I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 169 The Competition 2

More and more soldiers exerted all their strength, sprinting towards the finish line like arrows released from a bow. When they finally crossed the long-awaited finish line, a bright and proud smile spontaneously bloomed on everyone's face. Because at this moment, they had successfully overcome themselves and accomplished this arduous task that had once seemed unattainable and almost impossible.

Meng Tian methodically directed his soldiers to count carefully. Time passed by, and finally, when only 100 people remained to arrive, a soldier hurriedly ran to Ying Wuyou and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, the number is sufficient."

Ying Wuyou nodded slightly, indicating that she was aware of the situation. Then, in a clear and firm voice, she gave the order: "Immediately check the bundles they are carrying. Those weighing less than 20 jin should be eliminated, and the corresponding personnel should be added from the last 100."

Faced with Ying Wuyou's sudden instruction, the soldiers who were originally responsible for counting were taken aback, clearly surprised by this new requirement. However, they knew that the princess's authority was not to be disobeyed, so they quickly sprang into action and carried out the task as instructed.

At this moment, those men who had previously handed over their heavy loads to others turned deathly pale when they saw their packs being inspected, their eyes revealing obvious panic. They knew they were in trouble and hastily tried to snatch other soldiers' loads to exchange for their own, hoping to avoid being eliminated. However, their little tricks didn't escape everyone's notice and were quickly discovered and exposed. Seeing that their scheme had been foiled, these men showed no remorse whatsoever; instead, they angrily shouted, "We have others carry our heavy loads—that's our ability! Why are you just kicking us out like this?"

Ying Wuyou's face was ashen, and he coldly replied, "When did cheating and shirking become a praiseworthy virtue?"

Her words were like a cold wind, silencing the troublemakers. Although they were unwilling, they still wanted to argue, but Meng Tian had already ordered his soldiers to forcibly remove them from the scene, giving them no chance to cause any more trouble.

The replacements went smoothly. Those who were eliminated were sent back to the military camp. The remaining people rested for a while before the second round of competition.

Although the eliminated soldiers were somewhat disappointed, they were not discouraged. They knew that this failure was a prelude to a better success next time, and they would continue to strive.

Before the second match began, Ying Wuyou said, "In the second match, no one should be killed, otherwise even if you get the flag, you will be eliminated."

Everyone shouted in unison, "Understood!"

Before long, the highly anticipated second competition began in earnest. The soldiers shot off like arrows, rushing swiftly up the mountain. Their agile figures and fierce competitive spirit seemed to indicate their intention to conquer the entire mountain.

Meanwhile, Ying Wuyou leisurely rode back to the military camp in his carriage. As soon as he alighted, General Meng Tian, ​​who had been waiting for some time, stepped forward and asked with concern, "Shouldn't we have someone secretly watching the soldiers participating in the competition? What if someone cheats or uses unfair means?"

Ying Wuyou shook his head slightly, a confident smile playing on his lips, and calmly replied, "There's no need for such elaborate measures. This test mainly examines their true abilities. Any tricks or schemes they employ are permitted. After all, the battlefield is ever-changing, and only those who are adaptable and resourceful can remain invincible."

Upon hearing this, Meng Tian frowned slightly, a look of doubt on his face, and pressed on, "If that's the case, then why in the first match..."

Before she could finish speaking, Ying Wuyou interrupted her. She smiled slightly and patiently explained, "The first competition focuses on testing the soldiers' physical strength. Carrying twenty pounds of weight, plus a twenty-mile journey, shouldn't be difficult for a soldier in good physical condition. If even this requirement is met through cheating and trickery, it only shows that this person is unfit for important tasks and has a low character. Such a person would only become a black sheep in the army. But the second competition is different. Some flags are designed to be extremely small, so if they can be successfully hidden, other contestants will hardly notice them; but some flags are made to be extremely large, so once held, they will undoubtedly become conspicuous targets. As a result, the competition and struggle in this competition will inevitably be exceptionally fierce."

After listening to Ying Wuyou's detailed analysis, Meng Tian suddenly understood, nodded repeatedly in agreement, and sincerely exclaimed, "The princess is truly exceptionally intelligent!"

Ying Wuyou smiled modestly and replied, "General Meng, you flatter me. You are too kind."

Just as Ying Wuyou had said, the competition on the mountain was exceptionally fierce. Tian Xiaodao spotted a large flag and quickly approached it. Before he could even grab the flag, people from all directions saw it and surged forward.

Seeing the crowd swarming towards him, Tian Xiaodao inwardly cried out in alarm. But then a plan formed in his mind. He suddenly tore off a piece of cloth from his clothes and threw it forcefully into the air. The crowd, mistaking it for a large banner, rushed towards the cloth.

Taking advantage of the moment, Tian Xiaodao grabbed the banner, a smug smile spreading across his face. However, at that very moment, a stray arrow shot out from nowhere, flying straight towards Tian Xiaodao. Tian Xiaodao was terrified and tried to dodge, but it was too late. In the nick of time, a short soldier beside him leaped forward, shielding the arrow with his back. Fortunately, the arrow only struck the short soldier's arm.

Tian Xiaodao quickly helped the soldier up, his face full of gratitude. "Brother, why are you doing this?"

The soldier smiled and said, "Brother, you are both wise and brave. If you can obtain the flag, you will surely be able to serve the princess. I am willing to lend you a hand."

Seeing this, the surrounding soldiers stopped looting, moved by this selfless spirit. Tian Xiaodao looked at the wounded, short soldier and handed him the flag, saying, "Brother, you took this arrow for me, so I'll give you this flag."

The shorter man said, "No, I can't take the flag you worked so hard for."

Tian Xiaodao said, "You saved my life. I can only give you a flag to repay your life-saving grace. I will not feel at ease if you do not accept it."

The short soldier said, "Alright, my name is Wang Dachui. May I ask your name?"

Tian Xiaodao said, "My name is Tian Xiaodao. Brother Dachui, hurry down the mountain to prevent someone from robbing you."

Wang Dachui said, "Okay, thank you, Brother Xiaodao. I'll head down the mountain now."

With that, Wang Dachui carried the flag up the mountain. Tian Xiaodao watched Wang Dachui walk away and then joined the search for the flag again.