The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 766: Chapter 766: Dragon Boat Racing on Dragon Boat Festival

While Song Ci and Princess Anping were chatting leisurely, more and more people gathered on both sides of the canal to watch the race, and the seats of the noble families were also filled.

At that moment, a burst of commotion arose.

Song Ci looked over and saw the Imperial Army clearing the path, ensuring a secure route to the imperial throne, with high alertness.

Oh, the big BOSS of Qing Country is making an entrance.

Indeed, as a figure dressed in bright yellow, surrounded by high officials, appeared, everyone stood up in unison, respectfully welcoming the Emperor, chanting ”Long live!” three times.

Emperor Chu said some official words, something about hoping for good weather this year, and enjoying this festival with the people, among other things.

Song Ci secretly wondered if Lord Qu Yuan knew that the day he patriotically sacrificed himself by drowning had turned into a holiday, would he jump out of the river in anger to join in the fun.

After the speech, the Minister of Rites hosted the opening, and Princess Anping told Song Ci she would head back to her seat and would invite her to the mansion to chat in the future.

Song Ci nodded with a smile, watching the princess leave before sitting down.

”In life, things don’t go as planned more often than not. Even those as noble as a princess cannot avoid mundane realities. That’s the way it is.”

Nanny, hearing her sigh, strongly agreed.

Song Ci didn’t say much more, instead looking down at the canal, but even as she squinted, she couldn’t make out the shape of the dragon boats, let alone the racers in their various team uniforms.

Old folks and their cataracts, what a hindrance.

Song Ci made a complaint and silently looked towards the newly promoted maid Chun Fen beside her, extending her hand.

Fortunately, she had come prepared.

Chun Fen untied a pouch from her waist and took out an odd-looking item, handing it to her.

It’s said this thing is called a telescope, and it allows you to see distant things.

Song Ci took it, toyed with it for a moment; it was a good item she had procured from Xiazhi Foreign Trading Company, just like those in the Western world back in the centuries past, a straight tube.

She raised it to her left eye, enjoying the view of the dragon boats first. There were eight dragon boats in total, each crafted with great precision, painted in various colors, but each one had the Great Qing flag on the dragon’s head and team emblems on the dragon’s tail.

As for the racers, they were all nobles, their ages ranging in the late teens to twenties, never exceeding thirty.

Song Ci held the telescope, trying to spot Song Lingzhao among the many young men, but there were too many people.

”Second Brother is on the sixth.”

Song Lingzhou, with sharp eyes, quickly spotted Song Lingzhao.

Song Ci immediately found the sixth boat, and sure enough, there he was, wearing a sapphire blue short robe, with a matching cloth tied on his head, showing off his muscular arms, looking very spirited.

”This kid is in good shape, doesn’t appear weak among the group of young men.” Song Ci handed the telescope to Nanny, indicating for her to take a look as well.

Nanny took it, glanced through, and said with a smile, ”I heard for this competition, the second Young Master has been up at dawn to practice martial arts and stamina.”

”Isn’t that true, but he doesn’t seem as diligent with his studies.” Jiang also stepped over, joining the conversation, her tone dismissive, but her smile broad and her eyes brimming with pride.

Due to regular martial arts practice, Song Lingzhao had grown taller rapidly in the past two years, even half a head taller than his twin brother, and had developed a very sturdy physique.

There was unintended meaning in these words, yet it resonated with the listener. Song Ci felt a strange sense pass through her heart, before she could ponder it, the sound of drums and gongs filled the air, signaling the start of the pre-race performance.

The dragon boat dance.