After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

After reading the two poems, Emperor Sheng had already made up his mind, but he did not show it. Instead, he looked at everyone and asked, "What do you all think of these two poems?"

At this moment, the Crown Prince, naturally in sync with Emperor Sheng, immediately smiled and replied, "Your subject believes that both poems are exquisitely written, but I prefer Lord Li's poem, which is so vividly depicted that it seems to truly show me the peaceful and prosperous lives of the people of our Great Sheng."

Such a topic, suitable for expressing loyalty, was naturally not missed. Immediately, a minister spoke up: "Your Highness is right. After reading Lord Li's poem, I was reminded of my days in my hometown. Just as the poem describes, the neighbors and villagers lived happily together, and we had enough money to support my studies."

Prince Su, disapproving of the harmonious scene between the ruler and his ministers in the Sheng Kingdom, loudly proclaimed, "I find Young Master Su's poems to be far more grand and imposing! They are not as petty as those of others!"

No sooner had the Prince of Su finished speaking than an official from the State of Sheng retorted: "Your Highness is mistaken. Although Young Master Su's poems are indeed very good, do not forget that they were not composed casually today. The topic they were given was the common people. The common people are naturally composed of the lives of ordinary families. How can you say that they are petty?"

This statement is practically a blatant denial that Su Zizhi's poem is not relevant to the topic.

Upon hearing this, even Prince Su couldn't find a reason to refute it for a moment, and couldn't help but glare fiercely at the person who spoke.

Then he glanced subtly at the person behind him, who shook his head almost imperceptibly, which only fueled Prince Su's anger.

Receiving such a glare only made the man straighten his chest even more, saying, "What are you looking at? If you've got the guts, then refute me!"

For some reason, Prince Su did not raise any further objections. However, since he did not object, the other Anguo officials naturally quieted down, which Shengguo was naturally happy to see.

With beaming smiles, the officials of Sheng Kingdom announced that Sheng Kingdom had won the match!

With that, the competition came to an end. Anguo won the three martial arts tests, and Shengguo won the three literary tests, resulting in another draw between the two sides.

This ending surprised many people!

This also means that we now need to prepare for the additional tests that we previously thought we wouldn't need.

"This year's competition was indeed very exciting. Every participant performed exceptionally well, showing us the abundance of talent in both Sheng and An. However, with everyone's abilities being so outstanding, it's difficult for us to determine a winner!"

Ignoring Prince Su's unpleasant expression, the Crown Prince smiled and said these words, then changed the subject: "However, in any competition, there must be a winner. We've already had the martial arts test and the literary test, so this time, let's combine the two!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Su raised an eyebrow: "What kind of combination of civil and military affairs?"

The Crown Prince remained as gentle as ever: "How about we select those who have passed the written exam to participate in the pitch-pot game?"

Prince Su curled his lip and said disdainfully, "Pitch-pot? In my opinion, shooting willow branches is better."

Pitch-pot is something almost anyone can try; it's really not difficult. But shooting willows requires a bow and arrow. Those weak scholars from Sheng Kingdom probably can't even draw their bows!

He had reason to say this, since Sheng Guo had proposed the candidates for the competition, and it was difficult for the competition to refuse him.

Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the other party frowned, exchanged a glance with Emperor Sheng, and then agreed.