Should I see Huaiqing first or Linan? Xu Qi’an pondered briefly before deciding: Huaiqing first.
He had his reasons for this choice, not because he cared more for Huaiqing than Linan. Xu Qi’an’s decision was based on the princesses’ personalities.
Huaiqing was too clever to fool easily, and her thoughts ran deep. Even if displeased, she wouldn’t show it, potentially setting up a trap later.
Linan was comparatively simpler. Though spoiled and willful, often unreasonable, she didn’t hold grudges. Once her temper passed, all was forgiven.
“Very well, this official will accompany you to the palace,” Xu Qi’an said.
He instructed a clerk to deliver documents to Haoqi Tower, then rode with the guards into the palace.
After completing the necessary procedures, Xu Qi’an entered Dexin Garden. In the elegant, clean hall, he saw Huaiqing wearing a white palace gown that suited her character. Her hair was simply pinned up with a gold hairpin, with a few strands falling loose.
She looked as cool and ethereal as a celestial maiden in a painting. The loose strands added a touch of languid worldliness.
“Are you unharmed?” Huaiqing asked with a faint smile.
“No major injuries. This humble official is as strong as an ox. A little rest, and I’ll be fine,” Xu Qi’an replied with a grin.
Huaiqing nodded in relief and invited him to sit. “Your victory in the duel will surely be rewarded by the court. However, while promotions come easily, titles are harder to obtain. If Lord Xu doesn’t lack for silver, you might request Father Emperor. It would secure Xu Ciju’s prospects as well.”
Whoever marries Huaiqing in the future will be like Liu Bei obtaining Zhuge Liang! Xu Qi’an marveled inwardly.
It was indeed a brilliant idea. Sacrificing some personal gain to pave the way for his younger brother’s path to becoming Prime Minister.
“This humble official has already requested an Imperial Pardon from His Majesty,” Xu Qi’an said regretfully.
“An Imperial Pardon?” Huaiqing frowned slightly. “What do you need that for? Sometimes it can be remarkably effective, but it can also be utterly useless.”
Her meaning was clear – the interpretation of the pardon lay with the Emperor. If Emperor Yuanjing couldn’t be trusted, the pardon was worthless… In essence, the Imperial Pardon was like the fiat currency from my previous life. If the government had credit, the money had value; if not, it became Zimbabwean dollars… For Huaiqing to speak so frankly showed how much she trusted him.
Xu Qi’an smiled faintly. “It might prove remarkably effective.”
Huaiqing didn’t dwell on the matter. “Have you truly mastered the Vajra Divine Skill?”
Xu Qi’an extended his palm. Flesh rapidly condensed into a golden lacquer, and his entire arm shimmered with a faint golden light.
Huaiqing didn’t seem pleased. She lowered her voice, “Do you know how many martial artists covet this Indestructible Vajra?”
Xu Qi’an’s heart tightened, but he remained silent.
Huaiqing sipped her tea and said, “Your reputation is at its peak now. No one will openly move against you. Keep a close eye on those around you, and be careful not to leave any weaknesses for others to exploit.” After a pause, she added, “Duke Wei is not invincible.”
Given the formidable strength I displayed during the duel, the martial artists in the capital wouldn’t dare to target me even if they coveted my skills… And the major figures in the jianghu world wouldn’t involve themselves in conflicts between cultivators, so they wouldn’t know about the duel… Huaiqing’s meaning was clear.
How many in the capital could covet my Indestructible Vajra?
Civil officials might covet it, though they didn’t need it themselves, they could give it to their loyal guards and confidants.
However, this wasn’t a direct or necessary benefit, so civil officials wouldn’t be too enthusiastic.
It would be the nobility and the military!
“Thank you for your warning, Your Highness,” Xu Qi’an said sincerely.
After some casual conversation, Huaiqing said nonchalantly, “The story you gave me last time, my maids read it and found it quite interesting. Though I don’t usually read such things, I couldn’t resist their repeated requests… What happens next?”
“If Your Highness wishes, I can bring you more in a few days,” Xu Qi’an smiled.
Huaiqing nodded gracefully. “There’s no rush, it’s just that a few maids want to read it. Hmm, tomorrow then.”
You say there’s no rush, but you’re desperate… Alright, I’ll go back and have Zhong Li write more today… Xu Qi’an grumbled inwardly.
After some more small talk, Xu Qi’an found an excuse to take his leave from Princess Huaiqing.
He first returned to the palace gates, then after the Imperial Guards announced him, he re-entered the palace, this time heading towards Shaoyin Garden.
“Lord Xu, please halt!” A guard raised his hand to stop him. “Princess Linan has ordered that she will not receive guests today. Please return.”
“Princess Linan invited me here. Go and announce me, and you’ll see,” Xu Qi’an reminded him.
To his surprise, the guard was unyielding, shaking his head. “Please don’t make things difficult for this lowly one, Lord Xu. Please return.”
Beating a palace guard would be a serious offense. You’re lucky, kid… Lin’an must be angry, knowing I went to Huaiqing’s Dexin Garden first… As thoughts raced through Xu Qi’an’s mind, he quickly devised a strategy. He said angrily:
“The Princess invited me here. If you won’t announce me, I can’t do anything about it. I’ll just wait outside then.”
…
A decorated carriage stopped outside the prince’s mansion. Xu Xinnian lifted the curtain and stepped down using the wooden stool prepared by the coachman. He turned back and extended his hand to his graceful younger sister.
Xu Lingyu steadied herself on her second brother’s palm as she alighted. The siblings handed their invitations to the gatekeeper and were led into the mansion.
“Second Brother, you’ve seemed preoccupied all the way here. Are you nervous?” Xu Lingyu asked softly.
“Your second brother wouldn’t be nervous even if he met the current Emperor,” Xu Ciju said calmly. His expression was serious, brows slightly furrowed as he lowered his voice to speak to his sister:
“Once we’re seated, listen and observe more, speak less. You’re just an accompanying female relative, so nothing should happen to you. As for me…”
As for me, I might well have to face the current Prime Minister.
In truth, leaving everything else aside, this courage and fighting spirit alone made Xu Ciju an undisputed leader among his peers.
The prince’s mansion was vast. The siblings followed the servant for a long time, passing through corridors and courtyards, and finally arriving at a garden. Rocky outcrops and clear waters complemented the newly sprouted green leaves and flower buds about to bloom, creating a pleasing scene.
In the spacious garden, clear recitations and delicate laughter of young women could be heard.
Emerging from the long corridor, Xu Ciju and Xu Lingyu saw two groups of people seated at tables. On the left were over a dozen scholars in Confucian robes, each looking spirited and distinguished.
On the right was a group of young, beautiful ladies in colorful silk dresses.
The moment the Xu siblings appeared, the atmosphere noticeably shifted. The eyes of the talented young men and blossoming young ladies all lit up.
Xu Ciju’s brows furrowed slightly. This was different from the literary gathering he had imagined. In his mind, the gathering would be presided over by Prime Minister Wang, with the tribute students somewhat nervously expounding their ideas and showcasing their talents before the Prime Minister.
If one could catch the Prime Minister’s eye, it would provide a powerful backer for their future entry into the court.
He hadn’t expected the atmosphere of the gathering to be so relaxed, with fine wine, delicacies, fresh fruits, and… so many young ladies in attendance.
“Young Master Xu, Miss Xu, please be seated,” a woman with delicate features and a poised demeanor rose and curtsied gracefully.
She was tall and slender, with a slightly rounded face that was gentle and beautiful. Her eyes were particularly bright, and when she smiled, she exuded both the grace of a noble lady and a hint of cleverness.
Xu Xinnian and Xu Lingyu returned the courtesy. The former glanced around briefly before walking towards the seats on the left, choosing an empty spot to sit down.
“Xu Huiyuan, I’ve long admired your reputation,” the tribute students around him raised their cups in unison.
As expected, apart from me, there are no other students from the Cloud Deer Academy. These are all students from the Imperial College… Xu Xinnian’s heart tightened, but he maintained a calm smile as he raised his cup in response.
He chatted briefly with the tribute students, and their politeness surprised him somewhat. There were no veiled barbs or open provocations.
Given Prime Minister Wang’s scheming nature, open provocation would be too crude… Xu Xinnian nodded slightly to himself. As expected of Prime Minister Wang, even before his arrival, he’s already put me on high alert.
On the other side, Xu Lingyu was seated next to Miss Wang, who smiled warmly and asked, “How old are you this year, Miss Xu?”
Xu Lingyu replied in a soft voice, “Seventeen.”
Miss Wang immediately said, “I’m nineteen. May I call you Little Sister Lingyu?”
Who is she, acting like the hostess… Xu Lingyu smiled and said, “As you wish, elder sister.”
Miss Wang’s smile grew even warmer. “Then you can call me Sister Simu.”
After chatting for a while, Xu Lingyu learned who this gentle and amiable young woman was – she was the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Wang Zhenwen.
“Little Sister Lingyu, are you betrothed?” Miss Wang suddenly asked.
Xu Lingyu lowered her head shyly. “Not yet.”
If a man had asked her this question, Xu Lingyu would certainly have been angry. But they were surrounded by women, speaking in low voices, and most importantly, the asker was the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter.
Miss Wang exclaimed in surprise, “Surely your brothers are all engaged? You should hurry too, sister.”
Xu Lingyu glanced at her and shook her head. “Neither of my elder brothers is married yet.”
Not yet married… Miss Wang maintained her composure and said, “With the talents of the two young masters of the Xu family, they must surely have marriage agreements already.”
The surrounding young ladies quietly pricked up their ears.
Whether it was the incomparably handsome Xu Xinnian or the valiant Xu Qi’an, especially the latter who had just been through a duel, the noble ladies of the capital were intensely “curious” about him.
Miss Wang smiled charmingly.
However, there are always exceptions. A young lady in purple clothes spoke with a sarcastic tone:
“The Xu family has certainly risen in status. Xu Qi’an was originally just a constable in Changle County, and Xu Pingzhi was merely a commander of a hundred in the Imperial Blade Guard. For a family of such background, it would be fortunate for Miss Xu to marry into a merchant family. But now, who knows? She might even join a noble family.”
Xu Lingyu couldn’t fathom this young lady’s background, so she adopted a wronged expression and lowered her head.
Seeing this, the other young ladies felt some displeasure towards the purple-clad girl.
Miss Wang narrowed her eyes and said softly, “Yan’er, mind your words… Little Sister Lingyu, Yan’er is the niece of the Minister of Justice.”
The niece of the Minister of Justice… Xu Lingyu’s heart stirred as she recalled how the son of the Vice Minister of Revenue, Zhou Li, had once colluded with the Ministry of Justice to lock her eldest brother in their prison.
So they were old enemies.
“Sister Yan’er is straightforward, and what she says isn’t wrong,” Xu Lingyu shook her head, forcing herself to suppress her hurt feelings and put on a smile. “My eldest brother is just a martial artist, and my second brother has no official position.”
The young lady called Yan’er was momentarily at a loss for words. If she continued on this topic, she would have to openly mock Xu Qi’an and Xu Xinnian in front of everyone, one of whom was present at the gathering, while the other’s reputation was at its peak.
“Alright, let’s drink some tea,” Miss Wang forcibly changed the subject.
The literary gathering continued as usual. The tribute students discussed everything from poetry to state affairs, occasionally interacting with the young ladies. The atmosphere remained lively.
Xu Xinnian found himself enjoying the conversation more than expected. He made an excuse about admiring the garden scenery and went to one side with his wine cup, pondering what scheme Prime Minister Wang might have in mind.
“The flowering season is approaching, yet they’re withered?” He stared blankly at a pool of withered lotus leaves.
Just then, a gentle voice came from behind him: “These are red lotuses from Qingzhou. They bloom in the depths of winter and wither in early spring. However, the climate in the capital differs greatly from Qingzhou, so the red lotuses don’t grow well here and aren’t very ornamental.”
Turning around, he saw the young woman with delicate features.
Xu Xinnian now knew her identity and bowed, “Miss Wang.”
“Call me Simu,” she said.
… Xu Xinnian said, “Miss Simu.”
Wang Simu smiled charmingly. Her gaze turned to the talented young men and beautiful ladies who had left their seats to admire the scenery, and she said softly, “Your ‘Song of the Hard Road,’ Young Master Xu, I have it mounted in my room and admire it daily.”
“When it comes to poetry, my elder brother is still the best,” Xu Ciju said, then added modestly, “However, ‘literary works are heaven-sent, occasionally captured by a skilled hand.’ I too have my moments of inspiration.”
Using his brother’s work to show off in public, Xu Ciju felt entirely justified. What’s mine is yours in a family, so my brother’s work is my work.
…
Xu Lingyu sat by the pond, facing the gentle breeze, boredly observing the scenery.
The literary gathering wasn’t very interesting to her. She wasn’t part of that circle, and the “talented young men” her mother spoke of, while not bad, couldn’t compare to her eldest and second brothers, even if they were all tribute students.
“Hmph!”
A cold snort came from behind her. The purple-clad young lady walked over, giving Xu Lingyu a vicious glare. “You little hussy, why were you pretending to be pitiful earlier?”
Xu Lingyu raised her head and said weakly, “What do you mean, Sister Yan’er? When did I pretend to be pitiful?”
The purple-clad young lady sneered, “You dare try your petty tricks in front of me? You know full well whether you were pretending or not. A lowborn girl from a crude martial artist’s family, how dare you sit here? How dare you share a table with me? Get out of the Wang mansion immediately, and don’t let me see you again.”
Xu Lingyu frowned slightly, “Sister Yan’er, do you dislike me because of my eldest brother?”
The purple-clad girl scoffed, “At least you’re self-aware.”
Of course, Xu Qi’an who was at odds with her uncle was one reason. The other reason was that this little hussy had deliberately acted pitiful earlier to gain sympathy from the other ladies, making her look bad.
The purple-clad girl had never suffered such humiliation before.
Thinking of this, she grew increasingly angry and more envious of Xu Lingyu’s beauty. She snarled viciously, “A little hussy like you only knows those cheap tricks. With that fox-like face of yours, should I sell you to a brothel and let you taste the bitterness of life?”
Xu Lingyu immediately looked wrong, “My second brother brought me to this literary gathering. It’s an invitation from the Wang mansion, how could I leave halfway? Perhaps, sister, you could help me?”
The purple-clad girl frowned at these words.
At this moment, Xu Lingyu discreetly reached out and pinched the purple-clad girl’s waist hard.
The purple-clad girl’s face turned pale with pain, and she instinctively pushed Xu Lingyu.
Xu Lingyu then “accidentally” fell backward into the pool.
“Help, help… I can’t swim. Second Brother, Second Brother, save me…” Xu Lingyu cried out. Her screams spread, attracting the attention of the assembled talents and beauties.
“Someone’s fallen into the water!”
“Quick, save her! Someone come quickly…”
Exclamations rang out continuously as people quickly gathered around.
Hearing the cries for help, Xu Xinnian looked over to see Xu Lingyu bobbing up and down in the water, appearing to be drowning. His face changed dramatically. Without time to excuse himself to Miss Wang, he rushed over.
“Splash…”
He leaped into the pool, grabbed Xu Lingyu’s waist, and lifted her to the surface. With the help of Miss Wang and others, he pulled Xu Lingyu out of the water.
“Quickly, go to the room and bring my cloak,” Miss Wang hurriedly instructed her maid.
In a moment, the maid brought the cloak, and Miss Wang personally draped it over Xu Lingyu. The latter nestled in her second brother’s arms, crying softly.
Everyone gathered around, quietly watching how things would unfold.
Xu Xinnian’s face was gloomy. He glanced at the purple-clad girl, then lowered his head to ask, “Lingyu, what happened?”
Xu Lingyu sniffled, her wet hair clinging to her delicate face, looking weak and pitiful. She sobbed, “I… I don’t know. This sister told me to get out of the Wang mansion, saying I wasn’t worthy to sit with her. When I didn’t respond, she… she pushed me into the pool.”
Everyone instantly looked at the purple-clad girl. The tribute students glanced at the pitiful and endearing Xu Lingyu, then at the arrogant and domineering purple-clad girl, silently frowning.
“I didn’t!”
The purple-clad girl’s face turned red with anger. Pointing at Xu Lingyu, she cursed, “You vixen, how dare you frame me! You pinched me first. Don’t believe her! This little hussy is framing me. She jumped into the water herself on purpose.”
One of the young ladies frowned slightly and said in a low voice, “Yan’er might be somewhat willful, but she wouldn’t go so far as to push someone into the water.”
The purple-clad girl shot a grateful look at her friend, then cooperatively pointed at Xu Lingyu, “She did it herself. She deliberately fell into the water and is trying to frame me. This little hussy has a wicked heart.”
Everyone looked at Xu Lingyu suspiciously.
Xu Lingyu ignored the surrounding gazes, tears rolling down her cheeks as she wailed, “Second Brother, has our eldest brother offended someone? This Sister Yan’er said that our eldest brother often opposes her uncle. She can’t do anything to our eldest brother, but she can secretly sell me to a brothel.”
Sell her to a brothel… Xu Xinnian’s anger instantly flared up. He stared steadily at the purple-clad girl, “I wonder which family this young lady is from.”
Miss Wang felt somewhat guilty and said in a low voice, “Yan’er’s uncle is Minister Sun from the Ministry of Justice.”
The tribute students suddenly understood, their faces showing expressions of “so that’s how it is.” As tribute students destined for future official positions, they had some understanding of court affairs.
They had heard about the grudges between Minister Sun from the Ministry of Justice and Xu Qi’an, most famously the poem “The Sangbo Case: Dedicated to Minister Sun.”
It is still widely discussed to this day.
Given Xu the Poetry Sage’s current reputation, this poem would surely be passed down through generations, and Minister Sun would be remembered in infamy for ages to come.
With this context, the motive for Miss Yan’er pushing Xu the Poetry Sage’s sister into the water today became quite clear.
“You…”
The purple-clad girl was at a loss for words again. She had indeed said those things, and while she wanted to deny it, seeing the expressions of the young scholars around her, she knew her explanations would be meaningless.
“You say my sister pinched you. Where did she pinch you?” Xu Xinnian asked.
“My waist,” the purple-clad girl’s eyes blazed with fury.
Xu Xinnian nodded slowly, “Clever plan, young lady. You know that scholars won’t look where they shouldn’t, so there’s no way to verify. Everything relies on your word alone.”
The purple-clad girl was stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing why that little hussy had pinched her waist. Now, even if she was right, she couldn’t explain it clearly.
“We can check,” one of the young ladies said.
Xu Xinnian nodded, “Later, she can pinch herself to create a bruise. My sister is simple and inarticulate, unable to defend herself against accusations.”
This… The purple-clad girl and her close friend were left speechless by Xu Ciju’s retort.
Xu Xinnian sneered, “If you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation today, this matter won’t be settled.”
The purple-clad girl’s eyes turned red with anger. She pointed at Xu Xinnian and shouted, “Don’t be so arrogant! You’re just a top scholar, who do you think you are? What can you do to me?”
“Slap!”
Xu Xinnian swiftly delivered a backhand slap.
The purple-clad girl staggered a few steps, her cheek instantly swelling and reddening. She covered her face, incredulous, “You… you dare to hit me?”
Everyone was stunned, completely unprepared for Xu Xinnian’s decisive action, striking a woman without hesitation.
“Everyone here has witnessed today’s events. I’m going to take her to see an official now, and I’ll ask you all to be witnesses later.”
Having said this, Xu Xinnian stared at the purple-clad girl and said coldly, “We’re not going to the Ministry of Justice or the local magistrate. I’m inviting the young lady to visit the Night Watchmen’s Office.”
Everyone’s faces changed dramatically.
What kind of place was the Night Watchmen’s Office? Once inside, even the words of the Minister of Justice carried little weight. If they wanted to press charges, pushing someone into the water could be judged as attempted murder, and the Night Watchmen could certainly make that happen.
Even if the Minister of Justice tried his best to rescue her, once she came out, the young lady’s reputation would be ruined. How could she then marry into a family of equal status?
Fear flashed in the purple-clad girl’s eyes. She hurried to Miss Wang’s side and cried, “Sister Simu, save me… I don’t want to go to the Night Watchmen’s Office.”
Wang Simu immediately looked at Xu Lingyu, who discreetly turned her head away.
This girl is no pushover either… Miss Wang thought to herself, then looked at Xu Xinnian and said in a low voice:
“Young Master Xu, Yan’er’s actions were unintentional. I’ll have her apologize and compensate Sister Lingyu for her losses. For my sake, could we let this matter rest?”
She was in a difficult position. The literary gathering was being held at her mansion, and if this incident led to Xu Xinnian taking someone away, it would surely create enmity between the Minister of Justice and her father.
But stopping Xu Xinnian would thoroughly offend him… This was not what Wang Simu wanted to see, so she intended to resolve the dispute privately, without involving officials.
“Very well, out of respect for Miss Wang, I can refrain from reporting this to the authorities,” Xu Xinnian said.
At that, Miss Wang led the Xu siblings into a side hall to discuss compensation and apology matters.
“Yan’er has a willful and capricious nature. For committing such a mistake, she should rightfully compensate and apologize… How about 500 taels of silver?” Miss Wang’s beautiful eyes gazed steadily.
“The money is a minor issue; it’s mainly about the attitude,” Xu Xinnian said calmly.
Wang Simu looked at the purple-clad girl, who reluctantly lowered her head and apologized.
Only then did Xu Xinnian nod and say, “One thousand taels. Any less and it’s attempted murder.”
“…Agreed.”
Wang Simu smiled graciously and said kindly, “Young Master Xu, please take Sister Lingyu home quickly to change into dry clothes. Don’t let her catch a cold.”
So, Miss Wang had someone bring a bank note for one thousand taels, which she handed to Xu Xinnian with profuse thanks and personally saw the siblings out of the mansion.
In the carriage, Xu Xinnian handed the thousand-tael bank note to Xu Lingyu, saying, “Sister, keep this banknote safe. It will be part of your dowry in the future.”
He placed his hand on Xu Lingyu’s shoulder and said calmly, “Blood boiling, wind and evil cannot invade.”
Xu Lingyu felt a warm current surge through her body, dispelling the cold.
She let out a comfortable sigh and said softly, “Second Brother, I’m sorry for making you leave early.”
Xu Xinnian waved his hand, “It’s better to leave early. To be honest, I didn’t have much confidence in contending with Prime Minister Wang. Leaving before he arrived is called avoiding danger and seeking benefit, a gentleman’s move.”
After a pause, he continued, “That Miss Wang, however, is quite remarkable.”
Xu Lingyu asked, “Miss Wang has an extraordinary demeanor, handles matters orderly, and can control the situation.”
From beginning to end, she was the one handling everything. Although it wasn’t her affair, her “apologetic” attitude was excellent, showing leadership qualities.
Xu Xinnian smiled wryly, “That’s just one aspect. When you fell into the water, she didn’t ask you to stay at the mansion to change clothes. This was both a show for that dead girl from the Minister of Justice’s family and for you and me to see.
“Lingyu, you deliberately fell into the water yourself, didn’t you?”
Xu Lingyu said in a soft voice, “Second Brother, do you know why our eldest brother is more likable than you?”
Xu Xinnian immediately felt competitive, “I’ve always been more likable than him.”
Xu Lingyu shook her head, “If it were our eldest brother, he’d surely be fussing over me now, blaming himself for not protecting me well. He’d understand everything in his heart, but he wouldn’t say it out loud.”
Xu Xinnian’s face suddenly froze.
…
“Why are you crying?”
Miss Wang held a handkerchief, wiping the purple-clad girl’s tears. She smiled, “You’re a legitimate daughter, used to throwing your weight around in the mansion since childhood, with no one daring to provoke you.
“You understand some things, but the temperament you’ve developed since childhood makes you prefer to be straightforward. This is not right. You’ll have a hard time when you get married in the future.”
“That little hussy fell into the water herself,” the purple-clad girl cried out indignantly.
“These things don’t matter. What’s important is how others think. If they believe you pushed her, then you pushed her,” Miss Wang smiled.
“Sister, you’re not even helping me,” the purple-clad girl said angrily.
“I’m no match for those two siblings,” Miss Wang said with a smile.
She was in a good mood, having gained much. First, Xu Ciju was neither married nor engaged. Second, she had figured out the temperament of the Xu family’s sister.
Third, although their interaction was brief, Xu Xinnian’s character and temperament were very much to her liking.
He was handsome, had a strong personality, was intelligent, had his own opinions, and was cunning. More importantly, he was willing to offend the Minister of Justice for his family.
Throughout history, there have been countless men of great talent and strategy, intelligent ones, cunning ones, ruthless ones… But all these men are uninteresting because they only care about their grand ambitions, and very few put their female family members first.
To have raised such a pair of cunning children and nurtured such a brilliantly talented nephew, the matriarch of the Xu family must be quite a remarkable person.
A sharp light flashed in Miss Wang’s eyes, full of fighting spirit.