The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 476 - 444: Whoever Touches the Family Heirloom Becomes the Granddaughter-in-law (Part 3)
Although Zhao Xi made a lot of sense, Song Yuanbao still didn’t come clean about the "family heirloom" matter; he didn’t want to ruin the towering image he held in the young girl’s mind.
Since Song Yuanbao didn’t speak, Zhao Xi didn’t press him either, sitting quietly watching the ball game, occasionally chatting with Prince Ding beside him.
Prince Ding, upon hearing that he had taken over the Divine Soldier Bureau, congratulated him, "I’ve heard that the Divine Soldier Bureau is highly valued by the Emperor. Xixi, grasp this opportunity well. Once you’re capable of managing a government office’s affairs, it probably won’t be long before you enter politics."
Zhao Xi nodded, "Thank you, Third Uncle, for the guidance."
Prince Ding lowered his voice, "You are a smart child, more outstanding than anyone else, and more qualified than anyone in many matters. Your Third Uncle has high hopes for you."
This was a hint that he was being supported to ascend to the Eastern Palace as the Crown Prince.
He was actually aware that over ninety percent of the officials supported him, and because of this, Zhao Xi became increasingly strict with himself, never daring to let them have even a hint of disappointment. But for such matters, it’s not just about the support of officials; the Emperor’s trust is also required.
Yet evidently, his efforts were always being guarded against in the Emperor’s eyes.
Zhao Xi even contemplated that if he were about the same age as Zhao Nuo, then no matter how outstanding he was, the attention his father could allocate to him might not even be half of Zhao Nuo’s.
This is the difference between the child of an ordinary concubine and the child of a favorite concubine.
In a trance, the second ball game had already ended. This time, the blue team won, and the two teams were tied. The final winner would have to be decided in the third round.
Looking at the spirited young men on the field, Prince Ding couldn’t help but sigh, "Ah, youth is indeed wonderful, you can do whatever you want without fear of exhaustion."
Zhao Xi replied, "Back in the day, you led troops into battle, Third Uncle. Naturally, your physique is sturdier than an ordinary person’s. You’re much more vigorous than they are."
Prince Ding waved his hand, "I’m old now, these old bones can’t handle the strain anymore, otherwise, I’d love to go up and have a match myself today."
Zhao Xi looked at Prince Ding and suddenly said, "How about the two of us have a match, Uncle and Nephew?"
Seeing Prince Ding hesitate, Zhao Xi added, "We’ll leave the stakes to them, let’s play polo purely for sport."
Prince Ding rubbed his aching old waist but still shook his head, "Forget it, if I really sprain something, your Third Aunt will nag incessantly. Besides, your polo skills are the best in the Capital; if I play with you, wouldn’t I be bullying an old man?"
Zhao Xi knew that Princess Consort Ding was somewhat domineering, plus Third Uncle’s polo skills weren’t the best, and since Prince Ding put it this way, he couldn’t continue to insist.
Prince Ding then turned his attention away from matters on the field, looking towards Ye Ling, "Little girl, it’s almost your turn. Prepare well, aim to take the top spot in one go, and set a new record."
"Okay," Ye Ling responded sweetly, then looked at her best friend, "Are you going?"
Xue Yinhuan was a bit surprised, pointing to herself, "Am I going up too?"
Ye Ling said, "I’m going to play against the winning team, and they have several members. If I don’t team up with someone, I might lose."
Having already noticed that Ye Ling wanted the gilded incense bag in Prince Ding’s possession, Xue Yinhuan couldn’t resist her watery eyes staring at her and softened, "Fine, fine, I’ll go."
Ye Ling smiled with her eyes arched and immediately had someone fetch a sleeve and arm rope for Xue Yinhuan.
Prince Ding was originally planning to help Ye Ling assemble a few more girls, but seeing that Xue Yinhuan was ready to play, he suddenly had an idea, "How about this, Xixi and the little girl each lead a team. The players will be chosen from the winning team, and if there aren’t enough, I’ll add more people for you. The people outside the fence are eager to see the two of you compete; why not fulfill their wish, how about it?"
Zhao Xi said, "I don’t mind, anything’s fine with me."
Ye Ling also agreed, "Alright."
Prince Ding was pleased with their obedient and harmonious responses, handed them headbands, and instructed Zhao Xi to start warming up.
Zhao Xi stood up, tied on the headband, secured his sleeves, and began warming up. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
The result of the third round was also out, with the blue team winning again.
Prince Ding stood on the high platform and loudly announced the rules of the final ball game.
Learning that they had the chance to team up with Ye Ling and the Eldest Prince, the players of the winning blue team were all extremely excited.
After a cup of tea’s time, Zhao Xi and Ye Ling headed to the rest area to select players.
In such matters, Zhao Xi naturally let the young girl go first.
Ye Ling thanked him and began picking players.
She was very proficient in playing polo, so even if she hadn’t watched all the previous matches, she had already noticed who in the blue team played polo well and who was just there for the sake of it.
