The palace training grounds were packed to the brim.
The civil and military officials of the court had arrived long ago and taken their seats according to rank. On the grounds, the two princes were also poised for battle. Jiang Chunfeng stood only one step away from ascending the throne, but Jiang Chengfeng still had a chance.
By noon, Shen Yi had yet to appear. Many ministers could no longer sit still and hastily sent attendants to Shen Yi's residence, hoping to invite him over.
Watching the royal guards come and go one after another, the servants at Shen Yi's residence could only look helpless. Shen Yi had not returned last night, and even they had no idea where he might be.
"Second Prince, the Peerless Marquis has yet to appear today. What about the contest between Your Highnesses?"
Unable to find Shen Yi, everyone could only turn to the Second Prince for help. However, his gaze shifted toward Hong Ling, who was seated beside Jiang Miaoyi. Both he and Jiang Miaoyi needed to avoid suspicion, so Hong Ling was the one closest to Shen Yi here. Some matters required her to decide on Shen Yi's behalf.
"Begin."
Feeling everyone's gazes upon her, Hong Ling parted her crimson lips and spoke in an icy voice. In outsiders' eyes, she was an iceberg beauty. Only around Shen Yi or those close to her would she reveal her gentle side.
"First Prince, go! Win back a round!"
"Third Prince, strike while the iron is hot!"
Before the two princes even made a move, their supporters outside the training grounds began shouting, cheering for their chosen side. Their cries surged to the heavens, even forming two invisible forces that refused to yield to one another, each wanting to crush the other prince