Chapter 119 On-site Blind Date: Whose Son is the Best?
Ji Qingwu doesn't care that much about winning or losing, but her elders in the family may not be as open-minded as she is.
Upon hearing her say this, Mrs. Qiao immediately shook her head, for she had never seen such a dignified and honorable "loss".
Madam Qiao took Ji Qingwu's hand, patted her, and said kindly, "There are winners and losers in competitions. As long as you're not upset, we're just spectators, enjoying the show."
Then, with a smile in her eyes, she said, "Moreover, in my opinion, you lost this match, but you also won it."
Ji Qingwu didn't quite understand what her grandmother meant by "losing and winning."
However, Mrs. Qiao understood the meaning behind the old lady's words.
A while ago, the news that the eldest daughter, Qingrong, was pregnant and that the fifth daughter had recovered well was spread around by someone. As a result, some wives of officials who had difficulty conceiving secretly sent visiting cards to the Ji family.
Today, Ji Qingwu has once again made a great splash at the archery ceremony, even overshadowing Consort Wei. Many ladies from military families are already surrounding her.
It seems that Xiao Wu can take her time choosing a marriage partner.
Military families, compared to civil officials, have fewer complicated relationships, which may lead to better marriages.
The venue was quickly set up.
The men's equestrian archery competition was already fierce, but one person actually joined in the fun, causing many of the participants to start groaning.
Yuchi Lianping changed his clothes and entered the arena. Wearing riding clothes, he looked even taller and stronger, with a wasp waist and long arms.
Zhang Chi and Feng Xiang exchanged a glance. Why did the General change his mind at the last minute and want to participate in the competition again? The archery competition is usually an opportunity for newcomers to show their talents. Established generals rarely participate again, let alone a first-rank garrison general like him.
It wouldn't matter if it were anyone else, but the key is General Yuchi. Every arrow he shoots pierces the target. How can you compare?
Their starting point is their ending point.
Zhang Chi complained, "General Yuchi, why did you join in too?"
Feng Xiang also had a long face: "Yes, why aren't you keeping Her Highness the Princess company? Why are you trying to compete with us for first place?"
Feng Xiang was nagged by his mother for half a month, telling him that he must perform well in the archery and horsemanship ceremony and win the favor of more girls so that he could get married.
Yuchi Lianping was adjusting the tightness of his belt with his head down when he casually said, "The food at home has been so delicious lately that I've gained quite a bit of weight. I've come here specifically to aid digestion."
Looking at his muscular waist and abdomen, Feng Xiang said incredulously, "General, please stop joking. Who would come to the archery and horsemanship ceremony to digest their food?"
Yu Chi Lianping turned to look at Princess Huachang sitting on the platform, his expression turning serious, and asked, "Would your wife find your waist too thick?"
Just now, Princess Huachang complained that his eating manners were not elegant enough. He ate three rose-flavored cheese cakes in one bite, instead of taking small, elegant bites.
This ox-chewing-peony-like eating style annoyed the princess, so she coldly snatched his plate away, claiming that she had noticed his waist had gotten quite thicker recently and that she would no longer give him sweets.
Yuchi Lianping really did come here to digest his food.
Feng Xiang said, "General, you are joking again. I am not married yet."
Yu Chi Lianping nodded in sudden realization: "I almost forgot, you two are both bachelors, you've never even held a girl's hand."
The two were already upset because of his absence from the game, and now they felt even more desperate.
Yu Chi Lianping continued, "It's normal that you don't understand. In the way husband and wife get along, physical appearance is also an important factor. Otherwise, why do you think I became the princess's consort and not someone else?"
Zhang Chi glared and said, "Isn't it because Lord Ji wasn't in the city at the time that they were able to take advantage of the situation?"
Yuchi Lianping used his large hand to cover his mouth.
He forcefully stopped Zhang Chi from speaking, then smirked and threatened, "Of course it's because I am both handsome and refined, with a body as graceful as a jade tree."
Yushu... this must be at least a large locust tree that takes three people to hug.
Knowing this man's temperament, Feng Xiang went along with him, saying, "What the Prince Consort says is absolutely right. A husband's physique is also a wife's glory."
Yu Chi Lianping patted him on the shoulder: "You're quite good. Once you get married, I'll teach you more about how to get along as a couple."
Feng Xiang was a burly man, but when he was patted like that, he felt his bones tremble.
Princess Huachang sat below the emperor.
With that uncouth man no longer bothering her, she enjoyed her tea with delicate snacks.
Consort Wei also returned to the high platform. Although she was unhappy because Ji Qingwu had shot through her target, she did not show her dissatisfaction.
Holding the Suihou Pearl in her hands, she sat beside the emperor, smiling and whispering something to him.
All the onlookers saw was Emperor Wusu's gaze wandering to the side of the stands, nodding indifferently as a response.
Consort Wei reluctantly put the Suihou Pearl back into the brocade box and handed it to the maid behind her for safekeeping.
One member of the imperial clan said, "Consort Wei's last arrow was truly magnificent; only this national treasure is worthy of her."
Wei Liru forced a stiff smile and said, "You flatter me, Madam of the Duke of Fuguo."
Anyone with eyes can see who shot the most spectacular arrow in the final shot.
It was clear that the fifth young lady of the Ji family was a cut above in archery, but she wasn't interested in winning a prize.
Princess Huachang ignored their insincere flattery and looked in Ji Qingwu's direction, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.
At this moment, Ji Qingwu was surrounded by people. She was surrounded by a group of ladies, and her turquoise figure was mostly obscured.
Upon closer inspection, Princess Huachang recognized that many of the family members were relatives of military officers who were on good terms with Yuchi Lianping, and most of them had unmarried sons.
One of them was the mother of Feng Xiang, one of his deputy generals.
Princess Huachang glanced at the emperor's face again. He still looked like a cold and aloof monarch.
If it weren't for the fact that his right hand was clenched into a fist under his sleeve, Princess Huachang would have truly believed that Emperor Wusu didn't care.
She suppressed a laugh and said, "Your Majesty, regarding those arrows just now, I noticed that Miss Ji has quite the spirit of the late sages. How about inviting her to come up and watch the competition together?"
Emperor Wusu nodded expressionlessly, but his right fist loosened.
*
Ji Qingwu was surrounded in the center, while even the Qiao family was squeezed to the outer circle.
The families of military officers were often straightforward and outspoken; they directly stated their intentions and began to assess the candidates on the spot.
A lady pointed to the man shooting arrows below the stage and asked Ji Qingwu, "Fifth Miss Ji, that man in blue is my son. He's skilled in both literature and martial arts. What do you think?"
Before Ji Qingwu could even get a clear look at the person, he quickly said, "It's fine."
Hearing her say this, the lady on the right unhappily took her arm and said, "Miss Ji, come and see my second son. He's the one who runs horseback riding and shooting in the southeast corner. He's now a Lanling Captain and has unlimited potential in the officialdom."
Ji Qingwu said awkwardly, "Not bad either."
The woman behind her was tugging at her, saying something...
When Li Yuzong appeared in front of Ji Qingwu, her eyes lit up.
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