TSWRLM -Chapter 244 Shen Qingyuan Won

Wei Lingze was out of the competition, leaving the duel between Shen Qingyuan and Xuanyuan Lang as the biggest suspense of the Winter Hunt.

The next day, after breakfast, everyone naturally gathered at the arena. The imperial guards had erected stands overnight, and the emperor and the princes would watch from the side.

The empress also had tables set up on a nearby small hill for the ladies to observe the match.

Thanks to the favor of Princess Hengyang, Chun Xi got a prime viewing seat. She had just sat down when the gong sounded, signaling the start of the duel.

On the arena, Xuanyuan Lang drew the long spear he had used yesterday. Shen Qingyuan didn’t use his sword this time, instead wielding a black iron staff.

Xuanyuan Lang raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “You can use this too?”

He had heard that the Zhaoling royal court valued civil officials over military ones and assumed Shen Qingyuan would only know the sword.

Shen Qingyuan nodded lightly. “I manage.”

No sooner had he spoken than Xuanyuan Lang twisted his wrist and launched the first attack. He struck from a tricky angle; the spear thrust forward with a force that seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Shen Qingyuan quickly dodged, and the spearhead buried deep into the gravel.

Before Shen Qingyuan could counter, Xuanyuan Lang swung the spear violently from side to side, as if it were alive, sending stones flying everywhere.

The gravel acted like hidden projectiles—those standing too close cried out in pain, and Shen Qingyuan’s clothing was marked by flying debris.

Xuanyuan Lang’s move astonished everyone. Even the ladies unfamiliar with martial arts could see how formidable he was.

Despite having lost an arm, his strength was terrifyingly unnatural.

On the outskirts of the crowd, in a quiet corner, Wei Lingze had also emerged from his tent to watch.

Seeing Xuanyuan Lang’s opening move amaze the spectators, a cold, twisted smile crept across Wei Lingze’s face.

He had already lost to Shen Qingyuan, but if Shen Qingyuan were to lose to Xuanyuan Lang, he wouldn’t be the only one humiliated.

It would be one thing for him to lose because of three years spent paralyzed in bed. But Shen Qingyuan, healthy and unharmed, losing to a disabled man? That would be utterly disgraceful.

Dark thoughts filled Wei Lingze’s mind—he wished nothing more than for Shen Qingyuan to be beaten to the point of kneeling and begging for mercy.

In the arena, Shen Qingyuan remained unshaken. Xuanyuan Lang’s initial strike did not intimidate him, and he swiftly evaded, launching his counterattack.

Xuanyuan Lang’s strength was impressive—but Shen Qingyuan matched him. As he swung the staff, the air whistled with the force. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a powerful overhead strike, and Xuanyuan Lang blocked with his spear.

The clash of staff against spear produced a deep hum, the resonating force radiating through the air. Spectators nearby instinctively took a step back.

The visiting envoys watched from the stands. Initially confident due to Xuanyuan Lang’s display, they grew tense seeing Shen Qingyuan counterattack.

The Crown Prince noticed their change in expression and spoke softly: “The duel has just begun. Why aren’t you smiling anymore? Weren’t you enjoying it a moment ago?”

The envoys couldn’t understand Zhaoling’s language and waited for the ceremonial officers to translate.

“They ask whether Lord Shen is a civil or military official, whether his position in Zhaoling is high, and why they’ve never heard of him before.”

The Crown Prince smiled meaningfully. “Lord Shen is a civil official, currently a third-rank Vice Censor. This duel with the envoys is merely a friendly spar; there’s no need to overreact.”

Implying that Zhaoling had such talent among civil officials, military officers would be even more formidable. The envoys stiffened.

Years ago, Yuexi fought Zhaoling and was defeated, leaving their forces weakened. Three years ago, Xuanyuan Lang had emerged and nearly reignited conflict, but Wei Lingze had struck him down and cut off his arm. Xuanyuan Lang did not falter; his fighting spirit only intensified. Now, his prestige in Yuexi’s army surpassed what it had been three years ago.

Many envoys were tempted by the potential gains—Zhaoling’s fertile lands and populous cities promised prosperity and revenge.

But witnessing the wealth and population of Zhaoling’s capital in person, some felt hesitant.

If a mere civil official could fight Xuanyuan Lang evenly, how powerful must their military be?

In the arena, Xuanyuan Lang and Shen Qingyuan moved so fast they were almost a blur. The match surpassed yesterday’s duel with Wei Lingze in skill and intensity. The crowd held their breath, not daring to miss a single move.

On the small hill, Chun Xi watched intently, with Princess Hengyang whispering commentary into her ear, gripping her hand tighter and tighter.

Chun Xi winced. “Princess, you’re hurting my hand.”

Realizing it, Princess Hengyang loosened her grip. Seeing Chun Xi remain so calm, she asked, “So composed… don’t you worry for your Shen?”

Though the duel was agreed to be non-lethal, weapons were unpredictable. Xuanyuan Lang’s spear was deadly—one strike could seriously injure.

“I do worry,” Chun Xi admitted. “But once he’s out there, there’s no room for hesitation. He must give it his all. Whatever the outcome, I will bear it with him.”

Her gaze was unwavering. Injured or maimed, she would remain as steadfast as before.

Princess Hengyang couldn’t help but sigh. “Your Shen has good fortune. If something happened to him, I’d kick the prince myself and find a younger, prettier one.”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. “Princess, have you found someone prettier than him all these years?”

“…No, not really.”

For so many years, no one could surpass the prince’s face; otherwise, she would have replaced him long ago.

Distracted by this thought, Princess Hengyang missed the eruption of cheers from the arena. She turned her head to see the crowd rushing forward, lifting Shen Qingyuan onto their shoulders. Xiao Qingyue shouted excitedly: “He won! He won! Uncle Shen won!”

Won? How did he win? She hadn’t seen it.

The princess hurried to ask for details. In a neglected corner, Wei Lingze’s face was ashen, his shoulders collapsing inch by inch, as if his spine had been broken.

Shen Qingyuan had defeated Xuanyuan Lang—and done so impressively. All glory from the Winter Hunt went to Shen Qingyuan.

Xuanyuan Lang, though defeated, retained his dignity.

Only Wei Lingze became the laughingstock—a worthless man unable to defeat even a disabled opponent.

The deafening cheers left Wei Lingze’s mind blank. For a moment, he felt like a leaf drifting in the vast world, unable to find a place to stand.

After some time, his gaze finally settled.

He saw Chun Xi sitting quietly among the ladies.

Because Shen Qingyuan had won, people congratulated her, and she responded with calm dignity—no longer the humble, submissive figure she had been before. She now carried the poise of a proper lady from a distinguished family.

It was… infuriatingly perfect.

Wei Lingze’s eyes burned with malice, and Chun Xi quickly sensed it. She turned slightly, meeting his gaze across the crowd without fear.

Silently, she sent the message: Nephew-in-law, the real show is just beginning.