Yi Hao was relatively short, while Xin Hao was tall, with a python-skin sword sheath at his waist, identifying him as Mo Qu, the dark-faced attendant beside Yan Huo.
I was extremely anxious. My brother had learned mechanical arts at the last minute; how could he possibly compete with Mo Qu, a genuine Mohist disciple? I had long refused Yan Huo’s previous proposal, so he would surely show no mercy during the competition. I sighed, praying for divine protection.
The third competition was the mechanical room challenge. The three practitioners entered three sealed mechanical rooms, and whoever could solve the mechanism and exit first would win the crown. The difficulty was higher than the previous box challenge, with a time limit of one hour.
An Jin quietly said to me: “Don’t worry.” I looked at him, and he nodded confidently, providing slight reassurance.
More than half an hour later, the practitioners were ranked. The first to exit was surprisingly Yi Hao, followed by my brother, with Mo Qu coming last, exiting calmly.
Yan Huo had once again made me owe him a favor. Despite Mo Qu’s mercy, my brother still lost, leaving Mother visibly distressed and my little sister in tears.
Chapter Thirty-Six: Embarrassing Moments in the Study
The mechanical arts competition concluded, with Mo Qu and my brother leaving the stage.
The White Crane Plain was jubilant, with everyone curious about Yi Hao’s origins. The ceremonial official announced: “Please, Yi Hao practitioner, come forward to pay respects—”
My brother changed out of his hemp clothing and returned to us. Mother and little sister hugged his arms, but he remained focused on Yi Hao approaching the high platform.
Yi Hao ascended the steps, bowing to the three kingdoms’ royal families and removed the veil.
Beneath it was a charming face with a gentle smile. I noticed the emperor and empress’s smiles stiffening.
“Neither male nor female,” Mother grumbled. “How can they compare to our A Wang?”
I coughed, sensing Mother would soon regret her words. My brother looked embarrassed. “Mother, she is—”
“Miao Yin pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress,” she announced, “Thanks to Your Majesty and the Empress’s blessings, Miao Yin could bring glory to our great Qi Kingdom.”
The ultimate victor was my future sister-in-law, Xue Miao Yin.
