An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 129

What a good trick to retreat for the sake of advancing. Yun Shang wondered who came up with this idea and instigated Jing Wenxi to say it.

Cangyang Yu'er listened to them quietly and said with a smile, "Princess Hui Guo, I won't force you since you can't ride. I can't bully you like this as such an unequal contest brings no honor to me. Although I am the sworn daughter of the Chief Councilor of the State of Yelang, I know how noble you are as the princess of the State of Ning. Even if you know nothing, His Majesty has found a good husband for you. I am envious of you, but I know my place."

Yun Shang raised her eyebrows. Did Cangyang Yu'er mean that Yun Shang had no strong points and was betrothed to Prince Jing as she was the princess of the State of Ning?

Yun Shang saw Wang Jinyan blinking unhappily. Just as she was about to say something, Wang Jinyan raised her hand and said to Yun Shang, "Your Highness, don't worry. I have the confidence to win this game, and I won't embarrass the State of Ning."

Yun Shang grinned more heartily and said in a soft voice, "I trust you, but Lady Jing and Lady Cangyang are right. No matter whether I win or not, I should show enthusiasm as I am the princess of the State of Ning. Even if I can't ride, I shouldn't shrink back. Since you are in high spirits, I'll join you. I won't take it to heart even if I lose."

Cangyang Yu'er and Jing Wenxi wore smug smiles, while Wang Jinyan blinked without saying anything. Prince Jing, who seemed to be finally free, looked at Yun Shang. "Shang'er, you want to join them?"

Yun Shang grinned. "Everyone is happy. I don't want to ruin their day."

Prince Jing thought for a while and said with a smile, "Okay. Enjoy yourself."

Emperor Ning, who had been watching the drama unfold, finally said, "Shang'er has never ridden a horse. Prince Jing, send some people to protect her."

Prince Jing nodded. "Shang'er, ride my horse, Ta Yun."

Jing Wenxi blinked disapprovingly. "Your Highness, it's unfair. Everyone knows that Ta Yun is an excellent Ferghana horse. How can an ordinary horse run as fast as it?"

Prince Jing frowned at Jing Wenxi. "It is unfair? Lady Cangyang grew up in the nomadic State of Yelang. All the people there learn how to ride horses from childhood. The other young ladies who entered their names for the competition began to learn horsemanship at a very young age. Your family has also hired a martial arts master to teach you riding. However, Shang'er has never ridden a horse. I am afraid she can't even mount an ordinary horse. Do you still think it's unfair?"

Shocked by Prince Jing's pouty face, Jing Wenxi lowered her head and said in a low voice, "No." She didn't say anything else.

Yun Shang raised her eyebrows again as she realized that Jing Wenxi had two faces.

"Your Highness, the contestants of the men's team are ready. We can start the game." An attendant came to tell Prince Jing.

Prince Jing nodded, took the wooden mallet handed over by the attendant, and beat the bronze gong beside him. As soon as Prince Jing ordered the start, the horses galloped away leaving behind a cloud of dust. Soon, the contestants disappeared into the jungle with their horses.

Emperor Ning smiled at Prince Jing. "Prince Jing, why don't you join in the fun?"

The Empress shook her head. "Your Majesty, if Prince Jing joins them, they will suffer a crushing defeat."

Emperor Ning laughed. "You are right. Prince Jing is excellent. Prince Jing, since you can't join them, come to the stand to watch the young ladies' game."

Prince Jing nodded and waved at Yun Shang. Yun Shang stood and walked toward Prince Jing. The attendant had already brought forward a red horse with white hooves. Yun Shang raised her hand to pat the horse's head and said with a smile, "Prince Jing, are you really allowing me to ride your horse?"

Prince Jing knew that Yun Shang could ride, but he still helped her to maintain her cover. "Sure. It recognizes you and will listen to you." He paused for a moment, then said, "Be careful."