CHAPTER 146: CHAPTER 146: THE HORSE FARM (PART 3)

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Ma, the housekeeper: "Today I wish to inspect the Horse Field Guards."

Just as Grandfather predicted!

Ma Yaosong sighed inwardly. Being mentally prepared, he responded calmly, "Yes, I will make arrangements immediately."

There are over four thousand horses of various sizes in the horse field, with more than ten stewards, mostly from the Ma family’s descendants or in-laws. There are several hundred horse grooms, and an additional hundred guards.

Most of these guards were selected from the Ma family’s own born servants, trained in martial arts from a young age, and employed at the horse field when they become of age. Regardless of skill, they are exceptionally loyal to the Ma family.

Upon Ma Yaosong’s command, the hundred guards formed five tidy teams, each consisting of twenty people. The oldest appeared to be in his thirties, while the youngest seemed around eighteen or nineteen.

Jiang Shaohua glanced around and then smiled, "Ma, choose ten skilled ones, and I will select ten personal soldiers. Let them have a sparring match."

Ma Yaosong acknowledged with a bow and stepped forward to pick ten guards.

There were rumors that the Commandery Princess was a martial arts expert. Although Ma Yaosong hadn’t witnessed it himself, he dared not take it lightly. He selected truly skilled guards.

Jiang Shaohua, on the other hand, was more casual: "Uncle Meng, choose ten people."

Her side’s trusted aides were all top-notch experts. In a real match, it would seem like bullying.

Meng Dashan, being straightforward, did not refuse politely and turned to pick ten people.

Everyone retreated several meters, leaving a large open space. Next, they paired off for the competition. The first two rounds were fist fights, and both sides showed restraint.

Having lost two rounds in a row, the Horse Field Guards felt aggrieved. In the third round, a tall young man came out, eyes bright and exceptionally skillful, knocking his opponent down within a few moves.

The Horse Field Guards erupted into cheers.

The young man, with a proud look, held his head high and chest out as he returned amid the guards’ cheers.

"What is this guard’s name? He’s quite skilled!" Jiang Shaohua asked with interest.

Ma Yaosong replied with a smile, "Reporting to the Commandery Princess, his surname is Qiao, second in his family, started learning martial arts at five, and came to work at the horse field at fifteen. He is twenty-five this year, the leader of the Horse Field Guards, and the top fighter among them."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "His skills are indeed good and deserve a reward! Chen Sheren, on behalf of me, reward Qiao Er."

Chen Jinyu responded with a smile, stepped forward, and rewarded Qiao Er with a pouch.

Qiao Er accepted the Commandery Princess’s reward with both hands, and when Chen Sheren left, the guards around him craned their necks, "Qiao Er, what’s in the pouch from the Commandery Princess?"

"Open it up and let us see."

Qiao Er chuckled, carefully tucked the pouch into his chest, "You’re envious, right? Get spirited in the next match and perform well. Maybe the Commandery Princess will reward you too."

The guards, stirred by the pouch, indeed displayed vigor and bravery in the ensuing match.

Meng Dashan’s personal soldiers were not to be taken lightly either, and soon the fiery spirit of the match was stoked. The exchange of blows was fierce and energetic.

This was truly exciting. Jiang Shaohua watched with much interest, and even the two pretty maids, Yin Zhutu Bai, watched with relish, commenting, "These Horse Field Guards can be considered elite soldiers."

"However, our side still wins more."

After ten matches, the Personal Guard Camp won seven matches, while the Horse Field Guards won three.

Seeing everyone still eager for more, Jiang Shaohua laughed, "Here’s an idea! There are a hundred guards at the horse field, and Commander Meng can also field a hundred people. Make it a fair fight in formation."

Meng Dashan was itching to go: "May I personally join the match?"

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "Uncle Meng, you are exceptionally brave. If you join personally, what hope do the Horse Field Guards have of winning?"

Unexpectedly, Qiao Er stepped forward and loudly proclaimed, "Commandery Princess, we wish to learn a thing or two from Commander Meng!"

Oh! Quite bold!

Meng Dashan grinned broadly, clenching his fists.

Jiang Shaohua decided not to stop him, only instructing: "No weapons and no injuries allowed."

Meng Dashan enthusiastically went to assign his people, while Qiao Er efficiently gathered all the guards and quietly gave them instructions.

After a stick of incense, both sides lined up, and at Ma’s shout, charged at each other.

Jiang Shaohua watched with a smile for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed, turning to Song Yuan with a smile, "Commander Song, did you notice anything?"

Song Yuan, who had been watching intently, smiled softly upon hearing this, "These Horse Field Guards form a battle array of five, advancing and retreating with discipline, quite methodical."

"Exactly," Jiang Shaohua praised with a smile, "This is almost indistinguishable from the elite soldiers trained in the military camp. The Ma Family indeed puts in effort."

Ma Yaosong was so praised that he broke into a sweat and hurriedly replied respectfully, "I dare not accept such praise from the Commandery Princess. These guards are rough and lack experience compared to the Personal Guard Camp."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Ma, there is no need to be nervous. I am sincere in my praise. With such capable guards, you can both manage the strong horse grooms and protect the horse field. I’m quite pleased."

Ma Yaosong’s heart settled somewhat.

An hour later, this grand melee finally ended.

As expected, the Horse Field Guards lost, and Meng Dashan led his hundred personal soldiers to victory... If the personal soldiers had lost, it would have been truly embarrassing.

Meng Dashan, feeling refreshed, praised with a smile, "Commandery Princess, this Qiao Er is indeed impressive. After exchanging over a hundred moves with me, he didn’t fall behind. Later, sensing the situation was unfavorable, he quickly withdrew and commanded the guards to form a battle array. Such talent is rare even in the Personal Guard Camp."

Clearly, Meng Dashan admired and appreciated talent greatly.

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "The horse field needs such capable individuals to keep the horse grooms in check. Uncle Meng should not think of poaching him. If you truly take Qiao Er away, Ma will be troubled."

Everyone burst into hearty laughter.

Ma Yaosong felt slightly embarrassed, and sweat had indeed formed on his forehead.

Chen Jinyu laughed, generously offering a handkerchief. Ma Yaosong accepted it and used his sleeve to wipe his forehead.

...

Jiang Shaohua stayed at the horse field for four days, inspecting around the field and viewing all the horses before returning contentedly.

Having inspected everything in Biyang County, it was time to set off for Zhi County.

County Magistrate Ma personally sent the Commandery Princess and her entourage out of the city gate, offering several carts of local goods and twenty fine horses. He also repeatedly instructed his eldest grandson, Ma Yaosong, to perform his duties diligently.

Ma Yaosong nodded in response, mounted his steed, and left with the group.

After traveling far, Ma Yaosong couldn’t help but turn back secretly, catching a glimpse of his grandfather’s aged and hunched figure, and the tall city gates of Biyang County.

Ma, the housekeeper, suddenly felt a pang of emotion, and nearly burst into tears.