Chapter 7

Only Zhi, this little girl, was still dancing around in confusion, having changed into the bright red robe of a top scholar. She slipped out and grabbed Li Mu, completely unaware that the handsome man before her was quite worried.

"What kind of talk is this, so hasty and reckless!"

Holding her hand, Li Mu raised his head and gracefully walked in from a row of gleaming long guns.

Two people walked together on the bluestone-paved avenue of the palace, with the setting sun casting long shadows behind them. The contrast of their tall and short shadows suddenly evoked a sense of warmth.

A loud voice suddenly interrupted his actions

Thus, an interesting situation formed outside the imperial study

As she was feeling cold, her small, sweaty hand was suddenly grasped by a large palm, which was icy yet conveyed an undeniable strength, startling the little one into instinctively looking up.

She possesses an air of scholarly elegance, yet it is often overshadowed by the blunders occurring around her. When the waves have receded and the superficiality has faded, her originally radiant and pearl-like demeanor will emerge.

Beside him stood a fair-skinned, beardless young man, somewhat effeminate in appearance, dressed in dark boots and a blue robe, holding a whisk, standing with lowered brows and a compliant demeanor at a short distance from him, presumably a personal eunuch.

What nonsense, saying that "being with a ruler is like being with a tiger," where is all this trouble coming from

"Yin Zhuangyuan, our prince must change into court attire before entering the palace"

Just as he was about to take him to the eunuch in charge of delivering imperial edicts to report back, he suddenly heard Li Mu's cold voice calmly say: "Wait for this prince to change into court attire and enter the palace together with the top scholar."

Gently lifting the strands of her hair that had fallen by her ears, the subtle fragrance of the soapberry suddenly wafted into his nostrils. Looking at Zhi's excited smile, her bright, sparkling eyes were particularly adorable, and his pink, thin lips unconsciously revealed a faint, serene smile

Oh no, I am bleeding! It's over, I have a phobia of blood!

Hiss, breathe! Hiss, breathe! Taking a couple of deep breaths, the young girl's ordinary yet delicate face bore a slight pallor from the recent nosebleed, and her large eyes twinkled with cleverness.

Before the words had left her lips, only Zhi shot her an impatient glance. "What kind of joke is this? Do you think going to the palace is the same as going to the supermarket?"

I shook my head and smiled bitterly to myself, having never seen anyone achieve the top scholar title in such a manner

The little girl finally quieted down, not because Li Mu's words had any effect, but because her nose was throbbing with pain from the impact; every additional word would only increase her suffering.

Scholar Yin, our prince has never needed to be summoned to enter the palace

Just as Li Mu was quite displeased with the sidelong glances from the crowd and was about to speak out in reprimand, he suddenly saw his personal bodyguard, Mo Jianyi, hurriedly approaching him

Columbus's discovery of the New World pales in comparison to her current excitement, as she pointed at Li Mu's face with one hand while laughing heartily, holding her stomach with the other.

Li Shimin, the figure described as a wise ruler in later historical texts, had a complexion that alternated between pale and ashen. His right hand, which was gripping a purple clay teapot, suddenly tightened, with the veins on the back of his hand visibly throbbing, indicating that he was on the verge of anger

Muttering incomprehensible words, she was determined to cling to him, feeling that standing there was exhausting and not a punishment, so she refused to do it

With a silly smile and pouting lips, Zhi only gazed at the red robe and jade belt in front of her, still not having recovered from the joy of being the top student in high school

In terms of appearance, she is not as stunningly beautiful as her cousin Huarong, who is renowned for her beauty. In terms of temperament, she is even less comparable to Princess Changping, who has cultivated a serene and tranquil demeanor from her long residence in the deep palace. Among so many beautiful and elegantly poised young women, he is not fond of any of them, yet he is particularly infatuated with her

In that case, do not speak of it again in the future

Little fool! I do not need to eavesdrop on your words! Yet, I still cannot help but speak to him indifferently, but the warning that needs to be given must be made clear.

After a brief pause, she grasped Li Mu's arm and became restless again

This prince knows that you wanted to test whether the Emperor is open-minded. You have already tried, and the Emperor did not become angry. So, how about it? Now you can be convinced, right

Upon closer inspection, one discovers that this person has a medium build, an air of nobility, a pleasant yet dignified countenance, a fair complexion with sparse facial hair, and a fine line of wrinkles between the brows, suggesting a life of hard work.

As soon as he left, a sense of melancholy instantly filled the youthful face of Changle, who had not yet shed her childishness. She understood that the royal uncle was not a brother of her father. The princess, at the tender age of sixteen, was just beginning to experience the stirrings of love, and her heart was filled with admiration for the young royal uncle, who was no more than ten years her senior

Beside her, Mo Jianyi noticed that her master's expression had turned somewhat gloomy, and hurriedly spoke to prevent Zhi from saying anything.

Behave, your life is still in someone else's hands; one misstep could definitely mean three words—certain death! However, she would never reveal her thoughts to Li Mu, as she would surely be mocked by that ice-cold face.

Before the words could leave her mouth, her smooth forehead was gently tapped by Li Mu's raised index and middle fingers

What kind of person is the Emperor, after all?

Her stature is petite, and her complexion is pale; perhaps the only sign of vitality is her eyes, which are round and bright. Coupled with her naturally expressive features, they enhance the charm of her entire small face.

What is a supermarket

At the moment of hesitation, the clear and crisp voice of Zhi Zhi reached everyone's ears

The young eunuch's legs went weak with anxiety. Oh dear, why must this child provoke the indifferent Prince Mu when there are so many other places to be? If he were to anger the young prince, it wouldn't be a big deal, after all, he is just a top scholar.

How is it compared?

Fearing that the young girl might cause some trouble again, he quickly walked over, bowed his head, and said: "This humble servant greets Your Highness, may Your Highness be in good health"

As soon as he received the special pardon from the young prince, the young eunuch hurriedly fled in all directions without a clear path. Heaven forbid, if every top scholar were like Scholar Yin, he wouldn't have enough heads to spare.

Empress Changsun shook her head, fully aware of her own daughter and recognizing her daughter's exceptional talent in poetry. It seems that for Xiao Zhizhi to win against Chang Le is indeed perilous

"Huh?" The young girl stiffly lifted her little head, forcing out a smile that was more unsightly than crying, looking at Li Mu in confusion, not understanding why he suddenly called out to her at this moment

Her response was neither servile nor arrogant, yet it exuded a dignified composure that remained unfazed by praise or criticism. Upon witnessing such grace, Li Mu suddenly understood how she was able to stand out amidst the gathering of scholars.

Agreement? What is this thing?

"Your Highness, you honor me with your attention." Turning away, he disregarded the smile frozen on the little face of Chang Le, and with a cold yet courteous expression, he bowed to the gentle and graceful Empress Chang Sun, saying, "I suddenly remembered that I have important matters to attend to, and I humbly request to take my leave."

If Zhi Zhen is only connected to the Assassins' Guild, how should he conduct himself

Yes, I have arrived

The slight smile formed by his thin lips added a dreamlike quality to his originally handsome, celestial appearance

The seasoned elder, with his wealth of experience, secretly harbored a heart that was pounding with anxiety, and without anyone noticing, he kicked the young girl in the back of her knee.

Just thinking about this made Zhi feel furious, and she pouted her lips in anger

Upon this thought, his gaze suddenly turned cold, and he abruptly recalled Zhi Wu Xu. If he did not wish to be exposed so soon, he still needed to carefully consider his next steps

Thus, when she first saw Li Mu, Zhi only felt a chill, but did not harbor any dislike. When she saw the Imperial Guards, she felt fear and an inexplicable sense of aversion. In her fear, the young girl trembled even more violently.

"What are you dawdling for! Fool, quickly pay your respects to the princess!" Mo Chou lightly spat a remark, her face filled with anxiety as she quietly reminded him. It is important to know that the little princess has a spoiled temperament; if she catches the top scholar in a moment of idleness, it would be extremely detrimental to him.

Helplessly, the distance of their identities prevented her from saying much, and she could only gaze at Li Mu's appearance, feeling content with just a little more observation. She had originally intended to take advantage of the moment when she was competing in literature with Zhi Zhi to attract the little prince's attention, but she did not expect that he would leave so soon, which inevitably left her feeling melancholic.

That gaze, cold as if pulled from icy water, is the gaze of one who has experienced the bloodshed of the battlefield and the anguish of parting life and death. It carries not a trace of emotion, pressing coldly forward, resembling a hook made of ice, bloodily intent on disemboweling its target

Do not withdraw yet; bring a cold towel for the top scholar.

Zhi Zhi was unaware of these matters and thought that he wanted to accompany her into the palace to see something new, as generally, men are not allowed to enter the palace except when summoned

Suddenly, a clear and somewhat cold voice casually announced: "The newly crowned top scholar, Yin Zhizhi"

You worryingly looked at Zhi and softly reminded her: "Yin, the top scholar, it would be better not to compare yourself with the little princess! You are not her match!"

You wait for me here

Looking at the delicate and petite figure in his arms with a mix of laughter and tears, a faint warmth suddenly surged in his heart

"You are wearing the robe of a top scholar; could it be that you are the one personally appointed by Father the King?" Taking a couple of steps forward and sizing up the handsome yet somewhat lacking in stature youth before her, Princess Chang Le wore a look of indifference.

Laughing loudly, she counted on her fingers, pouting as she chattered on without pause. In her still youthful voice, there was a hint of childishness even in her sentences.

You said that if everyone in this world were equal, it would indeed be quite delightful to speak the truth; however, it is precisely the case that the dragon has nine sons, and distinctions of wealth and status are clearly defined.

Not to mention others, even the Grand Tutor praises her quick wit, a rarity among people

"Stop it, I'm walking here. I know you're tall, but you can't just let me bump my nose like this!" Touching her nose, she was shocked to find that it was bleeding, and she was instantly terrified.

Upon thinking of this, his expression also darkened.

"Good! Then I shall compete with you in poetry!" she said in a charming voice, with a look of self-satisfaction on her face. In the imperial palace, who does not know, and who is not aware of the unparalleled poetic talent of Princess Chang Le.

Indeed, this does not detract from his captivating appearance, although he is often mistaken for a woman by shortsighted men

Hearing his voice, Li Shimin seemed to be suddenly awakened, his pale face immediately losing its displeasure. He released his grip on the purple clay teapot and directed a commanding gaze towards him, as if wanting to know what he was about to say

He wished he could twist her little neck and shout like this. This girl, the things she says are truly hard to commend. In front of the Emperor, if she speaks so recklessly, she will inevitably bring about great trouble.

Thinking of Zhi Zhi's unrestrained personality, he suddenly halted his steps. Zhi Zhi, who was following behind him with her head down, did not notice his sudden stop and ended up bumping into him.

Mother, wait and see the capabilities of Chang Le!

With a change in expression, Li Mu clearly captured the look of affection on Mo Chou's face, feeling a slight worry in his heart

Upon hearing these words, Changle was so delighted that he danced with joy. Beneath his youthful demeanor lay an excitement and anticipation that was eager to take action

This top scholar is truly a peculiar fellow. At the palace examination, he clearly appeared to be a bright young man, answering eloquently and triumphantly defeating the other scholars. How is it that after just a few days of absence, he has become so unrestrained in his speech?

This girl, completely carried away with joy, actually forgot the purpose of her achieving the top scholar position, and could not even imagine that disguising herself as a man to take the examination for the top scholar is a crime of deceiving the emperor, yet she remained blissfully delighted.

Lost in thought, the more I ponder, the more my head aches. The afterglow of the setting sun accentuates the grandeur of the magnificent palace.

His gaze suddenly darkened, and a barely perceptible shadow passed over his handsome features

Li Mu had never seen a girl wearing the scholar's robe, and to wear such a bright red to such an extent, fluttering like a butterfly, he couldn't help but be momentarily captivated.

He did not even dare to look at the cold and indifferent handsome face of Prince Mu, and he was so frightened that his legs felt weak

Zhi Zhi seemed unaware that Li Mu had suddenly changed to a different mood, as she grabbed his arm and shouted cheerfully, "Now I finally understand why you don't smile!"

However, such an air of scholarly refinement is so subtle that it can easily be overlooked if one is not attentive

Top Scholar

The household servants of the Wangfu only saw their usually imposing young prince, Li Mu, standing tall and striding forward with great strides, his handsome yet indifferent face devoid of any emotion

Just as he was about to respond, a bright and dazzling firework suddenly flashed in the sky to the north of the city, causing Li Mu's previously cold expression to tighten abruptly

Her brows slightly furrowed, and her slender eyes suddenly turned cold

Is there something wrong? She has been hurt and is bleeding because of him, yet he shows no concern or care, and actually says to her, "You look terrible." Does this guy have any humanity left?

Upon hearing these words, Li Mu immediately understood in his heart

Li Mu leaned against a certain place, his sharp eyes obscured by thick long eyelashes, making it impossible to discern his emotions, clearly indicating that he had no intention of reminding Zhi Zhi what she should do.

Pouting, Zhi lowered her head helplessly and fiddled with her fingers, murmuring softly

"Your Excellency, please lower your voice. Our master is inside, and if we disturb the Emperor's enjoyment of reading, we will all suffer the consequences."

How did she know that Li Mu had been granted a gold medal by His Majesty, allowing him to come and go freely in the imperial palace, yet she still looked at Li Mu with a provocative gaze, uttering a remark that was both laughable and exasperating

A young eunuch named Dugu, who was covering Zhi's mouth, was terrified to death as he brought her inside

Although these words have been repeated by the eunuchs teaching her etiquette no less than a thousand times, he is still very concerned that, given her personality, she might utter something that would leave others at a loss.

Lifting his drooping eyelids, Li Mu's strikingly handsome face still bore the same cold expression as before, yet the words that escaped his lips were delivered in a languid manner that made it impossible not to chuckle.

Without waiting for him to speak, Mo Jianyi immediately felt a chill run through her body as she saw Li Mu's cold and indifferent gaze fixed on Zhi's hand gripping his arm, prompting her to hurriedly retreat without leaving a trace.

At this time, shouldn't all those associated with her be subject to misplaced anger? ... This ... His audacity is truly remarkable

Top Scholar

Gently chiding, his tautly handsome face remained expressionless, with only a faint, almost imperceptible concern flashing through his sharp, narrow eyes.

Pouting her pink lips in regret, Zhi cast a slightly disappointed glance around, her curiosity piqued. Suddenly, her whole body stiffened... Oh no, how terrible... She had forgotten that she was currently in the presence of the emperor

"Uncle, would you please be the referee?"

At the thought of this, her face instantly flushed red.

Knocking on the sour and astringent calf, Zhi only stole a glance at Li Mu, who was waiting to one side. He saw only the tightly furrowed sword-like brows of his peerless profile, yet his tall and upright figure still stood as gracefully as ever, clearly showing no signs of fatigue.

Although this speculation is quite absurd, it is impossible for the Assassins' Guild to send such a girl to assassinate the Emperor, not to mention her strange behavior; merely her dressing as a man makes it very easy for her to be exposed.

Dugu was taken aback, and upon raising his eyes, he saw the young prince's deep, penetrating gaze, which was exceptionally cold. Instinctively, he shivered, hurriedly loosened his grip, and retreated to the side.

Li Mujun's beautiful face showed no expression; this kind of contest of childlike innocence seemed rather uninteresting to him. What does it matter if one loses? What does it matter if one wins?

By the time Li Mu changed into his court attire and entered the palace with Zhi Zhi, half an hour had already passed

The glazed tiles shine brightly, and the Han white jade floor is captivating; everywhere one turns, the flowing wine entices the heart, and the tranquil paths are filled with the melodious sounds of birds. The vibrant appearance of the hundred flowers unmistakably showcases the grandeur of royalty

Here, Li Mu threw a clean white silk handkerchief onto Zhi Zhi's face and coldly said: "Wipe it off! It's utterly unsightly!"

One is not allowed to refer to oneself, but must instead call oneself 'a humble minister'. Goodness, the distinction between high and low status is too clear. However, no one dares to question his words, which is truly painful

Although Zhi's mind is sharp and her usual behavior may be somewhat eccentric, today she has indeed made a significant mistake. She is aware that certain etiquettes are indispensable and would not forget the countless reminders from the etiquette instructor before her arrival, regarding how to respond appropriately in front of her master

He evaded her grasp on his hands without leaving a trace, his narrow and sharp eyes slightly squinting.

Recently, the chaos of the rebel factions has intensified, and the assassins targeting the Emperor have become increasingly rampant. However, they are often thwarted by the Imperial Guard trained by him. Is it possible that Zhi wishes to infiltrate the palace and has some connection with them?

Fairy Sister! What are you doing here!

She turned her back to him, completely indifferent to who was watching. All she knew was that the detestable emperor required so many formalities just to meet someone, which was truly exhausting!

Upon seeing her appearance, the crowd could not help but laugh; the newly crowned top scholar is indeed a peculiar individual

I do not know when it started, but I have surprisingly developed the habit of hanging onto Li Mu at every turn. It is truly not good. Feeling a slight sense of shame, she thought to herself as she continued to move, seeking a more comfortable position to hang on.

In a soft and gentle voice, there was a hint of mischievous color on Chang Le's youthful face

After the announcement, with all due formalities observed, when meeting Li Shimin, it was already past the hour of the rabbit. The summons was in the imperial study. Although it was said to be a single room, the spacious area of nearly one hundred pings both front and back was enough to leave this young girl, Zhi, in a daze for quite a while.

This was his greatest concern. Just now, upon hearing her softly speak, he nearly fainted from anger. The man's long beard, which appeared very handsome to everyone, was referred to as a big beard by this young girl. One wonders what the Emperor would think of this.

Indeed, the Killer's Guild has always operated outside the bounds of reason, and it is truly remarkable that a woman could, through her abilities, defeat a multitude of scholars to attain the title of the top scholar in the civil examination

Expressing her lament over the injustice of God's creation of man, she stealthily moved closer to Li Mu, and when she was only half a foot away from him, she suddenly leaned her entire body against him

This is to be decided by Her Majesty the Empress and the Princess

Did you not already see it during the palace examination

Although Li Mu's gaze was equally cold and devoid of any emotion, that kind of indifference resembled a nonexistent cold wind. It was entirely different from the kind of gaze that seemed capable of killing and devouring.

She secretly scolded herself harshly, yet she simply could not help but feel afraid of those predatory gazes. ... Sigh ... . ... She admits that her courage is not as great as she had imagined, okay

Upon hearing that the Princess of Chang Le excels in poetry and literature, her beauty is overshadowed by greater concerns. The Emperor once said something that she remembers clearly: "If Chang Le were a man, she would surely make all of my princes feel ashamed."

Zhi Zhi, dressed in a bright red scholar's robe, lay on Li Mu, nearly drooling on his clothes as she almost fell asleep. Meanwhile, the indifferent Li Mu merely crossed his arms, allowing her to rest on him without a care.

The servant will fetch the cold towel right away

As the two individuals passed by, the sounds of greetings from the crowd rose and fell in succession

Only Zhi hangs on Li Mu, remaining silent.

Although he likes Zhi, some of her habits are truly difficult for him to tolerate

When leaving, Li Shimin looked at Li Mu with a very strange expression. She was just about to ask Li Mu what the matter was, but she was forcibly pulled out by this guy.

Hearing her explanation, Li Mu was both amused and exasperated; thinking back to the moment when he almost kissed her, he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.

Unable to resist the involuntary smile that curved at the corners of his lips, he instinctively touched his smooth chin, as he was not suited to keep a beard due to his martial arts training

From the moment they first met, she was knocked unconscious by a single blow before she could even react. Perhaps it was from that moment that he began to feel a sense of guilt towards her

Our prince has been granted a golden medal by His Majesty, allowing him to enter the imperial palace at will without the need for prior notification

However, this little eunuch does not have such a fortunate fate; if he is not careful, he could be dragged out, leaving him in a dire situation

After taking a cold towel, Li Mu's cold and stern face showed no color at all. He gently dipped the cold towel in water, wrung it out, and then placed it on Zhi's forehead, who was holding the gilded lotus basin.

In principle, there should be a unified schedule for summons; however, this time, due to Empress Changsun's indirect persuasion of the Emperor, the usual formalities were dispensed with, and the top scholar was directly summoned to the Imperial Study.

After much contemplation, it is still better to remain quiet

It has been proven that this girl is a troublemaker wherever she goes! After just a moment of not seeing her, her strong and clear voice could be heard from afar, boldly disregarding the fact that this is the imperial palace, as she let out a loud "shout".

Lala Li Mu rolled up her sleeves, as she was about to meet the Emperor, and suddenly felt a sense of fear in her heart

Before the young girl could react to how the fairy sister had transformed into the empress, Mo Chou, who was relatively familiar with her, spoke in a gentle and polite manner. "Little princess, this is the empress's most favored younger brother. Before arriving at the palace, the empress had already issued a decree with her golden words, so there is no need to perform the kneeling ceremony."

Mother, why not let Changle have a try? Changle is truly curious to see whether the top scholar of Father is more impressive, or if Changle, who has been taught by you since childhood, is more remarkable.

Haha, it turns out that you have dimples when you smile, which makes you look so cute. No wonder you don't like to smile!

However, after she said that, it indeed seemed a bit strange to Longxu.

Even she herself does not understand how she suddenly became so strange, yet Li Mu's actions are so gentle, completely different from his usual indifference, but he remains as stunningly handsome as ever.

She shouted loudly, glaring at Li Mu with a displeased expression

Oh my, I have finally come out! You have no idea how oppressive the atmosphere is in the imperial study! I was almost suffocated.

Even he himself did not know when his gaze gradually fell upon her

The Empress said you are quick-witted, but I do not believe it

There were faint traces of pulsing veins on her cheeks, and his sharp gaze swept across her round face, quickly summarizing her characteristics

In just a few steps, she ran in front of Li Mu, grabbing his arm and incessantly complaining, "This is too much. Do you have any idea what a great cost I have paid to enter the palace?"

If the little princess wins, it clearly indicates that the selection made by His Majesty is merely of a good-for-nothing. However, if only Zhi wins... The possibility of that is quite small; Chang Le's literary talent is sharp and has never been matched by anyone.

Fortunately, Lord Mu discovered his embarrassing situation, and a single sentence liberated him

A faint smile appeared at the corners of her lips as she took a few steps back. Once she had maintained a certain distance from Chang Le, she performed a bow as a gesture of respect

Trembling and shaking, the young eunuch was almost brought to tears by anxiety

After a high-density and highly accurate analysis by the young lady, someone smirked and cheerfully reached a conclusion

This person is dressed in an extremely luxurious and ostentatious yellow robe, adorned with several majestic golden dragons that seem to soar through the clouds, exuding an indescribable aura of power. Their meticulously tied long hair is topped with a hat, and a few strands of hair hanging by their ears cannot conceal the traces of gray within.

At this moment, Zhi had no time to care about where Li Mu had gone; her fighting spirit had already been stirred by Chang Le. She truly wanted to know whether her own poetry and prose were superior, or if this seemingly spirited little princess was more impressive.

It was not until I suddenly felt an added weight on myself that I realized the young girl was tired and needed a place to lean and rest. With the stone ground and the Han jade railing all around, I naturally became her best choice for a resting spot

Li Mu always trained his subordinates to be calm and meticulous. However, the reckless arrival of Mo Jian has truly displeased him. Nevertheless, being inherently indifferent, he would not say much. He merely raised an eyebrow, waiting to see what Mo Jian had to say.

The dreamlike and beautiful dream shattered irreparably, the faint smile that once adorned the handsome face was quickly replaced by indifference, as he let the smooth strands of hair fall beside his ear, he returned to his previous aloofness

A small eunuch holding a floating dust cloth beside the direct view broke into a cold sweat

Releasing his hand, Li Mu saw her originally pale little face, now displaying an unnatural flush and a horrifying red mark from being suffocated by his covering of her mouth and nose, causing his heart to tighten

Then, her kindness, her innocence, and her cuteness gradually infiltrated his very being, unknowingly replacing the position that Princess Changping originally held in his heart

Speaking, he also emitted a neurotic laugh

In the distance, the Emperor's hearty laughter echoed through the study, and among his words, there was one that she found strangely perplexing even now. It seemed the Emperor was saying: "Do not forget our agreement"

With a bow, he concealed the hint of worry on his face. Only Zhi was left in a fog, still unable to comprehend how the fairy sister had transformed into the empress, her mouth agape and a look of confusion on her face

Heavens, is the Lord playing tricks on her? Li Mu actually possesses a royal gold medal that allows her to enter and exit the palace at will. Does that mean her hard work in risking the crime of deceiving the emperor to take the top scholar examination was all in vain

The first audience with the Holy One, to say that I am not nervous would be a lie. The grand and magnificent Golden Throne exerts a heavy pressure. The jade and stone carved railings, the glazed tiles, all showcase an extraordinary and imposing aura.

The imperial study is located behind a sea of bamboo and flowers, along a cobblestone path adorned with various flowers, birds, and plants distributed according to the four seasons. Under the sunlight, it radiates a unique majesty. Walking along it feels as though one is traversing through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, where ancient divine birds and exotic beasts, whether serene or proud, all manifest the grandeur of royalty

After all the back and forth, by the time I finally see His Majesty, it is already the end of the hour.

Walking through a few bamboo groves, a row of buildings with glazed tiles and white jade dragon carvings suddenly comes into view. Surrounding them, the Imperial Guard, dressed in light armor, stands in an orderly manner. Each one is spiritedly holding a gleaming spear.

After a brief contemplation, he continued: "In front of the Emperor, you cannot afford to call him that big-bearded fellow in a disrespectful manner!"

Behind him, the sound of the Imperial Guard's sleeves rustling as they saluted rose and fell, sharp and commanding. The young boy timidly lifted his head and was taken aback to find that the soldiers looked at Li Mu with a clear sense of respect and fear in their eyes

The official who had been complacently kneeling suddenly felt a chill upon seeing the tall and imposing figure of Prince Mu. An aura of sternness silently emanated towards him, instantly leaving him dumbfounded and speechless, causing him to momentarily forget his earlier "great achievements".

The top scholar is personally appointed by the Emperor, do you dare to defy authority?

Lord Mu possesses a death exemption token from his master, and as a favored minister of the Emperor, he has no need to fear; those little eunuchs and minor servants do not share such good fortune

After she finished speaking, she felt something was amiss; everyone had a look of "seeing a ghost," their mouths agape, watching her with either sympathy or glee.

Step aside, and lean against the scholar.

She comfortably squinted her round, big eyes, completely unaware of the need to come down, which left Liu the little eunuch in a state of great anxiety

It is just a place like a grocery store

Li Mu, please don't go! You should smile more!

Having never entered the palace, Zhi Yi looked around with curiosity, her face filled with longing. In Li Mu's royal residence, what she felt most was the imposing atmosphere, but in the imperial palace, the experience was entirely different

I do not dare, my lord

However, what Empress Changsun was worried about was another matter. She waved her hand slightly, and a hint of helplessness swept across her stunningly beautiful face

Before Dugu Qi could finish speaking, a sharp and indifferent gaze swept coldly across his face, leaving Dugu Qi's legs weak with shock

Oh... but why are my legs still trembling

"Regarding the words of the top scholar, His Majesty indeed wishes to summon you." He would not dare to forge an imperial edict; it makes no sense to put his own head at risk.

Watching as Zhi's nose was struck and bled, and being covered mouth by Dugu and that little eunuch, the pain was vividly written across her face, while Li Mu's handsome countenance flashed with displeasure

After all, with the nature of youth, Chang Le quickly focused all her attention on competing in poetry and literature with the newly crowned top scholar. In her proud demeanor, there was an unweathered brilliance, and she provocatively gazed at Zhi.

The delicate eyebrows of Empress Changsun were furrowed in a knot, leaving her in a dilemma.

Just as he was thinking, the young eunuch Dugu Ji had quickly come over with a wet towel in hand

Suddenly turning around, one sees the stunningly beautiful and gracefully poised Empress Changsun, leisurely approaching from the pavilion by the lotus pond, holding a scroll in her hand, followed by three or four charmingly delicate young maidservants in splendid attire.

You have that gold medal in something, why didn't you tell me earlier

Upon a second glance, I was astonished to find that the middle-aged man seated in the prominent position was gazing at me with great interest

With arms outstretched, only Zhi was filled with joy, and seeing this, a smile unconsciously appeared on Li Mu's lips

In an instant, the crowd reacted in various ways. The young eunuch standing at the lower corner beside the Emperor secretly broke into a cold sweat. Well, without saying anything else, at least they knelt down, which resolved one matter for the time being

At your command

Oh dear

Feeling intoxicated by the soft and tender touch between his fingers, he lingered on the side of Zhi's cheek, watching her originally pale face suddenly turn a bright red, a mischievous feeling unconsciously rising in his heart

Only Zhi, upon hearing his words, was so shocked that her jaw nearly dropped.

Heavens, my esteemed scholar! Lord Mu is no ordinary character; you could rely on anyone, but even if you find the floor too hard to sit on, you may lean or sit however you wish here.

Veins throbbed faintly on his forehead, and Li Mu gritted his teeth, coldly uttering a sentence from the root of his teeth: "This king does not need your guidance"

In that moment, Zhi had no doubt that if Li Mu were to be depicted in a comic style, there would be vast expanses of violets blooming in waves behind him

It is a great honor to serve such a master, and it is a source of pride for him as a guard. Among the princes and nobles in the capital, none are more outstanding than their lord

Only Zhi's mind is not very clear, could it be that the Emperor is also confused with her? However, the candidates for the palace examination are personally selected by the Emperor, even if there are doubts, he would not reveal them

An outburst of excitement, with all the profanity and taboo words unleashed

Emperor Li Shimin, with a countenance that revealed no joy or anger, merely cast a faint glance at Zhi, a subtle hint of amusement flickering in his eyes

The girl disguised as a boy beside him remained oblivious to the turbulent emotions stirring within the cold and stern man, who, despite his composure, felt his originally pale cheeks flush with anger as she tugged at his arm and chattered incessantly

He could not bring himself to utter an apology, and he pretended to be indifferent as he walked straight ahead

In a state of confusion, she could not clearly recall how she had met the Emperor or how she had exited the Imperial Study. By the time she left the Imperial Study, it was already past the hour of You.

Scholar, please come down quickly! It looks quite inappropriate for others to see!

Tears almost burst forth, sob...! ... Let go! I nodded repeatedly, cursing Li Mu a thousand times in my heart. If you don't want to say it, then don't say it! Why treat her this way!

After Li Mu carefully wiped the messy blood off her face and ensured that her nose would no longer bleed profusely, he finally led him into the Imperial Study.

Zhi Zhi cast a fleeting glance and saw it was a young eunuch with a pale face and no beard. Nestled in Li Mu's embrace, she felt both warm and comfortable, having no time to pay him any mind, so she ignored him

Why wait

When his fingers seemed to gently lift the strands of hair, they brushed against the tender cheek of Zhi Zhi, and a jolt of electricity suddenly surged to the depths of her heart

With a clear and bright demeanor, Mo Chou's handsome features could not conceal a hint of admiration. It seems that since their parting that day, Zhi's impression on her has been profound, and her feelings of admiration have yet to fade even now

The sunlight filtered through the intricately carved wooden window frame, falling into Li Mu's narrow and sharp eyes, unable to dispel the faint melancholy on his handsome cheeks

Everyone believes that the newly crowned top scholar Zhi is definitely not right in the head. Throughout the palace, including the previous top scholar, their literary talent does not compare to that of the thirteen-year-old Princess Chang Le, who is exceptionally quick-witted, let alone the unremarkable Zhi.

In fact, even if I were to be leaned upon by her for a lifetime, what would be the harm? The elegant crescent curve formed at the lips, the beauty that could captivate a nation, yet Li Mu remains completely unaware.

Do not be afraid! Whether you stick your head out or pull it back in, it will still be a cut. This fellow should not be that difficult to deal with. The book has made it clear, oh wise ruler! They are indeed a wise ruler! Why should she worry so much?

Lord Mu has departed, so let me serve as the judge

The little girl in the red skirt and white jacket, with her pleated skirt, exuded a different aura from the other girls. She pointed arrogantly at Zhi, her face showing disdain, and scolded in a delicate voice: "Bold! Do you not kneel upon seeing the princess!"

It is truly strange; before the Emperor, he rarely felt such a sense of shock. Yet, in the presence of the young prince, a mere cold glance from him would leave him trembling all over

However, he would naturally not say these words to her, nor could he possibly tell her that he entered the palace out of fear that she might offend the dragon's countenance and bring about a fatal disaster.

Such words spoken from the mouth of the princess carry a rather strong implication of provocation. Not only did Zhi feel a slight shock, but even Empress Changsun and Mo Chou displayed a fleeting look of surprise on their radiant faces

How would I know? At that time, I was extremely nervous, and all I could see was a large beard floating in front of me. Then that bearded guy asked me something, and I just answered whatever he asked, completely scared and unaware of anything else.

The back of her hand remained cold, and although there were no words spoken, only Zhi understood that he was hinting for her not to worry, which inexplicably warmed her heart

The atmosphere in the imperial study suddenly became tense, with an imminent danger silently permeating the still air. Everyone was on edge, and even the young girl understood that she had caused a great disaster, feeling anxious and hesitant in the moment.

Look up and do not speak

She stared at him in disbelief, wearing an expression that seemed to say, "Don't treat me like an idiot." Although she did not know much about the Tang Dynasty, she was familiar with some basic concepts like "the majesty of heaven is not to be offended." She had watched quite a few dramas, so how could she not understand this principle

Her nose and mouth were covered by him, making it hard to breathe, and she could only hurriedly nod in panic. Oh heavens, she had survived so many hardships in ancient times, but if she were to be suffocated to death by him, she would feel wronged even as a ghost

In a sharp voice, he whispered, pointing with his delicate fingers towards the imperial study, yet his face was filled with astonishment

Li Mu's brows unconsciously furrowed. Who on earth had instilled such absurd thoughts in her? Did she not realize that if someone overheard her, these few words alone would be sufficient to convict her of treason

The young man following him, dressed in a bright red scholar's robe, was exceptionally handsome, yet he was half-dragging and half-hanging behind the young prince, which created a somewhat amusing impression.

Why did Li Mu enter the palace? How could the simple-minded Zhi understand this

When you meet His Majesty later, do not refer to yourself as I come and go; instead, you should refer to yourself as a humble minister

Chang Le, do not be unreasonable

The elegant bamboo tea table and the intricately carved redwood armchairs are arranged in groups of two or three, perfectly complementing the refinement of the study. A Tang dynasty lady screen, with vibrant yet not gaudy colors, stands prominently in front of the door, obscuring the view of the interior.

Until now, Zhi has still been immersed in the excitement of being the top scholar in the examination. Oh my, she did it! She really did it! Those classical essays that she found amusing in modern times and memorized a few pieces, which were said to be classics, unexpectedly allowed her to triumph effortlessly and become the top scholar.

Holding her breath, she seemed to be carefully trying to preserve this scene forever, remaining silent for quite a while without uttering a single word

The newly crowned top scholar, upon thinking of this, made Li Mu's expression even more somber

With a faint smile, Li Mu simply listened to her speak

Yin Zhizhi, lift your head up, you are the top scholar! You are not some lowly thug or rogue, so why act timidly? Do not tarnish the reputation of the genius girl from Yunfeng School in the 21st century!

Really? Has His Majesty truly summoned me?

In fact, as she moved over, her large movements made it difficult for anyone to ignore her. However, the young girl overestimated her ability to make subtle gestures, and while she was secretly laughing, she failed to realize that her actions had already caught the attention of everyone around her

Greetings to the Young Prince and to the Top Scholar Yin

The man beside me radiated an undeniable pride and sharpness, akin to a glowing star, exuding such nobility and brilliance that even raising a hand to shield my eyes could inadvertently lead to being scorched

Walking briskly forward, only Zhi trailed behind like a tail, creating a very interesting situation

Raising an eyebrow, Li Mu chuckled lightly

Fuming with indignation, she took the white silk and fiercely wiped the fresh blood flowing from her nose, looking at him with a face full of resentment. ... Woe ...! ... How inhumane it is, do not speak to him any longer!

Then, she mistook him for another person and yelled at him, something no one had ever dared to do. The strange girl had unknowingly made an impression on him.

The sensation of his fingertips rubbing against the cheek is rough, yet surprisingly pleasant

The one who brought her in was a long-established eunuch. He stared at everyone for a long time without saying a word, and could not help but glare angrily and scold: "Bold Yin Yaoyu, upon seeing His Majesty, why do you not kneel and pay your respects!"

I have never seen a girl smile like this, with a closed-lip smile and sitting upright. She does not meet any of these standards, and there are countless girls who are better than her, yet he damnably only likes her.

As soon as the words fell, Zhi's face instantly turned bright red. Spitting blood and feeling utterly defeated, it was truly embarrassing; she had completely forgotten that when entering the palace for an audience, one must wear court attire.

I am utterly devastated, truly embarrassed to the core

Li Mu still wore that icy expression, leisurely leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His narrow and sharp eyes were obscured by long eyelashes, hiding the cold glint within. He was strikingly handsome, resembling a fairy that had never tasted the mundane world, breathtakingly beautiful

However, the Emperor is waiting in the study ... ... this ... ...

"Your Highness, it is indeed I, your humble servant"

However, this does not mean that he agrees with her strange habits! With a flick of his sleeve, he left, while the naive Zhi Zhi followed behind, incessantly shouting.

Out of the blue, she asked An, and before the gentle-smiling Empress Changsun could say anything, the little princess had already arrogantly positioned herself in front of Zhi Zhi, lifting her head with pride

The indifferent voice spoke thus, and within his handsome visage lay a solemnity

Li Mu slightly furrowed his handsome brows

Quickly take me there! Quickly take me there!

It was clearly a very unsuccessful excuse. Li Shimin was momentarily taken aback, but then he burst into laughter. As soon as the eunuchs saw the emperor's delighted expression, they no longer cared about what Zhi had just said, and one after another, they praised the emperor's wisdom. Taking advantage of this harmonious atmosphere, the young girl, following Li Mu's instructions, proceeded to pay her respects in an orderly manner, thus managing to get through the situation.

She had never known that there were so many rules to follow when entering the palace, reporting layer by layer. By the time they received the imperial decree for the audience, the report had already reached outside the imperial study at the end of the Chen hour and the beginning of the Si hour

Zhi Xin tightened her grip, secretly clenching her small fist, and a flash of resolute light flickered in her eyes, it has come

Upon hearing this, Zhi was momentarily taken aback, not immediately realizing who Yao Yu was. When she finally remembered, she jumped up in excitement

These outsiders shall not be mentioned for the time being. However, the party involved, Yin Zhizhi, stared wide-eyed and shouted without a care: "Damn it, which bastard is plotting against me!"

With a graceful smile, Empress Changsun gently patted the back of the little princess's hand with her delicate jade-like fingers, shaking her head in a soothing manner

Oh. He nodded in a seemingly understanding manner, although he still did not comprehend how a grocery store could be called a supermarket. However, he did not pursue the question further, as all his attention was captivated by the question that Zhi had just asked.

Her statement is indeed very reasonable, and there is nothing to criticize about it. However, the issue arises from the fact that the subjects are her and Zhi Zhi, which creates a significant problem. Because in this competition, Zhi Zhi clearly has no chance of winning.

However, the destructive challenge, akin to a moth to a flame, led everyone to adopt a mindset of watching a spectacle. In a very short period, this news rapidly spread throughout the palace, creating a great uproar.

"How do you know that I call the Emperor 'Big Beard'?" With wide, round eyes filled with astonishment, Zhi's face was full of disbelief. Suddenly recalling something, she glared at Li Mu with a look of grievance on her small face, full of accusations.

The cold and stern gaze looked at the girl's actions, and Li Mu was momentarily puzzled about what she intended to do by moving.

Mo Jianyi appeared to be in a state of confusion, as if shrouded in mist.

It was only then that the young girl realized that her voice had been so soft just now, making it impossible for Li Mu to eavesdrop.

Report, the newly appointed top scholar Yin Yaoyu has arrived in the Holy City!

I, a humble minister, wish to engage in a discussion with the princess, and I kindly ask for your approval, Your Highness

She thought that her voice was very soft and that no one should have heard her, yet she was unaware that every word she spoke was clearly transmitted to Li Mu's ears

The party in question, still wide-eyed with distinct black and white, appeared utterly innocent. "Hmm?" What is this? Could it be that the emperor is not clear-headed? Perhaps someone should remind her of what she ought to do.

Li Mu, when do you think the Emperor will summon me to the palace? Look, do I look good in this bright red robe

As I walked along, my mind flickered through the descriptions of this illustrious emperor of the prosperous Tang dynasty, the enlightened sovereign of the Zhenguan era, as if flipping through the pages of a history book. I nearly even unearthed the pirated unofficial histories bought at a low price from a small book stall.

The movements of his fingers did not pause, captivated as he gazed at her cheek, feeling the sudden warmth of her skin, soft as jade. His heart tightened abruptly, and he leaned down, wanting to kiss her tender, pink lips

When did you ever tell me that you achieved the top score in order to enter the palace

On a clear day, a thunderclap suddenly erupted in the girl's mind, and she exclaimed, "Heavens! This is the old emperor!"

It is not the top scholar who has offended the dragon's heart, but rather it is those of us who serve that suffer the misfortune

Onlookers merely see a young scholar who is amusing, unaware that someone within is mentally pumping himself up with seven or eight buckets of water.

I certainly will not take you into the palace

As she spoke, she turned around with great delight, the one in the red robe, Zhi, had a face like white jade, red lips and white teeth, remarkably delicate and graceful

Ah, ah, ah... Little Zhi was completely dumbfounded, standing there at a loss for words, unable to utter a complete sentence for quite some time. How infuriating, I forgot! I completely forgot what to say during the audience.

Not seeing Li Mu's furrowed brows, she danced with joy. Suddenly releasing the hem of the cold and stern man's clothing, she swiftly darted in front of Mo Jianyi, grabbing his arm and joyfully shouting.

Ah... heavens, I finally understand why you are not smiling!

He originally thought that Zhi was rather scatterbrained in her daily tasks, and even with the recommendation of Empress Changsun, she might not necessarily succeed. Unexpectedly, she not only succeeded but also ranked first.

Coldly stating, a vague voice subtly emanated a sense of danger

Under that imposing and icy demeanor, Zhi originally felt that he should kneel before the sovereign, yet suddenly he found himself unable to speak, as if this was indeed the proper demeanor upon encountering the sovereign

Let her go

Hmm? That person emitted a nasal sound, leaving one uncertain of their emotions. Immediately, a fine layer of cold sweat broke out on the foreheads of the officials present, and they felt an overwhelming sense of grievance.

Your Majesty, may you be safe and well

A faintly sweet feeling suddenly surged within her heart, and she did not dare to make a sound as he gently played with the strands of hair by her ear. For some reason, her originally carefree personality suddenly became restrained.

The ink swords of the two people waiting nearby could not help but chuckle.

Thinking is always easier than doing, and I do not know where exactly she has gone in her thoughts

She walked all the way from outside the palace, her eyes and heart filled with the concept of resplendent splendor

The sound, though still soft, is no longer as subtle as before, carrying a hint of tremor.

Chang Le raised her head and looked at his handsome and serene profile, feeling a sudden flutter of joy in her heart

He was originally a favored minister of the Emperor and a general who had made countless contributions, yet he had an aversion to the imperial palace. Therefore, apart from some unavoidable social obligations that required him to enter the palace, Li Mu rarely went there

With a clear and resonant tone, Mo Jianyi's face displayed an unmistakable sense of pride and arrogance

Li Mu walked forward with a blank expression, his handsome face still devoid of emotion. Only Zhi followed him, wearing a radiant smile and greeting everyone.

The mere thought of this makes her displeased

Unable to assist Zhi in her predicament, he anticipated that Empress Changsun would never make things difficult for her, so he casually sought a reason. Once the Empress nodded in agreement, he hurriedly took his leave

He covered her mouth with his hand, forbidding her from uttering any more blasphemous words

With a loud "thud," the sound was both powerful and clear, instantly reaching the ears of everyone present

Ah, is this the talented young man the queen spoke of? He doesn't seem all that impressive. They say he is clever and quick-witted, but upon seeing him, he looks completely bewildered. It seems the rumors were mistaken. Perhaps the examiner, seeing that he was recommended by the queen, intentionally went easy on him.

Upon hearing Zhi Zhi's response, Chang Le's bright and beautiful eyes suddenly lit up, directing her gaze straight at Zhi Zhi, her youthful and radiant demeanor carrying a hint of skepticism.

Having spoken, she turned and left, leaving only Zhi in a state of complete confusion

For such a person who is extremely concerned about their image, just a few words can easily provoke them. As long as one places the grand label of "Your Majesty is not enlightened, and the subjects of the world have their grievances," one can see how they can become unpredictable in their emotions, and how could they possibly retaliate against her

Did you eavesdrop on my conversation