Everyone saw it: Brian Thompson was riding a white horse, charging into the competition field like a gust of wind, with a group of soldiers chasing behind him, but Brian Thompson was leaving them farther and farther behind.

Sarah Cooper and Edward Thompson shouted excitedly, and Jack was so thrilled that he clapped his fists together. “Just as I, Fat Lord, predicted—the final act!”

On the high platform, several high-ranking officials wore different expressions. Richard Martin and Steven Bolton remained impassive, as if they didn’t know who the newcomer was.

Frank Thompson and the chief secretary George Reed were only concerned with the civil service exam and paid little attention to the martial arts exam; they had no idea what was happening.

Only Peter Sullivan and James Thompson exchanged glances—how did this kid manage to rush in? James Thompson felt a sense of foreboding; things might get out of hand.

At this moment, Brian Thompson galloped to the front of the high platform. He cupped his fists and shouted, “General, student Brian Thompson wishes to perform mounted archery for you!”

Richard Martin chuckled, “Who are you? Why do you want to perform mounted archery for me? Aren’t you participating in the mounted archery competition?”

The governor Frank Thompson recognized Brian Thompson and was surprised. He turned to ask Peter Sullivan, “Sima Sullivan, didn’t this child participate in the mounted archery?”

Peter Sullivan hurriedly shook his head. “I’m not sure of the details, does Commander Bolton know?”

He conveniently shifted the responsibility to Steven Bolton. Steven Bolton laughed, “Sima Sullivan is the Sima of Shazhou, fully in charge of the martial arts exam. I’m only here to maintain order with my troops—why ask me?”

Richard Martin feigned surprise and asked, “Is this young man so important?”

Frank Thompson was starting to understand; it seemed these people had set up Brian Thompson. Although he was a rather just official, he was still a man of the bureaucracy.

He didn’t want to offend his colleagues for the sake of an ordinary youth, and there was probably some scandal involved—family scandals shouldn’t be aired in public.

Frank Thompson smiled and said, “This young man is quite famous for mounted archery in Dunhuang. I don’t know why he didn’t participate in today’s competition.”

Richard Martin seemed even more interested and asked Peter Sullivan, “When does the competition end?”

“Reporting to the General, there’s still one final round.”

“In that case, since it’s still early and we’re just sitting here, and since this young man is famous for mounted archery in Shazhou, why not let him give a demonstration? What do you all think?”

Everyone felt it was inappropriate—who just comes out and asks to perform mounted archery? Even if there’s a performance, it should be arranged by the authorities in advance.

Only Steven Bolton chimed in, “Since the General is interested, I think we should make arrangements. What do you think, Sima Sullivan?”

Peter Sullivan cursed inwardly, but since Richard Martin had already spoken, he couldn’t refuse and had to force a smile. “It can be arranged!”

Richard Martin nodded, stood up, and smiled at Brian Thompson, “Young man, everyone has agreed to let you perform mounted archery after the competition. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

Steven Bolton also smiled, “Young Master Thompson, General Martin is an honored guest from afar. Since he wants to see your mounted archery, don’t spoil the General’s mood.”

Steven Bolton was hinting to Brian Thompson not to bring up the matter and ruin everyone’s enjoyment—it would do him no good.

Brian Thompson had already calmed down from his initial anger and nodded silently. He understood Steven Bolton’s meaning: Richard Martin was just a guest, and guests wouldn’t interfere in the host’s affairs. It seemed he had no way to turn things around.

But Brian Thompson was still holding back his anger. Even if he couldn’t reverse the situation, he would at least show them what true archery was and make them feel ashamed.

“Thank you, General!”

Brian Thompson turned his horse and galloped out of the field, rolling up his sleeves and preparing to redeem himself at the last moment.

Chapter 010: Dominating the Field

There were still five candidates left in the competition field. They were the final contestants deliberately chosen by Peter Sullivan: Michael Bolton, William Sullivan, Paul Thompson, Benjamin Clark, and Thomas Wright.

Among them, only Thomas Wright was from an ordinary wealthy family; the other four represented the four great clans of Shazhou.

They were also the most outstanding mounted archery youths in Dunhuang. Brian Thompson was the undisputed top, while these five ranked second to sixth.

The five young men, dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, were all tall and imposing, each holding a carved eagle bow. They lined up in a row on the competition track. With the spring breeze blowing, both men and horses were full of vigor, appearing especially elegant and striking.

But the ordinary people didn’t care about any deliberate arrangements—their emotions were fully stirred. Everyone was shouting themselves hoarse in support, even the soldiers joined in, and the drumbeats grew louder and louder, shaking the heavens.

Frank Thompson also felt quite proud. Stroking his beard, he smiled at Richard Martin, “General, what do you think of these Dunhuang youths?”

Richard Martin nodded, “Not bad. These young men are outstanding in appearance, but I wonder how their mounted archery is?”

“Heh! These are our best in Dunhuang, saved for the final round.”

“Is that so?”

Richard Martin glanced meaningfully at Brian Thompson in the distance. “Then I’m even more interested.”

Frank Thompson immediately instructed Peter Sullivan, “Sima Sullivan, begin!”

Peter Sullivan ran to the edge of the high platform and waved his hand, shouting, “It’s starting!”

He was also very nervous, unsure if John Sullivan could bring honor to the Sullivan family. At this moment, James Thompson also stood up nervously, his palms full of sweat.