Chapter 594: Victory and Defeat

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

“Not scared, sister, shall we run?” The Crown Prince looked eagerly towards the competition area, wishing to gallop like the horses there.

“You’re still too young for that, running might cause an injury. Let’s wait until you’re older to run, okay?”

The Crown Prince thought for a moment, then seemed to understand and nodded, “Okay.”

Just then, a stone flew over, hitting the mare’s hindquarters. Startled by the pain, the mare reared up and neighed, bolting towards the race track.

Everyone was shocked by the sudden turn of events.

To avoid injuring anyone, Chu Qingzhi had no choice but to guide the mare to fly over the heads of the crowd, entering the racetrack and then galloping alongside the other horses.

Everyone was stunned.

Chu Qingzhi expertly controlled the mare, finishing the impromptu race ahead of the second horse by a length, and then stopped.

“Ha ha ha, we’re running, we’re running…” The young Crown Prince laughed heartily, not only fearless but also thoroughly enjoying himself.

Everyone was astonished.

After dismounting, Chu Qingzhi, holding the Crown Prince, hurried to the stables and confronted a boy about ten years old, “Why did you shoot a slingshot at the mare’s hindquarters?!”

The boy was paralyzed with fear and answered subconsciously, “Someone gave me ten taels of silver to shoot the horse.”

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes darkened, “Where’s that person?”

“He’s gone.”

Chu Qingzhi, still holding the Crown Prince, flew onto the wall. The assailant’s target was clearly the Crown Prince, and she dared not let him go. From atop the wall, she scanned the streets, but saw no one suspicious.

She flew back to the boy, “Show me the money.”

At this moment, everyone gathered around, but no one said anything.

The boy pulled out a silver ingot from his clothing and handed it to Chu Qingzhi, “Here it is.”

Chu Qingzhi sniffed the ingot, detecting a medicinal scent and a faint aroma of jasmine, “Immediately find someone with a medicinal smell on them, jasmine on their hands, and skilled in martial arts.”

Everyone was astonished.

Just from a silver ingot, she could pinpoint a suspect? She must be like a divine detective.

The guards didn’t waste a moment and started searching.

The Emperor soon received the news and hurried to the racecourse. Seeing his son happy and unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Chu Qingzhi took the young Crown Prince back to the palace.

“Weren’t you scared when we ran so fast just now?”

“Not scared, not at all. Can we run again next time?”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t know how to respond.

She handed the Crown Prince over to the Empress and recounted the incident, urging her to be more vigilant.

The Empress expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, ATiss Chu, for saving the Crown Prince again.”

“There’s no need for formalities, Empress. It’s good that the child is safe.”

After the Crown Prince was taken away by the nanny, the Empress hinted subtly to Chu Qingzhi, “Miss Chu, the Emperor only has one son. It would be great if there were more children.”

Chu Qingzhi understood the Empress’s implication, “Let me take your pulse, Empress.”

The Empress brightened up, “Please do.”

After taking her pulse, Chu Qingzhi said, “Your Majesty, there’s nothing wrong with your health. If you wish to conceive, try not to overthink; stress can make it difficult to become pregnant. Additionally, you should exercise regularly. I heard you’re skilled in martial arts. You could spar with someone daily for half an hour. A healthy body will lead to healthier offspring.”

The Empress pondered, then revealed a troubled expression, “It’s not that 1 don’t want to exercise, but as the Empress, practicing martial arts in the palace…”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “You could set aside a spacious room as a training area. If you practice with the doors closed, no one will see, and nobody would dare to gossip.”

The Empress thought, no wonder so many people liked Chu Qingzhi. She was not only smart but also solved problems efficiently. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?

“Miss Chu, if I do as you suggested, how soon can 1 expect to conceive?”

“Within two months,” Chu Qingzhi replied. She glanced around, walked to the desk, and wrote down some vegetables and fruits. Handing the paper to the Empress, she said, “Eat more of these, and stop taking the medicines you’re currently on; they might be counterproductive.”

The Empress was taken aback, “How did you know I was taking medicine?”

“I could smell it.”

The Empress was astounded by her perceptiveness.

Impressive!

Chu Qingzhi took the reward and returned home. Then, she went out to the Imperial College.

She headed straight to the Guqin competition area, where Chu Xuyao had already finished his performance and was now observing other contestants to learn.

“How did it go, Xuyao?”

Chu Xuyao seemed a bit disheartened, lacking his usual energy, “Fifth sister, I only achieved a B-grade level.”

Chu Qingzhi comforted him by patting his head, “That’s quite impressive considering how recently you started learning the Guqin. Next year, let’s aim for an A-grade.”

Indeed, he was still a novice compared to others who had been practicing for years. Chu Xuyao regained his confidence.

He said, “Fifth Sister, I’ll go back and practice my guqin well. I’ll strive to improve next year.”

“Okay.”

“Xuyao, I’m going to check on Xuyuan. Do you want to come along?”

“I almost forgot about seventh brother. Let’s go together.”

They both headed towards the Go competition area.

There, half of the matches had already concluded. Chu Xuyuan was still playing against Lin Jixian, their game intensely competitive with many pieces on the board.

Lin Jixian looked up at Chu Xuyuan, “1 didn’t expect you to be so good at Go. How long have you been learning?”

“Only a few months.”

How could he be so good at it in a few months? Lin Jixian did not believe it. “You’re bragging, right?”

“If I brag, will you give me money?”

“No!”

“Then why would I brag? There’s no benefit in it for me!”

Lin Jixian was left speechless.

“I’ve been studying Go for three years,” Lin Jixian said as he placed a piece on the board, gaining a slight advantage.

“And then?” Chu Xuyuan thought to himself that with the guidance he had, a few months were equivalent to others’ three years.

“Then 1’11 beat you,” Lin Jixian stated confidently.

“Don’t be too sure of yourself.” Chu Xuyuan placed a piece, instantly turning the game in his favor.

Lin Jixian’s expression changed slightly. “You…”

“Although you’ve been learning for a long time, you’re not good at it.” Chu Xuyuan secretly heaved a sigh of relief. He had almost lost.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you win.” Lin Jixian stopped talking and focused on the chessboard.

Chu Xuyuan also concentrated on the game, playing silently.

Watching from the side, Chu Xuyao said to Chu Qingzhi, “I feel nervous just watching them.”

“Were you nervous during your competition?”

“Not at all.”

Chu Qingzhi chuckled, “Don’t take victory or defeat too seriously. It’s just a small competition. Losing means there’s room for improvement, and that’s an opportunity to work harder in the future.”

Chu Xuyao nodded in understanding, “I get it now, fifth sister..”

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