Xylira raised her eyebrows and looked at the shy boy in front of her. He glanced at her with big round watery eyes, then quickly looked down.
His fair cheeks turned as red as if he had been dusted with blush. He had a baby face and a soft, rounded chin with a single youthful pimple.
Such a pink-faced bashful boy stood right in front of her. Even Xylira who was not into weird things felt her heart itch a little.
He was so cute and clearly untouched by the world. If the setting weren't so inappropriate she really wanted to pinch that chubby cheek.
Over on the side Loran and the others noticed how strange Xylira's gaze toward the boy had become. If it went on the poor boy might not only get his clothes messed up he might faint.
Out of the bond formed during battle Loran elbowed Xylira. "Boss Xylira this kid's not doing anything wrong right?"
Xylira snapped out of it and realized many eyes were on her. Their look clearly said "If this guy's got problems throw him out now."
Then she saw how pitiful the boy looked and felt a bit guilty. Loran was right this sweet-looking lamb of a boy had easy to bully written all over him.
He was entering the government scene like this and he'd get eaten alive.
"What's your name?" Xylira recalled how her grandfather used to scold her shy cousin when they were kids.
She raised her chin using the calm and unreadable tone of someone in charge. Everyone around held their breath watching her closely hoping for another surprise.
"Dennis." The boy's voice was like a mosquito buzz. If it wasn't so quiet and Xylira didn't have sharp ears she wouldn't have caught it.
"Dennis!" Her voice suddenly became louder crisp and forceful losing all its softness.
The elegant smile vanished and her aura changed in an instant from a refined noble to someone who commanded authority. "Head up chest out stomach in and eyes straight at me."
Not only did Dennis quickly follow each command out of fear but even the other men from West Court adjusted their posture without thinking.
"Don't lower your head. Look at me. Don't let your eyes dart around. Hands at your sides." Xylira's voice remained cold and stern.
She stepped forward and lifted Dennis's leg slightly with her foot. "Stand tall. Dennis remember you're a man a proper man. All that twitchy squishy boneless behavior? That's for women."
Hearing that all the men from West Court straightened up even more looking proud and strong again making the other three courts glance their way in surprise.
"Let me borrow this." Xylira was satisfied with the way she had straightened out this little fragile flower.
She reached for the fan hanging at Loran's waist toned down her aura and smiled gracefully again.
She flicked open the folding fan with flair every movement oozed charm leaving everyone wide eyed.
They wondered just how many sides their boss actually had.
"Here take this. You can't change your habits overnight. When you feel nervous squeeze the fan instead of twisting your clothes with your fingers." Xylira's voice softened.
"I'm only stepping in because you called me boss. What you choose to do next that's all up to you."
"I understand. Thank you Boss." Dennis looked at her with red eyes full of admiration.
Since he was young people treated him like a treasure because of his sharp memory and intelligence.
His family spent a fortune on him hoping he could earn an official rank and join the elite.
In Dakang being a merchant made it hard to find good teachers especially those who taught subjects for the imperial exams.
Teachers with true talent and fame preferred top academies where they could gain both status and wealth.
For a merchant's son to enter such an academy took more than money. He needed a recommendation from an official ranked fourth or higher.
Even if he got in he'd still face isolation and discrimination.
So for Dennis to rank in the top ten at the West Court meant he relied entirely on his intelligence and his family's money to get him into the top academy in Kangcheng.
In such an environment it was no wonder he turned out this way.
"Heh." Xylira chuckled. What a sweet obedient child.
"Speak louder from now on. No one's going to steal your tongue. Just don't end up shouting like Loran."
"Boss Xylira do I really shout that loud?" Loran asked pretending to be offended.
The moment he spoke his voice drowned out both Xylira and Dennis.
The others laughed and so did Dennis.
Out of habit he lowered his head again but halfway through remembered Xylira's instructions and looked back up with a shy smile.
"Dennis you called for me earlier was there something you needed?" The situation had calmed down.
If this kid had real potential she'd be willing to put in extra effort for him later.
"Boss Xylira," Dennis blushed raising his voice a bit "Are you still going to Jixianju tonight? I want to go back early and let my family prepare."
"We're going. Right Xylira?" Loran slapped Dennis's shoulder and laughed but still looked to Xylira for confirmation.
"Of course. You go ahead first. We'll follow soon after." Xylira nodded.
She understood the importance of striking while the iron was hot. No matter how long this brotherhood lasted or how many would remember today for now the look in their eyes was sincere and that was enough.
"Then I'll head over first." Dennis ran off with a red face after Xylira nodded quickly disappearing.
"Well played using both softness and toughness. Husband Franklin I really underestimated you." The deep voice was not cold but lacked warmth.
Xylira turned to see that the top student of the Third Court had arrived someone she did not recognize.
"You flatter me. Do the three of you need something from me?"
Calm refined with a noble air the cold eyed man stared at Xylira puzzled.
Was this person really an orphan? Everything about his demeanor screamed elite upbringing.
If this was all natural talent he would not believe it.
"Brother Xylira have we met before?" Yarith looked at Xylira and gave a friendly gesture speaking warmly as if the competition earlier had never happened.
He felt he had seen this face somewhere before but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't recall it.
That is why he asked.
"I've heard of you Young Master Yarith. Perhaps my face is just common enough to spark your memory." Xylira replied with the same smile.
"But someone as gifted and graceful as you if I had met you before I'd never forget. I've just never had the honor."
She added a touch of regret to her smile and even Yarith began to think maybe he was mistaken.
"You really know how to talk Xyl but the next palace exam won't be this easy." The unfamiliar man gave a cold laugh and turned to leave.
Marshal Han wanted to probe Xyl's background more but had to say goodbye when the man left.
He had clearly improved after his recent setback and now there was no sign of gloom on his handsome face.
"What are you looking at? Let's go. After all this aren't you hungry?" Xylira raised an eyebrow and looked at Loran oddly.
"Boss Xylira," Loran quickly matched her pace "That guy just now isn't someone we can afford to mess with. His name is Ziyan. The emperor is his uncle. His father King Kang died saving the emperor when he was little.
Now he's the heir to the Kang title once he marries he inherits the title and apart from the throne itself his power equals that of a prince."
"I see." Xylira smiled. Her mind had already started calculating why a royal like him would take the imperial exam.
"Boss," Loran looked at her seriously "do you think we acted cowardly just now hiding behind you like that?"
"Heh that's called knowing your place. Got it? If you already know he's royalty and you still want to argue that's what a fool does." Xylira finally felt like her old self again.
Back in the modern world children of officials and elites may not have deep friendships but they all knew one thing who they could mess with and who they couldn't.
They looked wild but they followed rules. Rule number one never bring trouble to your family.
"Boss is wise." Loran grinned. He might look silly but ranking second in West Court was no joke.
He got close to Xylira out of pure instinct and after what happened today he truly admired her.
Still his earlier question was also a test if she acted all self righteous and fearless he probably wouldn't call her boss again.
"Oh right Boss about that fan?" Thinking of the valuable fan that had been casually gifted away made Loran's heart ache a little.
Hearing that Xylira replied calmly "Since we're brothers what's the point of being stingy? If you're really okay with asking Dennis for it back go ahead.
I won't stop you. But I'm not saying a word."
"Seriously Loran you'd actually ask for it back?" someone behind them joked.
Well now that the boss said that how could he ask for it back? Besides everyone wore fans on their belts why did she pick the most expensive one?
"Enough. You're a big guy. Stop looking like a jilted wife it's ugly." Xylira looked at him with slight distaste.
"It's just a fan. We'll buy a new one later. I'll even paint the fan surface myself."
Right after saying that Xylira sighed to herself she really was starting to act like their boss.
Sure enough Loran's eyes lit up when he heard that. He had seen her handwriting before no worse than those from famous artists.
"Thanks Boss."
Ninety nine students walked together toward Jixianju turning many heads along the way.
Meanwhile at Jixianju a middle aged man with a baby face was craning his neck happily toward the direction of the Royal Exam Court.
A big "Closed" sign was stuck at the entrance and the ink wasn't even dry.
Today was the second happiest day of Dennis's father's life.
The first was when his son Dennis was born the joy of carrying on the family line.
Now his son had run home grinning and said he made it into the top fifty.
He had a real shot at placing in the top three which meant he was on the path to becoming a true elite.
How could he not be overjoyed?
For generations the Dennis family had been merchants always dreaming of joining officialdom so they'd no longer face discrimination.
Dennis's father never thought his son would really make it.
How could he not be moved to tears?
When his son mentioned some fellow students wanted to book the whole Jixianju he agreed on the spot teary eyed red eyed and without a second thought.
He knew well from his years in business that more friends meant more connections.
With so many students and many even better than his son coming to his place it was an honor for the whole family.
So the whole staff of Jixianju got busy.
Dennis's father stood at the door waiting eagerly. "Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
"Maybe they're delayed on the road. Dad go inside and keep getting things ready. I'll watch from here." The son shared the same baby face and excitement in his eyes.
But clearly the younger one was more composed.
"I've been ready for a while," Dennis's father said proudly patting his son's head. "Good job Xuanxuan You're amazing.
How did your brain get so smart?"
Hearing that made Dennis blush with embarrassment.
"Dad I'm nothing special. There are many better than me today. If it weren't for our Boss I wouldn't have ranked so high even if I made it into the top fifty."
"What happened? Tell me!" Dennis's father immediately perked up.
If that was true then this Boss was their family's great benefactor.
"They're here! Dad look!" Dennis spotted the group and ran off still excited.
Jixianju had hosted important guests before but this time Dennis's father's chubby body was actually trembling with joy.
That night Jixianju was full of laughter and celebration.
Other shop owners on the street were green with envy and started thinking their own sons or grandsons weren't worse than the Dennis boy right?
Hmph they had money too. Time to push their kids hard into studying and make the family proud.
After a good meal and drinks everyone gathered in the hall.
"Boss about my fan." Loran said and Dennis's father being sharp quickly got ink brush paper and inkstone ready.
Xylira looked at Loran. He was the first stranger to approach her in this era.
Though he always wore a silly grin and acted bold she never looked down on him.
She didn't know his family background but anyone who needed a mask like that definitely didn't come from a simple home.
"I said I would and I don't go back on my word. Otherwise what's the point of calling me Boss?" Xylira replied calmly.
"Xyan got any paints?"
"Yes."
and soon a servant brought in various colors