Chapter 6: The Trap of the Entrance Exam (Part 1)

In the human realm, within the Eastern Palace where the Crown Prince resided.

The Crown Prince of Yan Kingdom stood quietly in a small pavilion in the courtyard, gazing at the birdcage placed on the stone table. Inside, a canary fluttered and chirped incessantly, its frantic cries unsettling the young attendants nearby. They dared not provoke His Highness with such a restless creature, fearing that even a slight misstep might bring their own ruin alongside his displeasure.

Yet the Crown Prince merely watched in silence, observing the golden bird as it repeatedly struck against its cage, a new plaything recently delivered to him.

“Brother, why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be at the examination hall?” The Second Prince, dressed in resplendent robes—a deep purple over a rich navy—strutted like a peacock displaying its feathers, oblivious to the headache he caused those around him.

Examinations? The Crown Prince nearly forgot; today was the day for the new cohort’s imperial exams. He mused inwardly before speaking, “Examiners are enough to oversee the candidates. What need have I to stir up trouble?”

The Second Prince’s face flushed with urgency as he fanned himself vigorously. “Brother, how can you be so calm! This is a prime chance to recruit talent! The Third and Fourth Princes have both gone to join the excitement!”

The Crown Prince slowly took a seat and picked up a fallen feather from the table, using it to tease the canary in the cage. “What’s the rush? Have you handled what I tasked you with? The cherished prize of Prince Shen must also take the exam. We must entertain him properly.”

The Second Prince’s eyes gleamed with a sudden calculation, calming himself as he guessed his elder brother had a plan. He smiled slyly, “Rest assured, Brother. Everything is arranged.”

The Crown Prince nodded and gently opened the tiny door of the cage. The canary, sensing freedom, tried to flee, but the Crown Prince caught it swiftly. “Good. As long as we take good care of Prince Shen’s treasure, nothing will go wrong.”

A sudden, quiet laughter escaped the Crown Prince’s lips as he tightened his grip. The canary, struggling at first, soon fell still, its breath gone. The Crown Prince frowned, as if touched by something foul. Hastily, he tossed the lifeless bird aside and took out a cloth, rubbing his hand with increasing force until it glowed red. He threw the cloth away carelessly, and a nearby attendant promptly handed him a fresh one.

The Second Prince watched with alarm but said nothing.

The Crown Prince’s eyes darkened as he thought: just a royal-bred canary, yet foolish enough to dream of soaring on high branches. After all the years of struggle to reach this position, why should that one—who should have long been dead—rise effortlessly to prominence without lifting a finger?

This time, he vowed, he would teach him a lesson.

At Prince Shen’s mansion.

Shen Xunqing was still giving instructions. “Have you packed everything for the exams? Remember what I told you—focus on the exam. No matter what happens, do not get involved in anything else.”

Yan Yunqing gazed at Shen Xunqing with an infatuated look, suddenly stepping forward to give him a tight hug. “Alright, just hold me once and I promise to listen.” His clear eyes reflected only Shen Xunqing. He waved goodbye and turned to leave.

Shen Xunqing smiled wryly at this incomplete person before him, returning the wave. Clad in official robes, he then boarded the sedan chair bound for the exam location.

Yan Yunqing wore a white robe today, making his skin appear as pale as snow, his handsome features even more sculpted. If he were fully recovered and ceased his foolish smiles, the otherworldly aura he exuded would be overwhelming—enough to make one steal glances yet hesitate to approach.

Because it was a coldness too chilling to bear.

The imperial examination site in Yan Kingdom was sealed off, forbidden to all but examinees and officials. Each candidate sat in a separate room, with invigilators patrolling irregularly and guards stationed outside. Candidates were generally not allowed to leave before the exam concluded.

The exams lasted three days, so candidates had to bring enough provisions or silver notes to stave off hunger during the ordeal.

The exam site was not far. The sedan chair arrived swiftly, where a silent black servant helped Shen Xunqing down, whispering, “Master, everything is in place.”

Shen Xunqing nodded expressionlessly. Then, lowering his head to hide his emotions, a strange smile curved his lips. He had been too busy to collect debts, yet the prey had come to him willingly. In that case, how could he not return the favor with interest?