The young man on the platform possessed natural grace, causing his enemies to collapse in disarray in an instant. Though not advanced in years, his displayed brilliance was no less than those much older. If there were grounds for arrogance, he certainly had them. Thus, the difference in skill was immediately apparent.

The young ladies below the platform were already entranced. In their daily lives confined to the inner courtyards, when would they have the opportunity to witness such a scene? The annual examinations were their only chance to feast their eyes. But even compared to previous years’ examinations, this year’s display by Xie Jingxing was far more spectacular. Young girls generally admire heroes, and with Xie Jingxing’s exceptional appearance and bearing, he naturally captured another batch of hearts.

Among the young men, some were jealous, but more were amazed. Su Mingfeng watched from a distant pavilion, smiling and shaking his head: “So this is the thing worth celebrating he mentioned. This fellow is as arrogant as ever.” But Su Mingfeng also knew that today’s display was merely the tip of the iceberg of Xie Jingxing’s abilities. Xie Jingxing was a person who kept his true strength hidden. Was his current display meant to send a message to those in power? His expression gradually grew solemn, as he could no longer discern his friend’s intentions.

“That Young Marquis Xie is truly extraordinary,” Feng Anning’s face showed traces of admiration. “I think in all of Jing City, or perhaps in all of Ming Qi, there may be no one among the younger generation who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.”

Shen Miao shook her head.

What Xie Jingxing excelled at most was not competing here. His specialty was the most refined military combat experience. If he hadn’t been harmed by the Ming Qi imperial family in her previous life, with the Xie family’s military power and Xie Jingxing’s prestige within the army, they could have carved out half the empire from the Ming Qi imperial family.

However, the downfall of the Xie family remained somewhat mysterious. Shen Miao sighed inwardly. In her previous life, she had been single-mindedly helping Fu Xiuyi and knew little about the Xie family’s affairs. Now, she felt somewhat at a loss.

Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu were so infuriated by Xie Jingxing’s words that they nearly coughed blood. Xie Jingxing’s movements appeared light and effortless, but only the two of them knew how severe their injuries were. Yet the surrounding crowd showed no sympathy for the Xie brothers, only because Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had just employed the despicable tactic of a sneak attack. On the examination field, fairness and justice were paramount. The actions of the two Xie brothers not only made the spectators look down on them but also disgusted the examining officials on the platform. After today, the good reputation they had previously accumulated would vanish like smoke.

“Truly a good scheme,” Shen Miao said softly, looking at the purple-clad youth standing with his arms folded on the field.

Xie Jingxing had led the two Xie brothers by the nose today, causing them to lose their usual composure and resort to underhanded methods to harm him. They had probably come to their senses now, but it was too late.

Employing such tactics before everyone’s eyes made the distinction between the legitimate and illegitimate sons of the Lin’an Marquis household crystal clear today.

Xie Jingxing lazily said to the two, “The outcome is decided. Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge?”

The entire venue fell silent.

Everyone had witnessed Xie Jingxing’s techniques against Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. He had taken down both men with a single lance, and these two were already outstanding. For a moment, no one spoke. Xie Jingxing tossed his lance casually, saying, “Since there are none, I’ll take my leave.” As he spoke, his sleeves fluttered, and he vanished without a trace. Naturally, this drew another round of exclamations.

“This fellow’s martial skills are not weak,” the Prince of Zhou said. “But skill in martial arts is useless—he’s a tough nut to crack.”

Pei Lang sighed inwardly. The Ming Qi imperial family appeared shrewd, but their vision in judging people was short-sighted. This young man kept his true abilities hidden, and his behavior on the platform just now was certainly deliberate. Though he didn’t know exactly why, if it wasn’t to establish authority, then it must be related to the imperial family.

He glanced briefly at the Prince of Zhou and the Prince of Jin. If the imperial family were to confront someone like Xie Jingxing, they would likely find themselves in a very difficult position. Because he was a lion. Just like Shen Miao earlier.

Although the examining official was helpless about Xie Jingxing’s departure, he still announced his first-place ranking as per custom. The servants of the two Xie brothers hurriedly helped them down, too ashamed even to say goodbye, and slunk away by carriage.

The subsequent challenges, coming after Xie Jingxing’s exemplary performance, all seemed extremely dull to the audience, with none possessing even a fraction of the earlier excitement. Thus, people watched while yawning continuously.

Shen Yue and Shen Qing occasionally raised their eyes to look at Shen Miao. Today, among the Shen family, apart from Shen Miao, both Shen Qing and Shen Yue had been overshadowed. Shen Qing, because of her feelings for Fu Xiuyi, had already grown to hate Shen Miao to the bone, feeling that Shen Miao had stolen what belonged to her. As for Shen Yue, she was fixated on the fact that Shen Miao had outshone her, making her heart full of resentment.

Shen Miao was either completely unaware of their thoughts or knew but disdained to care. She summoned Guyu to her side and softly instructed her with a few words. Upon hearing them, Guyu’s expression became solemn, and she quickly withdrew quietly.

At the same time, in the men’s section, the Prince of Yu beckoned, and a guard appeared beside him. After respectfully listening to the Prince of Yu’s command, the guard vanished as swiftly as a shadow from the seats.

On a distant pavilion, Xie Jingxing finally reappeared beside Su Mingfeng.

Su Mingfeng clapped his hands a few times and looked at him askance: “How was it? Did you make quite a splash in Jing City today?”

“A small matter,” Xie Jingxing said dismissively.

“Are you planning to deal with your two brothers?” Su Mingfeng asked. “Suddenly taking action doesn’t seem like your style.”

“Acting on someone’s advice,” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “Some things are better done sooner rather than later. I can’t wait any longer.”

Su Mingfeng frowned. He felt that Xie Jingxing had hidden meanings in his words. But he wisely didn’t ask more. Despite years of friendship with this childhood companion, he never pried into the other’s mysterious background. His gaze suddenly lingered for a moment below, and he said, “However, the young lady you rescued earlier seems to be in some trouble.”

Xie Jingxing’s gaze swept over, and he saw in the women’s section a guard handing something like a card to the Shen family’s second madam, Ren Wanyun, while his gaze faintly glanced over the purple-clad young lady.

Ren Wanyun held the card, somewhat excited, and said, “For the Prince to do this, it truly makes this humble wife’s heart tremble with fear. Fifth Sister, come over here and thank the Prince for his invitation.”

Shen Miao’s gaze fixed, then locked tightly on Ren Wanyun, her lips suddenly curling into a cold smile.

Are they truly trying the same old trick again?

Meeting the gloating gazes of Shen Yue and Shen Qing, she lazily stretched, and a sudden dark gleam appeared in her clear eyes.

“Very well,” she raised her lips. “I will certainly ‘thank’ him properly.”

A trace of interest flashed in Xie Jingxing’s eyes: “There’s a good show to watch.”