Chapter 143: Do I Look Like a Loser to You?

In the distance, a figure gradually took shape, drawing nearer with each labored breath and the rhythmic sound of footsteps. The entire hall fell silent.

The newcomer carried a length of hemp rope slung over his shoulder, dragging behind him a tiger nearly as tall as a man and roughly the size of a wild boar, bound tight.

Upon closer inspection, the tiger’s body was marred with deep, jagged wounds inflicted by sharp weapons—each slash a stark, shocking sight. Some of the ladies, sensitive to the sight of blood, quickly covered their eyes.

Trailing behind the attendants came the sound of horse hooves, a steady clatter—was that not Chu Ge, the Princess of Chu, riding her steed, Treading Snow?

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause. Even the emperor rose from his throne, radiant with delight.

“Excellent! Truly excellent! Who says women are inferior to men? The Princess of Chu has hunted down the beast king, the tiger. Is there any doubt she deserves the top prize at this hunting gala?”

Below the stage, the princesses clapped so fervently their palms turned red, cheering Chu Ge on. They despised the usual female pursuits of playing the zither and embroidery; they longed to watch men gallop across the fields. They yearned for a horse of their own, a bow and arrow or a sharp weapon to wield.

Seeing Chu Ge, they were captivated by her bold spirit, which was unlike the delicate demeanor expected of a lady. With Chu Ge as their exemplar, they could justify practicing horseback archery within the palace. The realm of Yan and Qi would no longer belong solely to men; women could ride and fight on the battlefield as well.

Chu Ge’s hair, loosened from her forehead and caught by the wind, fluttered wildly atop her horse. Her long locks were gathered high with a vine.

“Hu—!”

Treading Snow stopped, stamping twice to steady herself. Chu Ge leapt down gracefully, every movement more dashing than a man’s.

“I, Chu Ge, have lived up to expectations and hunted the great beast!”

“Ahhh! See that? From now on, she is my goddess!” the princesses had completely fallen for this whirlwind of a woman.

Another princess retorted boldly, “Nonsense! She’s clearly my second brother’s goddess, which makes her practically mine!”

The two, both in the crowd below, ignored the tiger’s terror and gestured at each other, vying for favor, as if determined to win Chu Ge’s affection.

The tiger, by then, was unconscious. The emperor summoned attendants who brought a large cage and locked the beast inside. Whether dead or alive, the tiger had served its worth—its pelt could be fashioned into many fine things.

Chu You and others who doubted Chu Ge’s hunting skills were left agape. Some foolishly began betting on the outcome, including Chong Li, the princess, and the royal princess herself.

Nine out of ten wagers were against Chu Ge, and most had lost everything, down to their last garments.

Those who bet she would return with any prey were now richly rewarded, especially Chong Li, who smiled slyly at Chu Ge, his eyes gleaming like a cunning old fox.

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