The Yelv Clan cheered.

There’s nothing happier than seeing one’s opponent make a mistake, helping one’s own side gain an edge.

Such an error can easily cause the opponent to lose confidence in continuing the fight.

But, unexpectedly, the middle-aged man gave a shy smile, turned his body around, and struck the ball again with great force.

This strike was even stronger than the previous one.

The goalkeeper from the Yelv Clan hadn’t reacted when the ball darted straight into the hole.

"Well done, Little Tao!"

General Jin shouted joyfully, waving his hands as if about to dance on horseback.

The Yelv Clan was stunned.

Yelv Guza was the first to react, shouting out a string of incomprehensible words, seemingly cursing or reprimanding.

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "This move is truly extraordinary; this return shot was excellent."

Qin Heng delightfully said, "Keep playing like this, and there’s no need for extra rounds—I’m so lucky, so happy."

Qin Siyuan admired, "Truly a crimson-maned, brocade-maned galloping star; yellow-clad, electric purple steed. Racing stars scatter amidst the flower fields; a new moon flying over a painted staff. Imagining the Marquis commanding troops on the Northern Border, what a magnificent sight!"

Sixth Master Gu said, "My third brother trained in martial arts from a young age, determined to protect the family and the nation. He would squat in a horse stance before even reaching table height, then went to the Northern Camp to learn military strategy from our father. When the Marquis Mansion was in decline, my third brother went to the Northern Border alone, vowing not to return until the Yelv Clan was subdued. He accomplished it all."

Qin Siyuan said, "No wonder you admire your third brother so much."

"No amount of admiration is excessive."

In the stands, the Emperor’s eyes didn’t blink, while Princess Fuyun and others fixed their gaze on Marquis Gu.

King Jin suddenly said, "Why didn’t Marquis Gu ride his Kicking Snow Black Steed today?"

King Qishan said, "Had he ridden it, who knows how much more Yelv Guza would lose?"

Prince Qi said, "I guess by the end of this match, Yelv Guza will lose at least eight rounds."

The Emperor’s interest was piqued, and he stared at the field through binoculars while speaking, "I guess more than ten rounds."

Old Wang laughed, "Yelv Guza and his team are all robust men; how could they lose so badly?"

The Crown Prince said quietly, "I watched Dingbei Marquis’s team compete against palace polo when I was young, winning dozens of times consecutively. Not only in polo, but few can beat him in cuju either."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

The disdain and annoyance in Prince Qi’s eyes grew clearer.

On the field, Marquis Gu, General Jin, and Little Tao were closely watched, fearing they might seize the ball again, but with all the focus on these three, others had more opportunities.

In less than a stick of incense’s time, five more rounds were scored.

Cheers erupted frequently from the stands.

The Yelv Clan was akin to ducks gagged and tied, quietly huddled in a corner.

The Yelv Clan’s morale was low, and even Yelv Guza lost his ferocity, left only with bitterness, wearily responding to Marquis Gu’s and others’ relentless attacks.

"Da Xing Team, wins a round."

"Da Xing Team, wins another round."

"Da Xing Team, wins yet another round."

The hand beating the gong grew numb.

For the Yelv Clan, half an hour was interminable, longing for the end of this one-sided suppression.

For the Da Xing Team, half an hour was too short.

When the gong sounded, Yelv Guza breathed a sigh of relief, but General Jin lamented, "We haven’t had everyone score a round yet."

A tournament like this was prestigious to speak of, hitting a goal could be bragged about to future generations for many years.

Gu Jinghui said, "Our victory is everyone’s victory."

"Exactly!" General Jin quickly realized, smiling, "Hitting them too hard isn’t good; either way, we’ve won."

In the boiling cheers, both teams lined up in two rows.

Gu Jinghui said to Yelv Guza, "Thank you for letting us win."

Yelv Guza forced a smile, "Dingbei Marquis is skilled in polo and leadership; I am truly lacking, accepting defeat willingly."

Gu Jinghui dismounted and led his group onto the stands, bowing before the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, we are fortunate not to have disgraced ourselves."

The Emperor laughed heartily, "Indeed, Dingbei Marquis is truly a pillar of my reign. This game was brilliant, truly exquisite. In the future, join the palace more often to play cuju with the Crown Prince and me."

Gu Jinghui immediately said, "I obey."

The Emperor then consoled Yelv Guza for a few moments, without mentioning the Life and Death Document.

Yet Yelv Guza was already worried.

Old Wang said, "Your Majesty, the robes and clothing are ready; shall we grant them now?"

The Emperor smiled, "Of course, we shall reward them now. I will personally honor these noble soldiers."

General Jin and others felt their faces flush with excitement, their hands and feet unsure of what to do.

The Emperor walked up to them, first commanding Gu Jinghui to rise, personally draping him with the Python Robe, then ordering a little eunuch to present the Jade Belt.

Gu Jinghui knelt again to thank him.

When it came to General Jin and others, the Emperor had the Crown Prince help with the rewards.

The Crown Prince looked pale and frail, but was very personable in speech, commenting on their excellent polo skills while bestowing the Qilin Robes.

General Jin and others wished that the Crown Prince were in better health.

After the rewards, everyone rode in brocade clothes around the edge of the martial field, offering a view for the onlookers.

An avalanche of applause and cheers ensued.

The Emperor watched from above, unable to help but sigh, "Dingbei Marquis clothed in Python Robe, surely a handsome man."

The Crown Prince said, "I find him to fall short compared to Father; when Father was young, he was also a handsome man, dragon-like and phoenix-like, unparalleled in elegance, which is beyond him."

The Emperor laughed, "As a ruler, why compare beauty with subjects? Let others laugh if they must."

Though he said so, he was clearly delighted.

Everyone said, "The Crown Prince speaks truth; the Emperor’s majestic presence indeed surpasses Marquis Gu."

After Marquis Gu and others circled the field.

The Ninth Princess stepped forward, addressing the Emperor, "Father, I heard Marquis Gu and others competed before the noblewomen exerted themselves against the concubines the Yelv hostages brought. Why not award them some silk and cloth as a token of the Emperor’s grand favor?"

The Emperor nodded, "Very well."

Then sent Old Wang to summon the ladies’ team for an audience.

Gu Baoshu and others heard the news and hastily rode into the field, lining up. The Emperor met each of them, said words of commendation, and had the Ninth Princess and Princess Fuyun present each with a Jade Ruyi and a piece of fine silk.

The Crown Prince said, "Indeed, the tiger father begets no dog daughters; Dingbei Marquis Mansion’s Seventh Miss is courageous beyond her years."

The Emperor nodded.

King Jin suddenly said, "I hear the Dingbei Marquis’s wife is present; why doesn’t Father summon her with Marquis to meet? Outside, it’s said the Dingbei Marquis’s wife is the Sacrificial Officer’s daughter, talented and skillful, brewing excellent incense, adept at managing the household, greatly cherished by Dingbei Marquis."