How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 54 News of the Martial Arts Examination

He Sheng sighed and slowly said, "This Lord Hao is a fourth-rank official, a Vice Minister of the Chancellery. Her second son was killed by Zhao Qing. His death was gruesome, and his body was hung in the street. When Lord Hao found out, he was heartbroken and vomited blood on the spot. He declared that whoever could kill Zhao Qing would receive one hundred taels of silver. What I brought is only a small amount; I'll make up the difference later."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ci suddenly understood; so that's how it is.

Looking at the box of silver, she felt a surge of emotions.

If she hadn't gotten back in time, then An...

She glanced at Shi An, and Shi An was looking at her too.

Their eyes met, and everything was conveyed in their gazes.

"Take it, you deserve it."

Chu Ci nodded. Since that was the case, she would accept it without worry.

He Sheng beckoned to a rather frail-looking woman and whispered, "Write down every word that Lady Chu says. This letter is to be sent to Lord Zhao in the capital. Do you understand?"

The frail-looking woman lowered her head and replied softly, "Yes."

Then, He Sheng turned around, staring intently at Chu Ci, and asked, "Madam Chu, may I ask how you and Zhao Qing met?"

Chu Ci fell into a brief moment of contemplation and did not reveal the truth.

She replied calmly, "I met her by chance in the mountains. She tried to rob me, so we fought. At first, I didn't want to hurt her, but she wouldn't give up and was determined to kill me. I had no choice but to fight back and kill her."

Upon hearing this, a hint of doubt appeared in Song Zhao's eyes, but he seemed to suddenly remember something and immediately shut his mouth.

Since this matter involves a man's reputation, it's best not to say anything.

He Sheng nodded repeatedly, his face showing admiration, and praised, "Madam Chu is truly skilled in martial arts! To be able to defeat Zhao Qing, that vicious villain, is truly admirable!"

Chu Ci replied modestly, "It's alright." She glanced at the injury on her left shoulder, "It took quite a bit of effort."

He Sheng waved his hand, "Oh dear, how can you call this 'just okay'? You're being far too modest."

Chu Ci didn't speak this time, but simply smiled slightly and nodded gently.

Seeing this, He Sheng asked, "I've heard you're a hunter?"

Chu Ci replied, "Yes."

A hint of regret flashed in He Sheng's eyes as he said, "It's such a pity you're a hunter. With your skills and abilities, you would definitely achieve excellent results if you participated in the martial arts examination. I can write you a letter of recommendation so that you can successfully participate in the examination."

Upon hearing this, Shi An was overjoyed, his eyes lit up, and a happy smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

If Chu Ci participates in the military examination, then they might be able to go to the capital, and he could then find an opportunity to overturn the Shi family's case.

Chu Ci noticed the change in Shi An's expression. She originally wanted to refuse, but after seeing his expectant eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say it.

She hesitated for a moment, then simply replied, "I'll consider it."

In fact, she did not want to get involved with the imperial court. After all, she was a person of the martial arts world in her previous life, and a free and unrestrained life was what she longed for.

However, she looked at Shi An as if she had high hopes for her participation in the martial arts examination.

Therefore, she didn't make any absolute statements, but left herself some room for maneuver.

He Sheng then asked some more questions about the details of killing Zhao Qing, and Chu Ci answered truthfully.

After all the questions were asked, He Sheng praised Chu Ci at length before getting up to take his leave.

After everyone left, Shi An quickly pulled Chu Ci to sit down and eagerly asked, "The town mayor just asked about the martial arts examination. What do you think?"

After pondering for a moment, Chu Ci replied, "I think it's good."

Shi An's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "Right! It's such a pity that my wife, with such good skills, isn't going to participate!"

Chu Ci nodded slightly, glanced at Shi An again, and asked softly, "Do you really want me to participate?"

Shi Anxin was startled and nodded vigorously, "Of course!"

Chu Ci then asked, "Why do you so want me to go?"

Shi An pondered for a moment, feeling conflicted, and secretly wondered whether he should tell Chu Ci about his true background.

After all, before the marriage, Chu Ci always thought that he was just a child from a wealthy family who later became a slave because his parents died and his family fell into poverty.

Just then, He Baobao suddenly appeared. Her expression looked strange, and her gaze swept over Shi An in a cryptic manner.

Chu Ci felt suspicious and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Cough cough." He Baobao coughed twice, a slightly unnatural look on his face.

She mentally prepared herself and said, "I...can we talk alone?" Her eyes were filled with expectation and nervousness as she stared intently at Chu Ci.

Chu Ci raised her head slightly, a hint of doubt in her eyes.

She turned to look at Shi An, who also looked bewildered.

However, Shi An still very understandingly turned around and left silently, leaving Chu Ci and He Baobao alone in the room.

Chu Ci slowly sat up straight, crossed her hands on her lap, and gazed quietly at He Baobao.

Her voice was low and calm: "What exactly are you trying to say?"

He Baobao took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. She grabbed the water glass in front of Chu Ci and gulped it down.

“This is my cup…” Chu Ci couldn’t help but remind him.

He Baobao didn't have time to think about that and just hurriedly replied, "I don't have time to worry about that."

Chu Ci shook her head helplessly, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and said softly, "This is unlike you at all. This is the first time I've seen you so nervous."

He Baobao tried to relax and slowly walked over to sit down next to Chu Ci.

However, just as she was about to speak, she suddenly stood up, hugged her head with both hands, and rubbed it vigorously.

"You may not believe what I'm saying, but it's all true. Don't think I'm crazy."

He Baobao's behavior was a bit funny, but she seemed very serious, so Chu Ci could only suppress his smile and nod, "You go first, I'll listen."

"That's right, I just learned from my master who the current empress is, and also the names of the princesses."

Chu Ci raised an eyebrow, seemingly not very interested in what she was about to say: "So, you want to talk about the imperial court?"

He Baobao quickly waved his hand: "No, no, it's not the imperial court, it's you and me."