After Li Shanqing finished speaking, the expressions of everyone present turned grim.
Even Tong Guan, who had intended to speak up for them, now had a face ashen as iron.
This brat was far too arrogant. If he were to speak in their favor now, even the Emperor would take offense.
"Are you confident?"
Seeing the increasingly heavy atmosphere, even Liang Shicheng could no longer stand idly by.
Han Mo was someone he favored, and also the top scholar of the imperial examination today. At this moment, for both personal and official reasons, he could only stand on Han Mo's side.
Fortunately, Han Mo was close to him. Liang Shicheng immediately stood up with a smile and asked Han Mo in a low voice.
"If it were anyone else, perhaps there would only be a fifty percent chance of victory, but against him, I have a hundred percent!"
Han Mo smiled, glanced at the ferocious Li Shanqing again, and said in a low voice.
"You young man, you'd better think carefully. If you lose, it will also make the Emperor lose face!"
"Your Excellency, rest assured, this battle is destined to be won!"
"Your Majesty, since our top scholar is in the mood, why not let the two of them compete? It would also add some excitement to tonight's grand occasion."
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Liang Shicheng no longer remained silent. He stepped forward directly and bowed to Zhao Ji, saying.
As Liang Shicheng spoke, he exchanged a knowing glance with Zhao Ji.
He had served by the Emperor's side for so many years that they had long been of one mind. Seeing the glance from Liang Shicheng, Zhao Ji felt half at ease.
"If that's the case, then let them compete. Coincidentally, I acquired a Han sword yesterday. A precious sword for a hero, and it can serve as the prize for today's competition!"
As Zhao Ji spoke, he cast another deep look at Han Mo. This young man was indeed quite interesting.
Normally, scholars in such a situation, even if angered, would never choose to personally enter the fray. Yet, this brat, after only a few words, was ready to fight directly.
He was quite reminiscent of Zhang Guaiya's demeanor.
However, if he could truly defeat Li Shanqing, it would be a great honor for Zhao Ji on this occasion.
After all, the joint campaign against Liao was imminent. If the envoys from the Jin state could not even defeat a frail scholar, what face would they have to flaunt themselves before him?
"Then I thank His Majesty the Emperor for the precious sword!"
Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Li Shanqing immediately burst into laughter, his demeanor completely dismissive of the Song officials.
"I don't think so. With your physique, it's hard to say who will emerge victorious!"
Han Mo sneered and took two steps forward, standing beside Li Shanqing.
"Just talking tough is useless. Whether you can do it or not will only be known on the field!"
Li Shanqing was certainly no match for Han Mo when it came to verbal sparring. At this moment, it was not the time for talk.
"Well said. Then let's settle it with our skills. However, if we use ordinary methods of competition, it might be difficult to determine a winner. How about we try something new?"
Since arriving in the Great Song Dynasty, he had been either busy with his studies or scheming against others. Up until now, he hadn't personally handled a bow and arrow.
Although he hadn't touched a bow and arrow for so long, in his previous life, he had spent twenty years mastering archery.
Furthermore, unlike Li Shanqing, when these barbarians like Li Shanqing used bows and arrows, they relied more on their instincts. Han Mo, however, relied on science.
Coupled with his current exceptionally robust physique and innate divine strength, with his past experience combined with his current body, it would be truly shameful to lose to a barbarian.
"Hahahaha, no matter how you want to play, I'll accompany you. But we still need to wager something more between us!"
Looking at Han Mo's refined and scholarly appearance, Li Shanqing completely disregarded him.
Although his three guards had died at Han Mo's hands last time, he did not believe that Han Mo, this refined scholar, could possess such great skill.
Today, it was a case of enemies meeting and their animosity burning even hotter. To compete with this brat in his own strongest domain, he certainly would not let go of this best opportunity.
"No matter what you wish to wager, I will accompany you. However, it's best to clarify the rules first!"
"Hahahaha, then let's hear it. Everyone wants to see what tricks you Song people can come up with!" Li Shanqing said again, glancing disdainfully at Han Mo.
"Then it shall be like this. From here to that giant tree is about one hundred and fifty paces. How about this, starting from thirty paces, with a target set every ten paces, you and I will each shoot an arrow. Before the drum stops, all arrows in hand must be shot. If either of us fails to hit the bullseye twice, the contest is decided. How about it?"
Upon hearing Han Mo's proposal, even Zhe Kecun's expression changed slightly.
In this era, even professional generals like them could not guarantee hitting the bullseye with every arrow within eighty paces.
Although Han Mo's method of play seemed simple, its difficulty was extraordinary.
"If you lose, tomorrow morning you will go to the graves of the three wronged soldiers and kowtow to apologize! You will wear mourning clothes and give them a grand funeral!"
Li Shanqing had grown up on horseback. He was naturally very confident in his archery skills, and moreover, they were competing on the ground now. He had absolute confidence in himself.
"And if you lose?"
Li Shanqing's condition was simply too harsh. To ask a literati and official to wear mourning clothes for lowly foreign soldiers and even kowtow to admit fault was a fundamental insult to all the civil officials present. Even Cai You couldn't help himself.
"If I lose, then I will naturally accept whatever punishment you deem fit!"
The deaths of those three soldiers were Li Shanqing's greatest stain. The negotiations between the two countries were nearing their end. If he couldn't regain some ground before returning home, and this matter were to spread back to his country, he would certainly not fare well upon his return.
"I find the attire of that serving maid to be very vibrant. With your looks, if you were to wear it, I imagine it would possess a unique charm. If you lose, why not change into that outfit and dance for today's grand occasion?"
When it came to verbal skills, Han Mo would never lose to a Jin person. Glancing at the palace maids standing behind the Emperor, Han Mo said with a smile.
"Hahahaha, this proposal is excellent. I decree that it shall be so!"
This brat had been showing off in front of the Song Emperor and officials since he arrived in the Song. Even Emperor Zhao Ji had reached his limit of tolerance towards him.
Seeing that what Han Mo said was interesting, he immediately opened his mouth and settled the matter.