Chapter 25: The Palace Examination Begins, Astonishing All with Talent

Chapter 25: The Palace Examination Begins, Talent Astounds All

Lin Shiya stepped into the imperial palace, where majestic halls unfolded before her, resplendent in gold and jade, their grandeur almost overwhelming. Sunlight poured down upon the glazed tiles, reflecting a dazzling brilliance that made it impossible to look directly at them.

She drew a deep breath, struggling to calm the tumult of emotions within her, then crossed the high threshold, officially entering the examination hall for the palace test.

Inside, the atmosphere was solemn and tense. Candidates from all corners of the realm were already in their seats, each clad in neat official attire, sitting upright and poised, awaiting the final trial. Now and then, their gazes fell upon Lin Shiya—some curious, some probing, others openly hostile.

Sensing these complicated looks, Lin Shiya understood that this examination was far more challenging and fraught than she had imagined. Without betraying any emotion, she glanced around, taking in every expression, quietly raising her guard.

Outside the examination hall, Master Li and Strategist Zhang stood together in an inconspicuous corner, closely observing the proceedings. Li's brow was slightly furrowed, a touch of displeasure in his eyes as he murmured to Zhang, "So Lin Shiya has come, as expected."

Zhang offered a faint smile. Li nodded, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Lin Shiya, as if trying to see through her entirely. "Let us hope she does not disappoint me."

Far off in the throng, Guard Qin stood silently, watching Lin Shiya's every move. Though surrounded by a noisy crowd, he seemed detached, his focus solely on her. Ever vigilant, he was prepared to respond to any sudden incident.

Lin Shiya took her seat, spread out her rice paper, and picked up her brush. The tension in the room grew heavier, the air nearly suffocating. Again she took a deep breath, willing herself to remain calm.

At that moment, a shrill voice rang out, slicing through the tense silence—

A high-pitched announcement broke the stillness: "His Majesty arrives—" Instantly, the candidates rose in unison, bowing respectfully.

The emperor entered, surrounded by attendants. His regal gaze swept over the assembly before pausing briefly on Lin Shiya, then he seated himself upon the dragon throne.

"You may be seated," the emperor declared, his voice deep and commanding.

Once all were seated, the Minister of Rites pronounced the examination topic: "On the Art of Governing the Realm."

As soon as the topic was announced, a chorus of scratching pens filled the hall. Lin Shiya paused, her mind surging with thoughts: policies for governance, the people as foundation, the nation as priority, ritual as root...

Her slender fingers gripped the brush, its tip gliding across the paper in smooth, flowing strokes. Each character appeared crisp and luminous, brimming with intelligence and insight.

Her essay was not only well-organized and sound in argument, but also infused with her own distinctive perspective—fresh and innovative, invigorating to read.

From time to time, neighboring candidates glanced at her, some with awe, some with envy.

Outside, Strategist Zhang watched Lin Shiya’s remarkable performance, growing anxious. Discreetly, he signaled to several prearranged candidates inside.

Suddenly, a series of deliberate coughs interrupted the quiet, followed by low whispers, clearly intended to disrupt Lin Shiya’s focus.

She frowned slightly, her brush pausing. But she quickly composed herself, taking a steadying breath, banishing all distractions, and once again directing her full attention to the page.

Her gaze was unwavering—nothing could disturb her.

Seeing this, Zhang curled his lips in a cold smile. "Did they really think such petty tricks could distract her? We have underestimated her..."

Master Li remained silent, his expression grave, eyes locked on Lin Shiya.

Meanwhile, Guard Qin edged unobtrusively closer, scanning the crowd with sharp eyes, muttering, "It seems someone does not want her to complete this exam unimpeded..."

Yet Lin Shiya ignored the orchestrated commotion, as steady as a mountain, her brush dancing across the paper with unshakable confidence. Every stroke radiated power, each line glimmered with wisdom. In her heart, she possessed vast landscapes, and on paper, she painted a grand vision for governing the land.

The clamor gradually subsided. All eyes inexorably fell upon Lin Shiya, drawn in by her effortless literary grace.

Her essay flowed like a river, seamless and vibrant, leaving all present in awe. Her theories not only reflected a profound summation of past dynasties’ experiences but also offered sharp insights into the present, every word resounding with clarity and strength.

The examiners, who had initially regarded her with skepticism, now found themselves nodding in appreciation, their eyes lighting up as if discovering a rare and unpolished gem.

Those who had tried to disrupt her were now ashen-faced. Watching her poised and unruffled, they were filled with regret and frustration. They’d thought it would be easy to make her stumble, never expecting her abilities to far exceed their imagination—they could only watch helplessly as her brilliance outshone them all.

Outside, Guard Qin remained at his post, his gaze fixed on Lin Shiya. Seeing her write with unwavering concentration, a barely perceptible smile curved his lips. He firmly believed Lin Shiya would distinguish herself in this palace examination through her own talent.

From time to time, Lin Shiya looked up. Through the lattice window, her eyes seemed to meet Qin's across the crowd. She felt the unwavering, warm trust in his gaze, and a surge of strength rose within her. A faint, confident smile touched her lips, and her brush moved with renewed vigor.

At that moment, everyone in the hall was immersed in Lin Shiya’s literary brilliance—except for Strategist Zhang, whose expression grew darker, cold sweat dotting his brow. He had not anticipated Lin Shiya would be so formidable. "Master Li, this woman will not be easily dealt with..." he murmured.

Li did not reply, his brows tightly knit, his gaze stormy as he watched Lin Shiya, lost in thought.

Time slipped by. Most candidates were still busy writing, but Lin Shiya had already set down her brush. Carefully, she placed her finished pages aside, raised her head, and a mysterious smile played at her lips.

She whispered to herself, "This is only the beginning..."

The instant Lin Shiya laid down her brush, the faint rustle of pens seemed to vanish from the hall, leaving the air heavy with silence.

She gently set her ink-stained paper aside, her movements calm yet, in the hearts of those watching, it was as though a boulder had crashed into a still lake. Rising slowly, her long robe trailing behind her, she cut a graceful arc through the silent hall. Her eyes, clear as water, swept across the assembled candidates, lips curved in a subtle smile—a smile tinged with disdain, composure, and an unshakeable confidence.

Her steps were steady and unhurried as she walked toward the examiners’ table, each stride striking a chord in the hearts of those present, sending ripples through the room.

The other candidates, still buried in their writing, stopped in shock to watch her. They could not fathom how anyone could finish so swiftly, yet appear so self-assured. After all, the palace examination was notoriously difficult—few could complete it even after racking their brains, yet she seemed to have done so with effortless grace.

Lin Shiya’s actions were like a stone cast into calm waters, stirring a thousand waves. Everywhere she went, eyes followed, whispers of astonishment trailing in her wake.

She ignored the curiosity and shock around her, her expression serene, as if she had accomplished no more than a trifling task.

Reaching the examiners, she bowed slightly and presented her paper. Her movements were fluid and calm, embodying the poise of a sovereign accepting the homage of her subjects.

The examiners, initially scrutinizing her with suspicion, were instantly startled by the sight of her writing. They skimmed quickly at first, brows drawing together and then relaxing, expressions shifting as they were drawn in by the depth and originality of her work.

What they had expected to be an ordinary essay proved instead to be a masterwork, each line imbued with profound thought and unique insight. Soon, they were wholly absorbed, lost in the grand vision Lin Shiya had painted for the governance of the realm.

Lin Shiya stood quietly to one side, patient and composed as a pine in winter. Out of the corner of her eye she caught the astonished, resentful, even envious looks from others. A cold smile flickered in her heart—what could their opinions matter to her?

Today, she would not only display her talent; she would make them understand she was no ordinary fish in a pond. Her ambition was for all the people and lands under heaven.

Drawing a deep breath, she looked out the window. The sky was gray and oppressive, mirroring her mood, yet nothing could quench the fierce flame that burned within her.

The examiners continued poring over her paper, sometimes whispering, sometimes nodding in approval, their expressions intent.

Lin Shiya could not decipher their thoughts, nor could she know how they would judge her work. She understood, though, that this was only the beginning. Greater challenges awaited, more formidable foes to face.

How would she complete the remainder of the examination? How would she face the lurking dangers?

As she pondered these questions, one of the examiners slowly raised his head, his gaze complex as he looked at her and pronounced, "Candidate Lin..."