After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

After the Imperial College examinations concluded, several days of peace passed. During this time, everyone awaited the results, yet also enjoyed this rare peace. However, amidst this anxious wait, the State of Zhao welcomed a significant festival: the Dragon Boat Festival, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

The Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated with great fanfare in the State of Zhao, and the most eye-catching event was the dragon boat race. This traditional event attracted countless spectators each year. This year, the Imperial Academy organized this spectacular competition, and various universities sent their strongest dragon boat teams to compete for the ultimate championship.

Among the throng of spectators, one special person received a special invitation. This person was Tang Wenshu, personally invited by the Crown Prince to the podium, where she enjoyed the most prominent and prestigious seat. Meanwhile, Tang Zideng represented the Imperial College in the competition, serving as drummer. He and the other team members fought tirelessly for victory.

As time went on, people from the Duke of Tang's residence gradually arrived at the competition venue, cheering for their loved ones with excitement and anticipation. At this moment, no matter which family they belonged to, they were all excited about Tang Zideng's participation.

This year's dragon boat race attracted particular attention, not only due to the participation of several major colleges, but also because four major private chambers of commerce were invited to participate in this grand event. Of course, the most popular teams were the Imperial College and Mount Li College dragon boat teams, which are strong contenders for the championship and runner-up positions every year.

However, there was a hidden reason behind the invitation to the Chamber of Commerce: the treasury was depleted. Zhao Guo had been engaged in frequent wars in recent years, depleting the treasury. The court needed a large amount of funds to replenish the treasury for emergencies. Therefore, the decision was made to invite the four major Chambers of Commerce to participate, charging them a fee. This approach killed two birds with one stone. For the chambers of commerce, eager for honor, the opportunity to participate in such a competition was a great honor.

Of course, these events were unknown to the general public. Students simply assumed that a new academy had qualified and weren't particularly curious about the four teams. In their eyes, the Imperial College, as the nation's most prestigious institution, was naturally one of the favorites to win. Mount Li Academy, renowned for its exceptional education and student quality, was also a strong contender. Furthermore, while White Deer Academy and Yingtian Academy, though slightly less prestigious, were equally formidable and should not be underestimated.

When the time for the match finally arrived, the citizens of the capital flocked to the riverside to cheer on their favorite teams. The riverside was bustling with activity, and the cheers and shouts echoed endlessly, seemingly drowning the entire riverbank. In this sea of ​​joy, everyone was filled with passion and anticipation, waiting for the match to begin.

"Bang!" With the crisp sound of the starting drum, the competition officially began.

The dragon boat from the Imperial College raced off the starting line like a wild horse, a vibrant Zhao flag hoisted high on its bow, the Imperial College flag fluttering at its stern. Tang Zideng, the drummer, stood tall at the bow, his drumsticks rhythmically striking, each beat filled with power and passion, as if transmitting his enthusiasm to every member of the team. The oarsmen, with their coordinated movements, worked together to launch the boat like an arrow, hurtling forward at full speed.

Meanwhile, the Lishan College dragon boat team was no slouch, closely following behind the Imperial College, creating a fierce competition. The two teams were closing in on each other, each chasing the other, refusing to yield, and the competition instantly entered a white-hot stage.

Looking further back, the dragon boats of Bailu Academy and Yingtian Academy were closely following each other, unable to overtake the group ahead. However, unexpectedly, the Pingchuan Chamber of Commerce, initially in the middle, suddenly changed direction, gliding sharply to the right, and collided with the still-unstable Tantu Chamber of Commerce. The sudden collision caused the crews of both boats to fall into the water, and the race ended in failure for both Pingchuan and Tantu. Elsewhere, the Beishang Chamber of Commerce was hotly pursuing the eighth-ranked Hantu Academy, attempting to overtake its rival.

The last of the four chambers of commerce, the Baoyuan Chamber of Commerce, was planting their flags. Since this was the first time for the four chambers of commerce to participate in the competition, they seemed a bit flustered, even making a few jokes. The Baoyuan Chamber of Commerce team planted the Zhao flags at the bow and stern of the boat, but there was no place to plant their chamber of commerce flag, so they had to have the drummer carry it on his back.

Unexpectedly, the flag, barely hoisted and before the boat had even moved, fell, severely hampering the drummer's performance. The drumstick landed firmly on the flag, and the resulting drumbeat became a humming hum. The rowers' morale, once buoyed, quickly waned. By the time they recovered and set off again, the team ahead had already advanced a short distance. Despite this, they remained determined to continue and complete the race.

Just when everyone thought the Imperial College would triumph again, the Mount Li Academy boat suddenly changed course, careening diagonally into the Imperial College's dragon boat. With a clang, Tang Zideng was the first to fall into the water, followed by the other rowers. However, the Mount Li Academy crew, who had been struck by the boat, were not much better off; most of them also fell into the water.

Fortunately, the dragon boat racers were highly trained and strong swimmers, so when they fell into the water, they reacted quickly and helped their teammates aboard. After everyone was safely aboard, the boats set off again, but this time at a noticeably slower pace. The added weight of the clothes soaked in water had caused the boats to lose balance. If they had been traveling too fast, the boats would have swayed violently from side to side, potentially even capsizing.

The Lishan Academy team quickly boarded their dragon boats, maintaining their focus and determination despite their recent mishap. Just then, the teams previously ranked third, fourth, and fifth seized the opportunity, overtaking the Imperial College and Lishan Academy teams and taking the lead. Undeterred, the Imperial College team quickly adjusted their form and continued their all-out pursuit. However, their progress became more difficult due to the boat's instability.

Shande Academy, ahead of them, saw the Imperial College's boat wobbling and swaying, and became concerned, fearing they might be hit. So they decided to row faster, hoping to distance themselves from the Imperial College. At that moment, Shande Academy temporarily took first place, while the Imperial College fell into second place.

Tang Zideng, realizing the Imperial College's predicament, unhesitatingly increased the speed and force of his drumming. The drumbeats resounded like thunder, echoing across the lake and seemingly tearing the sky apart. The drumbeats involuntarily caused the students of Shande Academy ahead to turn their heads, their gazes fixed on the Imperial College's dragon boat.

At that moment, Tang Zideng struck the drum again, creating a resounding bang. The sudden sound startled a Shande Academy student rowing. His grip loosened, and the oar he held instantly fell, rapidly sinking into the water. With the finish line within sight, time was running out, and he had no time to dive in and retrieve the oar. Desperate, he continued paddling with one hand.

Unfortunately, the dragon boat's direction deviated due to this minor mishap, drifting further and further from the finish line. They struggled to control the boat, but were powerless. Finally, at the drummer's suggestion, the student threw away the oars and was able to control the boat. However, by then, the Imperial College team had already surpassed them and crossed the finish line. Shortly thereafter, the Lishan team also reached the finish line. The spectators on the riverbank cheered and applauded the Imperial College dragon boat team. The teams behind them also successfully reached the finish line and completed the race. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince personally stepped forward to present the winning team with prizes and certificates.