On the next day, the grand horse racing competition was held as scheduled!
On the grass in the middle of the enclosure, various viewing stands had been set up in a circle.
The Emperor of Dongling, Concubine Chen, Concubine Guo, and the four princes were sitting on the bright - yellow viewing stand in the very center. On the left and right sides were the family of Princess Changping and the family of Prince Li respectively.
The Shen family's viewing stand was not close to the center, but fortunately, the view was relatively open, allowing one to clearly see the whole situation of the venue.
Shen Junming and Mrs. Shen were sitting at the front table, chatting with the family of the imperial censor on the left. Shen Li, Shen Zhen, and Shen Miao were sitting in the second row.
Shen Li was bored, so she watched the situation on the field.
The Emperor of Dongling seemed to be in a good mood and kept chatting with Concubine Chen. The princess on the left also occasionally joined in. Since they were too far away, Shen Li couldn't hear what they were saying, so she gave up.
To Shen Li's surprise, she saw Princess Heyuan sitting behind Princess Changping and her husband. There was no trace of yesterday's frustration on her face. She had regained her usual haughtiness and was smiling as she participated in the chat.
Shen Li didn't expect that after making a fool of herself in front of so many people yesterday, Princess Heyuan could show up in the enclosure so boldly today and act as if nothing had happened, chatting and laughing with others.
Thinking of this, Shen Li disliked Princess Heyuan a little less.
Although today's main event was the horse - racing competition, there were also many other programs, providing opportunities for other men and women to show their talents and knowledge.
First, there was the archery competition for men. They were grouped in threes, and the one who hit the bull - eye the most times would be the winner.
The participants were all the sons of officials. Their performances were okay, neither outstanding nor embarrassing. Shen Li lost interest in watching.
"Good! Excellent!" While Shen Li was sipping tea, she heard a round of applause and cheers from the enclosure. She looked in the direction of the sound.
On the enclosure field, after those with mediocre performances, there finally appeared someone outstanding.
Wu Qiying, the only son of General Huaihua Wu Moshang, hit the bull - eye nine times out of ten arrows.
Someone immediately flattered him, "Sure enough, like father, like son! Young Master Wu really has the style of General Wu in his prime!"
"Young Master Wu is really skilled!"
Wu Qiying's performance was indeed excellent. The emperor also praised him on the spot, "A young talent! Minister Wu has taught his son well!"
Wu Moshang looked at his son standing in the enclosure with a look of pride.
The previously somewhat dull atmosphere was then pushed to a climax. Next, the Second Prince Xiao Yujin and the Seventh Prince Xiao Jinnan also personally participated and both hit the bull - eye nine times. Naturally, the emperor was very happy.
Next, it was the women's archery competition.
Women were generally weaker than men. Most women might not be able to draw a bow, so the bows used by women were specially made light bows, which were easier to draw and suitable for women.
Even so, the number of women participating in the archery competition was very small, only six. Four of them were the daughters of military families. Among these six, Wu Qihuan performed the best, hitting the bull - eye seven times, winning a round of applause and attracting a lot of attention.
The Emperor of Dongling slightly raised his head and motioned for Concubine Chen to look at Wu Qihuan in the middle of the enclosure, who was looking happy and proud. He whispered to Concubine Chen, "I somehow feel that Minister Wu's daughter has a bit of your style back then! Just as free - spirited, fond of showing off, and never willing to fall behind!"
Concubine Chen just glanced at Wu Qihuan who was walking towards General Wu's viewing stand and pouted, "Your Majesty, why do you say such things about your concubine? With so many people here, what will others think of me?"
The Emperor of Dongling laughed heartily, "I'm waiting to see my concubine's performance later! Don't disappoint me!"
While the Emperor of Dongling and Concubine Chen were being affectionate, Concubine Guo sitting beside them felt bitter in her heart.
After the archery competition, the palace maids came out to perform a dance. After everyone enjoyed the performance, they waited for the palace servants to set up obstacles on the enclosure field.
These obstacles were just wooden frames, supported by wooden poles on both sides with a wooden strip on top. They were of different heights.
The lowest one was only up to the waist, and riders had to jump over it on horseback. The highest one was half an arm taller than the horse, and riders had to lie on the horse's back to pass under it.
It wasn't very difficult to just ride around the enclosure for two laps, but it was quite challenging to jump over these obstacles. Today's horse - racing competition required the riders to pass through the obstacles without knocking them down. The first one to complete two laps and strike the gong and drum at the finish line would be the winner.
As usual, the men went first. There were ten young gentlemen in the first round. These young masters from noble families had started learning to ride horses since they were eleven or twelve years old, so their riding skills were quite proficient.
As soon as the starting gong sounded, everyone rode their horses and rushed out. They jumped over the obstacles in front one by one. At the beginning, there were fewer and simpler obstacles, but the difficulty increased in the second half of the lap.
After only half a lap, the horse of one rider knocked down an obstacle while jumping. The huge jolt made it difficult for him to stabilize himself on the horse. Fortunately, he tightened the reins in time and didn't fall off the horse.
The competition continued, and three other riders also failed to jump over the obstacles and lost the competition. The remaining six riders had completed one lap. The palace servants quickly set up a tall frame at the finish line with a gong and a drumstick hanging on it.
The gong was soon struck, and the winner was determined. Shen Li wasn't interested in these things.
Next, there was another round of the men's horse - racing competition. This time, the Fourth Prince Xiao Hanzhi and the Tenth Prince Xiao Luochi also participated. Naturally, Xiao Hanzhi won, and Xiao Luochi came in second.
Then it was the women's horse - racing performance. This time, Concubine Chen, dressed in a dark - purple riding suit, participated in the competition with the princess and several ladies. There was no doubt that Concubine Chen was the winner.
After riding around the enclosure for two laps, Concubine Chen didn't seem tired at all. Instead, she was a little flushed with excitement. In the eyes of the Emperor of Dongling, it was as if he had returned to the past.
"My concubine's heroic bearing is really undiminished! You really lived up to my expectations!" The Emperor of Dongling praised generously.
Concubine Chen replied with a smile, "Then I have to thank Your Majesty for your love. That's why I didn't lose the competition!"
The Emperor of Dongling was very pleased with Concubine Chen's suddenly lively and cunning expression.
Those around them also flattered. Princess Changping said, "I still remember the heroic bearing of the imperial concubine on the horse - racing field back then. It's really an honor to see it again today!"
Concubine Chen was quite satisfied with Princess Changping's flattery. "Changping, don't be so modest. If I had relaxed a little more today, you would have won. With you as my opponent, I only won by a narrow margin!"