"This sword has chosen the princess as its master. Congratulations, Your Highness."
Rong Sheng's voice carried a hint of fervor. According to the secret lore of the Great Yue royal family, whoever could draw the Lingxiao Sword was blessed with immense fortune. If a man, he would rise to nobility and high office; if a woman... she would be destined to hold the Great Yue's Phoenix Seal—the symbol of an empress.
Rong Lan stared at Rong Sheng in disbelief, unable to comprehend how her second brother's attitude had shifted so drastically in such a short time.
"In that case, my thanks."
Song Shihuan held the Lingxiao Sword, her heart trembling faintly. She had studied hundreds of swordplay manuals, and today, she had finally obtained a blade worthy of her skill.
Watching Song Shihuan steal the spotlight, Song Xiyan remained silent, her head bowed.
The atmosphere in Ping Prince's Mansion was especially tense. Song Yanzheng's gaze was fixed unwaveringly on Song Shihuan, as if he wished to devour her whole.
"Our Ahuan is truly a child blessed with great fortune," Emperor Yuanyou remarked, his words draining the color from the faces of everyone in Ping Prince's Mansion. Even Song Yanchao and Song Yanming, who had no idea what was happening, sensed something amiss.
Their eyes darted back and forth between Song Shihuan and Song Xiyan.
Was Xiyan really the lucky star? Something didn’t seem right.
After several rounds of wine, Rong Sheng raised his cup and approached Song Yu’s table. "Due to my younger sister, there was some misunderstanding between us earlier. I hope Your Highness will not hold it against me."
Though it was said one should not strike a smiling face, Song Yu still wore a frosty expression. He clinked cups with Rong Sheng perfunctorily.
Once the wine was drained, Rong Sheng smiled at Song Shihuan beside him. "Princess Fu'an must be ten years old now?"
His own age was unsuitable, but his eldest son was fourteen—a much better match.
At the mention of Song Shihuan, Song Yu immediately went on high alert.
"Ahuan, go to your grandfather."
He pushed Song Shihuan toward Emperor Yuanyou before narrowing his eyes at Rong Sheng. "Second Prince, come, let us drink."
Rong Sheng was forced to down cup after cup, returning to the embassy so drunk he vomited until he nearly passed out.
When he finally opened his eyes again, he found Rong Lan sitting by his bedside, her expression resentful. "Second Brother is awake at last. When are we returning to Great Yue?"
"Return? Your marriage to Prince Qin has yet to be settled. How can we return?"
Rong Sheng was now even more determined to marry Rong Lan into the Qin Prince's household. That way, securing Princess Fu'an as a bride for his son would be much easier.
"Second Brother, can’t you see? Song Yu and I are incompatible!"
"This is a matter of state. Do not act childishly."
Seeing Rong Sheng’s cold expression, Rong Lan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I refuse to marry him."
Once back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed and wept bitterly.
"Why must my fate be so cruel?" she sobbed. In Great Yue, handsome young men played the qin for her daily, and her father doted on her. But her mother, to bolster Rong Sheng’s influence, had convinced the emperor to send her to Da Qi as a political bride.
"Your Highness, it’s said that Prince Qin dotes on Princess Fu'an above all else," a maidservant spoke up. "If we offend the princess, Prince Qin will surely reject this marriage outright."
Rong Lan’s tears stopped at once.
"Your Highness, the Da Qi Women’s Academy’s championship tournament is approaching," the maid continued soothingly. "Princess Fu'an is the favored candidate. If you can win, not only will you humiliate her, but you’ll also bring glory to Great Yue. Even if the marriage alliance fails, no one will dare criticize you."
"A fine idea."
Rong Lan’s eyes darkened. "Very well. This princess shall join the tournament."
......
Rong Lan marched straight into the Women’s Academy and declared she would participate in the upcoming championship.
The crowd was stunned.
"Why is the Great Yue princess joining our tournament?"
"Rumor has it she’s already eighteen. The oldest student here is only sixteen. Isn’t this unfair?"
Whispers spread as everyone turned to look at Song Shihuan, the ten-year-old princess who was the tournament’s most anticipated contender.
"Of course."
Song Shihuan smiled brightly. "Headmistress, Princess Rong Lan is our guest from afar. If she wishes to participate, we should welcome her. It’s a perfect opportunity for everyone to witness her talents."
She had been worried the tournament lacked prestige. This was a gift she couldn’t refuse.
With Song Shihuan’s approval, the headmistress relented.
Thus, what was meant to be a simple academy competition evolved into a contest of national pride between Da Qi and Great Yue.
Students eligible for the tournament redoubled their efforts, determined not to let the Great Yue princess claim victory.
Gambling houses across the capital set up wagers on the outcome, drawing countless bets.
At an inn, Rong Sheng’s face darkened when he learned of Rong Lan’s participation. "What are the betting odds?"
"Second Prince... not a single person has bet on Great Yue. Worse, the gambling houses refuse to accept wagers from our people. They say only Da Qi citizens may participate."
Rong Sheng’s nostrils flared in rage. If his sister lost, Great Yue’s dignity would be trampled—and he would bear his father’s displeasure.
"Keep an eye on the princess. Ensure she prepares thoroughly."
Meanwhile...
Song Yu and Shen Qingping swaggered into a gambling house.
The bookmaker’s face lit up like a blooming chrysanthemum at the sight of these two money trees. "Your Highness, Minister Shen! This humble one has strictly barred any Great Yue subjects from placing bets. Everyone is backing Da Qi’s victory!"
Song Yu nodded in satisfaction and exchanged a glance with Shen Qingping.
With a flourish, Shen Qingping unshouldered a sack and upended it—gold coins cascaded out, gleaming brilliantly. Every pair of eyes in the gambling house locked onto the treasure.
Song Yu shoved the entire pile toward the bookmaker. "Bet on Great Yue."
"W-what?" The bookmaker nearly bit his tongue.
"I said, bet on Great Yue."
Song Yu chuckled. "Everyone’s support for Da Qi moves me. But a wager without stakes is no fun at all."
"Consider this my contribution. When Da Qi wins, everyone can share in the spoils."
In that moment, Song Yu’s stature grew towering in the hearts of all present.
What a magnanimous prince!
Those who had once criticized him now regretted their words.
"Long live Prince Qin!"
The first cheer ignited a roaring chorus, the crowd’s fervor reaching a fever pitch.
As Da Qi subjects, they were willing to stake their pride on this contest—and Prince Qin’s gesture had elevated their patriotism to new heights.
"Long live Prince Qin!"
The deafening cries shook the gambling house, echoing through the heavens.
