Chapter 29: Competition (Part Two) - A Blockbuster Performance, Slapping the Faces of the Northern Barbarians Envoy...

Jiankang City was situated in a strategically advantageous location, with strong defenses, but its layout was not as regular as the northern and eastern capitals. The city was randomly divided by waterways, and most of the markets and residential areas were built along the water, except for the Imperial Palace and the Imperial College.

Both buildings were very square. The Imperial College, in particular, followed the old site of Chang'an, with the temple on the left and the academy on the right, almost completely replicating it.

Jin Zhiyu, the highest-ranking member of the Northern Rong envoy delegation, felt familiar with everything after entering the Imperial College with Emperor Xia. However, from the outside, this Southern Side was far less grand than the North's. The North's Imperial College originally belonged to Xia, but now it had been occupied by them and turned into a school for noble disciples. This Southern Side one would sooner or later become theirs as well.

Along the way, they visited the Confucius Temple, went to the Scripture Teacher Hall, and saw the library. The Northern Barbarians envoys had a mediocre reaction, while the Yan State envoys were quite envious.

For many years, Yan State had been rooted in the northwest, but they knew they didn't have the ability to go south and never dared to provoke trouble. Now, after witnessing the prosperity and strong cultural atmosphere of Jiankang City, the people of Yan State finally understood why the Northern Barbarians had always been obsessed with Jiangnan. If they had the ability, they would also have this ambition. It was a pity that they didn't have the capability.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they finally arrived at the training grounds behind the Imperial College.

Dozens of academy students had already changed into riding attire, prepared their horses, and had been waiting for a long time.

Song Yunzhi was ranked at the very end. Outsiders couldn't even see him at a glance. He was too short, both in person and on his horse. If one didn't look carefully, one wouldn't even notice that there was another person in the back.

But Song Yunzhi didn't care. He felt that although he was not as tall as others, he was still quite imposing. Song Yunzhi was dressed in dashing riding attire today, wearing small deerskin boots, and full of energy. Even his stubborn donkey had a new set of tack, and a small flower was pinned to its ear, making the whole horse look brand new.

Song Yunzhi was very satisfied with their outfit, feeling that no one else was dressed as well as him. If he could add a bright red, domineering little cape, it would be perfect. Unfortunately, his cape was taken away by the clerk when he entered, who said that everyone had to wear uniform attire today and no strange clothes were allowed.

Song Yunzhi just felt that they didn't understand aesthetics.

Today's event was more of a performance than a competition, specifically for His Majesty the Emperor to watch. The Imperial College had also selected students from all levels who were skilled in mounted archery, mostly senior students. Except for the annoying Wang Chengtái, Song Yunzhi didn't know any of them.

But others knew him. Lord Chen's closed-door disciple, the youngest student in the history of the Imperial College, and the top scorer in the last outer dormitory student monthly exam - with these titles, it was hard not to notice him.

Soon, Song Yunzhi noticed that people around him were sizing him up, but none of them were malicious. One student even thought of his own younger siblings when he saw Yun Ge'er and gave him a piece of candy when he passed by.

Song Yunzhi politely accepted it after thanking him. Unexpectedly, someone else gave him another piece of candy later.

Song Yunzhi pinched the candy, complaining, "They are all treating me like a child!"

The system rolled its eyes: "Aren't you?"

"I'm their competitor now." Song Yunzhi said, popping a piece of candy into his mouth and giving another to the stubborn donkey. The stubborn donkey didn't refuse and ate it readily. Apart from its bad temper, this stubborn donkey was very easy to feed.

The system thought, I'm afraid no one here sees you as a competitor.

Indeed, no one expected Yun Ge'er to achieve anything significant. They even thought that Yun Ge'er's inclusion in their team was purely as a mascot. Even Wang Chengtái was too lazy to pay attention to this little waste. He was determined to take first place. Losing to Song Yunzhi last time was already embarrassing enough. This time, he had to redeem himself in front of His Majesty.

After His Majesty, accompanied by several ministers and envoys, took their seats, the competition began immediately. The contestants entered in a string. They were all eighteen or nineteen-year-old young men, in their prime, with upright postures. At first glance, they were extremely pleasing to the eye. Jin Zhiyu, who wanted to find fault, couldn't pick on anyone after seeing them. He just despised Xia's horses in his heart, saying they were not as good as theirs.

Soon, Jin Zhiyu's gaze was drawn to the shortest one at the very end.

In the past two years, the Northern Barbarians court had implemented Sinicization, and many officials had learned the Central Plains official language, allowing them to communicate smoothly with the Han people. He casually asked, "Who is that smallest one?"

Chen Su was right beside him and replied, "This is this official's youngest disciple, only six years old. He heard that His Majesty and everyone were coming today, so he rushed to join in the fun. Everyone can just treat it as a spectacle."

Chen Su didn't dare to let people have too high expectations. Although Yun Ge'er repeatedly boasted that he would make a blockbuster performance today, Chen Su still didn't believe it. He was just a child. Who could he surprise? He'd be lucky if he didn't get startled himself while riding.

Duke Rong'en sat beside His Majesty. After hearing them discuss Song Yunzhi, he couldn't help but think of his grandson's complaints. In his grandson's words, this Song Yunzhi, who had snatched Chen Su's closed-door disciple spot, was extremely hateful. Duke Rong'en was somewhat protective. He didn't like the people his grandson didn't like. Therefore, he said, "But how come this official heard that this Song student is a prodigy? Since he dares to come, perhaps he really has something extraordinary. Lord Chen doesn't need to be so modest."

Jin Zhiyu was suspicious: "Prodigy?"

He stared at Yun Ge'er again. He was indeed cute and had a spiritual aura, but was he really a prodigy?

Chen Su smiled faintly: "There are plenty of smart children in Xia. My disciple is not a prodigy, just a little clever. Never mind, let's watch the competition."

With that, Chen Su ignored Duke Rong'en.

Duke Rong'en chuckled softly but didn't say much due to His Majesty's presence.

Although the Imperial College's horses were ordinary, the selected academy students were all skilled in mounted archery. Any one of them could be thrown out and be competent.

Sui Chunsheng and the other two sat together with other Imperial College academy students who had managed to get seats. There were also many teaching assistants patrolling here. Although they had repeatedly ordered everyone not to make noise, not to mess around, and especially not to embarrass the Imperial College a few days ago, on the day of the competition, the Imperial College teachers were still worried about these students and sent many teaching assistants to maintain order. Anyone who made loud noises would be thrown out directly. No one was allowed to drop the ball today.

The teaching assistants were watching closely. He Yanting could only lower his voice and discuss with Jiang Yixing: "I don't think Yun Ge'er has much chance of standing out this time."

Jiang Yixing saw that someone in the middle had already hit the bullseye and couldn't help but sweat for Yun Ge'er: "It's okay, Yun Ge'er's main stage is not mounted archery."

He Yanting certainly knew that this was comforting talk. Even if the main stage was not mounted archery but showing off in front of His Majesty later, if his mounted archery skills were too poor, it wouldn't look good, would it?

The Sui Chunsheng next to them didn't say a word, but his eyes were fixed on the cloth bag of the Dian Horse. This was specially hung by Yun Ge'er, and it contained the crossbow bolts he had improved these days. Sui Chunsheng had always wanted to see them, but Yun Ge'er was stingy and kept them well hidden. Now, whether it was a mule or a horse, it could finally be brought out for a walk.

Don't let me down, Yun Ge'er.

Song Yunzhi was still brewing. He had been secretly practicing in the system space for a long time. There wouldn't be any problems, but the people in front were too slow, and it hadn't been his turn yet. After waiting for a long time, the people in front finally cleared out, leaving only Wang Chengtái.

Wang Chengtái glanced at Song Yunzhi contemptuously, then tightened the reins and urged his horse forward.

When the Akhal-Teke appeared, even the Northern Barbarians and Yan State envoys couldn't help but crane their necks. Although their people were good at raising horses, such a fine horse like the Akhal-Teke was rare and valuable even in their place.

Duke Rong'en was honored. The Duke of Rong'en's Residence was rich and willing to spend money, so what?

What made him even more proud was his grandson's mounted archery. His grandson could hit the stationary target with his eyes closed. As for the moving live target, Wang Chengtái was completely unfazed. He galloped up, drew his longbow, and prepared to shoot. In an instant, he hit the bullseye five times in a row.

"Good archery." The Emperor clapped his hands. The Empress Dowager's nephew had some skills, and the Duke of Rongen's Residence had taught him well.

Although Duke Rong'en was delighted, he spoke humbly: "Your Majesty overpraises him. It's just luck."

Everyone could hear the self-deprecating tone. Whether it was luck or not, anyone with eyes could see it. How could there be someone who hit the bullseye every time and every time it was luck? The eldest grandson carefully cultivated by the Duke of Rongen's Residence was indeed outstanding. Appearance, academics, mounted archery - everything was top-notch. No wonder the Empress Dowager always mentioned this nephew.

Duke Rong'en had no doubt that the top spot in this competition would definitely be his grandson. There was no mistake. It was impossible for anyone to outshine his grandson.

Just as Duke Rong'en was complacent, Song Yunzhi rode his short-legged horse, held his head high, and entered the arena in high spirits.

Everyone stared at this shorty. The ones before were all like young men like white poplars. Now there was a short one, the difference was too great.

Song Yunzhi felt everyone's eyes on him, and he became even more proud and arrogant, feeling that he was very powerful. Little did he know that in the eyes of others, he was a rare sight, looking like a living treasure. The envoys of the two countries just watched for fun. None of them had any expectations. After all, both Song Yunzhi and his horse were very unconventional.

When he got to his place, Song Yunzhi slowly took out his weapon from the cloth bag on the stubborn donkey's back.

The Emperor at the top looked carefully and looked at Chen Su with doubt: This is...?

Chen Su frankly said: "This young disciple of mine is still young. He can't draw a bow or shoot the target, so he figured out how to make a crossbow himself."

The Emperor was surprised: "He has this ability?"

Chen Su nodded slightly. Anyway, it had already been taken out, so he might as well admit it.

The Emperor had a glimmer of expectation. This prodigy was indeed a prodigy, different from ordinary children.

Song Yunzhi stood still, held his breath, aimed, and released the arrow in one go. The sharp arrow pierced the sky, and the sharp echo followed. With a "whoosh" sound, the feathered arrow passed through the bullseye, flew through the air, and stuck into the wooden stake behind.

Sui Chunsheng and the other two were stunned. Was this still the troublemaker Yun Ge'er they knew?

Everyone was shocked.

The range of today's archery competition at the Imperial College was nearly three hundred steps. This distance could not be reached without a large bow. Even the current repeating crossbow could not reach it. However, Song Yunzhi's seemingly small and not very powerful crossbow could easily reach the range. Not only that, but it could even far exceed three hundred steps.

When everyone was caught off guard, Song Yunzhi calmly shot the remaining arrows. When it came to the live target, Song Yunzhi patted the stubborn donkey's head. Perhaps because of the candy, this guy was very cooperative today, obediently running and steadily carrying Song Yunzhi forward.

Song Yunzhi was not disturbed by the outside world and wholeheartedly aimed at the target. One arrow, two arrows - every time, he hit the bullseye just like Wang Chengtái, but his strength was greater than Wang Chengtái's, directly piercing the target.

Wang Chengtái stood outside the arena, his face turning black with anger. This brat was cheating. He didn't rely on drawing the bow himself. How could this be considered mounted archery?

Song Yunzhi accurately found him, raised his eyebrows provocatively. Stupid, right? I'll make you mad!

The Emperor had already stood up from his seat. He called the attendant and instructed a few words. Before long, Song Yunzhi, who was about to retire, was stopped. Then, he saw several sets of armor placed where the targets had been. A clerk ran over and asked him to shoot a few more arrows. Song Yunzhi didn't understand why, but he did as he was told.

After a while, Song Yunzhi, his stubborn donkey, and several sets of armor that had been hit were brought before the Emperor.

He was still a little confused, but he remembered his teacher's instructions and saluted first.

The Emperor hurriedly told him to rise and immediately went with the court officials to observe the condition of the armor. The armor made of grass, wood, and leather could be easily pierced, while the iron and silver armor could defend against it, but the joints and other places could still be easily pierced.

The Northern Barbarians people's expressions changed, and the Yan State envoys next to them became uneasy. How many soldiers in ordinary battles could wear iron or silver armor? Wouldn't they all use the former to deal with it? This crossbow could easily pierce the former two, and the latter was not easy to defend against. How could they not be worried? If this crossbow arrow was shot at them, wouldn't they lose their lives?

The Emperor turned his head and stared at this unbelievably good-looking child, and asked kindly: "Did you really modify this crossbow arrow all by yourself?"

Song Yunzhi nodded: "This student spent several days of effort to improve it. It took a lot of effort."

The Emperor couldn't help but smile. He knew that even if ordinary people spent a few years, they couldn't compare to his few days of effort? Sure enough, he was a prodigy. The Emperor reached out and touched the child's head. It was round and looked smart. He finally understood why his Beloved Minister Chen took a fancy to this child at first sight.

As for the crossbow arrow in the child's hand, the Emperor made a gesture, and an inner servant stepped forward, took it from Song Yunzhi, and retreated. This was theirs, Xia's. If the Northern Barbarians and Yan State saw it and learned it, wouldn't the loss outweigh the gain?

Jin Zhiyu knew what the Xia people were guarding against when he saw this. He didn't believe that a child made this crossbow arrow. Most likely, the Xia people were putting on a show. But he had no evidence, and it was not necessary to dwell on this. Jin Zhiyu directly questioned Song Yunzhi: "Others are drawing bows and arrows, only you are using a crossbow. Aren't you bullying others who don't have crossbows?"

Song Yunzhi disliked his rough Chinese accent and was even more surprised that he would think this way. Song Yunzhi opened his round eyes, pulled out the feathered arrow on his back, and shook it: "Isn't this an arrow?"

Jin Zhiyu was choked, emphasizing: "It's an arrow, but you are using a crossbow, not a bow."

Song Yunzhi looked at him strangely: "But I can't draw a bow. Isn't it bullying me to let a group of people who can draw longbows compete with me?"

Chen Su smiled knowingly, and then heard his eloquent disciple say: "Besides, although crossbows and bows have different shapes, they achieve the same goal. As long as they can hit the target, what's wrong with that? On the battlefield, soldiers don't care whether they shoot a bow and arrow or a crossbow arrow, as long as they can defeat the enemy."

Jin Zhiyu was speechless. What a sharp-tongued kid. He even began to believe that the restless kid had made that crossbow.

All the Xia monarchs and ministers were invigorated. They were delighted, too delighted. Previously, they were constrained by the diplomatic relations between the two countries and couldn't speak, but Song Yunzhi was only six years old. If a six-year-old child said something wrong, it was just childish talk, and he wasn't even wrong, just too honest.

No one interrupted Song Yunzhi. Even Duke Rong'en, who didn't like Song Yunzhi, chose to shut up and let Song Yunzhi have his way.

The Yan State envoy was glad that he didn't speak just now. Otherwise, they would be the ones embarrassed. Unexpectedly, Jin Zhiyu became more and more courageous. He wanted to see how eloquent this child was. Jin Zhiyu glanced at his short-legged horse, his face full of disdain: "Your crossbow is a good crossbow, but the horse is not good. This stud horse is a waste of fodder on the battlefield. It's not as good as our Northern Barbarians' war horses."

The stubborn donkey seemed to understand and directly snorted at Jin Zhiyu, spraying his face with wet breath.

Chen Su paused. How come he remembered that this horse was particularly docile and had no temper when it was chosen? Did he see it wrong at that time?

Jin Zhiyu took a step back in disgust, and the person behind him quickly handed over a handkerchief.

The Emperor wanted to laugh a little, but he held back. Jin Zhiyu said angrily: "Inferior horses are inferior horses."

This was completely venting anger. After all, judging from the situation just now, this short-legged horse was quite spiritual.

Song Yunzhi hugged the stubborn donkey that was about to go crazy and said seriously: "I admit that there are differences in horse breeds, but there is no distinction between superior and inferior. This is our Xia Dian Horse, known for its developed tendons and agile personality. It is especially good at climbing mountains and ridges and long-distance cargo transportation. Dian Horses have long stamina. They are not as good as other horses within ten miles, but after twenty or thirty miles, they become more and more energetic. Can your country's horses also climb mountains and ridges, and can they also compare endurance with Dian Horses? Specialization has its own focus. In the eyes of those who know horses, such a horse is a good horse; in the eyes of those who don't, even a thousand-mile horse is useless to them. This is improper use by people, what does it have to do with the horse?"

Jin Zhiyu was made so awkward for the first time. This child's questions were very tricky. He couldn't answer them, nor could he refute them. After a long time, he forcibly replied: "Our horses can fight, they can go to battle with us and kill enemies. Can your cargo-carrying horses do that?"

Song Yunzhi found that the stubborn donkey was no longer impulsive, put down his arm, shrugged at Jin Zhiyu indifferently, looking particularly hateful: "Whatever, if you want to think that way, I can't help it."

He never played the lute to a cow.

It was just a sentence, just a sentence, but Jin Zhiyu suddenly felt like he had been hit hard. This feeling was too stifling. He rushed to Song Yunzhi with a surge of blood.

Chen Su quickly protected his disciple behind him: "Lord Jin, he's just a child!"