Chapter 24: Sibling Rift (3)
Ji Cheng couldn't help but find it amusing that Shen Qin was seeking comfort from her. She racked her brains to defend Shen Che: "I think Cousin Che might genuinely have other matters to attend to. Given his status, how could he possibly be interested in such a woman? She's not particularly striking in appearance either. Perhaps someone entrusted her to Cousin Che's care, and he couldn't abandon her due to this obligation."
Ji Cheng didn't believe a word of her own explanation. The obvious intimacy between Shen Che and the woman was evident from their exchanged glances.
Yet Shen Qin chose to believe it, wanting desperately to be convinced: "Sister Cheng, you make sense. My second brother's standards are exceptionally high."
So high he'd fancy a young widow? Ji Cheng silently scoffed. But having successfully comforted Shen Qin, she relaxed as they entered the festooned tent together.
Shen Cui greeted them impatiently: "Where have you been? We've searched everywhere! The polo match is about to begin!"
The match was held at the royal retreat near Golden Rainbow Pond, which opened to the public only on select days each year - commoners were strictly barred entry.
Through the Shen family's influence, Ji Cheng gained access to the exclusive grounds.
Polo enjoyed immense popularity in the capital, with skilled players achieving household fame. As a first-time spectator, Ji Cheng knew none of this.
Following the Shen sisters to the eastern stands, Ji Cheng observed the seating arrangements - the northern section reserved for Emperor Jianping, his consorts, and ministers, while the other three sides teemed with nobility and their families.
"It's so lively! Does everyone adore polo this much?" Ji Cheng asked. Though played in Jin territory, particularly by the Hu people, she'd only seen small-scale matches during occasional games with her brothers.
The capital's fervor astonished her. The polo crowd surpassed even the dragon boat race's attendance, drawing even those who'd earlier avoided the summer heat in shaded tents.
Before Shen Cui could respond, Shen Qin eagerly interjected: "Absolutely! Polo demands superb horsemanship, physical prowess, and strategic brilliance. The late emperor declared it vital for maintaining our warriors' discipline during peacetime. For over a decade now, every capital match has been a grand spectacle!"
Ji Cheng nodded. Royal endorsement explained the sport's prevalence.
"Exactly!" Shen Cui seized her chance to contribute. "During Tianyou's tenth year, Anxi envoys challenged us. Being unfamiliar with polo then, we lost humiliatingly. Afterwards, the late emperor established the royal polo team, making it fashionable."
"Our results against foreign envoys remain mixed these years," added Shen Yan, demonstrating the capital's universal familiarity with polo culture.
Shen Qin's eyes sparkled: "Our most glorious recent moment was when Second Brother played! He crushed Anxi that year!"
"What a pity he stopped," Shen Cui sighed.
"Why?" Su Yun and Lu Yuan chorused.
Shen Yan smiled mysteriously while Shen Cui blurted: "Second Brother was only fourteen when leading our team against Anxi envoys - Jingjue, Yanqi, and Tuhuoluo representatives too! All fell before him! Afterwards, streets became perilous - maidens bombarded him with fruits and handkerchiefs until he nearly disappeared beneath them! He quit polo after that."
Shen Che's legendary single season had cemented his reputation. As his sister, Shen Qin tempered her pride: "Well... Eldest Brother's skills are remarkable too!"
"Truly, Sister Yan?" Su Yun turned for confirmation.
Shen Yan nodded. Before Shen Che's rise during border conflicts, their eldest brother Shen Yu had been the team's star - though Shen Che's striking looks undoubtedly contributed to his popularity. Handsome men throughout history enjoyed such advantages - ancient beauties like Pan An and Wei Jie being remembered more for their looks than actual achievements, unlike forgotten heroes.
As they spoke, teams marched onto the field - the black-clad Imperial Guards' Ming Army versus the red-garbed nobles' Chi Chen Team. The crowd erupted, spectators rising on tiptoes to spot favorites.
After ceremonial drums, the match commenced. Spectators cheered thrilling plays and gasped at close calls. The Shen sisters, each supporting different teams, grew more tense than the players themselves, while newcomers Ji Cheng and Su Yun maintained comparative calm.
"This isn't even the best match," Shen Yan told Ji Cheng. "These are exhibition games for the imperial family. The truly spectacular matches happen during autumn's civilian league tournaments."
"Blue Screen Society's Qiu Xiaoshuang!" Shen Qin exclaimed, eyes shining. "His Golden Rooster Stand and Carp Flip techniques are unmatched!"
"I prefer Peach Blossom Society," Shen Cui declared.
"War Drum Society has improved recently," Shen Yan countered.
With three sisters supporting different teams, future match viewings promised lively debates.
At halftime, palace musicians performed "The Emperor Qin Breaks Formation", stirring martial fervor. Even Ji Cheng applauded, though Shen Qin dismissed it: "This is nothing! Civilian league halftime shows are where true talent shines - countless girls compete fiercely for those performance slots!"
"Fourth Sister earned 'Capital's First Beauty' through such a performance!" Shen Qin added.
Ji Cheng stared in shock. Though customs were liberalizing, respectable young ladies publicly performing remained astonishing - yet here, it seemed commonplace.
Noticing her surprise, Shen Yan explained: "Civilian leagues formed the Seven Treasures Alliance. Originally meant to boost morale, halftime shows became talent competitions - our battlefield as women. Earning a finals slot brings immense prestige."
The alliance's name derived from decorated polo balls called "Seven Treasures balls".
Leaning closer, Shen Yan whispered: "A stellar performance there would bring marriage proposals flooding your gates. If interested, start preparing now. Wang Yuemian's determined to compete this year."
Ji Cheng remained noncommittal. Public performances didn't suit her cautious nature, and she needed time to consider.
Exhausted from the sweltering festival, Ji Cheng returned to Shen Manor only to be cornered by her aunt Ji Lan.
"See how the Wangs prosper with Consort Shu's influence?" Ji Lan sighed. "Once insignificant, now everyone curries their favor."
"Mother, did you see Consort Shu's new dress design?" Shen Cui interjected. "We can't replicate it in time - by next summer everyone will wear her cast-offs!"
Ji Lan tapped her daughter's forehead: "Childish concerns! If Consort Shu's eldest prince ascends the throne, their power will eclipse mere fashion. What couldn't she claim then?" She turned meaningfully to Ji Cheng: "Don't you agree, A-Cheng?"
Ji Cheng smiled mildly: "Few women share Consort Shu's fortune. Most shouldn't harbor such hopes."
Unfazed, Ji Lan continued: "She was notoriously petty and vindictive before entering palace service. Cross her, and you'll pay dearly."
Ji Cheng understood the warning - her striking beauty had undoubtedly drawn Consort Shu's unfavorable attention through Wang Siniang and Wang Yuemian's reports. She could only hope to remain beneath the consort's notice.
"But Consort Shu ages," Ji Lan pressed Ji Cheng's hand. "Beauty fades, and Huang Zhaoyi already challenges her favor. The eldest prince isn't legitimate - her future remains uncertain!"
Ji Cheng nearly scoffed aloud. Her aunt's ambition - expecting her to surpass Consort Shu as empress - seemed ludicrous. She offered noncommittal murmurs until dismissed.
That night, Ji Cheng pondered her aunt's relentless scheming. Even if coerced into palace service and miraculously becoming empress dowager, she'd resent Ji Lan's manipulation, rendering mutual benefit impossible. Why not build goodwill through sincere assistance?
Yet family bonds stayed Ji Cheng's hand. She resolved to reason with Ji Lan tomorrow - though doubted it would curb her aunt's ambitions.
(End of Chapter)
