The young man on the stage possessed an innate grace, effortlessly routing his opponents in an instant. Though not yet of age, his demeanor was no less impressive than those older than him. If one spoke of having the capital for arrogance, he certainly did. Thus, the difference in skill was immediately apparent.
The young ladies below the stage were already spellbound. Accustomed to the confines of their inner chambers, they rarely had the chance to witness such a spectacle, save for the annual Verification that offered a feast for the eyes. Yet even the past years' events paled in comparison to the brilliance Xie Jingxing displayed this year. Young women naturally admired heroes, and with Xie Jingxing's striking looks and extraordinary bearing, he effortlessly captured another wave of hearts.
Among the young men, some were envious, but most were awestruck. Su Mingfeng, watching from a distant pavilion, shook his head with a smile. "So this is the 'something worth celebrating' he mentioned. That boy—still as arrogant as ever." Yet Su Mingfeng also knew that what was revealed today was merely the tip of the iceberg. Xie Jingxing was a man of hidden depths. Was this display perhaps a response to the movements of those above? His expression gradually turned solemn, finding his friend's intentions increasingly inscrutable.
"That young Marquis of the Xie family is truly extraordinary," Feng Anning murmured, her face alight with admiration. "I doubt there's anyone in Fixed Capital—no, in all of Ming Qi—among the younger generation who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him."
Shen Miao shook her head.
Xie Jingxing's true expertise did not lie in these contests. His mastery was in the art of war. In truth, had he not been betrayed by the Ming Qi imperial family in her past life, with the Xie family's military strength and Xie Jingxing's prestige in the army, he could have divided the empire's rule with the imperial house.
Yet... the Xie family's downfall remained somewhat of a mystery. Shen Miao sighed inwardly. In her past life, she had been single-mindedly devoted to aiding Fu Xiuyi and knew little of the Xie family's affairs. Now, she found herself at a loss.
Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu were nearly driven to fury by Xie Jingxing's words. Though his movements appeared effortless, only the two of them knew the severity of their injuries. Yet no one around them showed any sympathy for the Xie brothers, for Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao had resorted to underhanded tactics, ambushing their opponent. On the Verification ground, fairness and integrity were paramount. The brothers' actions not only earned the disdain of the spectators but also the contempt of the officials overseeing the event. After today, whatever reputation they had painstakingly built would vanish like smoke.
"What a well-calculated move," Shen Miao murmured, watching the purple-robed youth standing with arms crossed on the stage.
Today, Xie Jingxing had led the Xie brothers by the nose, provoking them into abandoning their usual restraint and resorting to dishonorable means. By the time they realized their folly, it was already too late.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the distinction between the legitimate and illegitimate sons of Marquis Lin'an Manor had never been clearer.
Xie Jingxing lazily addressed the two, "The outcome is decided. Who else wishes to challenge me?"
Silence filled the arena.Xie Jingxing's methods of dealing with Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao just now were witnessed by all. He practically knocked both of them down with a single spear thrust, and these two were considered outstanding talents. For a moment, no one spoke. Xie Jingxing casually tossed aside the horse spear in his hand and simply said, "Since there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." With a flick of his sleeve, he vanished without a trace, naturally eliciting another round of astonished gasps.
"That fellow's martial skills are no joke," remarked Prince Zhou. "But no matter how skilled he is, he's still a tough nut to crack."
Pei Lang, however, sighed inwardly. The Ming Qi imperial family appeared shrewd, but their judgment of people was shortsighted. This young man was hiding his true depths, and his actions on the stage just now were undoubtedly deliberate. Though it was unclear exactly why, if it wasn't to establish his authority, then it must have some connection to the imperial family.
He glanced briefly at Prince Zhou and Jing Wang. If the imperial family were to cross paths with Xie Jingxing, they would likely find themselves in a sorry state in the future. Because he was a lion. Just like Shen Miao earlier.
Though the verification officer was helpless against Xie Jingxing's abrupt departure, he still announced his First Class ranking as per protocol. The servants of the Xie brothers hurriedly helped their masters away, too embarrassed to even bid farewell, slinking off in their carriage to retreat from the scene.
The subsequent challenges, overshadowed by Xie Jingxing's dazzling performance earlier, seemed dull and uninspiring by comparison, lacking even a fraction of the earlier excitement. As a result, the audience couldn't help but yawn repeatedly.
Shen Yue and Shen Qing occasionally stole glances at Shen Miao. Among the Shen family today, aside from Shen Miao, both Shen Qing and Shen Yue had been overshadowed. Shen Qing, due to her feelings for Fu Xiuyi, had long harbored bitter resentment toward Shen Miao, convinced that Shen Miao had stolen what rightfully belonged to her. As for Shen Yue, she was consumed by the fact that Shen Miao had outshone her, her heart filled with unwillingness.
Shen Miao remained oblivious to their thoughts—or if she was aware, she couldn't be bothered to care. She called Gu Yu to her side and whispered a few instructions. Gu Yu's expression turned solemn, and she quickly slipped away unnoticed.
At the same time, Prince Yu from the men's seating area beckoned, and a guard appeared at his side. After listening respectfully to Prince Yu's orders, the guard vanished from the seating area like a shadow.
In a distant pavilion, Xie Jingxing finally reappeared beside Su Mingfeng.
Su Mingfeng clapped his hands a few times and gave him a sidelong glance. "Well, you certainly made a splash in Fixed Capital today."
"Trivial," Xie Jingxing replied dismissively.
"Planning to deal with your two younger brothers?" Su Mingfeng asked. "Striking suddenly like that—doesn't seem like your style."
"Received some guidance," Xie Jingxing said with a raised brow. "Some things are better done sooner rather than later. I've waited long enough."
Su Mingfeng frowned. He sensed there was more to Xie Jingxing's words, but he wisely refrained from pressing further. Even though they had been childhood friends for years, he never pried into the other's mysterious background. His gaze suddenly lingered below as he remarked, "By the way, the young lady you rescued earlier seems to be in some trouble."
Xie Jingxing's eyes flickered downward, where he saw a guard in the women's seating area handing something resembling an invitation to Ren Wanyun, the second wife of the Shen family, while his gaze subtly drifted toward the girl in the purple robe.Ren Wanyun held the invitation, visibly excited, and said, "This gesture from His Highness the Prince truly makes this humble wife feel overwhelmed. Fifth Sister, why don't you come and thank His Highness for the invitation?"
Shen Miao's gaze sharpened as she fixed her eyes on Ren Wanyun, a cold smile suddenly curling at the corners of her lips.
So they were trying the same old trick again?
Under the gloating stares of Shen Yue and Shen Qing, she lazily stretched, her clear eyes suddenly glinting with a dark light.
"Alright," she said, raising her lips in a smile. "I'll make sure to 'thank' him properly."
A flicker of amusement passed through Xie Jingxing's eyes. "This should be interesting."
------------------Author's Note------------------
Tell me loudly, does our young marquis and the Empress have any chemistry?
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