Chapter 281

Before long, Yan Wang, clad in a black riding-and-archery outfit, was the first to stride out of the tent. His cold, stern face was as sharply chiseled as if carved by knife and axe, his thin lips pressed lightly together, exuding a faint chill.

His figure was tall and straight, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, as though born a walking clothes rack; every gesture radiated a frosty, awe-inspiring presence.

At the same time, Qianqian stepped out of the women's tent with measured grace. The red riding-and-archery outfit she had changed into resembled the evening clouds on the horizon, setting off her whole person as exceptionally radiant and moving, passionate as fire.

A brilliant smile always hung on that delicate, lovely face, making anyone who saw it unable to help but feel joy. Although she shared seven-tenths resemblance with Yan Wang, the style she displayed was utterly different — one cold and distant, the other bright and lively.

Yan Wang stood tall and straight, a full head taller than the petite, exquisite Qianqian. When they stood side by side, the sight was simply so beautiful one could not look away.

If one did not know they were blood siblings, anyone who saw them would sincerely exclaim "a talented man and a beautiful woman"! Even Ai Jiao, long accustomed to seeing Yan Wang and Qianqian together, could not help blurting out: "An Wangfu's genes are really good!"

Finished speaking, he subconsciously lowered his head to glance at himself, sighing inwardly: "Ah, look at them — my family's fine genes were all snatched away by Eldest Brother!"

However, this little sigh merely flashed past; after all, Ai Jiao was originally a carefree, happy-go-lucky person, and he had never felt the slightest anxiety over his own appearance.

Ai Jiao stepped forward with a grin, instantly sidling up to Yan Wang's side, and said: "Wang, with your handsome, dashing looks, if you go out for a stroll later those young ladies will probably be dizzy with infatuation one by one!"

Hearing this, Yan Wang immediately glared at him and replied irritably: "Stop talking nonsense!" At this moment, Qianqian at the side also joined in the fun, sidling over with a face full of smiles and chiming in with Ai Jiao: "Ai Jiao isn't talking nonsense, Si Ge, you really are getting better-looking!"

The words had barely fallen when Yan Wang's handsome face instantly turned pitch-black, and he retorted somewhat frantically: "As a man, how can you use the words 'good-looking' to describe me? You might as well just scold me directly — it would be more satisfying!"

Hearing this, Qianqian playfully stuck out her tongue, then hurriedly corrected herself with a smile: "Ah, I misspoke, it should be 'handsome'! Si Ge, don't be angry~"

Seeing this, Yan Wang did not argue further with her, merely shaking his head helplessly. After that, the three of them walked toward the gathering place, chatting and laughing all the way.

By the time the three arrived at the destination, they discovered quite a number of people had already gathered there. At a rough glance, men made up the majority of the crowd, each either dashing in bearing or imposing in manner — very lively indeed.

In this exceptionally lively occasion, the few scattered young women stood out especially. Among them were General Weiyuan's younger sister and General Pingxi's daughter, and so on.

The reason these young women appeared here was none other than that their respective elder brothers or fathers were all imposing generals. Growing up in such a family environment from childhood, they had naturally honed a set of fine martial skills through constant exposure.

Just then, Qianqian and Yan Wang walked over side by side at a measured pace. The moment the two appeared, they instantly attracted the gazes of everyone present like magnets.

Whether it was the people performing on the field or the audience watching with relish below the stage, not a single one failed to whisper and discuss in low voices. Someone sighed softly: "Look, the two from An Wangfu are truly born handsome!"

Another voice was slightly louder, so that the words reached An Wangfei's ears. Yet upon hearing these praises, An Wangfei not only felt not the slightest displeasure, but her heart was filled with pride.

Just then, An Wangfei turned her head slightly and whispered to Yan Shuang'er beside her: "Shuang'er, adjust your sitting posture to be even more upright and dignified." Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er nodded obediently and complied.

Sure enough, not long after, the topic originally focused on Qianqian and Yan Wang quickly shifted to An Wangfei's side. One heard someone in the crowd say: "No wonder the brother and sister are so good-looking — turns out they have such outstanding parents."

Another chimed in: "Exactly, An Wang is himself handsome and dashing, An Wangfei is even more a flower-like beauty — how could their children not be good-looking?"

Immediately someone else interjected: "Right, right, quick, look at that young lady sitting beside An Wangfei." The others hurriedly looked in the direction pointed out and chorused: "Seen it, seen it — so she's also An Wang's daughter."

Even more people clicked their tongues in praise: "Look at this young lady's appearance — truly a beauty like a flower, her every movement displays dignity and grace, the bearing in her gestures simply intoxicating."

Yan Shuang'er sat there properly and upright, her bearing dignified, her manners elegant; anyone who saw her could not help but exclaim: this woman's upbringing must be excellent! At this moment, someone in the crowd suddenly blurted out: "Such an outstanding young lady — wonder if she's been betrothed?"

Another hurriedly answered: "Heard she's not yet betrothed; a few days ago An Wangfu's Second Young Master just married a princess from Dongying, so the household affairs must be busy, and they haven't gotten around to An Wangfei's marriage yet."

Hearing this, someone else said excitedly: "That's great! I must hurry and have my nephew go try — maybe he can forge a good match!"

An Wangfei, who had been quietly listening to everyone's discussion, now wore a smile even more gentle and moving, but only she knew that in her heart she was thinking: Haha, the objective is finally achieved!

Before long, all who had come to participate in this event had gathered completely. A careful count totaled only fifteen people.

The one presiding over this competition was Eunuch Sun, deeply trusted by the Emperor. The reason for choosing him: first, anyone else presiding would find it hard to avoid favoritism and cheating; second, Eunuch Sun has always been loyal to the Emperor, and would absolutely not favor any side.

Once the personnel were assembled, Eunuch Sun cleared his throat and spoke: "Everyone, this competition allows riding your own horses brought from home, or selecting the fine steeds we have prepared in advance.

Those who brought their own horses, please lead your beloved steeds to this place; those without horses, please move to stand at this servant's left hand, and someone will naturally guide you to select suitable mounts."