Once all contestants had handed in their answer sheets and the judges announced the results, there was no question that Yang Mengchen had secured first place.
Since the other contestants forfeited the second event, the judges scored based on the first and remaining events, ultimately placing Hai Ruofeng second, with Princess Yashuang and Princess Feilan tied for third.
The instant the results were revealed, the entire venue erupted in excitement.
With this, the competition was concluded, and Yang Mengchen had swept first place in every event. This was the first and only time in nearly a hundred years that a girl from Dong Chu had achieved such a victory, especially a clean sweep of first places. The Dongchu People celebrated wildly, their festivities rivaling those of the New Year.
The Emperor was particularly delighted. Jiujiu had not only brought glory to Dong Chu but also reclaimed the five lost cities, fulfilling the long-cherished wish of four generations of Emperors. Jiujiu truly was the star of fortune for him and Dong Chu. After a hundred years, he would finally be able to face his ancestors.
He instructed Lv Luo to take Xiao Guai and a few others to escort the Emperor and the rest back to the palace. Yang Mengchen and her entourage returned to the Yang family amid a grand farewell from the crowd.
"It’s a good thing we came early, otherwise we would have missed such an exciting competition," Yang Chaowen said with pride in his participation, "They say Jiujiu won first place in all events. Our Jiujiu is truly incredible!"
Yang Chaowu nodded in agreement, "When Dad and Mom arrive, we’ll have to tell them about it in detail. They’ll definitely regret not having seen it with their own eyes."
"Big brother, Dad’s definitely going to hit you." Showing off to Dad, especially about Jiujiu’s achievements, Big brother was surely asking for a beating. Yang Chaowen teased with his mouth, but the radiant smile on his face just couldn’t be suppressed.
Earlier at the competition, people who recognized them didn’t stop praising Jiujiu and even envied them for having such a talented daughter (niece). They maintained a modest front, but inwardly they were brimming with joy.
Yang Chaowu pretended to be annoyed and glared at his younger brother. With their offspring, family, and guests all present, his younger brother still didn’t give him any face. It was truly disrespectful to him as an older brother.
"Second Grandfather’s face is red!" exclaimed Yang Zonghan, with Yang Zongjun, who always followed Yang Zonghan around, joining in the clamor.
Everyone could not help but burst into hearty laughter. freeweɓnovel-cøm
"Tian Gao (Sweet Cake) (Sweet Melon) (Sweet Liquor)..." Xiao Wanxue and Nangong Lingyan scolded their sons in unison.
"It’s alright, it’s alright," Yang Chaowu said with a laugh, waving his hand. "Don’t scare the kids."
The three children threw themselves into Yang Chaowu’s arms, then cheekily blinked or stuck out their tongues at their own mothers.
Once again, everyone laughed heartily.
Nangong Lingyan playfully threatened, "If you’re not good, your aunt might not like you anymore."
Yang Zongjun and Yang Zonghan looked at Nangong Lingyan with wide, glistening eyes, then at Yang Mengchen, their cherubic faces creased in worry, pondering if their aunt might truly stop liking them because of this.
"Auntie, you’re trying to sabotage our relationship with Auntie. You’re the naughty one!" Yang Zonghan, with his chubby, rosy cheeks, protested loudly, "We’ve always been good. Auntie likes us the most!"
The two younger ones eagerly nodded in agreement, then threw themselves into Yang Mengchen’s arms, looking up and planting kisses on her cheeks, "Auntie, we’ve always been good and obedient. You won’t stop liking us, will you?"
After kissing their foreheads, and not leaving out Yang Zonghan, Yang Mengchen wrapped her arms around the three and said softly with a smile, "Auntie likes you the most."
The three of them were satisfied and turned, their faces alight with triumph, to look at Nangong Lingyan.
The crowd roared with laughter.
Xiao Wanxue and Nangong Lingyan smiled and shook their heads in helpless amusement; the children’s mischievousness left them torn between laughter and tears.
"Sister (Auntie) (Third Imperial Auntie) (Imperial Aunty), we want a kiss too!"
About a dozen little rascals all surged toward Yang Mengchen, seizing the opportunity to get close to her in Long Xuanmo’s absence. They certainly would argue that they were never afraid of Long Xuanmo.
Seeing the children’s intent, the adults burst into laughter.
Yang Mengchen happily indulged the children’s requests, displaying not the slightest annoyance. On the contrary, her smile was as soothing as a spring breeze, her heart filled with happiness and warmth.
After their hearts were content, the children surrounded Yang Mengchen, chattering non-stop, their eyes bright and their grins radiant.
Meanwhile, at the Xiliang messenger’s inn, in Qi Qiuxin’s room.
Qi Qiuxin furiously smashed every piece of furniture in the room to pieces, leaving the ground around where she stood a complete mess.
Several Palace Maids knelt on the ground with lowered heads, too frightened to even take a deep breath.
Even the personal Palace Maids, Bi Chun and Bi Dong, kept silent and dared not step forward to intervene. The princess was known for her cruelty and was now in a fit of rage. Any attempt to calm her would undoubtedly lead to them becoming outlets for her fury.
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