Chapter 27: Triumph at the Palace Examination, Embarking on a New Path

Golden sunlight filtered through the carved lattice windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

After the imperial examination in the palace, Lin Shiya stood alone outside the examination hall, her heart suspended in midair, fluttering with anxiety. Every moment waiting for the results felt like an endless torment, each second stretched thin with anticipation.

Instinctively, she clenched her sleeves, a fine layer of sweat forming in her palm. All around her, other candidates were just as tense—some pacing anxiously, others with heads bowed in silent thought, a few whispering nervously in small groups. The air was thick with a stifling tension, as if it were the calm before a gathering storm.

In the distance, Lord Li approached, surrounded by a retinue of officials. His face bore a barely perceptible, chilling smile as he walked straight toward the examiners responsible for grading the papers. Lin Shiya’s heart sank, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She recalled how, before the exam, Lord Li had hinted that if she would submit to his influence, he could guarantee her the top spot. But she had refused. She remembered clearly his words and the implication she would never escape his shadow.

“My lords,” Lord Li said, bowing with the authority of one not to be questioned, “this palace examination is of utmost importance. We must not be careless. Some candidates, though brilliant, may lack proper character. We must choose wisely, for the sake of the court and the empire.” He paused, his gaze drifting meaningfully to Lin Shiya, a sly smile curling his lips. “Otherwise, should we choose wrongly, the consequences would be dire indeed.”

The examiners exchanged uneasy glances, their faces darkened. They understood Lord Li’s meaning—he was signaling them to tamper with Lin Shiya’s results. Though they admired her talent, Lord Li’s influence was overwhelming, and none dared oppose him lightly. In that moment, the tension in the hall grew heavier, as if an invisible net had settled upon them all.

“What Lord Li says is right,” an elderly examiner replied, forcing himself to speak, “We will deliberate carefully and judge impartially.”

Lord Li nodded with satisfaction, preparing to depart. Yet he stopped suddenly, turning back to Lin Shiya with a look full of hidden meaning. “Candidate Lin, I hope you understand—some opportunities, once missed, never return.”

Meeting his oppressive gaze, Lin Shiya looked back unflinchingly. “I understand,” she replied, her voice unwavering.

Lord Li studied her for a long moment, then swept his sleeve and left.

Lin Shiya remained rooted, emotions churning within her. She knew this was Lord Li’s final attempt to pressure her, but she would not yield. She believed that justice would ultimately triumph, and the truth would be revealed.

Quietly, Guard Qin appeared at her side, murmuring, “Miss, be careful of Lord Li.”

Lin Shiya nodded gently. “I know,” she replied softly.

Just then, an examiner hurriedly emerged, holding the golden announcement scroll. In a loud, clear voice, he began, “By the mandate of heaven, His Majesty decrees…” His words faltered as his eyes met Lin Shiya’s, his expression complex. “Lin…”

Sunlight glinted off the golden scroll in his hands, dazzling all present as if heralding the glory about to be unveiled.

“By the mandate of heaven, His Majesty decrees…the new top scholar—Lin Shiya!”

Silence. A silence as profound as death.

Then, a thunderous cheer erupted!

Some rubbed their eyes in disbelief, some leapt with joy, while others collapsed to the ground in defeat.

Lord Li’s smile froze, his dark gaze fixed on Lin Shiya with murderous intensity. The officials behind him looked at one another, their faces ashen. None of them had expected Lin Shiya to actually win first place.

A rush of heat surged through Lin Shiya, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. She drew a deep breath, struggling to calm her elation.

She had done it! She had finally done it!

She had cleared her name, and washed away the injustice that had tainted her family.

“Top Scholar Lin, congratulations!” an elderly examiner exclaimed, approaching her with a beaming smile and a bow.

“Thank you, sir!” Lin Shiya returned the gesture, her face radiant with joy.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Citizens ran through the streets announcing it, gathering in celebration. Lin Shiya’s name became legendary overnight.

As a woman, she had claimed the highest honor in the examinations, shattering centuries of tradition and becoming an icon for countless people.

Lord Li’s face was thunderous as he returned home, hurling his teacup to the ground in fury. “Damn it! Lin Shiya, how dare you ruin my plans!”

“Please, master, calm yourself,” his steward advised cautiously. “Now that Lin Shiya is top scholar and favored by His Majesty, it would be unwise to act rashly.”

Lord Li snorted coldly. “A gentleman’s revenge is never too late. Lin Shiya, just you wait!”

In the center of the crowd, Lin Shiya basked in the cheers and admiration. She knew this was only the beginning; a greater mission awaited her.

“Miss…” a familiar voice called behind her. Guard Qin emerged from the throng, coming swiftly to her side, concern in his eyes. “Congratulations, miss, you did it!”

Lin Shiya turned to see his steady, familiar face, a wave of warmth rising in her heart. She nodded gently, a subtle smile on her lips. “It’s thanks to your protection. Without you, I might not have made it this far.”

Guard Qin smiled, a trace of hidden tenderness in his eyes. “Miss, did you know? Young Master Murong is also delighted by your achievement. He said you are the most gifted, and you truly deserve this honor.”

Lin Shiya’s heart skipped a beat, a blush coloring her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, her heart thundering, an unfamiliar feeling stirring within her. Did Murong Fu really think so highly of her?

She raised her head, took a deep breath, and steadied herself. The crowds around her continued to cheer as she stood in their midst, filled with pride and confidence.

She remembered the hardships she had endured—disguising herself as a man to take the exams, overcoming countless challenges at every turn. Through it all, she had never given up; every step was resolute and strong.

Now, she had achieved dazzling success, vindicating herself and restoring her family’s honor.

“Miss,” Guard Qin’s voice sounded again, drawing her from her reverie. “The road ahead is still long, but we believe you can keep going.”

Lin Shiya nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “Yes, this is just the beginning. My mission is far from over.”

Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in the crowd, making Lin Shiya’s heart race. She knew a new journey was about to begin—one filled with uncertainty and challenge.

On the golden announcement, the name “Lin Shiya” shone brilliantly, dazzling countless eyes with its radiance. The world seemed to buzz in her ears, as if she stood in a dream—she had truly become the top scholar.

A surge of indescribable joy and excitement overwhelmed her, bringing tears to her eyes.

The cheers of the crowd washed over her like a tide, surrounding her on all sides. She was enveloped by people, with flowers and praise raining down upon her.

It was as if she stood at the center of a glorious stage, bathed in light, the focus of all admiration and respect.

In this moment, all her hardships and sacrifices were repaid; every effort transformed into the sweet joy of success.

“Congratulations, Top Scholar Lin!” Voices of congratulation rose and fell around her, as faces—both familiar and strange—flashed before her eyes.

Lin Shiya responded to each one, her expression always modest yet confident.

In the crowd, she saw Guard Qin standing at a distance, watching her quietly. She smiled at him, her gratitude clear in her eyes. Without his covert protection, she could never have achieved so much.

As night fell and the revelry faded, Lin Shiya returned to her lodgings, at last able to set aside her disguise and be her true self.

She changed into women’s attire and stood before the mirror, gazing at the clear features and determined eyes of the woman reflected there, overcome with emotion.

She remembered all her struggles—the injustice her family had suffered, the doubts and ridicule she had endured.

Now, she had proven herself with her own abilities, earning glory through perseverance.

But she knew this was only the beginning. Winning top honors was merely her first step.

She would use this status to draw nearer to the truth, clear her family’s name, and bring the treacherous ministers who had wronged the loyal to justice.

“Miss,” Guard Qin’s voice came from behind her, “everything is ready.”

Lin Shiya turned, her eyes shining with resolve. “Good. Let’s go!”

To her, the capital was no longer just a bustling city, but a vast chessboard. The game that would decide her fate was about to begin.

“Wait,” Lin Shiya suddenly stopped, turning to Guard Qin. “There’s one more thing…”