew nothing about music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, and now adding that she wasn't good at martial arts either was effectively devaluing Shen Miao, and by extension, looking down on Chen Xin's entire family.
"But... the rules of this competition can't be changed," Shen Qing said, looking anxious, yet her tone was filled with gloating. "Once you're chosen as an opponent, no matter which category you fall into, you have to complete the competition. But everyone will pick the best of that category to compete with. Could it be that Fifth Sister has a trick up her sleeve? Otherwise, why would Cai Lin pick you?"
Her words were truly harsh. Yet, Ren Wanyun didn't stop her. She only smiled and said, "What nonsense are you talking about, big sister? Wu Niang is not even good at wielding swords or spears. Wu Niang, if you don't want to compete on stage, Second Aunt will personally speak to the examiner. You're still young, and even for Uncle's sake, they won't make things difficult for you."
Although Ren Wanyun's words sounded like a kind gesture to help her out, upon closer inspection, that wasn't the case. After all, no one had ever made an exception on this stage for years. Now that Shen Miao had set a precedent, who knew what the people of Dingjing would say tomorrow. Furthermore, if Shen Xin's name was brought up, there was no doubt that some would accuse him of abusing his privileges due to his merits. After all, people just follow the crowd, and while status brings advantages, it also has many disadvantages.
And she would never allow anyone to say "no" to Chen Xin.
"Thank you, Second Auntie. That's not necessary." She stood up from the women's seat and slowly walked towards the stage. The place gradually quieted down, with only the girl's voice clearly audible, stirring up quite a stir.
"I will fight this battle."
Cai Lin's eyes flickered. He was doing this simply to vent his anger on Chen Yue's behalf. It was the first time a man challenged a woman in a martial arts competition. He was used to being such a jerk, and he thought it would just get him a beating from his parents. But the thought of venting his anger on Chen Yue's behalf made Cai Lin happy from the bottom of his heart. He had a good idea; if Shen Miao didn't dare to accept the challenge, he would mock her mercilessly.
But he had never expected that Shen Miao would actually accept the challenge. Not only that, she also accepted it so openly and calmly. Watching the figure in purple slowly walking towards the stage, Cai Lin actually felt a strange feeling in his heart.
It was as if she had no fear at all.
But how could this be possible? He knew better than anyone whether Shen Miao could shoot from foot. Someone who had never practiced martial arts naturally knew nothing about it. Shen Miao might not even know how to hold a bow. No one would not panic when faced with something they were not good at, or had never even tried before.
Could she really pretend to be so arrogant?
Cai Lin was deep in thought when he suddenly felt a pair of eyes watching him. He turned his head and met the gaze of Shen Yue, who was sitting at the women's table. Shen Yue saw him looking at her, then shyly lowered her head. Cai Lin, however, felt a surge of emotion at the sight.
Every young man has a dream of being a hero saving a beautiful woman. In Cai Lin's eyes, he was the hero who stood up for the beautiful woman, while Shen Miao was the vicious and ugly villain who relied on others.
Regardless of whether she accepted the challenge today or not, he would definitely make Shen Miao lose all face and be in a state of embarrassment in front of everyone.
I want her to never dare to act arrogantly in front of Shen Yue again!
Generally speaking, the rules of the challenge are set by the challenger, who then decides how to challenge the challenge, and the challenged person has no choice but to accept it. Because no one knows how the next steps will unfold, this round of competition is always the most eye-catching.
Shen Miao walked onto the stage.
The examiner who was in charge of the examination was also somewhat embarrassed. After all, Shen Miao was a delicate little girl. It was understandable for a woman to choose a literary subject with a man, but it had to be a martial arts subject. I was afraid that Cai Lin was deliberately trying to embarrass her.
"Today's performance was excellent." Prince Zhou clapped his hands, seeming to enjoy it. "I'm afraid the reputation of the Shen family's eldest branch is about to plummet again."
Prince Jing shook his head and sighed, "General Shen earned his reputation on the battlefield, but my daughter is just not up to the mark." He thought to himself that not only was she not up to the mark, she was also completely foolish. It was clear today that she was wrong whether to accept the challenge or not. If she acted like this now, it would only make her laugh.
Cai Lin curled his lips in satisfaction. "I've come up with an interesting rule this year. The usual archery competitions every year are just too boring. This year's archery challenge will be between you and me. You hold the grass fruit on your head, and I'll shoot you with my arrow. Then I'll hold it on my head again, and you'll shoot me with your arrow. How about it?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was in an uproar!
The examiner was also shocked. This was going to cost someone their life. After all, Shen Miao was Shen Xin's daughter. If something really happened to her, who would be responsible when Shen Xin came back at the end of the year to investigate?
He quickly said, "Student Cai..."
Cai Lin waved his hand and said, "Sir, Guangwentang doesn't set precedents specifically for anyone. The rules have always been like this. The challenger says what the rules are. How could the daughter of a great general be such a coward?"
Chen Yue lowered her head and covered the corners of her mouth. Feng An Ning frowned, but didn't know what to do.
"That's right." The voice was a little hoarse, but it came from Prince Yu, who had been keeping his eyes closed. A strange smile appeared on his ferocious face. He said, "Of course, there's no such thing as bending the rules for someone else. Could it be that on the battlefield, because the enemy was too strong, General Shen had to temporarily flee? That would be understandable." After saying this, he seemed to find it funny and laughed out loud.
Shen Miao’s eyes suddenly became sharp.
These people were constantly mocking Chen Xin, as if they really thought she was the weakness of the Shen family's eldest wife. She looked at Cai Lin, who was watching the show, and then glanced at the malicious mockery of everyone at the table. The anger that had been accumulating for a long time finally burst out.
The reborn Shen Miao could tolerate it, but the mistress of the harem, Empress Shen, was a person who would never let go of any grudge.
She said coldly, "My father fought bravely outside to protect our country. That's why we have this chrysanthemum banquet with all its flowers, and why the students are taking exams and seeing all the flowers blooming." A hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes. "Winning this competition today means nothing. Only after you've actually fought on the battlefield and killed people can you show your strength. As for the rules you set, why shouldn't I dare to do so?"
Everyone was stunned.
"Why shouldn't I? You are an excellent archer, so you will definitely hit the grass fruit. But I am not so good at archery. If I miss, you will be the one who will be in danger of your life."
She smiled slightly, and the sound seemed to come from a long distance, but it sounded like thunder in everyone's ears.
"In that case, sign a life and death agreement. If you get hurt or die, you'll be responsible for the consequences."
"Do you dare? Cai Lin."
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