Chapter 100: Hello Chang’an
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Chapter 100: Contending for Justice
She held a cue stick in her hand.
To be precise, it was the cue stick she had just snatched from Chang Miao.
Chang Miao's expression changed: "What do you mean!"
He instinctively reached out to grab it back: "Give it back to me!"
Chang Suining took a step back, avoiding his flailing hand, and looked at the two referees, whose faces were filled with confusion: "If we say that Chang Miao's previous misdeeds were all unintentional—"
As she spoke, she pressed her fingers on the cloud-patterned section of the cue stick, and with a faint sound, a half-finger-long pointed steel spike suddenly shot out from the bottom of the cue stick.
"Can this cue stick, which has hidden such a mechanism, still be considered an unintentional act?" Chang Suining asked.
Previously, in the chaos, no one had noticed such details. Now, with the cue stick raised for all to see, this peculiarity was clearly apparent to everyone.
The sharp steel spike glinted ominously, sending chills down people's spines.
The two referees' expressions changed with shock—this Chang family young master had actually tampered with his cue stick!
Murmurs began to circulate around the crowd.
"If this thing is used to injure someone, it’s no small matter!"
"It seems this was premeditated... Just to win a match, they've stooped to this level, truly disgraceful," a young scholar frowned and said.
"Brother Song is right. This thing can’t just be used on a whim; such a mechanism would take at least ten days to make…"
"I said, why did you suddenly switch cue sticks in the last game!" Cui Lang said angrily: "So you were planning this all along, unable to contain yourself after losing two rounds!"
"I didn't!" Chang Miao's face changed as he denied it: "I just learned that this cue stick has such a strange mechanism… Someone must be framing me!"
Cui Lang rolled his eyes: "Do you think so highly of yourself? Who would bother to go to such lengths to frame you!"
Chang Miao swatted away the hand of the Chang family matriarch, who was trying to wipe the blood off his face, swearing, "I’m telling the truth! I don't know anything!"
Chang Suining glanced at him: "Whether it's the truth or not can easily be determined by examining the injuries on the front legs of the horse that Brother Yubai rode."
Chang Miao's expression froze.
"Oh, I understand now!" a boy named Hu pointed at the cue stick and exclaimed: "The last strike he landed on Yubai's horse's front leg must have used this mechanism; no wonder Yubai's horse was so startled that it threw him off!"
The injuries from a regular cue stick and those from the steel spike would undoubtedly be different, easily discernible upon examination!
Because of the shock, Qiao Yubai's horse had been temporarily led away, and one of the referees personally took a team to investigate. Before long, he returned to announce the findings—
"The horse ridden by the student Qiao Yubai has injuries on its front legs that show signs of flesh tearing, which indeed were caused by a sharp weapon."
The crowd immediately erupted in noise. In the scholarly community that values virtue, many students looked at Chang Miao with disdain.
Chang Tongchun's face turned darker than a pot bottom.
The arriving Physician hesitated at the sight—was it really necessary to treat someone being condemned by thousands?
Until Qiao Yang waved him over, indicating he should proceed.
Those who should be punished must be punished, and those who need treatment must be treated; otherwise, it would be unlucky for someone to die in the national academy.
The Physician, steeling himself, approached with his medicine kit and squatted down to examine Chang Miao’s injuries.
The trial against Chang Miao did not pause due to the physician's arrival—
After handing over the incriminating cue stick to the referees, Chang Suining continued, "Not only that, but this young master Chang’s horse should also have issues."
"What nonsense—ah!" Chang Miao was about to retort when he was cut off by a cry of pain.
He glared angrily at the physician who was pressing on his injured spot—did this old man not get caught up in his own excitement?
Chang Suining ignored him and looked at the horse being watched by Cui Yuanxiang: "This horse seems a bit too excitable on the racecourse; when it collided with other horses, it acted as if it felt no pain, so I suspect this horse has been drugged."
At this statement, Cui Lang felt a shiver run down his spine as if enlightened.
So that’s why Lady Chang did not avoid Chang Miao’s horse earlier; she wanted to test whether it would injure someone… It was to verify whether that horse was abnormal!
"Don't you dare slander us!" The Chang family matriarch, no longer crying, tried to cover her panic: "... What kind of strange drug could this be? I’ve never heard of it!"
It was true that she hadn't heard of it.
Just like she didn't know that the cue stick could be tampered with, but with the steel spike right in front of her, she couldn't deny it.
But the accusation of drugging the horse, which had no evidence, was something she instinctively resisted.
"It's normal for the lady not to have heard of it, but just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Chang Suining said: "There is a type of herb called 'brown stem grass' from the Western Regions; if a horse mistakenly consumes it, it may become hyperactive and injure others, or even become violent and die. This is strictly prohibited in the military, but if one is determined, it shouldn’t be difficult to obtain with some money in the Western Market."
Chang Miao felt a cold sweat break out on his back upon hearing this.
How could she know such details!
He was still trying to stubbornly deny it when Chang Suining asked another person, “General Cui, who has been marching for many years, must have seen this item and knows I’m not speaking without basis, right?”
If Chang Miao hadn’t left behind the brown-spored grass, they would need to think of another way to verify it. Of course, the most straightforward method would be to examine the horse's manure, but waiting for the horse to defecate wasn't something one could control, especially with so many people present.
Relying solely on her word lacked persuasiveness, but if Cui Jing spoke up, it would be different. His status and authority would make it much easier to prove her point.
At this moment, Cui Jing felt like a brick being used at her convenience.
However, he still nodded, “This horse does indeed have unusual behavior; it certainly appears to have been fed brown-spored grass.”
Although he said “appears to,” his tone was assured.
Sure enough, with Cui Jing’s statement, not only the onlookers but even Chang Miao, after a struggle in his expression, lost the courage to deny it.
More and more disdainful glances fell upon him.
Even the physician tending to his wounds felt as if he had lost face alongside him… this had to count as work-related injury, right? With evidence in hand, right and wrong were already determined. Chang Tongchun glared at Chang Miao, his face dark with anger, “You worthless scoundrel! How could you act so morally corrupt and despicable? Where has your scholarly learning gone?”
What’s more, to be so clumsy as to be caught red-handed!
After being beaten into this state… it was truly embarrassing!
Today, his face and the face of the entire Chang family had been ruined by this scoundrel!
“Scholar Qiao…” Chang Tongchun barely suppressed the turmoil in his eyes and apologized to Qiao Yang, “My rebellious son caused such a disaster today, disrupting the match and injuring your son. This is truly my failure in teaching him—”
Scholar Qiao sighed and did not deny it.
Chang Tongchun continued, “As for how this matter should be handled, please let the Imperial academy and Scholar Qiao deal with it impartially. Chang has no objections!”
On the side, Yao Yi shot a sideways glance at Chang Tongchun, coldly laughing in his heart—wasn’t that redundant? Did he even have a say in the matter?
Seeing the last glance from his father filled with disdain, Chang Miao's face turned pale inside.
As for why he could only feel it in his heart, it was because the blood and bruises on his face were too colorful for him to look pale anymore.
Fortunately, mothers and sons are connected by heart; the Madam of the Chang family also shared in his disgrace.
Witnessing the unfolding situation, Ming Luo frowned.
In the court, pulling one hair can move the whole body; the close relationship between the Chang family and the Ming family would certainly lead to someone using the opportunity to criticize the Chang family and indirectly seek trouble with the holy emperor.
Chang Miao's actions were indeed wrong and foolish, but everything before was still within a controllable range, remaining at the level of minor scuffles among students—
But now, having escalated to this extent, it had turned into a real problem.
And this much-watched Polo match had been completely ruined.
Reflecting on this, Ming Luo looked toward the girl in the green-white narrow robe standing in the field.
Things in this world are not strictly black and white, but some people are self-righteous, seeking to attract attention without considering the larger situation, creating troubles that are hard to settle.
In discussions among officials of the Imperial academy, led by Qiao Yang, a conclusion about how to handle Chang Miao was quickly reached.
The person addressing the matter was the supervisor of the Imperial academy, rather than the judge—
Because Chang Miao faced not only punishment related to the Polo match.
“Chang Miao, a student of the Si Men Guan, injured a fellow student with a deadly weapon during the match. The evidence is conclusive, and today’s results are void. Moreover, due to his vile behavior and lack of reform, his student status is revoked, and he is no longer allowed to enter the Imperial academy!”
What?!
Revoked student status!
Chang Miao was shocked and pale.
The Imperial academy is the path to an official career. While noble youths in the capital do not need to undergo strict examinations to enter, there are limits to the number of spots, and his family only had two. His mother had pleaded for a long time before his father agreed to send him to the Imperial academy!
But now… he was being expelled from the Imperial academy?!
Chang Miao didn’t dare look at his father’s expression, his mind filled only with two words—done for!
He didn’t know where he found the strength, but he suddenly pushed the physician away, gritting his teeth to sit up as best as he could, pointing in the direction of Scholar Qiao, “There are often fights within the academy, yet I haven’t heard of anyone being expelled from the Imperial academy because of it… This punishment is clearly unfair! In the end, this is just Scholar Qiao abusing his power to take revenge!”
“Enough!” Chang Tongchun interrupted him sharply, “You worthless scoundrel still dare to speak disrespectfully! This punishment is already light; you have no sense of repentance, yet you still have the face to slander your teacher! It seems I truly have been too indulgent with you!”
He felt not only had he lost face in this life because of this rebellious son, but he had also spent his future face!
While speaking, noticing the physician had more or less stabilized Chang Miao’s injuries, he said to the servant beside him, “Take this disgraceful scoundrel away!”
Hearing this, the physician, who was about to apply medicine to Chang Miao, felt as if he had received a pardon, stopping his work and quickly putting away his supplies.
Alright then, take him home and let another Physician tend to him; whoever wants to treat him can do so.
Chang Miao was soon carried away amidst the discussions of the crowd, with the Madam Chang weeping and following him, her head feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds, unable to lift it anymore.
With Chang Miao being taken away, this matter was considered concluded.
But the crowd showed no signs of dispersing—having dealt with what needed to be dealt with, who had actually won today’s Polo match?
The judge stepped forward to consult Qiao Yang, “Head Master, regarding this match…”
Cui Lang stretched his neck to observe the reactions of Qiao Yang and the others.
He had a bold proposal that he wasn’t sure whether to voice—
They had fought so hard, their skills were evident; it seemed reasonable to consider them the winners of today’s Polo match, right?
Seeing his second brother’s face seemingly inscribed with the words “Can I get this for free?” Cui Tang felt it was too embarrassing to look at.
But she too was concerned about how today’s match would conclude.
Qiao Yang and the others began to discuss their strategy.
Holding Qiao Yubai’s Polo stick, Chang Suining approached Cui Jing, who was standing there.
She asked, “What does General Cui think? How should this matter be handled to be appropriate?”
Cui Jing looked at her.
Was she planning to use him as a brick again?
He then quietly asked, “Do you have any good ideas?”
Chang Suining voiced her premeditated plan—
“For the sake of fairness, I believe there should be a rematch.”
Under the brilliant sunlight, the girl’s fair face, covered in a thin layer of glistening sweat, bore a serious expression.
So this was her goal.
To stir up more chaos was to reclaim true fairness.
After a moment of mutual gaze, Cui Jing slightly nodded.
“Understood,” he said.
Beside them, Cui Yuanxiang was puzzled—what did “understood” mean?
“Anything else?” Cui Jing asked.
Cui Yuanxiang: … What else is there??
Chang Suining shook her head, “Nothing else.”
Cui Yuanxiang: … What do you mean “nothing else”??
Cui Jing grunted in response and turned to walk toward the pavilion.
“General Cui—” Chang Suining suddenly called him.
Cui Jing turned back.
The summer sun was blinding, seemingly dispelling some of the cold aura naturally emanating from his deep-set eyes.
Chang Suining revealed a hint of polite yet sincere smile, “Thank you.”
Cui Jing: “…”
Was he being thanked for being used as a brick?
Cui Yuanxiang: … What’s she thanking him for??
He understood every single word, but why couldn’t he grasp the meaning behind this seemingly simple dialogue?
Cui Yuanxiang, feeling confused, followed his general back to the pavilion, until he heard his general joining the discussion with Scholar Qiao and the others, suggesting a rematch—
Only then did Cui Yuanxiang finally understand.
So the general was conveying Miss Chang's thoughts!
“A rematch is indeed within the rules…” Scholar Qiao pondered for a moment before asking Ming Luo, “What does Miss Ming think?”
Ming Luo recalled the moment when Cui Jing and Chang Suining had been standing together talking.
So, the rematch was Chang Suining's idea?
He was acting as a messenger for Chang Suining?
Even earlier, when facing Chang Miao’s incident, he had fully cooperated with Chang Suining’s little intentions.
These trivial matters, while not worth delving into for others, were quite rare for him.
She was curious about his reactions as they happened.
However, Ming Luo remained silent.
Scholar Qiao pondered for a moment, then made a decision.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll arrange a rematch.”
After all, today’s match had attracted the attention of many spectators. While they were merely students, the moment they stepped onto the field, they should abide by the rules of competition.
All injuries caused today were a result of competitive spirit, but the destruction of today’s Polo match remained an established fact.
The physicians gradually finished their tasks, and the excitement of the crowd was apparent.
Chang Suining couldn’t hide her satisfaction upon hearing the decision.
“Alright,” she said, smiling brightly.
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