Li Ruyi's suggestion was unanimously approved by the noble ladies, and the group of over a dozen people headed towards the male guests' area in a grand procession.
Having anticipated such an event, the Rui Prince's manor was well-prepared. There were ample tables and chairs set up for the male guests, along with plenty of fruits, snacks, and tea.
Upon seeing so many beautiful young ladies arrive, the male guests became even more enthusiastic about the pot-throwing game. Their aim improved with each attempt, and the cheers grew louder. Since ancient times, no matter what kind of male, when it came to choosing a mate, they would exert themselves to attract the attention of the female.
These young gentlemen were giving their all in the pot-throwing game, all for the purpose of capturing the attention of the noble ladies.
While the noble ladies were secretly appraising them, they too were making comparisons in their hearts.
Height, appearance, build, attire, subtle expressions, and so on – these were all standards for their consideration. Once these passed muster, they would find an intermediary to inquire about their family background and temperament. If these were within expectations and the other party was also interested, the marriage would likely be settled.
"Everyone, we were just playing amongst ourselves earlier, but now that so many spectators are here, we must be more formal," said Zhao Ruiqing, the heir of the Rui Prince's manor and brother of Ruining, loudly. "This is a prize prepared by my mother. Whoever wins first place in the pot-throwing will receive this pair of jade pendants. These were bestowed by my imperial uncle, ancient artifacts from a previous dynasty. It is said that if a pair of lovers each wears one, they will live in harmony for a lifetime."
Regardless of the jade's quality, its auspicious meaning alone was enough to bring joy. Moreover, imperial bestowals would never be inferior items.
Whoever won the prize and found their intended would be able to include this pair of jade pendants in their betrothal gifts, which would be quite impressive.
Zhao Ruiqing quickly established the rules, and the young gentlemen from various families were all eager and ready to try.
"Young Master Song is very skilled at pot-throwing. If nothing unexpected happens, he'll definitely win this prize," Ruining pouted.
Qi Zhenzhen did not know Young Master Song, but judging by his expression, she could roughly guess that he was the one who looked determined to win.
As expected, Li Ruyi quietly pointed out which one was the Young Master Song.
"He must be very skilled in martial arts," Qi Zhenzhen remarked.
Ruining chuckled, "Cousin-in-law, you've guessed wrong. Quite the opposite, he knows no martial arts at all. He's proficient in eating, drinking, and having fun! Most young gentlemen who don't have official duties are not ambitious. When they gather, they either play with cats and dogs, or race horses, play polo, or throw pots. This can be considered his battle-hardened experience, honed through practice."
"Good!" Cheers erupted.
Young Master Song turned and waved towards the ladies' side, his flamboyant demeanor causing many young ladies to blush.
"As expected, he lived up to expectations," Ruining muttered.
The competition proceeded quickly. In the final round, only Young Master Song and Lu Chen remained.
Initially, Qi Zhenzhen had not noticed Lu Chen's presence. It was only when the cheers for him were loud during his pot-throwing that she paid attention. Since she had clarified things with him last time, she hadn't heard any news of Lu Chen. She hadn't expected him to be invited to the Rui Prince's lotus appreciation banquet.
"Go, Young Master Lu," a bold young lady couldn't help but encourage Lu Chen.
Young Master Song glanced disdainfully at Lu Chen, thinking that he had been skilled in this art since childhood, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was undefeated in the capital. How could he possibly lose to an outsider? Especially since he was so dashing and handsome, why was no one cheering for him? Instead, all eyes were glued to Lu Chen. Especially Li Ruyi, who didn't even glance at him. How could her parents have taken a liking to him? They had been lamenting these past few days, saying they were too slow and that the engagement had already been settled! Hmph, it was her misfortune not to marry him.