Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 2550: Chapter 2551: Return to Tianyun (117)

As soon as the horseback archery test was over, Su Xing dismounted and, holding her bow, knelt at the foot of the steps, ”Emperor, the horseback archery civilian woman has completed the test.”

”Good, good, good!” Su Muchen praised repeatedly. He had never witnessed such an exciting imperial exam. ”Proceed to the next round.”

”Yes, Emperor.” Only then did Su Xing get up and prepare for the second round, weightlifting.

There were several weights of stones, the heaviest being 350 jin. Su Xing took a deep breath before grabbing the 350 jin stone with both hands and lifting it high.

Everyone was astonished.

Not only did she lift it, but she also carried the stone to the foot of the steps before setting it down.

”Very good!” Once again, Su Muchen praised.

Tao Chengyin felt slightly relieved; the first two rounds were passed. The rest would depend on the fate of his eldest daughter-in-law.

The imperial exam proceeded to the third round, with tables and chairs already set below the steps. There were pens, ink, paper, and inkstones on the table, waiting for Su Xing to freely express herself, ’discussing military strategy on paper.’

Su Xing approached the table and chairs, first bowing to Su Muchen, the Emperor, before daring to sit down.

She did not immediately pick up the pen, but instead fell into deep thought. This free expression was far more difficult than a prompted essay.

Seeing her hesitating to write, everyone thought she was only skilled in physical abilities and knew nothing about military strategy.

Su Muchen also felt somewhat disappointed; the horseback archery and weightlifting had made him consider Huo Xiner a rare talent in a century, but when it came to military strategy...

Involuntarily, Su Muchen looked at the officials who had once overseen Huo Xiner’s exam, ”You all said she had the talent of a champion.”

The officials were instantly frightened and knelt down. If Huo Xiner did not pass the exam, they would be guilty of deceiving the Emperor! But the issue was that the previous exams included military theories, and now Huo Xiner was not writing a single word, really making their hearts hang in suspense.

Su Yi Jing said calmly, ”Do not worry, Emperor. The time is not yet up; whether she has the talent of a champion cannot be concluded yet.”

Upon hearing this, Su Muchen realized that Su Yi Jing had faith in Huo Xiner, and he smiled and nodded without saying more.

At this moment, Su Xing picked up the pen and began to write swiftly, transcribing a part of The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

Seeing Su Xing suddenly writing so quickly, like a burst of inspiration, Su Muchen could not help but rise, walk down the steps, and approach Su Xing to watch. After seeing just the first few lines she wrote, he was immediately enlightened, loudly announcing, ”Alright, you don’t need to write anymore. I now appoint you as the Martial Champion.”

Su Xing was bewildered; this was too fast, but she knelt down hurriedly to thank the Emperor for his grace.

”Emperor!” The courtiers were greatly surprised, thinking Su Muchen’s decision was too hasty. The exam was not even finished yet.

Tao Chengyin could not believe his ears.

Su Muchen ignored them and picked up the page Su Xing had just written, smiling toward Su Yi Jing on the stage, ”Prince Jing, come down and take a look; Huo Xiner is undoubtedly a military prodigy.”

Only then did Su Yi Jing come down, take the exam paper from Su Muchen’s hands, look at it, and his eyes also lit up. Then, he nodded and said, ”The Emperor is wise.”

King Jing had been renowned in the military camp as a god of war, not inferior to his father Su Changyi. Now that King Jing endorsed Su Muchen’s decision to appoint Huo Xiner as the Martial Champion, Huo Xiner was indeed a prodigy in military strategy.

Thus, all the officials knelt and shouted, ”The Emperor is wise.”

Su Xing was still a bit confused. At least wait until I finish writing; I’ve only written a few hundred words...