Gate of God

Chapter 166: Rights

Ping Yang was very unwilling to admit that she was in a bit of a tight spot. As Fang Zhengzhi moved towards her step by step, she was forced to acknowledge that if they were to have a martial arts showdown, she would not stand a chance.

However, she was Ping Yang, the Sacred Lord’s most adored princess. She possessed in-born nobility and arrogance. Even in such a scenario, she would never lower her head.

She did not say anything nonsensical. For instance, “What are you doing?” or ” Don’t come near me! I will scream and I will have you die a horrible death.”

Those glassy eyes suddenly reflected an uncharacteristic calmness.

Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi. She did not believe that this village cockroach was capable of doing anything outrageous here within the residence.

If he really was going to do such things, how would she run?

Fang Zhengzhi also looked at Ping Yang, his eyes scanned her pair of glassy orbs, scrutinised her face and every part of her body. Finally, he was able to ascertain that this lady was indeed that stubborn lady in front of the inn that day.

He did not know what was the point of the lady’s actions that day. Once again, he was unsure what this stubborn lady was up to just now at the gates.

What he did know was the reason she was so willing to send him silver taels non-stop to invite him to this banquet in the Ping Yang Residence.

“The soldiers outside are after my life. If you do not want them to barge in and see this sight, what should you do?” Fang Zhengzhi calmed down too after discerning Ping Yang’s identity.

Since there was already resentment between them, then using his time to explain the misunderstandings was wasteful. Get straight to the point and negotiate.

Ping Yang was slightly taken aback by Fang Zhengzhi’s sudden change in attitude. What appalled her more after he made eye contact was how his eyes roamed from her head to toe then back up again.

Furthermore, he was so focused and thorough.

Most importantly, after looking, he did not even show a tinge of red on his face and calmly tried to discuss terms with her?

So a person’s level of shamelessness could reach such an extent.

Ping Yang sighed. Just as Fang Zhengzhi had mentioned, she had to settle what was in front of him. Therefore, she gave the lifeless handmaidens a glance.

These two personal handmaidens were carefully hand-picked by Ping Yang from all the handmaidens in the residence.

Although they lost their composure due to shock, they quickly recovered after given a glance by Ping Yang.

“Princess has ordered, no one is allowed to enter!” One of them swiftly sent out the order.

While the other one promptly took off her outer clothing and covered it with Ping Yang’s body.

…

Outside the courtyard, after watching Fang Zhengzhi shoot back into the living quarters, the soldiers marched orderly to the gates but they did not enter.

Instead, they patiently waited for their orders.

This orders could come in many forms such as unusual silence, piercing screams or a disparaging voice…

If anyone of those was present, they would bust down the door without hesitation and heroically capture the bold and audacious Fang Zhengzhi.

If the sound was the current one they were hearing.

The answer was obvious.

They could only obediently wait at the door.

This was because their princess highness was taken hostage by the psychotic Fang Zhengzhi. The moment they force open, they might risk the life of the princess highness.

The officials and the nobles could also hear the orders by the handmaidens from outside the courtyard.

Every one of their eyes held shock and terror.

They did not know how Fang Zhengzhi offended the princess but if they were Fang Zhengzhi, they would have immediately surrendered just now.

Only by offering yourself for capture and then beg for mercy to Ping Yang, would he have a chance to escape with his life.

Moreover, Fang Zhengzhi had a dubious engagement. Whether Chi Guyan would save him would be anyone’s guess but there was a slight possibility that Ping Yang would let him live a couple more years on account of this engagement.

However, Fang Zhengzhi’s current methods…

It was equivalent to destroying his last string of hope.

King Duan, Lin Xingjue’s eyes held a refined glimmer. He held up his cup, discovered it was tea and poured it out. Without waiting for the servants, he poured himself a cup of wine instead.

Such a delightful event, how could he just enjoy it with tea?

Han Changfeng did not reveal his thoughts like King Duan. He silently took a sip of his tea, while slightly reminiscing.

…

Within the room, Fang Zhengzhi was right in front of Ping Yang. The distance between them was less than one meter.

Ping Yang did not back down, allowing Fang Zhengzhi to come near her. Although she was only covered by a single piece of clothing from the handmaiden, some areas had a tantalising beauty about them.

However, the thought of retreating never appeared in her mind.

“Well, let’s negotiate,” Fang Zhengzhi started.

“You think you have the right to negotiate with me?” Ping Yang calmly stared at Fang Zhengzhi, her glassy pupils revealed a trace of arrogance.

“I think I do,” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“Even if you could walk out of Ping Yang Residence today, you will not be able to exit Yan Capital!” Ping Yang’s tone was impassive.

“Hm, you are right. What if I don’t escape from here?”

“Don’t escape? Won’t you be…” Ping Yang wanted to say he would be waiting for his own death but she knew Fang Zhengzhi was smarter than that.

“To be more specific, what if I don’t go out of this room?”

“You…” Ping Yang heart froze. In that instant, it seemed like she figured out something.

“If I lived here for a year or two, by then we could have made an irreversible connection. After that, maybe a flower would bloom and we would bear some fruits or what not…”

“Despicable!” Ping Yang finally lost her cool.

Even if she was the high and mighty princess highness; even if the Scared Lord adored her the most. Whenever she was in front of Fang Zhengzhi, she always could not find a grab hold to wield her authority in front of him.

“Alright, shall we talk about the terms?” Fang Zhengzhi once again opened his mouth and asked the same exact question. However, now the arrogance on Ping Yang’s face had vanished.

…

The living quarters had been quiet for a while now.

The soldiers in the courtyard and the officials and nobles outside the courtyard were all anxiously waiting. They all knew what was going on inside.

But they were not expecting him to successfully negotiate.

This was because the person inside the room was Ping Yang – demoness of Yan Capital. Even if it was not Ping Yang, the most Fang Zhengzhi could achieve was walking out of the living quarters.

Zooming out, there’s Ping Yang Residence, the Yan Capital and even the whole of the Great Xia Dynasty. Where could Fang Zhengzhi possibly run?

Once he relinquished Ping Yang as his bargaining chip, that would be the moment when he loses his life.

Without question.

In the eyes of everyone, Fang Zhengzhi was a dead man walking.

Seconds turned to minutes, Fang Zhengzhi had been in the room for fifteen minutes.

At this point, a figure appeared from a distance.

It was such an exquisite and refined figure. Covered by a pink dress with snow white petals imprinted on it. Silky crow-black hair cascade down to the waist.

The figure seemed to be walking leisurely. However, after close scrutiny, the figure’s feet were actually walking on a light green glow.

That was not the Wind of the Dao of All Creation…

It was Lightsword.

With a path of Lightsword under the feet, the figure possessed incredible speeds.

The figure arrived in the middle of the banquet in an instant.

The Lightsword disappeared, revealing an incomparably gorgeous face. The pride of the dynasty; the guardian of all life. She was Chi Guyan, the Great Xia Dynasty’s most splendid representative.

Those starry eyes looked at the officials and nobles present, then moved towards those soldiers holding their bows taut at the courtyard.

Chi Guyan did not greet anyone, including King Duan who was seated down.

This was an extraordinary air of arrogance.

However, among all those present, no one dared to criticize her for the lack of courtesy because she was Chi Guyan. She was a Double Dragon Roll Champion. She was chosen. She did not even need to kneel for the Sacred Lord.

Chapter 167: Arrival of His Majesty

Chi Guyan’s appearance was not unexpected since everyone knew that Chi Guyan had entered Yan Capital and was residing in Ping Yang Residence.

Instead what was worth guessing was whose side would she chose between Ping Yang and Chi Guyan?

This seemed like a tough decision.

The smart people that truly understood this situation knew that it was just a simple choice. On one side, there was her childhood playmate and the most adored princess of the Sacred Lord. On the other side was only a mountain villager with an unlikely engagement.

Maybe Chi Guyan did not need Ping Yang’s authority.

But…

Ping Yang’s other identity would even give a Doube Dragon Roll Champion like Chi Guyan second thoughts.

That was what made Ping Yang truly terrifying.

An identity that allowed her to wreak havoc in Yan Capital unimpeded.

So Chi Guyan’s purpose of coming here was simple.

King Duan, Lin Xingjue and Han Changfeng, even some of the great officials within the court palace were all intelligent people. Therefore, they were now thinking how would Chi Guyan successfully save Ping Yang.

However, Chi Guyan’s next course of action made some of them almost faceplant.

Because…

She sat down.

She sat down demurely and gracefully. It was just like she was just another guest at the banquet. She sat down under the gazes of all the guests who were expecting something to happen.

After that, her eyes shifted to the handmaiden beside her.

The handmaiden took a brief moment to collect her thoughts and promptly poured a cup of quality hot tea for Chi Guyan.

Chi Guyan then took a small sip. After moisturising her lips with it, she set it down and that pair of eyes that shone like stars calmly looked towards the living quarters.

Her face was calm and her manner was indifferent.

Those intelligent officials were now mystified by Chi Guyan’s actions. If Chi Guyan did not want to save Ping Yang, she could have just kept a low profile and not turn up.

So was it possible that she did not want to see Fang Zhengzhi die at the hands of Ping Yang?

Only that…

With her brains, if Chi Guyan really wanted to save Fang Zhengzhi, she would not have made an appearance. Instead, she would probably avoid all the soldiers in the courtyard and discretely lend a helping hand.

With these two possibilities, both did not require her to come out.

Yet, here she was.

Furthermore, she appeared at the most crucial and most appropriate moment. As such, she should have gone with the most appropriate course of action which was to save Ping Yang.

What was the meaning of sitting down and enjoying the spectacle?

Everyone, including King Duan and Han Chengfeng, could not decipher the thoughts of Chi Guyan.

…

Just as everyone was wrecking their brains around Chi Guyan’s purpose behind her actions, the door to the living quarters clicked and slowly opened out from the inside.

At this moment, everyone’s gazes focused on those large doors.

“Finally, someone’s coming out!”

Everyone thought to themselves in unison. They were looking forward to the next exciting scene to unfold. Would it be Fang Zhengzhi coming out with Ping Yang at his mercy? Or would it be Fang Zhengzhi walking out alone and showered with arrows on sight?

Everyone was waiting in suspense.

A figure slowly walked out from within. She was in the full-length bright red dress with the golden peony enhancing her noble aura. A pair of glassy orbs calmly made contact with the crowd.

Just like a fairy.

Ping Yang walked out of the living quarters. Fang Zhengzhi was not beside her and so was her ever-present pair of handmaidens.

The dress on her body was the piece she wore previously. Now, it was clean, comfortable and it was even emanating a light flowery scent.

All the soldiers relaxed their bows.

The officials and nobles outside the courtyard also unconsciously stood up, looking on nervously at the Ping Yang standing at the doors to the living quarters.

“Sister Yan!” Ping Yang immediately spotted Chi Guyan in the crowd.

Chi Guyan was simply too brilliant. It was impossible to miss her even with a quick scan of the crowd.

“Ping Yang, were you being mischievous again?” Chi Guyan chided just like an older sister. She then stood up and ambled towards Ping Yang without a single trace of shock or uneasiness.

It was like she knew from the start that Ping Yang was going to come out of the room in one piece.

“No way… I was just finding someone to play!” Ping Yang came beside Chi Guyan with a face of innocence. After that, she gave the soldiers a look.

“Step down!”

“Yes!” The soldiers paused for a moment to reply. Then, retreated like the tide. Similar to when they came in. They entered fast and exited even faster.

In an instant, the courtyard was empty and calm.

Even those handmaidens and servants who were kneeling also disappeared.

Only Ping Yang and Chi Guyan were left at the door.

This sight…

It jolted the crowd so much that they were speechless.

Could it be that Ping Yang defeated Fang Zhengzhi?

Indeed…

Even if the village cockroach was at Heavenly Reflection, he was no match for Ping Yang at the Star Conglomerate State!

Just as they thought of this, Ping Yang turned back and called, ” Sister Yan has arrived. Are you not coming out?”

Ping Yang’s voice was not loud.

But it was enough to be heard clearly by the guests.

“Come out?! Who’s coming out? The two handmaidens?”

“If it was the handmaidens, then her question would not match.”

“Don’t tell me it’s…”

As everyone was silently guessing, another figure came out. His blue changshan gently flowing in the breeze.

The figure then came in between Ping Yang and Chi Guyan, the corners of the mouth lifting ever so slightly.

“How is this possible?!”

“Why is he not dead? How could he have let Ping Yang come out? Why did he even let Chi Guyan walk to Ping Yang’s side just like that?

Everyone could not fathom the reason behind all this.

Ping Yang opened her mouth once again.

“Sister Yan, you must help me. Fang Zhengzhi previously promised me a Golden Jade Hairpin for my birthday. However, here he is today with nothing to show me. I tried to reason with him but instead, he tried to escape! Luckily this was my residence. He was stopped by the soldiers under my command. Otherwise, he would have disappeared!” Ping Yang complained while acting vulnerable.

After hearing this, Chi Guyan immediately understood. She turned to Fang Zhengzhi.

“You promised her a Golden Jade Pin?”

“Golden Jade Pin?” Fang Zhengzhi was really tempted to continue. To hell with that Golden Jade Pin. I couldn’t afford it even if I wanted to.

His terms with Ping Yang did not include a Golden Jade Hairpin. However, it included maintaining her reputation and integrity. At this juncture, this lady’s reputation was bigger than the heavens. Naturally, he had no objections. However, he did not expect Ping Yang to force him into such a tight spot.

If he agreed right here in front of everyone.

Wouldn’t that be equivalent to admitting that he owed her a Golden Jade Hairpin?

Forget it. Since he already had an eyeful of her chaste body, to be able to walk out of here with his life was nothing short of a miracle. As for the hairpin, he should agree first and just conveniently forget about it in the future.

Ping Yang was not short of silver taels anyway.

“The craftsman crafting the Golden Jade Hairpin suddenly feel sick, so…” Fang Zhengzhi trailed, his face showing a look of dejection.

Chi Guyan stared at Fang Zhengzhi. She then turned back to Ping Yang and grabbed on to her hand, “You can rest easy Ping Yang. Your sister will definitely squeeze the Golden Jade Hairpin out of him!”

“Thank you, Sister Yan!” Once Ping Yang heard this, she was ecstatic. She also did not forget to give a quick glance to Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi indignantly returned the look, his silently added on in his heart, “Chi Guyan promised you. This has nothing to do with me!”

…

The three of them chatted boisterously. The guests all the banquet all could not figure out what was going on.

However, suddenly, all those great palace officials, including Kong Duan and Han Changfeng, and nobles saw a sight that disturbed them to the core.

One of Chi Guyan’s hands held Ping Yang’s hand, while the other wrapped around Fang Zhengzhi’s arm. The three of them, walked shoulder to shoulder, through the courtyard and towards the banquet.

If Ping Yang’s words at the living quarter’s doors were an act.

Then what was this?

There was no need for this to be in the act.

“Golden Jade Hairpin?!”

“What about taking the princess hostage? What about killing Fang Zhengzhi?”

The guests gawked at the sight of the three of them lightly smiling. None of them knew how to react or what was going on.

Most importantly, Chi Guyan actually grabbed onto Fang Zhengzhi’s arm?!

“Chi Guyan, could it be…”

“How is this possible?”

Although the crowd heard rumours of Chi Guyan personally agreed to the engagement with Fang Zhengzhi at the Northern Lands Divine Constabulary, this was the first time those who lived Yan Capital saw Chi Guyan held onto Fang Zhengzhi.

Their minds were utterly and completely blown.

Therefore, the guests looked at one another…

Was it possible that Chi Guyan knew from the start that Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang were just playing around?

That was why she sat down and waited for them.

This was really the only explanation that was still plausible. This also explained the Chi Guyan’s was in no hurry and took a laid-back approach.

Just that such a reason was totally out of their predictions.

Because…

This situation really took a drastic turn in the mood!

One minute, their swords were out and ready to go at each other’s throat. Then in the next minute, they were as close as a family?

Must it be so exaggerated that it was right at the edge of believableness?

“Shatter!” A wine cup shattering on the ground was heard.

King Duan saw the sight of Chi Guyan holding onto Fang Zhengzhi’s arm. He pursed his lips and his eyes narrowed. However this was different from just now, this time his eyes contained the coldness of thousand-years-old glacier.

Han Chengfeng’s hand that was currently holding the teacup was also shaking. The boiling hot tea spilt onto his hand yet he gave no thought of it.

In one mouth, he gulped down the rest of the tea in the cup.

Right at this moment, when everyone was still stewing in the shock of the eccentricities between Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang, an extremely piercing voice penetrated through the residence.

“Your Majesty has arrived!”

Chapter 168: Chapter 168 Blazing Qilin [1]

Regarding the phrase “Your Majesty”, Fang Zhengzhi was familiar with it. In his previous life, he encountered this word multiple times. From the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty to the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Pu Yi.

In the annals of history, there never was a lack of outstanding national leaders nor was there a lack of corrupted dictators.

However, those would always be just something he read in the books. This would be the first time he saw a real emperor in this world, and he got a small case of nerves.

King Duan, with all the officials and nobles, stood up.

His Majesty coming to Ping Yang’s birthday banquet was no surprise.

Chi Guyan maintained a calm composure, and so did Ping Yang. Within their calm was a trace of elation. However, they did not possess any extreme emotions towards the arrival of His Majesty.

Not long later, a storm of footsteps echoed down.

A group of figures slowly walked towards them from a distance.

There was so soldiers making a path, nor any extravagant layout. There were not even any concubines following in procession. Only a total of nine people came.

At the front was a man, garbed in a gold Royal Robe. A five-clawed dragon was stitched on it with gold threads. His head was adorned with a golden crown. It was the standard dressing of an emperor.

Behind this man followed eight young men clad in different silk robes. Every one of them was oozing extravagance. They emitted a supernatural kind of aura.

When that line of people appeared, a young man, with a pair of sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, wearing traditional Chinese clothes walked out from the crowd and came in front of the row.

“Welcome, Father!”

“Welcome, His Majesty!”

“Welcome, Princes!”

After that young man in the traditional clothes kneeled, all the officials and nobles followed suit.

Chi Guyan did not kneel. She only bent forward slightly, showing her respects to the front man. Ping Yang similarly did not kneel, she did not even bother bending forward.

Fang Zhengzhi wanted to kneel. However, it was as if his heart was zapped by lightning, his two legs totally could not bend.

“This is the current Sacred Lord?!”

Fang Zhengzhi’s jaws dropped in stupefaction. This was the first time he was this stupefied. He was not shocked to this extent even when Chi Guyan publicly announced her engagement with him at the Divine Constabulary.

He subtly glanced at Ping Yang beside him, then at the young man who was kneeling on the floor.

The was only one thought running through his head.

“Ping Yang and the young man at the front of the line… She can’t be his blood daughter, can she?!”

Fang Zhengzhi was not someone who could not accept reality but the emperor before him was just too young. Terrifyingly young.

If not for that standard emperor garb, Fang Zhengzhi definitely would not have pegged him as the current ruler.

In the living quarters, Fang Zhengzhi figured out Ping Yang’s identity. The current princess and the kneeling young man was at least twenty-four to twenty-five years old.

But…

The current Sacred Lord looked no more than twenty years old!

A pair of brilliant eyes radiating vigour, a full head of black hair without a single silver hair, his skin was smooth and unblemished. How could this be the Sacred Lord that sired so many royal children?

Fang Zhengzhi’s face revealed the confoundment he felt in his heart. This sight eventually was spotted by the current Sacred Lord, Lin Mubai. After all, beside Fang Zhengzhi were his two most favourite people.

Chi Guyan and Ping Yang.

However, the Sacred Lord’s face did not show any change, as if he did not see anything. He merely scanned past Fang Zhengzhi and shifted his focus to the young man kneeling in front of him.

“That’s very considerate of you, Xingjue! You arrived even earlier than me. Quick, rise!”

“Thank you, Father!” The young man rose.

“Tianrong, on most days you are busy with the political work but you should take a walk outside sometimes. It’s not good to hide inside your Eastern Palace. Regarding this point, you should learn from King Duan!” The Sacred Lord advised. His gaze turning to a young man behind him who was wearing a silver silk robe with a white dragon imprint.

At this point, Fang Zhengzhi noticed the young man behind the Sacred Lord. He was a man with eyebrows fine like a willow and a pair of long narrow eyes. His features made him look slightly feminine. However, he wore the white dragon silk robe and also held the post at Eastern Palace. This was without a doubt the current crown prince of the dynasty.

Crown Prince, Lin Tianrong’s face straightened up instantly after hearing his father’s advice.

“Father’s advice was indeed filled with wisdom. I will definitely learn from Brother Xingjue in future!” The crown prince was prepared to kneel after finishing but was blocked by the Sacred Lord’s outstretched hand.

Then, the Sacred Lord stopped his interactions with his sons behind and turned to his kneeling subjects.

“All rise. Today, I’m here for a banquet. All of you need not stand on ceremony!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” All the officials and nobles rose after hearing his words.

Seeing all his subjects rising, the Sacred Lord gave a gentle nod and smile with warmth.

“Father!” Pung Yang called out delicately, pulling Chi Guyan with her as she went forward.

“Haha…Ping Yang, you have once again grown one year older. You are really getting more beautiful as you grow. You might even surpass your mother soon! Oh right… I came here bearing a gift. Now you can’t chase me out like last time, can you?”

“Then I have to see what kind of gift is it!” Ping Yang curled her lips.

“Blazing Qilin Spear. How do you like that?” The corner of the Sacred Lord’s lips lifted as he mentioned the Blazing Qilin Spear.

When the rest of his subjects heard of, “Blazing Qilin Spear”, these three words, all of them lost their colour. The Demoness of Yan Capital possessing one of the Ten Great Treasures of the Great Xia Dynasty, Blazing Qilin Spear…

How would they survive the days to come?

“Father is really giving me the Blazing Qilin Spear? Hahaha… Father sure dotes on me!” The moment Ping Yang heard about the Blazing Qilin Spear, she looked absolutely delighted. She could barely contain her smile from breaking out.

“Guyan greets His Majesty!” Guyan found that this was an appropriate time to open her mouth.

“En… Guyan, this is where you are wrong. One year ago, you visited Heaven Dao Pavillion and did not even allow me to have an audience with you. Now that you have come down from there, and even come to Yan Capital. After seeing me once, why did you never visit me ever again?” Although the Sacred Lord’s tone seemed blameful, his expression was similar to that of the familiar love of a father.

Fang Zhengzhi felt uncomfortable seeing such a sight.

A twenty years old young man giving such an expression was just too hard to imagine.

“Your Majesty was right in scolding me,” Chi Guyan slightly bowed. She only answered back but she gave no promises about going to the palace to visit him.

The Sacred Lord’s face betrayed a tiny amount of disappointment but he did not say anything and turned to Fang Zhengzhi.

Following the Sacred Lord’s gaze, everyone attention was focused on Fang Zhengzhi.

At this point, people realised…

Fang Zhengzhi had been standing the whole time and did not kneel at all.

“So you are Fang Zhengzhi?” The Sacred Lord slowly analysed Fang Zhengzhi, it seemed like he was thinking about something.

“Yes,” Fang Zhengzhi was indeed stunned by the arrival of the Sacred Lord and therefore, forgetting to kneel. However, now that everyone had risen, did he still need to kneel?

“Audacious Fang Zhengzhi. Why did you not kneel in the presence of His Majesty?” One official saw that Fang Zhengzhi refused to kneel and immediately highlighted his disrespect.

The Sacred Lord looked at that official in the eye and waved him off. After that, he walked forward to Fang Zhengzhi.

“I’ve heard your story. Born in a mountain village, and have never stepped foot into a Hall of Dao. Yet, at the age of six, you deciphered the Illustration of All Creation. Furthermore, you are a Double Roll Champion at the Law of Dao Examinations at Huai An County and River of Trust Province. Now, you are just fifteen years of age and yet you have already broken through to the Heavenly Reflection State. Such tremendous achievements for someone so young. It’s the fortune of my Great Xia Dynasty to have you!”

The Sacred Lord praised Fang Zhengzhi openly, with a hint of admiration on his face.

“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!” Fang Zhengzhi immediately paid his respects.

He was not sure about the traditional mannerism in this world but he felt that his reply was adequately respectful.

“En, although you have obtained such achievements, you must remember to always revise the sagely words within the “Law of Dao”! Since I inherited the throne at the age of eighteen, it has been more than thirty years already. I have seen quite a few young men bursting with potential to only shine for an instant and ruined their bright futures after maturing into greedy adults that only knew to satisfy their own mortal desires. They wasted such an incredible foundation they possessed. You must learn from the past mistakes of your predecessors. Continue to polish yourself, don’t stop improving. Make yourself an asset to the dynasty!” The Sacred Lord saw Fang Zhengzhi paying his respects and nodded in approval.

“Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty!” Fang Zhengzhi once again answered back.

However, his mind was brewing up a storm. Inherited the throne at eighteen and had been on the throne for more than thirty years?

Adding that up…

That would be at least fifty years old?!

Just as he thought about this, he once again studied the young man that had a complexion similar to him. He silently berated in his heart, “You purposely messing with me?”

The Sacred Lord naturally could not read Fang Zhengzhi’s mind. After hearing his words, he nodded again and turned into the banquet to find a seat.

From the start till the end, in his conversation with Fang Zhengzhi, not once did he mention about Fang Zhengzhi’s engagement to Chi Guyan nor did he give out any Divine Message.

He merely gave him a piece of advice to maintain an attitude of continuous self-improvement.

The officials looked on as the Sacred Lord took his seat in the banquet hall, and at the same time thought of the few sentences he said just now. One by one, different emotions coloured their faces. Some were green with envy, while others to softly snickered at Fang Zhengzhi.

Han Changfeng’s eyes concealed his swirling emotions. He seemed as if he was slowly dissecting the advice that the Sacred Lord gave to Fang Zhengzhi.

On the other hand, King Duan had a cold smile that threatened to break out, “Fang Zhengzhi, even my father did not approve of your engagement to Chi Guyan. Can you still pass the Imperial Examinations?”

[1] Qilin (麒麟) – an ancient Chinese mythical beast.

Chapter 169: The Beginning of the Imperial Examinations

As he thought about this, King Duan, Lin Xingjue quickly followed behind the Sacred Lord, Lin Mubai. He felt that he should relieve some of his father’s burdens.

However, today was Ping Yang’s birthday banquet. Discussing the palace politics here would be quite distasteful.

King Duan understood this, therefore, he suppressed his thoughts but his smile grew even greater instead.

…

No one else continued trying to chase down what transpired in the living quarters between Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi. With the arrival the Sacred Lord, Ping Yang’s banquet officially began.

The Crown Prince, Lin Tian Rong personally invited Chi Guyan to join them at the VIP seats. However, Chi Guyan kindly and respectfully rejected and sat beside Fang Zhengzhi instead.

Seeing this scene, the Sacred Lord did not show any expression.

Obviously, he was merely tolerating this.

The Crown Prince did not mind at all. He simply said something along the lines of “Today is Ping Yang’s birthday and you two are practically sisters since childhood”. After that, he set himself down beside the Sacred Lord.

Fang Zhengzhi observed this and realised why Chi Guyan decided to enter Heaven Dao Pavillion a year ago. Matters in the palace was filled with nitpicking procedures.

Attention must be paid to even the matter of a mere seating arrangement.

Fang Zhengzhi felt that he should not become an official. In fact, he did not want to become an official. He was not afraid of clashing heads with others, but felt that that required too much effort.

If he must choose…

He would definitely choose a more relaxed posting.

“Come, I shall use Ping Yang’s birthday to raise a toast to my beloved subjects!” Under the leadership of the Sacred Lord, all the officials and nobles raised their cups to celebrate Ping Yang’s birthday.

After three rounds of toasts, some of the nobles had loose energy spare and suggested some entertainment to complement celebrations such as recitation of poetry and exchanging couplets.

After all, a chance to exhibit their talents in front of the Sacred Lord comes only once in a blue moon.

The foundation for the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty was the “Law of Dao”. After the control of the Dao of All Creation came the flourishment of the dynasty. To witness the resulting talents that bloom from this flourishment was of no objection to the Sacred Lord.

After this, a few of the nobles started to churn out their poetry or couplets

Fang Zhengzhi had no interest in such subjects. He always felt that reciting poetry and exchanging couplets were too insubstantial in terms of skills required. Especially the exchange of couplets. He reckoned that if he just copied down some of the great classics, it would be enough to scare them into the ground.

Therefore, his attention was instead placed on Chi Guyan.

Today, Chi Guyan was gorgeous as usual. Her pale skin softly gleamed like a jade, with a light scent emanating from her.

However…

This was not what grabbed his attention.

Fang Zhengzhi’s focus was on what was in her hands. The pair of slender and pale hands were untainted and currently holding a pure silver tripod wine cup.

Chi Guyan was drinking.

Most importantly, she was chugging it down. Cup after cup went down without a hitch.

Fang Zhengzhi’s lips curled

He had never seen Chi Guyan drink. At least, he did not see her drink at the banquet at the Divine Constabulary previously.

That was not important. What was important was that he decided to wait for Chi Guyan drink till her cheeks were red, wobbly on her feet. Then, immediately after that when her guard was down, issue a challenge to her.

When that time comes in front of so many guests, Chi Guyan would be too embarrassed not to take it right

Although this was quite despicable, he would be able to wipe the floor with her in front of the Sacred Lord, Crown Prince, King Duan, the princes and other guests.

He was excited just thinking about it.

Hence, he started the wait…

When Chi Guyan was already on her twentieth cup, Fang Zhengzhi still did not see even a single hint of intoxication. Her stunning face did not colour a single shade of red, it was still glowing and smooth like a jade.

Fang Zhengzhi was disappointed.

Did a lady really need to hold her liquor this well? The men would not stand a chance.

Chi Guyan suddenly realised Fang Zhengzhi’s weird expression. Her starry orbs hid a flash of something.

“Want to compete with me?”

“I don’t drink!” Fang Zhengzhi calmly pushed aside his half-empty wine cup. He then poured himself a cup of tea.

He remembered a common saying. On the table, never test your liquor with a lady.

Especially the ladies who could drink because these ladies could drink the whole table under.

Then, Fang Zhengzhi remembered Chi Guyan’s identity, Northern Lands’ Divine Constabulary. What is that place?

That was the Iron Blood Army Marquis’ noble family.

A woman raised in the Iron Blood Army Marquis’ noble family…

Alright.

Fang Zhengzhi suddenly realised he was still too naive. For Chi Guyan to drink, it naturally meant that she would not be intoxicated.

The officials and nobles that sat beside these two heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words and instantly rolled their eyes. From the start of the banquet to now, Fang Zhengzhi was drinking non-stop. Yet, here he was brazenly claiming that he did not drink?

Who would believe?

Just as they had this thought.

Chi Guyan once again spoke, “Mm, not drinking is not necessarily a bad thing.”

Those few officials’ and nobles’ face immediately looked as if someone gave them two tight slaps. Chi Guyan actually believed him?

This scene with Chi Guyan and Fang Zhengzhi at the table was spotted of King Duan.

From the very beginning, he was observing Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. Especially when the nobles suggested to compete with poetry recitation and the exchange of couplets. His eyes never left Fang Zhengzhi from then.

However, Fang Zhengzhi was too calm. It was as if he gave no thoughts to all the voices around him.

“So his weakness is here!” King Duan’s eyes flashed for an instant.

He had been thinking of the upcoming Imperial Examinations the whole time. However, after interacting with Han Changfeng, he learnt of the situation of the Theory Examinations at the River of Trust Province.

Fang Zhengzhi’s theory results were outstanding.

Be it Tao Te Ching or set up of troop matrices. He could even recite the Law of Dao without a single word amiss.
On this point, even Han Changfeng had to admit. To remove Fang Zhengzhi using the Theory Examinations was almost impossible unless they bribe every invigilator in one go.

However, doing so would pose too great a risk. For just one Fang Zhengzhi, Han Changfeng was unwilling to take the risk and so was King Duan.

So…

The best plan was to rig the questions. Find Fang Zhengzhi’s Achilles’ Heel subject and increase the weightage of the questions on that subject.

In this way, even if Fang Zhengzhi could perform in other questions, he would still not be able to make it to the Theory Examinations first-class roll.

“Born in a mountain village… Naturally, he would not have the time to recite poetry or come up with couplets! Even if he thought about it… There would be no one to exchange with him right?” The more King Duan thought about this, the more probable this seemed.

At this point, a noble in a green silk robe walked towards Fang Zhengzhi’s side.

“I’ve heard that Young Master Fang was the Double Roll Champion in the Theory and Combat Examinations in examinations at the River of Trust Province. Today, I came to learn a thing or two from you!” As he said this, he prepared to open his mouth to construct a couplet for exchange.

The rest of the nobles saw this and all were waiting for a laugh as Fang Zhengzhi inevitably fumbles.

Fang Zhengzhi was currently keeping track of the number of cup of wine that Chi Guyan was drinking. He was quietly measuring her liquor threshold. He had no leftover interest to exchange couplets with this noble.

He simply waved his hand.

“Not free!”

The tone sounded like a senior chasing off a mischievous youngster.

The green silk robe noble’s face changed. Originally, he came here to use Fang Zhengzhi to highlight his own talents. There was no way he was giving up this easily.

When he tried to start once again, a voice came from the VIP seats.

“It is said that the second young master of the Tian Family, Tian Muyu was bestowed the beautiful title of ” The Ingenious Hand for Couplets”. Just now I heard Young Master Muyu effortlessly create a couplet as you opened your mouth. Do you mind if I have a bout with you?”

The Tian Muyu wearing his green silk robe turned and realised that the person was King Duan.

His whole persona immediately changed.

Having a couplet bout with King Duan?

Did he even dare to win?

Tian Muyu naturally did not dare but he could not reject either. Therefore, he could only brace himself for what was to come and gave King Duan a bow.

“Since King Duan has such refined interests, Tian Muyu is happy to oblige!”

Such a sight naturally attracted the attention of every guest in the hall.

Every official and noble’s heart was flipping out.

King Duan was obviously saving Fang Zhengzhi from disgrace. In other words, he’s purposely saving Fang Zhengzhi.

However, what was the purpose of this action?

No one understood.

However, that did not stop people from guessing.

For example, could he be under King Duan? Or was King Duan purposely had other sinister intentions for him but protect him in front of the Sacred Lord to remove suspicion?

Some even guessed that King Duan was taking advantage of Fang Zhengzhi’s relationship with Chi Guyan to pull her to his side.

The Sacred Lord did not bother with this matter.

However, the Crown Prince’s eyes shone with a knowing look. After all, the topic of Fang Zhengzhi was sensitive. Any matters related to him had more than meets the eye.

…

What happened next did not bode well for Tian Muyu.

As King Duan constructed three lines, he could barely stutter out one to complement them. In the end, he practically ran back to his seat.

“Slap!” A resounding slap landed on Tian Muyu face.

The hand that slapped him belonged to an official that looked rather frail, ” Everyday I reminded you to revise and practice yet you only cared about making a mess outside. Aren’t you a joke today?”

He was obviously reprimanding Tian Muyu but it could also be seen as a way to protect him.

Tian Muyu immediately kneeled down and vowed to improve his ways and work harder.

The elder and a youngling act were not bad. That slap was solid. Afterwards, the old official turned to King Duan and profusely praised him and welcome King Duan to provide advice for the useless Tian Muyu.

King Duan simply waved his hand and did not say much. He returned to his drink and food, as if he did not just best Tian Muyu.

Protect Fang Zhengzhi?

Never in a million years. However, his planning was definitely meticulous. He did not wish for Fang Zhengzhi’s weakness to be exposed too early. If that was the case then people would be suspicious if he were to increase the weightage of couplet and poetry subjects in the upcoming Imperial Examinations.

Moreover, there were still a few days left before the examinations. Although it was not much time, he did not want Fang Zhengzhi to realise his weakness.

God knows if he would desperately learn from people the techniques of constructing couplets in the next few days.

King Duan did not forget. Fang Zhengzhi had the noble blood Yan Xiu by his side.

To annihilate someone, it was necessary to inflate their egos.

…

The birthday banquet ended on a high note. The officials made themselves known and the nobles showed off their talents. Everyone was satisfied and happy.

When the Sacred Lord took his leave, the Crown Prince and King Duan followed behind.

Fang Zhengzhi saw the Ping Yang that was purposefully blinking at him, he knew in his heart that was not a good sign. Of course, he knew that if he did not leave soon, it would probably be difficult to leave later on.

The Crown Prince and King Duan did not get far before Fang Zhengzhi followed behind in a flash.

This scene was coincidentally witnessed by those imperial officials

Everyone looked at one another, revealing a look of confoundment and speculation.

Especially Han Changfeng. His eyes stuck to the backs of King Duan and Fang Zhengzhi. Those orbs shimmered and flashed, his forehead creased into three deep gorges.

…

Eight days later, the Imperial Examinations that everyone was focused on commenced.

Chapter 170: Thousand Carps Swimming Through The River

A fine drizzle floated down from the sky in Yan Capital. This was not supposed to the right weather for a stroll. However, the moment the first ray of sunshine touched the sky, countless of gifted scholars wore their traditional clothes or silk robes and made their way down the streets.

One after another opened their wax paper umbrellas.

A plethora of patterns was imprinted on these umbrellas. There were rivers and mountain in ink, paintings of rushing rivers. There were red, white, green and a variety of colourful flower imprints that looked like a bouquet from above.

This looked like a living breathing canvas.

Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu walked beside each other in the crowd. Yan Xiu wore Chinese traditional clothes with a decoration of rivers and mountains in ink on it. On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi donned his usual blue Changshan.

Both carrying a wax paper umbrella each, drifting through the streets.

The location of the Imperial Examinations had always been at the Imperial Academy. As the largest academy in the whole of the Great Xia dynasty, its architecture was classic yet a strong historical aura permeated its walls.

Rumours have it that the history of the Imperial Academy was even longer than that of the Imperial Palace of the Great Xia Dynasty.

It was the previous dynasty’s palace. After the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty, the old palace underwent a renovation but the basic structures were preserved.

When Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu arrived at the gates of the Imperial Academy, they found that it was blocked by a sea of young scholars in their different upscale items of clothing.

Of course, there were some ladies all dressed up surrounding them and looking on. There were also some ladies dressed simply and elegantly, reading to compete in this examination on an equal level as the men.

Compared to the examinations in the River of Trust Province, Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu did not attract too much attention this time.

After all, in this massive Yan Capital, there were simply too many blinding talents. For example, Xing Qingsui from the Peace Province or the eldest son of the first-class official of the Su family, Su Donglin.

There were even rumours that there was even someone from the secretive Southern Palace Clan was coming.

Su Rui trusted the credibility of this information since it was from Yan Xiu.

Fang Zhengzhi once asked Yan Xiu how capable these people were and Yan Xiu had a veiled reaction and replied with one sentence, ” Extremely capable!”

Fang Zhengzhi did not inquire further.

Because, for Yan Xiu to admit their strength, those people must be the real deal.

“What do you think would happen if I became the Double Roll Champion again?” Fang Zhengzhi looked around the crowd surrounding the door and casually mentioned.

Yan Xiu stared at Fang Zhengzhi.

His face showed a hint of shock but it was fleeting. He immediately returned to his cold and aloof persona.

“That would be very difficult!” Yan Xiu opened his mouth.

Although it was an answer, it was not very informative.

Fang Zhengzhi knew very well. Although he achieved Heavenly Reflection State, the Imperial Examinations were different from the Provincial Examinations. Passing the Imperial Examinations meant that they could rise to become palace officials.

This clearly showed the height of the bar set.

Many young scholars who passed the Provincial Examinations were stopped at this stage. They then returned to their books to revise day after day, year after year, diligently preparing for the next one.

This resulted in a phenomenon.

It was the phenomenon of compression. For example, the first ever Imperial Examinations might only pass fifty people. That batch’s fifty-first candidate onwards would be compressed to the next Imperial Examinations.

However, in the next Imperial Examinations, there would also be new candidates entering. After the even more merciless competition, there would be more people being compressed to the third Imperial Examinations.

Such was the cycle.

The history since the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty was close to a thousand years. The biannual Imperial Examinations had their candidates getting compressed down all the way to today and its difficulty level had reached truly titanic proportions.

The limit of intake set by the Imperial Examinations made it similar to watching thousands of carps swimming through the river. It was a spectacular massacre.

Heavenly Reflection State?

Maybe, there were only two who achieved the Heavenly Reflection State by the age of eighteen in the whole of the Great Xia Dynasty. But what about those who achieved it before age twenty-eight? There was got to be at least fifty or sixty of them.

If the age was thirty-eight, forty-eight or fifty-eight…

Fang Zhengzhi did not know how many people have reached the Heavenly Reflection State in today’s Imperial Examinations. However, as he looked forward, he could see that at the gates there were all kinds of middle age men from thirty to forty years old and old men from forty to fifty years old. This was truly like a bloom of a hundred flowers.

“Did Chi Guyan take part in the Imperial Examinations?” Fang Zhengzhi suddenly asked.

“Mm, the previous one before this,” Yan Xiu nodded.

“What position did she get?”

“Double Roll Champion!” Yan Xiu was puzzled when Fang Zhengzhi asked for her placing.

Fang Zhengzhi was shocked for a moment but he quickly recovered. Chi Guyan was already at the peak of the Heavenly Reflection State a year ago. She definitely would not be far from that just another year before that.

Taking the Double Roll Champion was not anything surprising to her.

It was just that since Chi Guyan was the Double Roll Champion, then wouldn’t he lose face if he did not get the same title?

Would she look down on him?

“It seems like I have no choice but to take the Double Roll Champion title too!” Fang Zhengzhi helplessly sighed.

His voice was not considered loud.

It was just a normal conversation between two people, especially in the rain. Normally, no one would have taken note of it.

However…

This was the Imperial Academy where all the candidates taking the Imperial Examinations were congregated. The three words “Double Roll Champion” at this moment in time held a terrifying lethality.

Therefore, when Fang Zhengzhi uttered the three words ” Double Roll Champion”, pair after pair of eyes shoot daggers at him.

It was not long before someone recognised Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu. After all, previously the information about Fang Zhengzhi obtaining the Heavenly Reflection State spread like wildfire.

“Fang Zhengzhi?!”

“He is indeed a prodigy. However…This is the Imperial Examinations. It was not a stage where a young genius that just entered the Heavenly Reflection state could freely swagger around. Double Roll Champion, haha…”

“Classic case of ignorance is bliss. He is still young!”

Many of the candidates shook their heads as they glanced at Fang Zhengzhi. After that, the rain in front of some of the candidates stopped abruptly. Almost as if it was being controlled.

Heavenly Reflection!

Heavenly Reflection was spotted this easily at the gates of the Imperial Academy.

“This would not be easy. However, I absolutely must obtain the title of Double Roll Champion!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at those candidates controlling the rain. This was the first time since he got here that he became serious.

“Do you really want to become the Double Roll Champion?” Yan Xiu’s expression was getting sombre too.

“Yes!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“Then, you would first have to become the Roll Champion for the Theory Examinations!” Yan Xiu also nodded. He did not think that it was possible for Fang Zhengzhi to become the Double Roll Champion but he chose to believe in him nonetheless.

This trust came from the bottom of his heart. It was pure and did not need any reason.

“Gong!” The gong signalling the opening of the gates reverberated in the air.

All the candidates started entering the examination stage. No one bothered with Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu’s conversation. In their eyes, it was merely a presumptuous and arrogant act.

Someone who just reached the Heavenly Reflection State wanted to become the Double Roll Champion?

Merely a frog in a well, ignorant of the world around him.

Fang Zhengzhi was not bothered by the stares. He realised that he was about to enter the examination halls. At this moment, a scholar in a light yellow scholar garb suddenly blocked him from the front.

The scholar held the umbrella very low.

He could not see his face but the body frame was lithe and small.

Fang Zhengzhi was confused. They were already knocking the gong to enter, why was there someone here blocking him? Was this person not scared that he would be beaten up by him?

As he was thinking about this, the umbrella was slowly raised.

Revealing an unblemished face with an otherworldly beauty. The most striking feature was the pair of glassy eyes that glistened like the water under the autumn sun.

“It’s you?!” Fang Zhengzhi did not need to guess. Only one person possessed such eyes. That was the Princess Ping Yang from the Ping Yang Residence.

“Yes, it’s indeed me! Are you happy to see me?” Ping Yang blinked at Fang Zhengzhi looking very calm.

“Happy my ass! I’m going to take an examination soon, temporarily unavailable to give a damn about you,” Fang Zhengzhi made his stance very clear.

“Fang Zhengzhi, you know very well that I’m Princess Ping Yang yet you dare to treat me like this?!” Ping Yang heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words. Her eyes projected disbelief.

“Not happy? We made a deal already. You can’t send people to assassinate me in the next two years. Why would I be afraid of you?” Fang Zhengzhi eyed Ping Yang dismissively.

“Hmph, I was forced into this by you!” Ping Yang moved her small lips.

“But you already swore? There’s no going back. What is the point of saying this now?” Fang Zhengzhi felt that now was not the time to dig up buried bones.

“That’s indeed useless. Then shall I talk about something more useful? For example… I have the answers to the Theory Examinations. Do you want to take a look?” Ping Yang discreetly moved nearer to Fang Zhengzhi and took an envelope from her chest.

“Answers?” Fang Zhengzhi scanned the envelope in Ping Yang’s hand. He could not shake the feeling of deja vu in this situation.

Previously in the River of Trust Province, Li Zhuangshi also used the same tactic to lure him. In the end, karma bit him from the back.

However, the person in front of him was Ping Yang.

She was the most adored princess of the Sacred Lord. Furthermore, after his few interactions with her, Fang Zhengzhi realised that Ping Yang’s intelligence was on a completely different level than Li Zhuangshi.

So…

The answers in Ping Yang’s hands just might be real.

At this point, Yan Xiu also noticed the envelope in Ping Yang’s hands. Traces of astonishment flashed across his eyes.

From the moment Ping Yang appeared, he had been standing beside these two people. Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi did not purposely keep the conversation from him. Therefore, Yan Xiu eventually realised who Ping Yang was.

“I can swear that these answers here are real. Yesterday night, I send some people to sneakily infiltrate the Imperial Academy and stole one examination script. Over the night, I found a few palace officials to write these out for me,” Ping Yang explained in all honesty.

“Why did you want to steal the examination script? It can’t be that you want to simply share the answers with me right?” Fang Zhengzhi stopped doubting the legitimacy of the answers.

With Ping Yang’s usual methods, stealing an examination script from the Imperial Academy was not that surprising.

It was just that he did not understand what was the reason behind her doing so?