Chapter 3 The Third Round
The third round of the competition was for Cuju, and the previous two rounds had undoubtedly exhausted their minds. Playing Cuju on the field was a perfect way to relax and regulate their thoughts.
Moreover, within the Sheng Yu family, every woman knew how to play Cuju; it was a tradition of the Sheng Yu family.
Therefore, this competition required many women to participate.
Led by Gu Qianying and Bai Lu, they divided into two teams to compete against each other.
To avoid unfairness, men could watch from the side but were not allowed to participate.
Many of them were eager to try, but upon learning this rule, they could only sigh and dejectedly retreat to the sidelines.
After all, it was Gu Qianying.
A legendary figure in the Eastern Victory Kingdom. If they could have even a brief contest with her, their reputation would be enhanced.
Gu Qianying changed into specialized Cuju attire.
Because she was already tall and slender, even a simple plain garment made her look exceptionally beautiful.
She merely stood on the field, and she already overshadowed the young ladies before her by three parts.
Bai Lu also stepped forward, dressed in attire far more exquisite than that of the other women. She had deliberately tucked a begonia flower behind her ear. However, even with the splendor of the flowers, she paled in comparison to Gu Qianying.
She was even more displeased, clenching her fists tightly, filled with resentment.
"Cuju competition tests everyone, not just one person. Do you really think you can defeat me by yourself?"
Bai Lu had already lost one round, and this was the third.
She was starting to panic. If she lost this round, she would have to agree to one request from Gu Qianying.
This was an immense humiliation!
After learning Gu Qianying's identity earlier, she disliked her even more.
To be the Ninth Imperial Consort of the Eastern Victory Kingdom, already married, yet daring to seduce the Eldest Young Master, was truly wicked.
Gu Qianying looked at the many people on the field.
If she were to compete alone, she would not be afraid.
But she might be at a disadvantage. Therefore, after much consideration, Gu Qianying decided to have someone join her.
Her gaze swept around, and then she asked the young ladies, "Are any of you willing to join me?"
Silence fell upon the field; no one dared to speak.
Although everyone present knew that Gu Qianying was the renowned Gu Qianying.
This was not the Eastern Victory Kingdom.
This was the Sheng Yu family. The Sheng Yu family belonged to the Bai clan, and no matter how powerful Gu Qianying was, she was ultimately an outsider.
To them, she was of no use.
Moreover, the person she was competing against was Bai Lu. They were all discerning. Whether they could please Bai Lu or not, avoiding Gu Qianying was the best course of action.
Facing Gu Qianying's direct gaze, these people were both fearful and flustered, retreating backward.
Although they did not speak it aloud.
Their body language was already telling Gu Qianying that they were unwilling.
The autumn wind swept through the fallen leaves, the gentle breeze floated, and the awkward atmosphere instantly permeated the field.
Gu Qianying was truly helpless, yet she could not force them.
She was not related to them in any way. Why should these people create conflict with Bai Lu because of her?
Gu Qianying's eyes darkened, and she noticed that the young ladies by Bai Lu's side were increasing in number.
Under the moonlight, their shadows overlapped.
It made Gu Qianying appear solitary and desolate.
Bai Lu, seeing Gu Qianying's demeanor, finally breathed a sigh of relief. She knew this was the Sheng Yu family; who would dare to cause trouble in front of her?
Bai Dandan did not miss any opportunity to mock Gu Qianying, "Weren't you quite impressive just now? Your performance was breathtaking, but now, no one is willing to follow you. Your character is truly poor!"
Bai Qiuyan also laughed, subtly covering her sharp and sarcastic mouth with a handkerchief.
"Don't say that. Look at this young lady; she's about to cry."
As the words fell, the people behind Bai Lu burst into laughter.
Their eyes gleamed with mockery.
One after another, they all directed their words at Gu Qianying.
Bai Lu had always avoided doing such insidious things herself.
She merely stood in front, silent, a cold smile in her eyes.
But little did they know, all these trivial matters were orchestrated by her.
She then feigned kindness, her voice gentle, as if truly concerned for Gu Qianying.
"Miss Gu, you've seen the situation on the field. I told you earlier that this is a team competition. If you face me alone, I fear that if I win, others will say I did so unfairly."
Gu Qianying's lips twitched.
She truly did not understand.
How did this person define the word "fairness"?
Using her status to oppress others, making them afraid to associate with Gu Qianying, if this was fairness, it was truly laughable.
Gu Qianying's eyes deepened, a hint of coldness flashing within them. She immediately let out a sneer, "What a joke! What does it have to do with me?"
"Ten people can defeat you, five people can defeat you, and even one person, I can!"
Just then, a clear voice suddenly came from behind.
"Who says no one is accompanying you? Aren't we here? Good sisters."
As the words fell, Bai Xiaoxiao strode forward with a haughty gait, approaching from behind.
Following closely behind her were those who had shared a sisterly bond with Gu Qianying in the Shu Yu Pavilion.
They did not care whether this person was an outsider.
They only remembered clearly.
The woman before them had saved their lives. If it weren't for Gu Qianying, they would have long since met their demise and become short-lived ghosts.
Bai Xiaoxiao chuckled, rubbing Gu Qianying's arm, "How about it? At a crucial moment, your good sister is always useful."
Gu Qianying's eyes were filled with a smile. She quickly clasped her hands and bowed to the person before her, "Thank you, young lady. If it weren't for you, I would have lost face long ago."
The two of them were smiling and laughing, while Bai Lu was extremely infuriated.
She never expected that.
Bai Xiaoxiao and her group would show no fear of her.
In broad daylight, they would openly support Gu Qianying.
In her phoenix-like eyes, hatred was almost unconcealed, and the anger in her nostrils quickly erupted outwards.
If not for the eyes of the public, Bai Lu would not have let Gu Qianying off so easily today.
Gu Qianying noticed the woman's strange gaze, let out a cold snort, and curled her lips, "Third Miss, why are you so angry? Where have I offended you?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Lu quickly composed herself.
As the Third Miss of the Sheng Yu family, she had to maintain her dignity at all times and not lose face in front of everyone.
This person's smile was insincere, her brows tightly furrowed.
"Alright! I thought you were being bullied by yourself. Now that someone has come to help you, I can finally rest assured."
"Wouldn't you say so!"
This person spoke as if she were concerned, but no matter how she tried to conceal it, she could not control her trembling hands or her cold, angry gaze.
Gu Qianying's expression softened, and she merely chuckled, "Indeed. It's not so easy to bully me."
Bai Lu gritted her teeth and quickly shouted towards the back.
"Hurry up and begin."
The sound of gongs and drums rang out again, "Cuju competition, commencing immediately."