Fairies Are Fierce

Chapter 13: The Cloud Platform Rises

The evening drums resounded throughout the capital, with the streets and alleys filled with the sound of flutes and drums, and the lights dazzling.

Zuo Lingquan bid farewell to Tang Jingrong and drove his horse back to the south bank of Wende Bridge. The sky had already completely darkened.

The Zuo family of Qinghe County had accumulated wealth for several generations. Not to mention anything else, their family assets were quite substantial. Zuo Hanchou's mansion in Wende Bridge was a rare luxury residence. There were two stone lions at the entrance, and the red lanterns hanging from the eaves during the New Year had not yet been taken down.

Zuo Lingquan handed his horse over to the servants and entered through the main gate, bypassing the shadow wall. He originally intended to go straight back to his own room, but when he looked up, he saw someone under the eaves of the main hall.

To be precise, someone was hanging there.

Seeing this scene, Zuo Lingquan was truly shocked. He thought someone in his third uncle's family had hanged themselves, but upon closer inspection, he realized something was off.

The main hall was brightly lit, with two servants standing in the corridor next to it. Under the eaves of the main hall, a hemp rope passed through the beam, and below the rope was a well-dressed young nobleman, bound and hanging in mid-air, swaying lifelessly.

Judging from his nonchalant appearance, it seemed like it wasn't the first time he had been hung like this. There was even a chicken feather duster leaning against the wall.

??

Zuo Lingquan had some understanding of his third uncle, Zuo Hanchou. Among his three sons, the eldest and the third were diligent and studious, studying outside, but the second son, Zuo Yunting, was a disappointment. He indulged in pleasure-seeking and revelry, and his reputation had reached their hometown of Qinghe County.

When the Zuo family taught their younger generations, they would say:

"Learn from your brother Lingquan, but don't be like your third uncle's Yunting, lazy and useless, not knowing anything..."

And the nobleman who was being beaten while hanging in front of him seemed to be no one else but Zuo Yunting.

Zuo Yunting was older than Zuo Lingquan and ranked fifth in the entire Zuo family, so Zuo Lingquan had to call him Fifth Brother.

Facing his older brother, Zuo Lingquan naturally couldn't show a mocking expression. He walked slowly to the front and raised his hand in a salute.

"Fifth Brother?"

Under the eaves, Zuo Yunting, who was hanging in mid-air, saw Zuo Lingquan approaching. Although it was their first meeting, he still recognized this beautiful and jade-like cousin at a glance.

Zuo Yunting, who was bound and unable to come down to greet him, could only smile kindly like an older brother and greet him.

"Lingquan, you're back."

Don't mention it, even though he was hanging there, his expression was dignified and calm, giving off a somewhat refined and elegant demeanor of a nobleman.

Zuo Lingquan didn't want to embarrass him either, so he stood below and asked.

"Fifth Brother, what's going on?"

Zuo Yunting lowered his head and looked at the ropes on his body. After a moment of contemplation, he smiled calmly.

"I recently studied an ancient technique from reading ancient books and am currently practicing it. You probably haven't seen it before."

I definitely haven't...

Zuo Lingquan blinked and made a look of sudden realization.

"I see, it's my ignorance. Hmm... How long do you need to practice? Do you need me to..."

"No need!"

Zuo Yunting's expression was serious: "It's not time yet, it would be reckless to stop practicing abruptly, it might hurt your muscles and bones. You will choose a husband tomorrow, so go rest for now. When the time comes, I will come down myself."

"Wu Ge, are you sure you can come down by yourself?"

"..."

"Oh, I spoke too much. Well... then Lingquan will take his leave. Goodnight."

Zuo Lingquan didn't know why Wu Ge was being hung up and beaten, but in order to save Wu Ge's face, he tactfully bid farewell.

Although Zuo Yunting didn't know why he was being hung up and beaten either, seeing his cousin being so understanding and taking care of his face, his heart couldn't help but warm up a bit...

---

The wind died down and the lamp went out, and before they knew it, it was already dawn.

Outside the window, dewdrops hung on the tips of green bamboo leaves, reflecting the brilliant dawn in the distance.

In the elegantly decorated chamber, Zuo Lingquan was still in a deep sleep when suddenly a flurry of footsteps came from the corridor. The door opened, and a dozen beautiful young maidservants entered one after another.

"Seventh Young Master~"

"Time to get dressed and wash up..."

Zuo Lingquan woke up abruptly, sitting up on the bed, using a thin blanket to cover his youthful vigor.

The maidservants had mischievous smiles in their eyes. Without giving Zuo Lingquan a chance to chase them away, they ran up to him and helpfully combed his hair and dressed him.

Zuo Lingquan didn't like being served by others, but these girls were too enthusiastic. After rejecting a few times without success, he could only let them have their way.

When the princess selected her husband, the candidates naturally couldn't dress casually. The group of maidservants busied themselves for nearly half an hour before finally stopping when it was already bright outside.

Zuo Lingquan walked out of the room, transformed into a dashing young man wearing a snow-white robe and cloud-patterned boots, making the maidservants, who were already drooling over handsome men, stare wide-eyed.

In order to select a husband at the Qiyun Terrace, the princess naturally had to be present. Without the princess, the court couldn't hold the meeting, so the court gave all the civil and military officials a day off.

At this moment, in the Left Residence, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, and Wu Ge Zuo Yunting were having breakfast.

After having breakfast together, Zuo Lingquan got into the carriage with Zuo Hanchou and headed to the Qiyun Terrace on the east side of the imperial city.

Qiyun Terrace was an estate located on the side of the imperial city. The carriage traveled on the bustling main street for about half an hour before arriving nearby.

Under the rule of the Great Dan Dynasty, there were thirty-six counties, and each county sent sons from noble families. At this time, there were carriages and horses outside Qiyun Terrace, and many official's daughters were watching the excitement from the windows of tea houses and restaurants along the street.

Zuo Hanchou gave instructions along the way. When the carriage stopped, he got out in proper attire. Zuo Lingquan followed behind him and hadn't reached the entrance of Qiyun Terrace when suddenly there was a chorus of exclamations:

"Wow! Look..."

Zuo Lingquan heard the sound of wind breaking and subconsciously looked towards the top of a house on the side of the street. He saw a young man dressed in scholar's robes, holding a black-hilted long sword, rushing over. His clothes fluttered in the wind, his long hair flowing, and with just a few ups and downs, he arrived on the wide street, landing smoothly with an indescribable elegance, causing countless cheers from the onlookers.

Zuo Hanchou saw this scene and snorted lightly, "Always playing these flashy tricks. That scholar should be Li Cang from Jintang County. He is distantly related to the current prime minister Li Xiang. He is probably your biggest competitor this time. Be more careful and don't let yourself be overshadowed in front of others."

Zuo Lingquan looked at those oily and powdered young scholar gentlemen as if he were looking at children, not paying them any attention. Just as he was about to nod, he suddenly felt someone staring at him from a distance.

Zuo Lingquan quickly turned his head and looked towards the high building inside Qiyun Terrace, but the figure on the high building was coming and going, and he didn't see anyone looking in his direction.

Zuo Lingquan frowned, sensing something strange, but with so many people and distractions around, it was normal to have illusions. He didn't pay it any mind and entered the gate with Zuo Hanchou...

The first light of dawn appeared, and the mist of the Qiyun Terrace Estate, adorned with blooming flowers, had not yet dissipated. Looking down from the high building felt like falling into a sea of clouds.

Qiyun Terrace was the place where the royal family played polo. There were stands around it, with the field in the middle and various facilities already set up. Dignitaries and nobles gathered on the stands, and many princes and princesses were already seated.

On the top floor of the three-story high building, there was a terrace with pearl curtains and seats already arranged. Eunuchs and palace maids stood by the railing, waiting respectfully.

Inside the elegant room where the emperor's concubines rested, Princess Longli, Jiang Yi, stood by the window in a crimson palace dress, her eyes cold as she closed the window.

Gongnu Lengzhu sat behind a small table next to her, organizing the roster of "Xiuman". Seeing the princess biting her lip and contemplating, she curiously asked, "Princess, why did you close the window? Has everyone arrived?"

Jiang Yi's chest heaved as she took a few deep breaths, suppressing the memories of the unforgettable night two days ago. She sat down on the soft couch and inquired, "Have you arranged everything I asked you to?"

"Reporting to the princess, everything has been prepared. Today, we will select the husband, testing their equestrian skills and martial arts. Martial arts cannot be faked, but equestrian skills can be easily manipulated. The princess can just sit back and enjoy the show later."

Jiang Yi nodded at first, but then thought it was beneath her to scheme against others from behind. However, thinking of Zuo Lingquan in Linhe Lane, who had used underhanded tactics twice to defeat her and even spanked her, the little sense of guilt she had disappeared.

Who asked him to be unkind first? This was his own doing...

With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Yi stood up and walked out of the elegant room after most of the people had arrived. She sat behind the pearl curtains on the terrace.

Lengzhu didn't know Zuo Lingquan, but she knew he was the nephew of the Minister Zuo Lanchou through his name. She scanned the surrounding stands and indeed found the handsome young man in white robes standing next to Minister Zuo Lanchou by a corridor pillar, looking as pure as snow.

Zuo Lingquan had practiced martial arts since childhood. He had a tall and well-proportioned figure, and even in his refined Confucian robe, he didn't appear weak at all. Even without any movement, his spirit and energy were evident, standing out among the nearby scholarly officials.

Lengzhu's eyes brightened as she saw the princess also looking in that direction, her expression resembling that of a secluded woman deceived by her lover. She cautiously asked, "Princess, that handsome young man in white robes is Zuo Lingquan."

Jiang Yi held her skirt in her hand, her eyes filled with resentment. Hearing this, her face darkened. "Handsome? He may look good on the outside, but he lacks the demeanor of a gentleman. It's a waste of his appearance."

"..." Lengzhu blinked her eyes, feeling that this statement was half an insult and half a compliment. The princess did admit that he was good-looking...

---

"It is now February, when all the trees welcome spring. Today, the emperor has prepared a feast and invited all the young gentlemen to come to the Qiyun Terrace..."

As people gradually arrived, on the central terrace of the high building, the elderly eunuch's voice resounded loudly as he recited the opening words.

The so-called "selecting a husband" was different from the imperial examination. In simple terms, the princess sat on the stage and looked for someone she liked among the many young gentlemen below. It was an opportunity for the young gentlemen to showcase themselves through various competitions.

Zuo Lingquan sat beside his third uncle, his thoughts focused on the matter of paying respects to the master at Qihuang Valley. Occasionally, he would glance at the terrace of the high building in the distance, but the princess's seat was covered by pearl curtains, and he could only see a blurry silhouette. After a quick glance, he stopped looking.

After the elderly eunuch on the terrace finished his speech, the various competitions officially began. The first event was equestrianism.

For the young gentlemen of prestigious families, the six arts of a gentleman were compulsory subjects. In the "riding and archery" category, the "riding" originally referred to chariot driving, but with the rise of cavalry, chariots had been eliminated and replaced by horseback riding.

The test of horse racing is more about the quality of the horses than the skill of the riders, so it is impossible to compare the horses. The Yun Tai platform itself is a horse polo field, and today's competition is the entertainment project "horse polo" that the noble sons of the Great Dan Dynasty like. Coincidentally, the Princess Chang also enjoys playing this game.

Horse polo, also known as "ji ju," was originally a competition between two teams of nearly a hundred people, with men and women competing together. But the selection of the husband horse is destined to have only one winner, so the rules have been changed. Forty people enter the field at the same time to compete for a horse polo. Whoever grabs it and throws it into the flower basket will throw another one. The one who throws the most into the flower basket wins.

In this kind of competition, each person has to face thirty-nine opponents and also pay attention to their demeanor and appearance, so as not to be disliked by the princess. The difficulty can be imagined.

However, Zuo Lingquan doesn't want to become the husband horse, so he naturally doesn't worry about his performance. What he wants to do is just to make a little splash and not disappoint his third uncle.

There are more than two hundred participants, divided into five teams. The competition only takes the time of burning an incense stick. When the first team members leave the field, the old eunuch on the terrace takes out the roster and begins to read the names:

"Zhao Huai'an from Beiyajun, Pengyu County... Zuo Lingquan from Qinghe County, Lihua County..."

On the closest viewing platform to the high-rise building, a group of high-ranking officials are seated, and Prime Minister Li Jingsi, as an elder of the court, sits in the front row.

When he heard Zuo Lingquan's name, Li Jingsi paused in his action of picking tea leaves and looked up at Zuo Lingquan who was walking down the platform.

"That boy in white clothes, is he Left Han Chou's nephew?"

Wang Zheng, the Minister of Household, is Li Jingsi's confidant. He nodded and said, "He got up from Left Han Chou's side, so it should be him. He looks quite handsome."

Li Cang, Li Jingsi's distant nephew, is very close to Li Jingsi. When he heard the elders praising others' appearance, he also took a look and said, "I have inquired privately about the people who entered the capital. This Zuo Lingquan is said to be very skilled in martial arts and is quite famous in Qinghe County."

Li Jingsi rubbed his teacup with his fingers and turned to ask, "A cultivator?"

Li Cang respectfully shook his head, "He's just an ordinary person, without a cultivation background. He's just good at martial arts in the market."

Li Jingsi chuckled softly when he heard this, "Not a cultivator, yet he dares to compete with you on the same stage? You can't even compare to a martial artist in the market?"

Li Cang didn't think much of Zuo Lingquan, who had no cultivation background, "Uncle, I will do my best as you have taught me."

The few of them chatted casually, and the officials sitting behind them were all trusted subordinates of Li Jingsi.

One of the officials, who had a rich appearance, had been listening silently with his head down. But when he heard Zuo Lingquan's name, he remembered something and looked up:

"Lord Prime Minister, I have something to report."

"Hmm?"

Li Jingsi turned his head and saw that it was Chen Maode, a junior censor from the Imperial Censorate. He looked slightly puzzled, "What's the matter? Just say it."

Chen Maode, the supervising censor, quickly bowed, "Lord Prime Minister, last night, my unruly son returned home and said that he met..."

(End of this chapter)