Chapter Twenty-Two: Yan Qing Makes His Move (Two Updates Complete; Monthly Tickets Welcome)

As the sun approached noon, time slipped by unnoticed, more than half an hour passing swiftly.

The game of Jiju in Yuanbi City was at its peak. No one had expected such a group of young novices to produce such an exciting spectacle. Mai Zizhong’s Jiju team, already renowned in Chang’an, was considered the best among their peers.

Yet, in today’s match, they were unexpectedly scored against twice by an impromptu team.

At first, those two goals seemed the result of Zheng Yanqing’s successful provocation. But even after Mai Zizhong regained his composure, the situation barely changed—a testament to Zheng Yanqing’s side’s effective strategy.

Before the match began, Zheng Yanqing and his companions had deliberately created a false impression, making it seem that the team revolved around Yanqing himself.

Thus, when Mai Zizhong settled down, he instinctively targeted Zheng Yanqing as his main adversary.

Not only was Mai Zizhong restrained by Yanqing, but two other retainers on his team were also drawn in by him.

This gave Pei Xingyan and the others a numerical advantage in certain areas.

Mai Zizhong had scored three times, a remarkable feat, but Pei Xingyan’s team, relying on individual skill, scored four times.

When Mai Zizhong realized this, he found himself trailing by one goal.

“Keep your eyes glued to Zheng Yanqing. Cut off his connection with the others. No matter what he does, just follow him,” Mai Zizhong gritted his teeth as he ordered one of his retainers.

He had come to understand that Zheng Yanqing was a paper tiger—aside from his accurate strikes, his other skills were lacking. Assigning someone to shadow him would render Yanqing essentially useless. Meanwhile, his own team’s coordination was superior; as long as he maintained composure and avoided mistakes, victory was only a matter of time.

Sure enough, once Mai Zizhong stopped focusing on Yanqing and rejoined his own team’s efforts, Pei Xingyan and company lost their numerical edge. Jiju was not only about individual skill but also teamwork.

Though Pei Xingyan was physically stronger than Mai Zizhong, facing Mai’s well-coordinated team soon turned into a solo struggle for him. Although they managed to score two more goals, Mai Zizhong’s side caught up by six goals, overtaking them.

Yang Guang was smug, “See? I told you that young master Zheng couldn’t beat Mai Zizhong.”

Empress Xiao ceased smiling and pouted, “That young master doesn’t seem skilled at Jiju… Everyone else can fight well, but none match Mai Zizhong’s seamless teamwork. Your Majesty, it looks like I’ve lost this time.”

“Ha ha ha!” Yang Guang burst out laughing.

Among the nobles watching, some beamed while others frowned.

“They’ve been divided by Mai Zizhong… Uncle Dexian, his skills don’t seem outstanding, and the others can’t coordinate. At this rate, they’ll be defeated soon,” Changsun Sheng said gloomily.

In contrast, Dou Wei appeared relaxed, “Yanqing couldn’t play Jiju before; if it weren’t for that old fish’s meddling, why would he agree to face Mai Zizhong? But this kid’s not bad—only fifty days from no skill to this level, forcing Mai Zizhong’s team into such trouble… Ha, even if Yanqing loses, it’s an honorable defeat.”

Li Yuan exchanged a glance with Changsun Sheng and suddenly said, “That old Fish Marshal truly hasn’t lost his childish spirit.”

“Since he enjoys the spectacle so much, I won’t let him comfortably claim victory,” Changsun Sheng cleared his throat twice, set Changsun Wugou aside, and stood.

“Father, where are you going?” Changsun Wugou tugged at his clothes, curious.

“I’m going to speak with your Uncle Yu… Guanyin, be a good girl and stay here with your mother. Uncle De, let’s go together.”

Li Yuan smiled, “Perfectly agreeable.”

The two quickly reached the spot where Yu Juluo stood along the city wall path.

“Old Fish Marshal.”

Yu Juluo was beaming at Mai Zizhong’s victory. Hearing someone call him, he turned and hurried to stand.

“Ji Sheng, Uncle De, what brings you here?”

“Hmph… We’re here to settle scores!” Changsun Sheng said as he sat down. Yu Juluo hastily sent his son to fetch wine and invited Li Yuan to sit, then curiously asked, “Ji Sheng, what scores?”

Before Changsun Sheng could answer, a sudden cheer arose.

In the arena, Zheng Yanqing suddenly spurred his horse forward. Meanwhile, Pei Xingyan, having finally seized the wooden ball in his own rear court, quickly struck it toward Zheng Yanqing.

The large ball flew through the air at great speed.

Pei Xingyan’s pass was as precise as a long-range football pass, aimed directly at Zheng Yanqing.

Zheng Yanqing urged his horse forward, accelerating toward the ball.

At this moment, Mai Zizhong and his team crowded together, sensing danger, shouting loudly, “Stop him, stop him!”

The retainers were alarmed by Yanqing’s speed.

Suddenly, one kicked off his stirrups, leapt up, and swung his black Jiju staff fiercely toward the back of Zheng Yanqing’s head. Had it connected, it could have crushed his skull. Women watching from the city walls gasped in shock.

The woman standing beneath the Pei family’s banner looked especially tense.

“Zheng Yanqing, watch out behind you.”

Yanqing knew the retainer intended foul play, yet he did not stop. Hooking his feet into the stirrups, he sprang up on horseback, moving as one with his mount. Twisting and turning, he swung his staff backhanded.

With a loud crack, the red and black staffs collided, and the retainer’s staff snapped.

“Charge him down!” Mai Zizhong roared. His retainer discarded the broken staff and lunged forward.

After breaking the opponent’s staff, Zheng Yanqing turned with the momentum. As the retainer charged, Yanqing kicked off one stirrup, his body leaving the saddle as if about to fly off, while his empty staff struck the wooden ball.

Remarkably, one foot remained hooked in the stirrup.

Had he fallen, he might have been dragged to death by his horse—a common hazard in Jiju battles.

Changsun Sheng and others leaned against the battlements, peering anxiously.

On the walls of Xuanwu Gate, Yang Guang and Empress Xiao rose, watching the unfolding scene with tension.

In an instant, after striking the ball, Zheng Yanqing discarded his staff and slapped the ground fiercely with one hand. The rough earth tore at his palm, leaving it bloody and raw. Using this force, his body sprang upward. Twisting, the horse Jade Hoof also sensed danger, abruptly halting and turning sideways. The two forces intertwined; Yanqing grabbed the horse’s neck with one arm, twisted, and regained his seat.

Shouts of surprise and then cheers erupted from the walls.

Settled once more, Yanqing looked down at his burning pain-filled palm, the blood stark and alarming.

“It scored… it scored,” came the clear, youthful voice of Changsun Wugou. Zheng Yanqing’s strike had sent the wooden ball into Mai Zizhong’s goal.

Yanqing gasped for breath, but his face shone with a radiant smile.

Mai Zizhong reined his horse, staring at Zheng Yanqing in disbelief. Suddenly, he placed his staff across his saddle and applauded Yanqing.

Even a rival could not help but admire such a brilliant goal.

Spurring forward, he pointed at Yanqing, “Zheng Yanqing, no matter who wins or loses today, I must say, you’re a true warrior.”

Zheng Yanqing returned no provocation, merely bowing slightly on horseback, pressing his injured hand to his chest in salute.

There was no need for provocation now.

At that moment, cheers and gasps echoed from the city walls.

Yang Guang laughed, shaking his head, “Zitong, this young master has many tricks—he even uses Turkic customs.”

Empress Xiao smiled quietly, “Such a strange boy at such a young age. Who knows how many maidens he’ll captivate when he grows up.”

The Sixteenth Consort also chuckled.

But though the score was tied, Zheng Yanqing’s team faced a grave crisis.

His injured hand could no longer hold the staff, making it impossible to continue effectively. Having been scored against twice, the game was now tied nine to nine, yet Yanqing could not go on.

“Brother, can you still hold on?” Xue Shou urged, riding over, frowning at Yanqing’s mangled hand.

Jiju required both hands—one to control the horse, the other to wield the staff. Though the staff could be swung with either hand, one hand had to steer the mount. Judging by Yanqing’s injuries, it was doubtful he could continue.

Yanqing gritted his teeth in pain. Forget gripping the staff, even moving his palm caused stabbing agony.

“Master Zheng, shall I take your place?”

Dòu Xiàowén, who had been silently watching, suddenly spoke.

“You?” Xue Wanche’s face darkened. “Though Yanqing lacks skill, he’s accurate and an expert rider. You can’t play Jiju, and your riding is barely beginner level. Even if you went in, what good would it do? Go away.”

Dòu Xiàowén flushed and lowered his head, silent.

In the academy, he ruled supreme. But here—Yuanbi City, the imperial capital—anyone could be crushed like an ant. Had Zheng Yanqing not accepted him, Xue Wanche wouldn’t even speak to him. Crossing Xue Wanche meant trouble.

“Old Dou, help me dismount!”

Yanqing then left the field, helped down by Dòu Xiàowén.

Jade Hoof, sensing his master’s injury, pressed his large head against Yanqing’s side, eyes filled with concern. If this beast were sentient, it might surpass humans. When it was a foal, Yanqing once bit its ear, forming a bond. Perhaps this was fate.

“Mother, is brother unable to continue?” Changsun Wugou tugged at Gao Furen’s sleeve, worried.

Yanqing’s earlier fall had startled the noblewoman, leaving her pale.

“It seems so. Brother is hurt.”

“Does brother hurt?” Wugou asked.

Gao Furen forced a smile, embracing Wugou, “No pain. See, brother is fine, Guanyin isn’t sad.”

At that moment, Zheng Yanqing pulled Xue Wanche, Pei Xingyan, and others aside, whispering.

Then he called Dòu Xiàowén over and whispered into his ear. Dòu Xiàowén’s dark face brightened with excitement.

Though reluctant, Xue Wanche and Pei Xingyan nodded.

Turning, Yanqing approached Mai Zizhong, “For the last goal, we’ll substitute.”

“Heh, whether you substitute or not, Zheng Yanqing… you’re doomed to lose!” Mai Zizhong sneered.

Yanqing chuckled, “General, no one knows the outcome until the last moment. Let’s wait and see!”

He patted Dòu Xiàowén’s shoulder firmly.

“Yuanqing, protect Old Dou!”

Who was this fellow?

Mai Zizhong didn’t recognize Dòu Xiàowén. Hearing Yanqing’s confident tone, he felt a chill.

A master? A secret weapon?

Not just Mai Zizhong, but all watchers were puzzled.

Yu Juluo was pulled aside by Changsun Sheng and Li Yuan, joining Dou Wei.

“Old Dou, who is this dark-faced one?”

Dou Wei was also curious. He knew Dòu Xiàowén had joined the team but didn’t know much about him.

Feigning mystery, Dou Wei said, “That’s my clan grandson.”

“Oh…”

Yu Juluo nodded.

Meanwhile, Dòu Xiàowén remounted, flanked by Pei Xingyan and others, entering the field.

Yu Juluo looked around nervously.

He had bet a year’s salary on Mai Zizhong’s victory… If Dòu Xiàowén was indeed Yanqing’s secret weapon, trouble lay ahead.

Scratching his graying head, Yu Juluo suddenly dashed to the wall’s edge and shouted, “Mai Zi, lock onto that guy… he’s from Old Dou’s family…”

Almost simultaneously, Changsun Sheng, Li Yuan, and Pei Renji rushed forward.

Li Yuan covered Yu Juluo’s mouth from behind, Changsun Sheng hugged his body, and Pei Renji grabbed his legs. Together, they dragged Yu Juluo aside. Yang Guang saw this and laughed heartily.

“Old Yu bet on this?”

“Your Majesty, Old Fish Marshal wagered a year’s salary on Young Master Mai winning.”

Empress Xiao covered her mouth, giggling, “No wonder. If Old Fish Marshal loses, next year won’t be easy.”

“That old fellow…”

Yang Guang’s eyes spun as he pondered.

Inside Yuanbi City, Mai Zizhong’s heart skipped.

Was this Old Fish Marshal’s way of warning him that this guy was a master?

Conflicted, Mai Zizhong muttered doubts.

“Keep your eyes on that guy. You all cover Pei Xingyan and the others. Don’t let them score again.”

The retainers responded in unison and scattered.

Yanqing heard Yu Juluo’s shout, glanced up at the wall, a cunning smile flickering in his eyes.

Old Fish Marshal, you’re quite the collaborator…

The match resumed, both sides fiercely entangled, cautious yet ready to strike decisively.

All tactics were employed.

The battle grew brutal from the start. Pei Xingyan’s robe was torn to shreds; Xue Wanche, Xu Shiji, Shen Guang and others were battered. Even the usually well-groomed Xue Shou appeared disheveled.

Mai Zizhong seemed off.

This supposed master showed little initiative. Despite opportunities, Pei Xingyan and others withheld the ball. Dòu Xiàowén merely circled the battlefield on horseback like a spectator.

What was going on?

As Mai Zizhong hesitated, unsure whether to abandon Dòu Xiàowén or keep shadowing him, Pei Xingyan snatched the wooden ball from a retainer, swung his staff, and sent it flying toward Dòu Xiàowén.

A true master was seeking an opening!

Relieved, Mai Zizhong spurred forward to regain control before Dòu Xiàowén.

But Dòu Xiàowén ignored the ball’s trajectory, blocking Mai Zizhong’s path.

At the same time, Xu Shiji charged from the rear, seizing the ball.

“Stop that guy!” Mai Zizhong shouted as a retainer lunged at Xu Shiji.

Xu Shiji ignored him, lifting and striking the ball sideways toward Xue Wanche.

This left Pei Xingyan exposed.

Seeing the danger, Mai Zizhong prepared to abandon Dòu Xiàowén and block Pei Xingyan.

Just then, Zheng Yanqing shouted from the sidelines, “Third Brother Xue, pass the ball to Old Dou!”

Without hesitation, Xue Wanche struck the ball.

Mai Zizhong quickly changed course, charging at Dòu Xiàowén.

But Dòu Xiàowén ignored the ball, charging straight at Mai Zizhong.

Shen Guang, who had never been scored against, suddenly appeared from nowhere, striking the ball sideways. This pass landed perfectly before Pei Xingyan.

Mai Zizhong cried out, “No!”

These young nobles were sly… This Dòu Xiàowén couldn’t play Jiju, yet he distracted everyone. Pei Xingyan was left unguarded. If he seized the ball, victory was within reach.

Furious, Mai Zizhong shouted curses at Zheng Yanqing’s cunning and spurred his horse toward Pei Xingyan.

As for Dòu Xiàowén, he did as he pleased.

Pei Xingyan’s fiery horse and Mai Zizhong’s black steed charged like twin lightning toward the ball.

Ignoring Mai Zizhong’s fierce attack, Pei Xingyan paid no mind.

Mai Zizhong was about to seize the ball first when someone shouted, “Young Master Sun, watch out!”

Mai Zizhong turned to see Dòu Xiàowén charging, arms wrapped around his horse’s neck.

Mai Zizhong tried to dodge but was too late.

With a crash and the horses screaming, Mai Zizhong’s black steed was knocked to the ground by Dòu Xiàowén’s mount.

Mai Zizhong’s leg was trapped under the horse, while Dòu Xiàowén’s mount went wild, galloping madly after Dòu Xiàowén struck its rump with his staff.

The horse had gone mad!

Mai Zizhong lay sprawled on the ground as Pei Xingyan easily advanced, striking the ball into the goal.

“You’re cheating…”

As Dòu Xiàowén controlled his mount and dismounted pale-faced, Mai Zizhong was pulled free from under the horse.

He charged at Dòu Xiàowén, grabbing his collar and roaring, “Fatty, haven’t you heard the saying ‘All’s fair in war’? Didn’t you?”

Amid the crowd’s cheers, Xue Wanche stepped forward, separating the two, grinning, “You lost today because you’re too stupid! You couldn’t see such a simple tactic and still dared to play Jiju?”

Mai Zizhong’s face turned ashen.

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Eight thousand words done!!!!!!!!!!