According to Su Quan’s explanation, the first round was time-limited to one incense stick’s burning time. Each contestant had a jewelry box-sized mechanism in front of them containing a turtle shell. The first six to retrieve the turtle shell would advance to the next round.
The twelve contestants showed various reactions – some looking down at the box, some glancing up at the platform, others looking around.
After Su Quan finished, the ceremonial official signaled and announced the competition’s start. The glass hourglass on the platform flipped, beginning the timing.
The twelve contestants began moving. I carefully observed, trying to identify which one was my brother, my palms sweating nervously.
Father squinted, straining to look toward the twelve wooden houses. Mother couldn’t wait and tugged his sleeve: “Old man, can you see where our son is?”
“Yes, yes! Where is big brother?” As the sun grew stronger, my little sister shielded her eyes and stood up on tiptoe, looking intently.
An Jin discreetly held my hand under his wide sleeve. “The ‘Geng’ number house is where big brother is.”
Everyone immediately understood, four pairs of eyes fixed directly on the Geng-numbered house.
Big brother, truly a disciple trained by the Tang Sect’s master, was incredibly diligent. He moved calmly and precisely, his hands nimble, unlocking the wooden box and retrieving the turtle shell. Only three contestants had opened their boxes, and he was the fourth.
The bronze gong at the Geng-numbered house rang, and we collectively exhaled in relief.
“Big brother is awesome!” My little sister clapped excitedly, hugging mother. An Jin and I exchanged smiles.
The top six were quickly confirmed, with the other six eliminated.
I was startled and turned to look, only to find it was Ding Hao. However, after examination by two judges, they announced that Ding Hao had violated the rules during the decryption process by using a knife to damage the box, thus rendering his attempt invalid.
Ding Hao left the scene dejected. At this moment, a gong sounded, signaling the arrival of Geng Hao, my elder brother!
I suddenly realized my back was covered in cold sweat. An Jin also breathed a sigh of relief, patting my hand: “Big brother won again.”
Little sister collapsed into her chair, murmuring: “That was too nerve-wracking…”
Mother was confident: “Don’t worry, I know my son! He will definitely win.”
