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Reminded by Qi Xiaomian, Huayang found herself in a dilemma. She wasn't sure if Tang Tian had received a private order from the emperor, but deep down, she disliked such underhanded tactics.
As the battle unfolded, many participants were hiding their true abilities. Unable to question Huayang, they decided to take down the opponent. Qi Xiaomian suggested they observe the situation, and everyone sat back down.
Amidst the commotion in the stands, Qi Xiaopeng and Tang Tian exchanged blows for three or four rounds. Tang Tian fought with ease, while Qi Xiaopeng struggled to keep up. Each strike from his opponent landed heavily, causing him to tremble uncontrollably as pain accumulated in his body. Yet, Qi Xiaopeng was increasingly reluctant to retreat.
He sensed that his opponent was deliberately toying with him, using their match to showcase his own strength.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, Qi Xiaomian wanted to intervene, but Huo Qi stopped him. This kid had always been lazy and aimless; it was rare to see such a spirited side of him. The more pain he endured now, the more profound the memory would be. Perhaps this misfortune could turn into a blessing; they should wait a little longer.
After several full-force attacks drained Qi Xiaopeng's stamina, he could no longer defend himself and was knocked down repeatedly. One punch knocked out a tooth, an elbow broke a rib, and a kick shattered his ankle, yet Qi Xiaopeng still refused to concede.
Huo Qi held back Qi Xiaomian from intervening, murmuring anxiously that he wouldn't die; this might be an opportunity for him. If he could push through this challenge, perhaps his future would be brighter.
After a few more strikes from Tang Tian, Qi Xiaopeng lay motionless on the ground. Tang Tian looked at him, noticing his weak breath and feeling bored. Remembering the rules of the Martial Arts Examination that prohibited killing, he delivered one last kick that sent Qi Xiaopeng rolling to the edge of the arena before turning to signal the Judge for a decision.
The Judge took a breath and was about to speak when Qi Xiaopeng suddenly moved. Gathering his strength for one final attack, he lunged at Tang Tian, wrapping his arms around his waist and trying to knock him off the stage.
Tang Tian reacted quickly, striking Qi Xiaopeng's back with force. Blood spewed from Qi Xiaopeng's mouth, but he didn't let go. With sheer brute strength in this last effort, he managed to push Tang Tian off the stage. Unfortunately, Tang Tian turned mid-fall and landed on top of Qi Xiaopeng instead; thus, Qi Xiaopeng still lost.
The rules stated that killing was not allowed in the arena but did not prohibit actions after leaving it. Although Tang Tian emerged victorious, he was dissatisfied with his opponent's desperate struggle. A glint of malice appeared in his eyes as he raised his hand to strike down on Qi Xiaopeng's head.
Just as he was about to succeed, he was stopped by people planted by Qi Xiaomian—Chi Chen'an and Liang Family Child rushed in and pulled Qi Xiaopeng away from Tang Tian before gently taking him to the physician stationed nearby.
Huo Qi and Qi Xiaomian hurried over. "Little son," Huo Qi said anxiously. "Although Tang Tian helped your brother overcome a significant hurdle in life, he's truly malicious and cannot be left alive."
"Don't worry; he won't escape Jingjing City."
Huo Qi arrived just as the physician began treatment. Watching them fumble with their techniques made him impatient; he pushed them aside and picked up the injured boy himself before heading outside the examination grounds where Qi Xiaomian's carriage awaited. Old Vine had been summoned by Sang Qingxiao and stood ready inside.
"Oh dear," Huo Qi lamented. "If I intervene like this, it will take at least a month for him to get out of bed again. He definitely won't be able to participate in any further matches."
In this individual battle of the Martial Arts Examination, points were ranked based on wins and losses per round. Before this match, Qi Xiaopeng had not lost yet; even though he lost this round, he could still continue participating in subsequent matches. However, now severely injured, it would be impossible for him to continue, significantly affecting his ranking.
Huo Qi asked Old Vine if his hand was injured.
Old Vine examined it briefly and replied that it was dislocated but would heal with time.
"Will he be able to write tomorrow?"
"What? Do you want him to participate in tomorrow's military Strategy Discussion?"
If you don't participate, you'll definitely end up with no ranking at all. Think of a way; as long as he can move his hands and think with his brain, just hold on for one more day, even if we have to carry him.
What if he can't? With that nonsensical essay of his, he might even drag down the current rankings.
Well, that's not likely.
Ha!
Today, Huo Qi saw Qi Xiaopeng working hard and felt a pang of unwillingness for him. After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "It's just writing an essay. Don't worry; you still have me."
Old Vine watched him warily. "Don't get any ideas."
This is a piece of cake for you. Why not sneak a look at the exam papers?
That's a serious crime; I wouldn't do that!
If you make a move, you won't get caught. So why worry about being executed? The questions are only a few words long. Just memorize them and slip out quietly; no one will know.
Once we have the questions, everything will be easy. I'll come up with the answers for him to memorize and then have him write them down during the exam. He'll definitely secure a ranking.
Is this how you act as an elder? Leading by example?
Do you think all Imperial Examinations are clean? This year's exam might have quite a few shady characters involved. If others can do it, why can't my child? Besides, I just want to help him reclaim what he should rightfully earn—a ranking that’s enough, nothing greedy.
After much persuasion, Huo Qi finally convinced Old Vine.
Just as they were preparing to sneak out for the exam questions at night, they noticed outside that the time for the next session hadn't arrived yet, but chaos had erupted again—another lockdown in the city.
A Censor passing by the Small Tavern informed Huo Qi of some news: the exam had been postponed because someone had died in the Wen Ju examination hall.
Who died? Huo Qi asked.
The Censor replied that it was a student from the Dayu Dynasty named Pan Wei. Huayang heard this name and exclaimed that it was her hidden identity Prince.
No wonder there was a lockdown. Huo Qi felt uneasy. Where's my son? Where's Xiaoxiao? Why haven't they returned?
Huayang needed to confirm on-site; the Marquis and the young lady had followed along.
The news of someone dying in the Wen Ju examination hall first reached Li Cu.
Qi Xiaomian was stationed at the Martial Arts Examination hall but was worried about Wen Ju, so she entrusted Li Cu to observe discreetly.
Li Cu saw someone suddenly spitting blood in the examination hall. After the stationed physician checked, it was immediately determined that the person was dead. She relayed this news to Qi Xiaomian with near-instant speed.
Without hesitation, Qi Xiaomian suspended all Imperial Examination competitions and detained people from both examination halls, preventing them from moving freely while messages were sent to both the palace and the Left Minister's Residence.
Outside the examination hall, they ran into Shi Yun, who was hurrying by.
Could it really be Prince Dayu?
The news was too shocking, and Shi Yun couldn't help but confirm it with Huayang once more.
The prince was playful and insisted on hiding his identity. I also hoped the news wasn't true, but I needed to see it with my own eyes. Chancellor, please wait a moment.
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