Chapter 16: The Duel

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Shen He tiptoed quietly into the changing room, carefully undoing the intricate layers of her dress to change into the specially prepared riding outfit for the polo match.

It was a set of pale yellow riding attire, fresh and bright in color, like the most dazzling sunshine of early spring, instantly illuminating the entire space.

The fabric clung closely to her skin, outlining her slender yet strong figure, embodying both feminine grace and a bold, heroic aura.

She stepped out of the changing room slowly, each stride steady and resolute, as if proclaiming to the world that she, Shen He, was ready to shine brilliantly in this polo match.

Returning to the arena, she spotted Shen Jiao and Princess Anning standing together, seemingly waiting for her.

Princess Anning was clad in a fiery red riding outfit, the vibrant hues enhancing her already delicate beauty, like the most radiant streak of dawn's first light.

She was renowned throughout the capital for her exquisite polo skills, widely recognized as a woman who rivaled men on the field.

Shen He raised a delicate brow and smiled lightly, a trace of dismissiveness in her expression, responding, “How could I dare to have any objections? Princess Anning, a true royal of noble blood, shares the field with us. I only hope the princess won’t disdain our coarseness and harm your delicate self.”

At these words, Princess Anning let out a cool, haughty snort from her nose: “Fear? Hmph, what a ridiculous joke! I, the princess, would never be afraid of you even a little.”

Xue Yifei, watching from afar, saw Shen He dressed in her sharp equestrian gear, poised to charge across the field with heroic vigor. His gaze slipped past Shen Jiao and Princess Anning beside her, a flicker of understanding dawning within him. He quickened his pace and approached them.

“Ah He, I’ll fight alongside you,” Xue Yifei said warmly, his smile as smooth as jade, while his eyes cast a subtle challenge toward Shen Jiao.

Princess Anning raised her voice slightly, tinged with coquettish displeasure: “Xue Yifei, that’s hardly fair. You’re a man, joining our all-female team—isn’t that a bit of bullying?”

Xue Yifei’s eyes shone with unyielding determination as he retorted without backing down, “Princess Anning, you can find another assistant if you wish. To me, it’s just adding more excitement. I’m not afraid!”

Princess Anning glanced at Third Prince Xiao Jingren and Fourth Prince Xiao Jingchen sitting nearby, then took Shen Jiao’s hand and headed toward their seats. Standing before the princes, she declared, “Third Brother, Fourth Brother, let’s team up!”

Xiao Jingchen had long been itching to join, but others feared his princely status and hadn’t invited him. Without hesitation, he agreed.

Shen Jiao cast a flirtatious glance at Xiao Jingren: “Third Prince, why not join us? I’ve heard of your exceptional riding skills. Now’s the time to show us.”

Xiao Jingren hesitated briefly, then looked toward Shen He, seeing her chatting happily with Xue Yifei, and felt a strange pang of unease. “Very well! Since Princess Anning and Second Miss Shen say so, let’s make a match of it!”

Seeing Anning had brought two along, making it two against four, Xue Yifei frowned at the difficulty. Just then, Chen Suixin, in full riding gear, ran over to Shen He and her companions: “Ah He, how could you forget about me?”

Chen Suixin, usually calm and reserved like still water, suddenly radiated an indescribable heroic aura the moment she donned her striking riding outfit, captivating everyone’s attention.

From a distance, Xiao Jingchi watched with a subtle smile, then walked over to the Grand Princess: “Aunt, Jingchi wants to play too.”

The Grand Princess pulled Xiao Jingchi back gently: “Jingchi, be good. The brothers aren’t playing, they’re competing.”

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“No, no, Jingchi wants to play! Mother taught me to ride, I can ride horses! Aunt! The brothers are all going, Jingchi wants to go too!”

“Alright, Jingchi can go,” the Grand Princess ordered her attendant to escort Xiao Jingchi over, worried that Xue Yifei and the others might object to his joining.

“Sister, I want to join your team too,” Xiao Jingchi happily approached. “I’ll go change now.”

With that, he ran off cheerfully.

Shen He and the others exchanged awkward glances as they watched his retreating back.

The attendant left behind noticed Shen He’s embarrassment and smiled: “Young Master Xue, Miss Shen, the Grand Princess asked me to tell you that the polo match is just for fun. The results don’t matter. Please make sure the Sixth Prince enjoys himself.”

With the Grand Princess’s instructions, no one dared object and all agreed.

Shen Jiao and Princess Anning exchanged secret smiles, thinking that the simple-minded Xiao Jingchi was trouble enough without causing more.

At that moment, a page led a chestnut-colored steed to Shen He. Princess Anning smiled: “Miss Shen, I had someone prepare your horse. This one, ‘Red Flame,’ I specially brought from the palace. It’s gentle and fast, perfect for a novice like you.”

She deliberately stressed “novice,” dripping with sarcasm.

Shen He calmly examined the horse — a glossy chestnut, a rare and fine steed indeed.

“Thank you, Princess,” Shen He replied with a polite smile.

She took the reins and casually stroked the mane.

Subtly, she gave Xue Yifei a knowing glance.

Earlier, the two had quietly conspired: if anyone chose a horse for Shen He, Xue Yifei would arrange to swap it out.

Since it was the Xue family’s polo club, such a small matter was nothing.

Xue Yifei understood immediately and, while no one was looking, quietly exchanged Shen He’s horse with Princess Anning’s.

Shen Jiao was whispering with Princess Anning, unaware of the switch.

Xiao Jingchen saw Chen Suixin joining the fray and his excitement to compete vanished. Now, facing Chen Suixin on the field, how was he to respond?

His eyes followed Chen Suixin, full of worry.

Although Shen He was chatting with Chen Suixin, she sensed Xiao Jingchen’s gaze fixed uneasily on Chen Suixin.

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In a previous life, when the Seven Wolves Kingdom invaded, Xiao Jingren led the troops to battle on Shen He’s recommendation.

During a stalemate, Shen He alone carried a diplomatic token to the Yuan Kingdom for assistance, ultimately rescuing the trapped Xiao Jingchi.

Unexpectedly, the Yuan Kingdom demanded a marriage alliance in exchange for their aid.

The bride was not a princess, but the only daughter of General Chen — Chen Suixin.

Out of compassion for her father, Chen Suixin agreed and voluntarily married into the Yuan Kingdom.

Until Shen He’s death, she never saw Chen Suixin again.

It was also then that she learned the Fourth Prince Xiao Jingchen’s heart belonged to Chen Suixin.

Now, Xiao Jingchi had changed and returned to the field, dressed in a pale moon-white riding suit, elegant and refined. A shimmering silver belt cinched his waist, emphasizing his tall, slender frame.

His jet-black hair was tied high, revealing a smooth, full forehead, adding to his neat and carefree demeanor. His sharp brows slanted toward his temples like swords, his bright eyes sparkling like stars, filled with determination and heroic spirit—an unforgettable sight, dignified and majestic.

“Wow, the Sixth Prince is so handsome!”

A spontaneous cheer rose from the crowd.

Even the usually composed Shen He couldn’t help but cast two appreciative glances his way.

Indeed, Xiao Jingchi’s appearance today was truly dazzling, like a brilliant star illuminating the entire venue, becoming the center of everyone’s attention.

“Since everyone’s here, let’s begin.”

At the referee’s signal, the match officially commenced.

“Charge!”

Shen He called out softly, urging her horse forward like an arrow released from a bow.