Those Are Four Divine Steeds!

Although Shangguan Wan'er's musical skills were not good, she was the only daughter of the Shangguan Wan'er Shangguan Family and had been pampered like a precious jewel since childhood.

Not only did they hire the best teachers to instruct her in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but they also specially hired the most famous martial arts instructor in the capital to teach her archery and horseback riding.

She might not excel in other areas, but she was always most confident in her horsemanship and archery skills.

Zhou Wanwan looked up at her and asked, "What else do you want as a prize?"

Shangguan Wan'er raised a lip and said calmly, "Have you ever heard of 'Thousand-Li Snow '?"

Before Zhou Wanwan could answer, she raised her voice:

"That was the Akhal-Teke horse that my Shangguan Family painstakingly searched for."

It was one of the finest steeds in the entire capital, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day, exceptionally swift and extraordinary; ordinary people didn't even have the right to approach it.

She raised her hand and waved it gently.

A moment later, two guards led a fine horse forward slowly.

The horse was entirely crimson red, with a coat as glossy as brocade; it was the rarest of the Akhal-Teke horses.

Shangguan Wan'er looked down at Zhou Wanwan and said, "Can you offer something of equal value to gamble?"

Zhou Wanwan coughed lightly and said calmly, "Then I'll bring my mount over, see if there's anything you like."

As soon as he said that, a burst of laughter immediately erupted from the crowd.

Someone couldn't help but scoff, "Her mount? Let alone four, even ten or twenty, couldn't compare to that one Akhal-Teke horse!"

"How presumptuous of them to dare to compete with Miss Shangguan riding!"

Zhou Wanwan glanced at the crowd indifferently. "Whether you like it or not, we'll know once you bring it out and take a look."

She gave the order, and soon four horses were slowly led in.

The people who were laughing just moments ago suddenly stopped laughing.

These four horses were all tall and imposing, with glossy coats, strong muscles, and an air of great pride.

Some were pure white, others were as black as ink; each one was far more imposing than the previous Thousand-Li Snow.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that these four are all exceptional horses, one in a million, far more valuable than Thousand-Li Snow.

The entire room fell silent instantly. Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide, speechless for a long time.

The prefect swallowed hard and said, "What fine horses! If these horses could be presented to the Emperor, he would be overjoyed!"

The Hanlin Academy scholar took a sip of tea to calm his nerves and said:

Yunxi County has truly broadened my horizons!

This woman is truly remarkable; your Dongshan Prefecture is truly blessed.

The other judges immediately followed up, praising the prefect. "Indeed! It's a blessing for Dongshan Prefecture that such a talented and beautiful young lady has emerged under your rule!"

"I heard this is only second place? To be second at such a young age, what will happen if he actually takes the imperial examinations?"

"If we really pass the exam, our Dongshan Prefecture will become Mingyang!"

Your Excellency, your governance is truly excellent!

One compliment after another poured in, all flattering the prefect.

But the prefect's face gradually darkened, becoming as black as the bottom of a pot.

Others might not know Zhou Wanwan's background, but how could he not?

That's the leader of Black Wind Stronghold!

If we were to let her take the imperial examination, that would cause a huge mess!

He stared coldly at Zhou Wanwan. This little girl was simply a monster; he had to find a way to get rid of her.

Zhou Wanwan and Shangguan Wan'er signed the contract, and Shangguan Wan'er was furious.

Her seven older brothers doted on her the most and loved to give her gifts. This horse was brought back from the grasslands by one of her brothers, who said it was the best horse on the grasslands.

But now that they've slapped her in the face, she's both angry and annoyed.

However, Zhou Wanwan probably can't even draw the bow; those horses are definitely hers.

That's right, Shangguan Wan'er is ruthless; her prize was just a Thousand-Li Snow, while Zhou Wanwan's prize was four horses.

Many people couldn't help but shake their heads. "Zhou Wanwan, those were four divine steeds!"

"Miss Shangguan has been learning horsemanship and archery since she was a child. How can Zhou Wanwan compare to her?"

Lu Lan and Wen Zhiyu a smile. Lu Lan scoffed, "I thought she was so clever! She's just a fool. She's bound to lose."

Wen Zhiyu nodded and said, "She needs to be taught a lesson; she's really an eyesore."

Someone in the crowd whispered first:

"Look at Gu Sinian. He has thick eyebrows, big eyes, a tall and straight figure, and a calm demeanor."

He's even more handsome than many of the pampered young noblemen in the capital!

"Yes, yes, her features are well-proportioned, and she has a clean and refined air about her; she's truly beautiful."

Someone else lowered their voice, pointed to the other side, and whispered among themselves:

Have you seen Zhou Qingyan?

He was handsome and refined, with Erya demeanor; he was very pleasing to the eye.

"And Zhou Qingchen and Zhou Qinghe over there are in no way inferior to the scions of aristocratic families."

"This family is so good-looking! They're all so handsome."

Just standing there, he's far more eye-catching than many rich young men.

People like to compare themselves to others. These people are so good-looking that the scions of noble families standing next to them look like pageboys.

That feeling... was too intense.

Lu Xuening interrupted coldly:

"What's there to discuss? What's the use of being good-looking?"

Judging by his background, he probably lives in some remote mountain village with a dilapidated house. What kind of wealth could he possibly have?

I've always advised you to read fewer romance novels, and now look what's happened—have you all lost your minds?

What's the use of just looking at someone's face? If you marry someone like that, what kind of good life can you expect? What kind of future can you have?"

The surrounding chatter instantly froze, and many noble ladies lowered their heads, not daring to utter another word.

A noble lady looked at Zhou Qingyan and said:

"I think the Zhou Family's young master is quite good. Those young masters from noble families are all show and no substance."

It's better to have someone with a clean family background.

Lu Xuening chuckled:

"If you're so capable, then marry him! Go ask Zhou Qingyan if he even wants you."

If it really works out, you can go with him to live a simple life in those desolate mountains.

Living in a dilapidated house and walking on muddy roads—don't regret it and cry later!

The noblewoman smiled and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking. I think he's quite good."

The Old Scholar Tree stood by and listened for a long time, then looked at the trees beside it and said, "I wonder whose daughter she is; we should ask her properly."

The trees all nodded and said, "We'll go and ask around tonight."

The Old Scholar Tree nodded and said, "The competition has begun..."

The little tree beside him, intently watching the shooting range, said, "I wonder if our young lady can win?"

The Old Scholar Tree chuckled, "Would you do something you're not sure about, Wanwan?"

The saplings frowned and said, "How can we win? Even Miss might not be able to draw that bow."