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"Yunwan, come and meet your aunt and elder sister. My Yunwan usually prefers to stay at home writing poetry and painting. She doesn't like to go out and socialize. There's nothing we can do about it; she's the daughter of a scholar, and her family is very learned. She's been nurtured into a talented woman by her upbringing."

"What does your Lan Tang usually do at home? Does she like reading?"

Madam Chen was certain that Shen Lantang came from a humble background and had never been known as a "talented woman" before her marriage. She had suffered so much mistreatment from Madam Xie before and after her marriage, and now that she finally had a chance to win, she naturally wouldn't let the opportunity slip away.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, she turned her triumphant gaze to Shen Lantang, only to find that Shen Lantang not only showed no shame or fear, but also looked eager to try.

When Shen Lantang was young, she had all sorts of time-traveling and cross-dressing scenarios on her mind, including classic plots that amazed the world with the poems of countless ancestors. However, she was a little shy and embarrassed to take the initiative to do such things.

But things are different now; she's now on the defensive, acting in self-defense!

Excitement gleamed in Shen Lantang's eyes. Li Bai, Su Shi, Du Fu Li Qingzhao, Li He, Li He Yu, Li Shangyin Li Yu... Possess your spirit!

"If that's the case, Mother..."

"If we're talking about a competition, why use poetry? The young ladies are about to play Cuju ancient Chinese football), and I see that you two ladies are both very spirited and full of energy. Why don't you join them and play a game?"

A man in blue robes and a jade crown walked slowly towards them.

Everyone bowed and greeted him, "Young Prince."

The one who has arrived is the eldest son of the Prince of Liang, the current emperor's own brother.

"Ladies, please dispense with the formalities."

Prince Liang continued the previous topic, "Our Great Jing takes pride in martial arts and advocates that women strengthen their bodies so that they can protect their homes and country in times of crisis. Since the Princess is here today, why not let Princess witness the heroic spirit of our noble ladies in the capital? She can also report to His Majesty in the future."

What a fine Prince Liang! Not only did he bring out the Princess, but he even brought out His Majesty!

Prince Liang and Xie Jin were about the same age and had grown up together since childhood. They had a very close relationship, so naturally he couldn't stand by and watch anyone bully his wife.

With the Prince Liang's status in place and the Princess brought up, how could Chen Family refuse? She could only nod obediently.

Seeing that he had persuaded Chen Family, Prince Liang looked at Shen Lantang with a slightly smug expression, only to see a hint of regret on her face.

???

What are you regretting? Can you compose poems and essays?

"Alright." Since things had come to this, Shen Lantang could only give up her chance to make a name for herself and turn to the other, silent protagonist:

"Cuju Cuju then. Do you know how to Cuju, sister?"

Madam Chen was furious upon hearing her words. What did she mean by "Cuju"? Did she expect her to compete in poetry and prose?

Cuju (ancient Chinese football) is a popular sport in the capital, and young Chen Family knows a little bit about it. She said modestly:

"I know a little."

"Let's go down and warm up a bit."

Shen Lantang had no problem with her; her mother-in-law was just a tool, and there was no personal grudge between them.

The two women were led by servants to change into special clothes for playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football). They wore front-opening, narrow-sleeved tops, long trousers with gathered cuffs, wide cloth belts around their waists, and two-piece knee-length skirts around their waists. The noble ladies were exquisite, and they also wore leather armor vests on their chests.

Since it was summer, they each had a towel tied around their foreheads to prevent sweat from dripping into their eyes.

This unisex outfit, with its fitted cut and leather vest, gives off a very dashing and heroic vibe.

At first, it was just a task to complete, but once on the field, a gust of wind blew in her face, and she couldn't help but become excited. She had loved Cuju ancient Chinese football) since she was a child, and because of her strong personality, she always wanted to win.

But as she got older and became more worldly, coupled with her busy "work," she gradually gave up Cuju (ancient Chinese football). Now, standing on the field after a long absence, I can't help but feel a surge of emotion.

"I won't let you have this, Xie Family."

The speaker was the fifth young lady of the Liu Family family, the maternal family of the current Empress. This fifth young lady was always willful and arrogant, and she was domineering in Zhaojing because of her status as the Empress's niece. If people's opinions on Shen Lantang's overnight rise to power can be divided into "friendly faction", "indifferent faction" and "disapproving faction", then she was obviously the third type.

Shen Lantang didn't mind at all. She smiled slightly and said warmly, "Sister Liu Family, you don't need to be so polite. I won't be polite either. Let's all rely on our own abilities on the court. Don't cry if you lose."

"Hmph, who's your sister? Just you wait!"

After exchanging harsh words, the two sides began the formal competition.

Rules of Cuju (ancient Chinese football)

Shen Lantang scores.

"Good shot!" Baozhu shouted from the sidelines.

"Whose maid is this? She has no manners at all!"

Madam Chen rolled her eyes. Madam Xie, sitting in the audience seat beside her, smiled slightly and said with a peaceful and loving expression:

"It's not necessarily a bad thing for a young girl to be lively. Besides, watching football is all about having fun, and it can't be us older folks cheering loudly, can it?"

"Madam Xie is right. I often play and compete with the palace servants in the palace, but I have to consider my status when playing on the court, so I can't really enjoy myself."

After the Princess spoke, Madam Chen could only awkwardly smile and say, "The Princess is right."

As they were talking, Shen Lantang's team scored another goal. Although it wasn't Shen Lantang who scored this time, it still served as an assist.

"If this continues, the score difference will reach double digits!"

Miss Liu grew impatient. Pointing at Little Chen Family, who had barely touched the ball on the field, she ordered, "You, get off!"

"Me?" Although Xiao Chen Family's ball skills were not very good, she still had a temper. When she was pointed at like that, her face immediately fell. But considering her status, she could only endure the humiliation and leave the court.

After Xiao Chen Family's departure, Miss Liu replaced her with a person from another ethnic group. The Jing Dynasty had a vast territory, extending south to Lingnan, north to Anshan, and west to the Grasslands. Among them, the Hanke Tribe in the west were particularly powerful, and the men and women there were all tall with long limbs and were good at sports.