Chapter Thirty: Riding Horse and Hitting Drum Rushing to Moonlit Arena

  The vast territory of the Heavenly Dynasty is vast, and since its founding, although there have been frequent military conflicts on the border, it has also had frequent exchanges with various countries in all directions, especially with the northwest Tibet.

  In the 25th year of Shengwu, in the spring, the Tibetan Zanpu Xuelang Renzan led a group of 270 royal relatives to enter the imperial capital from the east. The Princess Jingcheng, who had been sent to Tibet as a peace offering during the reign of Emperor Mu and had left the capital 26 years ago, returned to court accompanied by her son. By imperial decree, she was received with the protocol due to a senior princess, with grand ceremony and pomp, making it a major event in the imperial capital during the season of blooming flowers.

  On the fourth day of April, Tian Emperor held a banquet for Princess Jing Sheng and Tubo Zanpu in the Shaoguang Hall of Xuan Sheng Palace. In previous years, during the spring and autumn seasons, there were grand polo matches in the imperial capital, with participants mainly from military officers, but also including members of the royal family, civil and military officials, and even palace concubines, making for a spectacular scene. This year's event was especially lively due to the visit of the Tubo royal family.

  At that time, in the Shaoguang Hall, two golden-painted and carved ball gates had already been set up on the polo field. Behind them, a fine silk net was stretched to enclose the ball, with two rows of bright yellow five-clawed dragon flags inserted at an angle on either side, like the wings of a goose. The shallow grassy field was surrounded by golden-edged embroidered flags, fluttering in the wind, and every ten steps there were Ming dynasty armored soldiers standing guard. To the side and rear of the main seat, a teaching music band was set up, with large red-lacquered drums at each corner, and eight pairs of double-headed long drums arranged around the field. Several purple-robed drummers held jade mallets, striking the drums in single and double beats, the low sound of the big drums and the high sound of the long drums blending together, accompanied by the small drums inserted into the waists of the dancing girls in the teaching music band, creating a lively and festive atmosphere on the polo field.

  The teams in the field competed fiercely, and several forbidden guards in red robes held yuegong poles to patrol the sidelines and pick up the ball. The Emperor and Empress Dowager, Princess Jing Sheng watched the game from the main platform on the south side, while the three dukes, nine ministers, imperial concubines, ladies-in-waiting, and young men of noble families were arranged in rows on both sides. Meanwhile, Tridé Tsugten, the Zanpu of Tubo, led a team of ten players to personally participate in the game and compete with each team.

  The technique of hitting the ball originally came from the Western Regions, the Tubo nomadic people, with strong horses and excellent riding skills, and the technique of hitting the ball was also very exquisite. Chi Lang Renzan led his troops to rush onto the field, making sudden attacks from east to west, and after several rounds, the Imperial Forest Army and the Divine Strategy Camp polo team of the Heavenly Dynasty unexpectedly lost one after another to Tubo.

  The game of hitting the ball, the skill of using troops, since the Holy Martial Dynasty, the military has been prosperous for a long time. Especially with the Turks, they have been fighting for many years, and the development of light armor cavalry has been rapid. In the army, soldiers have always been trained in horseback riding and horseback killing skills through ball-hitting exercises. Many generals and soldiers are skilled in this technique, but they have lost one after another, not to mention the Emperor, everyone present is very depressed.

  The cheers in the field rose again, Chi Lang Lun Zan scored a goal through the door and defeated Shen Yu Ying. Qing Chen followed Tai Hou beside Tian Di, only to see that Tian Di's eyes had a hint of depth, and Ye Tian Hui had already slammed his fist on the table, his fists clenched, almost ready to slap the table and stand up.

  At this time, she suddenly saw Ye Tianling raise his head slightly, drink the wine, put the cup on the table with his hand, turn his head and look at Ye Tianzhan for a moment, and then both of them stood up in front of Emperor Tian and said: "Father, the Tubo team's skills are exquisite, Zanpu has come from afar and cannot fully enjoy it, which is regrettable. We want to form a team to compete with them, please grant us permission."

  The crown prince smiled slightly, and a heroic spirit flashed across his handsome face, "The fourth brother and the seventh brother are right, I also have this intention, please father emperor to grant permission."

  The Heavenly Emperor nodded and said: "Very well, you will follow the Crown Prince down to the arena to play cuju."

  The crown prince's consort lightly exclaimed: "Your Highness..."

  The crown prince slightly furrowed his brow and turned back to look at her, the Heavenly Emperor's gaze swept over, inquiring with his eyes.

  But Ye Tianling said, "Your Highness was injured while hunting the day before yesterday and the imperial physician ordered you to rest, I'm afraid it's not suitable for such intense exercise." The crown prince's consort whispered, "Please take care of yourself, Your Highness."

  Yitian Xian smiled and said: "Your Majesty, such trivial matters will be handled by us ministers to share your worries with the prince, why does the prince need to take action personally?"

  The Heavenly Emperor waved his hand and ordered the Crown Prince to return to his seat, asking: "How will you form your teams?"

  The night sky Ling invited the fifth brother Ye Tianxi, the ninth brother Ye Tianming and the eleventh and twelfth two brothers, saying: "I only need six brothers." The maidservants in the palace saw several princes personally come down to fight against Tubo, and they all cheered and laughed, rushing forward to watch. Qingchen and Luanfei sat together beside the Empress Dowager, seeing her also showing surprise and joy, with a flying spirit, staring intently at the ball court.

  After a while, the sound of golden drums and thunder slowly echoed, and Ye Tianling led the other princes to change into riding attire and appeared in the arena. It was seen that Ye Tianzhan and the others were all wearing white cloud-patterned warrior robes, with silver thread wrapped around their wrists and sleeves rolled up, wearing black leather boots, holding red lacquered crescent moon staffs, only Ye Tianling led his horse forward, with a golden hoop on his wrist, and the staff in his hand was also gold-lacquered.

  On the vast arena, there were white horses with black manes, purple horses with green saddles, and red horses with black bridles. As you gazed afar, they all wore the same white clothes, but on their bodies, different spirits were revealed. Ling Wang's coolness, Sai Wang's stability, Zhan Wang's elegance, Ming Wang's charm, Eleven's handsomeness, Twelve's wildness, each had its own color, vastly different from the rough and bold style of the Tubo people. No wonder the ladies-in-waiting behind them whispered to each other, smiling and competing, as if their eyes were dazzled and confused.

  Ye Tianling led the team forward, but did not immediately start the game. Instead, he opposed Chi Lang and said, "Zan Pu and his team have just finished a match, let's take a break for a while."

  Hong Lang Ren Zan smiled and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. We have ten people, but Your Highness only brought six people. The rest we had earlier is already enough, so let's begin."

  "Good." Ye Tian Ling smiled back at him, and they exchanged pleasantries. He said calmly, "Please, Zan Pu!"

  Both sides entered the field on horseback, and as usual, Tibet kicked off. Dozens of golden drums thundered, shaking the sky, and everyone in the field stared intently, their horses snorting loudly, barely containing their excitement, already showing the fervor of charging into battle.

  Hong Lang Lun Zan urged his horse to the front, raised his whip and swung it. The bright lacquered seven-treasured ball soared through the air, transforming into a distant arc, directly striking the opponent's goal. As the horses let out excited long whinnies, the drums beat loudly, the shouting in the field, the sound of hooves mixed together, dust flying everywhere, opening up the great battle.

  Chi Lang Ren Zan hit the ball and rushed out, immediately riding his horse to attack, with several riders following closely behind, exactly the swift attack tactics that Tubo was good at.

  Ye Tianling waved the golden rod in his hand, and the six brothers galloped swiftly, each occupying one side. Chi Lang Lun Zan looked intently, but it was a 1-2-2-1 arrow-shaped formation. This formation is suitable for both offense and defense, with swift movements, and is the best formation for initial clashes, knowing that they had truly met their match.

  As expected, the two armies clashed, and several Tibetan soldiers were immediately intercepted by the four cavalrymen in the array. Beside him, Huang's horse flashed, and Ye Tianxiang urged his horse to press on, blocking his offensive.

  The ball fell to the ground and was picked up by their own team, just as three people on horseback were attacking the ball. However, a golden rod suddenly appeared in mid-air, flashing through the Tibetan team's rods, shining like a crescent moon. In an instant, it cut off the ball on the spot. Then, several rods drew out a sharp golden arc, and the colorful ball flew high into the air before falling straight to the middle of the field.

  At night, after Ling Duan broke through the ball, he galloped his horse and flew swiftly. The arrow formation immediately changed from defense to offense, transforming into a sharp arrow formation, shooting towards the Tibetan ball gate.

  Hong Langren loudly shouted: "Good!" and turned around with the Tibetan soldiers to counterattack.

  The ball fell like a target of many arrows, and at the time of contention, one black horse broke through two Tibetan team members with lightning speed, just as Ye Tian Lie rushed into the opponent's formation.

  The red stick lightly swept, snatching the ball and going down. The ball briefly stopped at the head of his stick, shaking off a person blocking it before flying forward to send it.

  Eleven was just in time to gallop to the front of the goal, and saw him proudly standing on horseback, suddenly leaning sideways, before the ball even hit the ground. With a "swish" of his long mallet, the polo ball brushed against the opponent's goalkeeper's sleeve and into the goal.

  In this instant, the ball passed through the entire court, turning three people in one breath, so fast that it almost didn't give people time to react. The spectators seemed to have been stunned for a moment before suddenly bursting into thunderous cheers.

  Eleven and Night Sky clashed with a loud bang, and they burst into laughter. As soon as they entered the field, they launched a quick attack and broke through the Tibetan ball gate, greatly boosting the morale of the Tian Chao people. The sound of drums shook the flags, and the shouting lasted for a long time without stopping.

  The battle in the field did not stop, Tubo was defeated but not discouraged, and the combined army counterattacked. The Heavenly Dynasty won with one blow and quickly returned to defense.

  The night sky was galloping with the wind, like a whirlwind, under the golden rod, the array transformed into a crescent moon, the fierce attack of Tubo met a copper wall and iron wall, and suddenly stopped.

  Akron Lun Zan made another drive, but was blocked by Ye Tian Xun as he shadowed him. He broke through to the left and right, suddenly sweeping his stick to one side, sending the ball flying out to his teammate Ma Xia.

  But then, a white shadow appeared beside the horse, and Ye Tian Ling suddenly arrived in front of him, intercepting the ball again. After that, Ye Tian Xuan and Ye Tian Ming immediately followed on horseback, receiving the ball and launching a counterattack. Ye Tian Ling's white horse was extremely fast, and he clashed with Ye Tian Xi, causing Chi Lang Ren to be blocked behind the formation.

  Only on the court, the Tibetan team members surrounded them, the bright colored ball rolled on the ground, dazzling and confusing, shuttling back and forth between Ye Tianhe's and Ye Tianming's ball sticks, coordinating seamlessly, instantly crossing half of the court.

  As they approached the goal, the two of them suddenly galloped forward to block the defense. Ye Tianyan turned around and hooked the ball with ease, the colorful ball flying towards him, amidst his elegant smile like jade, a dark shadow flew in from the side, flashing red light in mid-air, one stroke of the stick, the ball carrying the sound of wind and lightning, with great force, it curved into the goal, Ye Tianyan's full-strength strike.

  What a beautiful goal! Qingchen couldn't help but cheer silently from the observation deck, while the palace maid behind her exclaimed in delight and applauded.

  At night, the high-ranking official held a ball and rode his horse at full gallop, nodding in their direction from afar, causing the women to burst into laughter. He and his eleventh brother were already quite similar in appearance, and now, as they moved swiftly through the crowd like a gust of wind, it was even harder to tell them apart. All that could be heard was the women arguing repeatedly:

  "His Highness scored again!"

  "It's clearly Your Highness Number Twelve!"

  "It's His Highness the Twelfth riding the black horse!"

  "The one who just scored is His Highness the 12th!"

  "It's His Highness the Twelfth riding the black horse!"

  "The one who just scored is His Highness the 12th!"

  As they spoke, the situation became increasingly chaotic. Luan Fei couldn't help but turn her head back and laugh: "Wasn't it just the 12th prince on the black horse who scored the goal? You're all confused!"

  Two palace maidens exclaimed "Ah" in unison and burst into laughter, the Empress Dowager and the Heavenly Emperor also couldn't help but laugh. For a moment, the viewing platform was filled with continuous laughter and colorful spring light.

  Suddenly, Qing Chen's playful heart arose, and she whispered a few words to Luan Fei in a low voice. Luan Fei smiled lightly and called over several palace maids to instruct them on something. The scene was filled with the sounds of people shouting and horses neighing, like a battlefield. On this side, the women's platform suddenly erupted in cheers: "Eleventh prince, jiāyóu! Twelfth prince, jiāyóu!" Their delicate voices were like pearls and jade ringing out together, their colorful clothes fluttering as they cheered. The Music Bureau seized the opportunity to play a grand melody on the drums, instantly pushing the atmosphere of the polo field to a new height.

  You dust smile leaning on the case, looking at eleven and night Tianhui, suddenly stunned, then one after another showing a sunny smile, swinging their rackets in response. The green grass is lush, the spring breeze is clear, the beauty is like jade, the young men are heroic, what a wonderful scene.

  Occasionally, she would glance over and find Consort Lian sitting calmly at the banquet table amidst the falling petals, her expression cold as she gazed at the vibrant racing scene. All the colorful splendor and intense excitement in the arena were reduced to a dull pale under her icy gaze. She was like a faint, cool breeze that settled upon the prosperous landscape of the imperial court, where even the warmth of spring could not melt her demeanor, and the clear blue sky was fragmented and broken, leaving only a faint whisper.

  Her gaze swept gently between Lian Fei and Ye Tian Ling, as if a thread of thin ice melted into the dark coolness, gradually seeping into her heart. In that instant, a faint ache seemed to surface, causing her to furrow her brow silently.

  At this time, the field was chasing stars and moons, with long willows running horses. The Tubo also scored two goals under the leadership of Chi Lang Ren Zan, and for a moment, both sides were evenly matched. With five balls to determine the outcome, the remaining one was crucial, and whoever got it first would win. The players on both teams were tense in offense and defense, with no slackness.

  Both sides are skilled in riding, and they gallop like gods. The Heavenly Dynasty has been relying on Ye Tianxu to closely follow and lock onto the Red Wolf's attack with a tight defense. With Ye Tianxiang and Ye Tianyu as the vanguard, they launched a swift counterattack. Tubo seems to have realized this point, also dispatching two people to closely tail Ye Tianxiang and Ye Tianyu, neither side giving an inch, gradually becoming a stalemate.

  At this time, the Tibetan team member passed the ball to Chi Lang Ren Zan, who quickly dribbled and was about to launch a counterattack. Just as he dodged to the side, a bright red stick suddenly appeared in front of him, and in an instant, the ball had been taken away by the stick. Ye Tian Ming's slender eyes flashed with a demonic glow, and Qing Ji's swift horse rushed east and west, already thrusting towards the Tibetan goal like a sharp sword.

  Ye Tianming snatched the ball down, and the women in the stands cheered for him instantly. The drums sounded urgently from all sides, as if pushing forward the fierce attack continuously.

  But then the Tibetan players launched a pincer attack, their two ball sticks crisscrossing as they charged straight at Ye Tian's stick, attempting to use brute force to block him.

  The night sky was filled with a burst of strange and violent energy, the red stick in his hand moved swiftly without any hesitation. All that could be heard was a loud "whooshing" sound as the sticks clashed, and in an instant, the opposing player's stick flew out of their hands and shot towards another person's head.

  Everyone present was shocked, but a golden rod broke through the air and swept over. The ball rod was suddenly blocked, circled around the golden rod, and fell down to be caught by Ye Tianling's hand.

  Everyone let out a sigh of relief, the night sky was fine and long, with a gloomy expression scanning the Tibetan troops, both sides were somewhat annoyed, above the chairman, the emperor's eyes slowly sank in an instant.

  Ye Tian Ling's expression was cold and clear, he rode his horse past Ye Tian Ming with a faint glance, then went forward to return the ball stick to that Tubo team member. Chi Lang Ren Zan scolded that person in Tibetan, and Ye Tian Ling turned around almost at the same time saying: "Sorry."

  Chi Lang Ren Zan smiled and bowed, Ye Tian Ling nodded slightly, a small change occurred in an instant. The game did not stop because of this, Ye Tian Ling's golden stick gave the command, the Tian Chao team quickly gathered into a car hanging array, attacking and defending as one, rolling forward, pressing tightly towards the Tubo Gate.

  The Tibetan team retreated in full, and Ye Tianming dribbled the ball under Ye Tianzhan's crotch at night. Ye Tianzhan leaned forward slightly on horseback, smiling warmly as he galloped, his hands holding the ball stick like a ghostly spirit. The ball seemed to be stuck to one end of the crescent moon, sticking to the ground and dodging nimbly, continuously crossing several obstacles.

  As he approached the goal, Chi Lang Lun Zan dodged the interception and swiftly swung his stick to strike. Ye Tian Zhan suddenly smiled faintly, pretended to attack the goal, and with a clever half-arc motion of his stick, the ball fell in front of him and unexpectedly shot backwards.

  Chi Lang Lun Zan was taken aback, and Ye Tian Yan's shot was like a ball with eyes, accurately falling into the center of their own formation. Ye Tian Ling held the reins tightly, and as the horse whinnied loudly, he saw him stand up and swing his stick. Under the dazzling golden light, the ball flashed like a meteor, drawing a perfect arc in the sky, flying high over the heads of several players, heading towards the Tibetan goal.

  After a night sky Ling one blow, the golden cane in his hand was raised proudly, as if he had already determined that this ball would win.

  The wind whistled through the colorful ball's hollow flower pattern, bringing a faint hum to the ears. The Tibetan door guard flew up and pounced on the ball. The ball was just a fleeting illusion, brushing against the golden door pillar with a "whoosh" sound, breaking into the doorway. The elastic net was stretched out by the force of the ball, rebounding with a long echo, and the colorful ball rolled quietly to the ground.

  Five red flags rose simultaneously, and the golden flag was raised high in the night sky. The observation deck on all sides erupted with thunderous applause and cheers that shook heaven and earth.

  The golden bell rang out to signal the victory, and the Tianchao team took the lead. Amidst the thunderous drums shaking the sky, the noisy scene was centered around Ling's calm and collected demeanor, his eyes gazing indifferently into the distant blue sky. However, it only lasted for a moment, as his gaze met with that of his teammates, and amidst the darkness, a warm feeling surged back, a faint smile on his face.

  He turned his head to look, and Erlang Ren Zan smiled: "Your Highness is good at martial arts." He bowed his fist on horseback: "Zanpu Chengrang." The two of them had a match on the field, and their words seemed to have some affectionate meaning.

  Chi Lang led the Tibetan troops back to their seats, and at night, Ling Tian and the five princes dismounted in front of the Emperor's seat and paid homage. The Emperor praised: "Ling'er did a great job today, I am very pleased, and should be heavily rewarded!"

  Ye Tianling's face was calm, and he said lightly: "Brothers unite, their benefits are cut off like gold, this game is a must-win, I don't dare take credit."

  The Heavenly Emperor was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, "Well said! With a son such as mine, our heavenly dynasty will surely prosper for a hundred generations." The various princes bowed their heads in gratitude, while the civil and military officials at the banquet all voiced their praise, with Chi Lang Lun Zan also raising his cup to offer congratulations to the Heavenly Emperor.

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