The Prime Minister Knows How to Handle His Wife (ABO, GL) - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Today, the weather was scorching. The polo field, which had not seen rain for several days, was somewhat dry. The grass tips drooped listlessly downward. Even though gusts of wind blew through, they brought no relief.

At the center of the field, two teams rode on tall, sturdy horses.

One team wore black clothing, while the other donned scarlet riding and archery uniforms. The former exuded a cold, imposing aura, their movements crisp and forceful, which made the latter appear lazy in posture. Especially the leader, Sheng Shiyue, who held a jeweled polo mallet and wore a golden collar around her neck. Uninformed onlookers might have thought she was some young noble out for a leisurely outing.

The referee at the center forcefully threw the ball. Hooves kicked up dust, and the players chased after the colored ball.

The early stage was not too intense. Only Ye Liuyun and others probed back and forth at the front, while the leaders, Sheng Shiyue and Qu Yu, lagged behind, following at a leisurely pace.

They even had time to chat idly.

Sheng Shiyue tugged at her reins. Even at this moment, she exuded a relaxed laziness. She tilted her head toward the other and asked, “When did Miss Qu become interested in our group of wastrels?”

This matter was very strange. Although the Xu family and the Qu family were both among the Three Excellencies, the Liang Kingdom’s strict divide between civil and martial officials meant that, outside of court affairs, the two had little personal contact. This also affected the interactions of their children. Qu Yu and Xu Zhengming usually did not even exchange nods, let alone Qu Yu helping Xu Zhengming vent his anger.

It was no wonder Sheng Shiyue had speculated for a long time but could not think of Qu Yu.

Qu Yu gripped her mallet tightly. Facing her question, she coldly squeezed out a sentence, “In the polo match a few days ago, Your Highness offended more than just Xu Zhengming alone.”

“Oh?” Sheng Shiyue grew even more puzzled. She had only played a polo match, yet not only had she provoked Xu Zhengming, but she had also offended Ning Qingge. Now, Qu Yu had unexpectedly emerged as well.

She did not know whether to laugh or cry. Finally, a sliver of regret surfaced. Had she known, she would not have been playful that day. She would have obediently feigned illness and stayed in bed to avoid it.

It was not that she was afraid, but she felt it was a loss. In the past, she had done far worse things than this, but none had been as unlucky as this time. Not only did she fail to enjoy herself fully, but she also attracted a persistent fly. Then, because of eavesdropping, she had lost out, and now, inexplicably, she had gained another opponent.

Sheng Shiyue truly could not figure it out and asked again, “What exactly did I do?”

How could she have caused Qu Yu to set aside the crucial martial examination and team up with Xu Zhengming? However, what Sheng Shiyue wanted to know more was…

Did the Eighth Sister make a move or not?

The Qu family had always been staunch supporters of the Eighth Sister’s faction. Every action they took was invariably tied to the Eighth Sister. Moreover, the events that had occurred earlier made it hard to believe Xu Zhengming could have orchestrated them alone.

Going to great lengths to gather a group of swindlers, forging ancient paintings, setting up a trap to deceive people, and somehow obtaining a drug that could drive crickets mad in a short time—these were not things a few people could accomplish quickly.

Qu Yu seemed to know what she was thinking. She snorted coldly and said, “If Your Highness wants to know…”

She swung her reins and charged forward, leaving only her voice behind, “Then beat me.”

Her aura was fierce, like a sharp blade thrusting forward. She swung her mallet downward, snatching the colored ball from under another’s mallet, simultaneously signaling the official start of the polo match.

The crowd rushed to pursue. Scarlet and black clothing chased back and forth. Urgent hooves trampled the grass, and mallets swung up and down, stirring gusts of whistling wind.

Besides Qu Yu, two others were Qu family members. Their skills were only slightly weaker than Qu Yu’s, suppressing Ye Liuyun and Meng Qingxin on both sides, making it hard for them to approach.

A jeweled mallet reached from behind. It was Sheng Shiyue, catching up on horseback. Her left hand tightly gripped the reins, her body leaning right. The mallet deftly slipped into a gap the opponent had overlooked, easily pulling the ball back.

How could Qu Yu watch her steal it? She immediately leaned back, stretching her mallet to snatch it.

The two mallets collided with a crisp sound. The colored ball popped out under the pressure and flew forward.

Sheng Shiyue’s brow twitched. She moved to intercept with her mallet, her white horse speeding up in coordination.

Just then, Ye Liuyun broke free from others’ obstruction, driving her horse to squeeze into the gap between the two.

To avoid a collision, Qu Yu had to steer her horse aside, her eyes fiercely glaring at Ye Liuyun. Had she not intervened, the ball would surely have returned to her.

Sheng Shiyue seized the chance, immediately striking the ball forward, charging straight ahead.

Ye Liuyun followed closely, gripping her mallet, always guarding against those around.

Meng Qingxin was in a dire situation. As the weakest, she was pushed farthest away by the Qu family members. Every time she tried to rush to Sheng Shiyue, someone forcibly held her back.

“Get out of the way!” she shouted loudly. Having been provoked repeatedly today, anyone would be roused to some courage. She recklessly charged toward them.

The Qu family member refused to yield, dodging but quickly sticking back, clinging like sticky candy.

Hooves rose and fell, kicking up patches of grass. The colored ball leaped and dropped, pushed ever forward. Long hair tied in a bun swayed side to side.

Spectators outside the field watched anxiously, their clenched fists full of sweat.

Xiao Jing could not help but curse, “What’s wrong with this Qu Yu? She’s targeting Sheng Jiu everywhere.”

The person beside him was equally angry. They had never seen someone play polo like they were attacking a person, swinging the mallet like a sword, as if afraid it would not hit Sheng Shiyue. Fortunately, Sheng Shiyue’s riding skills were superb, allowing her to dodge several times.

In an instant, both teams finally neared the goal frame.

Sheng Shiyue’s expression grew slightly serious. Her mallet had clashed several times, numbing her arm from the shock. Yet the opponent grew braver, as if venting anger was written on their face.

Qu Yu raised her mallet again. The crescent-shaped mallet head swung into the air, striking down fiercely once more.

This time was even more excessive. She ignored the ball, aiming straight for Sheng Shiyue.

—Clang!

Sheng Shiyue’s hand felt the recoil, her palm instantly stinging, the pain spreading to her forearm, even numbing her shoulder and neck.

Qu Yu, trained in martial arts since childhood, had strength unlike ordinary Qianyuan. It was said she could draw a three-stone bow. Ordinary people could only handle a one-and-a-half-stone bow, or at most two stones with diligent training. Her natural talent was evident. Had Sheng Shiyue not dodged in time, a hit to the bone could have caused swelling and bruising at best, or a fall and broken bones at worst.

Sheng Shiyue subtly shook her hand, but before she could ease the pain, the opponent struck again.

It was truly endless!

Her eyes scanned. Ye Liuyun, behind her, was always half a step slower. Even if she squeezed in, she could not fully shield Sheng Shiyue. Another person entangled her from behind, and though she tried to block the mallet several times, she was too far to reach.

The goal frame was near.

Sheng Shiyue suddenly shouted, “Liuyun, catch it!”

All eyes instantly turned to Ye Liuyun, who swung her mallet in coordination.

But the colored ball was not struck downward. Ye Liuyun’s swing hit empty air, striking Qu Yu’s mallet instead, mimicking her, deliberately retaliating.

—Boom!

Another sound. Qu Yu ignored the pain in her arm, quickly turning back.

She saw Sheng Shiyue seize the moment, striking the colored ball forward to an open space, then swinging hard toward the goal frame!

The colored ball soared, shooting straight through the threshold.

The surrounding crowd erupted in cheers, shouting loudly.

Qu Yu realized too late, pulling her lips into a cold smile, saying, “What a clever feint.”

Sheng Shiyue shook her numbed arm, ignoring her for the moment.

A piece of black cloth was torn down.

Qu Yu straightened her back slightly, her expression growing more solemn. She gestured to those behind, and they nodded in acknowledgment.

The colored ball was thrown out again.

Qu Yu charged first, Sheng Shiyue close behind.

The colored ball danced between their mallets, neither yielding.

Suddenly, the Qu family member holding back others abandoned their opponent, galloping to flank Sheng Shiyue.

Ye Liuyun saw the danger and rushed to Sheng Shiyue’s side. But Meng Qingxin could not react in time, lagging two steps behind, leaving Ye Liuyun to face two opponents alone, slightly overwhelmed.

At that moment, Sheng Shiyue’s mallet touched the colored ball. She shouted again, “Liuyun!”

Though fooled once, in this tense moment, the crowd was inevitably tricked again, turning to look.

Especially the two beside Ye Liuyun, ready to snatch.

But Sheng Shiyue suddenly sped up, striking the colored ball out, sneering, “The art of war allows deception, Miss Qu.”

The crowd outside roared with laughter. These wastrels were usually the rowdiest, never hiding their glee. Seeing Qu Yu falter, they laughed loudly, as if wanting to mock her to her face.

Qu Yu’s face grew uglier. She immediately yelled at the others, “Chase it!”

She charged forward quickly herself.

Toyed with repeatedly by wastrels she despised, Qu Yu’s face darkened, a flash of resentment in her eyes.

It was now afternoon, the weather growing hotter. Sweat soaked their robes, turning sticky and uncomfortable when the wind blew.

But no one had time to notice, their eyes fixed on the field.

Qu Yu tried to catch up but could not bypass Ye Liuyun, who blocked her path. She swung her mallet to break through, but Ye Liuyun was prepared, blocking and countering.

The two were locked in a struggle. Sheng Shiyue was about to seize the chance when she heard a shout.

It was Meng Qingxin’s voice.

Sheng Shiyue turned sharply.

She saw Meng Qingxin’s horse startled, going wild, while the Qu family member’s mallet, just swung at the horse’s neck, was withdrawn.

“Shameless!” someone cursed loudly.

Qu Yu seized the moment, charging forward, striking Sheng Shiyue’s mallet. Caught off guard, Sheng Shiyue’s mallet slipped from her hand. Qu Yu did not pause, hitting the colored ball toward the goal frame.

Meanwhile, Meng Qingxin clung to her horse’s head. If she fell, a kick from the crazed horse could be fatal!

The colored ball entered the goal frame. Sheng Shiyue did not glance at it, rushing toward Meng Qingxin, with Ye Liuyun hurrying after.

They flanked the frenzied horse, shouting for Meng Qingxin to hold tight and not fall, circling round and round.

Meng Qingxin’s face paled from the jolting, nearly vomiting, but she could only cling desperately.

Until the horse tired and slowed.

Sheng Shiyue seized the reins from Meng Qingxin, leading her horse to jog half a circle before stopping.

Though rescued, all three horses were exhausted. Sheng Shiyue and Ye Liuyun were fatigued, constantly on edge fearing Meng Qingxin’s fall. Meng Qingxin was worse, shaken by the crazed horse, her legs too weak to stand.

Yet they could not substitute players or horses, as none were injured. They had to continue, losing another point. Only one red cloth remained outside.

“Your Highness, if you lose one more point…” Qu Yu rode to her side, twirling her mallet with one hand, smiling as she spoke.

The wastrels fell silent, but Xu Zhengming laughed heartily.

Meng Qingxin felt defeated, softly advising, “Sheng Jiu, don’t bother with me. That abacus isn’t worth it…”

“You don’t want your abacus, but I want my Shockwind,” Sheng Shiyue glanced at her, her tone sharp, scolding, “We haven’t lost yet. Don’t show me that defeated dog look.”

As she spoke, the colored ball was thrown out again.

Sheng Shiyue clamped her horse’s belly with both legs, shouting, “Liuyun, go!”

Sweat on her forehead gleamed in the sunlight, her forearm trembling under her silver wrist guard.

The pampered Ninth Princess had practiced archery and rushed to the rescue today. The earlier matches seemed effortless but were mentally draining. Now, exhausted by polo, even a robust Qianyuan would be pushed to their limit, sustained only by sheer will.

Qu Yu easily stole the colored ball. Sheng Shiyue and Ye Liuyun chased behind, while Meng Qingxin, already far back, could not catch up despite her effort.

In a critical moment, Sheng Shiyue spoke, “Liuyun, block them for me.”

Ye Liuyun’s eyes showed worry but nodded firmly, her expression resolute.

In an instant, she decided, yanking her reins, swinging her mallet downward as if to strike her opponent.

The other two, startled by her fierce move, reined in their horses. A collision would leave none unscathed.

The forcibly stopped horses neighed sharply, their front hooves rearing, pawing the air.

Ye Liuyun did not blink, as if unaware of the danger. If they collided, she would suffer most.

The two retreated several steps, unable to curse, and tried to charge again. But Ye Liuyun swung her mallet, the crescent-shaped head wielding the force of a spear.

The two were not pushovers, meeting her mallet with theirs, clashing repeatedly.

At Sheng Shiyue’s side, she daringly dismounted, half her body against the horse, her left hand gripping the reins, her left foot hooked in the stirrup to steady herself.

This move was hardly riding—even acrobats would not dare such boldness.

A bystander murmured, “Have these two gone mad?”

Each was crazier than the other.

The wind lifted her hair, her sweat-soaked eyes still wild and defiant.

With her white horse’s relentless pursuit, they were half a horse’s length apart. Sheng Shiyue swung, able to reach the colored ball, feigning a snatch.

Qu Yu snorted, aiming to strike her mallet as before.

But this time, Sheng Shiyue twisted her wrist during the clash, hooking Qu Yu’s mallet with her crescent head, pulling it back forcefully.

Qu Yu was yanked backward, her posture unsteady.

Sheng Shiyue did not stop, raising her mallet to strike upward.

—Crack!

Another sound. The rapid moves left Qu Yu no time to react. The struck mallet swung back, hitting her horse.

The black horse neighed.

Qu Yu hurriedly grabbed the reins to calm her horse, fearing a repeat of Meng Qingxin’s incident. But Sheng Shiyue did not relent, swinging her mallet again.

Qu Yu, anxious and flustered, raised her mallet to block.

But Sheng Shiyue twisted her wrist, striking the colored ball.

The goal frame was dozens of meters away, a distance no one would attempt a shot.

Yet she leaned and struck.

Qu Yu’s pupils shrank, watching the colored ball whistle past her.

It hit the goal frame’s center perfectly!

Someone could shoot so precisely while balancing as if on a tightrope, facing an opponent!

The field fell silent, stunned by the astonishing shot, forgetting to cheer for half a beat.

Sheng Shiyue climbed back onto her saddle, swinging her mallet at Qu Yu again.

Qu Yu snapped to her senses, hastily blocking.

But Sheng Shiyue’s mallet angled cunningly, targeting her crescent head. Sheng twisted her arm, hooking her mallet again, pulling back as before.

True to the saying, “The art is deception.”

Qu Yu fell for the same trick repeatedly.

She was yanked sideways, her horse’s hooves faltering, swaying with her. Without its rider’s command, it stumbled forward.

Now it was Qu Yu’s face that paled.

If she fell, this year’s martial exam would be ruined for her.

Yet Sheng Shiyue did not stop, still hooking her mallet. Whenever she saw Qu Yu try to steady herself, she pulled again, forcing her to maintain this perilous half-off posture.

“Your Highness…” Qu Yu finally showed weakness, calling out in fear.

Sheng Shiyue did not stop, driving her horse and pulling Qu Yu faster.

Qu Yu’s legs shook, tasting Meng Qingxin’s earlier suffering, hurriedly saying, “You won, you won, I surrender! Your Highness!”

Fearing Sheng Shiyue might not be satisfied, she shouted louder, “I surrender!”

Thus, this thrilling polo match finally decided its winner.

Sheng Shiyue glanced at her, her lips curving, but her smile was cold, not reaching her eyes. She said, “What? Wasn’t Miss Qu so smug earlier?”

“I was wrong, Your Highness!” Qu Yu dared not act bold anymore, apologizing repeatedly.

She knew how much the Qu family valued the martial exam. No matter who her mother was, if she jeopardized this year’s test, her status at home would plummet. Nothing mattered more than her martial exam now!

Sheng Shiyue slightly loosened her grip, seemingly relenting, but as Qu Yu tried to return, she yanked again.

Both horse and rider shook violently.

“Your Highness!” Qu Yu cried out in terror.

Sheng Shiyue spoke unhurriedly, “Tell me, how exactly did I offend you?”

In this critical moment, Qu Yu could not hold back, quickly saying, “I was narrow-minded. That day’s polo match, His Majesty intended to use it to pre-select the martial champion, but Your Highness’s antics caused His Majesty to leap early, making those who couldn’t compete later lose their chance.”

Sheng Shiyue paused, surprised by this reason, and countered, “You were one of them too.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Qu Yu answered loudly. Her tilt grew steeper, her face nearly touching the grass, her black horse equally unsteady, making hearts tremble.

Sheng Shiyue’s tone shifted, asking, “And besides that reason?”

She did not believe a candidate for martial champion would abandon her crucial exam for such a small matter. At least she’d wait until after the exam to seek revenge, right?

Qu Yu suddenly fell silent.

But in this situation, could she refuse to answer?

Sheng Shiyue bent her arm, pulling back. Qu Yu’s hair brushed the grass, grazing the tips.

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk!” Qu Yu shouted in panic.

She yelled, “It was the Eighth Sister! She resents Your Highness for stealing her wife!”

Sheng Shiyue laughed, replying, “What? Ning Qingge never promised her anything. Her unrequited love, yet she blames me.”

In her panic, Qu Yu blurted out, “A few days ago, the Eighth Sister had someone order your impeachment. Not only did Ning Qingge not stop it, she even helped. We thought the Prime Minister favored the Eighth Sister!”

“What?!” Sheng Shiyue lowered her head to stare, her face full of disbelief.

Her mallet broke at that moment. No one noticed that, from Qu Yu’s earlier strikes, it had cracked. Now, pulling Qu Yu under strain, it finally gave way, snapping in two.

Qu Yu fell to the ground, her black horse rolling over, crushing her. She screamed, writhing in pain.

But Sheng Shiyue was dazed, her hand gripping the reins, veins bulging, her pale knuckles nearly piercing through her thin skin.

The opponent’s words echoed in her mind.

Ye Liuyun, nearing her, noticed something wrong and shouted, “Your Highness!”!”

Sheng Shiyue snapped back, turning sharply to Ye Liuyun, her eyes dark with complex emotions, as if forcibly suppressing herself. She said hoarsely, “Check for me, who the new owner of Yicui Tower is.”

Why suddenly this?

Ye Liuyun was puzzled but nodded immediately.

As she moved to dismount, Sheng Shiyue spoke again, “Check carefully, don’t make a mistake.”

Her hoarse voice carried an unprecedented gravity. Though the wind could scatter it away, it weighed like a mountain on the heart.

Ye Liuyun nodded heavily.