Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 400: The Show Begins (Part 3)

The next morning, Cui Du arrived early at the training ground.

Unexpectedly, there were two people who arrived even earlier. One wore a pale blue silk robe with a refined and noble air, while the other donned a dark martial arts uniform, exuding an imposing handsomeness.

Cui Du instinctively glanced down at himself.

Usually, busy at the field manor, he never dressed in silk or satin, being accustomed instead to practical, durable, breathable gray fabric clothes. Even after returning to the Prince Mansion, he continued wearing fabric. At most, he would change into a clean, new set. He had never thought there was anything wrong with this until now, facing these two youths whose appearances and demeanors were outstanding in their own ways. It dawned on him; was he dressed too simply and casually?

Zheng Chen glanced at the silly Cui Du, a soft sneer curling at his lips: "How could someone like him stand by Cousin Shao Hua’s side?"

Wang Jin, however, murmured, "Mr. Cui just doesn’t like extravagant attire. In terms of looks, he’s quite remarkable. Moreover, he can cultivate corn and sweet potatoes, improve and breed grains, and grow various fruits and vegetables even in winter. How could someone with such talent not be qualified?"

Zheng Chen was momentarily choked, yet he chuckled without anger: "You rate him rather highly."

Wang Jin sighed softly: "I too didn’t want to boost the enemy’s morale while diminishing my own. But the facts are as they are. Such ability, not just in Nanyang County, but throughout Da Liang, there isn’t a second to be found. The Commandery Princess’s esteem is more than justified."

"Your and my backgrounds far surpass his. We have been the Crown Prince’s Companions since childhood and have now become Imperial Attendants and imperial envoys. But this prestige is thanks to having a good father. Anyone in our position could achieve this. If we were born like Cui Du, could we accomplish all that he has?"

Zheng Chen, either pricked or recalled something, a chilling light flickered in his eyes.

In just a few words, Cui Du had already approached.

Cui Du took the initiative to salute the two attendants.

Wang Jin smiled and returned the salute.

Zheng Chen, unwilling to lose face, also gestured with a salute.

The Commandery Princess, who had been wielding a spear in the training ground, suddenly paused and looked over: "Would any of you like to spar with me?"

Cui Du chuckled: "Commandery Princess, don’t joke. I’ve never trained in martial arts, you of all people should know that."

Of course, the Commandery Princess knew. She wasn’t actually aiming that comment at Cui Du... nor at Wang Jin. The Fourth Young Master Wang was known to be weak since birth, poor in archery and riding.

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, glancing at Zheng Chen: "Please, Zheng Sheren."

Zheng Chen’s handsome face darkened.

Three years ago, when he came to Nanyang County, he had "learned" of Jiang Shaohua’s skill firsthand and clearly knew he wasn’t her match. Jiang Shaohua was also aware of this, yet insisted on inviting him to spar publicly, clearly intent on discrediting him.

Just because he had been a bit harsh to Cui Du, did she eagerly want to back him up and set the record straight?

"Why aren’t you stepping forward, Zheng Sheren?" Jiang Shaohua, master of provocation, slightly raised her mocking lips: "Could it be that you’re afraid my hand will be too heavy and injure you?"

Zheng Chen snorted, stepped forward briskly, and selected a long knife from the weapon rack.

Jiang Shaohua swung her spear, weaving several silver spear blossoms. Zheng Chen, not to be outdone, swung his long knife, creating a glinting arc of light.

It was Wang Jin’s first time witnessing Jiang Shaohua in action, and he stared unblinkingly, afraid Zheng Chen might accidentally harm Jiang Shaohua.

Cui Du knew the Commandery Princess’s prowess, not worried in the least, and remarked to Wang Jin with a smile: "Don’t worry, Lord Wang. The Commandery Princess is immensely powerful and her spear technique is exquisite. Zheng Sheren surely won’t be her match!"

Wang Jin was momentarily taken aback, turning to Cui Du: "Zheng Sheren is a peerless opponent among our peers; there is no match for him in the palace."

With a face full of pride, Cui Du replied: "That’s because he hasn’t faced our Commandery Princess. If Zheng Sheren lasts more than fifty moves today, that would be quite impressive!"

Cui Du’s tone was so assured, sounding completely serious.

Wang Jin turned back, half-convinced, only then realizing that in the exchange of flashing blades and spears, Zheng Chen was steadily retreating, struggling to hold his ground.

Wang Jin and Zheng Chen had studied and trained martial arts together in the palace, acutely aware of Zheng Chen’s skills. To see him being overwhelmed, unable to retaliate, Wang Jin couldn’t help but gasp: "The Commandery Princess is indeed formidable!"

"Yes indeed, our Commandery Princess is that formidable," Cui Du, inexplicably satisfied, stood tall and said: "In Nanyang County, everyone respects and admires the Commandery Princess, both in heart and word."

Possessing noble birth, vast estates, unmatched beauty and skill, with loyal and capable ministers, and countless devout citizens.

Such a Jiang Shaohua, why would she confine herself to marry in the Capital, to be a wife under another’s gaze?

Why not stay her own master, invite a talented yet low-born husband to join her? Were he the Commandery Princess, he would make the same choice as Cui Du.

Wang Jin silently observed Cui Du, his heart swirling with complex emotions.

Cui Du, at times rough around the edges, could be strikingly perceptive. Seeming to sense Wang Jin’s complicated mood, he suddenly remarked: "Both you and Zheng Sheren are good. But neither is suitable for the Commandery Princess. For her, only what’s suitable is best."

Wang Jin slightly furrowed his brows, speaking softly: "The world is ever-changing. Some people may seem suitable now, but might soon be summoned by the court to serve as officials, residing in the Capital City indefinitely, exploring broader horizons without returning to Nanyang County."

Cui Du met Wang Jin’s gaze: "Everyone has their aspirations. Don’t laugh at me, Lord Wang, I’ve never been interested in becoming an official. I dislike the political arena, detest scheming and socializing, and can’t handle intrigue."

"What I love most is this life right now. Working every day in the fields, improving and cultivating grain varieties, studying farming."

"Even if the court summons me to be an official, I won’t go to the Capital City."

Wang Jin was silent for a moment before saying: "If the Emperor truly issues an edict, you may have no choice in the matter."

Cui Du, seeming utterly reasonable, responded: "For those matters, the Commandery Princess will handle them for me. I need not worry."

Wang Jin: "..."

Wang Jin couldn’t help but twitch his mouth: "A dignified man nearly seven feet tall, letting the Commandery Princess handle everything; how can you say it so shamelessly?"

"Why wouldn’t I?" Cui Du confidently retorted: "I’m part of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, a servant of the Commandery Princess. Isn’t it only natural for the Commandery Princess to take care of issues for me?"

The relationship between sovereign and minister indeed functions this way. But... how could it be so between a man and woman? Male dominance has persisted for thousands of years, women always viewing their husbands as the sky. How is it right for a woman to overshadow a man?

Would Cui Du truly be content to remain as an addition to the family, enveloped by the Commandery Princess’s brilliance?

Wang Jin’s brow furrowed again. Before he could speak, a harsh clanging sound came from the training ground. Following was the thud of a long knife falling, and a figure staggered back, with a shiny spear tip like lightning pointing at the chest.