Chapter 69 Part 2: Enemies

The group went into the carriages and proceeded to the examination place.

They finally arrived at the examination place after three sticks of incense.

The place that Ming Yi Hall used as the examination ground was the previous dynasty’s martial arts training area where they selected the martial top scorer. Later on, the former emperor, Zhong Ming emperor, succeeded to the throne and moved the imperial palace and this training area was abandoned for many years. Until the time after Hong Xiao emperor succeeded to the throne, did this place be turned into an examination place. Ming Yi Hall’s three examinations were all conducted in this place.

A vast crowd had, for a long time, been all around the public square. The best positions were reserved for the n.o.bles, many of those who came today were the relatives of the n.o.ble young misses. There were also those that Jiang Jing Rui had mentioned, officials “taking a daughter-in-law for the merit of the younger generation”, there were even the younger generation from the royal families.

When Jiang Li arrived, many people had already arrived at the examination ground.

Liu Xu who was beside Madam Liu saw Jiang Li and immediately came over to greet. Jiang Li pulled her hand and went over together to salute Madam Liu. Madam Liu was very happy and said towards Jiang Li: “I know Jiang second miss achieved the top position in the first three tests, it’s still not too late to congratulate you. I hope today Jiang second miss can also be in first place.”

Jiang Li smiled and nodded: “Many thanks madam.”

Liu Xu whispered into Jiang Li’s ear: “Look, Meng Hong Jin.”

Jiang Li followed the direction where Liu Xu’s finger was pointing at and looked over. Sure enough, not too far away, she saw Meng Hong Jin was looking at her. If it was the previous Meng Hong Jin, she must have come over to give Jiang Li some cruel words. Yet today she didn’t come forward, merely gazing at her with bitter resentment. It seemed that the result of the first three tests had restrained Meng Hong Jin.

“How is your guqin?” Liu Xu spoke in a small voice: “Today the examiners for the guqin music exam are Xiao Deyin, Jing Hong fairy, Shi Yan, Mian Ju, then there’s Duke Su.”

“Duke Su?” Jiang Li was extremely astonished. Xiao Deyin, Jing Hong fairy, were reasonable. Shi Yan, Mian Ju, were also understandable. But why was there Duke Su, Ji Heng? She remembered hearing that Ji Heng loved watching plays, but guqin music was quite different from Chinese opera. What could Ji Heng do in coming over?

Jiang Li was puzzled.

“Who knows, the examiners were appointed by the current emperor.” Liu Xu shook her head, “I have never heard you playing the guqin, how is your guqin skill exactly?”

There’s worries in her words.

Jiang Li laughed: “Still okay.”

Liu Xu’s heart fell peacefully down: “No matter what, it’s fine as long as you can pa.s.s. Not everything needs to come first.” She comforted Jiang Li.

Jiang Li said: “Just see later.” While looking at the surroundings, suddenly, her sight locked onto a place.

At the place where the n.o.bles were sitting, there’s a special small building. Not too far away, a young lady wearing a gold gauze pleated skirt was in the middle of eating purple grapes from the ceramic glaze jar in her hand. The grapes were sparkling and still carried water droplets; inside the jar, their l.u.s.ter was like purple gems. The gem contrasted against her skin, making the slim and slender jade fingers seem more exquisite and beautiful.

The woman looked haughty, slightly raising her head, her eyes glanced fluidly with a bit of charm.

Liu Xu saw Jiang Li fixed her sight in one direction and looked over to follow her gaze. She absent-mindedly said: “Princess Yongning? I didn’t expect her to also come today.”

Jiang Li looked at Princess Yongning, the murderer who caused harm to her family. Her chest undulated fiercely, yet a three point smile still remained on her face, her eyes glistened coldly.

Princess Yongning is here, no need to think more, Shen Yurong must be here too.

Her enemies are all here, very good.