Just then, Zhao Yue pushed open the door and entered, smiling slightly, “Miss, it’s time for the meal.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her and immediately knew she had come in because she was uneasy about leaving her alone with Prince Jing Yuan Ying. She couldn’t help shaking her head with a smile—this girl was becoming increasingly bold.

Li Weiyang didn’t expose her and simply smiled gently, “Your Highness, will you stay and dine with us?”

The Guo family had always eaten together—Yuan Ying naturally knew this very well. Though the other party’s words were merely courtesy, he smiled faintly, “In that case, I shall respectfully accept rather than decline. Jia’er, please go ahead.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was warm as she led the way out first. Prince Jing followed behind Li Weiyang, glancing at Zhao Yue with a neither-smile-nor-frown expression. In Prince Jing’s eyes, this maid beside Li Weiyang was very worthy of attention—not only was her martial arts formidable, but she always intentionally or unintentionally prevented him from being alone with Li Weiyang, as if she had some special background. Thinking of the guard called Zhao Nan beside Yuan Lie, Yuan Ying had a pretty good idea. The two walked along until they reached the great hall, where they heard waves of cheerful laughter from within.

Princess Chenliu was seated at the head. Seeing Li Weiyang and Yuan Ying at a glance, she immediately beamed, “You two have finally arrived! Quick! Sit down together.”

Prince Jing Yuan Ying smiled and quickly walked forward, then sat in the position already arranged for him, his face smiling, “Does Grandmother have some happy news? Why are you so delighted?”

Princess Chenliu was indeed laughing very happily, her eyes almost invisible in her smile, her tone even more cheerful, “His Majesty wants to seek a husband for Princess Shouchun, selecting outstanding young men from the great families to participate. Our household happens to have two ready candidates, don’t you think?” As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Guo Dun and Guo Dao’s faces. Guo Dun adopted a posture of looking up at the sky, appearing completely unconcerned. As for Guo Dao, he merely smiled slightly without speaking. No one responded to Princess Chenliu—the scene was somewhat strange.

Princess Ali glared at Guo Dun, then lowered her head to play with the chopsticks in her hand. Li Weiyang couldn’t help laughing.

Princess Chenliu also felt somewhat puzzled, “Why do you both look so strange? I’ve seen Princess Shouchun—she’s very beautiful and has a gentle temperament, completely unlike Empress Dowager Pei’s willful daughters. This time, His Majesty pities her and wants to personally select a fine husband for her, which is why he commanded all the great families to recommend someone to participate. One of you two must ultimately participate. Guo Dun, you’re the elder brother—you go this time.”

Hearing this, Guo Dun suddenly stood up, waving his hands repeatedly, “Grandmother, please don’t tease me. Someone as rough and careless as me—how could a princess take a liking to me? I’d probably just bring shame to the Guo family.”

Princess Chenliu was stunned, then said, “How could that be? Isn’t your martial arts very advanced? This time there’s a martial examination. As long as you defeat the others, naturally you’ll be able to obtain the position of prince consort.”

Guo Dun then looked with both eyes toward Princess Ali sitting to the side. Ali kept her head lowered, not knowing what she was thinking, though her cheeks seemed to show a trace of red.

Li Weiyang looked at the two and couldn’t help smiling slightly, “Grandmother, this matter probably isn’t that simple.”

Princess Chenliu looked at Li Weiyang strangely, “Why does Jia’er say this? Don’t you have confidence in your Fourth Brother?”

Li Weiyang shook her head gently, “It’s not that I lack confidence in Fourth Brother. It’s just that this husband selection competition will first hold a literary examination, and only those who pass can enter the martial examination. Fourth Brother has never liked studying since childhood. If he stumbles in the literary examination, that would be unfortunate.”

Hearing this, everyone deeply agreed. Lady Guo had long since perceived Guo Dun’s feelings for Princess Ali. She quite liked the innocent and lively Princess Ali and was unwilling to go against her son’s wishes, “Since His Majesty has already ordered that each family recommend one person, then…” Her gaze looked toward her youngest son, Guo Dao.

Usually Guo Dao was very enthusiastic about such activities, but at this moment he appeared rather indifferent. Guo Cheng coughed lightly, and only then did Guo Dao suddenly snap to attention. He glanced at Princess Chenliu, then at Lady Guo, and finally his gaze fell on Li Weiyang, his handsome eyes showing a neither-smile-nor-frown expression, as if harboring other thoughts.

Seeing this gaze, Li Weiyang was slightly stunned. She thought of Guo Dao’s unusual behavior in the tent that day, and a trace of strangeness passed through her heart.

Prince Jing Yuan Ying saw such a scene and smiled slightly, “In my view, Guo Dao is the most suitable candidate, because he excels in both civil and martial arts and is eloquent. Even if he cannot win first place, he won’t bring shame or disgrace to the Guo family. Moreover, this time we can also see clearly the hidden strength of the great families…”

Prince Jing was indeed Prince Jing—his perspective always hit the nail on the head.

Duke Qi nodded, “They definitely won’t miss such a grand event. Firstly, marrying Princess Shouchun would be a tremendous honor, and secondly…” He said half and left half unsaid, but Li Weiyang had already understood. In such a competition, taking the opportunity to display the clan’s outstanding young members could on one hand pave the way for their future, and on the other hand intimidate other families. This way, these families wouldn’t exert their full strength but would still give eighty percent effort, allowing some glimpse of their capabilities. Thinking of this, Li Weiyang’s cool face couldn’t help showing a trace of amusement.

After Duke Qi finished speaking, he glanced at Guo Dao, “Since everyone says you can do it, then go. Just don’t bring shame to the Guo family—it’s not necessary to win.”

This meant he wasn’t forcing him to succeed… Hearing this, Guo Dao nodded indifferently. He only agreed to participate but hadn’t agreed to bring a princess home. If he lost then, it couldn’t be blamed on him. Thinking this, he revealed a faint smile.

Guo Cheng looked at him, a trace of complexity showing in his eyes. Among everyone present, only he understood this fifth brother’s thoughts best, which is why he remained silent and didn’t express anything like the others.

Princess Chenliu enjoyed this lunch meal very much because she quite liked Princess Shouchun and very much hoped her grandson could show his face before the great families. Seeing her so happy, Li Weiyang didn’t say much. When the lunch meal dispersed, Guo Dao was first to leave the great hall.

Guo Cheng followed behind and caught him in time at the corridor, “Fifth Brother.”

Guo Dao halted his steps and turned to see it was him, saying, “Does Third Brother have something to say?”

Guo Cheng sighed, “This husband selection assembly…” Before he finished speaking, he heard Guo Dao say, “Didn’t I already agree to participate? What are you worried about?”

Of course he was worried. Thinking this in his heart, he said to Guo Dao, “I know you’re unwilling to marry Princess Shouchun.”

Guo Dao smiled, but that smile contained three parts desolation, “Since Third Brother knows everything, why bother asking me? If it were you, would you be willing to abandon Cousin Han Lin to marry a princess you’ve never interacted with?”

Guo Cheng was rendered speechless, then said, “We’re not completely unfamiliar with Princess Shouchun. Do you remember? When we were small, we once entered the palace to visit Consort Hui… we saw her once.”

Guo Dao merely smiled faintly, saying coldly, “Even if she’s as beautiful as a celestial maiden and as gentle as water, if she’s not the person I like, what use is it?”

Guo Cheng was unable to say a single word for quite some time. Previously, he had pursued Han Lin to refuse the young lady from the Wen family, but now he had already discovered Han Lin’s virtues. She was a gentle and refined woman who wholeheartedly admired him. In Han Lin’s presence, he could always obtain the greatest respect and satisfaction. Over time, his feelings for this woman had gradually changed. This was what ordinary people called growing to love over time… If asked to abandon Han Lin to pursue a princess, that would be absolutely impossible. Precisely because of this, he could understand the complex emotions Guo Dao spoke of. He sighed, “I know who you like, but you clearly know that anyone in this world can pursue her—only you cannot.”

Guo Dao remained impassive, though the fist in his sleeve clenched tightly, “I know this without you saying it. I won’t let Mother see my thoughts, and I won’t let others know either. Rest assured.” With that, he had already turned his head and quickly walked forward, soon disappearing from view.

Guo Cheng watched his disappearing figure, his heart growing even more complex. Guo Dao was the brother he cared most about—he truly didn’t want this matter to affect the feelings between the Guo family members. Just then, he heard a voice say gently, “Third Brother, what are you doing here?”

Guo Cheng was startled and turned to see Li Weiyang smiling at him. Guo Cheng opened his mouth but was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing what to say, when he heard Li Weiyang say softly, “Is Third Brother worried that Fifth Brother won’t be able to win this time?”

Guo Cheng was stunned, then nodded, “Yes, I’m worried about him…”

He didn’t finish, but Li Weiyang had already perceived something amiss. She sighed, “If you’re not worried he can’t win, then you must be worried he doesn’t like Princess Shouchun.”

Li Weiyang’s words hit the nail on the head, causing Guo Cheng’s expression to change. In his heart, Guo Cheng couldn’t help wondering—had Li Weiyang, being so perceptive, noticed Fifth Brother’s feelings for her? But quickly, he dismissed this thought. Precisely because Li Weiyang was clever, she knew that regardless of whether Guo Dao had feelings for her, the two could never be together, because their relationship had long been defined—they could only be siblings and nothing else. Thus, Guo Dao could only give up. Perhaps seeing the beautiful Princess Shouchun this time, he would change his original thinking…

Ten days later came Princess Shouchun’s husband selection assembly—a literary examination followed by a martial examination in succession. All sons of Yuexi officials of fourth rank or above, or sons of meritorious nobles, as long as they were unmarried men under thirty years of age, could participate in the literary examination. The top ten from the literary examination would be selected to participate in the martial examination, and whoever won first place in the martial examination would become Princess Shouchun’s prince consort.

Of course, when a princess selects a husband, naturally she must be extremely selective. Though Princess Shouchun wasn’t born to Empress Dowager Pei, she had a gentle temperament, beautiful appearance, and knew how to win the Emperor’s favor, so Empress Dowager Pei also cared for and treated her well—very different from people like Princess Daming who received the Emperor’s cold treatment. For her husband selection, the Ministry of Rites officials had been busy early on, screening all the noble family sons who registered—examining their appearance, assessing their literary skills, testing their martial abilities, item by item, slowly filtering, eliminating any who didn’t quite meet the standards. In the end, only a mere fifty people from the entire capital could participate in the literary examination, and after the literary examination, the top ten would be selected to continue to the next round of martial examination. With such rigorous selection, this husband selection assembly naturally became the greatest event in all of Yuexi this year.

Today was the official day for competing for the prince consort position. When Li Weiyang arrived at the Jinhua Gate, on the spacious grounds before Jinhua Gate, a martial viewing pavilion had already been erected, and the husband selection assembly was about to begin. The Emperor and Empress, various consorts, and the charming and beautiful Princess Shouchun all sat high above, while the other noble families sat in pavilions already erected on the sides. Even some insignificant minor families had rushed over to watch the excitement, instantly transforming the empty Jinhua Gate into a lively scene.

Li Weiyang glanced at the high viewing platform. Princess Shouchun wore splendid robes, her heavily made-up face gentle and beautiful, two willow-leaf eyebrows slanting toward her temples, drooping eyelashes thick and long, with a shallow smile at the corners of her mouth. Just sitting there quietly, she appeared very dignified, proper, and graceful in manner. Li Weiyang only looked at her once before feeling that if this princess could truly marry Guo Dao, they would indeed make a perfect couple. Then she turned her gaze downward, seeing nothing but a sea of heads everywhere, finding it quite interesting. But strangely, those present weren’t only handsome young men—there were even more young ladies from various families. Li Weiyang’s face couldn’t help showing a trace of amusement.

Princess Ali asked in surprise, “Why have so many young ladies from households also come? Are they also participating in the competition?”

Li Weiyang shook her head gently, explaining, “The reason the young ladies came is very simple. Many handsome young men came for this competition, which is a great temptation for beautiful young ladies. Moreover, only one person can obtain the prince consort position today—the remaining nine are all carefully selected dragons among men. Getting one as a husband would make the trip worthwhile.”

At this moment, Princess Ali’s face darkened as she pointed at people in the pavilion opposite, “She actually came too.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyes to look—it was the Pei family’s pavilion, and naturally the most eye-catching was Pei Bao’er, wearing jewels and jade yet possessing natural beauty. Since the grasslands expedition, Princess Ali had developed a deep disgust for the Pei family people, always bristling whenever she saw them. Pei Bao’er was already the most famous beauty in the capital—wherever she went, she was the focus of everyone’s attention, and this moment was no different. Though her reputation in the capital had suffered greatly, there were still many handsome young men who subconsciously looked her way. Beside her sat the Pei family’s eldest son, Pei Bi.

Seeing Li Weiyang’s eyes sweep over, Pei Bao’er subconsciously lowered her head. For some reason, since that bloody night, she could never forget Li Weiyang’s eyes like ancient wells. Even in nightmares, the other’s eyes remained so terrifying she couldn’t sleep. Now, swept by Li Weiyang’s eyes that made her anxious and uneasy, Pei Bao’er’s heart panicked again.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her gaze sweeping past Pei Bao’er toward Pei Bi. He merely smiled faintly at her, as if greeting a friend, appearing very friendly—clearly a person who concealed his depths. Li Weiyang smiled and nodded at him, then looked toward the other families’ pavilions. She saw that in those pavilions, besides the family heads, all seated were outstanding members of the younger generation from the great families. The family heads all sat properly and formally, clearly taking this competition very seriously, while those young men each wore splendid robes as if attending an autumn outing, laughing and chatting very happily, not at all appearing to be participating in a competition.

Of course, among everyone, the most eye-catching and magnificent was Prince Xu Yuan Lie. He sat in the pavilion holding a jade goblet, leaning against the chair back with a slight smile, his gaze affectionate, eyes looking toward Li Weiyang’s direction, as if afraid others wouldn’t know the person he admired was the Guo family’s young lady. Li Weiyang lightly glared at him, but he paid no mind, smiling and beckoning to her, those eyes narrowing—not knowing how many young ladies’ hearts he captivated.

Li Weiyang looked at him and sighed softly—she really had no way to deal with this person. Just then, she heard Princess Ali ask, “Jia’er, who do you think will win today?”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment and said, “Yuexi has many outstanding talents. Especially those participating in this competition—all are quite excellent men from the great families. The one who took first place in the literary examination was the Xiao family’s young master Xiao Yao. However, though his literary skills are good, I hear his martial abilities… aren’t very impressive. So everyone hasn’t placed too much hope in him. Instead, everyone is watching the second and third place finishers—second and third place had tied scores in the literary examination, which are Pei Hui and my Fifth Brother.” In fact, Guo Dao was brilliantly talented, romantic and elegant, with exceptionally fine calligraphy. However, his essay was too unrestrained and free-spirited, while Xiao Yao was exactly the opposite—equally brilliant in literary talent but conventional and proper, favored by traditional examiners, which is why he was selected for first place.

Of course, Li Weiyang hadn’t expected that even Pei Hui would participate in this competition. But thinking again, the Pei family’s reputation had now been damaged—if they could marry Princess Shouchun this time, they would naturally return to their former glory.

At this moment, Li Weiyang suddenly felt something and raised her head, looking toward the highest part of the viewing platform. She knew that behind layers of pearl curtains, a pair of cold eyes was staring at her—those belonging to Empress Dowager Pei. As Li Weiyang was thinking, Princess Ali tugged at her sleeve again, saying, “Why didn’t you finish speaking?”

Li Weiyang turned back, looked at her with a slight smile, and continued explaining, “This time, entering the top ten, besides my Fifth Brother, there’s Pei Hui, the Chen family’s son Chen Hanxuan, the Zhou family’s Zhou Jing, the Cui family’s Cui Shiyun, the Lu family’s Lu Zhen, the Wang family’s Wang Yan, the Ge family’s Ge Wanzhou, the Xiao Yao who took first in the literary examination, and a dark horse from ordinary origins named Zhan Qiu… Each of these people excels in both civil and martial arts and is brilliantly talented. Honestly, besides Fifth Brother and Pei Hui, I don’t know the others very well, so it’s hard to say who will win this martial examination.”

Just then, they heard Lady Guo beside them laugh, “Jia’er, this time the martial champion should emerge from between Chen Hanxuan and Dao’er.”

Li Weiyang was stunned, then raised her head to look at Lady Guo, “Why is Mother so certain?”

Lady Guo’s smile was very proud. She said slowly, “This place never considers seniority, only recognizes strength. You don’t actually understand your Fifth Brother’s martial skills very well. I know—he won’t lose.” Of course, unless he wants to lose…

Li Weiyang’s gaze then looked toward Guo Dao in the distance. Guo Dao wore blue robes, appearing rather indifferent, not knowing where he was looking. Li Weiyang sighed softly. She vaguely sensed Guo Dao’s feelings for her, but unfortunately, as Guo Cheng predicted, she couldn’t accept them. She only hoped Guo Dao could think it through quickly—that would be best for both of them.

The first match was Pei Hui versus the Zhou family’s son Zhou Jing. Zhou Jing’s face was very handsome, his features distinct as if carved, with sword-like eyebrows, a body like a tall pine, and occasional flashes of brilliance in his eyes that made people dare not underestimate him. At this moment, he held a precious sword standing in the field, cupping his hands toward Pei Hui. Pei Hui smiled slightly, drew his long sword, and the two began fighting. But in less than half an hour, Zhou Jing feinted with one move and charged toward Pei Hui. Pei Hui laughed coldly, raising his sword, slashing down—his sword energy like clouds. Zhou Jing was actually forced to retreat three steps, defeated in embarrassment. Pei Hui smiled faintly, said a polite word of thanks, and withdrew his sword. Zhou Jing showed no awkwardness on his face but instead smiled, cupped his hands, and withdrew.

Li Weiyang only heard Princess Ali beside her laugh coldly, “Never expected the Pei family person would win so easily. This Zhou Jing is truly useless.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Though Pei Hui’s martial arts were formidable, Zhou Jing was also a first-class swordsmanship expert of today. She’d heard he once had the valiant reputation of seven days and nights without sleep, single-handedly raiding thirteen bandit strongholds—he definitely shouldn’t have been defeated so quickly. In her view, the Zhou family probably deliberately avoided the Pei family’s sharp edge. It seemed today’s competition was definitely not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

The second round was Cui Shiyun versus Lu Zhen. Cui Shiyun was the Crown Princess’s younger brother. His face bore a pair of eyes as clear as morning dew, with dimples on his cheeks, a gentle smile playing at his lips, and very refined features. More importantly, his physique appeared very frail, almost making people doubt whether he could even lift the sword in his hand—appearing utterly delicate. He gently cupped his fists, his smile warm, “Please instruct me, Brother Lu.”

Compared to Cui Shiyun, Lu Zhen had phoenix eyes and silkworm brows, an imposing appearance, noble bearing—clearly born with much more masculine presence. His weapon was a whip that whistled powerfully through the air. Lady Guo said to Li Weiyang, “That whip was passed down from the Cui family ancestors and weighs a full twenty pounds.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help being surprised. She then looked at the whip, seeing it flash with dazzling light under the sun. The two had barely begun fighting when Lu Zhen’s whip executed shaking, splitting, sweeping, wrapping, and striking techniques—the moves came too fast for the eyes to follow. That whip was not only fast with rapid changes, but also appeared and disappeared unpredictably with extreme ruthlessness. Before the crowd could cry out in alarm, they saw Cui Shiyun sent flying by one whip strike. Even the composed Li Weiyang was startled, but quickly saw Cui Shiyun climb back up as if nothing had happened. He tested the weight of his precious sword, muttered something to himself, then suddenly threw the sword down with a clang, planting it upside-down beside him, then said somewhat embarrassedly, “This thing really isn’t reliable. May I go barehanded?”

Lu Zhen felt confident and smiled slightly, “As long as Brother Cui doesn’t think I’m bullying the weak.”

One wielding a whip, one using fists—such a combination seemed strange. Yet Cui Shiyun showed nothing special about him. Discarding his weapon, wasn’t he afraid of being whipped to death by his opponent? Li Weiyang’s face couldn’t help showing some surprise.

The two entangled again. Lu Zhen’s whip lashed out once more, whistling powerfully, about to fall on Cui Shiyun’s face, when unexpectedly Cui Shiyun grabbed the whip’s tail, with lightning speed wrapped it three times around his hand, and yanked forcefully. Lu Zhen stumbled and charged toward him, greeted by Cui Shiyun’s fist. Lu Zhen’s mind raced—he instinctively slid his whole body toward the ground, and that whip also slipped from Cui Shiyun’s hand. Using the whip’s momentum, he flipped over, narrowly avoiding Cui Shiyun’s punch. Cui Shiyun couldn’t stop his punch momentum and struck the ground, actually cracking the blue stone slab with a deep fissure! Everyone was shocked—this punch’s force far exceeded their imagination. Not to mention Lu Zhen being flesh and blood, even if he were made of stone, he’d be beaten bloody. Seeing Lu Zhen dodge it, they couldn’t help sweating for him.

Just then, Li Weiyang heard Lady Guo beside her sigh and say slowly, “This Young Master Cui appears delicate, but his boxing is surprisingly powerful and vigorous—he’s a person of tremendous strength. I wonder if compared to Guo Dun, whose strength is greater?”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment and said, “This Young Master Cui is an expert in barehanded combat. Being able to withstand Lu Zhen’s extremely fierce attacks is indeed novel. However, my Fourth Brother is equally tremendously strong. If judging purely by strength, he wouldn’t lose to him either.”

Lady Guo shook her head gently, “This Cui Shiyun has such great strength, yet previously we never saw him display it before others. If not for this competition, I’d still think he was just a frail scholar. This shows the Cui family also has hidden dragons and crouching tigers.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “Whenever great clans hide some strength, that’s nothing strange. Moreover, this Cui Shiyun is the Crown Princess’s younger brother. If he didn’t show his mettle in this competition, wouldn’t that bring shame to the Cui family?”

In the Crown Prince’s pavilion, the Crown Princess wore a face full of smiles, while beside her, Consort Lu laughed coldly and turned her face away. However, her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, cursing Lu Zhen’s incompetence in her heart. Otherwise, why let Cui Shiyun show his prowess before everyone?

Li Weiyang looked toward the field. The current situation had become one-sided. Though Lu Zhen barely dodged Cui Shiyun’s punch momentum just now, after several exchanges, he was already drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, the whip in his hand trembling continuously—clearly he was over-fatigued. Indeed, anyone wanting to dodge such fierce attacks wouldn’t find it easy, not to mention this Cui Shiyun was very clever and cunning. Knowing Lu Zhen’s strength was failing, he deliberately provoked him to strike. With the whip in hand, Lu Zhen couldn’t delay. He desperately raised his whip, but heard Cui Shiyun laugh coldly—he actually grabbed his whip forcefully and simultaneously kicked heavily at his heart. Only hearing a snap, that steel-like ox-hide whip actually broke in two, and then Lu Zhen flew backward, crashed into a pillar beside him, and fell to the ground like cotton, unable to rise again.

Seeing this scene, everyone couldn’t help cheering loudly for Cui Shiyun. Yet Cui Shiyun kept smiling slightly, appearing very shy, as if the person who struck so ruthlessly just now wasn’t him at all. Li Weiyang’s expression remained unmoved as she glanced at Consort Lu, seeing her face gloomy, no longer showing any joyful expression.

She couldn’t help smiling slightly—in the Crown Prince’s household, the struggle between the Cui and Lu families was growing increasingly fierce. She’d heard Consort Lu had just become pregnant. For the Crown Princess who had already given birth to two daughters in succession, this probably wasn’t good news, which is why she was so anxious, forcing her younger brother to humiliate the Lu family in the arena.

The third round was a match between the Wang family’s son Wang Yan and Ge Wanzhou. This Ge Wanzhou wore light green robes embroidered with silver thread all over, his jet-black hair bound with a jade crown, hanging with an extremely rare South Sea pearl. His face was like an autumn moon, his complexion like spring flowers—most captivating was a pair of amorous eyes, with a tear mole below his right eye. When he glanced around, his spirit flew brilliantly. Everyone couldn’t help sighing inwardly—what a romantic and elegant, beautiful young man. Li Weiyang curved her lips—for Consort Ge Li to deeply win the Emperor’s favor, her appearance must be extraordinary. This Ge Wanzhou was her nephew, naturally inheriting the Ge family’s fine features. But… Li Weiyang looked carefully at Ge Wanzhou again, then shifted her gaze to Prince Xu Yuan Lie, feeling vaguely that the two bore some resemblance in appearance.

Li Weiyang’s thoughts turned, and she suddenly understood somewhat why Consort Ge Li was so deeply favored by the Emperor. She sighed softly in her heart and turned her gaze to the Wang family’s son, Wang Yan. This Wang Yan held dual swords, wearing a gold-scattered robe, a plain silk belt at his waist, all his hair bundled high atop his head with a gold ring. Those flying phoenix eyes lifted, revealing a trace of innate pride in his eyes, in no way inferior to Ge Wanzhou. His unique bearing alone was enough to make hearts submit. Wang Yan held dual swords in his hands, while Ge Wanzhou had a folding fan.

Wang Yan laughed coldly, “Young Master Ge, where is your weapon?”

Ge Wanzhou’s eyes seemed to show a trace of amusement. He slowly shook his head, “I already have my weapon in hand.” Saying this, he waved the fan in his hand—with a swoosh it opened, revealing four characters in flowing script: “I Am Naturally Romantic.” This caused all the nobles present to laugh.

Princess Ali leaned on the railing and nodded, “This Young Master Ge is quite interesting.”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, “Yes, he’s truly a very interesting person.” At such a tense moment, still having the mood to tease his opponent. As she said this, she saw Wang Yan indeed show some displeasure, “Are you toying with me?”

Ge Wanzhou smiled gently, “Whether I’m toying with you or not, you’ll soon know.”

Wang Yan suddenly swept across with both swords. Only hearing ding-ding sounds, in an instant he had already thrust twenty-one sword strikes, all landing on Ge Wanzhou’s fan. The sound was like music, very pleasant to hear, yet the momentum was overwhelming and showed no mercy. Just from his swordsmanship, the sword technique was sharp and pressing, unstoppable—the title “Dual Sword Jade Gentleman” was definitely not earned in vain. Yet Ge Wanzhou remained unhurried, teasingly rising from the ground with a long body movement, actually landing gracefully on the opponent’s dual swords like a dancing butterfly.

Wang Yan’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected these twenty-one sword strikes would not only all miss but also let the opponent find an opening. He suddenly withdrew his dual swords. Ge Wanzhou originally had nowhere to avoid or land, and fell flatly downward. His toes just touched the ground when the sound of breaking air was heard—the sword tip was already three inches from his chest. He smiled slightly, leaning backward against the sword blade, his head nearly touching the ground. At this moment, his form resembled an arched bridge, the posture beautiful and rarely seen in the world—everyone watched with mouths agape.

Wang Yan laughed coldly, his sword momentum becoming extremely fierce. Under the dancing sword light, it was so fast one could barely see the techniques—everyone only heard the sound of breaking air, both urgent and fast. Every thrust aimed at vital points of the human body. If Ge Wanzhou’s movements slowed even half a beat, blood would likely splatter on the spot. Princess Ali couldn’t help crying out repeatedly, “Jia’er, is this a life-or-death struggle? Did they sign a death waiver?”

Li Weiyang said with a soft laugh, “The martial examination naturally stops at the right point, but swords and blades have no emotions. If someone truly gets injured, they can only blame their own bad luck.”

Princess Ali nodded and couldn’t help sighing, “I never imagined Yuexi had so many hidden dragons and crouching tigers. I thought Fourth Young Master Guo was already the world’s number one.”

Li Weiyang laughed mockingly, “If Fourth Brother were here and heard you say this, he’d definitely be very happy.” Guo Dun wasn’t sitting in the viewing stands but had gone below to cheer Guo Dao on.

Princess Ali’s face suddenly flushed red. Without looking at Li Weiyang, she instead asked, “Who do you think will win between the two of them?”

At this very moment, Ge Wanzhou was already using his fan to meet the sword shadows. The duel between the two made no sound of blade collision, yet was even more intense than before. Everyone couldn’t help sweating for Ge Wanzhou. Wang Yan’s swordsmanship was truly fast, exceeding everyone’s imagination. Moreover, his sword edge showed no mercy, the sword tip striking countless times toward the opponent’s chest, yet each time was deflected by the opponent’s fan with a gentle turn. The two were roughly equal in age and cultivation, so they remained deadlocked for a long time without a clear victor. But in everyone’s eyes, Wang Yan’s attacks were aggressive and pressing, while Ge Wanzhou seemed to be dancing. Sometimes bending backward, sometimes leaning forward—the postures were so marvelous that from a distance, it was simply a spectacular dance, except every step concealed deadly intent.

Just then, Wang Yan’s gaze darkened. The dual swords in his hands suddenly merged into one, swiftly striking toward his opponent. This attack was extremely fast, and though the sword momentum seemed simple, it actually contained many variations. No matter how the opponent dodged, he ultimately couldn’t escape unscathed. Ge Wanzhou laughed coldly, the fan handle suddenly closing. Just as the blade was about to pierce his chest, he neither dodged nor avoided but instead charged toward the opponent’s sword point. Wang Yan was stunned—he indeed wanted victory but hadn’t intended to take Ge Wanzhou’s life. Yet in that moment of hesitation, Ge Wanzhou’s fan had already attacked. The first fan knocked his dual swords flying, the second fan injured his wrist, the third fan blocked his retreat, and the fourth fan’s tip stopped at his throat.

Everyone was completely shocked by this scene. They hadn’t expected Wang Yan, who seemed to have the upper hand throughout, would suddenly have the situation reversed in an instant. Wang Yan had almost closed his eyes just now, but discovering no movement from his opponent, he opened his eyes to see Ge Wanzhou smiling warmly, the fan in his hand already withdrawn.

A referee naturally called out loudly, “Young Master Ge wins.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Princess Ali couldn’t help sighing, “This Young Master Ge looks like an embroidered pillow, but I never expected he’d be so formidable.”

Li Weiyang nodded, clearly also paying close attention to this Ge Wanzhou. She said, “These two people’s fighting styles are actually different. Wang Yan focuses on offense, while this Ge Wanzhou never actively attacks—he only deflects the opponent’s attacks each time, then seeks the opponent’s weak points to strike. But his final victory was merely clever, calculating that Wang Yan wouldn’t strike to kill him. This fellow is quite cunning.”

Princess Ali glanced at Li Weiyang and couldn’t help laughing, “You call him ‘fellow,’ yet how old are you yourself?”

Li Weiyang’s smile was warm as she said slowly, “Ali, perhaps I’m much older than you imagine.”

Princess Ali’s face showed surprise. Just then, the Xiao family’s son Xiao Yao had already taken the field, and facing Xiao Yao was the only commoner who had entered the martial examination—Zhan Qiu. Zhan Qiu had broad shoulders, long limbs, a tall and robust physique, and moreover had high brows and deep eyes with a penetrating gaze—appearing very handsome. But one eye was jet black while the other was jade green, giving him somewhat the appearance of a foreign people.

Speaking of this Zhan Qiu, he was also quite a legendary figure. They said he was originally just a wandering beggar, but somehow practiced exceptional martial skills. He once inadvertently saved the Emperor during an assassination attempt and now was a second-rank imperial guard bearing a blade before the throne. He could be said to be the foremost expert among the guards, his teacher unknown. However, based on his origins, if His Majesty hadn’t granted special favor, he would have had absolutely no qualification to participate in this competition. Everyone fully expected to see an extremely perilous battle next, but unexpectedly after the Xiao family’s Young Master Xiao took the stage, before even making a move, he suddenly cupped his hands, “I won’t fight—I concede.”

Hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked. For a moment, the entire venue was silent as a crow’s cawing. When everyone came to their senses, laughter erupted throughout the hall.

Princess Ali laughed, “You already said this Young Master Xiao Yao’s martial skills were poor, but I thought even if weak, he could at least exchange a few moves. Look—he hasn’t even competed yet and has conceded to the other person. How embarrassing.”

Li Weiyang disagreed, her gaze fixed on Young Master Xiao. Among all the handsome young masters, his appearance was most ordinary, to the point one couldn’t form an impression. Yet his elegant scholarly bearing made people feel favorable. She said indifferently, “Young Master Xiao’s strength lies in literary talent, not martial skills. He deeply understands his strengths and avoids his weaknesses—what’s laughable about that? If today he ignored his weak martial skills and was badly defeated before everyone, wouldn’t that be even more disgraceful? Better to admit it openly and generously, allowing everyone to understand. “

Hearing this, Princess Ali thought carefully and indeed found it reasonable. She nodded, “That’s true. If he lost to Zhan Qiu later, wouldn’t that be even more humiliating?” She paused, then said, “But this way, doesn’t Zhan Qiu win too easily? Not even competing yet able to enter the finals—his luck is really too good.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “Yes, saving this match, he can naturally preserve his strength to battle others.”

Just then she heard Princess Ali cry out, “It’s Guo Dao! Look quickly!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze turned toward the field. This final match was the contest between Chen Hanxuan and Guo Dao. Chen Hanxuan’s appearance was handsome and elegant, a pair of eyes calm and indifferent, cold light pressing. His physique resembled Guo Dao’s. Though not as graceful as Guo Dao, his body emanated a fierce aura, as if containing explosive power within, every movement between elegance also making people feel awed.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows and smiled gently, “This Young Master Chen Hanxuan—why have I never seen him before?”

Lady Guo answered, “He just came down from the mountains after studying martial arts. I hear he’s the Chen family son with the highest martial skills.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Then between him and Fifth Brother, the victory is fifty-fifty?”

Lady Guo thought for a moment, “Indeed so. The two of them have the best chance of winning the championship this time. I hear there’s even a betting pool outside because of this… But this Chen Hanxuan is very formidable. At age eighteen, he consecutively challenged the ten great sects of the martial world, shocking everyone. He’s a heaven-sent genius in martial learning. This time he was summoned back by the Chen family to join the military… However, our two families have already agreed that this match will stop at the right point and mustn’t injure the harmony between our two families over such a trifling matter.”

Joining the military—did this mean the Chen family was no longer satisfied standing behind the Guo family… Li Weiyang keenly grasped this point, then nodded, “Indeed, the more formidable the opponents, the more easily they injure each other when fighting. With our two families on such good terms, it would naturally be foolish to damage our friendship over competing for an illusory prince consort position. Mother’s consideration is truly thoughtful.”

Lady Guo sighed, “I merely saw Guo Dao’s recent poor mood and let him participate in this competition to relieve his feelings and distract himself somewhat. Plus Princess Chenliu enjoys liveliness, so I let him participate. In my view, if he truly married Princess Shouchun, it wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing for our family.” As she spoke, a trace of melancholy appeared on her face.

On the field, the two people exchanged courtesies and began fighting. Guo Dao’s sword was clear and graceful, the entire field filled with flying snow-light, very beautiful. Chen Hanxuan’s blade technique was magnanimous and upright, very precise, every move showing a master’s bearing. Guo Dao originally intended to exchange a few moves then leave the field, so he remained casual throughout. After fighting briefly, he felt the time had come to withdraw. Light as a feather, the long sword in his hand suddenly burst with sword brilliance. His form flashed as he suddenly attacked Chen Hanxuan. Chen Hanxuan laughed coldly, borrowing the force to retreat rapidly like a great bird flying gracefully. Guo Dao quickly followed, his sword light flashing. Chen Hanxuan wasn’t willing to show weakness—a long blade held before his chest blocked that lightning-thunder strike. Guo Dao’s movements were extremely fast. His right hand executed a sword flourish, again attacking the opponent. This sword edge was very powerful. Chen Hanxuan knew he couldn’t withstand it forcefully and leaped upward, using a mid-air evasion to retreat and advance simultaneously, kicking out several times in the air. Above the sword brilliance, kicking straight toward Guo Dao’s chest. Guo Dao showed no panic, unexpectedly stepping on the opponent’s blade body, his body floating like a crane soaring to the ninth heaven, avoiding the opponent’s raised forest of cold sword and blade.

Everyone only saw Guo Dao’s figure in the field sometimes like a vigorous eagle, sometimes like a nimble autumn wild goose—those watching couldn’t help cheering loudly. Only then did Li Weiyang understand that when Guo Dao didn’t want to kill the Pei family’s Third Young Master, it wasn’t because he couldn’t but because he was unwilling. After all, he was a person with a benevolent heart, so he couldn’t bear to harm his martial brother. If this Chen Hanxuan truly was the peerless expert everyone claimed, then Guo Dao’s martial talent was even more stunning.

Guo Dao smiled slightly, preparing to feint and withdraw. Everyone only saw Guo Dao suddenly merge body and sword, like lightning stabbing toward his opponent. Originally intending to deliberately miss to give the opponent an opening, unexpectedly Chen Hanxuan’s long blade rose to block again. A crisp sound—everyone actually saw the long blade suddenly break at the waist. Guo Dao hadn’t expected that after a series of attacks, Chen Hanxuan’s always proud self-respect had been severely struck, to the point he completely failed to see he was deliberately yielding, forcefully blocking with his blade.

At this moment, seeing his weapon damaged, Chen Hanxuan was completely dazed. However, being a martial arts master, in an instant he had already reacted. Turning his body, the broken blade like flowing light powerfully slid across Guo Dao’s wrist, apparently intending to seize the long sword from his hand to turn this situation around. Guo Dao frowned slightly, executing a sword flourish, intending to withdraw from the field right then. But Chen Hanxuan had already been aroused to battle intent, completely blocking Guo Dao’s front, not giving him any chance to concede, forcing him to fight again. The two continued facing each other. Everyone only heard a series of refined iron sounds. When they separated, Chen Hanxuan’s expression was as usual, while Guo Dao’s handsome face showed some pallor.

Li Weiyang suddenly stood up. Just now she felt something was wrong but couldn’t say exactly what. Princess Ali looked at her in surprise, “What’s wrong with you?”

Li Weiyang turned to glance at her, but her gaze quickly returned to the field.

At this moment, Chen Hanxuan had already raised his broken blade to strike at Guo Dao again. At this critical moment, a person flew down from the viewing platform, body like a meteor, form like a falling leaf. Before everyone could see clearly how he reached the field, they saw a long sword blocking the broken blade in Chen Hanxuan’s hand.

Everyone looked—this person interrupting the competition had hair bound with a white jade crown, wearing brocade robes, a face like carved beautiful jade showing a trace of gracious and leisurely shallow smile. If not Prince Xu Yuan Lie, who else? Only hearing his voice say indifferently, “You two are both outstanding heroes among men—you mustn’t fight to the death.”

Chen Hanxuan froze, then couldn’t help feeling angry. He was a martial arts fanatic who always valued martial skills most. Guo Dao’s martial style suited his taste perfectly—at this moment, he absolutely had to defeat the opponent. How could he yield? Unless Guo Dao conceded, he absolutely wouldn’t stop. At this moment, he had completely forgotten his father’s instructions… Saying this, he had already swung his broken blade to push Yuan Lie aside, “Move aside.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly, shaking his long sword, “Since you want to play, I’ll play with you.”

Chen Hanxuan couldn’t help becoming furious. He hadn’t expected this Prince Xu Yuan Lie would actually interfere. He originally thought he could easily dismiss this embroidered pillow he looked down upon, but unexpectedly, Yuan Lie’s martial skills weren’t as weak as he imagined. In an instant, Yuan Lie’s sword brilliance had already attacked him. Chen Hanxuan’s breathing caught—he only felt like sinking and floating in raging waves. The opponent’s sword momentum was extremely fierce yet not lacking in nimble elusiveness. Compared to Guo Dao, it was faintly even more domineering—clearly there were people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. In his urgency, Chen Hanxuan hastily dodged. In the flash of lightning and stone-fire, Yuan Lie’s sword energy had already sliced through the jade pendant at his waist.

With a crack, the jade pendant fell to the ground, breaking in two.

Chen Hanxuan’s mind trembled. Gripping his broken blade, he charged forward. Yuan Lie saw his obstinacy and laughed coldly. His form moved, footsteps sweeping across the ground in passing, rapidly turning, the long sword lightly waving like endless brilliant light passing over Chen Hanxuan’s body. That sword energy pressed cold and penetrating, almost blinding Chen Hanxuan. Chen Hanxuan couldn’t dodge in time. His form swaying, he rapidly swung his blade in urgent response, the two forces colliding. With a boom, he ultimately retreated three steps, both knees softening as he knelt embarrassingly on the ground. Yuan Lie calmly sheathed his sword, spirits flying high, smiling as he looked at his opponent, though his gaze carried deep cold intent, “Do you still want to play?”

Everyone hadn’t expected Prince Xu Yuan Lie would suddenly interfere like this. He was the princess’s clansman—fundamentally unable to participate in the competition—so why come out to help Guo Dao? Moreover, Guo Dao wouldn’t necessarily lose to Chen Hanxuan! Yet Li Weiyang clenched her hands, her gaze looking straight at Guo Dao.

Just then, the long sword in Guo Dao’s hand suddenly fell to the ground. A crimson bloodstain snaked down from his wrist, dripping onto the platform.