Chapter 83: Death
The King of Wei and the King of Shao each had their own grievances, and the moment they fought, they were filled with murderous anger. Except for Su Xingzhi, the King of Wei's men were all soldiers, and they were fierce and brave, and they didn't care about the rules, and often rushed directly at people.
In such a competition, it was not easy to snatch a fist-sized ball from the chaotic horses, just to save yourself. Li Chongrun regretted his recklessness at the beginning. If he had known that the King of Wei would be so unscrupulous, he should not have been soft-hearted and put Ren Yao and Jiang Ling in his team. Even Ming Huazhang and Xie Jichuan could have been replaced with more professional soldiers.
However, he did not expect that the four people he considered a burden would show extraordinary sophistication and tacit understanding on the polo field. The four of them had clear division of labor, and often Ming Huazhang would make a gesture and the others would understand the tactics, quickly adjust their positions, sneak attacks, feint attacks, break through and pass the ball, and all cooperated seamlessly. In comparison, Li Chongrun and Prince Linzi became insignificant embellishments.
The score did not open up as the king of Wei expected, and his team even showed a state of falling behind. The king of Wei was unhappy and his moves became more and more reckless.
Seeing the King of Wei's men attacking with crescent-shaped poles and snatching the polo ball that they had obtained with great difficulty, Ren Yao could not stand it anymore, and he spurred his horse to gallop faster, got close to his opponent's horse, turned around and bent down, with half of his body suspended almost in the air, and snatched the ball from between the horse's hooves, and then passed it to Ming Huazhang with a powerful hit.
Ming Huazhang also reacted quickly. After getting the polo ball, he immediately turned around, protecting the ball while rushing left and right, quickly opening up the distance. Jiang Ling and Xie Jichuan saw this and hurried to stop the King of Wei's men. Ming Huazhang rode his white horse like a meteor, crossing most of the polo field, breaking through the blockade of the King of Wei's team, and hitting the ball straight into the goal.
There was an earth-shaking cheer from outside the stadium. Ming Huashang was watching in front of her breathless, and when she saw Ren Yao leap into the air to grab the ball, her heart was pounding with fear.
Accidents are very easy to happen in polo. Once you lose your balance and fall off your horse, you will be trampled by dozens of horses' hooves and either die or become disabled. It is not uncommon for people to lose their lives.
Ren Yao's body was suspended in the air, and she could only rely on her leg strength to hold the stirrups. It could be said that she was risking her life, and Ming Huashang was really worried for her. Fortunately, Ren Yao's riding skills and strength were strong, and she managed to take the polo ball back from the Wei Wang team, and cooperated well with Ming Huazhang to fight a desperate counterattack.
When Ming Huazhang scored, Ming Huachang's voice broke as he shouted, and he excitedly pulled the people around him and jumped up and down: "It's in, they're in!"
Su Yuji was dizzy from being shaken by her, and pulled back her hand with great effort: "I know, let me go."
Zhaocai was happy for Erlang, but she also felt that Ming Huashang was a little embarrassed. Zhaocai quickly pulled Ming Huashang away and advised: "My lady, please be calm, there are so many people watching you!"
Ming Huachang took a sip of the no longer cold drink. Her throat became hoarse, but she still shouted at the top of her lungs: "The White Team will win!"
The King of Wei lost several rounds in a row and was getting angry. Both sides went to the sidelines to rest and exchange tactics briefly. The referee waved the flag and a new round began.
This round was a decisive battle, and both sides were very prepared. Ming Huazhang realized from the beginning that his opponent had bad intentions. The crescent-shaped club brushed past him several times, and he felt that the opponent was not trying to steal the ball, but to hurt him.
The crescent-shaped pole is made of solid wood. If it hits the body with full force, it is enough to knock a person off the horse. After falling off the horse, he will be trampled and hit by the horse's hooves, which would be a completely "uncontrollable" accident.
Ming Huazhang was alert, but the game had already started, so he didn't have time to remind the others. Ren Yao was in the middle of it and quickly felt the hostility of her opponent, and mixed in with the uncomfortable scrutiny.
These men seemed to be weighing goods, their eyes focusing on her chest, waist and legs. Even though she had defeated them several times fair and square, in their eyes, she was still a young woman who could be admired at will.
Many women may be proud of this, being able to attract so many men to linger on her figure, this is her charm! However, Ren Yao was not grateful. When she was on the court, the black team should treat her as an opponent, not a woman.
After the Yanyue Stick passed over her chest again with some unclear meaning, Ren Yao could no longer bear it, so he gripped the Yanyue Stick tightly and hit back hard.
She had said long ago that she was the top martial arts student this year, and except for weightlifting and wrestling, she scored full marks in all six subjects. Especially in the horseback shooting part, the examiner could not find any points to deduct even if he deliberately lowered her score.
The Ren family spears were able to leave a name for themselves not because of their ancestral reputation, but because they were earned through blood and sweat on the battlefield. Although the crescent pole was a bit short and too clumsy, it was already sufficient.
Ren Yao unceremoniously picked up the opponent's crescent-shaped club, hooked the club and spun it quickly, then threw it away with a backhand flick. The opponent was distracted for a moment, and the crescent-shaped club in his hand was knocked away. Once he lost his weapon, he would be a sitting duck.
This lifting, shaking, and throwing is the standard way of shooting. Ren Yao holds the crescent-shaped pole and makes the opening move of the Ren family spear, the meaning of which is very clear.
If they push their luck any further, she won't be polite.
The other party was a little surprised. He did not expect that a woman like Ren Yao would dare to fight back, let alone that she would dare to do it so obviously and knock his weapon away in front of many spectators inside and outside the venue, even in front of the Queen.
All this happened in an instant. Not only were the players on both sides stunned, but even King Wei and Li Chongrun were slightly dazed.
Everyone could see that they were just engaging in a private fight under the guise of a polo match, but once this matter was made public, the meaning was completely different.
Li Chongrun was in a very difficult situation. He fought against the King of Wei just to vent his anger, but his father had been named the Crown Prince and his family had been released from confinement with great difficulty. If he offended the King of Wei too much, would he displease the Empress?
The captain's hesitation was a fatal blow to the morale. The King of Wei saw that Li Chongrun dared not make trouble, so he immediately laughed and rode his horse to approach Ren Yao: "My lady, polo is a battle of wits and courage, and victory is achieved by strategy. What do you mean by picking up my teammate's crescent pole?"
Ren Yao was so angry that she was blamed for something she had done wrong. However, since the person she was dealing with was the King of Wei, she dared not say anything harsh. She could only say bitterly, "He was the one who attacked me first!"
"Is there any evidence? Did anyone see it?" The King of Wei looked down at him and said, "I only saw you deliberately knock his bat away and take an attacking stance, intending to hurt him."
Ren Yao was never good at verbal disputes. She was so angry that her hands holding the crescent pole were shaking. Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves came from behind. Ming Huazhang rode over and said, "King Wei, His Majesty is still watching from above. There are so many eyes inside and outside, and no one is blind. What did you ask others to do before? Do you really think we can't see it? Everything should be done in moderation. Don't go too far."
King Wei looked at Ming Huazhang and narrowed his eyes slightly: "Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that?"
"My name is Ming Huazhang." Ming Huazhang also looked at him coldly and said loudly, "I speak for justice and fairness, and I have a clear conscience."
When Jiang Ling saw the King of Wei leading his men to besiege Ren Yao, he wanted to run over, but was stopped by Xie Jichuan. Jiang Ling rushed several times but failed to break through, and angrily said, "Xie Jichuan, what are you doing!"
Xie Jichuan half-turned his body and looked back at Ming Huazhang and Ren Yao over there, and said calmly: "If you want her to escape safely, don't go over there."
"It's none of your business, get out of the way!"
Xie Jichuan was able to hold Jiang Ling with ease, and he still had time to look at Li Chongrun. When he noticed the cautiousness and hesitation on Li Chongrun's face, he knew that he could not count on the Li family.
No matter how many reasons the ministers have, it is a crime of insubordination to confront the prince. The best and only people who can come forward are the Li family. Unfortunately, the Li family members are cautious and self-protective. Even the eldest son of the prince is unwilling to wade into this muddy water. Those who shouldn't wade into the water are there to argue for others.
Xie Jichuan chuckled softly. It shouldn't be surprising. That's human nature. It's really boring.
Xie Jichuan was already wondering what excuse Han Jie would use to get Ming Huazhang out, when suddenly the Prince of Linzi rode up and said to the Prince of Wei with a smile, "Uncle Prince of Wei, we are just playing with each other, why are you so serious? Madam Ren is only seventeen years old, and you may have hit her a little too hard because you were anxious. Why are you being so serious with a young lady like her?"
Xie Jichuan raised his eyebrows in surprise, and Ming Huazhang also looked at Prince Linzi in surprise. Prince Linzi was the third son of Prince Xiang, neither the eldest nor the legitimate son, and could be said to be insignificant in the Li family. Prince Shao did not dare to offend Prince Wei, but he came over to smooth things over, which was really unexpected.
The King of Wei did not take this bastard seriously. He sneered and was about to get angry when an eunuch came down from the high platform and saluted everyone on the field, saying, "King of Wei, King of Shao, King of Linzi, the polo was very exciting and Your Majesty was very satisfied. You have been riding for so long and must be tired. Take a rest."
The Queen's men showed up in time and stopped the fight from escalating. Her meaning was clear: no matter how much intrigue there was in private, it was their own business, but in front of the whole city, they must not bring shame to the royal family.
No matter how unwilling the King of Wei was, he had to give up. Li Chongrun secretly breathed a sigh of relief and ended the polo match.
On the sidelines, Zhaocai saw many people gathered together talking, and asked Ming Huashang curiously: "Madam, what are Erlang and Madam Ren doing? Why don't they fight?"
Ming Huachang stared in that direction with a very heavy expression. Fortunately, the eunuch came soon and said something with a smile. The King of Wei reluctantly rode away on his horse. Ming Huazhang and others also reined in their horses and walked out of the arena.
Ming Huashang finally breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly asked Zhaocai to take the iced drink with her, and she ran quickly towards Ming Huazhang.
"Second brother!"
Ming Huazhang had just dismounted when he vaguely heard someone calling him from behind. The polo field was filled with noise and her voice was in the background, making it inconspicuous. But Ming Huazhang seemed to have sensed something and turned around in the midst of the noise.
Ming Huashang ran up to them, her face red. Ming Huashang asked hurriedly: "What's wrong? Are you not hurt?"
Ming Huazhang shook his head, looked at her and smiled: "It's okay. Why is your voice so hoarse?"
Ming Huashang cleared her throat and realized that her voice was hoarse. Ming Huashang said, "I shouted too loudly just now. It's all your fault for being too prominent. So many young ladies were shouting for you. If I didn't shout harder, how could I hear you?"
Ming Huashang finished speaking and asked expectantly, "Did you hear that?"
Ming Huazhang snorted and said, "You're not calling me, why should I listen?"
Ming Huashang glared at him unhappily and said, "Anyway, there are so many young ladies cheering for you, it's up to you to listen or not. I'm going to go find Sister Ren."
Ming Huashang finished speaking and ran towards Ren Yao without waiting for Ming Huazhang to reply. Jiang Ling was talking to Ren Yao with a serious expression. Ming Huashang ran over and shouted from a distance: "Sister Ren, congratulations, that goal just now was so beautiful!"
Jiang Ling stopped talking when he saw Ming Huashang coming over. Ren Yao said, "I didn't score that goal just now. It was Ming Huashang who scored."
"It has nothing to do with him." Ming Huashang mercilessly wiped out Ming Huazhang's achievements and praised Ren Yao with a beaming face. "I was scared to death just now. Sister Ren, you are really amazing. You are no worse than men in riding a horse or playing basketball... No, you are much better than many men. When you were stealing the ball, you ran much faster than Jiang Ling. You are the pride of us women!"
"Hey." Jiang Ling reminded her unhappily, "Praise aside, don't trample on me, okay? I was using tactics."
The roles of a striker and a defender are naturally different. Ming Huashang understood this, but it was not important. She still praised Ren Yao wholeheartedly. Ren Yao was not used to Ming Huashang's overly enthusiastic and straightforward expression. He felt a little embarrassed, but his eyebrows relaxed unconsciously.
Yes, she did it. They won the game, and it was the King of Wei's men who started the trouble first, so why should she keep it in her heart?
At this time, Zhaocai also came with a lot of ice drinks. Ming Huashang hurriedly called Zhaocai over and distributed drinks to them one by one: "Although the referee didn't say who won or lost, in my heart you are the winners! I'll use black plum juice instead of wine, toast to you!"
A cup of black plum juice is usually not worth much, but they had just finished playing polo, and when they were thirsty, someone brought them a sour and cold drink, which was like a long drought and then a downpour, or someone handed them a pillow when they were sleepy. Ming Huashang was sweet, with smiling eyes, and was very considerate in her words and deeds. Even though Prince Shao and Prince Linzi were worried about the food outside the palace, they couldn't help but accept it.
After sending all the people on the White Team to the rescue, Ming Huashang specifically instructed Zhaocai: "Zhaocai, prepare the silver needles and send them to the people on the King of Wei's side as well."
"Ah?" Zhaocai was just feeling smug that his wife had spent all the money well. He was very surprised to hear this. "Their team is so fierce. They deliberately made things difficult for us when we were playing just now. Why should we give it to them?"
Even Zhaocai, a maid, could see that the King of Wei had bad intentions, so how could Ming Huashang not see it? Ming Huashang did not express her opinion, but said calmly: "How others act is their business, how we behave is our business. Send it over, remember to smile, speak nicely, and test the poison with a silver needle before handing it over to them."
Zhaocai agreed and left with the things in his arms. Xie Jichuan stood at the edge of the field, holding his horse, and said to Ming Huazhang: "Second sister is sweet-mouthed but hard-hearted. She handles things in a thorough and flawless manner. She is much better at dealing with people than you."
Ming Huazhang glanced at him coldly. Xie Jichuan shrugged, pointed at the iced drink in his hand, and said, "I just accepted her things, so I feel embarrassed not to say good things about her."
Ming Huazhang looked at the drink in Xie Jichuan's hand with dismay, and turned to walk to the other side. Xie Jichuan's voice caught up with him from behind, asking: "Jingzhan, when you stood up for others, did you think about the consequences?"
The King of Wei is vindictive and ruthless. How could it be a good thing to offend him?
Ming Huazhang paused for a moment, then strode forward: "I just follow my heart and do what I should do. As for the consequences, I will leave it to fate."
Xie Jichuan chuckled, not sure if it was sarcasm or praise. He walked slowly behind, and suddenly he exclaimed, "Isn't that Su Xingzhi? When did he become so familiar with my second sister?"
Ming Huazhang turned around unexpectedly and saw Su Xingzhi and Ming Huashang standing together. Ming Huashang half tilted her head, staring intently at Su Xingzhi with a smile on her face.
With a cracking sound, the bamboo tube in Ming Huazhang's hand could no longer bear the weight and a thin crack appeared. The black plum juice inside dripped out and flowed through Ming Huazhang's palm. At first glance, it looked like blood.
As for Ming Huashang, she asked Zhaocai to deliver the black plum drink, and soon after, Su Xingzhi came in person to express his gratitude.
Su Xingzhi originally didn't want to get involved in the royal family's internal strife, but he had to get involved because of Ming Huazhang. Although he was on the same team as the King of Wei, he basically didn't contribute at all and just stood there at the end. He saw clearly that the King of Wei's team had repeatedly attacked Ming Huazhang and others, and he felt bad about it. Afterwards, Ming Huashang even sent him a drink to cool him down. Su Xingzhi couldn't stand the condemnation in his heart anymore, so he took the initiative to come over to explain.
Ming Huashang was just trying to make friends with Su Xingzhi. The two of them, one guilty and the other willing, talked very harmoniously. Unfortunately, a eunuch came to pass on a message, and Ming Huashang stopped talking with a smile to Su Xingzhi, "The emperor has summoned you, the number one scholar should go to see the emperor first. Sister Su and I also get along very well. I will host a banquet for you two some other day, and you two must come to show your kindness."
Su Xingzhi was shocked. When did Ming Huashang become so familiar with Su Yuji? Su Xingzhi followed the eunuch to see the empress with doubt. Ming Huashang watched them walk away with a smile. When she could no longer see them, she turned around and said softly.
She remembered that her second brother was here just now, how come he disappeared? The Queen would probably summon everyone who played ball today, so it was not surprising that he left Ming Huashang, but why didn't he tell her when he left?
Ren Yao was the last one to be taken away by the eunuchs. She walked into the side hall and first saw a huge screen. There seemed to be a shadow swaying behind it. Ren Yao did not look up, but bowed solemnly at the door: "I am Ren Yao, the servant of Pingnan Marquis Mansion, and I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
After a while, a woman in a light fur coat and long belt, with jingling jewelry, came out from behind the screen. She personally helped Ren Yao up and said with a smile, "Madam Ren, please stand up. Today, you are as brave as any man and have done a great job in honoring women. His Majesty is very pleased. Please come in."
Ren Yao recognized that this was Shangguan Wan'er, who was known as the female prime minister. She felt as if she was walking on clouds, which was very unreal. She was pulled behind a screen and saw an old woman with gorgeous clothes and a cold face. Ren Yao realized who this was and bowed hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."
"No need to be polite." The Queen raised her hand calmly and said, "Please give me a seat."
Ren Yao sat down tremblingly, her whole body stiff. The Queen noticed her nervousness and asked someone to bring her tea.
The empress spoke naturally and amiably, without any tyranny, like a tolerant and wise grandmother. It was hard to tell that she was an emperor who had almost massacred her husband's family and created a decade of cruel and dark rule. The empress asked, "I heard from Sanlang that you took the initiative to recommend yourself to play for Sanlang and the others. He also said that you were the top martial arts student this year?"
Ren Yao had never thought that Prince Linzi would actually mention her in front of the empress, and she was very terrified and said, "It's your majesty, I'm sorry to make you laugh."
The Queen responded calmly, "You are a talent to recommend yourself. What's so funny about that? Since you are the top martial arts champion, why haven't I heard of you?"
Ren Yao hesitated for a moment, and thought that since those people in the Ministry of War dared to do it, he couldn't blame her for saying it, so he said: "The Minister of War believes that women should take care of their husbands and children. It is really inappropriate for a woman like me to be the top military scholar. Therefore, I was not given an official position, and Your Majesty naturally doesn't know about it."
Shangguan Wan'er looked up at this time and glanced at Ren Yao silently. The Queen's expression did not change, and she said calmly: "It is already difficult for women to take the military examination. You can still win the first place in the martial arts examination. You are really a rare talent. Why did you sign up for the military examination?"
Ren Yao clenched her fists. She knew she had to be cautious in front of the emperor and think twice before speaking. However, the goal she had been working hard for for many years was within her reach. With just one word from the empress, the title of the Ren family could be secured. Ren Yao could not control herself at all and said, "I want to fight on the battlefield like my father, kill the enemy, and inherit the family of Pingnan."
The Queen's eyebrows moved slightly and she smiled: "You are quite ambitious. Okay, you can leave first. Someone will arrange the appointment in a few days."
Ren Yao wanted to ask if it was possible to inherit the Marquisate. If the empress could ascend the throne, why couldn't a woman be granted the title of Marquis? But Ren Yao looked at the empress's calm face and didn't dare to ask. He bowed and left silently.
After Ren Yao left, Shangguan Wan'er looked at the Empress's face and said with a smile, "This Miss Ren is quite courageous. Old Madam Ren of Pingnan Marquis has requested permission several times. Your Majesty, do you want to see her?"
The empress showed no emotion and raised her hand gently. Shangguan Wan'er immediately stepped forward and helped the empress to stand up. The empress said, "I am tired. Let's go back to the palace."
Shangguan Wan'er didn't dare to ask about the Ren family anymore, and quickly lowered her head and replied, "Yes."
That night, dark clouds covered the moon and the stars were dim. In the Prince of Wei's mansion, after listening to his subordinates' report, the Prince of Wei sneered grimly: "I underestimated them. They dared to go against me one by one."
News came from the palace that the Empress had privately summoned Prince Linzi and Prince Shao for an audience. No one knew what they talked about, but from what the eunuchs said, the Empress was not in a good mood.
Today, the King of Wei was very ruthless in public. Although he did not attack the King of Shao directly, he was very ruthless to the people on the King of Shao's side. It might be because of this incident that the Queen disliked the King of Wei.
The King of Wei really couldn't understand why a few ordinary people were so worthy of his aunt's anger? The family backgrounds of Ming Huazhang, Ren Yao and others were indeed remarkable, but there were many such people in the capital. Even if Ming Huazhang was the second-ranked Jinshi, he would be able to take the exam again next year, so there was nothing special about him. Why did his aunt get angry with him just because he took action against these people?
The subordinate asked: "King Wei, what should we do next?"
The King of Wei couldn't figure out why the Queen was angry, but he thought it was better not to make trouble for the Queen and avoid the limelight. The King of Wei said, "My aunt is in a bad mood. I'd better keep a low profile during this period and don't attract her attention."
But this is just the stupidest way, offense is always the best defense. The King of Wei was eager to regain the Queen's favor and asked, "How is the person I asked you to keep an eye on?"
"I have sent people to follow her carefully, and so far I have not found any contact between her and anyone else."
King Wei was not surprised by this and said, "Keep watching and don't miss any movement. Also, send another team to keep an eye on the twins of the Ming family."
The subordinate didn't understand and asked, "Your Highness, why are you keeping an eye on them?"
The King of Wei glanced at him coldly, and the subordinate hurriedly bowed his head and said, "I am rude, Your Highness, please forgive me."
The King of Wei had a bad look on his face. He slowly fiddled with a jade ruyi and said grimly, "Ming Huazhang... It was he who caused trouble in Feihong Villa before, causing me to fail and let that idiot King Luling become the crown prince. I have long felt that he is a nuisance to me. He dared to contradict me today. He must be tired of living."
The subordinate tried to ask: "Your Highness, do you want to..."
"No hurry." King Wei said, "He is just the son of an insignificant duke, he doesn't even hold an official position, it's not worth my personal effort. Now, I have someone more urgent to deal with."
"Your Highness, do you mean..."
The King of Wei held the jade ruyi in his hand, with a look of deep reticence on his face. Some time ago, someone came to him for help, and the King of Wei knew that his aunt actually raised a private army called Xuanxiaowei. Among them, a man named "Shuangbi" made great contributions, and it was he who found Wei Tan's design drawings and facilitated the relocation of the capital.
The King of Wei felt uncomfortable and could not sleep or eat when he thought that someone was hiding in the dark and watching him. He could not help but think of the previous plans that went wrong at the last moment even though everything was arranged properly. Could it be that those were the work of Xuan Xiaowei?
The King of Wei did not dare to think about it, but Shuangbi could not be kept no matter what. The King of Wei said: "You leave first. I will think carefully about how to lure Shuangbi out and then capture and kill him."
As he spoke, he lowered his head, looked at the beautiful but fragile jade in his hand, and said slowly: "This action must be kept absolutely secret. Let's call it the Jade Breaking Plan."
Twins of jade, twins of jade, no matter how beautiful the name is, to put it bluntly, aren't they just pieces of jade?
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