Chapitre 514: 493. Qiao Clan Tournament Pt.2
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Zhou Yu observed the scene with a more analytical eye. The tournament was not just a display of physical prowess; it was a political game as well. Qiao Xuan was a man of influence, and gaining his favor could solidify the Sun Clan's position in the region. Moreover, winning the hand of one of his daughters could create a powerful alliance between the Qiao and Sun families. Zhou Yu knew that this was as much a contest of wit and charm as it was of strength.
The tournament began with a series of challenges designed to test the participants' skills in various disciplines—archery, horsemanship, and martial arts. Sun Ce, a master of combat, easily excelled in these areas. His speed, strength, and agility drew the admiration of the crowd, and even Qiao Xuan seemed to take notice. Zhou Yu, while not as physically imposing as Sun Ce, demonstrated his superior intellect and precision in the more strategic challenges. Together, they began to stand out from the other competitors.
As the day wore on, the tournament entered its final stages. Only a handful of participants remained, and both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu had made it through. The last challenge was a test of swordsmanship, a duel to determine the victor. Sun Ce, ever eager for battle, stepped forward confidently, while Zhou Yu watched from the sidelines, calculating his approach.
Sun Ce's opponent was a seasoned warrior, tall and muscular, with a reputation for being undefeated in the region. The crowd hushed as the two men faced off, their swords gleaming in the afternoon sun. The tension in the air was palpable, and even Qiao Xuan leaned forward in his seat, his daughters watching with rapt attention.
The duel began with a flurry of strikes, the clash of steel ringing out across the square. Sun Ce moved with the grace of a tiger, his movements fluid and precise. His opponent, though strong, was no match for Sun Ce's speed and skill. Within moments, Sun Ce had disarmed him, sending the man's sword flying through the air. The crowd erupted in cheers as Sun Ce stood victorious, his sword pointed at his opponent's throat.
Qiao Xuan stood and applauded, clearly impressed by Sun Ce's prowess. "Well fought!" he called out, his voice carrying across the square. "You have proven yourself a true warrior."
Sun Ce bowed respectfully, but his eyes were on the veiled figures of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. He could feel their gaze upon him, and he knew that he had made an impression.
Zhou Yu, meanwhile, had been watching the proceedings carefully. He knew that Sun Ce's victory in the duel was only part of the equation. The final decision would rest with Qiao Xuan, and they need to improve themselves more because the competition wasn't just physical strength but through poems and intelligence.
With Sun Ce winning the physical strength tournament, the crowd had erupted in cheers and admiration, his prowess firmly established. Qiao Xuan, the head of the Qiao family, had taken special note of Sun Ce, and the veiled figures of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao had shifted ever so slightly, as if their attention had been captivated by the warrior standing before them. However, the tournament was not over. Sun Ce's victory in the martial contest was but one part of the test Qiao Xuan had devised to find suitable suitors for his daughters. The next stage would test wit, intelligence, and artistry—areas where Zhou Yu would now step into the spotlight.
Compared to the brute strength and martial skill that Sun Ce had so effortlessly demonstrated, this new challenge would demand a different set of talents. Poetry, rhetoric, and strategic thinking were the weapons in this arena, and the competitors were a different breed altogether. While Sun Ce stood tall as the warrior of the Sun Clan, Zhou Yu's reputation as a scholar and strategist preceded him. His victories alongside Sun Ce on the battlefield were well known, and now it was time to prove that his mind was as sharp as any blade.
The poetry competition was to be held in a grand hall adorned with scrolls and ancient tomes, a fitting setting for a contest of intellect. Qiao Xuan presided over the event with a discerning eye, while his daughters remained behind their veils, though their presence was felt throughout the room. Zhou Yu, ever composed, took his seat at the center of the hall, his gaze calm and measured. The competitors were not merely from the town but hailed from various regions, each one a scholar or poet of some renown. They were men who had dedicated their lives to the arts and philosophy, and they eyed Zhou Yu with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, for he was not just any strategist—he was the young genius who had helped Sun Ce secure victory after victory.
The first round of the competition was centered around poetry, where each contestant was asked to craft verses on the spot, inspired by themes chosen by Qiao Xuan himself. The themes ranged from the beauty of nature to the fleeting nature of time and the turmoil of war. Zhou Yu's adversaries were strong, their verses filled with wisdom and emotion, but Zhou Yu's poems struck a chord with the audience. His words were not merely eloquent; they conveyed a depth of understanding that went beyond mere artistry. His first poem, inspired by the theme of war and peace, drew a hushed reverence from the crowd:
*"The sword that cuts through the chaos of war,*
*Brings not only blood but also peace,*
*In the quiet of dawn, where rivers reflect the fallen leaves,*
*A heart yearns for a land where battles cease."*
The subtlety of his imagery, the flow of his words, and the layered meaning behind his verses left a deep impression on those in attendance, including Qiao Xuan himself. His adversaries, though skilled, could not quite match Zhou Yu's blend of artistry and intellect.
As the rounds continued, Zhou Yu remained steady, advancing effortlessly through the competition. But soon, he found himself facing a more formidable opponent—a literary youth well known in the small town for his intellect and wit. This young scholar was no mere poet; he had studied under renowned masters and had a reputation for being both sharp-tongued and quick-witted. As the two stood opposite one another, the room seemed to hold its breath.
The competition between Zhou Yu and this young scholar was intense. In each round, they were tasked with solving riddles, debating philosophical topics, and creating new verses under time constraints. The young scholar proved to be a worthy adversary, often meeting Zhou Yu's challenges head-on and even winning a few rounds with his quick thinking. However, Zhou Yu's experience and strategic mind began to show as the competition wore on. He was not just fighting with words; he was analyzing his opponent, finding weaknesses in his arguments, and using his intellect to outmaneuver him.
One particularly memorable round involved a debate on the nature of leadership, a subject close to Zhou Yu's heart. The young scholar argued that leadership was defined by the ruler's ability to impose order through fear and power. Zhou Yu, however, took a different approach, drawing from his experience as a military strategist under Sun Ce. He argued that true leadership was about winning the hearts of the people, about guiding them with wisdom and understanding rather than brute force.
*"A ruler who governs through fear,"* Zhou Yu said, his voice measured but firm, *"may control his subjects for a time, but in their hearts, they will always harbor resentment. To lead, one must inspire loyalty, not fear. A ruler who wins the love of his people will find them willing to follow him even into the darkest of times. Power is fleeting, but respect endures."*
The room fell silent as Zhou Yu finished, and even his opponent seemed momentarily taken aback by the depth of his argument. Qiao Xuan, who had been listening intently, gave a small nod of approval. It was clear that Zhou Yu's words had resonated deeply with those present.
By the end of the debate, Zhou Yu had proven himself to be not just a master of words but a thinker whose intellect and wisdom surpassed even the most seasoned scholars. His victory in the final round was a testament to his brilliance, and though the young scholar had given him a formidable challenge, Zhou Yu's reputation as the Sun Clan's strategist remained unshaken.
With the competitions over, the crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the skill and intellect of both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. Qiao Xuan stood from his seat, his gaze sweeping over the two young men who had bested all others in both the physical and intellectual tournaments. The patriarch of the Qiao family was impressed—more than impressed, he was convinced that these two were worthy of his daughters.
Da Qiao, who had watched Sun Ce throughout the tournament, was captivated by his strength and courage. His martial prowess, combined with his commanding presence, had stirred something within her. Though she had remained veiled throughout the day, her admiration for the warrior was evident in the way she leaned slightly forward whenever Sun Ce had taken the stage.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao's attention had been drawn to Zhou Yu from the beginning. His elegance, his eloquence, and his calm, calculating demeanor had fascinated her. She had heard stories of Zhou Yu's brilliance, but seeing him in person had left a lasting impression. His words had stirred her heart, and his presence had left her breathless. For the first time, she found herself truly intrigued by a man, one whose intellect matched her own curiosity and wit.
As Qiao Xuan clapped his hands and praised both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu for their outstanding performances, he declared them both as victors of the tournament. The decision was clear: Sun Ce, the warrior who had proven his strength, and Zhou Yu, the scholar who had demonstrated his unmatched intellect, were the ideal suitors for his daughters.
Da Qiao's gaze remained fixed on Sun Ce, admiration filling her eyes as she considered the man who had fought so valiantly. Xiao Qiao, meanwhile, could not take her eyes off Zhou Yu, whose calm demeanor and sharp mind had left an indelible mark on her heart. Thus, through strength and wisdom, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu managed to win the hearts of the Qiao sisters which could secure a powerful alliance with the Qiao Clan, who had a very high reputation in the literary circles of Jiangdong and even the entire land due to Qiao Xuan who had a high reputation and was well known across the land.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Tang12
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Chapitre 515: 494. Sun Ce & Zhou Yu Meet The Qiao Sisters
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___________________________
Da Qiao's gaze remained fixed on Sun Ce, admiration filling her eyes as she considered the man who had fought so valiantly. Xiao Qiao, meanwhile, could not take her eyes off Zhou Yu, whose calm demeanor and sharp mind had left an indelible mark on her heart. Thus, through strength and wisdom, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu managed to win the hearts of the Qiao sisters which could secure a powerful alliance with the Qiao Clan, who had a very high reputation in the literary circles of Jiangdong and even the entire land due to Qiao Xuan who had a high reputation and was well known across the land.
Satisfied with both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Qiao Xuan invited the two men to meet him at his residence in two days, where they would finally have the opportunity to meet his daughters, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, face to face without the veils covering their faces.
Sun Ce, who had excelled in martial prowess, and Zhou Yu, who had triumphed in wit and intellect, exchanged glances filled with excitement and gratitude. They both knew that this meeting would not only shape their futures but could also solidify a powerful alliance between the Sun and Qiao families.
After thanking Qiao Xuan solemnly for the opportunity, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu left the square together, each lost in thought. While the tournament had tested their abilities, the upcoming meeting with the Qiao sisters was a different kind of challenge, one that required charm, grace, and respect.
As they walked through the streets of the town, Sun Ce was already imagining what Da Qiao might be like without her veil. He had caught glimpses of her elegance and composure during the tournament, and he was eager to finally speak with her.
Zhou Yu, on the other hand, was deep in thought about Xiao Qiao. He had sensed her interest during the competition, but now he would have the chance to engage her in conversation and learn more about the woman whose curiosity and wit had already intrigued him.
Once they had parted ways, both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu began to prepare for the meeting in their own ways. Sun Ce, ever the warrior, spent his time honing his martial skills, practicing with his sword and bow.
He knew that while his strength had already impressed Qiao Xuan, his meeting with Da Qiao would require him to be more than just a warrior—he needed to show her that he was also capable of leading with wisdom and honor.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yu focused on his appearance and demeanor, knowing that Xiao Qiao would appreciate subtlety and intellect. He spent his time reading poetry and philosophy, preparing to engage her in conversations that would reveal his depth of character.
Two days later, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu arrived at Qiao Xuan's grand residence, a sprawling estate nestled in the heart of the town. The gardens were lush and meticulously maintained, with delicate flowers blooming in every corner.
The air was filled with the scent of jasmine and orchids, creating an atmosphere of calm and elegance. As they approached the entrance, both men felt a surge of anticipation. This was not just a meeting; it was the beginning of something much larger.
The two were greeted by Qiao Xuan himself, who welcomed them with a smile and led them through the courtyard toward a pavilion where his daughters were waiting. The pavilion was surrounded by a small pond, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky.
As they crossed the stone bridge leading to the pavilion, both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu felt the weight of the moment. The veils would be lifted, and they would finally meet the women whose hands they sought.
Inside the pavilion, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao sat gracefully, their faces still hidden from view by delicate silk veils. When Qiao Xuan entered, he smiled warmly at his daughters. "Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, the time has come for you to meet the men who have proven themselves worthy," he said. With a nod from their father, the two women reached up and slowly removed their veils, revealing their faces for the first time.
Sun Ce's breath caught in his throat as he looked upon Da Qiao. Her beauty was even more striking than he had imagined. Her face was soft and delicate, her eyes bright and intelligent.
She carried herself with an air of quiet dignity, and Sun Ce felt a deep admiration for her. Da Qiao's gaze met his, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that had begun during the tournament and now deepened in this moment.
Zhou Yu, standing beside Sun Ce, found himself equally captivated by Xiao Qiao. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her lively, intelligent eyes that truly drew him in. There was a spark of curiosity in her gaze, as if she were already analyzing him, trying to understand the man behind the strategist's reputation.
Zhou Yu smiled softly, feeling the same connection that Sun Ce felt with Da Qiao, though in a different way. Xiao Qiao was not just a woman of beauty; she was someone who sought wisdom and understanding, qualities that resonated deeply with Zhou Yu.
Qiao Xuan, seeing the mutual admiration between his daughters and the two suitors, felt a sense of satisfaction. He had chosen wisely. "Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the cushions laid out around the low table.
As they all took their seats, servants brought tea and refreshments, and the conversation began. Qiao Xuan, ever the gracious host, started with light topics, asking Sun Ce and Zhou Yu about their experiences in the tournament and their views on leadership and governance.
Sun Ce spoke first, his voice confident but respectful. "The tournament was a test of strength and skill, but I believe that true leadership lies not just in martial ability, but in the ability to inspire and protect those who follow you. My goal is to create a land where my people can live in peace, without fear of war or oppression." His words were simple, but they carried a sincerity that resonated with everyone at the table, especially Da Qiao, who nodded slightly, her eyes filled with admiration.
Zhou Yu followed, his tone measured and thoughtful. "Leadership is indeed about protection, but it is also about wisdom. A ruler must be able to see beyond the immediate challenges and understand the larger picture. Strategy is not just about winning battles; it is about creating a future where conflict can be avoided altogether. My goal is to help build that future, alongside leaders who share that vision." His words were carefully chosen, and as he spoke, Xiao Qiao's eyes lit up with interest. She could sense the depth of his intellect and appreciated the way he approached the idea of leadership.
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Qiao Xuan, pleased with the way things were progressing, began to steer the conversation toward more personal topics, asking his daughters how they felt about the tournament and what they thought of the suitors.
Da Qiao, ever composed, spoke softly but confidently. "I was impressed by Sun Ce's strength and honor. He carries himself as a true warrior, but I can see that he also cares deeply for those he leads. I admire that in a man."
Sun Ce, hearing her words, felt a surge of pride. He had won her respect, and now he knew that he must continue to prove himself worthy of her admiration.
Xiao Qiao, more lively than her sister, smiled as she spoke. "Zhou Yu's intellect is something I greatly admire. His understanding of strategy and leadership is inspiring, but what I appreciate most is his humility. He does not boast of his achievements, but lets his wisdom speak for itself." Her words were playful, but there was sincerity behind them, and Zhou Yu felt a warmth in his chest. He had captured her interest, and now he sought to capture her heart.
Qiao Xuan, watching the interactions between his daughters and the suitors, felt a sense of contentment. This was exactly what he had hoped for—a meeting not just of families, but of minds and hearts.
He could see the beginnings of something profound taking shape, and he knew that this union between the Sun and Qiao families would bring great strength to both houses.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light over the pavilion, Qiao Xuan stood and addressed the group. "Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, you have both proven yourselves worthy in both strength and wisdom. My daughters have spoken highly of you, and I believe that these meetings will lead to a prosperous future for both our families. However, the path forward is not solely mine to decide. It is important that my daughters, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, also have a say in their futures."
He turned to his daughters. "Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, I leave it to you to continue getting to know these men. In time, you will make your choice, and I will support whatever decision you make."
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of their father's words. They were not merely passive participants in this arrangement; they had the power to choose, and that choice would shape the future of both families.
With that, the meeting came to a close. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu rose and thanked Qiao Xuan and his daughters for their hospitality. As they left the pavilion, both men felt a sense of accomplishment, but they also knew that the journey was far from over.
They had impressed the Qiao sisters, but now they had to deepen that connection and prove that they were worthy not just as warriors and strategists, but as partners in life.
As they walked away from the residence, Sun Ce glanced at Zhou Yu with a knowing smile. "It seems the real challenge has just begun, my friend."
Zhou Yu chuckled softly. "Indeed, Sun Ce. But I have a feeling that we are both up to the task." The two men, bound by friendship and now by their pursuit of the Qiao sisters, strode forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
On the other hand, as Sun Ce and Zhou Yu left the pavilion and the tranquil atmosphere of Qiao Xuan's estate, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao sat together at the pavilion, the soft evening breeze caressing their faces. Their father had discreetly left them to their own devices, understanding that this was a conversation they needed to have without his presence.
The delicate scent of jasmine filled the air, the surface of the pond reflected the setting sun, and the sound of birds echoed in the background, creating a peaceful ambiance. However, despite the serene setting, both sisters knew that the decision they had to make would significantly affect their futures and the futures of their families.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS
Tang12
Tang12
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
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