"Liu'er, I haven't done anything wrong, have I?"
Song Xiyan repeatedly sought confirmation from Liu'er, and each time, Liu'er would smile and assure her with a firm answer.
Yet the hatred in Liu'er's heart was nearing its peak.
"My heart is uneasy—I feel like I’ll be next." Song Xiyan returned to her room, locking herself in bed and wrapping tightly in the quilt.
Why had Song Yanchao, on his deathbed, kept murmuring Song Shihuan’s name?
Why had he said he was sorry to Song Shihuan?
Everything felt bizarre to Song Xiyan. Even when Song Yanchao had been delirious with illness, he’d muttered similar apologies to Song Shihuan. The thought made Song Xiyan’s head throb.
She was their blood sister—why were they all fixated on Song Shihuan?
"Liu'er, light the calming incense."
Song Xiyan spoke weakly. Once Liu'er lit the incense, Song Xiyan gradually drifted into sleep.
Liu'er stared intently at her. The second imperial grandson was already dead—would the second princess be next?
......
Qin Prince's Mansion.
"The princess has been in high spirits these past few days." Baoxia carried a tray of pastries, grinning foolishly.
"Indeed! Yesterday, she even said she wanted to learn embroidery—to make a sachet for His Highness," Yingchun chimed in.
But the moment the words left her mouth, Song Yu’s unmistakable voice rang out:
"What?!"
"No. My daughter will not handle embroidery needles."
Song Shihuan, hearing the commotion, hurried over to Song Yu. "Greetings, Father."
"Ah-Huan, those needles are so thin—they’ll prick you and make you bleed. You’re not learning such things." Song Yu’s frown could have crushed a fly. "You’re my daughter. You have food, fine clothes, and countless servants. All you need to do is be happy."
What even was an embroidery needle?
His daughter would not suffer such torment.
Song Shihuan’s lashes fluttered. In truth, she already knew how—in her past life, she’d practiced relentlessly to please certain people, enduring countless pricks to her fingers.
Claiming she wanted to learn was just an excuse to explain her skill.
She only wanted to make something for her father.
"Ah-Huan, I’ve worked so hard to raise you soft and fair, like the most beautiful flower under heaven. I won’t allow anything to harm you—not even a needle’s prick."
Song Yu held his ground, refusing to yield.
"Then I won’t learn," Song Shihuan conceded with a frustrated sniff. "The exam results will be posted soon—what congratulatory gift should I prepare for Father?"
"Ah-Huan, you already gave me your gift the day I entered the examination hall."
Top honors. No worries.
"Come, let’s take Ah-Huan out for treats."
Song Yu took Song Shihuan’s hand and strode out, startling Yingchun into rushing back to fetch the princess’s cloak.
Your Highness!
The princess can’t handle the cold!
......
Soon, the public’s gossip about Ping Prince's Mansion began to fade—not because they found the prince’s circumstances forgivable, but because the imperial exam results were about to be announced.
All eyes turned to the capital.
"Brother Zheng, are you nervous?"
Zheng Fang snapped back to attention. "N-n-n-not at all."
Song Yu’s lips twitched. What a convincing "not at all."
He then glanced at Ling Ming, but before he could speak, Ling Ming leaped up. "I’m not nervous! Not one bit!"
Song Yu nodded. Sure, sure. Not nervous—just squirming like you’re sitting on nails.
"I’m not nervous either."
Feng Kuizhi swallowed hard, spinning his prayer beads faster and faster.
Watching the three, Song Yu felt a pang of doubt. Are these three even competent?
Why are they such wrecks?
"Who’s going to check the results tomorrow? I won’t be jostling in the crowd—I’ve reserved a private room in a teahouse nearby. If you want to..." Song Yu trailed off, biting his tongue.
I’ve said too much—almost exposed myself.
These three would undoubtedly camp out overnight.
"Brother Guo!" Zheng Fang suddenly exclaimed. "Passing the provincial exam means we can attend the palace exam—we’ll see the Emperor!"
The Emperor—the most exalted figure in all of Da Qi!
"Mm." Song Yu nodded.
"The Emperor is wise and mighty. Just one glimpse would make this life worthwhile."
Song Yu forced a dry chuckle. Not just wise and mighty—also exceptionally skilled at taking off his shoe to whack people.
After shooing the three nervous wrecks away, Song Yu finally exhaled heavily.
Surely I won’t lose first place... right?
Surely not. He comforted himself silently.
Wait!
Song Yu’s eyes widened. The old man must’ve seen the results—why hasn’t he said a word?
Could it be... Could it be I’m not first?
Did he expose the Ping Prince's scandal to distract me, knowing I’d be devastated?
The more he thought, the more plausible it seemed. His face paled.
A cold wind swept past, and Song Yu shivered.
Now I’m nervous too.
......
The next day—results day!
Auspicious.
Unlike previous exams, the provincial exam results were announced with grand ceremony. Officials from the Ministry of Rites marched from their offices to the posting site, drums and music heralding their arrival, the lead officer bearing the imperial scroll under the gaze of thousands.
At the sound of the drums, the crowd holding vigil at the posting site held their breath. The moment they’d awaited was here!
Meanwhile, Song Yu sat in the teahouse’s private room, heart pounding.
The posting followed tradition: the lowest-ranked names came first, while the top candidate—the huiyuan—would be revealed last.
As each name was posted, an official announced it aloud.
Beneath the imperial scroll, joy and despair clashed. Every name called sparked eruptions of elation.
Zheng Fang, Ling Ming, and Feng Kuizhi’s names were called in turn. The three embraced, ecstatic.
"We passed! We passed!"
"But we haven’t heard Brother Guo’s name yet..."
"True. Only five names remain."
The trio sobered quickly, eyes locked on the scroll.
With only five slots left, the tension was unbearable. Some, knowing they stood no chance, broke down—wailing, beating their chests.
Each new name deepened the despair of those still waiting, while the named were swarmed with congratulations.
After all, the higher one’s rank here, the likelier they’d claim the top title in the palace exam.
Finally, the last name—the huiyuan—was about to be revealed.
The announcing official paused, then bellowed with all his might:
"Huiyuan—Ji'an Prefecture, Guo Feng!"
