Chapter 24: The Palace Examination Approaches, Brimming with Ambition

Chapter 24: Palace Exam Approaching, Brimming with Confidence

As night deepened, the bustling capital gradually fell into silence. Only Lin Shiya’s room remained aglow, a solitary lamp casting its bean-sized light onto her hunched figure as she studied diligently at her desk.

She held a scroll, carefully reading, her pen darting swiftly across the paper. At times her brows knitted in concentration, at others she wore a look of sudden enlightenment.

Suddenly, a harsh clamor shattered the tranquility, growing louder and nearer, piercing the quiet like a sharp blade. Lin Shiya frowned slightly, raised her head, and gazed through the window toward the courtyard gate. The commotion originated from there.

With a loud bang, the gate was kicked open. A group of men surged in, shouting, led by none other than Young Master Wang, who had made things difficult for Lin Shiya during the provincial exam. He swaggered arrogantly, followed by a crowd of idle companions, each sporting a sneering smile, as if anticipating a spectacle.

“Lin Shiya, come out here this instant!” Young Master Wang stood in the courtyard, shouting at the top of his lungs, his voice shrill and grating, as if intent on overturning the whole residence. The face that could be considered handsome in ordinary times now appeared grotesque with arrogance.

Outside, Qin the bodyguard watched from the shadows, his sharp gaze sweeping over the unwelcome guests. He observed silently, ready to respond to any sudden developments.

Inside, Lin Shiya put down her pen, let out a cold laugh, rose, and pushed open the door to step outside. Her posture was upright, and the moonlight bathed her, coating her in a layer of silver, accentuating her aloof elegance.

“Young Master Wang, disturbing someone’s rest at such an hour—what business brings you here?” Her tone was calm, utterly unruffled, carrying a hint of disdain.

Young Master Wang grew even more furious at her composure. “Hmph! You ignorant country bumpkin—how dare you join the palace exam? You’d better go back to your rural home before you embarrass yourself here!” His words dripped with mockery.

Lin Shiya slowly raised her gaze, eyes deep and cold as a winter pond, staring directly at him with a glint of ice. “Whether I am worthy or not is not yours to decide.” Her voice was soft yet imbued with undeniable authority, sharp as a blade, cutting straight to him.

Young Master Wang was momentarily stunned, then flushed with rage. “Fine! Let’s see how long you can keep up this bravado!” He pointed at Lin Shiya, a sinister smile on his lips and malevolence in his eyes.

Lin Shiya looked at him, her lips curling into a cold smile. Her voice sank as she spoke, as if foretelling an inevitable outcome. “Is that so…”

She laughed lightly, her laughter crisp with a note of derision. “Young Master Wang, you call me ignorant, but I think the truly ignorant one is you. Who do you think you are? You’re nothing but a pampered wastrel living off your father’s name—without your family’s protection, you’re nothing at all!”

Her words struck like needles, piercing right into Young Master Wang’s sore spot. His face alternated between red and pale, trembling with rage and unable to retort.

Those around him, previously puffed up with arrogance, now couldn’t help but snicker, their gazes at Young Master Wang filled with ridicule.

He felt as though he’d been slapped, his face burning. Humiliated and furious, he threw caution to the wind, lunging at Lin Shiya with a raised fist.

“You wretch! How dare you insult me so? Tonight, I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Just as his fist was about to strike her, a figure appeared like a phantom, blocking his way. It was Qin the bodyguard, whose cold eyes and steady stance easily caught Young Master Wang’s blow.

“Young Master Wang, please conduct yourself with dignity,” Qin’s voice was deep and commanding, brooking no argument.

Young Master Wang stared at Qin, knowing his background and strength. Though he seethed with resentment, he dared not act rashly. He gritted his teeth, shot Lin Shiya a venomous glare, and finally lowered his fist.

“Hmph! Consider yourself lucky! Let’s go!” With a flourish, he turned and stalked off, his companions slinking away behind him.

The commotion faded, and the courtyard returned to its tranquil state.

Lin Shiya stood behind Qin, watching Young Master Wang’s retreating form, a cold smile on her lips. “Qin,” she said, her tone meaningful, “do you think someone like him even understands what ‘ignorance of one’s limits’ truly means?”

She straightened, her eyes shining, the moonlight wrapping her like a suit of silver armor. She drew a deep breath and proclaimed, “Young Master Wang, listen well! I, Lin Shiya, will surely achieve top honors and shine in the palace exam! Just wait and see how I trample you beneath my feet!” Her voice rang clear as struck metal, echoing in the quiet night.

Each word landed with force, brimming with confidence and power, radiating an invisible pressure that made those around her breathless.

Qin the bodyguard, gazing at this spirited young woman, couldn’t help but feel a surge of respect. He recalled the instructions from his master: this Lin was no ordinary candidate and must be protected. His master’s discerning eye had indeed chosen wisely.

He stepped forward, hands clasped respectfully. “Young Master Lin, our master eagerly awaits your performance in the palace exam.”

“Your master?” Lin Shiya’s heart stirred, warmth rising within her. So, he had been watching over her all along.

A confident smile spread across her lips. “Please tell your master that I will not disappoint his expectations!” Her voice was resolute, her eyes sparkling like a star illuminating the night.

A night breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill. Lin Shiya gathered her robe and turned back toward her room. Her silhouette, lengthened by moonlight, stood tall and proud, like a solitary pine.

Qin watched her departing figure, silently wishing her well. He knew this woman was destined for greatness.

“Young Master Lin…” Qin suddenly spoke, a trace of hesitation in his tone.

Young Master Wang, realizing he could gain nothing, left with his followers in defeat.

Lin Shiya watched their embarrassed retreat, her lips curving in triumph, the cold moonlight lending her a heroic glow.

She brushed her sleeves lightly, as if dusting off not only the dirt but the last remnants of worry in her heart.

With the palace exam imminent, she was fully prepared, brimming with confidence, ready to showcase her talents in the grand hall.

Night deepened; all was silent.

Lin Shiya stood in her courtyard, gazing up at the night sky, stars scattered like jewels, adorning the serene darkness.

She drew a deep breath, savoring the cool wind, her mind awash with thoughts.

Tomorrow was the palace exam—the culmination of years of diligent study, the key step to fulfilling her ambitions.

Her heart was filled with anticipation and the thrill of challenge.

Rumors about Lin Shiya had long spread through the capital’s streets and alleys. People spoke of the brilliant top scorer in the provincial exam, eagerly awaiting her performance in the palace exam.

Some claimed she was the incarnation of the God of Literature, destined for eternal fame; others said she was a woman disguised as a man, bold and reckless, bound to be exposed; still others whispered she was the daughter of a traitor, scheming to disrupt the court.

All manner of gossip, fact and fiction, tangled together, placing Lin Shiya at the center of attention.

She ignored the rumors, focusing solely on her goal: to earn her place on the honor roll, clear her family’s name, and win respect for all women.

She knew the road ahead was fraught with thorns and trials, but she feared nothing.

With her eyes closed, she recalled her parents’ loving faces, their earnest hopes for her, and felt warmth surge within.

She silently vowed never to let them down, to make them proud.

Dawn painted the eastern sky with pale light—another day was about to begin.

Lin Shiya opened her eyes, determination shining in them.

She returned to her room, donned a pristine official robe, and straightened her attire before the mirror.

In the reflection, she appeared spirited and imposing, like a true young man.

Drawing a deep breath, she stepped outside, heading toward the palace.

Qin followed behind, quietly saying, “Young Master Lin, everything has been arranged.”

Lin Shiya nodded slightly, saying nothing, only quickening her pace.

The palace loomed grand and majestic.

Standing before its gates, Lin Shiya looked up at the towering walls, feeling a surge of excitement.

She took a deep breath, lifted her foot…