The courtyard remained silent.
Not because Sun Xun had arrived late.
Not because he was the final participant.
But because of the way he had spoken.
"It's good to see you, Jia."
Not Miss Song.
Not Eldest Miss Song.
Not even Song Jia.
Just—
Jia.
Several participants immediately looked between them.
Song Jia looked at Sun Xun.
Sun Xun looked back.
Then she sighed.
"You couldn't have been more subtle?"
Sun's smile widened.
"I greeted you."
"Like that."
"Is there another way?"
"Many."
Ding Jin, standing only a few steps away, slowly raised a brow.
First Prince Ding Yijun looked considerably more amused.
Ding Wu—
did not.
His expression had darkened the moment Sun approached her.
The Palace official finally cleared his throat.
"Master Sun."
Sun turned.
"Yes?"
"Your token allowance."
A servant stepped forward and handed him a pouch.
Sun accepted it.
"Thank you."
The official looked around at the participants.
"Remember. The exercise begins immediately."
