Su Liang was very calm about Duanmu Ao's unconcealable hostility.
What can be done to her in broad daylight?
Su Liang glanced to the side and behind, and Xiao Muyun happened to see her too. His eyes lit up and he was about to come over.
Su Liang: ...This guy must not do anything in public, it’s so annoying!
The next moment, a familiar figure appeared next to Xiao Muyun, and he didn't know what he said to him.
Xiao Muyun frowned, turned and left.
Su Liang turned around and saw Duanmu Chen with a smile on his face. His eyes swept over her side. Following the crown prince and the second prince, he walked to the spectator seats next to the competition stage, which were reserved for the royal family and nobles to rest and watch the competition.
It was Chang'an who had just sent Xiao Muyun away in time.
Su Liang knew that Duanmu Chen didn't want her to be entangled with Xiao Muyun again, so she helped.
The princes and princesses have already taken their seats in the spectator seats.
The young man sitting in the center has similar features to Duanmu Ao, but is thinner. He is Duanmu Sheng, the crown prince of Qian Kingdom.
The second prince and the fourth prince Su Liang recognized each other, so the other man in the wheelchair was the fifth prince Duanmu Che whom Su Liang wanted to see.
Duanmu Che's appearance was the most outstanding among them, but his complexion was pale and weak, and he looked in very poor health, which reminded Su Liang of the Xing Yusheng he first met.
The Sixth Princess Duanmu Qianqian has gorgeous clothes, exquisite makeup, and a skin as white as jade, giving her a "golden branch and jade leaf" style.
"Fourth brother advised my father yesterday and changed the rules of martial arts. I should thank you." Duanmu Sheng looked at Duanmu Chen, who was sitting on the right, with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
Duanmu Chen's expression remained as usual, "The prince and the emperor are serious in their words. They are all for the purpose of selecting talents for the country of Qian. They don't dare to take credit."
The prince was in charge of the martial arts competition this time, so Duanmu Chen bypassed him and went directly to the emperor to make suggestions. Duanmu Sheng was naturally dissatisfied.
Whether openly or secretly, Duanmu Chen, who has risen to prominence in recent years and has been reused many times, is Duanmu Sheng's biggest competitor.
Although Duanmu Sheng occupies the status of the direct eldest son, his name is justified.
But their father was not the eldest son at first, but he eventually took the throne.
Therefore, Duanmu Chen is definitely not without a chance.
Especially after solving the iron ore smuggling case, he became more favored, and in the eyes of officials and people of the Qian Kingdom, he has become the most talented among the princes.
Hearing Duanmu Chen's words, Duanmu Sheng's smile became even fainter, "Father, the Emperor is busy with everything. Since you have left the martial arts examination to me, if my fourth brother has any ideas, just contact me directly."
Duanmu Chen knew very well that this statement meant something bad, but his expression did not change. He just smiled and said, "I will definitely do it next time."
Duanmu Ao was unceremonious, "Fourth brother, mind your own business and don't stretch your hands so long!"
Duanmu Chen frowned, "Thank you, Second Emperor Brother, for your warning. I'll remember it. I wonder if Second Emperor Brother is in good health? Miss Nian Si has performed brilliantly in this martial arts competition. I have to congratulate Second Emperor Brother first."
Duanmu Ao's face darkened when he heard this, "I'm fine! You don't need to worry about me!"
Duanmu Chen looked at it, Duanmu Ao was clearly hurt by what he said, and became angry and excited. It seemed that Su Liang was really cruel!
Duanmu Chen was secretly happy in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He took the initiative to apologize, "I was the one who talked too much. Brother Erhuang, please calm down."
Duanmu Sheng asked Duanmu Ao, "Second brother, don't you like Miss Nian Si?"
Duanmu Chen narrowed his eyes and wanted to laugh. He almost forgot that Nian Ruxue was originally the concubine that Duanmu Sheng wanted to marry. After going around and around, she was given the marriage to Duanmu Ao.
It wasn't a big deal at first, but when Ruxue became famous in martial arts and showed off her talents, could Duanmu Sheng be happy?
Duanmu Ao was in a bad mood and did not notice Duanmu Sheng's displeasure. He snorted and said, "How could I not be satisfied with the marriage granted by my father?"
He looked like he didn't want it but couldn't help it.
The sixth princess, Duanmu Qianqian, noticed something was wrong in the atmosphere and quickly said with a smile, "Brother Prince, is it time to start the martial arts competition?"
Duanmu Chen casually glanced at Duanmu Che, who was sitting next to him as quietly as a sculpture, and looked away.
There were several rounds of open and covert attacks between the princes, but the people outside the spectator seats saw that the royal brothers were smiling and chatting, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Duanmu Sheng signaled, "Let's get started."
The thirty-six advanced warriors all stood on the competition stage, and lots were drawn on the spot to determine the grouping and order.
The dark-colored outfit Su Liang wore today was specially made for her by the embroidery lady of the Yan family in the capital. It was tailored to fit, low-key and exquisite.
Duanmu Sheng's eyes fell on Su Liang and asked Duanmu Chen, "Is that Miss Su Liang?"
Duanmu Chen was stunned for a moment, as if he had just come to his senses. He looked at the competition stage for a while, nodded and said, "There are only two women, and Miss Nian Si has not been seen. This one must be Miss Su. She is wearing black clothes, almost...
Did not see it."
He looked like he had just met Su Liang for the first time today.
Duanmu Sheng chuckled, "I heard that this Miss Su has been living in her hometown in Bei'an County since she left Beijing two years ago. I remember that the fourth brother went to Bei'an County to investigate the case years ago, and he also lived with the seventh son of the Xunyang Ning family who had been living abroad.
We are sworn brothers and sisters, and now Na Ningjing is the head of the Nian family. I thought you had known each other for a long time."
As soon as Duanmu Chen heard this, he knew that Duanmu Sheng had been watching his whereabouts, and his expression did not change. "Because of the imperial examination, I met Ningjing in Bei'an County. I knew that he had a foster sister, but I never saw him."
But Duanmu Chen would not admit it. If Ning Jing and Su Liang succeed in civil and military examinations respectively, but they are regarded as being with him, it will not be a good thing for him.
Cooperation in secret must be done openly, as this is also a way to hide one's strength.
"Did Miss Su's grandfather kill the second emperor's wife? This matter..." Duanmu Qianqian seemed to suddenly remember this matter and hesitated to speak.
Duanmu Sheng sighed, "Every injustice has its own owner, and every debt has its owner. That matter has nothing to do with Miss Su."
Duanmu Qianqian smiled and said, "The prince and the second emperor are so generous, otherwise she would not have the chance to stand here and participate in the martial arts competition."
Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Qianqian did not say it unintentionally. She had a crush on Nian Jincheng and had always had a good relationship with Nian Ruxue. Naturally, she didn't like Su Liang stealing Nian Ruxue's limelight.
"Why hasn't Xue'er come yet? Don't let anything happen. She is the one who gets the most attention in this martial arts competition." Duanmu Qianqian didn't see Nian Ruxue, and looked a little worried.
As soon as he finished speaking, Nian Ruxue stepped forward.
Duanmu Chen secretly observed Duanmu Sheng and Duanmu Ao, one was unwilling and the other was proud, although neither was obvious.
Interesting... Duanmu Chen secretly made up his mind to "guarantee" that Nian Ruxue would marry Duanmu Ao without causing any complications.
When everyone arrived, the drawing of lots began.
Qualifying is a points race.
A total of ten rounds are performed.
In each round, lots are drawn to determine one-to-one groups. The winner gets one point and the loser gets zero points.
If two people are drawn to the same group after having already played against each other before and decided the winner, the previous loser will choose to play again or admit defeat directly.
After ten rounds, the six with the lowest points will be eliminated, and the top 30 will be awarded the title of martial arts practitioner.
The top ten will advance to the finals to compete for the top three.
The challenge competition added later can reduce the element of luck in the drawing of groups in martial arts competitions and ensure fairness.
Thirty-six people, each round will conduct eighteen competitions.
Just as the lottery was about to begin, Duanmu Sheng suddenly said, "Give the No. 1 card to Miss Su Liang."
Su Liang was speechless when she was suddenly called. It felt like these people were all here to see her perform. Because she was a woman, she had to start the show.
But it only goes to the top of the order, and the others are not affected.
Su Liang took one of the two No. 1 cards, and the other one who drew the No. 1 card was her opponent.
After the drawing of lots, the groups were formed. Su Liang's opponent was a fair and thin boy.
She heard Qi Yan mention this person. He was the grandson of the old doctor Gao whom she had met in the Duke's Palace of Qin. His name was Gao Jiabao. Because he was born weak and sick, he specially hired a master to learn martial arts for him. Although his foundation was poor, his understanding was excellent.
The opponent in this martial arts competition needs Su Liang's attention.
Nian Ruxue ranked tenth.
Su Liang didn't bring any weapons with him. After identifying his opponent, Ning Jing said something to Xing Yusheng.
Soon, Qi Yan ran away, went to Ning Jing and Su Liang's carriage, and brought Su Liang a pair of maces.
Duanmu Chen didn't expect Su Liang to change weapons after a fight, and others found it strange.
Generally, warriors are best at one weapon and won't easily switch to other weapons.
The slender Su Liang stood on the competition stage holding two maces, which seemed quite inconsistent at first glance.
Gao Jiabao's weapon is a long whip.
The competition is about to begin.
Duanmu Chen looked at Duanmu Che, as if he just wanted to find a topic to avoid neglecting him, and asked with an unintentional smile, "Who do you think the fifth brother will win in this match?"
Duanmu Che stared at the figure in black on the competition stage, lightly opened his thin lips, and asked, "What do the Four Emperors think?"
Duanmu Chen smiled, "I hope Miss Su wins."
Duanmu Che's voice did not fluctuate at all, "That depends on whether she really has this ability."
…
Gao Jiabao was often ridiculed by some men who considered themselves masculine because of his fair skin, short stature and the use of a whip as a weapon.
But when his long whip is waved and the wind blows, no one will treat him as a weak and sick child.
The competition began, and Su Liang and Gao Jiabao quickly fought against each other.
Because the two weapons in this scene are uncommon and very different, the audience found them quite interesting.
In the previous competition, no matter what weapon Gao Jiabao's opponent used, he would eventually be entangled in his whip and snatched away. This was also his unique skill.
But Su Liang held weapons in both hands, and Gao Jiabao could only choose to deal with one.
After several trials, the mace in Su Liang's right hand was caught by the whip.
Gao Jiabao pulled hard, but Su Liang didn't try hard to break away or give up the weapon. Instead, he was led by the whip and approached Gao Jiabao!
Gao Jiabao's expression changed, and when he was about to take the whip back, Su Liang was already in front of him, and in turn used his mace to wrap the whip tighter.
If he wants to hide, he has to give up the whip.
Gao Jiabao was unwilling to give up. After receiving a blow from Su Liang, the two of them were pulled into a close fight by the entangled weapons.
Gao Jiabao has excellent adaptability. Although he is passive, he can still avoid Su Liang's attacks and keeps trying to separate the weapons. Otherwise, he can only defend and it will be difficult to attack Su Liang again.
"People should not be judged by their appearance. The grandson of Dr. Gao is very capable." Duanmu Chen said.
Duanmu Che stared at Su Liang, pursed his thin lips tightly and said nothing.
Ning Jing's eyes swept across Duanmu Che's face, pinched Zheng'er's face, and said something in his ear.
From the crowd that was watching the battle quietly, a child's tender and clear voice suddenly sounded, "Auntie, I'm hungry!"
Hearing this, Su Liang no longer wanted to fight, and suddenly gave up the trump card in his right hand. Gao Jiabao was unprepared and took two steps back due to inertia.
Su Liang's eyes were calm, and he accelerated his offensive, pressing forward step by step!
Gao Jiabao, who had not yet deployed his whip, fell back continuously, unable to fight back.
Finally, when we arrived at the edge of the competition arena, the whip could finally be used. Before Gao Jiabao could raise his hand, Su Liang's mace hit him hard between the eyebrows!
Duanmu Sheng sat up straight, and many in the audience held their breath!
What Su Liang used was not the wooden mace that Ning Jing made for her, but one that he later found someone to cast with dark iron. If she hit it this time, she would be dead or disabled.
When he was about to hit Gao Jiabao on the head, Su Liang stopped and asked calmly, "Can you admit defeat?"
Gao Jiabao nodded, "I admit defeat."
Su Liang stopped and turned around to pick up another weapon.
"In the first game of the first round, Su Liang wins, one point!" the commander shouted.
Gao Jiabao breathed a long sigh of relief, wrapped his whip around his arm, and got off the stage.
After practicing martial arts for many years, he encountered an opponent with two-handed weapons for the first time. He was suppressed and beaten by Su Liang almost the whole time, and he deeply realized that his best weapon had great weaknesses.
Duanmu Qianqian smiled and said, "Miss Su is really powerful! However, she uses two weapons by herself. Isn't it a bit unfair to the warrior who only uses one weapon? I don't understand. What does the prince and the emperor think?"
Duanmu Sheng looked at Duanmu Chen, "What do the Fourth Emperors think?"
Duanmu Chen smiled, turned around and asked Duanmu Che, "What do you think, fifth brother?"
Duanmu Che watched Su Liang walk down the competition stage, and naturally handed over his mace to a young man with outstanding appearance and cool temperament. He hugged a pink and jade-like child from the side and rubbed his little one with a smile.
brain...
"Fifth brother?" Duanmu Chen called again.
Duanmu Che looked away and said calmly, "If Sixth Sister feels it's unfair, you can ask the Crown Prince to stipulate that every warrior will use two-handed weapons in the future. The fight will be more interesting."
Duanmu Chen coughed slightly, "Not everyone can use two-handed weapons, nor does it mean more weapons are more powerful. Fifth brother, don't tease sixth sister. If they are really required to hold two weapons, many warriors will not know what to do.
Why did you take action?"
"Brothers Four and Five Emperors, just tell me. Why are you laughing at me? I already told you that I don't understand." Duanmu Qianqian acted coquettishly, still smiling, "It seems you all think Su Liang is the most powerful.
Yes? She is the only one who knows how to use two-handed weapons, and she uses different weapons in each game."
"I've only watched one scene, so it's hard to say." Duanmu Chen shook his head, "I'm most looking forward to the fourth-year young lady's scene, it will definitely be exciting."
Duanmu Che looked at the old slave standing not far away, "Brother Prince, I'm tired, can you go back first?"
Duanmu Sheng nodded, "Okay. Fifth Emperor Brother, please go back and rest quickly. Take care of yourself. Father, I care about you the most."
Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Sheng's last words were meant for him...
The old slave came over and took Duanmu Che away from the viewing platform.
The second show was about to start, and Su Liang planned to watch it for a while longer.
Zheng'er was not really hungry, but Ningjing asked him to remind Su Liang to make a quick decision and come down quickly.
When Su Liang looked at the viewing platform again, he didn't see Duanmu Che and didn't care. He planned to wait until the martial arts competition was over to discuss the investigation.
Duanmu Che, who got into the carriage, asked the old slave who was driving the carriage, "Did you know that she participated in the martial arts competition?"
"Yes. There were only two women participating, so it's hard not to know. But the master told me that he didn't want to hear that name again, so the slave never mentioned it." The old slave sighed.
After Duanmu Che was silent for a long time, he spoke again and whispered to himself, "How could she be the idiot who killed the whole family but still missed Xiao Muyun..."