The young men whispered amongst themselves, their minds in turmoil.
You say losing a fight to a woman is a shameful thing, unprecedented. But to have them mock Fan Chongqing, they saw the battle with their own eyes, they couldn’t bring themselves to say it. They could only be thankful that it wasn’t them who went up against her.
This Third Girl Song was truly too formidable, she was downright terrifying.
The girls on the other side were much simpler. Each one was radiant, spirited, their cheeks flushed with a kind of exhilaration they’d never known before.
They surged to the edge of the platform, their cheers bordering on frenzy. If they hadn’t been unable to climb up, they would have been scrambling to jump onto the platform and embrace Third Girl Song.
“Third Girl Song, you’re amazing!”
“Zhaozhao, you’re my biological sister from now on!”
“You’re truly a master! My goodness, you’re so powerful!”
“From now on, anyone who looks down on women, let them think about this fight today! Anyone who dares to boast should first beat Fan Chongqing!”
Song Chuzhao, holding her spear, spun around, her heart pounding with excitement, unable to calm down.
On the border, there weren’t so many girls who would openly and boldly support her. Every time she finished a fight, she would inevitably be reprimanded. She never thought that in the capital, she would receive such adulation.
Song Chuzhao plunged her weapon into the ground and bowed to the crowd in a gesture of humility.
When she turned towards the young men, she saw faces filled with bewilderment and helplessness.
Gu Fengjian stood out, easily recognizable in the crowd. Song Chuzhao looked at him for a moment longer, raised her eyebrows, and gave him a bold, defiant smile. It was as if she was responding to what he had said yesterday.
Gu Fengjian smiled back, then raised his hand and clapped loudly.
The crisp sound of his applause made the surrounding crowd even more silent. Ji Yutang and the others looked around, hesitated for a moment, then decided, well, clap if you have to. After all, he was Fifth Son Gu.
It wasn’t like they were the ones who lost.
So, the applause began, sparse and hesitant.
A group of people were still hesitant.carpreads.pages.dev
Fan Chongqing saw this, and though the frown on his brow didn’t completely disappear, he turned to Song Chuzhao and made up for the courtesy he had missed earlier.
Seeing that Fan Chongqing wasn’t holding a grudge, and wasn’t a petty, stubborn man who couldn’t admit defeat, the group of martial artists, out of respect, bowed to the platform, acknowledging the outcome.
Tang Zhirou whispered, “They’re actually being sensible…”
The girls didn’t press their advantage, and the shouts gradually died down.
The tension between the two sides seemed to melt away like ice and snow, leaving only pure respect for strength and martial arts.
Song Chuzhao stood tall, a certain emptiness in her heart being filled at that moment. She opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but didn’t know how to express the pride in her heart, so she simply waved to the crowd, a small, light gesture of thanks for their affirmation.
How glorious!
Song Chuzhao spun around, and unexpectedly met Fu Changjun’s face, inches away, her expression freezing in surprise.
Fu Changjun crossed his arms, a slight smile playing on his lips, nodded slightly to her, then turned and jumped off the platform, returning to Tang Zhanglian’s side.
“Good!”
Tang Zhanglian clapped and laughed, his hearty laughter silencing the crowd.
“Truly worthy of being the heroes and heroines of our Great Liang! What a match, wasn’t it exciting to watch?”
Everyone agreed.
Tang Zhanglian smiled and said, “Third Girl Song won. According to the rules, she should be rewarded. However, the gift I prepared, I’m afraid Third Girl might not like it.”
Song Chuzhao said, “Your Majesty’s gift is an immense honor. How could I dare to be picky?”
“Third Girl Song is too kind,” Tang Zhanglian said excitedly. “Uncl… General Fu.”
Fu Changjun, guessing that the emperor was up to something, placed his hand on the sword at his waist and walked over to him.
Tang Zhanglian asked with a feigned look of worry, “General Fu, what do you think would be a good gift for Third Girl?”
Fu Changjun said, “You should ask Third Girl what she wants.”
Tang Zhanglian said, “I think the silver spear you always use is quite good.”
Song Chuzhao quickly said, “A gentleman does not take what others cherish. I…”
Tang Zhanglian waved his hand, interrupting her. “I’m not a gentleman, I’m an emperor. I think that gift is very good. General Fu, are you willing to part with it?”
Fu Changjun seemed to be helpless and nodded to the Imperial Insignia Guards standing nearby.
Soon, a man came forward carrying a long box.
The soldier opened the wooden box, revealing a long spear inside.
Everyone present was surprised. They hadn’t expected Tang Zhanglian to ask Fu Changjun to present his most precious spear.
What did this mean? It was hard to fathom.
Tang Zhanglian said, “Come here.”
Song Chuzhao jumped off the platform and stood in front of the steps, bowing and saluting him. Fan Chongqing also quickly jumped down and stood behind her.
Tang Zhanglian took the spear and walked towards Song Chuzhao step by step. Looking at the object in his hand, he sighed and said, “I still remember when my uncle carried me out of the palace, he relied on this spear. I only saw the silver dragon dance, blood staining the steps. From then on, I felt that this thing had a spirit, that it could bring peace.”
He stepped down from the platform and finally stood in front of Song Chuzhao, personally handing it to her. “This is an old object, but it’s a reminder. It’s been repaired over the years and hasn’t been damaged. The blade is new, so it can still be used for a while.”
Song Chuzhao didn’t understand. This weapon, with its smooth lines, exquisite craftsmanship, and every trace of wear revealing a chilling coldness, was clearly not an ordinary weapon as Tang Zhanglian described. Just one glance was enough to sense its extraordinary nature.
The gazes around her were too piercing, filled with scrutiny and investigation.
Song Chuzhao, who had never been afraid to fight, felt a little scared at this moment.
Song Chuzhao trembled as she reached out her hand. Before taking it, she mouthed a question, “What are you giving me this for?”
Tang Zhanglian smiled and silently replied, “Because I like you.”
Song Chuzhao was startled and wanted to withdraw her hand.
“I’m just kidding!” Tang Zhanglian laughed. “Take it!”
Song Chuzhao took the spear.
The spear was very heavy. When she held it, she almost dropped it without realizing. Fortunately, she managed to regain her grip and stand upright.
Tang Zhanglian laughed again and said, “You think too much. I only like someone like the Empress.”
Song Chuzhao: “…” You can say whatever you want. Fine, you win.
Tang Zhanglian flicked his sleeve, walked past her two steps, stopped in front of Fan Chongqing, and asked, “Fan-lang, are you unhappy?”
Fan Chongqing had already emerged from his tragic mood, straightened his chest and said, “I admit defeat. I was slightly inferior, I have nothing to say.”
Tang Zhanglian patted his shoulder, “Good! A man should be able to take a loss!”
Fan Chongqing: “…” Although he was praised, he didn’t know why, but he felt a little subtle…
Tang Zhanglian became serious and said, “Remember today’s lesson. Never underestimate your enemy on the battlefield. Whether it’s women and children, or the old and the young. You may be merciful, but they will not be lenient. Today’s match, I also think you lost fairly.”
Fan Chongqing: “Yes! This servant will remember!”
Tang Zhanglian: “Alright, you two can go now.”
Tang Zhanglian saw that everyone was excited, so he stayed and spoke a few more words before preparing to leave.
He had to leave early today so he could return to the palace before nightfall.
Everyone used their last bit of patience to maintain their solemnity and saw him off. As soon as he left, they immediately became as noisy as a boiling pot.
A group of men hooked their arms around Fan Chongqing’s neck, pressed him to the ground, and teased him with laughter. Fan Chongqing let out a cry of pain, telling them to get off. They didn’t stop, instead, they continued to be boisterous. Even Ji Yutang and the others found it amusing and joined in.
Fan Chongqing shouted loudly, “Fifth Brother,” but his Fifth Brother didn’t pay any attention to him.
Song Chuzhao was surrounded by a group of people, walking aimlessly forward. She could only catch a few key phrases from the chaotic conversation around her, and she repeatedly said, “Where did you hear that? I don’t know anything about the martial world. No, my master isn’t some kind of strange person. There are indeed techniques, but they’re not what you think… Slaying demons and exorcising evil spirits, that’s definitely not possible!”
“Everyone has their own strengths, you have your own strengths too.”
“How could we not? It’s just that you haven’t realized it, or haven’t looked for it. Besides, what is your definition of ‘display’?”
Song Chuzhao’s voice faded, and she noticed Gu Fengjian approaching from the corner of her eye, stopping not far away. The girls laughed twice, not wanting to disturb them, and pushed each other aside, moving away on their own.
Song Chuzhao carried the heavy box and ran over, showing it off, “Look!”
Gu Fengjian laughed and said, “You’re really amazing, even Fourth Brother was stunned by you. He said that if he had the chance, he would come and compete with you next time.”
“Tell him to come on! I’m bored from lack of practice, I’ll definitely accompany him.” Song Chuzhao said loudly, then added timidly, “Just don’t tell my family.”
Gu Fengjian chuckled, “Master He wouldn’t hold it against you. He would brag about you to anyone, if he knew you received the Emperor’s reward, he would be proud of you.”
Song Chuzhao whispered, “It’s not my grandfather I’m afraid of.”
Gu Fengjian leaned closer and whispered, “But your mother, she should be afraid that Master He wouldn’t be happy.”
Song Chuzhao felt like a sudden enlightenment, her eyes lit up and she said, “That makes sense!”
These people really forced her to become lawless.
Gu Fengjian helped her carry the box, Song Chuzhao’s arms were empty, and she remembered this, hesitatingly said, “But this spear seems very important, is it really okay for me to take it?”
“Since it’s from the Emperor, there must be a reason.” Gu Fengjian said, “General Fu was willing to give it to you, which means he agreed to the Emperor’s proposal. He rarely uses this spear now, giving it to you to keep you safe, it should be fine. You don’t need to decline anymore.”
Song Chuzhao sighed inwardly, feeling guilty, and asked, “Should I go thank him?”
“It would be appropriate, indeed.” Gu Fengjian said, “Unfortunately, he’s already left.”
Fu Changjun had been staying by Tang Zhanglian’s side, Song Chuzhao couldn’t find a chance to thank him.
Gu Fengjian said, “Go back home first today. I’ll take you to the government office to find him another day.”
Song Chuzhao nodded and went with him to the carriage.