...
The next morning.
The sky was just beginning to brighten. A faint golden glow shone from the east, illuminating the capital and bringing the warmth and coolness of autumn to the city.
Fang Zhengzhi rushed to Yan Xiu's room after he woke up.
Yan Xiu had already woken up, but he did not look well. It would be difficult for him to participate in the Eastern Suburbs Hunting Competition. Fang Zhengzhi did not say much.
After bidding farewell to Yan Xiu, Fang Zhengzhi went downstairs.
Just as he walked out of the inn, he saw a figure loitering at the entrance. The bright red Red Flame Flower Armor and the Blazing Qilin Spear. He did not even have to look to know who it was.
"I heard that you want to participate in this competition?" Ping Yang raised her head, her eyes filled with arrogance.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Fang Zhengzhi asked casually.
"You're going to ride this stupid horse?" Ping Yang opened her mouth slightly and glanced at the brown and yellow Broken Earth Horse behind Fang Zhengzhi with some disdain.
Fang Zhengzhi turned to look.
The quality and bloodline of his horse was indeed...
A little shabby.
However, he had left the Snow Treading Dragon Stallion in Dong Lin City. He had bought it as a means of transportation and did not think too much about it.
"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi replied matter-of-factly.
"As a servant of Tranquil Sun Manor, your lousy steed is a disgrace to the Tranquil Sun Manor. If you're willing to beg me, I'll lend you my second treasured steed." As she spoke, she pointed at the Snow Jade beside her …
Of course.
Ping Yang was referring to the war horse behind the Snow Jade, which was covered in green scales.
Fang Zhengzhi did not recognize it. However, for Ping Yang to call it his second best stallion, even though it could not compare to Snow Jade or the Ninth Prince's Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion, it should not be any worse.
"I don't need it." Fang Zhengzhi rejected without hesitation. If he accepted the horse, he would be admitting that he was a servant of Ping Yang Residence. He would not fall for it.
"You really don't want it? I heard that the treasures for this hunt were personally chosen by the Emperor. They must be very good. Don't you want it? "Ping Yang continued to tempt him.
"If it's purely horses. Even if I ride your horse, I can't beat yours, right? "Fang Zhengzhi retorted.
"Of course... in this Flame Capital City, if I say that my Snow Jade is ranked second, no other horse would dare to say that it is ranked first!"
"Even the Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion cannot compare?"
"Of course not. The Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion can only be ranked third! "Ping Yang declared proudly.
"Oh? What about the second? "
"Second? Of course it's Sister Yan's Scarlet Flame Snow Cloud. "
"F * ck!" Fang Zhengzhi did not like to scold people, but he could not help but curse at this moment. Speaking of the Scarlet Flame Snow Cloud, that was his horse...
…
When he arrived at the hunting ground in the eastern suburbs with Ping Yang. The sun had already risen, and the radiance in the sky was getting more and more golden. The golden flags that were erected around the hunting grounds in the eastern suburbs were shining brilliantly.
Just as Fang Zhengzhi had predicted.
These gatherings were always bustling with activity.
One by one, the scholars and beauties dressed in armor and martial arts attire complimented each other. The most common topic of conversation was, "Oh, this brother's steed is so majestic and powerful." Under normal circumstances, the other party would also reveal an expression of shock. Aiya, little brother, the horse you are riding on is also extraordinarily handsome!
Apart from praising the steed, there were also people who praised the steed's armor, weapons, and even the hair bun on the steed's head.
Fang Zhengzhi did not like this type of compliment.
Fortunately, no one complimented him. After all, the horse he was riding on couldn't really be called a horse. It had a body of sparse brownish-yellow fur and a pair of ears that drooped down. Other than the glimmer in its eyes when it saw the grass by the side of the road, its expression was listless.
"Oh? It's Fang Zhengzhi? "
"I didn't expect him to participate in the Eastern Suburbs Hunting Ground's horse race."
"I heard that ever since he appeared at the Hundred Flower Gathering, he has not participated in any other gatherings. Why is he here?"
"I think it's for the Emperor's reward?"
"Hang on, the horse he's riding is... what's it called? I can't remember. "
"Mud Striped Horse! It's a species that grows in Dong Lin City. It feeds on grass. "
"Feeds on grass? Don't those with better bloodlines feed on meat? He is riding this horse to the hunting competition. Is this horse very powerful? "
"Of course it is! In the market at Dong Lin City, you can buy one for 20 silvers!"
"Hahaha..."
A burst of laughter rang out. Then, more and more candidates noticed Fang Zhengzhi and the Mud Striped Horse he was riding.
Before long, Fang Zhengzhi was surrounded by a group of people.
Seeing the appearance of such a rare Dirt Speeder in the hunting grounds of the eastern suburbs that the emperor personally presided over, it really gave off a feeling of being a chicken among a flock of cranes.
Fang Zhengzhi was nonchalant. If horse racing was all about horses, then what was the point of humans?
Ping Yang was also nonchalant. In fact, she was smiling happily. She was wearing the Red Flame Flower Armor, the Blazing Qilin Spear, and the Snow Jade.
If one were to ask who was the most heroic and valiant among the people present, it would definitely be Ping Yang.
As such, Ping Yang was very willing to stand by Fang Zhengzhi's side. She followed Fang Zhengzhi closely. No matter how Fang Zhengzhi ran, she would not leave his side. She was like a piece of sticky candy that could not be shaken off.
Of course, Fang Zhengzhi knew what she was thinking. She wanted him to be a supporting character. This kind of thinking was too superficial.
He had to look down on it.
After the sound of drums and gongs, the Emperor's arrival could be heard from afar. He was followed by a group of princes dressed in bright clothing.
This was a grand gathering of scholars and beauties, and it was also a great opportunity for the princes to compete and display their skills.
Fang Zhengzhi quickly spotted the Ninth Prince, Lin Yun, riding his Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion, as well as the Crown Prince, Lin Tianrong, and Duan Xinjue.
Other than that, there were also some officials behind the princes, led by Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping. However, there were not as many people as in the court examinations. There were only a few dozen people.
However... The number of generals was more than double the previous time.
There were all kinds of generals in armor, some were young, some were old, and they were densely packed together. There were 50 to 60 of them.
If one included the scholars beside the generals, there were close to a hundred people in this group. They rushed over majestically from afar, kicking up a cloud of dust in their wake.
Fang Zhengzhi did a rough calculation.
Excluding the rows of spear wielding soldiers around the eastern suburbs hunting grounds, there were about fifty to sixty people participating in this horse race and hunt. There were seven or eight civil officials, and close to three hundred scholars who were eager to try.
It was a spectacular scene.
Fang Zhengzhi knew that there were about 200 people taking part in the court examinations. After all, they had to pass the Imperial Examinations to be able to take part in the court examinations.
Then, one could be sure that within these 300 scholars, there were definitely at least over a hundred people who were trying to fish in troubled waters.
This was not surprising. After all... This was a gathering of talents and beauties. It was normal for the young masters of the capital to come and show off their talents in front of the Emperor.
...
The Emperor arrived very quickly. Today, Emperor Lin Mubai also took off his dragon robe and wore a set of golden battle armor. A bright golden dragon cloak draped over his back and he rode on a crimson war horse.
When he saw Fang Zhengzhi...
Emperor Lin Mubai was evidently taken aback. His gaze lingered on Fang Zhengzhi's Mud Swift Horse for a full five seconds. Finally, he shook his head and left.
The other princes also noticed Fang Zhengzhi at this moment.
"Is that Fang Zhengzhi? Why does he look like he's here to watch a show? "
"I think he's here to entertain us."
Two of the princes murmured to themselves. Then, he tugged on the reins of his horse, raised his head and puffed out his chest as he proudly followed behind Emperor Lin Mubai.
Duan Xinjue looked at Fang Zhengzhi with a mocking expression.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled. He did not pay much attention to Fang Zhengzhi.
Ninth Prince Lin Yun looked at the other princes apologetically. He turned around and rode the Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion to Fang Zhengzhi's side.
"Official Fang, do you want to change horses? I have a few good ones in my residence. If I get someone to send them over, we should be able to make it in time for the competition. "
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. My horse may not look like much, but it is very fast. "Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
"I see." Ninth Prince Lin Yun hesitated for a moment before leaving.
When the ministers behind the princes saw this scene, all of them were a little curious.
"How does the Ninth Prince know Fang Zhengzhi?"
"I'm not sure."
"I know a little. I heard that the Ninth Prince's Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion was taken by Fang Zhengzhi..."
"Taken by what?!" A feminine voice rang out beside Fang Zhengzhi.
The minister who spoke immediately felt a chill run down his spine, as if a cold intent had brushed past his neck. He immediately shrank his neck and did not dare to speak anymore.
"Hmph!" Ping Yang snorted as she watched the official leave.
...
The gates to the Eastern Suburbs Hunting Ground were already wide open. After Emperor Lin Mubai entered, all of the princes and candidates followed suit.
Next, it was time for a dance.
Ladies dressed in long sleeves danced elegantly. There were also maids carrying wine, meat, and fruits as they walked around, distributing them to the officials and scholars.
Because Fang Zhengzhi was a rank four Sword Envoy, he had a seat to himself. As such, he began to enjoy the food without hesitation.
"Eat, eat! You're eating so much! Let's see how you run!"
"Lord Li, there's no need to take it to heart. I think Lord Fang came here today for food, right?"
The officials looked at Fang Zhengzhi, who was wolfing down his food, and felt a sense of shame.
As for Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping, he didn't say a word. He just held his wine glass and exchanged pleasantries with the officials beside him.
Both of them were eating, but the difference between them was obvious.
After the dance...
The scene quieted down. A minister walked out of the line, coughed twice, and loudly announced the rules of the competition.
After the minister finished speaking, it was the usual Emperor's lecture.
After that, the registration for the competition began.
Fang Zhengzhi thought that since he was already here, he should at least join in on the fun. Hence, he eagerly signed up.
The official in charge of registration had a strange expression on his face when he saw that Fang Zhengzhi had signed up. All of the other candidates and generals lowered their heads and tried to hold in their laughter.
"Fang Zhengzhi really signed up?"
"I think he is here to accompany the competition?"
"No one else but Fang Zhengzhi would be a professional escort."
"Of course, if he can really get a good ranking in the Horse Race and Hunting Competition with that Dirt Racer, I'll write my name backwards!"
"What's wrong with that? I dare to take off my clothes and run around here naked. Do you dare?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I dare?!"
All of the candidates and generals laughed as they discussed.
Fang Zhengzhi watched from the side and finally decided to give them a chance. Hence, he took a piece of white paper from the table and handed it over.
"Then please write down this bet. Words are no proof. Let's write it down. "
"Brother Li, will you write it down?"
"Sure!"
Before long, a few pieces of paper were written.
Then, the few of them realized that something was amiss. After all, they had signed the contract, but Fang Zhengzhi did not seem to have suffered any losses.
Just as he was about to ask for the promissory note, Fang Zhengzhi had already run to the starting point of the competition.
"Forget it, he just wants to save face! Hahaha... forget about the rankings, he will be lucky to not be at the bottom. "The candidates snorted and began to laugh.
...
At the starting point, Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi stood shoulder to shoulder. However, their auras were worlds apart.
All of the other candidates were chuckling as they waited for the gong to ring.
Horse racing and hunting, as the name suggested, was naturally a competition of speed. A good horse and a bad horse might not be able to determine the outcome of the battle.
However, when it came to speed, the difference between heaven and earth was too obvious.
The Ninth Prince was also at the starting point. He looked excited, clearly very passionate about the competition. Furthermore, he was riding on the Purple Lightning Dragon Stallion.
He swore that he would be in the top three.
As for first and second...
The Ninth Prince had thought about it. However, he knew that it would be extremely difficult. If it was one of the young masters in the capital, he would definitely be able to do it.
However, the participants this time around were completely different from the ones in the past.
They were the true elites of the various prefectures of the Great Xia Dynasty. Putting aside their skills on horseback, they were not inferior to him in terms of battle steeds.
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