Chapter 10: C10. Play Hard To Get.

Chapter 10

The polo match unfolded over six rounds, each lasting a quarter of an hour, with a rest period following the initial three rounds.

Yunzhu was relieved to observe her brother's willingness to adapt. After being outmaneuvered by Cao Xun's team once again in the second round, her brother shifted his focus to collaborating with his teammates.

Nevertheless, this impromptu alliance paled in comparison to the seamless teamwork of Team Cao. Despite Li Yao's valiant efforts, his red team still succumbed in the third round.

Observing the twenty valiant men retiring to rest in the courtyard adjoining the polo field, the ladies in the four pavilions animatedly deliberated over the performances of Cao Xun and his team. Moments ago, their collective attention had been riveted on the field, rendering them too engrossed and tense to comment.

Sun Yurong sought to console Yunzhu: "Your brother performed admirably, contributing nearly all the points the red team accumulated."

Li Yao was akin to a tiger, while Cao Xun's black team resembled a pack of wolves. Though the wolves capitalized on their numbers to garner more points, they were unable to thwart Li Yao consistently.

Li Yao's prowess was the talk of the entire city. Even someone bold enough to bait him in the presence of Li Yong would think twice if confronted by Li Yao. His ill fortune was not to be trifled with.

While Yunzhu was cognizant of her brother's might, she harbored a curiosity about the outcome if he were to confront Cao Xun alone.

From her vantage point, Yunzhu observed the polo match unfold. Cao Xun assumed the role of a seasoned tactician, orchestrating moves and guiding each subordinate with finesse. Under his direction, each of the nine Cao Shao players had the opportunity to score, some even outshining Cao Xun. This illustrated Cao Xun's stark contrast with his brother. Personal acclaim was of no concern to him as long as the black team emerged victorious.

An exchange of voices resonated in the distance:

"Even if the red team sweeps the next three rounds, they will only secure a draw with the black team this time."

"Impossible. The black team is formidable; the red team may not secure a single victory."

"Like father, like son. Duke Ningguo experienced defeat, and Heir Li appears to be following in his father's footsteps."

The final comment carried a sharp edge, prompting a steely glare from Yunzhu. The lady who spoke was positioned in the recesses of the Guihe Pavilion, seeming purposefully intent on inciting Yunzhu. While she tried to cloister her conversation from view, Yunzhu unveiled her covert intention. Though unfamiliar, Yunzhu did not recognize the other party.

In a clandestine manner, her maid whispered to her: "Jiang Ling. Her father is a physician in the household department. Her brother had an incident last year when he drank excessively at a restaurant. Once he stumbled out, he harassed civilian girls on the street. When the heir caught him in the act and expelled him. He was literally thrown out. Mr. Jiang remained silent, acknowledging his son's misdeeds, but Jiang Ling harbors resentment towards us."

Yunzhu silently acquiesced.

Attaining the title of Doctor of the Household Department signifies a prestigious fifth-grade official position. It's an esteemed role for a Jinshi to gradually ascend to. Nonetheless, in the expansive realm of the capital that harbors around forty doctors across the six departments, a sole doctor, from Yunzhu's perspective, does not hold a notable official status. These esteemed ladies each have their own social circles, rendering it challenging for Jiang Ling to establish connections and for them to pay heed to her.

Yunzhu pondered teaching Jiang Ling a lesson, yet Gu Min interjected icily: "The intricacies of the battlefield are in perpetual flux. The opportune timing, location, and individuals are essential components. Duke Ningguo may have faced defeat last time, but he might triumph in the future. Regardless of the unwavering loyalty of the Duke of Ningguo over generations, it is not our place as women in the harem to spout conceited remarks. Furthermore, Heir Li stands as the commander of the Emperor's imperial bodyguards. If you believe you can deride him, do you genuinely reckon you understand the intricacies better than the Emperor?"

Gu Min’s reprimand held such gravity that the ladies and maids near Guihe Pavilion were struck silent, their eyes flitting between Gu Min and the reprimanded Jiang Ling.

Jiang Ling’s countenance cycled through shades of crimson and pallor, a striking display of her inner turmoil and vulnerability in the face of the esteemed Gu Min’s censure.

The situation left Jiang Ling bewildered. For the ladies of the Xungui family had often derided her and her peers for their unwavering commitment to strict etiquette. Now, as a leader among the circle of civil servants and ladies, she questioned why Gu Min chose to defend Li Yunzhu.

In a charged exchange, Sun Yurong rose, gesturing pointedly across the pavilion as she spoke with a smile. Her pointed remarks about Li Shizi’s standing left the present ladies aghast, many hearing of Brother Jiang Ling’s scandal for the first time.

Subsumed with shame and distress, Jiang Ling could not bear to remain, thus she gathered her skirts and retreated with lowered head, her departure met by Sun Yurong’s disapproving pout.

A tense verbal exchange ensued between Yunzhu and Sun Yurong, their heated words punctuating the air with palpable tension. Yet, Sun Yurong’s prolonged scrutiny unveiled a profound truth—despite her pampered upbringing, Yunzhu never exhibited any unsightly behavior.

Seizing the poignant moment, Yunzhu, with elegant composure, lifted a tea bowl and paid homage to Gu Min, professing her admiration for Miss Gu’s open-mindedness. She articulated, "People often assess heroes by their triumphs or failures. I commend Miss Gu’s broad-mindedness."

Gu Min: "I spoke too hastily. I do not dare to take it seriously."

Following this exchange, the two of them each savored a sip of tea, maintaining their distance without further interaction.

At that moment, Eunuch Ma, overseeing the polo field, made his appearance, accompanied by two young eunuchs holding a tray adorned with red ribbons.

The attentive gazes of all the ladies fixated upon him, their curiosity piqued.

With a genial smile, Eunuch Ma addressed the assembly: "The Emperor and Empress possess a keen interest in today's game, albeit their regrettable absence. Therefore, I implore all of you to assist in selecting the top three players with the most exceptional abilities, so that they may be invited to the palace following the conclusion of the game."

Inquisitively, Sun Yurong inquired, "By what criteria shall we select them?"

Eunuch Ma gestured towards the red ribbons on the tray, declaring, "Once the competition concludes, kindly ascend to the Star Observation Tower and bestow the ribbon upon the candidate whom you believe to be the most deserving leader."

A sense of nervous anticipation painted the faces of the ladies.

Dispelling their unease, Eunuch Ma reassured them, "This is an elegant affair. Ladies need not fret unduly. Simply observe the game closely and make an impartial selection."

In Eunuch Ma's mind, he marveled at the Emperor's fervent efforts to swiftly resolve the marital matter through his brother-in-law.

*

Under the auspices of Emperor Yuan Qing, the ladies redirected their focus from merely the outcomes of the red and black teams to their own individual performances.

As for whether certain individuals might prioritize social standing and family background over polo prowess when distributing ribbons later, only they themselves knew the truth.

At the conclusion of the last three matches, the red team, led by Li Yao, emerged victorious in only one game.

Despite this outcome, Li Yao acknowledged his defeat. His grandfather had always described him as audacious and reckless, a sentiment he had previously dismissed given his numerous triumphs in polo matches. However, after being bested by Cao Xun, Li Yao finally comprehended the vital significance of strategy.

"Would the Duke be interested in another competition next month?" Li Yao queried as they both rode their horses.

Cao Xun responded with a smile, "Should you find yourself with spare time, it would certainly be a favorable proposition."

With Cao Xun's acquiescence, Li Yao nodded and turned his horse to depart.

However, one member of the red team interjected, "Heir Li, you seem to have forgotten about the Emperor's directive for us to convene at the Star Observation Tower for the selection process."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding military officers erupted into jovial laughter, all eyes trained on Cao Xun.

Cao Xun appeared resigned to the situation.

Indeed, Li Yao had neglected Eunuch Ma's instructions during the intermission. Whilst chiding the Emperor for causing trouble, he teased Cao Xun, "My lord, perhaps it would behoove you to hasten your marriage plans, sparing us the time and effort of acting as mere supporting players for your exploits."

Cao Xun glanced at the other military attaches, who were enjoying the spectacle, including the members of the black team. "The Emperor's benevolence extends beyond just myself," he remarked.

Surveying the vibrant array of figures clad in colorful attire in the pavilion, there were at least fifty or sixty ladies in attendance, accompanied by twenty eligible military officers. Perhaps some of them would find suitable matches on this day.

Under the guidance of Cao Xun and Li Yao, the group of twenty young military attaches, having fiercely contested the ball on the field, rode their horses to the Star Observation Tower, engaged in conversation and laughter.

Meanwhile, the awaiting ladies were attended to by Eunuch Ma, who had prepared twenty square meters of moist towelettes for Cao Xun and the others to cleanse their hands and faces before approaching.

Li Yao expressed his impatience, "Is this also part of the Emperor's arrangements?"

Eunuch Ma offered a smile, "It's my own initiative. You all are so handsome and presentable, why let dust mar your good looks?"

Li Yao, with no inclination for marriage, simply wiped his face with a towel.

As Eunuch Ma turned to Cao Xun, the Duke of Dingguo, he observed the Duke carefully polishing his attire with great finesse, surpassing even the gentleman beside him. It was evident to him that the Emperor's good intentions for the day were sure to bear fruit. After all, the capital's noble ladies were all apt choices for marriage, and almost all of them had assembled today. The Duke of Dingguo was bound to be captivated by a beauty. And for someone of his standing, how could any beauty be unworthy?

As for Heir Li, his exceptional handsomeness rendered the act of wiping one's face inconsequential.

The young eunuchs then removed the twenty soiled towels, while Eunuch Ma proceeded to escort the prepared ladies.

In the interest of fairness, the ladies from the households of civil and military officials were arranged into two rows, with two ladies entering the Star Observation Tower for selection at a time.

Yunzhu and Gu Min were the first to be called forth.

Yunzhu held only a red ribbon, while Gu Min held the red ribbon in one hand and held up a round fan to partially conceal her face, exuding an air of dignity, gentility, and natural elegance.

As the two girls stepped into the Star Observation Tower, all the young military attaches inside turned their attention toward them. Since Gu Min had obscured her face, most of the gazes landed on Yunzhu.

In that moment, the men's breath seemed to hitch.

Li Yao glanced around and quipped, "It's all futile here. No one among them is worthy of my sister."

While any other girl might have blushed at such an overt display of praise from her brother, Yunzhu simply smiled and walked confidently to the center.

Li Yao, Cao Xun, and Cao Shao were all in attendance.

Li Yao regarded his sister with confidence, while Cao Shao's eyes were filled with longing and bitterness.

In comparison, Cao Xun, composed and detached, seemed to be merely going through the motions and indifferent to the ladies arriving for selection.

Yunzhu stood before him.

Cao Xun lowered his gaze and observed this audacious young woman. He was the brother of her former betrothed.

Cao Shao gazed at Yunzhu in astonishment. Just as his heart was overwhelmed, Yunzhu handed a red ribbon to him and addressed Cao Xun, "I have heard that the Duke of Dingguo is a shrewd strategist. Regardless of whether he fights alone, the Duke of Dingguo will exhibit wisdom. Do you have the confidence to outmatch my brother?"

At those words, Li Yao's eyes suddenly sparkled with a fighting spirit.

Cao Xun glanced at him and responded to Yunzhu with a smile, "Your brother is indeed courageous. Only through comparison will the outcome be known."

Yunzhu replied, "So, at present, you lack confidence in besting my brother?"

Cao Xun nodded.

Yunzhu then turned around, placed the red ribbon she held into the hand of her brother standing beside her, and without glancing back at anyone, she strode confidently out of the Star Observation Tower.

Cao Shao hastened to follow her.

Li Yao joyfully regarded the red ribbon given by his sister. Suddenly, another delicate white hand reached out.

Li Yao raised his gaze in surprise and beheld an exquisite round fan, displaying a pair of serene eyes on its surface.

Their eyes meeting, the girl lowered her gaze and calmly said, "I greatly admire the heir. I hope that the heir will make decisions before taking action in the courts and on the battlefield, so as to uphold his stately and heroic reputation."

Having said this, she departed tranquilly.

Confused, Li Yao inquired of Eunuch Ma, "Who is that girl?"

Eunuch Ma smiled and replied, "She is the direct granddaughter of Lord Chief Assistant."

Li Yao recalled how Gu Shoufu had regarded him with disdain, as if he were a "simpleton", saying, "A girl who isn't even as tall as I am dares to give me a lecture, just like her grandfather did."

Eunuch Ma: "..."

Fortunately, he had thought the green smoke rising from the Li family's ancestral grave signified that Li Yao would wed a beautiful wife, but he hadn't anticipated that Li Yao would dispel the green smoke!

As the ladies filed into the building one by one, after the selection was concluded, Eunuch Ma took a quick survey and observed that Cao Xun held the most red ribbons, followed by Cao Shao, and Xie Lang, the son of Xie Zhen, the Marquis of Changxing, ranked third.

Considering Li Yao again, his sister had gifted him one, Gu Min had also given him one as a gift, and his sister's good friend Sun Yurong had given him one as a favor, and now it was gone!

Li Yao did not seem to care at all and just sneered at Cao Shao, remarking, "It appears that I must congratulate you in advance. There will be a wedding banquet on a certain day. Remember to invite me."

Cao Shao's complexion turned ashen. If all this had not been arranged by the Emperor, he would have been tempted to cast away the red ribbon in his hand.

Li Yao strode away with the confidence of a tiger.

Cao Xun, Cao Shao, and Xie Lang had to enter the palace.

Xie Lang, who is twenty years old this year, had been serving on the border for the past three years and was well-acquainted with Cao Xun. Contemplating the red ribbon bestowed upon him by his sister Xie Wenying, Xie Lang jestingly asked Cao Xun, "Does the Duke have a favorite?"

Cao Xun replied, "Do you?"

Xie Lang smiled faintly. "Yes, indeed, but it's a pity she didn't give me the ribbon."

It was a privilege to have such a beauty.

Cao Shao was initially lost in his own thoughts. Upon hearing this, he glanced warily at Xie Lang. "Whom do you have your eye on?"

Xie Lang responded, "It's not appropriate for you to know such matters. Revealing it could tarnish the reputation of the young lady's family."

Tension gripped Cao Shao as he tightened his hold on the reins.

Cao Xun responded to Xie Lang's previous query: "They are all girls of fifteen or sixteen. They might be suitable for you, but to my eyes, they are like children. It is challenging to arouse feelings of love between children."

He delivered the same response in front of Emperor Yuan Qing.

Emperor Yuan Qing expressed concern: "If you were to match in age, you would need to find a woman in her mid-twenties, but women of this age are often already mothers."

Cao Xun replied, "Your Majesty, you need not worry about me. If there is a young woman who does not mind my age and treats me sincerely, without being swayed by my family background or favor, then I would be more than willing to marry her."

Emperor Yuan Qing smiled and said, "So that is your perspective. Very well, take your time, and I shall not interfere."

Cao Xun acquiesced.

Emperor Yuan Qing pondered the words of his ministers and suddenly thought of the concubines in the harem. How many of these women truly admired him?

He did not know, and he did not concern himself with it. As the Emperor ruling over the world, what did the love of a woman truly mean?

It was not just him; many civil and military ministers, the wealthy and gentry, they viewed marriage as a matter of finding a suitable match once they reached a certain age. Cao Xun's perspective was indeed an exception.

*

When Cao Xun and his companions departed from the palace, it was nearly noon, and the sun's warmth enveloped them.

Cao Shao's thoughts were consumed by the presence of Yunzhu, and he remained silent and preoccupied when unprovoked.

Xie Lang extended an invitation to the two brothers: "It's been quite some time since the immortal has been intoxicated in Xianju. Allow me to play host today. Why don't we continue until inebriated?"

Cao Xun glanced at his younger brother.

Seeing that Cao Shao was not in the mood for socializing, he excused himself, citing an aversion to alcohol.

Cao Xun replied, "Very well, you should return home first, in order not to worry our mother."

More than a quarter of an hour later, Cao Xun and Xie Lang rode their horses to the capital's busiest street. Both of them possessed exceptionally striking appearances and attracted a great deal of attention.

They arrived at Zuixianju.

Just as Cao Xun was about to dismount, he heard someone calling from the upstairs private room, "My lord, what a pleasant surprise!"

Looking up, he saw Li Yao eagerly greeting him from the second floor.

Li Yao said, "We just arrived. Will you join us?"

Cao Xun smiled, "That would be impolite."

In the upstairs private room, when he discovered who his brother had invited, Li Xian frowned and remarked, "My sister is still present. How can you invite an outsider?"

Li Yao retorted, "What kind of outsider? I've seen Xie Lang in an informal setting before. Cao Xun and our father are well acquainted. There's no need for such formality."

After saying this, he went out to welcome the two guests.

Li Xian shook his head.

Yunzhu smiled and commented, "It's all right, I don't mind."

Not long after, the resolute footsteps of the military attachés echoed in the corridor. Li Yao opened the door of the private room and asked Cao Xun and Xie Lang to enter.

With a swift rise from his seat, Li Xian offered a crisp salute, the gesture resonating with practiced respect. In stark contrast, Yunzhu remained rooted to her chair, her gaze unwavering as she met Cao Xun's with the same intensity she'd bestowed upon Xie Lang.

The red ribbon that dangled from her slender fingers caught Cao Xun's attention. He couldn't help but recall her question at the Star Observation Tower, its meaning veiled in ambiguity.

Was it a veiled plea, a passionate defense of her brother seeking Li Yao's recognition?

Or perhaps, a subtle yet tantalizing offer - the crimson ribbon itself signifying an unspoken reward for the victor in a display of martial prowess?

The thought of besting Li Yao and claiming the prize, the enigmatic Yunzhu's favor, sparked a flicker of pride within him.

Unlike Cao Shao or Xie Lang, who would have reveled in such flirtatious defiance, Cao Xun felt a different tremor within him.

Unburdened by romantic entanglements, his mind remained clear, discerning the intricate dance Yunzhu weaved. He recognized the calculated allure, the deliberate nonchalance - a carefully crafted game of seduction laced with calculated aloofness.

Chapter 10

The polo match raged through six rounds, each one lasting a brutal fifteen minutes, followed by a brief rest after the first three rounds.

Yunzhu breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her brother adapt to the pressure. After being outwitted yet again by Cao Xun's team in the second round, he finally stopped fumbling and focused on working with his teammates.

But even with that shift, their makeshift alliance still couldn't hold a candle to the smooth, deadly teamwork of Team Cao. Despite Li Yao’s relentless drive, his red team fell short in the third round.

Watching the twenty warriors retreat to rest in the courtyard next to the field, the ladies in the four pavilions couldn’t stop gossiping about Cao Xun and his team. Their eyes had been locked on the match only moments before, so engrossed they had been too tense to speak.

Sun Yurong leaned in to soothe Yunzhu: "Your brother gave it his all, nearly racking up every point the red team scored."

Li Yao was a force—like a tiger. Cao Xun’s black team, though, was a pack of wolves. They may have used their numbers to their advantage, but they still couldn’t outmatch Li Yao, not by a long shot.

Li Yao was the talk of the town. Even the most reckless would think twice about provoking him in front of Li Yong. The man’s bad luck was a curse, one that wasn’t meant to be tested.

Yunzhu knew her brother's strength, but she couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he faced Cao Xun one-on-one.

From where she stood, Yunzhu saw the match play out. Cao Xun was the mastermind, pulling the strings, guiding his men with precision. Under his leadership, every member of the black team got their shot at glory—even those who outshone Cao Xun himself. That was where he differed from her brother. Personal fame meant nothing to him as long as his team came out on top.

A conversation reached her ears from afar:

“Even if the red team wins the next three rounds, it’ll just be a tie with the black team.”

“Impossible. The black team’s too strong. The red team won’t take a single round.”

“Like father, like son. Duke Ningguo lost, and now Heir Li is following his father’s footsteps.”

The last comment cut through the air like a blade, prompting a glare of pure steel from Yunzhu. The woman who spoke was hidden deep within the Guihe Pavilion, clearly trying to provoke her. Yunzhu saw through the hidden snub. She didn’t know the woman, but she recognized the malice.

Her maid leaned in to whisper in her ear: "Jiang Ling. Her father’s a physician in the household department. Last year, her brother got wasted at a restaurant and harassed girls on the street. When the heir caught him, he had him thrown out. Mr. Jiang stayed quiet, acknowledging his son’s disgrace. But Jiang Ling holds a grudge against us."

Yunzhu gave a silent nod.

Achieving the title of Doctor of the Household Department is no small feat—it’s a high-ranking, prestigious fifth-grade position. It’s a role that a Jinshi would work tirelessly to earn. However, in the sprawling capital, where forty doctors populate the six departments, a single doctor, from Yunzhu’s perspective, doesn’t carry much weight. These high-born women each dominate their own social spheres, making it near impossible for Jiang Ling to build meaningful connections or gain any respect from them.

Yunzhu considered teaching Jiang Ling a lesson, but before she could act, Gu Min coldly interrupted: "The battlefield is always shifting. Timing, location, and the right people matter. Duke Ningguo might’ve lost once, but don’t be surprised if he triumphs next time. Even with generations of loyalty behind him, we women in the harem should never indulge in boastful talk. As for Heir Li, he commands the Emperor's elite bodyguards. If you think you can mock him, do you honestly believe you know better than the Emperor?"

Gu Min’s words struck with such force that the ladies and maids gathered near the Guihe Pavilion fell silent, their eyes darting nervously between Gu Min and the chastised Jiang Ling.

Jiang Ling’s face was a canvas of red and white, a vivid display of her internal conflict and vulnerability as she processed the weight of Gu Min’s rebuke.

Jiang Ling was left reeling. The ladies of the Xungui family had often mocked her and her peers for their unyielding adherence to proper etiquette. Now, as a leader among the civil servants and ladies, she couldn’t fathom why Gu Min would defend Li Yunzhu.

In a charged moment, Sun Yurong stood, pointedly sweeping her hand across the pavilion, her smile sharp. Her biting comments about Li Shizi’s status left the other ladies stunned, with many learning of Brother Jiang Ling’s scandal for the first time.

Filled with shame and embarrassment, Jiang Ling couldn’t bear the humiliation. She quickly gathered her skirts and retreated, head lowered, while Sun Yurong’s disapproving pout followed her departure.

A tense exchange of words erupted between Yunzhu and Sun Yurong, their voices sharp and heated. But Sun Yurong’s lingering gaze exposed an undeniable truth—despite her pampered upbringing, Yunzhu maintained a poised, composed demeanor.

Taking advantage of the moment, Yunzhu elegantly lifted a tea bowl, offering a nod of respect to Gu Min. "People often measure heroes by their successes or failures. I truly admire Miss Gu’s open-mindedness."

Gu Min responded: "I may have spoken too rashly. I don’t take it to heart."

The two women sipped their tea in silence, maintaining a respectful distance without further interaction.

Just then, Eunuch Ma, overseeing the polo field, entered, flanked by two young eunuchs carrying a tray adorned with red ribbons.

The attention of all the ladies was drawn to him, curiosity sparking in their eyes.

With a gracious smile, Eunuch Ma addressed the gathering: "The Emperor and Empress are very interested in today’s game, though they unfortunately cannot attend. I ask that you all help select the top three players, who will be invited to the palace after the game."

Sun Yurong, ever the inquisitive one, asked, "What criteria should we use to choose them?"

Eunuch Ma gestured toward the tray of red ribbons. "Once the game concludes, please go to the Star Observation Tower and award the ribbon to the player you believe has shown the most outstanding leadership."

The ladies’ faces were painted with nervous excitement.

To ease their tension, Eunuch Ma added, "This is a refined event. There’s no need to worry. Just observe the game and make your decision impartially."

In Eunuch Ma’s mind, he marveled at the Emperor’s efforts to quickly resolve the marital situation through his brother-in-law.

*

Under Emperor Yuan Qing’s command, the women shifted their attention from just the red and black teams to their own individual performance, no longer passive but fully invested in their own skills.

As for whether anyone would prioritize their social rank or family connections over polo abilities when the ribbons were handed out, only they themselves knew the truth.

At the end of the last three matches, the red team, led by Li Yao, managed only one win.

Still, Li Yao owned his defeat. His grandfather had always called him reckless and overconfident, something Li Yao had ignored due to his many victories. But after losing to Cao Xun, he understood the real power of strategy.

"Would the Duke be interested in another match next month?" Li Yao asked, as they rode together.

Cao Xun smirked. "If you have the time, it would be an excellent idea."

With Cao Xun's approval, Li Yao nodded and turned to leave.

However, a red team member interrupted. "Heir Li, don’t forget the Emperor’s command to meet at the Star Observation Tower for the selection process."

The military officers around them burst into laughter, all eyes on Cao Xun.

Cao Xun seemed resigned to the situation.

Li Yao had, indeed, overlooked Eunuch Ma’s instructions during the break. Muttering about the Emperor causing trouble, he teased Cao Xun, "My lord, perhaps it's time you got married, so we don’t have to keep playing backup in your little dramas."

Cao Xun glanced at the other officers, including the black team members, who were amused. "The Emperor’s generosity isn't just for me," he remarked.

He surveyed the crowd in the pavilion, noticing at least fifty or sixty ladies and twenty military officers. Some might find their match today.

Guided by Cao Xun and Li Yao, the twenty young military officers, having fought hard on the field, now rode to the Star Observation Tower, talking and laughing.

Meanwhile, the ladies were prepared by Eunuch Ma, who had twenty wet towelettes ready for the men to clean up before entering.

Li Yao, clearly uninterested in marriage, grumbled, "Is this also part of the Emperor’s plan?"

Eunuch Ma smiled, "I thought it only fitting. You all look too fine to be soiled by dust."

Li Yao wiped his face with the towel without much thought.

As Eunuch Ma turned to Cao Xun, the Duke of Dingguo, he noticed the Duke meticulously adjusting his attire, surpassing even the man beside him in grace. It was clear that the Emperor’s intentions for the day would yield results. With all the capital's finest ladies present, the Duke of Dingguo would undoubtedly be taken by one. And for a man of his status, no beauty could be beneath him.

As for Heir Li, his good looks made even a simple towel wipe seem unimportant.

The young eunuchs took the soiled towels, and Eunuch Ma led the way for the prepared ladies.

For fairness, the ladies from the civil and military officials’ families were lined up in two rows, entering two at a time for selection in the Star Observation Tower.

Yunzhu and Gu Min were the first to be called.

Yunzhu held a red ribbon, while Gu Min carried the red ribbon in one hand and a round fan in the other, her face partially hidden, radiating dignity, grace, and natural elegance.

As the two stepped into the Star Observation Tower, all eyes inside shifted toward them. Since Gu Min concealed her face, most of the attention focused on Yunzhu.

In that instant, the men seemed to catch their breath.

Li Yao looked around and sneered, "This is pointless. None of them are worthy of my sister."

While most girls would have blushed at such blatant praise from their brother, Yunzhu merely smiled and strode confidently to the center.

Li Yao, Cao Xun, and Cao Shao were all present.

Li Yao regarded his sister with unwavering confidence, while Cao Shao's gaze was full of longing and bitterness.

Cao Xun, on the other hand, remained aloof and indifferent, clearly uninterested in the women arriving for selection.

Yunzhu stood before him.

Cao Xun lowered his gaze, studying this audacious young woman. He was the brother of her former betrothed.

Cao Shao watched Yunzhu in stunned silence, his heart overwhelmed. As if on impulse, she handed him a red ribbon, addressing Cao Xun directly, "I've heard the Duke of Dingguo is a shrewd tactician. Whether he fights alone or with allies, he will outsmart his opponents. Are you confident you can best my brother?"

At her words, Li Yao’s eyes flashed with fierce determination.

Cao Xun met his gaze briefly before smiling and answering Yunzhu, "Your brother is indeed bold. Only a test will reveal the true outcome."

Yunzhu responded firmly, "So you admit, right now, you lack the confidence to defeat my brother?"

Cao Xun nodded, the uncertainty clear in his expression.

Yunzhu then turned, placed the red ribbon into her brother’s hand without a second glance, and, with unshakable resolve, walked out of the Star Observation Tower.

Cao Shao hurried after her.

Li Yao grinned, savoring the red ribbon his sister had handed him. Suddenly, a delicate white hand reached out.

Li Yao looked up in surprise to see an exquisite round fan, with serene eyes depicted on its surface.

Their eyes locked, and the girl lowered her gaze, speaking calmly, "I greatly admire the heir. I hope you’ll consider your decisions carefully, both in the court and on the battlefield, to maintain your noble and heroic reputation."

With that, she walked away, her composure unbroken.

Perplexed, Li Yao turned to Eunuch Ma and asked, "Who is that girl?"

Eunuch Ma smiled knowingly and replied, "She is the direct granddaughter of Lord Chief Assistant."

Li Yao, recalling how Gu Shoufu had once looked at him with contempt, muttered, "A girl shorter than me dares lecture me like her grandfather did? Ridiculous."

Eunuch Ma said nothing, only sighing.

He had once thought the green smoke rising from the Li family’s ancestral grave meant Li Yao would marry a beautiful wife, but never in his wildest dreams had he expected Li Yao would extinguish the green smoke himself!

*

As the ladies entered the building one by one after the selection was finished, Eunuch Ma swiftly surveyed the scene, noting that Cao Xun held the most red ribbons, followed by Cao Shao, and Xie Lang, the son of Xie Zhen, the Marquis of Changxing, who ranked third.

When Li Yao was considered again, his sister had gifted him one, Gu Min had given him one as a present, and his sister's close friend, Sun Yurong, had given him one as a favor. Yet now, all of them were gone!

Li Yao seemed completely unfazed, sneering at Cao Shao. "I should probably congratulate you ahead of time. There's a wedding banquet coming up. Be sure to send me an invitation."

Cao Shao's face turned pale. If this had not been orchestrated by the Emperor, he would have tossed that red ribbon aside in disgust.

Li Yao strode away, his confidence unshakable, like a tiger on the prowl.

Cao Xun, Cao Shao, and Xie Lang had no choice but to enter the palace.

Xie Lang, now twenty, had served on the border for the past three years and knew Cao Xun well. Reflecting on the red ribbon given to him by his sister, Xie Wenying, he teasingly asked Cao Xun, "Does the Duke have a favorite?"

Cao Xun shot back, "Do you?"

Xie Lang smirked slightly. "Indeed, I do, but sadly, she didn't give me a ribbon."

It was a privilege to have such a beauty in mind.

Cao Shao, initially lost in thought, glanced warily at Xie Lang when he heard this. "Who do you have your eye on?"

Xie Lang coolly replied, "It’s not your place to know. If I revealed it, it might harm the reputation of the young lady's family."

Tension filled the air as Cao Shao gripped the reins tighter.

Cao Xun responded to Xie Lang’s question, "They're all girls about fifteen or sixteen. They might be suitable for you, but to me, they are like children. It's hard to form true love with children."

He gave the same answer when standing before Emperor Yuan Qing.

The Emperor, looking concerned, said, "If you were to choose based on age, you'd need a woman in her mid-twenties, but most women that age are already mothers."

Cao Xun replied, "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry about me. If a young woman does not mind my age and treats me sincerely, without being swayed by my family status or favor, then I would be willing to marry her."

Emperor Yuan Qing smiled. "I see, that’s your stance. Very well, take your time. I shall not interfere."

Cao Xun bowed in agreement.

The Emperor, lost in thought, suddenly wondered about the concubines in the harem. How many of them truly cared for him?

He didn’t know, and frankly, he didn’t care. As the Emperor, ruling over the world, what was the significance of a woman's love?

It wasn’t just him. Many civil and military ministers, the wealthy, and the gentry, saw marriage as a pragmatic matter—a suitable match once a certain age was reached. Cao Xun’s view was indeed rare.

*

Here is the passage translated with a direct, assertive tone:

When Cao Xun and his companions left the palace, it was nearly noon, and the sun's heat bore down on them.

Cao Shao’s mind was consumed by Yunzhu’s presence, and he stayed silent, lost in thought, unless directly spoken to.

Xie Lang boldly invited the brothers: "It's been far too long since the immortal has had a drink at Xianju. Let me host today. Why don't we continue until we're thoroughly drunk?"

Cao Xun shot a look at his younger brother.

Noticing Cao Shao had no interest in company, he excused himself, citing his distaste for alcohol.

Cao Xun simply said, "Fine, return home. Don't make mother worry."

A little over a quarter of an hour later, Cao Xun and Xie Lang arrived at the busiest street in the capital. Their striking looks immediately drew attention.

They reached Zuixianju.

Just as Cao Xun was about to dismount, a voice from the upstairs private room called out, "My lord, what a pleasant surprise!"

He looked up to see Li Yao eagerly waving from the second floor.

Li Yao called, "We just arrived. Will you join us?"

Cao Xun smiled coldly, "That would be rude."

Inside the private room, Li Xian frowned when he realized who his brother had brought. "My sister is here. How can you invite an outsider?"

Li Yao shot back, "Outsider? I've seen Xie Lang in casual settings before. Cao Xun and our father are familiar. There’s no need for all the formalities."

He then went out to greet the guests.

Li Xian shook his head.

Yunzhu smiled, unbothered, "It's fine, I don't care."

Soon, the sharp footsteps of military officers echoed down the hall. Li Yao opened the door and ushered Cao Xun and Xie Lang inside.

With a swift rise, Li Xian gave a precise salute, the respect evident in his practiced form. In stark contrast, Yunzhu remained seated, her gaze unwavering as she met Cao Xun's eyes with the same intensity she'd shown Xie Lang.

The red ribbon hanging from her slender fingers caught Cao Xun’s eye. It reminded him of her question at the Star Observation Tower, its meaning unclear.

Was it a veiled plea, a passionate defense of her brother seeking Li Yao’s recognition?

Or perhaps, a subtle yet tantalizing challenge—the crimson ribbon itself a reward for the victor in a contest of martial skill?

The thought of defeating Li Yao and claiming the prize, Yunzhu’s elusive favor, stirred something in him.

Unlike Cao Shao or Xie Lang, who might have enjoyed such playful defiance, Cao Xun felt a different, deeper response.

Free from romantic distractions, his mind remained sharp, seeing through Yunzhu's intricate game. He understood the deliberate allure, the studied indifference—a carefully constructed dance of seduction wrapped in calculated distance.