Chapter 118: A Massive Misunderstanding

After Emperor Wu Qing departed, numerous ministers flocked over to congratulate the trio led by Fang Xian, including some who had previously opposed him—such as the white-haired elder statesman.

“Top Scholar Fang, my earlier objections were solely due to differing principles and not meant personally. Please forgive me,” the elder said respectfully.

“You are too kind, sir. Without debate, truth remains unclear; without discussion, matters stay unresolved. My insights are quite shallow compared to your lifelong scholarship. I will continue to learn from you all,” Fang Xian replied politely, as was his nature, even toward those he disliked.

News of Fang Xian’s achievement as the top scholar quickly spread throughout the palace, then throughout Wudu city, and eventually, through secret channels, reached the entire Wu Kingdom and the neighboring four states.

Alongside this news circulated reports of the various strategies he proposed to Emperor Wu Qing that day in court, and vivid accounts of his eloquent debate with the ministers—soon his image was almost legendary.

“Princess, wonderful news!”

Inside the palace of the Grand Princess, Wu Qingluan was ready to depart for the medical hall when Wu Lanxin burst in joyfully, bowing with a bright smile.

“Is it the news from the Supreme Hall?” Wu Qingluan’s eyes sparkled.

“Exactly. The Emperor has appointed the Prince Consort as the top scholar. It is said he astonished all the ministers with his governance strategies, bringing great joy to the Emperor. He even silenced those who opposed him; afterward, they had to come and congratulate him,” Wu Lanxin exclaimed happily.

“Princess, this is excellent. Now the Prince Consort can formally propose to the Emperor for your hand. Surely the Emperor will permit your marriage to him, right?” Wu Lanxiang, equally delighted, said excitedly beside her.

“Let’s go to the medical hall. He’ll likely return soon—I want to hear his plans,” Wu Qingluan smiled. They changed into casual clothes and quietly slipped out through the back gate by carriage, while Wu Lanxin boldly led a group to deliver congratulatory gifts to the medical hall.

“Brother Fang, you’re a warrior, right? Will you be taking the martial palace examination in half a month?” After leaving the Supreme Hall and dealing with many ministers, Fang Xian’s face was nearly frozen in a smile when Xia Zhenghong approached him.

“Brother Xia, do you need specific qualifications for the martial palace exam? I haven’t attended the regional martial tests before, so I’m afraid I don’t qualify,” Fang Xian asked.

“There are two ways: one, passing the regional martial tests; two, any general of the Wu Kingdom’s army at the rank of Guerrilla General or above, under thirty years old, may directly enter the palace exam. If you wish, I’ll try to secure you the rank of Guerrilla General,” Xia Zhenghong whispered.

“Guerrilla General? Brother Xia, please check if this token is genuine.” Fang Xian took out a token from his pocket, unsure if the one obtained by Hong Tianzhi when recruiting the Qingyun Stronghold was authentic.

“It seems you already hold the rank. I spoke out of turn. Then, in half a month, we shall meet again at the martial palace exam,” Xia Zhenghong nodded, returning the token.

“Thank you for informing me. I was unaware. If possible, I do wish to attend—to meet heroes from across the land,” Fang Xian said with heroic resolve.

“Congratulations, host, for topping the imperial exams. System reward: Heavenly Halberd,” a system notification appeared. Fang Xian retrieved the weapon inside the carriage—a divine halberd over two meters long.

Along with it came a complete halberd technique, nine moves with thirty-six forms, instantly imprinted in his mind. After a brief closed-eye practice, he mastered the set effortlessly.

“The martial exam will surely test horseback combat. With the Fire King, Heavenly Halberd, Shapeshifting Divine Armor, and Divine Bow—these are perfectly customized for me as the top martial scholar,” Fang Xian mused, stowing the halberd.

By midday, he returned to the medical hall, where the staff had already gathered at the gate to welcome him, though the Grand Princess and her entourage remained indoors.

“Congratulations, Divine Doctor Fang, on becoming the top scholar.”

“Congratulations, Master Fang, on your success.”

“Brother Fang, well done on topping the imperial exams.”

Fang Xian waved with a smile. “Daqi, reward everyone. Give a hundred taels of silver each to you and Sister Situ, five taels each to the other staff.”

“Son-in-law, the Grand Princess and the others have returned, waiting in her former small courtyard. She requests your presence,” Li Daqi whispered into Fang Xian’s ear.

“Alright, you all eat without me. Also, accept any gifts that arrive and record their family names,” Fang Xian nodded, taking a few steps before reminding them again.

At the Grand Princess’s courtyard, the guard at the gate—a squad leader familiar with the situation—respectfully bowed. “Top Scholar, please enter.”

“Swish, swish, swish...”

Fang Xian smiled and nodded, entering to see Wu Lanxin practicing swordplay in the yard. Today, she shed her usual gentleness; her sword radiated fierce energy, brimming with the spirit of battle.

Suddenly moved, Fang Xian dashed forward, throwing a punch imbued with sharp energy that pressed upon Wu Lanxin. She sensed the sudden attack and, without hesitation, turned to slash back.

Fang Xian’s footwork was exquisite; with a subtle sidestep, he moved beside her and lightly tapped her sword, producing a sharp clang that startled Wu Lanxin, causing her to lose grip and send the sword flying.

“Ah!”

Unyielding, Wu Lanxin let out a sharp cry and bent her body, kicking toward Fang Xian with fierce energy, howling like an enraged tigress.

“Oh? Lanxin is really angry today?” Fang Xian teased but didn’t relent. He dodged her long leg, then seized it, forcing her to halt.

Wu Lanxin struggled to keep her balance and began to fall backward. Fang Xian quickly caught her waist, feeling the smooth skin beneath her partially open robe. Holding her tightly in his arms, he said softly—

“Lanxiang, the Prince Consort is arriving soon. Stop practicing swordsmanship. Prince Consort, what’s going on here?”

At that moment, a voice sounded, and a figure emerged from the main hall, staring in surprise at the two embraced.

Fang Xian was stunned too. The girl from the main hall was Wu Lanxin, but who was the one in his arms? He heard Lanxin call her Lanxiang—could they be twin sisters? No wonder they looked so alike, but Lanxin had never mentioned this before.