As everyone in the capital knew, Princess Sheng An was a complete—well, perhaps not a complete—at the very least, she was the sort of person who might possess a bit of cleverness, some minor stratagems, and a streak of boldness. But when it came to her studies, she was utterly hopeless.
So, while it was plausible that everything happening here might be of Princess Sheng An's design, there was no way that poem was her doing.
How could such refined talent possibly be associated with someone so uninformed in the literary arts?
Now that a masterful verse had been caught in the mess, the curiosity it stirred was unbearable.
Grumbling under his breath, a young man turned and entered Xianting. Only after he saw Ji Yongxing's figure vanish in the distance did Ji Yongtian, who had been clutching Yun Chuhuan like a thief hiding stolen goods—one arm around his waist and the other covering his mouth—finally exhale in relief.
"That was close. I almost got caught by my big brother."
"Caught, my foot!"
Having regained the freedom to speak, Yun Chuhuan gave Ji Yongtian a hard kick in the shin.
"He didn't so much as glance our way the whole time! And besides, you're wearing a mask. Even if he had looked over here, he wouldn't—wait."
Midway through his tirade, Yun Chuhuan suddenly looked suspiciously at Ji Yongtian.
"How did you recognize him as your brother in the first place?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Knowing he had been in the wrong, Ji Yongtian didn't get angry over the kick. Instead, he answered with unexpected seriousness.
"My big brother just put on a mask and threw on a cloak. He didn't change his posture or gait. I could tell it was him from a single glance at his back."
"So you can recognize people without seeing their faces? Not even their physique?"
Yun Shu, watching from the side, raised her eyebrows in surprise. It seemed this seemingly goofy boy was unexpectedly gifted.
"Then... what about the gentleman we saw at the entrance just now? Your brother's friend, Young Master Wang. Could you recognize him?"
"Of course."
Ji Yongtian nodded without hesitation.
"As long as I've seen someone once, I can usually recognize them again."
"Impressive!"
This kind of skill would make him a top investigator in modern times.
Yun Shu found herself reaffirming her judgment.
"I told you. You're far more capable than your brother. Your father really has no eye for talent."
"But this skill of mine isn't much use."
Though pleased by the praise, Ji Yongtian was not without self-awareness.
"My big brother is only five years older than me, and he already passed the imperial examination as a tribute scholar. I haven't even earned the title of xiucai."
"There are three hundred and sixty trades, and every trade has its champions.
Reading books is not the only way forward. I believe in you."
She gave him a firm pat on the arm, her tone light and easy, as if this whole matter wasn't worth fretting over. Then she stepped forward, following the group of tribute scholars into Xianting.
Ji Yongtian was left momentarily speechless.
"Is your sister always like this?" Staring after Yun Shu, who seemed out of place even from the back, he finally managed a somewhat fitting description. "Like a big boss of some gang."
"Did you think just any girl who shares a father with this young master could call herself my sister?"
Yun Chuhuan huffed proudly, his chin held high as he strode forward with exaggerated flair.
"The way you gape at her—have some dignity and keep up!"
Ji Yongtian blinked.
"Wait a minute… weren't these two brats both younger than me?
Whose kids were they? So arrogant!"
Despite his inner complaints, Ji Yongtian's legs moved honestly, catching up to them without hesitation.
...
Contrary to popular expectation, the front courtyard of Xianting did resemble a proper poetry gathering.
The courtyard was tastefully decorated, and scattered throughout were verses and poems familiar to any learned man of the Tian Sheng Dynasty.
At first glance, it all looked quite refined. On any other day, many would have paused to admire the calligraphy and wordplay.
But after the brilliance of "Green Jade Table: Lantern Night," everything else paled in comparison.
Eyes skimmed hastily over the displayed poems. The tribute scholars had only one goal: to find the final line of that unparalleled masterpiece. Some were in such a rush they ignored the couplets and riddles hanging from the lanterns entirely, focusing instead on combing the courtyard's nooks and crannies for a possible hidden note.
The outcome, however, was predictable.
No matter how thoroughly they searched—turning over every stone if they had to—there was no small note to be found.
"Could it be that Princess Sheng An is just playing a trick on us?"
Those few sons of noble families who already had a distaste for Yun Shu quickly seized on this excuse.
"We've searched every inch of the front courtyard. There's nothing here!
All the other doors are locked. We can't push through them, and we can't get around. How are we supposed to search further?"
"Exactly!"
A few young nobles began to gather, preparing to launch into their usual round of complaints.
But this time, just as they began, a deep middle-aged voice interrupted from nearby.
It was a voice none of them recognized. More than that, it carried an unmistakable tone of mockery.
"Princess Sheng An holds a position far above yours. And what are you, exactly? You think someone like you is worthy of a scheme so elaborate from Her Highness?"
"And who do you think you are?"
Among those who made the list in this year's spring examinations, anyone of high birth had already been noted by Ji Yongxing and his peers.
They were certain that this man was not among them.
Which meant—
"You're no spring chicken."
The youth Ji Yongxing had addressed earlier sneered.
"Barely scraped into the tribute scholar ranks at your age. A man with any sense would be bowing and scraping, trying to win our favor.
Who knows? Perhaps one day, if we're in a generous mood, we might help you land a decent post.
The least you could do is learn to act humble.
Or are you hoping to leap straight to the top by flattering Princess Sheng An?"
"Insolence!"
For the first time in his life, someone dared accuse Emperor Xuanwu of not knowing how to behave with humility.
He barked the word on instinct, only to remember that he was currently in disguise. He hastily added, "And who are you to speak of Her Highness Princess Sheng An in such a frivolous tone?"
It had been many years since Emperor Xuanwu needed to raise his voice in anger, yet that single word, "Insolence," was laced with authority and fury.
So much so that Ji Yongxing and the others all flinched.
As they came to their senses, they realized they had nearly been cowed by a mere common-born old man. Around them, several others had turned to look.
Shame burned in their faces. Their only thought now was to save face—and perhaps teach this arrogant upstart a lesson.