Chapter 67 – Don’t Be Afraid, Go Ahead

Listening to the few young ladies who were about to participate in the competition, several of the ladies surrounding the Empress also joined in with the fun.

“How about we add some flair to the competition?”

“That’s a good idea! Whoever wins will gain unparalleled honor.”

“I also want to take part in the Empress’s flair!”

“Then let’s go along with what the sisters want. I’ll join in and add some fun too,” the Empress said with a smile, casually taking off the jade bracelet on her wrist and placing it on the tray held by the maid.

The other ladies also took off a piece of jewelry each and placed it on the tray.

“So many people? In that case, I’ll join the fun as well and add to the flair!” The Emperor, smiling, walked over and said to the ladies.

The Empress and the others were silent as the Emperor’s words were naturally not to be opposed. Soon, another seven or eight young ladies signed up. After all, with both the Emperor and the Empress adding their flair, winning this competition would be seen as receiving the Emperor and Empress’s approval, which was true honor.

As others were talking, Shen Nian slowly moved away from Xia Tian, who was standing next to her, and whispered in a comforting tone, “Don’t be afraid, go ahead, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose.”

Xia Tian nodded, signaling that she understood.

Since she had someone backing her up, what was there to be afraid of?

Though she didn’t seek trouble, she was not afraid of it either.

Soon, the ten young ladies competing were led off to change into their clothes. Afterward, they put on their skates by the ice rink, waiting for the starting signal.

The rules for the ice-skating competition were simple – each participant, wearing skates, would glide five laps around the rink, which had an approximate circumference of 80 meters. The one who reached the finish line first would win.

Xia Tian, wearing the skates, took a moment to familiarize herself with them, slowly adjusting to the feel.

As soon as the sound of the drum signaling the start of the race rang out, the young ladies immediately rushed forward. Xia Tian fell behind at first, skating slowly. Initially, she wasn’t used to the skates and struggled, but as she became more accustomed, her speed gradually picked up.

At this point, Lin Sayu, who was in the lead, had already outpaced Xia Tian by almost a full lap.

Xia Tian started to accelerate, closing the gap with the other participants.

In the stands, the Emperor watched as the young lady, who had started off awkwardly and stumbled on her skates, soon became smooth and steady, gaining speed and quickly overtaking most of the others. He couldn’t help but admire her in his heart. Of course, the lady chosen by Chu Xuan had her own exceptional qualities.

The Empress and the other ladies had originally watched Xia Tian, who had fallen behind, and joked leisurely.

Now, seeing this rural girl almost catch up with Lin Sayu, the general’s daughter in the lead, they all fell silent, subconsciously clutching the handkerchiefs in their hands, their eyes fixed on the skating competition.

In the stands, Shen Nian had not taken his eyes off Xia Tian ever since she stood by the rink, following her increasingly faster movements. His clenched fist slowly relaxed, and the corners of his lips gradually lifted.

When Xia Tian was the first to cross the finish line, the entire audience seemed to have been hit with the pause button. Only when the Emperor said “Stop” did everyone react, astonished.

They had thought she was just a beginner, but in the end, she had become the champion.

As the competition ended, Shen Nian was the first to rush over, unceremoniously taking the cloak from Ning Xiang’s hands and draping it over Xia Tian’s shoulders. He even casually tucked her hair behind her ear, not hiding his joy. “Well done!”

Looking at Shen Nian, who was unusually gentle today, Xia Tian felt a new emotion stirring in her heart. She followed him to the Emperor and Empress’s viewing area, where, after bowing, the Emperor also praised her, saying, “Indeed, a perfect match—beauty and talent, a woman who doesn’t fall behind the men!”

Sitting next to him, the Empress was somewhat surprised by the result but said nothing in the end. She smiled and praised her a couple of times before curiously asking, “I remember you said earlier that you couldn’t skate. Why does it look like you can now?”

“Your Majesty, I really couldn’t skate before. I only learned just now,” Xia Tian replied respectfully.

The Empress was just curious and didn’t have any ill intentions. She wasn’t about to hold this against Xia Tian.

“As Your Majesty said, it seems I misjudged,” the Empress said with a smile, before instructing a maid to bring over the tray. “These are your prizes.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, and the Emperor, and all the other ladies,” Xia Tian said as she took the tray and stepped back.

Shen Nian excused himself to the Emperor and Empress, and then led Xia Tian out of the palace.

However, they hadn’t gotten far before they were stopped by Hu Mengyao, Wen Jin, and Lin Sayu.

“Shen, Lord Shen, Wen Jiejie wants to speak to you,” Hu Mengyao said first.

Shen Nian responded in a calm tone, “What advice does Miss Wen have?”

Upon hearing Shen Nian’s distant tone, Wen Jin felt a sense of grievance in her heart. “Nian gege, have you forgotten about Jin’er after not seeing me for so many years?”

Xia Tian, who was standing next to them, shivered when she heard the words “Nian gege,” and goosebumps immediately formed all over her skin!

Could these two really have some untold story?

Xia Tian looked at Shen Nian, who appeared indifferent, showing no signs of excitement.

“Miss Wen, it’s better if you address me as Lord Shen,” he said coldly.

“What does she have? What does she compare to Wen Jiejie?” Hu Mengyao couldn’t help but interject, upset at the coldness between Shen Nian and Wen Jin.

“My wife is not for you to criticize!” Shen Nian’s expression turned cold as he heard Hu Mengyao’s rude words.

Hu Mengyao was about to argue, but Wen Jin stopped her.

Meanwhile, the fourth Miss of the General’s family, Lin Sayu, had been staring at Xia Tian, her gaze scrutinizing her!

During the earlier competition, Xia Tian had overtaken her to claim first place.

When Xia Tian saw Miss Wen’s eyes filled with tears, she quickly tugged at Shen Nian. “Let’s go, it’s too cold.” She then waved at the three young ladies, “Goodbye, we’re leaving now.”

Without waiting for a response, she pulled Shen Nian quickly toward the palace gates.

She was genuinely cold—she had worked up a sweat while skating, but still hadn’t changed out of her clothes, and now she felt uncomfortable in them.

Shen Nian naturally took her hand and didn’t let go.

When they arrived at Jinglan Courtyard, Ning Xiang quickly instructed the maids to prepare a warm bath.

Once Xia Tian was soaking in the tub, she finally felt her body relax.

Afterward, she went to sleep on the warm bed in the heated room.

In the afternoon, Shen Nian came to visit, and that was when Xia Tian remembered to ask him about the marriage proposal!