The Imperial Son-in-Law raised his crescent-moon polo stick and waved it toward the high platform. Noticing his gesture, the other players paused as well, holding their reins and smiling as they looked up at the platform.
From behind the screen came a burst of teasing. Princess Xin’an tried to maintain a composed expression, but her reddening ears betrayed her embarrassment. She cast a sidelong glance at Rong Ke, who was laughing quietly, her own composure faltering. Left with no choice, she pretended to scold the Imperial Son-in-Law: “You’re a grown man, still competing with these young lads. Aren’t you worried about becoming a laughingstock?”
“That’s quite unjust, and I feel I must defend my uncle,” Rong Ke interjected. “Before he even went onto the field, he couldn’t resist looking back at you, just hoping for a smile. Who would’ve thought you’d be so indifferent to his affections?”
Before Rong Ke could finish, Princess Xin’an pinched her. “You’ve grown bold, haven’t you? Even daring to make fun of me now?”
Rong Ke laughed as she dodged the playful reprimand, and the other princesses and county lords smiled as they watched the aunt and niece banter. As the Crown Prince’s only full-blooded sister, Xin’an had always been especially close to him. While the Third and Fourth Princes had also grown up alongside the Crown Prince, the lack of a shared mother inevitably created some distance. Rong Ke, the eldest grandchild of the imperial family, was doted on by everyone. The emperor treasured her as his first granddaughter, and even Prince Liang and Princess Xin’an, being first-time elders, found her endlessly fascinating. As more grandchildren were born, though loved dearly, none could compare to Rong Ke.
Although Xin’an had been married for eight years and already had a son, she still liked to keep Rong Ke by her side, often favoring her over her own child. Rong Ke, for her part, showed no fear of her aunt, even daring to tease her. Watching the two of them joke and play, the Third Princess—now married and titled Princess Gaomi—couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy despite her smile.
As someone neither the eldest nor the emperor’s favorite, Princess Gaomi occupied a relatively modest position among the imperial women, incomparable to Xin’an’s status. Although Rong Ke was her junior, Gaomi didn’t dare put on airs before her. The Crown Prince’s position as heir was secure, and it was clear that the emperor intended him to be the next ruler. In a few years, Rong Ke would likely become the new Princess Xin’an. Given her own mediocrity in every aspect, Gaomi wouldn’t dare to challenge Rong Ke.
At such gatherings, Princess Gaomi chose to remain quietly seated, drawing no attention to herself. She didn’t dare to engage in the playful banter that Xin’an and Rong Ke enjoyed.
Feeling a pang of melancholy, Princess Gaomi reflected on the stark contrast between their lives. Xin’an’s husband came from a powerful family and could even openly show affection to her during such events, while Gaomi’s husband didn’t even qualify to participate.
Noticing Gaomi’s unease, Rong Wenyan placed a comforting hand on her sister’s. “Sister, is something the matter?”
Princess Gaomi quickly composed herself, offering Rong Wenyan a measured smile—neither too distant nor too close. “I’m fine. I just got lost in thought for a moment. Thank you for your concern, Princess Hejing.”
Though Gaomi was less favored, she remained the emperor’s daughter, separated by a natural gulf from someone like Rong Wenyan, the daughter of the former Crown Prince. However, the Empress Dowager’s fondness for her late eldest son extended to Rong Wenyan and her siblings, showering them with unmatched affection. While the emperor and Crown Prince ruled the court, the Empress Dowager’s influence was unshakable in the inner palace. With her grandmother’s support, Rong Wenyan’s standing in the palace rivaled even Xin’an’s as the legitimate eldest princess. Even Rong Ke had to tread lightly around her, for who dared to slight the Empress Dowager’s favorite?
Princess Gaomi dared not offend the Empress Dowager, but she also couldn’t appear too close to Rong Wenyan, lest she displease the Emperor and Crown Prince. She carefully balanced between the two factions, as did many others in the palace. The Empress Dowager openly favored Rong Wenyan, while the Empress, for her own reasons, frequently elevated Princess Hejing, often comparing Rong Wenyan to Rong Ke. Many found themselves caught between the power struggles of the inner palace and the Crown Prince’s household, and, like Princess Gaomi, could only strive to remain neutral and unaligned.
For instance, at the moment, Princess Gaomi neither dared to let go of Rong Wenyan’s hand nor to show any closeness to Princess Xin’an or Rong Ke. She could only gloss over the situation with polite laughter. Fortunately, Xin’an and Rong Ke were used to such behavior and paid her no mind. Princess Xin’an, maintaining her radiant smile, summoned a maid from the princess’s household and whispered instructions. When the maid returned, she was carrying a tray.
In front of everyone, Princess Xin’an removed the jade and silver bracelet from her wrist, placing it on the tassel-draped tray. She declared, “Since we have distinguished guests from the Turkic tribes visiting today, it wouldn’t do to offer no prize. Let me start things off by wagering this bracelet of mutton-fat jade on the Imperial Son-in-Law scoring the most goals.”
As soon as Princess Xin’an finished speaking, the room erupted in cheers and laughter. A county princess, already married and more relaxed in her demeanor, teased, “The princess and the Imperial Son-in-Law share such deep affection. It makes the rest of us green with envy!”
In an atmosphere of such casual openness, particularly among the royal family, Princess Xin’an took the teasing in stride. After the laughter subsided, she urged the others to place their bets. Although everyone present was related, the intricate web of relationships among them made things far from straightforward. Many began wagering on their own friends and family. As more people joined in, someone suddenly asked, “Why hasn’t the Princess Royal placed a bet yet?”
Rong Ke had originally intended to stay out of it. As the Crown Prince’s representative in the absence of the Crown Princess, it wouldn’t look appropriate for her to favor one side over another. However, she couldn’t avoid the question and finally said, “Then I’ll bet on my Third Uncle.”
“Ah!” Princess Xin’an protested. “What’s the fun in that? They’re all your uncles. Betting on them is so boring. I noticed there are two young men on the team. You should interact more with people your own age. What’s the point of always sticking to the older generation?”
At twelve years old, Rong Ke found herself teased by Princess Xin’an, who deliberately pointed out the two young players on the team, aged seventeen or eighteen—an age gap that lent itself to Princess Xin’an’s playful matchmaking.
Sure enough, Rong Ke was annoyed. She glared at Princess Xin’an before removing a jade ornament from her person. Speaking clearly and firmly, she declared, “I’m betting on my Third Uncle. Pass the word to him—he must beat the Imperial Son-in-Law and steal all his glory!”
The elder princesses burst into laughter at Rong Ke’s retort. The sound of their laughter drifted past the screens, catching the Emperor’s attention.
“What’s going on? Why are they laughing so much?” he asked.
An attendant leaned in with a smile and explained, “Princess Xin’an and the Crown Princess are placing bets on who will score the most goals in this match. Her Highness Xin’an bet on the Imperial Son-in-Law, while the Princess wagered two pieces of jade, instructing the Third Prince to ensure he outshines the Imperial Son-in-Law.”
Although there were now two titled Princesses in the palace, when people referred to Rong Wenyan, they would specifically say “Princess Hejing”. If they simply said “Princess”, it was generally understood to mean Rong Ke.
The Emperor, upon hearing this, also found it amusing. He asked, “Who have they all placed their bets on?”
The attendant listed several names, and the Emperor laughed. “It’s rare to see them so enthusiastic. I’ll join in as well. Betting on the Third and Fourth Princes over and over again is dull. I’ll wager on the two newly minted scholars instead.” He then called for his attendant, saying, “Bring me the two pieces of jade coral that the Nanzhao delegation gifted recently. I’ll bet on these two young talents to score the most goals in the match.”
For the Emperor, almost everyone on the field—sons, nephews, or sons-in-law—was too close for him to show favoritism. It was easier to root for the two newly appointed scholars, whom he regarded as the pride and future pillars of the nation.
Meanwhile, Prince Liang and several other noble sons were preparing on the field, discussing their strategies, when they noticed two palace attendants standing nearby, stealing glances in their direction.
Prince Liang called them over and asked, “What’s the matter?”
The attendants bowed and replied, “We come with a message from the Princess for the Imperial Son-in-Law. Her Highness Xin’an has wagered that the Imperial Son-in-Law will score the most goals in the match. She also said she hopes he won’t let her lose her favorite bracelet.”
Several young men immediately began to tease and cheer. Unlike the reserved ladies, the men expressed their feelings more openly in such settings. Many stepped forward to playfully slap the Imperial Son-in-Law on the shoulder. Xiao Jingduo, standing off to the side, smiled as he watched the Imperial Son-in-Law attempt to maintain a calm demeanor while clearly feeling smug as he dismissed his teammates.
But then, the attendants shifted their focus and addressed Prince Liang. “Your Highness, the Princess also asked us to pass on a message. She said you must outshine the Imperial Son-in-Law during the match and under no circumstances allow him to win.”
This announcement caused even more laughter. Prince Liang doubled over in mirth, and even the usually stoic Prince Qi couldn’t suppress a smile. “It seems our eldest sister has teased her again. Now she’s here to settle the score.”
After catching his breath, Prince Liang clasped his hands in mock apology to the Imperial Son-in-Law, saying with a grin, “How could I refuse Ke Ke’s request? As her Third Uncle, I’d fetch the stars from the sky for her if she asked. So, Brother-in-Law, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”
Everyone laughed along with Prince Liang. Although this was just a small interlude, the competitive spirit among the men had been thoroughly stirred. As members of the royal family, they were often admired and celebrated wherever they went. Yet, the natural instinct to show off in front of the women—especially royal princesses who had sparked such lively wagers—was hard to suppress.
Xiao Jingduo found himself both amused by Rong Ke’s playful challenge and curious about what the ladies had been discussing when they entered the field earlier.
They initially thought the matter had ended there. After all, the Imperial Son-in-Law’s father was a founding hero of the dynasty and the current Prime Minister, while the Imperial Son-in-Law himself had married the most favored Princess Xin’an. Similarly, Prince Liang, as the most powerful prince beneath the Crown Prince, taking the spotlight was hardly surprising. However, the attendant who delivered the messages showed no sign of leaving. After laughing along with Prince Liang, he turned his attention to Xiao Jingduo and Bai Jiayi.
“These two must be this year’s top scholars,” the attendant said with a smile.
Xiao Jingduo tensed slightly, unsure of what was coming. “That would be us. May I ask what instructions you have, sir?”
“I wouldn’t dare give instructions,” the attendant replied. “I’m here on the Emperor’s orders to congratulate you both. His Majesty has joined the princesses’ wager and has placed the Nanzhao coral as his bet, wagering that the two top scholars will score the most goals.”
Xiao Jingduo and Bai Jiayi were stunned. Xiao Jingduo had not expected the Emperor to place such confidence in them. To make an impression on the Emperor was no small matter. If the Emperor remembered his name after this match, it could significantly influence his career, not only in the upcoming May appointments but also throughout his future.
Xiao Jingduo immediately adjusted his mindset. He had initially intended to play a modest supporting role, given that this polo match against the Turks was meant to showcase the talents of the princes. Drawing too much attention to himself could be inappropriate. But now, there was no need to conceal his true abilities, as long as he remained careful not to overshadow the princes.
The attendant’s words not only surprised Xiao Jingduo and Bai Jiayi but also drew astonished glances from the other royal princes. They turned their eyes to Xiao Jingduo, openly assessing him with curiosity and calculation.
Under the weight of their gazes, Xiao Jingduo maintained a calm demeanor, meeting their scrutiny without flinching. When the starting whistle blew, he mounted his horse with perfect composure, sitting upright in the saddle. His loose grip on the reins and his poised confidence exuded an aura of self-assured elegance.
The Xiao family, watching from the stands, had kept their eyes on Xiao Jingduo. Upon seeing his transformation, their excitement grew.
“Look, that’s our elder brother!” exclaimed Xiao Yuli.
Though Xiao Yuli and the others had never played polo themselves, they could tell something had changed. If earlier Xiao Jingduo had been a humble and reserved scholar, now he carried an air of determined ambition that was impossible to ignore.
As the whistle sounded, the two teams charged forward like arrows from a bow. The Turks, unwilling to be outdone, entered the match at full intensity, skipping any warm-up phase and diving straight into fierce competition.
It quickly became apparent to everyone watching that this polo match was in an entirely different league from the earlier ones. The Turks’ skill was formidable. Known for their prowess on horseback, these warriors from the steppes, with their broad shoulders and imposing figures, were aggressive and domineering on the field. By contrast, the Xuanchao team, composed entirely of princes and nobles, appeared more slender and refined. The stark contrast between the two teams was striking, but despite the physical disparity, the Great Xuan players held their own. Their play had a unique elegance, showcasing the royal family’s beauty and martial skill.
In the midst of the match, Xiao Jingduo stood out even among the famously handsome royal family. Although the princes scored the most goals, Xiao Jingduo’s presence was impossible to ignore. It was evident to all that he had the skills to score, but he deliberately chose not to, instead passing the ball to the princes. His boldness in intercepting the ball, his precision in passing, and the fluid grace of his swings were dazzling and left a deep impression.
On the elevated platform, the princesses had abandoned their usual decorum and crowded to the front to watch the match. Rong Ke, her eyes glued to the field, smirked mischievously and said to Princess Xin’an, “Auntie, I’m going to win this bet.”
Princess Xin’an watched the red-clad youth on the field, fully focused on assisting Prince Liang, and felt so annoyed that she didn’t want to speak.
This match was extraordinarily exciting, with its twists and turns leaving the audience no time to even cheer. The Xiao family’s daughters had crowded to the front, disregarding protocol. Xiao Yumang found herself overwhelmed, exclaiming to the young ladies beside her, “I’ve seen many polo matches before and thought they were impressive, but only today do I understand what a true polo match looks like.”
Everyone who heard Xiao Yumang agreed with her. Today had been a true eye-opener. The royal family’s performance was a vivid reminder to the world that the once-invincible Rong family army of the Xuan Dynasty had earned their legendary reputation.
A young lady nearby, full of admiration, said to Xiao Yumang, “That young man must be your elder brother? How enviable.”
What exactly she envied wasn’t specified—perhaps it was envy of Xiao Yumang and her siblings for having such an outstanding and handsome elder brother, or perhaps envy of the Xiao family’s close ties with the royal princes.
Xiao Yumang didn’t bother dwelling on such thoughts. She only knew that thanks to Xiao Jingduo, her family’s reputation among the noble ladies had soared. Now, every girl in Chang’an knew that she had a brother who had passed the imperial exam at just seventeen, who was both scholarly and martial, exceptionally handsome, and though reserved and composed, unstoppable on the polo field.
Unlike the quietly delighted Xiao Yumang and Xiao Yuli, Cheng Huizhen was in a terrible mood. Over the course of this single match, several noblewomen had already approached her to inquire about Xiao Jingduo’s marital prospects.
Although the family matriarch had reassured Cheng Huizhen that she would take charge and ensure no one would outmaneuver them, Cheng Huizhen doubted how much she could trust those words.
The matriarch might dote on her daughter and granddaughter, but Xiao Jingduo was still her grandson. The matriarch was known to be highly pragmatic. Now that better options for a granddaughter-in-law were on the table, would the matriarch still prioritize Cheng Huizhen, who came from a powerless and uninfluential branch of the family?
Cheng Huizhen was thoroughly upset. A cautious voice behind her interrupted her thoughts: “Young lady, what’s wrong?”
Turning around, Cheng Huizhen saw it was Xia Feng, a recently purchased servant girl. For some reason, despite Xia Feng’s short time in the household, Cheng Huizhen had already grown quite close to and trusting of her. Feeling troubled, Cheng Huizhen began venting her frustrations to Xia Feng.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers—it turned out that Prince Liang had seized the final goal, securing victory for the Great Xuan team in this national-level match.
The audience was wild with excitement, and even the Emperor couldn’t help but smile broadly. “My sons’ martial skills are a bit rusty, and I must apologize for the amusement they’ve provided.”
The ministers grinned from ear to ear and hurried to offer their congratulations. “Your Majesty is too modest. The princes and royal dukes are not only of noble birth but also possess extraordinary martial talent. This is indeed the great fortune of our dynasty.”
The Turkic Khagan knew the Emperor’s words were directed at him. His face turned dark, but he had nothing to say—after all, their strongest warriors couldn’t even defeat these pampered princes. Seeing the Khagan’s sour expression, one of his ministers quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. “Your nation is truly full of talent. We are deeply impressed—our admiration knows no bounds.”
The Emperor, in high spirits, was thoroughly pleased. This outing had not only satisfied his desire to leave the palace but also served as a sharp demonstration of power to the Turkic envoys, making the trip a resounding success. Finally recalling that there was still a half-finished banquet waiting in the palace, he said, “The Empress Dowager and the Empress must already be anxious from waiting. Let us return.”
The prime ministers naturally agreed, and one of the eunuchs attending to the Emperor immediately announced, “Prepare the carriages to return to the palace.”
Prince Liang and the others, still riding the high of their victory, were brimming with excitement. Polo, with its high speed and intense competition, could ignite the blood of any man, both during and after the match. Upon hearing the order to return to the palace, Prince Liang, still in high spirits, called out enthusiastically and then turned to Xiao Jingduo. “Great skills! Let’s have another match someday.”
Xiao Jingduo, drenched in sweat, nodded in agreement. “Of course.”
Even Prince Qi’s eyes were unusually bright. “That was an exhilarating game—I haven’t had this much fun in ages. I saw how you kept passing to Third Brother. Next time, if there aren’t any Turks around, no need to hold back. Let’s have a proper match.”
The comment drew laughter from the group. Xiao Jingduo, too, knew his actions hadn’t escaped notice—nor had he intended to hide them. It’s often said that men forge bonds through competition, and after this match, Xiao Jingduo found his opinion of Princes Liang and Qi significantly improved. With a hearty laugh, he accepted Prince Qi’s invitation.
While the group was enjoying their conversation, the Emperor was already preparing to depart. Seeing that the princes were still lingering, he sent someone to hurry them along. “Your Highnesses, it’s time to return to the palace. If the princes haven’t had enough, you may continue your discussions back at the palace. His Majesty has even granted today’s honored scholars permission to accompany you into the palace.”
That settled it. They could continue their conversation on the way. Prince Liang called out for everyone to mount up. “Enough! We’re all heading back to the palace together. We can talk more on the way. Let’s get moving—we can’t keep His Majesty and the ministers waiting.”
And so, Xiao Jingduo, who had unexpectedly found himself part of the royal polo team, now found himself bundled into the palace along with them.
T/N: Next chapter will probably be posted on Monday. Happy reading!
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