Chapter 2

Meng Jianqing suddenly leaped from his horse, his spear tapping against the blade, using the force to flip to the right side of Hu Jinyong. He then soared into the air, executing a series of flying kicks that struck under Hu Jinyong's armpit

In a moment of haste, Hu Jinyong raised his blade to block, but with all his strength unable to be exerted at once, he was unexpectedly overpowered by Meng Jianqing's thrust.

Is Meng Jianqing really trying to put himself in a position where he must either succeed or perish this time? Is the Military Academy truly that important to him? After making up his mind, is that why he is going all out, even ruthlessly cutting off his own escape routes?

At the platform, Hu Dusi felt uneasy in his heart. He turned to the Southern Duke and hesitantly said, "Well, my lord, what are your thoughts on this?"

In the first examination, twenty-three individuals were unable to arrive at the examination venue on time; eighteen individuals had their omissions and errors in the transcription of "The Art of War" publicly displayed. In the afternoon, there were still ninety-four individuals remaining standing beneath the command platform. After the flag officer counted, those with odd numbers were instructed to step left and exit the line.

However, Meng Jianchen always felt that there was something slightly amiss somewhere.

As dusk fell, dozens of torches were lit around the training ground, their flames reflecting off the snow, illuminating the training ground with a bright glow.

Meng Jianqing listened quietly to the curses from the crowd across from him, while Meng Jianchen sneered and said: "Elder brother, do you now feel any regret for your past decisions?"

The candidates at the Hangzhou garrison were in an uproar; had it not been for the imposing reputation of the Southern Township Earl, they would have likely become restless long ago

The official announced the rules for this event, which stipulate that each pair will engage in a foot battle. The competition will last for the duration of one incense stick; the individual who steps outside the designated white circle will be deemed the loser. If neither participant steps out within the time limit of one incense stick, both will be eliminated.

This is somewhat inconsistent with Meng Jianqing's usual style. He is a person who, in his dealings with *Tushuren*, has always been tactful and meticulous, and even if he accurately gauged the attitude of the Nanshang Bo, he would not so ruthlessly offend the Hudusi. It should be noted that their father is still a hundred households under the jurisdiction of the Hudusi

Gongsun Yi's expression was naturally not very pleasant, as he secretly counted, trying to figure out whether he would face Meng Jianqing or Meng Jianchen next. However, with the front line in disarray, how could he count clearly?

This time, Hu Jinyong was doubly cautious, not allowing Meng Jianqing to attack from the side again. The Nine Ringed Saber came down forcefully, forcing Meng Jianqing to firmly block the blow, causing both him and his horse to retreat several steps before finally stabilizing.

Upon this thought, Meng Jianchen felt a sudden chill in his heart, while simultaneously a faint, reluctant sense of respect began to emerge within him

Meng Jianqing and Meng Jianchen stood at either end of the five-person team from Taizhou Wei. Meng Jianqing's opponent was a candidate from Ningbo Wei.

The red sun has already set in the west

Hu Jinyong immediately shouted, "If we are to gamble, then let us gamble. What is there to fear?"

The first to take the stage is the fifth group from the Hangzhou garrison

The nine-ringed knife barely swept past his left side

Meng Jianchen impatiently waved his hand and said, "This won't do, that won't do, what exactly do you want?"

Nangxiang Bo looked around and said: "This second round will test your skills in both martial arts and weaponry!"

Meng Jianqing glanced at him and said, "If you give me another chance, I can only do my best. If you take a step back, there is still a way out; if I take a step back, there is no retreat left for me"

The two of them, along with Gongsun Yi, the second son of the Qianhu of Taizhou Weisi, all emerged victorious with ease

Their father, although he held the modest position of a minor official, was nonetheless a figure whose legacy could be passed down to future generations

Hu Hetushucomcom turned back on his horse, and Meng Jianqing also turned back.

Meng Jianqing smiled without answering

The arena was filled with cheers.

Meng Jianchen crossed his arms over his chest, watching the scene with a cold gaze, murmuring to himself: "If I have the appreciation of the Duke of Nanchang, there is indeed no need to worry about how Hu Dusi views it."

Meng Jianqing held the spear in hand and replied calmly, "All's fair in war. As for not being a cavalry battle, when have I ever set foot on the ground?"

Meng Jianqing furrowed his brow in silence. What kind of occasion is this? Such willfulness and ostentation have made him the object of everyone's attention as well

Within and outside the training ground, many could not help but sigh

However, in the second round, the flag officer did not call for the odd and even number groupings again, but instead ordered them to draw lots under the platform.

Gongsun Yi let out a sigh of relief and couldn't help but secretly grin—such good fortune is not something everyone encounters

On the training ground, only forty-one people remained. Between Meng Jianqing and Meng Jianchen, there was only one Gongsun Yi.

Hu Jinyong, filled with pent-up anger, was provoked by a few candidates from Yanzhou and immediately erupted in fury

As the two riders passed each other, Meng Jianqing turned around on his horse and thrust his spear back.

Which of these young gentlemen is not up to mischief? Upon hearing Meng Jianqing's words, they all cheered in agreement. While Hu Jinyong went to borrow a horse, Meng Jianqing assigned various candidates from the garrison to guard the entrances, to prevent anyone from heading towards Yanzhou to inform the bandits, or to disrupt the competition between the two of them

Meng Jianchen's lips curled into a mocking smile: "Brother, I wish you good luck in currying favor with the Hu Dusi."

The second round is a cavalry battle, where the one who falls off the horse or loses control of their weapon is deemed defeated. When two horses charge forward, the entire training ground is barely sufficient, which is why only one group can enter the arena at a time

Hu Jinyong leaped up, his face flushed, and shouted: "You are cheating! Lord Deng stipulated that this match is a cavalry battle, and this is not a cavalry battle at all!"

They exchanged a glance at each other

On the face of the Southern Township Lord, as usual, nothing could be discerned, only a noncommittal "Hmm" was uttered. The flag officer was unable to issue orders, thus according to the rules, it was determined that Hu Jinyong had fallen and was defeated.

Meng Jianqing replied lightly: "Likewise."

Hu Jinyong was charging forward with all his might when he was suddenly kicked by Meng Jianqing under his armpit, causing him to lose his balance and fall off the horse

Gongsun Yi expressed his concern: "Sword Minister, do you think your elder brother might lose? Hu Jinyong is a renowned warrior from the Hangzhou Guard."

Meng Jianqing said: "The journey to Yanzhou and back on a swift horse will take no more than three hours. The bandits in Yanzhou have retreated to the mountains of Tonglu and have been there for over a month. With the New Year approaching, the garrison in Yanzhou that was besieging the mountains of Tonglu has ceased its offensive to prepare for the festivities, so the bandits in the mountains will surely be lax in their defenses. How about borrowing two good horses from the Hangzhou commandery, Brother Hu? Tomorrow morning, before Lord Deng conducts the final examination, whoever brings back the most bandit heads from the mountains of Tonglu will be declared the winner; if I win, there will be no further discussion; if I lose, I shall willingly concede my place to you, Brother Hu!"

Meng Jianchen's opponent wielded a meteor hammer, while Meng Jianchen chose a hooked spear. By the time the incense had burned down to just a small portion, Meng Jianchen had already hooked the meteor hammer and, with a loud shout, decisively pulled his opponent off the horse

Among the candidates who successfully passed, there were still twenty-one remaining. The Taizhou garrison accounted for three, while the Hangzhou garrison also only had three who took the examination. The few candidates who had shaved their heads were quite dissatisfied. On the way back to the city, they noticed that the gaze of the South Xiang Lord Yan Wang, which had been fixated on them, was no longer upon their group. The candidates from the Yanzhou garrison were the first to stir up trouble, clamoring for Meng Jianqing to demonstrate his true abilities in a contest against Hu Jinyong, to win over everyone's hearts; otherwise, they would take their grievances to the Hongwu Emperor and demand his removal.

Gongsun Yi drew number 41 and has a bye.

Hu Jinyong shouted loudly, swinging the nine-ringed knife.

Meng Jianqing rode forward to greet them, and as he was about to approach, he suddenly veered to the right. Although he was avoiding them, his swift maneuver earned him a round of applause.

It was soon his turn to take the stage

Meng Jianqing did not respond, but turned to Hu Jinyong and the group of supportive candidates from Hangzhou behind him, raising his voice and saying: "The purpose of the military competition is merely to select those who can triumph over the enemy on the battlefield. Private duels are prohibited in the army; if Brother Hu insists on determining a winner, would you be interested in making a bet with me?"

Meng Jianchen scoffed: "That position in the world—it's tasteless to eat, yet a pity to discard. Who would want to spend their whole life in that remote and impoverished place? If you were to look favorably upon it, I would gladly offer it to you without hesitation—" Before he could finish his sentence, the shouts and curses from the other side had already escalated to insults directed at their parents. Meng Jianchen's face turned ashen, and gritting his teeth, he said: "These bastards, their insults are too harsh! I will go teach them a lesson!"

Meng Jianchen said coldly: "Rest assured, that old fox has plenty of ways to win"

Meng Jianchen looked at the Hu Dusi standing respectfully behind the Southern Xiang Bo and exclaimed, "Brother truly holds the Hu Dusi in high regard; I hope this remark can reach the ears of the Hu Dusi."

Meng Jianqing's long spear touched the ground slightly, lifting his falling body, and once again soared back to his horse.

His hand, which was drawing the sword, was pressed down by Meng Jianqing. Meng Jianqing gazed at the few Yan Zhou candidates who were cursing from within the crowd and said: "If we were to fight with Hu Jinyong, engaging in private brawls, we would surely be disqualified by Lord Deng"

Hu Jinyong is tall with long arms and great strength, which is why he chose a nine-ring broadsword

Hu Jinyong rode swiftly on horseback, exuding an air of decisiveness as if he could determine the fate of the world with a single stroke of his sword

Hu Jinyong urged the horses forward, shouting as he charged ahead

Meng Jianchen said: "For me, there are no father and son on the battlefield; but for you, elder brother, it may not be the same. You must be feeling quite conflicted right now, wanting to win this round while also worrying about how to deal with the Hu Dusi after winning. After all, in another ten years, we probably won't rise to the position Hu Dusi holds now, and we will inevitably have to go through him at some point. Perhaps if you show wisdom this year, Hu Dusi might offer you an even better opportunity next year."

Meng Jianqing unexpectedly approached to flatter him

Meng Jianqing pondered briefly and chose a long spear

The crowd at the training ground gradually dispersed only after midnight

Meng Jianqing smiled slightly and said, "The Hu Dusi is not that kind of person"

The opponent, filled with shame, got back up. However, Meng Jianchen did not return his weapon. Amidst the cheers, he threw his arm back, and the hooked spear, along with the meteor hammer, struck the weapon rack, causing it to sway precariously.

Meng Jianqing must have already calculated this point in his heart. No wonder he showed no mercy towards Hu Jinyong

Upon the announcement of this final rule, all candidates were secretly alarmed

Meng Jianchen's opponent is the son of the Qianhu of Yanzhou. Meng Jianqing's opponent is Hu Jinyong, the nephew of the Hudu Si.