Half an hour passed quickly. Whether or not everyone had flattered enough, the race was about to begin.
The rules were simple: everyone would ride once around the Royal Country Villa.
The circuit was about ten kilometers, with obstacles set along the way. Whoever cleared all obstacles and finished first would be the winner.
It seemed easy, but the real challenge lay in those obstacles.
Except for Serena Feng, most of the other contestants knew at least something about the obstacles ahead.
Serena noticed Sun Yijin wanting to speak several times but holding back. She understood Yijin meant well, but Serena only shook her head.
Getting involved with Serena Feng would make them a thorn in Princess Serenity’s side. The Sun clan already had enough trouble; there was no need to offend the royal family further for Serena’s sake.
When the time came, even marrying Sun Yijin into the Zhao clan wouldn’t be enough to smooth things over.
A eunuch appeared from somewhere with a gong and struck it loudly: "Ladies, please prepare... mount your horses."
The horses were small, so even the girls didn’t need help. All ten mounted almost simultaneously.
Of course, as for their posture—no one could expect perfection.
Serena Feng deliberately lagged a beat, putting on an awkward show.
Predictably, the crowd burst into laughter, and Princess Serenity looked all the more smug.
There was no helping it—Serena Feng was famous for being useless. Even though she’d shown some backbone earlier, it wasn’t enough to change everyone’s opinion in an instant.
Besides, her earlier show of strength was just a matter of attitude, not real action. Her archery stance might have looked cool, but she hadn’t actually shot the arrow.
Serena Feng didn’t care. Unlike the other girls, brimming with energy, she seemed completely relaxed, her whole demeanor radiating indifference.
For most of the girls, ranking at the Peach Blossom Festival meant glory and marriage prospects. For Serena Feng, as long as she wasn’t shamed, that was enough.
Marriage?
In this lifetime, she’d never have the chance to marry. In this era, no man would dare defy the world and take Serena Feng as his wife.
As soon as all ten were mounted, the eunuch shrilled again, "Prepare... go!"
When the gong sounded, the horses were startled and began running on their own.
"Hyah!"
All the girls shouted, pulled their reins, and charged forward, controlling their horses as they went.
Serena Feng was neither fast nor slow; she had no intention of fighting for first place. Besides, she wasn’t familiar with the obstacles here and had no interest in showing off.
Being one step ahead makes you a pioneer; two steps ahead, and you might just become the first casualty.
Reputation mattered, but her life mattered even more.
Amid the cheers, County Princess Winton charged ahead, and Serena Feng watched with genuine admiration.
Who says women can’t match men? Give County Princess Winton a warhorse, and she could absolutely ride into battle.
Unfortunately, Serena Feng celebrated too soon. Just as she thought she could leisurely trail behind, a string of lit firecrackers suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Crackling—firecrackers exploded loudly.
"Neigh—"
Serena Feng’s horse panicked, bolting forward like mad. By now, she’d already rushed past where the other girls could see—meaning no one could tell who had set things off.
More importantly, since Serena Feng had always been at the back, her sudden sprint made the other riders think she’d gone crazy trying to win.
One, two... five, seven—Serena Feng overtook each competitor ahead of her.
"Ah—"
Everyone was shocked by Serena Feng’s wild charge. When she passed Sun Yijin, Yijin was startled—her riding skills told her Serena had been set up.
She hadn’t meant to meddle, but remembering her own sister’s words, Sun Yijin called out, "Miss Feng, hug your horse’s neck and calm it!"
Whoosh—
After her initial panic, Serena Feng had already regained her calm.
From the moment she mounted, Serena Feng knew this race wouldn’t end peacefully. If Princess Serenity hadn’t tampered with the horses, she would definitely tamper with the course.
What Serena Feng hadn’t expected was just how impatient Princess Serenity was to see her dead.
Luckily, she’d kept her pace slow before and luckily her riding skills were decent—otherwise...
Serena Feng couldn’t even imagine what would happen if she fell off at that speed.
Even if she didn’t die, she’d probably be crippled.
Only now did Serena Feng finally understand what Yici had meant about girls falling off their horses.
After a moment of panic, Serena Feng calmed herself. She knew Princess Serenity would never let her reach the finish line safely. Since that’s how it was...
"Hyah—" Serena Feng raised her whip and struck her horse.
The horse, stung, ran even faster.
"Thank you, Miss Sun, but I’ll be fine. If someone wants a fight, I’ll fight! Serena Feng is not so easily bullied."
Serena Feng was bursting with spirit. In that moment, she truly led the pack, quickly overtaking County Princess Winton and charging to the front.
"Heavens, Serena Feng’s riding skills are incredible!" County Princess Winton had always prided herself on her horsemanship, but at this moment, she realized there’s always someone better out there.
At first, Serena Feng was forced into it, but now she was choosing to fight.
No wonder Princess Serenity lost to her, even with her royal status.
Serena Feng really was a troublemaker—facing hidden enemies, she still chose to fight openly.
Her courage was admirable, but was it just courage, or did she have a plan?
While County Princess Winton was marveling, Sun Yijin caught up: "County Princess Winton, this is Miss Feng’s first time in the Peach Blossom Festival riding competition. She doesn’t know where the obstacles or dangers are. Let’s hurry and follow her—if something happens, it won’t be good."
Sun Yijin understood that County Princess Winton and Princess Serenity were not the same. County Princess Winton valued martial skill and was far more upright in her actions.
Even if she disliked Serena Feng, County Princess Winton would never use such dirty tricks to harm her, nor would she stand by and watch Serena die to underhanded schemes.
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Sure enough, County Princess Winton hesitated only a moment before nodding. She raised her whip and chased after Sun Yijin. "Let’s go see."
......
Serena Feng wasn’t familiar with the obstacles along the way, but that didn’t stop her from pressing forward.
Obstacle courses—she’d trained for these back in her previous life’s military camp. Those were for people, not horses, but to Serena Feng, it wasn’t much different.
Sure enough, across time and space, people designed obstacles much the same way. The first thing Serena Feng faced was a hurdle.
Her eyesight was excellent—she spotted it from a distance and prepared herself. As she neared the rail, Serena Feng pulled the reins, squeezed her legs, and sent her horse soaring over the half-meter hurdle with ease.
Her horse was thrilled too, letting out a proud neigh.
Her superb riding drew a gasp of admiration from County Princess Winton and Sun Yijin behind her.
"My goodness, who dares call Serena Feng a fool? Can a fool ride like this? Who said she couldn’t ride? Her control is as good as General Warren’s! I heard General Warren personally brought her to the royal villa—did he teach her himself?" County Princess Winton speculated boldly.
Sun Yijin urged her horse forward: "I don’t know, but let’s catch up and see. Maybe this year we’ll get lucky—following Serena Feng not only lets us watch her brilliant riding, but makes the course easier for us too."
"Exactly! Don’t let Serena Feng leave us behind. Let’s see for ourselves—how unreliable the rumors are, and how skilled her riding really is."
County Princess Winton raised her whip and chased after them again.
Outside the Royal Country Villa, three equally outstanding young women rode with whips flying, galloping freely—celebrating their youth!