NOVPUBThis made many students at Yunmeng Academy restless, especially those who were already top-notch in the Horse Riding Department.
Originally, everyone wasn’t putting in much effort—eat when it’s time to eat, play when it’s time to play, and in the Imperial Examination, each relied on their ability.
Now, while they were indulging in food and fun, just thinking about Zhou Yu’s relentless improvement at the Horse Field drained all their enthusiasm for leisure.
Today, Zhou Yu was rare in his absence, much to everyone’s relief. During their rest time, they occasionally assessed the skills of other students practicing the Horse Riding Department there.
After Li Nuo finished his first lap, someone couldn’t help but laugh, "Never learned Horse Riding, what’s the use of participating in the Imperial Examination? Better to plan for another career path early..."
After Li Nuo drove the carriage to complete the second lap, the smile still on everyone’s faces, that person spoke again, "This guy, he does have some foundation in Horse Riding..."
When Li Nuo completed the third lap, the laughter on a few faces began to fade.
By the fourth lap, those faces turned serious.
Come the fifth lap, they stood up from the grass.
...
After the tenth lap, all eyes lost their luster, staring blankly ahead.
They watched as that person went from fumbling in the first lap, becoming more proficient with each subsequent lap, and by the tenth lap, his Horse Riding skills had reached the pinnacle of perfection.
Zhou Yu’s Horse Riding was currently recognized as the strongest in the academy.
But Zhou Yu’s skills in their eyes, looked like the difference between a son and his father.
If Zhou Yu couldn’t compare, even less could they.
When had such a formidable Horse Riding master appeared in Chang’an? 𝚗o𝚟pub.𝚌𝚘𝚖
If he were to participate in the next Imperial Examination, who could contest with him for the title of top scholar in Horse Riding?
One of the youths glanced towards the track, patted the dirt off his backside, and left dispiritedly, waving his hand, "I’m done practicing, I’m leaving..."
Seeing no hope of surpassing that person, everyone else also lost the mood to continue practicing and left one after another.
"What’s the point of practicing? It’s useless."
"Let’s go to Hundred Flowers Building, I’ll treat you today."
"Rare for you to treat, I’ll call three..."
"I’m in, let’s go..."
...
Atop the Horse Riding track, Li Nuo jumped off the carriage, feeling relieved.
It seems the old adage is true, an old ginger is spicier; the Minister of Transportation, remains vigorous with age, his driving skills were nothing short of magical, more than enough to deal with the Imperial Examination.
No wonder Zhou Yu’s Horse Riding was so good, it ran in the family.
His skill in archery while on the carriage, especially for targets to the left, was incredibly accurate.
But that was limited to being on the carriage.
Once off, his archery returned to its usual standard.
Back on the carriage, though, he was like a different person.
Li Nuo looked around.
Just now, there were still a few onlookers nearby; they had all disappeared without notice.
Housekeeper Wu sat on an idle carriage, eyes wide with shock as he looked at him, exclaiming, "Young Master, when did your driving become so good?"
Li Nuo replied, "I learned from a few books I read."
Housekeeper Wu’s lips moved but he didn’t inquire further.
Although it sounded preposterous that just reading a few books could lead to such impressive driving skills.
But the son of the master wasn’t comparable to ordinary people, was he?
Back at the Song Residence, Li Nuo could relax again.
After the Music Department, he need not worry about the Horse Riding Department.
He just felt a bit sorry for Zhou Yu.
He pushed him so hard these days, only for it all to be in vain in the end.
Father is indeed father.
If Li Nuo wished, he could contest for the Horse Riding top scholar title—even Zhou Yu could not surpass him.
In time, if aside from himself, Zhou Yu really could take the lead in Horse Riding, Li Nuo could afford to let him win.
His aim was the title of Advanced Scholar; he didn’t have such a strong desire for a single subject top scholar title.
But Zhou Yu was different.
Being a student with a specialty, if he didn’t come first in Horse Riding, he could well fail to make the grade altogether.
Sincerity for sincerity, if others treated him as a friend, he couldn’t take advantage of them.
This was also the favor he owed the Zhou Family.
To be at the top in all Six Arts and give a little leeway in a single subject wouldn’t affect the final outcome.
Two mornings later, Li Nuo saw Zhou Yu again at the Song Residence.
Zhou Yu was full of vigor and radiant, a stark contrast to two days before.
The Minister of Transportation had been released the day before.
After this incident of distortion of facts and putting justice before familial loyalty, not only was Zhou Yu not punished, but his father also made the concubine kneel for two two-hour periods in front of Zhou Yu’s mother’s door to admit her wrongdoings, a roundabout admission of his own mistake.
Previously, during meals at the Zhou Mansion, Zhou Yu would sit in the third row.
But starting yesterday, his position at the family table moved up beside his father, replacing his stepmother.
This signified an elevation in his family status.
Grateful, Zhou Yu said to Li Nuo, "Brother Li, I can’t thank you enough for this time!"
Li Nuo waved his hand, "We’re friends, no need for formalities."
Song Yu, envious of the elevation in Zhou Yu’s family status, often faced physical punishment from his own father; right or wrong, his father never apologized after beating him.
The Ministry of Justice seems to be a great place to change a person; after much thought, he said to Li Nuo, "Brother-in-law, why not send my father to stay a couple of days in the Ministry of Justice too? I think he needs to reflect..."
Before he could finish, a shoe sole struck his head.
Song Lian stalked up from behind, furious, brandishing his boot.
"The Ministry of Justice, is it?"
"Reflect, is it?"
"You unfilial son, you’ve turned the world upside down!"
