Chapter 105: The Competition

The horse race was in full swing, the atmosphere on the field reaching its peak. As the first rider from the Bordered White Banner crossed the finish line, the entire stand for that banner erupted in cheers, the applause rising and falling like waves.

Meanwhile, in the archery competition, the Plain Blue Banner was clearly taking the lead, prompting the banner lords Dan Zhen and De Zhao to shout encouragement from afar. Other banner lords were unwilling to be outdone, except for Prince Jian of the Bordered Blue Banner, who remained notably silent, having long been at odds with the Ninth Prince. Unsurprisingly, the Bordered Blue Banner had gained nothing from the six contests held that morning. From the outset, it was the Bordered White and Plain Blue Banners that had taken the lead, each claiming championship titles in the initial events.

Soon, midday arrived, and the assembly announced a one-hour break for lunch. Everyone was invited to dine within the venue, either bringing their own provisions or purchasing boxed meals provided on site. The first-class boxed meal cost two taels of silver, the second-class one tael, the third-class sixty wen, and there was a vegetarian option priced at thirty wen.

Of course, all spectators did not need to buy their own meals; they simply prepared silver coins, and servers weaving through the stands sold the meals. This idea was, of course, conceived by Yan Yan, who modeled the boxed meals after those from the Guanyin Temple, striving to ensure they were pleasing to the eye, fragrant, and delicious. Many common folk felt it was a bargain to receive a simple box along with their meal.

The Eight Banners’ contestants dined free of charge. A large canteen stood at the venue’s periphery, where all dishes had been prepared in advance and kept warm in two-tiered wooden trays heated with hot water, arranged in a modest buffet style.

Naturally, Kangxi and the imperial princes had their own separate dining hall, more elegantly decorated than the contestants’ mess. Although the Ninth Prince trusted Yan Yan’s management skills, he still checked on Kangxi’s meal. However, Kangxi insisted on visiting the contestants’ canteen to inspect it personally.

The Ninth Prince had no choice but to accompany Kangxi and the others into the contestants’ dining hall. The place was lively, with people marveling at the variety of dishes prepared and discussing the earlier competitions, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie.

Kangxi’s arrival stirred the contestants, who immediately knelt and shouted uneven cries of “Long live the Emperor!” Kangxi waved his hand: “Rise, all of you.” The contestants stood, their hearts still stirred as they looked at him.

Displaying the poise of a true monarch, Kangxi warmly addressed the contestants: “I have taken note of your performances. Enjoy your meals well; this afternoon, strive for even greater achievements.” Indeed, the contestants were inspired, eagerly expressing their determination to Kangxi.

Kangxi quietly told the Ninth Prince that he intended to dine there as well. The Ninth Prince quickly responded, “Your Majesty, if you stay here, how will they rest? Let us go to the next hall. I also wish to consult you about matters afterward.”

Kangxi nodded, recognizing the wisdom in the Ninth Prince’s words, and proceeded to the adjoining canteen. The Crown Prince followed Kangxi closely, casting a glance at the Ninth Prince. He felt that the Ninth Prince was stealing too much of the spotlight, which was not good for him. Moreover, aside from the Tenth Prince and Fourteenth Prince, who were loudly cheering, the Eighth Prince remained unusually quiet, which puzzled the Crown Prince.

The Eldest and Third Princes, naturally unwilling to see the Ninth Prince shine so brightly before Kangxi, secretly hoped for some mishap during the event. The Fourth and Fifth Princes, one deeply concealed and the other the Ninth Prince’s full elder brother, did not trouble the Ninth Prince. Most peculiar was the Eighth Prince, who, whenever the competition was mentioned, seemed genuinely proud of the Ninth Prince but never offered any tangible support.

Though many hoped for an incident to disrupt the Ninth Prince’s grand event, it concluded peacefully amidst widespread awe. After the final short-distance race, the entire competition was declared over.

Twelve events in total, with twelve champions, were to be personally awarded by Kangxi. The awards ceremony, designed by the Ninth Prince as a grand finale, had the twelve winners line up to receive Kangxi’s cordial praise and prizes, and to shake his hand. It was the highest honor of the Qing dynasty, and soon some winners were moved to tears, clutching Kangxi’s hand and weeping openly.

Kangxi showed no impatience; instead, he kindly comforted them, deepening their gratitude. Those who did not win vowed to return home to practice diligently and strive for better results next time.

In addition, the Ninth Prince arranged a team award, which went to the Plain Blue Banner. When Kangxi presented the award to De Zhao, he praised him specially, arousing envy among the other banners. The Bordered Blue Banner, with the Eldest and Third Princes present, went home empty-handed. Prince Jian’s face was flushed with embarrassment, and he sneered, “I suppose the Ninth Prince leaked some secret to the Plain Blue Banner in advance.”

Kangxi shot Prince Jian a sharp look, and Jian immediately lowered his head. De Zhao laughed heartily: “The Ninth Prince sent instructions to all banners. Our Plain Blue Banner just took it seriously and practiced day and night, determined not to disgrace him. Meanwhile, what was Prince Jian doing? Probably calculating how much money his family’s shop lost.”

Prince Jian glared at De Zhao as if he wanted to devour him, but De Zhao paid no mind and continued flattering Kangxi and the Ninth Prince, praising the unprecedented success of the event, which had strengthened unity among the Eight Banners and ignited their fighting spirit—a truly wonderful thing.

Dan Zhen of the Bordered White Banner, also a great beneficiary of the competition, rarely praised the Ninth Prince and promised De Zhao that next time they would defeat the Plain Blue Banner. Hearing this, Kangxi smiled and looked at the Ninth Prince: “Yin Tang, when will the next competition begin?”

The Ninth Prince could barely hold back a sigh; he was nearly exhausted to death from this one, and now there would be another… Yet he smiled and replied, “That depends on Your Majesty’s decision.”

Kangxi nodded. “We shall consider it carefully. You did well this time. After this matter concludes, rest at home for a few days.”

Just then, the Crown Prince, who had hardly spoken, suddenly smiled and said, “I wonder what you plan to do with this empty ground in the future, Ninth Brother? Such a fine place would be a shame to waste.”

The Ninth Prince raised an eyebrow, about to respond, but Kangxi interrupted, “That too shall be considered in due time. Yin Tang, go and oversee the orderly departure of the people. Make sure there are no stampedes, understand?”

The Ninth Prince felt grateful for Kangxi’s thoughtful care, quickly saluted, and went off to attend to the task.