Chapter 15: Braving Wind and Rain, Finally Reaching the Capital

Chapter 15: Braving the Storm, Finally Arriving in the Capital

Raindrops the size of beans pelted down, drumming upon them with such force that, in an instant, the world was shrouded in a curtain of water. Gale winds, riding the torrent, lashed mercilessly at every face; clothes were drenched in moments, clinging heavily to their bodies, as though weighed down by a thousand pounds.

The road had become a mire, each step sinking deep into the muck, making progress arduously slow.

“What wretched weather! How did it start pouring so suddenly?” Zhao Er wiped the rain from his face, unable to stifle his complaints. His thin garments offered little warmth, and he shivered uncontrollably, his resentment towards Lin Shiya deepening further.

“If I’d known, I’d never have listened to her. Now look at us—all soaked to the bone!” another candidate echoed, his tone saturated with regret.

Scholar Zheng clung desperately to his book chest, his face pale, lips trembling. “What… what do we do? My books… they’re all wet…”

Wu, the carriage driver, was ashen with fright. Clutching the reins, his voice quivered, “This road… it’s too treacherous… I—I don’t think I can go on…”

Qian San frowned deeply. Escorting the merchant caravan, he said in a grave voice, “Everyone, be careful! The rain is too heavy and the road is slick—don’t slip!”

Lin Shiya pressed her bamboo hat lower to shield herself from the wind and rain, her gaze resolute and her steps unwavering—a pillar of calm in the storm.

She drew a deep breath and raised her voice, “Don’t panic! Hold on a little longer—there’s an abandoned temple up ahead where we can take shelter!”

Hope flickered in everyone’s eyes at her words. Gritting their teeth, they pressed on, following Lin Shiya’s steadfast lead through the storm.

Amid the wind and rain, Ma Da’s sinister eyes remained fixed on the group. He licked his lips, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Heaven favors me tonight. Seems I’ll be having an extra meal…” He signaled for his men to follow quietly.

Lin Shiya sensed a strange presence behind them. She spun around, but all she saw were shadows swirling in the rain.

The storm howled like a wild beast, raging across the land.

Lin Shiya called out, “Don’t be afraid! As long as we stand together, we can overcome this!” Her voice was firm and powerful, a current of warmth stirring in every heart.

Qian San quickly joined in, rallying his group and casting Lin Shiya a look of approval. “Master Lin, you are both brave and wise. Let’s keep going!”

Inspired by their courage, Wu the driver’s fear began to ebb away. He tightened his grip on the reins anew. “Right! If we can just make it through this stretch, we’ll be there!” Zhao Er, though still harboring some grievances, was swept up by the encouraging mood and quickened his pace without further complaint.

Scholar Zheng hugged his book chest tightly, relief washing over his features.

He looked up at Lin Shiya, eyes shining with gratitude. “Master Lin… it’s thanks to you that we’ve made it safely!”

In the face of adversity, unity blossomed among the group, infusing them with renewed strength.

Just then, a fierce gust of wind tore through, uprooting a massive tree that came crashing toward them.

Everyone cried out in alarm; for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Lin Shiya reacted instantly, shouting, “Quick, move!” She darted forward, pushing Scholar Zheng out of harm’s way, then rolled aside herself.

Qian San acted swiftly, grabbing Zhao Er, while Wu whipped the carriage aside, narrowly avoiding the falling trunk.

Shaken but unharmed, the group realized they had escaped disaster by a hair’s breadth.

Zhao Er, breathless and shaken, looked at Lin Shiya with newfound awe. “Master Lin, you… you’re incredible!”

Lin Shiya got to her feet, brushing mud from her clothes, a faint smile on her lips. “As long as everyone’s safe, let’s move on.” Her words, soft but resolute, sliced through lingering fear like a blade.

Just then, Lin Shiya’s eyes swept the dense forest ahead. She paused, brow furrowing. “Wait a moment—I think I’ve found somewhere we can take shelter.” Pushing aside the thick undergrowth, she revealed a hidden cave, its entrance draped with vines and brush, nearly invisible to the casual eye.

“Everyone, inside!” Lin Shiya ushered them into the cave.

Though crude, the cavern provided refuge from the wind and rain. One by one, they entered, shaking water from their clothes and sighing in relief.

“Master Lin, you’re amazing! If not for you, we’d have spent the night exposed to the elements,” Zhao Er exclaimed, his earlier envy long forgotten.

“Yes, Master Lin is truly resourceful,” Scholar Zheng echoed.

Lin Shiya smiled modestly, “It was just luck. No need for thanks.”

Qian San nodded in admiration. “Your keen observation and judgment are truly impressive. You’re destined for great things.”

A fire crackled to life in the cave, its warm glow illuminating their faces and banishing the chill the storm had brought.

Gathered around the flames, they shared what food they had, and camaraderie filled the close space.

As the rain faded and a pale light appeared at the horizon, a new day dawned.

They packed their belongings, ready to set forth once more.

“To the capital—here we come!” Lin Shiya gazed into the distance, her eyes shining with determination.

After days of arduous travel, they finally arrived at the capital.

Towering walls, majestic palaces, and rows upon rows of houses—all proclaimed the city’s grandeur and splendor.

“We made it!” Cheers erupted, exhaustion swept away by the joy of victory.

Lin Shiya gently stroked the bundle in her arms, which held the examination supplies and all the savings she had so painstakingly prepared.

Her goal was now within reach.

“Master Lin…” Scholar Zheng approached, hesitant at first.

Mustering his courage, he said earnestly, “Master Lin, it’s all thanks to you that we arrived safely. We could not have done it without your help. We will never forget this debt of gratitude.” He bowed deeply, and the other candidates followed, faces filled with sincere appreciation.

“That’s right, Master Lin. You’re not only clever and decisive, but also so generous. You are truly our role model!” Zhao Er, too, had shed his former coldness.

“Master Lin, I wish you success in the examination—may your name shine on the golden list and your future be boundless!” Qian San stepped forward, clapping Lin Shiya on the shoulder.

Gazing at these companions who had weathered the storm together, Lin Shiya felt a wave of warmth in her heart.

She smiled gently, “There’s no need to thank me. It was fate that brought us together. I hope we all perform our best in the exam and live up to this journey.”

The trials of the storm had forged a stronger bond among these young scholars. They were no longer mere rivals, but comrades who had survived life and death together.

The air was thick with warmth and encouragement, washing away the fatigue of their long journey.

Lin Shiya raised her head, her gaze passing over the crowd to the imposing site of the capital’s grand examination.

Red walls and glazed tiles stood solemn and majestic, like a dormant beast exuding silent authority.

Her heart pounded wildly, a blend of tension and excitement twisting inside her, as though an invisible hand gripped her chest.

Taking a deep breath, she struggled to steady her emotions.

The examination was her crucial step toward entering court and realizing her ambitions.

She did not know what trials awaited her in the days ahead, nor what hidden intrigues might surface during the examination.

She would have to be vigilant and ready for anything.

Bathed in sunlight, the gates to the capital’s examination shone with particular gravity—both the stage of her dreams and a battlefield filled with unknowns and challenges. She warned herself inwardly to never let down her guard.

“Master Lin, you—” Suddenly, Scholar Zheng turned pale, pointing ahead with a trembling finger, as if he had seen something beyond belief.