The Hostage Girl - Chapter 82
Chapter 82
Qian’er watched Xu Ying showing off his muscles, but she found him quite childish. Knowing that her young master didn’t want to get too involved with him, she interrupted, “My young master is not only skilled in archery but will also participate in the debate competition. Master Mufeng has instructed him to prepare some documents these days, so he probably won’t have time to guide you. Why don’t you ask your classmate Dou for some advice?”
As she spoke, she noticed Dou Siwu standing still and gestured towards him with a nod of her chin. This earned her a fierce glare from Dou Siwu. Qian’er thought he might still be holding a grudge over the incident with the chamber pot in the carriage, which was quite unlike his usual straightforward demeanor. She decided to ignore him.
When the group entered the borrowed backyard of the inn, Master Mufeng was already seated with his students, distributing the schedule for the upcoming matches. The old master was visibly excited, as several outstanding disciples had emerged from the participating academies. Master Mufeng felt that the trip was worthwhile, as his students would have the opportunity to hone their skills.
Most academies treated the martial arts competition as a mere formality, so Master Mufeng reassured Dou Siwu, Jiang Xiurun, and Xu Ying who filling up the gap not to be too nervous. As long as they didn’t miss the target or fall off their horses, they would bring honor to their academy.
Dou Siwu’s face turned darkened upon hearing this. He couldn’t believe that such a prestigious grand event could have participants falling off their horses. A classmate who knew about the past amusing incidents of the competition eagerly shared, “It happens quite often! I heard that one academy, which only admitted poor students, couldn’t afford to hire professional riders. Due to the rule that all events must be participated in, their student fell off the horse every year. Honestly, the medical expenses probably cost more than hiring a professional rider!”
Dou Siwu’s face darkened completely. He had originally joined the competition with the ambition of sparring with top-tier masters. Now, he realized he would be competing against a bunch of scholars who might not even have ridden a donkey before. It was utterly disappointing!
Jiang Xiurun, on the other hand, didn’t share Dou Siwu’s desire for fame. She had come to this gathering with peace of mind after resolving her concerns about being exposed by someone from Bo State, thanks to Ji Wujiang’s advice. Additionally, she found the atmosphere in Feng Liwu’s household stifling and saw this trip as a chance to relax and plan her next steps for a dignified exit with her brother and sister-in-law.
More importantly, it was a way to avoid Feng Liwu’s constant attention. Although the Crown Prince’s residence was filled with beautiful women, Feng Liwu seemed uninterested in them, likely because he hadn’t grown tired of Jiang Xiurun yet. She knew that prolonged proximity could lead to deeper feelings, so she decided to create some distance. By the time she returned, she hoped that the other ladies in the residence would have seized the opportunity to win Feng Liwu’s favor, allowing her to make her next move smoothly.
Based on her understanding of Feng Liwu, although he was usually frugal, he wasn’t the type to become bitter after losing a romantic interest. She planned to use their personal relationship to request permission to send her brother back to Bo state to compete for the throne. She anticipated that the Empress of Bo state would try to stop them, giving her the perfect excuse to escape and travel freely.
In her opinion, Wei state was an ideal place to settle down. It was picturesque, its ruler valued culture, and it had a good relationship with Great Qi, reducing the risk of being annexed by another state.
With these thoughts in mind, the outcome of the competition became insignificant to her. She had already resolved her concerns about Bo state and was now enjoying her time away, meeting influential figures of the time. This trip was already worthwhile.
However, she hadn’t considered fleeing. When Master Mufeng selected the students to accompany him, Jiang Zhi was initially chosen, but Feng Liwu had prevented him from leaving the capital, likely fearing that the siblings might escape together.
Jiang Xiurun smiled self-deprecatingly, took her schedule, and began planning her upcoming matches.
This year’s Mochi Literary Gathering, supported by Wei state, was held with great pomp. The grand stage was set amidst beautiful mountains and rivers. The early autumn weather was pleasant, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
The first event was horseback riding. Since Luo’an Academy had many participants, two students were allowed to compete. Besides Dou Siwu, another classmate from the academy also joined.
Jiang Xiurun, who didn’t participate, sat in the high seats to watch the spectacle. However, her smile faded when she noticed someone sitting next to the Crown Prince of Wei on the opposite high seats—it was Prince Liu Pei of Liang Country.
Liu Pei seemed to have recovered well from his injuries and was chatting amiably with the Crown Prince of Wei. Her father, the Emperor of Bo state, had also made arrangements with Wei state and was seated with General Shen, trying to strike up a conversation with the Crown Prince of Wei.
However, given Liang state’s uncertain political situation, the emperor of Bo state didn’t bother to flatter Liu Pei, and the deep father-son bond from their past life was nowhere to be seen.
Jiang Xiurun frowned, recalling a rumor she had heard before leaving the capital. It was said that Liang state had approached the ruler of Wei state to mediate peace with Great Qi, and Liu Pei’s presence was likely related to this matter.
As she pondered this, Liu Pei suddenly glanced in her direction, seemingly intentionally, and even winked at her. To an outsider, it might have looked like a friendly gesture between old acquaintances!
Jiang Xiurun averted her gaze, refusing to look at him, and focused on the horse track below.
By now, Dou Siwu was ready. He had spared no expense in preparing for this event, purchasing a famous horse and equipping it with a majestic saddle and bridle. When he mounted the horse, he looked every bit the part of a young general, drawing many admiring glances.
The participants from other academies also took their positions, though some clearly looked like hired mercenaries, with rough appearances and a strong air of the martial world.
The most attention-grabbing was the student from the academy known for its annual falls from horseback. Terrified by the previous participants’ disastrous performances, this year’s contestant had come fully prepared. He had dug out his thickest quilt and wrapped it around himself, even padding his head with cotton strips. With the help of his classmates, he clumsily mounted the horse, looking as if he were ready to face death.
This starkly contrasted with Dou Siwu, who was fully armored and looked somewhat pretentious in comparison. The two riders standing side by side created a striking visual contrast, eliciting roars of laughter from the audience.
Many noblewomen from Wei state were also present at the event. The Mochi Literary Gathering was a gathering of talented scholars, making it an excellent opportunity to find a suitable husband. The noblewomen laughed discreetly behind their fans, but their giggles were unmistakable.
It was no wonder that the horseback riding event had never been removed and was always scheduled first—it was the perfect way to warm up the crowd.
Jiang Xiurun’s face darkened, dreading what the archery event might bring.
Just then, a bamboo whistle signaled the start of the race. Dou Siwu took the lead, galloping ahead. However, the horse of the scholar next to him was startled by Dou Siwu’s horse and reared up, threatening to throw its rider off.
As the crowd eagerly awaited the spectacle of the quilt-wrapped contestant falling, Dou Siwu reined in his horse, turned around, and lashed out with his whip, wrapping it around the man’s waist and pulling him back onto the saddle. This act cost Dou Siwu his lead, as the other riders overtook him.
Unfazed, Dou Siwu steadied the man and then spurred his horse forward, quickly catching up.
The audience fell silent for a moment. The anticipated amusement of seeing someone fall had been thwarted, leaving them unsure whether to feel disappointed or impressed.
Finally, Master Mufeng stood up from the main seat, where scholars from various countries were seated, and loudly praised his student, “What a noble young man!”
This prompted the crowd to erupt in cheers, applauding the Luo’an Academy student’s chivalry and noble character.
By then, Dou Siwu had surged ahead again, taking the lead and leaving no doubt about the outcome of the race.
Jiang Xiurun also applauded her classmate with a smile. Although there were no formidable opponents, Dou Siwu’s victory was impressive and brought great honor to Luo’an Academy.
When Dou Siwu dismounted, the noblewomen showered him with fragrant flowers, which soon piled up at his feet.
The classmates who had come with Jiang Xiurun were envious, whispering that Dou Siwu might return home with a beautiful wife. Even if he didn’t marry, he was sure to receive many romantic invitations after the event.
Wei state, being near the water, had an open and passionate culture, and the enthusiasm of its young women was hard to resist.
The young men couldn’t help but feel jealous, regretting not signing up for the horseback riding event.
However, Qian’er, who was standing beside Jiang Xiurun, rolled her eyes and muttered, “Are they really so easily impressed? Is this what makes a hero?”
Dou Siwu overheard her and, feeling smug, boasted to Qian’er, “This young master is indeed charming, but not someone a rough girl like you should dream of!”
Jiang Xiurun didn’t appreciate anyone belittling her maid. She raised an eyebrow and retorted, “Don’t worry, Classmate Dou. I’ll take care of Qian’er’s future. There are plenty of fine young men in the world; she doesn’t need to aim so high.”
This light-hearted banter ended with everyone laughing it off.
However, for some reason, Dou Siwu’s triumphant expression suddenly fell, as if he had just received devastating news.
H
I am loving the bickering of Dou Siwu and Qianer