Chapter 30: Triumph in the Metropolitan Examination, Sword Pointed at the Palace Examination

Chapter 30: Triumph at the Metropolitan Examination, Sword Drawn for the Palace Test

She took a deep breath and slowly raised her eyes, letting her gaze linger on the list. From top to bottom, she scanned each line meticulously. The whispers around her buzzed like flies, the air thick with tension and anticipation, as if a taut string might snap at any moment.

Lin Shiya’s heartbeat quickened, pounding against her chest, threatening to break free from its cage.

Lord Li stood behind the crowd, outwardly calm, but inwardly a storm raged. His dark gaze bore into Lin Shiya’s every move, and the faintest trace of a cold smile curled at his lips.

He had arranged everything; once the results were announced, he meant to quietly alter the outcome, erase Lin Shiya’s name, and replace it with that of his favored Young Lord Wang.

He surreptitiously signaled to his subordinate, who understood at once and moved silently toward the official responsible for posting the list.

The official’s eyes flickered nervously, darting about, his furtive demeanor betraying the clandestine deed he was about to commit.

Lin Shiya’s gaze paused at the middle of the list. Her breath caught, her pupils dilated.

There, in bold script, was “Lin Shiya,” beside the prominent words “Metropolitan Champion.”

An immense joy surged from her heart, spreading through her body in an instant, nearly bringing tears to her eyes.

She clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms until she almost drew blood.

Meanwhile, Lord Li’s subordinate had reached the official, whispering a few words in his ear.

The official’s face changed abruptly, a flicker of fear in his eyes, but he quickly regained composure and nodded without a trace of emotion.

He drew a small slip of paper from his sleeve, carefully unfolded it, and the words “Young Lord Wang” stood out clearly.

He looked up, scanning the crowd, and slowly raised the slip, about to affix it to the list—

Suddenly, a hand shot out from the crowd, gripping his wrist firmly.

“Wait!” A clear, cold voice rang out, sharp as the crack of ice in winter, slicing through the tense air.

The crowd fell silent instantly, every gaze fixed on the hand that had appeared.

It was a slender, resolute hand, with a silver bracelet gleaming in the sunlight.

Lin Shiya stepped forward from the crowd, standing before the official.

Her eyes were sharp as an eagle’s, unwavering as she stared him down.

“May I ask, sir, is the ‘Young Lord Wang’ written on this slip truly the rightful winner?” Though her voice was not loud, it carried an undeniable authority.

The official was daunted by Lin Shiya’s presence, momentarily at a loss. He wavered, seeking help from Lord Li.

Lord Li’s face darkened. He stepped forward quickly, attempting to smooth things over. “Young Master Lin, this is but the final confirmation. Please, remain calm.”

“Remain calm?” Lin Shiya sneered, her gaze piercing Lord Li’s heart like a sword. “If there were true fairness, why would there be last-minute alterations?”

Her words prompted murmurs among the crowd.

The examiners came forward, their eyes filled with vigilance and anger.

The lead examiner declared, “Young Master Lin speaks rightly. The results of the metropolitan examination are set; no one may alter them at will. Anyone who dares tamper with the list today is desecrating the imperial examination!”

Lord Li’s expression changed dramatically; his plan had utterly failed.

He clenched his fists, his lips twisting, fury threatening to burst forth.

The people around began pointing and whispering, his embarrassment laid bare.

The examiners quickly confiscated the slip bearing “Young Lord Wang,” and re-examined the list.

At last, Lin Shiya’s name remained proudly beside the words “Metropolitan Champion.”

The examiner announced, “Lin Shiya, Metropolitan Champion, has passed the examination and advances to the Palace Test!”

Lin Shiya swept her gaze over the crowd, her lips curved into a victorious smile.

Those who had sought to suppress her could only lower their heads, unable to meet her eyes.

Her triumph shone through the hall like the dawn, illuminating everything.

Young Lord Wang heard the announcement, his face dark with rage, stomping his feet uncontrollably.

Lin Shiya ignored him, walking forward with unwavering resolve, as if all opposition and difficulty had melted away.

Young Lord Wang stared at the list with Lin Shiya’s name—a dagger stabbing his heart.

His already shadowed face twisted further, like a cloth crumpled and wrung.

He clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked, stomping so hard it seemed he might shatter the flagstones beneath him.

But it was no more than a futile roar, the struggles of a trapped beast, meaningless.

Lin Shiya paid no heed.

She stood at the center of the crowd, surrounded by waves of cheers and praise, like a grand celebration, and she was its brightest star.

She held her head high, a confident smile on her lips, her gaze sharp and resolute, like a sword drawn from its sheath, radiating invincible brilliance.

Those who had once mocked or envied her now wilted like frostbitten eggplants, heads bowed, lacking even the courage to look at her.

Just then, a figure approached her silently.

Clad in humble gray linen, he could not hide his upright posture and piercing gaze.

He was Qin the Guard, assigned by Murong Fu to protect her.

He looked at Lin Shiya, a barely perceptible smile flickering in his eyes, his voice deep and steady: “Young Master Lin, congratulations.”

Lin Shiya turned and saw Qin the Guard, warmth flooding her heart.

She looked at him gratefully, a hint of tenderness in her gaze.

Though this man was taciturn, he always appeared when she needed him most, giving her unwavering support and protection.

She smiled softly, her smile as warm as the spring breeze, enough to melt the coldest ice. “Thank you, Qin the Guard.”

They shared a smile, one that transcended words, conveying a special emotion in silence, adding a touch of serenity and warmth to the bustling exam hall.

Yet this gentle atmosphere was abruptly shattered by a sharp voice…

Drums thundered, firecrackers exploded; the entire capital was steeped in celebration.

Lin Shiya’s name spread through every street and alley. People rushed to share the news, praising the brilliance of the new Metropolitan Champion.

Flowers and accolades surged toward Lin Shiya like a tide. Standing at the heart of the crowd, she basked in hard-won glory, pride and joy filling her heart.

Golden sunlight bathed her, as though cloaking her in radiance.

She held her head high, her gaze resolute and bright, like the brightest star in the night sky.

She knew this was only the beginning; a long road lay ahead, with more trials and challenges to face.

But she was fearless, for a burning flame blazed in her heart—a thirst for justice and truth, an unwavering resolve for her family’s vindication, and a determination to change the fate of women.

She strode forward, each step full of strength and confidence, onto the path toward the Palace Test.

The grand palaces of the capital came into focus, scarlet walls and golden glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight, symbols of supreme power and glory.

Lin Shiya took a deep breath, feeling the solemnity and awe saturating the air.

She knew that within the imperial court, greater unknowns awaited.

It was the heart of power and the whirlpool of intrigue.

What she would face was not only a test of knowledge, but a contest of human nature.

She lifted her gaze to the towering palace, anticipation and challenge shining in her eyes.

She seemed to see the majestic figure of the Emperor upon the throne, hear the fierce debates of the courtiers, feel the tense and exhilarating atmosphere.

A surge of heroic ambition filled her heart, like a sword about to be drawn, its edge gleaming.

“The Palace Test…” she whispered, her voice tinged with resolve and determination. “I am coming.”

Qin the Guard stood silently behind her, watching her unwavering silhouette.

Suddenly, a shrill voice broke the brief tranquility: “Lin Shiya, don’t be too quick to celebrate!”