Chapter 63: Racing Horses or Racing Men

The spectators inevitably began to discuss which horse Prince Xuan and the Crown Prince would choose, knowing that a good horse would grant a greater chance of winning.

Prince Xuan paid no heed to these discussions and smiled as he said to the Crown Prince.

"Please, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, make your selection first. These are all top-tier horses of the highest quality; whichever one Your Highness chooses will be deeply honored."

It was rare for Ling Moxuan's words to carry even a hint of flattery. Even if it was false, it was quite remarkable indeed.

Ling Yuzhao glanced at him, then swept his gaze across the superior horses without a ripple of emotion in his eyes, before making a decision that caught everyone completely by surprise.

"I want none of these!"

Prince Xuan’s expression froze, a fleeting flash crossing his eyes. Amidst the whispered murmurings of the crowd, he acted as their mouthpiece and asked with feigned curiosity.

"Does Your Highness the Crown Prince look down upon these? Or do you prefer to ride your own horse? While riding one's own horse is permissible, seeing that you are the Crown Prince, the rules of the racecourse state—"

"Rest assured! I do not want my own horse either!"

Ling Yuzhao interrupted Ling Moxuan's pointed remark, speaking with absolute solemnity.

"Horse racing may sound like a test of whose horse runs the fastest, but this Prince believes that racing is truly a test of the rider. Whoever possesses superior horsemanship will make their horse run the fastest, regardless of whether the steed is of the highest grade or the lowest."

With that, under the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Ling Yuzhao walked straight toward the second row.

The foremost row consisted of the superior horses.

Positioned right behind them were the second-tier horses—steeds that fell short of the top-grade ones in various aspects.

Of course, they were still vastly superior to ordinary horses.

Yet, the dignified Crown Prince was forsaking the top-tier horses and insisting on choosing a second-tier one... This was truly unexpected.

Ling Yuzhao paid no attention to the varied expressions on everyone's faces and walked straight up to an unremarkable bay horse, patting it gently under the chin.

The bay horse affectionately rubbed against Ling Yuzhao's hand. Looking thoroughly satisfied, Ling Yuzhao smiled at Ling Moxuan, whose expression had stiffened somewhat.

"This Prince has made his choice. I will take this one."

Ling Moxuan grew somewhat anxious. Why was it always like this?

He stepped forward quickly to advise him.

"Your Royal Highness is of noble status and surely deserves a top-tier horse. This bay horse is merely mediocre in appearance and truly unworthy of Your Highness's status. Perhaps you should choose another?"

Ling Yuzhao raised an eyebrow and said, "Since this Prince has chosen it, it is naturally worthy. Prince Xuan, spare me the idle talk and make your choice quickly, lest you keep everyone waiting!"

Ling Moxuan pressed his lips together.

Ling Yuzhao's choice was completely contrary to his expectations.

If things proceeded this way, would not his plan encounter numerous twists and turns out of nowhere?

He had anticipated many possibilities, but never that Ling Yuzhao would directly abandon all the top-tier horses and select a mere bay horse. Frustrated and unwilling to yield, he mounted a desperate final resistance.

"Since Your Highness the Crown Prince has chosen such a second-tier horse, if this younger brother were to select a top-tier one, others might accuse me of winning through an unfair advantage."

Ling Yuzhao smiled with absolute confidence, his tone a matter-of-course.

"As I said just now, horse racing may sound like a contest of horses, but it is actually a test of the rider's skill. Top-tier horses are inherently the finest breed; even if someone with atrocious horsemanship mounts one, the steed will still run fast."

"Yet, in such a case, are we testing the rider or the horse? Does the glory ultimately belong to the beast or to the man?"

As he spoke, Ling Yuzhao stroked the bay horse's brown mane and smiled.

"On the racecourse, if one relies on the horse, naturally one selects a fine steed. But if one relies on the man, naturally one selects a less conspicuous horse to strive for an unexpected outcome."

"Choosing a fine horse merely allows the mount to overshadow its rider. What do you say, Prince Xuan?"

These words carried a clear implication directed at Ling Moxuan:

If you choose a top-tier horse, even if you win, it will be the horse's achievement, not your own.

If you wish to compete with me fairly, you should choose a second-tier horse just as I have. Only by winning under those conditions can it truly be said that you defeated me through your own ability.

Ling Moxuan secretly clenched his back teeth.

Though deeply displeased by Ling Yuzhao's remarks, he had to admit that the man made a valid point.

Many among both the female and male spectator sections began to discuss the matter, feeling that Ling Yuzhao's words made complete sense.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince speaks the truth! Although horse racing contains the character for 'horse,' the true test is still the rider. Top-tier horses run fast by nature, and whoever mounts them makes little difference. Even if they win in the end, it is the horse's merit; what does it have to do with the man?"

"Indeed! If you ask me, one must choose a more ordinary mount so that the outcome depends entirely on the rider's skill. I never expected His Royal Highness to see through things so thoroughly."

"Precisely! Otherwise, how could the Crown Prince be the Crown Prince? Come to think of it, Her Majesty the Empress taught him well!"

Aside from praises and neutral assessments, some people began to whisper about whether Prince Xuan was afraid to compete.

"Why is Prince Xuan so fixated on a top-tier horse? Could it be that he is scared? Does he suspect his horsemanship is inferior to the Crown Prince's, and thus wishes to pick a superior steed to secure a victory?"

"Even if he wins that way, it would only prove his eye for horses is good, not that his personal riding skills surpass the Crown Prince's."

"You clearly don't understand! Knowing how to employ capable people is a skill in itself, and knowing how to ride a horse well is likewise a skill. If Prince Xuan can pick the finest top-tier horse and defeat the Crown Prince, that is his ability."

"How can that be the same? Today is a horse race; a truly formidable person should be able to triumph in any circumstance. Today, choices are available, giving Prince Xuan the chance to pick a top-tier horse and vie for first place. But what if there were no choices at all? Would he simply bow his head and admit defeat?"

"That is true as well. True greatness lies in one's own capabilities. External factors matter, but they are not decisive. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the one who sees through to the essence of things. Prince Xuan relies far too much on external aids; perhaps he lacks confidence in his own abilities..."

Seeing the public opinion gradually shifting away from him, Ling Moxuan felt a surge of anger. Yet, in front of so many people, he could not display his fury too openly, lest he lose his dignity.

It seemed he would simply have to play it by ear...

With a helpless smile, he said, "Very well, since the Crown Prince has put it this way, I cannot remain fixated on a top-tier horse."

"His Royal Highness is right. Even if a top-tier horse wins, it is the creature's merit, unrelated to the rider. I shall select one as well."

With that, he stepped forward to inspect the options and chose a sleek, pitch-black horse with a glossy coat.

Ling Moxuan looked at Ling Yuzhao with a smiling expression and said.

"I hope this horse brings me good fortune and allows me to become the dark horse that defeats the Crown Prince."

Ling Yuzhao gave a light laugh and directly led his bay horse toward the starting line of the racecourse.

"For my younger brother to compete with me while pinning his hopes on a mere beast shows that my victory is already assured."

Ling Moxuan's expression stiffened, feeling that Ling Yuzhao's affected posturing was utterly detestable!

Very well, enjoy your arrogance. Soon enough, you'll have reason to weep!

With this thought in mind, Ling Moxuan also led his horse toward the starting line of the racecourse.