Priceless: A widow with a baby asks the prince to marry again

Despite the urgency of time, with the coordinated efforts of all parties in Daxia and some of the surrendered northern tribes, the selection of King Yuan's successor finally began after just three days of ups and downs.

Step one: define the scope and start the competition.

The requirements were clear and precise: height must be taller than a wheel, with no noticeable white hair or wrinkles—ages between fifteen and thirty; and a lineage that could be traced back four generations or more, equivalent to aristocratic ancestry. Naturally, the Golden Family bloodline had a distinct advantage, as their lineage was a symbol of grassland legitimacy.

Notices were posted everywhere, and the surrendered "Prince Yuan's subjects" rushed to tell each other.

The leaders and elders of small and medium-sized tribes were eager to take action, as this was an opportunity to change the fate of their tribes. The election process was turbulent, with open and covert struggles and exchanges of interests taking place.

Ultimately, the various grassland tribes and the people of the Yuan Dynasty jointly nominated one hundred young talents. Though they came from diverse backgrounds, they all burned with the same fervent desire for power and vision for the future.

Step 2: Test your writing skills, with wisdom and strategy coming first.

In Guiyuan City, the temporary examination hall was solemn and dignified, with hundreds of candidates sitting upright.

The exam is divided into three rounds:

1. Mongolian and Chinese Literacy: The ability to read and write basic Mongolian or Chinese characters is required to ensure future ability to handle documents and communicate government orders. Many warriors, more skilled in archery and horseback riding, frowned as they faced paper and pen.

Second, Arithmetic: This involves practical problems such as counting cattle and sheep, allocating pastures, and simple transaction calculations. This was Liu Rusi's suggestion to Chu Shiyu. After all, if you can't even do basic accounting, how can you manage a piece of land?

3. Grassland Strategy: The topic is closely related to reality - "If you are the leader of a tribe and encounter a white disaster, more than half of the cattle and sheep are lost, and the people are starving and cold, how should you respond? How should you seek help from friendly neighbors or the 'Yuan Wang'?" The topic examines crisis management, resource coordination and understanding of the position of the "Yuan Wang" in the new order.

The test results will be announced soon.

Twenty candidates emerged who excelled in literary skills, arithmetic, and mental clarity.

Altan, a descendant of the Golden Family, and Batu, another strong contender, were prominently featured. Altan's answers displayed a composure beyond his years and a deep understanding of the mutual support and coexistence within the "Yuan Wang" system, while Batu was more pragmatic and assertive.

The third step is horse riding and archery performance.

This is the foundation of life for Northern Tribe men, and it's also the part that most ignites the atmosphere. Twenty candidates, dressed in their respective tribes' riding uniforms, gallop across the designated training grounds, drawing their bows and arrows, firing at moving targets.

The sound of horse hooves was like thunder, and the arrows shot out like meteors. Every precise hit was met with thunderous applause.

Altan gave it his all! He knew full well that Prince Duan Chu Shiyu, who had provided him with a divine horse, a fine saddle, and brand-new clothing, was cultivating him as a front-line spokesperson. Ultimately, however, this was an opportunity for the Golden Family to regain power and personally manage affairs! Far superior to the mere figurehead status in the Oirat court. Moreover, Prince Duan and the Daxia leadership would eventually depart! This was the family's hope for rebirth from the ashes!

His riding and archery skills were among the best among his peers. However, facing those experienced and mature warriors at the peak of their powers, the gap in strength and skill was eventually apparent. Ultimately, Altan placed fifth—a position that clearly demonstrated his exceptional potential, but unfortunately, he missed the final race for the title of "Heir to the Yuan King."

When the news reached the viewing platform, Princess Qin Zhen of Changning almost jumped up instantly, her face flushing crimson. She angrily addressed Liu Rusi beside her, "This isn't fair! He's only fifteen! His muscles and bones haven't even fully developed yet! Comparing strength and endurance with those in their twenties and thirties, he's certainly at a disadvantage! With time, once he's stronger, his riding and archery skills will improve dramatically, and he'll definitely be in the top three!"

Liu Rusi, observing Changning's expression of both anger and heartache, understood. She gently patted Changning's arm and soothed him, "Don't worry. I heard from His Royal Highness Prince Duan that even if someone isn't ultimately chosen as the heir to Prince Yuan, anyone who makes it into the top twenty will receive a corresponding position and important position in the future Yuan court. This is just like..."

She paused, her gaze calmly sweeping across the faces on the training ground, some ecstatic, some disappointed, and some ambitious, before continuing, "Just like Daxia's simplified imperial examinations, as long as one can pass the layers of selection and prove their talent, the court will always provide a way out for them, so that their shining pearl will not be lost in the dust."

Inwardly, I sighed: "Standing higher, one truly sees things differently." This seemingly fair selection had already been firmly set by an invisible, giant hand.

Who would each tribe nominate? Those willing to participate in this contest inherently harbored a tendency to compromise with Daxia. The final list of 100 individuals was the product of struggles, compromises, and even back-and-forth between the various factions on the grasslands. These individuals already held the foundation of power, not simply a scepter bestowed upon them by this competition.

The written exam required knowledge of Chinese and Mongolian characters, naturally weeding out those "diehards" who were completely opposed to or had no understanding of Central Plains civilization. Arithmetic and policy essays guided them to identify with and rely on the "Yuan Wang" system fostered by Daxia. Those who answered well were undoubtedly those who were well-versed in and willing to embrace this new order.

At this point, this competition is no longer simply a contest between the Northern Tribes! The shadows of various forces within Great Xia have long since infiltrated the region, wrestling with each other! Prince Duan Chu Shiyu is almost openly supporting his own forces, including Altan; Prince Kang Chu Shikun, though still physically revived, must be operating covertly; and the Fifth Prince, Chu Shihuan, new to power, represents the heart of the imperial court, and behind him, the Emperor's control is undoubtedly ever-present.

The final performance of horseback archery was merely a matter of selecting the most round and dazzling pearl from a selection of pearls. While important, its essence was already determined.

The solemn atmosphere descended again like a tangible frost, heavily covering the high platform in the center of Guiyuan City where the coffin of the last emperor was placed.

A huge coffin as black as ink was quietly placed in the center of the platform, like a silent black mountain, silently overlooking everything below.

It was like a cold witness across time and space. Its invisible gaze penetrated the years and cast coldly on the only three remaining candidates on the high platform in front of the palace: Batu, who was as burly and strong as a bear, Suhe, who had sharp eyes and a nimble body, and a young noble named Gegen from a distant branch of the Golden Family.

The officials and generals of Daxia, along with Prince Duan Chu Shiyu, the fifth prince Chu Shihuan, Liu Rusi, Qin Zhen and everyone else, were all on the viewing platform on the side.

At this moment, there was no Da Xia person on the platform, as if only the northern people were left, and it was up to them, under the watchful eyes of their ancestors, to decide their future "Yuan King" - at least, that was the surface.

An old man with white hair and beard, from the "Altai Tribe", who was highly respected in the northern tribe, stepped forward tremblingly and served as the host of the final selection.

He declared in Mongolian with an old yet resonant voice, "The spirit of the last emperor of the Holy Dynasty will guide us in choosing a recognized successor!"

The atmosphere suddenly became extremely tense. All eyes were focused on the dark coffin and the three candidates.

The three candidates knelt solemnly before the coffin, their heads bowed in a respectful posture. Several strong Northern Tribe men carried a massive, golden turntable and placed it steadily before them. The turntable's circumference was clearly divided into three equal parts, each representing a candidate.

The drawing of lots begins.

The old man pulled three dominoes, each inscribed with a different symbol, from a sealed leather bag. Batu, Suhe, and Gegen stepped forward in turn and each drew one. The results were revealed: Batu corresponded to the top, Suhe to the left, and Gegen to the right.

Everyone's heart was in their throat. This seemingly primitive and fair method embodied the Northern people's reverence for heaven's will and their ancestors.

The old man walked to the side with a solemn expression, his hands resting on the edge of the turntable. He then took a deep breath, muttering something as if praying to the spirit of the Last Emperor. Then, with all his strength, he swung the turntable violently!

"Om-"

Golden light carved a dazzling circle of light in the sunlight. The entire platform, and even the entire central square of Guiyuan City, fell into a dead silence. Only the humming sound of the rapidly spinning turntable struck everyone's nerves.

Batu stared at the turntable with his muscles tense; Suhe squinted his eyes, as if calculating something; Gegen closed his eyes, his hands clenched into fists on his knees.

Time seemed to stretch. The turntable slowed down, circle after circle... The dazzling golden light grew sluggish, each slight movement drawing countless gazes.

Finally, with a suffocating hesitation, it trembled and... stopped.

The golden light pointed to the area represented by Gegen!

"Humph…"

A light but chilling snort escaped from Prince Duan Chu Shiyu's nose. His eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at Prince Kang Chu Shikun, who was not far away.

Almost instantly, King Kang's pale, frail face turned. Their gazes met briefly in mid-air, and without needing words, each reflected the same understanding and scrutiny.

Then, two gazes that seemed to be real and filled with silent questions simultaneously and heavily pressed towards the fifth prince Chu Shihuan who was standing slightly in front.

Chu Shihuan felt that the two gazes weighed more than a thousand pounds, and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

His heart was pounding, and almost without thinking, he leaned slightly to the side and hurriedly explained in a voice so low that only the core figures nearby could barely hear, "This Gegen... his tribe has always maintained a loose alliance with the Tatars, and in previous years, they have often made moves to get closer to Daxia. When the Tatars attacked southward, their tribal leader vehemently opposed it, proposing to negotiate with Daxia to overcome the difficulties... Because of this, they were ostracized and suppressed by the mainstream Tatars before the war. Although their tribe is large, their pastures are barren..."

Liu Rusi, who was sitting nearby, listened to all of this quietly. It immediately became clear to her that this seemingly "chosen one" Gegen was probably the candidate already chosen by the Great Xia Emperor who was sitting far away in the capital!

But...this Fifth Prince was a bit too impatient. Just a scrutinizing glance from his two brothers, and he was so eager to explain, even taking the initiative to reveal that it was the Emperor's instructions.

The drama at the center continues.

The face of the old man from the Northern Tribe who presided over the ceremony was instantly filled with excitement and an almost sacred reverence. He raised his arms high and, with all his strength, loudly declared in Mongolian to the sky, to the coffin, and to all the people of the Northern Tribe:

"Heaven's will is clear! The Holy Spirit has spoken! The bloodline of the Golden Family—Gergen!—is the heir to King Yuan!"

"Boom!" After a brief silence, a huge wave of sound erupted from the Northern Tribe people gathered in the square! Cheers, exclamations, and discussions intertwined together, like a boiling tide!

A huge ecstasy instantly overwhelmed Gegen, who was about to be chosen! He was also a little overwhelmed by the fear of being flattered! He almost crawled towards the coffin of the Last Emperor and bowed deeply, his forehead hitting the cold stone surface heavily, his shoulders shaking violently with excitement!

Then, the solemn succession ceremony began under the attention of everyone.

An ancient and heavy seal made of white jade with a coiled dragon button was held up by the respected elder of the Altai tribe and solemnly handed over to the newly promoted Yuan King Gegen.

The warm luster of the white jade contrasted sharply with Gegen's fingers, which were trembling slightly with excitement.

Then, several Northern attendants came forward and draped a luxurious royal robe on Gegen's shoulders, which was a symbol of royal power and embroidered with intricate Northern totems and gold threads.

In an instant, this young nobleman, who was originally inconspicuous among the three, seemed to be injected with invisible majesty. He straightened his back and accepted the thunderous cheers of "King Yuan" from below.

The selection of Prince Yuan has been finalized, and another exciting drama is about to follow - a martial arts competition to win a bride!

The rules have been announced long ago: among the twenty talented young men of the Northern Tribe who stood out during the selection of Prince Yuan, they will compete for the opportunity to marry a princess or noblewoman of Daxia.

Everyone knew that King Gegen of Xinyuan would definitely take up a princess's quota, which was the inherent meaning of the power marriage.

Among these twenty men, there are many who already have wives and children, but the rules of Daxia are clear: if a marriage is to be arranged, the Daxia woman must be the principal wife, and her original wife can be demoted to a concubine.

The competition is divided into two steps: first, there is a fight in the ring, and the order is determined by the level of martial arts; then there is the unique "passing the father and brother level" - the father and brother of the bride-to-be personally guard in front of the vase representing their daughter. The challenger must break through the obstruction of the father and brother and drop the flower in his hand into the jade vase of the bride's favorite lady to be considered successful.

On the stage, swords flashed and shouts rang out. Although Xinyuan King Gegen didn't win first place in the horseback archery competition, he was in high spirits at the moment, and with his status as a supporter, his journey was smooth.

When it comes to "passing the father and brother level", the scene is even more eye-catching.

The one guarding the pass on behalf of Princess Chu Xin was none other than her brother, Prince Duan Chu Shiyu. Prince Kang was still frail and naturally unable to participate, so Fifth Prince Chu Shihuan took over as Princess Chu Rou's replacement...

Chu Shiyu stood tall and straight before the exquisite jade vase representing Princess Chu Xin, his expression indifferent. Gegen stepped forward, and the two exchanged a few symbolic blows. Chu Shiyu then stepped aside, and Gegen smoothly and steadily placed the flower symbolizing his marriage proposal into the jade vase. The process was smooth and seamless, without any suspense.

However, when it was the turn of General Qin Shuangyu, who was guarding the pass on behalf of Princess Changning Qin Zhen, the atmosphere suddenly changed!

Qin Shuangyu stood before Qin Zhen's vase like an iron tower, his eyes brimming with might and his aura as imposing as a mountain. The next person to take the stage was Altan, the young man from the Golden Family who had placed fifth in the horseback archery performance.

The young man took a deep breath, looked firmly in the direction of Qin Zhen, and then with a low roar, he rushed towards Qin Shuangyu like lightning! He used all his strength, his footwork was agile, his punches and kicks were powerful, and he was obviously trying his best!

However, in front of Qin Shuangyu, a veteran who had experienced hundreds of battles and was strong enough to carry a heavy weight, his skills were like an ant trying to shake a tree.

Qin Shuangyu didn't even move his feet. His big hand like a palm-leaf fan seemed to casually flick and pull, and then gently push forward - the movement was effortless, but it contained an overwhelming power!

"Bang!" There was a muffled sound.

Altan only felt an irresistible force coming, and his whole body was like a kite with a broken string, and he was "sent" out a few feet away. He staggered a few steps before he could barely stand firm. He was defeated quickly and cleanly, and had no power to fight back.

"father--!"

On the viewing platform, Qin Zhen saw Altan being knocked away so easily, her eyes instantly turned red, she was anxious and angry, she couldn't help but cry out, her fists clenched tightly, and she was about to rush out without caring about etiquette.

"Qin Zhen, calm down!" Liu Rusi was quick to act. She grabbed Qin Zhen, who was about to jump up, and pushed her back to her seat.

Seeing the tears of grievance and the undisguised heartache in the girl's eyes, Liu Rusi felt a mixture of emotions. She couldn't help but recall the fortune-telling that the deceased Taoist priest, Seriguleng, had read for Qin Zhen—that marriage would be filled with uncertainty and setbacks. Now, it seemed, that prediction had come true.

This situation is almost impossible to reconcile.

Seeing Qin Shuangyu's merciless palm strike and Altan's calm acceptance after being repelled, Liu Rusi guessed that Qin Shuangyu had probably already discussed this with the young man privately! In other words, the young Altan himself had no real intention of marrying Qin Zhen at this moment!

The reason why he didn't give up in the ring battle was probably to make a name for himself again in front of the Northern Tribe and Daxia and to gain a better future. Moreover, the top few in the ring competition themselves have rewards.