Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Reinforcements
Qu Fulan was right; in the subsequent competitions, Zhou Baiying hardly focused on the competition at all, only seizing opportunities to strike at the opponents.
If Qu Fulan hadn’t warned them in advance to pay attention to their personal safety, Prince An and others might have already been attacked several times without a sound.
Once, Zhou Baiying aimed a shot at Prince An’s head under the guise of hitting the ball, and Prince An had to bend down to avoid the disaster.
Another time, Chu Jin’s horse’s leg was hit, and he almost fell. Fortunately, he was prepared, stabilizing both the horse and his composure.
Who would’ve thought the opponent would resort to such sneaky and underhanded tactics, clearly determined not to let them win.
This match was the hardest to play because the opponent was purely causing trouble, and this lasted a bit too long, making everyone a bit weary.
This was not a good sign.
Though it was close to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the lingering summer heat remained, and after so many consecutive matches, everyone was quite exhausted.
On top of that, this was a tough battle.
The opponent’s deliberate disruptions left them with no way to respond.
Qu Fulan had said that this match depended on mindset, with hope if they remained steady, but if not, they would be worn out by the opponent.
Even those outside the field noticed something was off.
"Why does it feel like Mr. Zhou’s team is causing trouble?"
"That’s because they can’t afford to lose," someone saw through it, "With a mindset of ’if I can’t win, neither can you.’"
"Isn’t this rather unsporting?"
"So what if it’s unsporting? It’s still a strategy, as long as it doesn’t break the rules, it’s about who can remain steady."
When everyone assumed Zhou Baiying’s side was just slacking off, Qu Fulan noticed something else from Zhou Baiying’s demeanor.
Something wasn’t right: though the apparent strategy was slack, was there actually another plan? Were they delaying for time?
Were they waiting for someone?
As they were too exhausted from playing, there was a short break in the middle. Qu Fulan shared her thoughts with the other teammates.
But it didn’t help to say it. Even if the opponent had another ploy, before they revealed it, it was difficult to guess, let alone guard against it.
"So what’s the plan now?" Prince An asked.
"There’s only one way. All of you fully protect me, and I’ll take the shot."
Initially, Qu Fulan hadn’t wanted to draw attention to herself to implement earlier strategies. But now in this crucial stage, even if the opponent knew she was the key player, it wouldn’t matter.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
"Old Madam, Young master said this match is important. If he loses, not only will it affect his promotion, but he’ll also be ridiculed by his peers. Please, Old Madam, intervene and ask Prince Xiao to assist. Win this match first,"
Someone was speaking in front of the Old Madam in the Xiao household.
It was a servant from the Zhou family.
In fact, the Zhou family and the Xiao family had a familial relationship, with Zhou Baiying calling Xiao Shiqing cousin.
On usual days, the two families had a good rapport, and the Old Madam was very fond of this child, Zhou Baiying.
Upon hearing this from the servant, she frowned and said, "Is it that serious?"
"Indeed, Young Master Zhou has no other recourse and has sought Prince Xiao’s assistance here. However, you know Prince Xiao’s temperament, Old Madam; he won’t help unless you personally request it."
After a pause, the person added more urgency, "Young Master Zhou was even injured in his leg by the opponents and is still persevering till now."
"What? Who’s so wicked to attack someone over just a match? Is there no one to address this?" The Old Madam couldn’t sit still any longer.
"The Judge didn’t see it, so he declared it void..."
"Someone, find out where Shiqing is now, bring him to me," said the Old Madam.
The Zhou family’s servant replied, "When I first came, I saw Prince Xiao heading towards the rear courtyard’s training ground."
Naturally, they ensured Prince Xiao was home before coming; otherwise, it would have been a wasted trip.
The halftime break ended, and the second half began.
When Qu Fulan saw that Zhou Baiying’s team had a new player, her eyes narrowed.
"That is—"
"Xiao Shiqing!"
"Oh my! It’s Xiao Shiqing! He’s actually come to play in the match?!"
Qu Fulan nearly fell off her horse but steadied herself at the crucial moment, though her heart was anything but calm.
Outside, excitement erupted, especially among the ladies.
"Ahhhh, Xiao Shiqing, Prince Xiao, what a stroke of luck to see Xiao Shiqing play polo in my lifetime!"
"I’ve heard he and Heir Pei teamed up to defeat the foreign envoys and brought honor to our great dynasty."
"I hadn’t had the chance to witness his former glory, but today I am fortunate!"
The excitement wasn’t exclusive to the ladies; the gentlemen were equally thrilled.
Like Pei Ji’an, Xiao Shiqing became famous while young, earning his reputation on the battlefield, and many idolized such famous figures.
Thus, those who previously sided with Prince An now supported Prince Xiao.
Everyone was confident, certain that Prince Xiao would surely win.
Zhou Baiying felt likewise, his demeanor completely different.
Conversely, Prince An and his team’s faces all looked somewhat grim.
Their key player didn’t come, yet the opponent’s key player did?
Although Qu Fulan was formidable, could she really compare to Xiao Shiqing?
That was impossible.
Qu Fulan also knew it was impossible.
Her strategies might work against those who hadn’t seen battle, but against someone like Xiao Shiqing, it was insufficient.
She anticipated their delay tactics but didn’t expect them to call for reinforcements at the end.
And bringing in this heavyweight, unless Heir Pei arrived in time, they were bound to lose.
Sure enough, just a short while into the second half, Qu Fulan’s side lost without suspense.
Xiao Shiqing alone felt like he could handle ten people, how could they continue to play?
The match reached a three-three draw.
This was an unprecedented and fiercely contested situation, with the atmosphere reaching its peak.
Only the final match remained, and Prince An and the others could only hope for Pei Ji’an’s appearance; otherwise, how were they to play? Admit defeat outright?
Xiao Shiqing, using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, was overkill; they were unwilling to be wholly overwhelmed.
But admitting defeat lacked dignity, so they grit their teeth and went on stage.
Amidst hope and anxiety, the match began.
Everyone took their positions and entered the field.
If they were going to lose, at least having come this far, even in defeat, they would have the honor of having fought well.
Not to mention there was still the loser’s bracket tomorrow, and perhaps by then, Heir Pei would return, keeping hope alive.
Several of them mounted their respective horses and stood at the entrance.
The railing at the entrance was removed, and they rode slowly onto the field.
So did the opponents, still led by Xiao Shiqing, entered slowly.
A sudden wave of intense screams erupted from the crowd.
Qu Fulan felt quite vexed; was Xiao Shiqing’s entrance really worth such excitement?
But she quickly sensed something was amiss, for amidst the crowd’s cheers for Xiao Shiqing, there was another voice interwoven—
"It’s Heir Pei!"
"Heir Pei is here!!!"