The general stood up and said, "I must ask for your pardon, but I cannot agree with the young lady's assessment. Although the four women on the battlefield are indeed your own people, to belittle their life-and-death struggle in such a way is truly inappropriate. We are here as spectators, safe and sound, so naturally, it is easy to speak recklessly." The implication was clear: Princess Wenjing was merely spouting nonsense.
Princess Wenjing, who had retained her royal temperament—though somewhat tempered over time—was not one to take a loss lying down. This was, after all, an opportunity to impress her future mother-in-law. To have a boor like him interrupt her was intolerable; she had to regain face. She retorted, "Every word I say is the truth. When those four joined forces back then, I made them all cry. They acted as if they were the best in the world, though of course, the fact that she herself was once made to cry is not worth mentioning." Seeing that the general remained skeptical, she proposed, "How about we make a gentleman’s agreement? If you win against me, I will serve you for seven days as a maid, pouring tea and water. If you lose, then you shall serve me for seven days as a servant, performing the same duties. How about it? Otherwise, you clearly think I am just boasting. If you are a man, let us have a match and let everyone here bear witness."
The general, taken aback by this sudden challenge, was at a loss. If he won, it was only to be expected, as a gener…
Chapter 260