Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 2549: Chapter 2550: Return to Tianyun (116)

Su Yi Jing had no objection. He shouldered these responsibilities, so when Su Muchen called him, he agreed.

...

August twentieth.

The palace examination.

As the Assistant Minister of Rites, this palace exam was authorized by Su Muchen to be hosted by the Ministry of Rites. Previously, all eligible scholars participated in the palace exam together. Now, although it is just Su Xing alone, the grandeur of the palace exam remains unchanged.

Su Muchen and Su Yi Jing were already seated on the high platform. Because Su Yi Jing was not yet the King of Xiyun, Su Muchen sat in the main seat, while Su Yi Jing sat in the secondary seat.

Only the two of them were seated. The rest were either standing or kneeling.

Su Muchen glanced at Su Yi Jing and, seeing Su Yi Jing nod, he said to the Minister of Rites, ”You may begin.”

The Minister of Rites immediately shouted, ”Summon Huo Xiner to appear before His Majesty.”

Following the etiquette taught by Tao Chengyin, with her eyes downcast and head slightly bowed, Su Xing entered slowly until she knelt at the foot of the steps, kowtowed, and called loudly, ”Greetings to the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live forever.”

If the King of Xiyun were present, she would also say, ’Greetings to the King, long live the King,’ but unfortunately, the King wasn’t here. Otherwise, she would have met her father directly, and her mood would undoubtedly be even more excited.

Though her head was bowed, Su Xing still stealthily glanced at the people on the platform. Seeing Su Yi Jing sitting in the secondary seat as King Jing, who looked identical to her father Su Changyi, Su Xing couldn’t help but get excited, nearly crying out.

Of course, she became even more certain that the King of Tianyun was undoubtedly her biological father.

Su Muchen sat high on the platform, unaware of Su Xing’s thoughts as she knelt below. He simply said, ”This year, the palace exam is exceptional. In past years, many scholars would compete together. This year, it’s just you. I have discussed with King Jing, and you will be tested in horseback archery and weightlifting. As for military tactics, you may perform freely.”

In previous years, the palace exam didn’t include horseback archery and weightlifting because the county, provincial, and national exams already tested them. The palace exam focused on the application of military tactics, essentially how to deploy troops. Standing beside the Minister of Rites, Tao Chengyin broke into a sweat immediately, never anticipating that Su Muchen and Su Yi Jing would decide to test horseback archery and weightlifting on a whim.

Moreover, his eldest daughter-in-law hadn’t practiced horseback archery and weightlifting for a month. If she didn’t perform well in these two areas, what could be done?

Su Xing was also somewhat surprised, never expecting that horseback archery and weightlifting would be tested. However, she was not worried and loudly replied, ”Yes, Your Majesty.”

Below the steps, there was a large area already prepared with horses, bows, arrows, and targets.

Su Xing took the bow and arrows, slung them over her shoulder, and deftly mounted the horse. As she galloped swiftly, she released the reins, took the bow and three arrows, and released them simultaneously, perfectly hitting the bullseye of three targets a hundred paces away.

Before anyone could react, they saw Su Xing release another three arrows simultaneously, again hitting the bullseyes a hundred paces away; then another three, again hitting, with such rapid speed that it all seemed to happen in a blink.

Not only did all nine arrows hit the bullseye, but each set of three was released simultaneously, with remarkably fast speed. Su Muchen, upon realizing this, immediately exclaimed, ”Excellent!”

Su Yi Jing’s eyes also lit up, realizing that despite the youth of this year’s Martial Champion, she was truly extraordinary.

The civil and military officials were somewhat incredulous.

Especially Tao Chengyin. He had seen his eldest daughter-in-law train before, but she had never fired three arrows simultaneously. Unexpectedly, today she managed it, and all hit...