The subsequent competitions proceeded in an orderly fashion.
Until Song Shihuan took the stage, everyone held their breath in anticipation. After witnessing her performances over the past few days, they were filled with high expectations for Princess Fu'an.
Though no one knew why the academy hadn't displayed Song Shihuan's examination papers, the judges were all erudite scholars, and the top scorer they selected was undoubtedly brilliant.
Song Shihuan appeared as always in her red dress, radiant as the blazing sun.
Zheng—
Her fingers moved lightly, and a haunting melody filled the air—unlike the uplifting "Song of Breaking the Formation" from before. This time, she played an ancient tune.
The solemn and melodious notes resembled the tolling of bronze bells, narrating tales of an ancient civilization.
Everyone instinctively straightened their posture, not daring to show the slightest hint of weariness.
As the final note faded, a gentle breeze stirred, causing the bells on Song Shihuan's hairpin to chime softly. For a fleeting moment, she seemed like a celestial child descended from the heavens.
Shen Qingping was the first to rise, applauding enthusiastically.
"Such music belongs only in heaven; how rare it is to hear it in the mortal world."
One after another, applause erupted. In the crowd, Rong Sheng's gaze toward Song Shihuan grew even more fervent—she truly was a person blessed with extraordinary fortune.
Even Rong Lan, who had turned back, stood frozen in shock. How could a ten-year-old child play such a masterpiece?
The final outcome was beyond doubt.
Yet, to ensure fairness, the scores from all seventeen judges were publicly displayed.
As the crowd examined them one by one, they couldn't help but twitch their lips at Shen Qingping's scoring.
Only Princess Fu'an received full marks.
Everyone else—whether the princess of Dayue or other participants from Daqi—was given zero.
"Why are you looking at me?" Shen Qingping straightened his back. "In my mind, there are only two categories: good and not good. Good deserves full marks; not good gets zero."
His eyes met Song Shihuan's, and she smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
She knew her teacher had given those zeros to vent her grievances.
"The final result—the top honor goes to Princess Fu'an!"
As soon as the announcement was made, a commotion erupted from the streets:
"The Emperor is here! His Majesty has come in person!"
A palanquin draped in imperial yellow appeared in everyone's sight. The crowd immediately knelt and hailed, "Long live the Emperor!"
"Grandfather is here!"
Emperor Yuanyou personally helped Song Shihuan up. "I was certain our Ah Huan would win, so I timed my arrival to congratulate her. Am I late?"
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Was the Emperor always this affectionate with Princess Fu'an?
"Grandfather arrived just in time," Song Shihuan tilted her head. "Ah Huan won first place and brought honor to you."
"Good, good, good!"
Emperor Yuanyou repeated the word three times before removing the jade pendant from his waist and fastening it to Song Shihuan's sash. "This is my gift to Ah Huan."
The Emperor's personal jade pendant!
The spies from Prince Chu's Mansion hidden among the crowd widened their eyes in disbelief.
......
After Song Shihuan's victory, Song Yu immediately ordered a three-day feast outside the Qin Prince's Mansion, open to all.
Fine wine and delicacies were served, and the commoners who came to share in the celebration brought small offerings—eggs, vegetables, and the like.
Moreover, Song Yu decreed that all shops under the Qin Prince's Mansion would lower their prices for three days, sharing the joy with the people.
For a time, discussions about Song Shihuan reached a fever pitch.
Her triumph also symbolized the defeat of the Dayue princess, and not a single citizen of Daqi failed to praise Princess Fu'an's brilliance.
National pride swelled exponentially.
"It's been over a decade since I last felt this exhilarated," Song Yu said, impeccably dressed. "When Ah Huan chose me at the birthday banquet, I was secretly pleased to have outmaneuvered Song Ling. Never did I imagine I'd gain such a precious daughter."
"Among all of Father's grandchildren, is there one as outstanding as my Ah Huan?"
Song Yu was so excited that spittle flew as he spoke, while Shen Qingping nodded vigorously—he was just as thrilled.
"As Ah Huan's father, I must not hold her back."
Song Yu slapped his thigh resolutely.
"By next year, I will achieve something remarkable in the imperial examinations!"
Filled with determination, he buried himself in his books.
Meanwhile, at Prince Chu's Mansion...
Hearing of the Qin Prince's Mansion's glory and the endless praises for Song Shihuan, Prince Chu and the Princess of Chu wore grim expressions, while Song Xiling remained impassive.
"No matter. Lying low is the wisest choice now," Prince Chu consoled himself.
Song Xiling scoffed and left the room without another word.
Inside, the Princess of Chu fretted, "We made Xiling forfeit the second round. I fear she may never overcome this resentment."
Prince Chu frowned. "You heard it yourself—Song Shihuan's performance was unbeatable. Why humiliate ourselves further?"
Listening to their voices behind her, Song Xiling wiped away a tear.
A father like this was better off discarded.
......
Imperial Palace, the Royal Garden.
"My younger sister may be mischievous, but her heart is pure," Rong Sheng remarked as he strolled with Emperor Yuanyou, broaching the topic of marriage alliance once more. "I can also see that Prince Qin is a man of strong character. They would make a fine match."
"Second Prince, let me speak plainly."
Emperor Yuanyou's tone made Rong Sheng's heart sink.
The next moment, the Emperor continued, "I do not believe Prince Qin and your Dayue princess are suited."
"I have never approved of this union."
"Dayue and Daqi have intermarried for centuries to strengthen diplomatic ties. It is mutually beneficial," Rong Sheng pressed on stubbornly.
Emperor Yuanyou's patience waned—was this man incapable of understanding plain words?
"That was the previous dynasty's practice, not mine."
The Emperor fixed Rong Sheng with a firm gaze. "I firmly believe that genuine friendship needs no marriage alliance to sustain it. Without sincerity, even intermarriage cannot preserve harmony."
"Very well. We shall not insist further."
Rong Sheng feigned regret, though he knew Rong Lan's marriage to Song Yu was now impossible.
But Princess Fu'an... she was the one who had drawn the Lingxiao Sword.
After some deliberation, Rong Sheng ventured, "If Prince Qin refuses the alliance, perhaps Princess Fu'an could..."
Before he could finish, Emperor Yuanyou's expression darkened completely.
Not another word escaped Rong Sheng's lips.
