I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 119 Lottery
After half a cup of tea, Xue Xiang had eaten and drunk his fill, and Madam Wei led him toward the main hall of the East Garden.

Xue Xiang had heard Meng De mention that the main hall of the East Garden was the place to entertain truly distinguished guests.

On such occasions, the noble ladies present all had seats with gold peony decorations, while noble ladies of Mengde's rank could only watch from afar with envy.

Passing through corridors and pavilions, we arrived at the East Garden, where we saw layers of flower screens and brocade curtains set up in front of the main hall, with maids blocking the way very tightly.

Clearly, only powerful figures from the state or county, and their families, could enter.

The maid at the door recognized Madam Wei and greeted her softly, "Madam, please wait a moment. The Golden Peony seating arrangement has changed this year."

Madam Wei frowned slightly and said, "Change it?"

The maid hesitated, then finally said, "The position originally belonged to the lady, but now it will be taken over by Madam Shen."

This is the head of the meeting's instruction. If the lady has any objections, she may consult at the back of the hall.

Madam Wei was stunned. Her eyes flashed, the corners of her eyes lifted slightly, and then slowly fell back down.

She was always elegant and cheerful, rarely showing her emotions, but at this moment she couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, and even the color of her lips seemed to fade.

"Madam Shen... is she the one who recently became a widow and returned from Xi'an?"

The maid nodded, then lowered her head and remained silent.

Standing beside her, Xue Xiangli clearly sensed Madam Wei's momentary disarray—she had always been dazzling and never needed to compete with others, yet today she had been forcibly squeezed out, a shameful act, especially in a setting where "status" was the measure of everything.

Several ladies watching from a distance were already whispering among themselves.

"The position of Golden Peony is not to be changed lightly; it is likely that Madam Shen has someone behind her."

"That Madam Shen... I've heard she's close to that young master of the Ning family, Qianjun."

"Oh my, that's a true scion of a prestigious family, admitted to the exam through hereditary privilege, and I heard he's determined to be the top scholar..."

"Although Lady Wei is of noble birth, it is a pity that her husband is far away in Yunmeng, which makes her less confident."

The whispered words reached her ears, but Madam Wei's expression remained even calmer. Yet, this calmness, like frost reflected in the moonlight, was too gentle, bordering on melancholy.

She turned to Xue Xiang and chuckled softly, "Looks like we can't see any excitement anymore, let's go back." Her voice was gentle, as if she were detached from the world, yet it carried a barely perceptible weariness.

At this moment, bursts of laughter came from inside the flower wall of the East Garden, and Madam Shen gracefully emerged.

"Oh my, isn't this my sister? Tonight, the flowers in the East Garden are in full bloom, but I haven't seen you. It's been so many years, I've missed you terribly."

She was dressed in a plain white embroidered dress, her figure graceful, with a smile on her lips, but she was not as beautiful as Madam Wei.

Only her delicate, newly widowed demeanor touched a certain part of the man's heart perfectly.

Madam Wei bowed respectfully, "Indeed, you are my sister. As for that so-called Golden Peony identity, if you wish, then so be it. Goodbye."

She had been at odds with Madam Shen since she was a child, but she never expected that after so many years, she would still hold a grudge against her.

Madam Shen covered her mouth and smiled, glancing at Xue Xiang. "Is this my sister's new love? Indeed, he's better than that black bull. My sister is so lucky."

"May your wife be kind and considerate."

Xue Xiang cupped his hands and said, "Madam Wei is my master's wife. Since Master Wei is not here, I will serve her by his side."

"I understand, I understand."

Madam Shen chuckled and said, "Don't be upset that I took away your Golden Peony seat, sister."

I had no idea that I had stolen it from my sister.

It's all Ning Langjun's fault. He insisted that the feng shui of the East Garden was good, and wished that I could find some springtime here.

The seat for Jin Mudan was also arranged by him through someone. I didn't want it, but I couldn't refuse him."

The words "Ning Langjun" were spoken extremely softly and gently, yet each word was clear and distinct, piercing the eardrums of the crowd.

The group of wealthy women watching remained expressionless, but their eyes already understood.

"As expected, it's Ning Qianjun."

"Tsk, that guy is the most protective and domineering. Who dares to go against his wishes?"

"Alas, Madam Wei must have been...wronged today."

Madam Wei's back remained straight, her gaze as gentle as ever. She simply said to Xue Xiang in a soft voice, "Let's go, it's too cold here."

His voice was soft, but his tone was extremely gentle.

The only moment she turned around, Xue Xiang saw her slightly bite her lip, a very light and subtle gesture, yet it sent a shiver down his spine.

Lady Wei was a woman of great beauty and talent, a renowned woman of talent in Canaan County from a young age. She married into a prestigious family and became a lady, but she had never been so manipulated in the shadows.

Yet she maintained her composure and left calmly, as if the falling petals had not disturbed the water.

At this moment, Xue Xiang suddenly realized that true nobility was not about smiling radiantly in the brocade tents of the East Garden, but about the gentle breeze that kept a single strand of hair from falling from her temples on this blue stone path.

Just as he was about to turn around, a soft shout came from inside the flower screen.

"Who dares to displease my sister?"

His voice was not loud, but it was as sharp as a cold star shattering iron, instantly suppressing the surrounding gossip.

Before anyone could react, the brocade curtain was lifted, and a young man slowly stepped out.

He wore a dark blue brocade robe with gold trim, his sideburns were slightly disheveled, his figure was tall and slender, his eyebrows were sharp as blades, his eyes were like flowing frost, and his whole person exuded an arrogant aura from the inside out.

A jade tiger tally adorns the left lapel, subtly suggesting an imperial bestowal, dazzling yet not ostentatious.

The maids, guards, and noblewomen all stepped back a few paces. Madam Shen looked at the newcomer, her eyes brimming with tears, as if they were filled with mist.

This man was Ning Qianjun, the young master of the Ning family.

As everyone knows, the Ning family has been a distinguished family for generations. Although they lived in Yong'an, they still maintained close ties with several important families in Xijing.

Ning Qianjun was trained in a secret place from a young age, practicing the Overlord Body True Technique. The technique changed his temperament, making him extremely domineering.

Now that the imperial court has opened up substantive positions and the door to promotion has been opened, he has already entered the examination through the hereditary system.

In just a few days, this man became famous at a poetry gathering and fought a young master from a prestigious family at the Shihua Pavilion. His talent and domineering reputation quickly spread throughout the county.

Rumor has it that he is one of the most favored to win the championship among the new candidates.

"Young Master Ning, I...I'm fine. It was just a misunderstanding. Please don't worry about me..."

Madam Shen had only spoken a few words when she began to weep, as if she were a delicate flower reflected in water, ravaged by wind and dew.

Ning Qianjun's gaze swept across the room and landed directly on Xue Xiang and Madam Wei. His eyes lit up, and he thought to himself, "What a beautiful and delicate red begonia at the temples."

"Lang Jun."

Madam Shen seemed to have noticed something and called out softly.

Ning Qianjun paused for a moment, thinking to himself, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." ​​He said seriously, "Sister, you are beautiful and have an extraordinary demeanor. It is the perfect time for you to obtain the Golden Peony seat."

"Madam, do you have a problem with that?"

These words were like a cold wind sweeping through the garden, and all the noble ladies watching were shocked.

Madam Wei lowered her eyelashes slightly, her lips remained still, and said only, "How dare I disobey Young Master Qianjun's wishes? It's just a Golden Peony banquet. If Sister Shen wants it, give it to her."

"I have an opinion."

Xue Xiang lowered his eyes and smiled, then said loudly, "The Peony Society was established by the noble ladies who joined together to make this a grand event."

The Golden Peony Seat is a symbol of status, position, wealth, character, and reputation.

But for some unknown reason, without even informing her, Madam Wei's Golden Peony seat was cancelled?

He wasn't just arguing for nothing; he wasn't doing this out of boredom.

Firstly, Madam Wei had helped him a great deal. If it weren't for Madam Wei's intervention, he might not have been able to successfully recognize Wei Yang as his master.

Secondly, such occasions are naturally stages for making a name for oneself.

He had been pushing his way to the third level of the Word Realm and honing his Gatling gun, which had consumed a lot of his accumulated talent and willpower. Naturally, he wouldn't let go of any opportunity to replenish them.

There is no better way to promote one's literary reputation than to make a commotion on such an occasion.

Xue Xiang's voice was so loud that it shook everyone in the hall.

A group of elegantly dressed, fragrant noblewomen emerged from the hall. The woman at the head of the group had a face like a peony, a voluptuous figure, and wore a yellow dress. She exuded an air of superiority and was none other than Xiao Ya, the head of the Peony Society and the seventh lord of Canaan County.

"Who dares to question my Peony Festival?"

Xiao Ya stepped forward gracefully, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority. "The Golden Peony Banquet was originally set up for beauties with both talent and virtue. The selection is based on 'literary reputation,' so how can I possibly remove or add anyone with a single command?"
Lady Shen, widowed and living in seclusion, wrote numerous poems lamenting her fate, which became famous throughout the Western Capital.

In recent years, our Peony Festival has placed great emphasis not only on beauty but also on talent...

Although Lady Wei possessed outstanding manners and came from a distinguished family, she had not produced any notable works in a long time and lacked literary reputation, making it difficult for her to win over the public.

The room fell silent.

The ladies either lowered their heads in thought or nodded secretly, as if these words were reasonable enough to get by.

Madam Wei was also embarrassed and blushed.

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, a half-smile on his face, and suddenly spoke, saying, "May I be so bold as to ask, has Madam ever heard of 'Gui Chuang Cong Tan'?"

"What do you mean?"

Xiao Ya was stunned. Of course he knew about "Gui Chuang Cong Tan" and the group of noble ladies were also discussing it.

"The famous 'Gui Chuang Cong Tan' is known to all."

"One of the top columns in 'Cloud News'."

“The Gui Chuang Cong Tan commentary is almost authoritative, and which celebrity or scholar does not yearn for their masterpiece to be published in the Gui Chuang Cong Tan and become famous throughout the prefecture and county?”

"........."

Xiao Ya raised her hand to muffle the noise, "Why do you have to ask questions you already know the answer to? Just say what you have to say."

Xue Xiangdao asked, "I wonder if the chief editor of 'Gui Chuang Cong Tan' is worthy of the Golden Peony position?"

"What did you say?" a noblewoman exclaimed.

"Could it be that Madam Wei is the chief writer of 'Gui Chuang Cong Tan'?"

"My God! Is that really true?"

“My youngest daughter wrote it seven or eight times and submitted it to the ‘Gui Chuang Cong Tan’ magazine, only to receive a single comment—and every word of that comment became a timeless poem in her boudoir!”

"My son even included his commentary in his study book, which he reads aloud every day!"

"........."

The gasps of surprise rose and fell, as if the fragrance in the hall had frozen in astonishment.

Some were amazed, some were ashamed, and some suddenly looked at Madam Wei, their expressions changing from indifferent observation to apprehensive respect.

Xiao Ya's face also froze slightly, her smile barely concealing her embarrassment.

She had only thought that Madam Wei was a beautiful woman, but little did she know that she was the legendary "talented writer of Gui Chuang".

The atmosphere in the hall had completely reversed. Madam Wei's eyes twitched, and she finally looked at Xue Xiang, her eyes filled with a thousand unspoken emotions.

Initially, she followed Xue Xiang's advice and started a column on Yunjian News.

Soon after, Xue Xiang forged a reader's letter, which greatly boosted Madam Wei's emotional value.

But Xue Xiang knew that things couldn't continue like this.

Mrs. Wei's writing ability is clearly insufficient to support the column.

In time, Mrs. Wei will surely hear genuine feedback about the column from other sources.

Xue Xiang astutely discovered that Madam Wei had a high level of appreciation for poetry and prose. Taking advantage of the fact that Madam Wei's works were in short supply, he persuaded her to start this book, "Gui Chuang Cong Tan".

Madam Wei indeed managed it very well. Of course, the fame and growing authority of "Gui Chuang Cong Tan" were not entirely due to Madam Wei's efforts.

The main reason is that the circulation of "Yun Jian News" is getting bigger and bigger, and a work published in "Yun Jian News" will spread rapidly.

In short, "Cloud News" is a super platform, and Madam Wei, standing on this platform, naturally possesses immense power to comment on poetry.

However, she herself has not yet realized the power of her identity.

At this moment, Xue Xiang peeled off her outer clothes, revealing her true form, which naturally shocked the entire audience.

"It's just a little bit of empty fame, please forgive me, my sisters."

Lady Wei bowed with her hands clasped in greeting.

"Oh, you're too kind, little sister."

Xiao Ya grabbed Madam Wei and said, "I apologize to you, sister. You can punish me as you see fit."

No woman who can rise through the ranks in a government office is simple.

She quickly changed her mindset; the purpose of organizing this Peony Association was to create a force that was not partisan but was partisan.

With such a background, Madam Wei is sure to become a shining star of the Peony Festival.

No matter how fierce Ning Qianjun came, in Xiao Ya's heart at this moment, he was not even a fraction as powerful as Madam Wei.

A group of noblewomen surrounded Madam Wei, chattering away.

Neglected, Madam Shen looked at Ning Qianjun with a pitiful expression, as if she were trying to teach Su Gao a lesson, a sight to behold.

Ning Qianjun's heart melted.

Just as the noble ladies in the hall were surrounding Madam Wei, chatting and laughing, a deep but undeniable male voice abruptly broke through, like a crow piercing the clouds.
"Even so, Madam Shen has already joined the association. There are only twelve Golden Peony chairs. Anyone can give up their seat, but Madam Shen cannot."

The speaker was Ning Qianjun.

Madam Shen looked up with tears in her eyes, her gaze lingering. If they weren't in front of others, she would almost have collapsed into Ning Qianjun's arms.

Ning Qianjun glanced at Madam Wei indifferently, then looked at Xiao Ya and said, "I will contribute one hundred spirit stones to open a 'Girl's Words' column for Madam Shen in 'Cloud News'."

Madam Shen's talent and wit fill the room; she is certainly not inferior to anyone else in the slightest.

The atmosphere in the hall was slightly tense.

Xue Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, a half-smile playing on his lips upon hearing this.

Xiao Ya paused slightly, but didn't say much for a moment, and turned her gaze to Madam Wei.

Just as Madam Wei was about to speak, Xue Xiang smiled and said, "I happen to have a simple point to make. Although the 'Yun Jian News' is called a privately published newspaper, it is actually strictly regulated. It is not something that anyone can open as they please."

"Oh?"

Ning Qianjun raised a thick eyebrow and stared coldly at Xue Xiangdao, "You have repeatedly interrupted, stirred up trouble, and kept your true identity hidden. What is your name?"

Xue Xiang gently raised his eyes and answered in a clear voice, "Yunmeng Xue Xiang".

Upon hearing this, the hall seemed to fall into a sudden, silent stillness, as if snow had been falling all at once.

"That... Xue Xiang?"

"The literary brilliance soars to the sky, Xue Xiang raises his cup to question the heavens? I said, looking at that image that soars across the sky that day, it bears some resemblance."

"Wasn't he the one who set up 'Cloud News'? Rumor has it that he wants to see Jiangnan!"

"Wasn't it him who triggered the decline of the literary lineage and used it to suppress the earth sorcerer?"

"He was the one who solved the military pay case and managed the Suiyang Ferry."

"It's him, it's him, it's him..."

Exclamations rose and fell, like autumn winds sweeping through the forest, lingering for a long time.

Ning Qianjun's expression darkened slightly, a complex look appearing in his eyes. After a long while, he sneered, "So you are Xue Xiang."

The rumors say you have three heads and six arms, but now it seems you're nothing special.

Your pretense of standing up for Madam Wei is nothing more than an attempt to use Ning's name to promote your own and create momentum for the county examination.

Xue Xiang glanced at him indifferently and snorted softly.

The implication is clear: you are not worthy.

Ning Qianjun's eyes turned cold, and his voice rose, "I, Ning, will grant your wish. Using Madam Xiao's venue, do you dare to challenge me in the literary arena and see who is better?"

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone sensed an undercurrent of tension.

Xue Xiang remained calm and said in a flat tone, "I never compete with nobodies."

These words were like a stone thrown into a deep pool; Ning Qianjun's expression changed instantly.

"Everyone in the prefecture and county knows of my literary reputation, but I wonder what you mean by 'unknown'?"

Xue Xiang walked slowly with his hands behind his back, his steps swift and his words sharp as a blade: "If you wish to have a contest, it is not impossible."

But I'm the kind of person who never engages in pointless battles; if we're going to compete, there has to be a prize.

"You said."

Ning Qianjun sneered, "My Ning family may not have much else, but we have plenty of money."

He is not a mindless brute.

He kept saying that Xue Xiang was using him to gain fame.

In reality, he wanted to use Xue Xiang to rise above others.

He had been cultivating in the secret place for a long time and had only recently returned to Canaan County. In this short period of time, the name he heard most often was Xue Xiang.

This man is the most renowned young man in Canaan County. Those who are privileged and have connections all regard Xue Xiang as their greatest rival.

Now that the opportunity is rare, he naturally does not reject it and uses Xue Xiang as a stepping stone to advance his career.

Over the years, he has accumulated many excellent works. Now is the perfect time to put them to use.
Just as he was thinking he had succeeded, he heard Xue Xiang say, "The prize is simple: if you lose, you have to give up this county examination."

If I lose, so be it.

boom--

These words caused another uproar in the hall!

"Withdraw from the county examination?! This is no child's play."

"This kind of gambling is tantamount to killing someone and destroying their spirit..."

"How ruthless Xue Xiang is, actually gambling with the imperial examinations."

"Who dares to gamble their future with a poem by someone who has just produced such a brilliant work!"

Ning Qianjun's expression changed completely.

Although he had several works in his collection, they were far from being something he could use to threaten his life, especially since the other party was someone like Xue Xiang, who was bound to be included in the local history and literature.

He was furious, annoyed, and frustrated, yet he couldn't utter a sound.

He was domineering, but not foolish. Even if he was jealous of women, how could he risk his future?

He sneered, his face cold, "I, Ning, will not treat the county examination as a joke. Someone as arrogant as you will surely be punished."

Having said that, he turned and left.

Having lost Ning Qianjun's support, Madam Shen knew that Jin Mudan had no hope and left dejectedly.

Madam Wei looked at Xue Xiang, her eyes seemingly sparkling with starlight. Of all the words she wanted to say, she could only utter one sentence in her heart: "You have protected me so well, I... I don't know how to thank you."

………………

As it approached midnight, the lively Peony Festival came to a close.

Han Chun, the maid who accompanied Madam Wei, was sent back by Madam Wei early on, along with the carriage.

Given this situation, Xue Xiang had no choice but to see him off.

As the lights of Dongyuan faded into the distance, a gray-blue hue surged across the horizon.

Xue Xiang and Madam Wei strolled slowly along the stone path by the lake. The grass rustled in the breeze, crows occasionally took flight, and the evening air carried a cool breeze.

It's going to rain.

Lady Wei looked up at the clouds and whispered, her voice as soft as a delicate bell.

Before he finished speaking, a few cool sensations fell on his forehead, gradually becoming more frequent.

A child was packing up his stall and heading home, while behind him he pushed a cart full of old things, with only an oil-paper umbrella hanging at the back of the cart.

Xue Xiang stepped forward, bought the umbrella, silently opened it, and turned to face her.

Rain pattered against the umbrella. Madam Wei paused slightly, smiled faintly, and slowly moved to walk side by side with her.

The umbrella wasn't big, and he slightly turned to shield her from the rain. Water droplets rolled down his shoulder, wetting his clothes.

Streetlights lit up one after another in the rain and mist, their halos stretched into long lines by the raindrops, casting shadowy figures under the umbrellas.

The two walked slowly and silently, their voices mingling with the sound of the wind and rain, creating a gentle and quiet night.

Sometimes their eyes meet, and then they seem to inadvertently look away.

Her skirt swayed slightly, occasionally brushing against the hem of his robe.

The sound of rain was like a tapestry, and under the umbrella, it felt as if an entire world had been separated.

Xue Xiang felt extremely embarrassed. No matter how despicable his character was, he had still acknowledged Wei Yang as his teacher.

What is the teacher's wife trying to do? She can just look at me, this delicate flower. If she really wants to harm me, I can only resist for one night at most.

As I approached the alley entrance, the watermarks under the lamplight reflected two overlapping silhouettes.

She suddenly said softly, "Thank you for tonight." Her words were light, yet they seemed to suppress a turbulent emotion within her.

Xue Xiang nodded slightly and handed the umbrella handle to her. "It's just ahead. Madam, please go ahead."

Madam Wei took the umbrella, and as her fingertips touched the thick, straight handle, she felt a lingering warmth, and her heart seemed to tremble slightly.

Xue Xiang left quickly and disappeared in an instant.

Madam Wei did not turn around hastily. Rain fell on her temples, which, under the lamplight, looked like frost.

It was late at night, and Madam Wei sat by the window.

This is the Wei family's villa in Yong'an, which is usually uninhabited.

Wei Yang was in Yunmeng, and Madam Wei only brought a few maids with her, staying for a day or two.

Night had fallen, and she did not light a lamp, letting the moonlight and lingering rain shine into the room through the gauze curtains.

A cup of untouched tea sat beside me, already slightly cool.

She slowly removed her outer garments, walked to the bronze mirror, her temples slightly disheveled, and a faint, unconscious smile still lingered on her lips.

After a long while, she gently opened the drawer and took out a thin notebook. She laid out the paper, ground the ink, and wrote stroke by stroke, but she didn't write to anyone. She only left a sentence at the end: "The night rain has just stopped, and my feelings are hard to express."

After writing, he stopped writing and remained silent, lost in thought.

The sound of rain outside the window started again, faint and indistinct, much like the silence and tenderness he held up for her under that umbrella.

"Madam, this is truly strange. The handle of the umbrella you brought back is missing."

Han Chun's voice came from outside.

Madam Wei blushed and gently adjusted her sleeves. "If it's broken, just throw it away. You don't need to come over tonight. If you hear any noise, don't come over. I need to practice my martial arts."

(End of this chapter)