Young Master Xu was confident of victory, but after only a few rounds, he was shocked.
He had practiced short swordsmanship diligently since childhood, and he could tell from Song Yu's sword-wielding posture that the other party was a novice.
Strangely, Song Yu's footwork seemed ordinary, yet there wasn't a single flaw to be found.
The moves are simple, yet they contain unpredictable variations.
What... what kind of sword technique is this? He had never seen it before!
He knew that Song Yu possessed profound inner strength and martial arts skills that surpassed his own. In a normal contest, he would have no chance of winning. Therefore, he followed the Third Prince's instructions and tried to provoke Song Yu, forcing him to use a short sword.
Unexpectedly, Song Yu was already prepared.
Young Master Xu gradually lost his grip and began to pant heavily.
In the end, Song Yu forced him to fall off the stage with a sword flourish.
The onlookers were silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause.
"Well done, Young Master Song!"
Since the snow disaster, Song Yu has become famous among the people, and they have all witnessed Xu Gongzi's provocation.
He has now launched a brilliant counterattack, and many people are applauding him.
While laymen watched the spectacle, the martial artists on the same stage noticed the unusual nature of the swordsmanship and could not hide their astonishment.
One of them couldn't help but ask, "Is this the sword technique created by General Song himself?"
Song Yu nodded, put his hands behind his back and sheathed his sword, looking at Young Master Xu on the ground with eyes as clear as a spring.
"You provoked the Song family's martial arts, and now you've been defeated by the sword technique created by your great-grandfather. What else do you have to say?"
Young Master Xu was filled with shame and gritted his teeth in resentment.
"You...you're not using the Song family's swordsmanship at all! You're lying!"
He pointed at Song Lin and roared.
"The sword technique he used just now was the Song family's swordsmanship, personally taught by General Chengping. Everyone saw it! It's completely different from the short sword technique you used! You're lying!"
Despite his discomfort, Song Lin responded.
"That's right, Song Yu, where did you learn your fancy but ineffective martial arts? How dare you shamelessly impersonate the Song family's swordsmanship in front of your father! You are simply unfilial!"
Song Yu calmly replied, "Brother, the sword technique I use is the one passed down from my great-grandfather."
"Yu'er, how dare you lie!"
At this moment, Song Ziyu couldn't hold back any longer and came out to testify with a stern face.
"I've never seen this sword technique before, let alone taught it to you. How could it possibly originate from the Song family?"
He looked down at Song Yu and shouted his scathing rebuke.
"As your father, I cannot tolerate you lying in public. It is disrespectful to the ancestors of the Song family. Your moral character is corrupt, and even if you win, it will not be honorable!"
Despite being publicly reprimanded, Song Yu remained calm and composed, offering a clear explanation.
"Father, you misunderstand. There was more than one sword manual left by your great-grandfather. It's normal that you haven't seen it."
Song Ziyu snorted angrily.
"Even now, you're still trying to argue your point!"
With the instructions of the matriarch, he was extremely confident about the matter.
"Then bring out the sword manual. Today, all the martial arts masters are here. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, you won't be wrongly accused!"
Song Yu remained silent for a moment.
His gaze swept over a sedan chair at the end of the alley, a profound meaning appearing in his eyes.
But his brows furrowed, revealing a troubled expression: "Child... cannot take it out."
Those around him seemed to be feeling guilty and began to whisper among themselves.
"Weren't you just arguing so vehemently? Why did you suddenly fall silent?"
Song Lin laughed out loud.
"You still dare to lie! You clearly didn't do it! I advise you to admit your mistake quickly and stop embarrassing yourself here!"
Song Ziyu also showed a pained expression and said to the examiner beside him.
“If a son is not taught, it is the father’s fault. Song Yu’s behavior is a disgrace to the family. Please invalidate his grades, and I will definitely educate him properly when we get back.”
Having accepted bribes from the Song family, the examiners immediately said, "Song Yu's deceptive behavior does indeed violate the rules and he should be punished. Perhaps we should..."
"Deception?"
Jiang Linyuan, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up, saying quietly.
"Where's the evidence?"
“Song Yu is indeed unable to prove himself, but General Song is also just talking nonsense and has no real evidence.”
He slammed the teacup down, making the small pearwood table shake.
"To rush to condemn someone before the facts are clear—is this how you serve the court?"
The examiners shuddered in fright, realizing that Jiang Linyuan's posture suggested he was trying to favor Song Yu.
So he leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "So, according to the Prime Minister... we're just going to let Song Yu go like this?"
Jiang Linyuan raised his eyes and scanned the audience below the stage, but did not find Jiang Wan.
As far as he knew, Jiang Wan attached great importance to the martial arts test and would not be absent without a reason.
Considering Song Yu's behavior just now, he deduced that Song Yu was stalling for time...
Jiang Linyuan coughed lightly.
Facing the examiners who were waiting for him to speak, he stroked his beard and said in a deep voice.
"There are over a hundred rules in the martial arts arena. How to do it depends on the specific circumstances. You gentlemen are all sensible people and should understand what I mean."
After saying that, he excused himself to change his clothes and hurriedly went to the back.
The examiners were left completely bewildered.
"...So what exactly does Your Excellency the Prime Minister mean?"
Several people wanted to side with the Song family, but they were afraid of going against Jiang Linyuan's wishes and getting caught in the crossfire. They argued heatedly, but couldn't reach a conclusion.
They could only wait where they were, waiting for Jiang Linyuan to return.
No matter how Song Ziyu tried to signal him, he could only pretend not to see it.
Song Ziyu was anxious and was about to send someone to ask Madam Yuan when a carriage stopped by the street and Jiang Wan, dressed in a jade green rushu dress, stepped out.
"My lords."
She slowly walked onto the stage and addressed the examiners and the crowd.
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