I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 202 Three Mountains Pressing Down
Xue Sanlang tilted his gaze slightly and slowly turned to Zhao Huanhuan.

His eyes held a hint of a smile, yet concealed a sharp edge.

His gaze slid down her neck, stopped at the corner of her lips, and then continued downwards.

"Um,"

He couldn't help but lick his lips. "Xue Xiang, you have good taste."

As he spoke, he tapped his palm with his folding fan, his smile widening. "In all my years in the capital, I've seen countless beauties, but there are very few who are as alluring and seductive as this."

Zhao Huanhuan quietly took a step back, but was stopped by Xue Xiang.

She struggled, but couldn't break free; her heart felt as if it had been immersed in a jar of honey.

Xue Sanlang snorted and turned to look at Xue Xiang, "Give her to me, and this matter will end here."

An uproar erupted from the crowd, and whispers spread like wildfire throughout the room.

"As expected of the Xue family of Jiangzuo, what a spirit! They even manage to dominate someone like Xue Xiang."

"That family is one of the most prominent in Jiangzuo, with nine members passing the imperial examinations!"

"The Xue family of Jiangzuo has marriage ties with several Grand Secretaries in the central government, and their status is extremely prominent, far surpassing that of the small families in Canaan County."

The murmurs rose and fell, almost suffocating the air.

"Go on, don't stop, I want to hear what other brilliant ideas you have."

Xue Xiang stared intently at Xue Sanlang, his anger gradually igniting.

During the few days he stayed in Yunmeng, Cheng Bei reported that the Xue family from Jiangzuo had sent gifts.

From that moment on, he knew that he was being targeted by the Xue family.

He wasn't surprised; by now, he was fully aware of the extent of his literary fame.

It would be strange if the Xue family didn't keep an eye on him.

At this moment, Xue Sanlang suddenly appeared, just in time to come face to face with the United Trading Company. What a coincidence! He must have found out the background of the United Trading Company and come here for me.

As for Xue Sanlang forcing Zhao Huanhuan on him, it was nothing more than a test of his own obedience.

Xue Xiang understood perfectly.

Xue Sanlang snapped his folding fan shut, his smile vanishing. "Xue Xiang, I've long heard of your arrogance, and seeing you today, I can confirm it's true."

Don't forget, no matter what, you're also surnamed Xue, and you have the blood of the Xue family flowing through your veins.

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

"What? Xue Xiang is also a member of the Xue family of Jiangzuo?"

"No wonder Xue Xiang has such amazing talent; it turns out he comes from the Xue family, which produced nine scholars who passed the imperial examinations!"

"The Xue family of Jiangzuo has a profound literary tradition. If it weren't for their family's inherited foundation, how could they have such skills?"

"..."

Xue Sanlang said coldly, "Back then, your mother seduced your father, causing him to be kicked out of the house."

Your father dared to establish his own household, but the head of the family, being kind-hearted, did not pursue the matter.

You also owe your current success to the unique literary talent of the Xue family members who led you to the imperial examination system.

Instead of repaying your debts and voluntarily returning to the ancestral hall to kneel and beg for forgiveness, you still dare to be so arrogant.

For misappropriating property and bullying fellow clansmen, the head of the family will not forgive you for these two offenses.

You're about to take the imperial academy exam, aren't you? You should know that the imperial academy exam records not only academic qualifications but also ancestral origins.

Without the head of the family issuing an ancestral register, you are not even qualified to participate in the imperial examinations.

Furthermore, you have been arrogant and reckless outside, harming powerful families. Do you even know how much effort your clan has spent putting out the fire for you?
You think I really look down on a prostitute like that? I'm just testing how much respect you have for your family.

Now I've seen through you; you're a wolf in sheep's clothing, utterly incorrigible.

I urge you to return to the ancestral hall immediately, kneel down, kowtow, and beg for the family's forgiveness.

After saying this, Xue Sanlang looked at Xue Xiang with amusement.

Xue Xiang guessed correctly; Xue Sanlang wasn't just looking for trouble out of boredom.

In reality, it was because Xue Xiang's antics were getting bigger and bigger, which not only shocked the Xue family, but also Xue Shizhao, the young master of the Xue family.

Xue Sanlang's full name was Xue Shiyi. In terms of blood relation, he was already five degrees removed from Xue Shizhao.

Xue Xiang's father, Xue Yuanshan, and Xue Shizhao's father, Xue Yuanling, the head of the Xue family, were cousins ​​from the same ancestor.

Xue Shizhao sensed a crisis, and Xue Shiyi saw through Xue Shizhao's thoughts. That's why he volunteered to lead the way, humiliating Xue Xiang, all in order to make a great contribution in front of Xue Shizhao.

"What, are you really going to betray the family?"

Xue Shiyi pressed on relentlessly, hoping to push Xue Xiang to the brink and force him to publicly insult the Xue family.

At that time, no matter how much the elders of the Xue family cherish talent, they will not tolerate a junior who disrespects the family.

"Xue Shiyi, my mother and father were deeply in love and married according to their parents' wishes. How did you come to call it seduction? I wonder how old you were when my mother and father tied the knot?"

Xue Xiang suppressed his anger and explained his reasoning.

His father and mother certainly did not agree to his marriage, but that did not stop him from distorting the truth and making public pronouncements.

Xue Shiyi was puzzled by Xue Xiang's steer towards this topic, which is why he wanted to defend himself.

Then Xue Xiang shouted in a low voice, "You haven't even seen it with your own eyes, yet you want to spread rumors and insult my mother. If you, as a son, turn a deaf ear to this, how are you any different from a beast?"

"Die!"

After shouting, Xue Xiang had already transformed into a phantom.

In an instant, he had already reached Xue Shiyi's chest.

As Xue Shiyi leaned on one shoulder, he felt as if he had been hit by ten elephants.

With a crisp crack, his shoulder bone shifted and his sternum shattered.

Immediately afterwards, Xue Xiang delivered an elbow strike, which landed squarely on Xue Shiyi's chin.

Xue Shiyi was thrown three zhang into the air, his jaw shattered, and blood and teeth spurted wildly in mid-air.

With a thud, Xue Shiyi fell to the ground like a tattered sack, and then fell silent.

There was dead silence.

The gray-robed cultivator and the middle-aged man in the green robe tried to escape, but Xue Xiang reached out and hooked them together with his spiritual power, which transformed into an invisible rope, lifting them up and slamming them to the ground.

"Who, who dares to cause trouble here?"

Two patrolling soldiers hurried over.

Xue Xiang said loudly, "These three thieves are making trouble for no reason. I am here on the orders of Elder Wei Fan of Canglan Academy to capture them first. Take them away and throw them into the dungeon. They shall not be released without Elder Wei's order."

Xue Xiang could easily invoke Wei Fan's banner without any difficulty.

"promise."

The two soldiers, of course, knew the weight of Elder Wei of Canglan Academy. Seeing that Xue Xiang dared to speak frankly in front of everyone, they were certain that he was not lying. They immediately summoned their companions, and in a moment, they dragged the three of them away like dead dogs.

"Ladies and gentlemen, disperse. Today's grand ceremony to view the monument should not be spoiled by a few scoundrels."

Xue Xiang bowed deeply to everyone.

"The Autumn Lamenter is truly skilled; such sharp and deadly punches and kicks have been unseen for many years."

"It is said that the Autumn Sorrow Guest is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, yet his power is so great that it is no less than that of a Core Formation expert. I admire him, I admire him."

“Since Beiqiu Ke is a shareholder of the United Commercial Group, the goods from the United Commercial Group must be fine. I’ll buy three pieces of soundproof jade.”

"........."

As the crowd surged, Xue Xiang had already slipped away, followed by Zhao Huanhuan.

The two walked to a secluded corridor, where the water shimmered and the lamplight was sparse.

Zhao Huanhuan pursed her lips and looked at him, saying softly, "Have I caused you trouble again? If the Xue family of Jiangzuo is powerful, I can go and apologize to them to settle things peacefully."

Xue Xiang frowned, "What do you need an apology for? Don't get yourself into trouble."

“How could they? Besides, even if it meant sacrificing themselves, they would be willing to help their beloved husband overcome his difficulties.”

Zhao Huanhuan pouted her full red lips.

"I think you're just looking for a fling. Women should stay out of men's business."

Xue Xiang raised an eyebrow and said, "If you dare to disobey the rules of womanhood, you will be punished according to the family law."

"Oh?" Zhao Huanhuan's eyes flickered, her expression a mixture of reproach and amusement. "What kind of family discipline?"

As she spoke, she gave a slight twist, her rounded buttocks swaying gently beneath her tight robe.

Xue Xiang's nose was bleeding.

Just then, Sudan Qing shouted, "Prepare the goods!"

Zhao Huanhuan leaned close to Xue Xiang's ear and whispered his address in Canglan Prefecture. Her bright red tongue swept against Xue Xiang's earlobe before she giggled and left.

Xue Xiang took several deep breaths to suppress his burning desire.

After half an incense stick's time, Xue Xiang gradually felt bored in the garden, so he thought of going to wait for Zhao Huanhuan at her residence.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a pretty figure walking toward the golden archway.

Xue Xiang's heart stirred, and he quickly caught up to her, gently patting the woman in green on the shoulder.

The woman in green turned her head, a smile blooming on her pretty face. "Young Master Xue, it's been a long time."

"Long time no see, Miss Xuejian."

Xue Xiang bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

This pretty maid in green was Princess Yong's personal maid, and she and Xue Xiang were old friends.

After the two exchanged greetings, Xue Xiang asked, "Is the Primordial Lord also here?"

Xue Jian nodded. Today's memorial banquet is of a very high standard, and our royal family also has many businesses to expand. Therefore, Yuan Jun also had this opportunity to socialize.

Though she said this, Xue Jian knew perfectly well why the Princess Consort of Yong had come here.

As the personal maid of Princess Yong, she was most aware of the changes in Princess Yong, even the most subtle and minute ones.

In particular, the Princess Consort of Yong had changed so much since returning from her treasure hunt in the Land of Demons that Xue Jian was secretly astonished.

If the Princess Consort of Yong was once a clear, cold spring, she has now become a cold flame.

The outward appearance remains unchanged, but the heart burns with passion.

Several times, she heard someone's name in Princess Yong's boudoir, accompanied by Princess Yong's soft murmurs.

"I wonder if it would be convenient for you, my Lady? We have been apart for many days, and I miss you dearly."

Xue Xiang's heart burned with passion, and the days he spent indulging in wild revelry with Princess Yong in that remote mountain cave involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

Xue Jianjun frowned slightly. "Yuanjun can only stay here for a few hours, and it is inconvenient for her to leave the venue. If it is convenient for you, my lord, why don't you come inside with me?"

Xue Xiang hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

The two walked side by side, through the crowds and the lights, toward the golden archway.

The area in front of the Golden Arches was brightly lit, and two halberd-wielding cultivators stood guard, their expressions cold and stern.

Upon seeing Xue Jian arrive with his men, they immediately stopped them. Xue Jian remained calm and took out a jade-colored token from his sleeve. As soon as it was revealed, runes began to flash.

The two guards' expressions changed, and they bowed in unison, saying, "Please come in."

Inside the archway lies a world of its own.

The three-story building is built by the water, surrounded by red railings, with flickering lights and pearls hanging from the eaves, like stars fallen to earth.

A lake breeze blows, carrying the fragrance of flowers and dew, and the air is faintly warm.

Xue Jian stopped at the end of the corridor, turned around and smiled at Xue Xiang: "It's inconvenient to talk when there are too many people, so I won't invite you upstairs, sir. Please wait a moment, sir. Yuanjun is upstairs right now. I will go and inform her."

Xue Xiang nodded, Xue Jian lifted her skirt and left, her steps light and graceful. In an instant, she disappeared behind the beaded curtain and headed towards the three-story red building.

Xue Xiang stood in the long corridor, looking out over the lake.

Before long, the sound of clothes rustling came from behind, and a familiar fragrance wafted over.

Xue Xiang turned around, and as soon as his gaze settled, a smile crept onto his face.

A woman walked slowly towards them; who else could she be but the Princess Consort of Yong?

She wore no veil, her palace dress trailing on the ground, crimson embroidered with gold, a jade belt around her waist, which accentuated her snow-white skin and lips like the evening glow, her brows and eyes carrying an aura of unapproachability.

The lamplight shone on her shoulders and neck, revealing her delicate collarbones, and the gold thread pattern on her chest moved slightly with her breath.

Her face was as cold as ice, but her eyes were shimmering with the gentle warmth of spring.

Xue Xiang strode forward, but she took two steps back and glanced sideways in the direction of the Red Mansion.

Xue Xiang understood, cupped his hands in greeting to Princess Yong, and said in a low voice, "It's been so many days since we last met, I've missed you terribly."

Princess Yong took a deep breath. "My lord, please have some self-respect. I beg you to forget the foolishness of that day."

From this day forward, I will only be the Princess Consort of Yong.

Xue Xiang frowned slightly, "Then I will do as Your Highness says."

Although he looks young, he is very experienced.

He was well aware of the power of environment and system.

In the land of demons, Princess Yong was able to shed her disguise for two reasons: first, she had narrowly escaped death, leaving her deeply shaken; second, being in the wilderness, rules and identity were unconsciously cast aside.

Now, she has returned to the system and stands once again in the Yong Prince's Mansion, where invisible shackles have automatically been placed upon her.

This is beyond human control.

At this moment, Xue Xiang's continued entanglement with her would only make her look down on him.

There's plenty of time in the future.

Princess Yong was stunned that Xue Xiang agreed so easily, and a pang of jealousy welled up in her heart.

The two were looking at each other in silence when a man strode over. "I wondered what business you had, my lord? It turns out you've come to see a friend. May I ask your honorable name and how you should address me?"

The man was about thirty-four or thirty-five years old, dressed in a dark blue official robe, with a white jade pendant hanging from his waist. He had neat features, yet exuded a sharp and ruthless aura.

He walked up to her, cupped his hands in greeting to Princess Yong, and nodded to Xue Xiang in acknowledgment.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Princess Yong's eyes, but she concealed it well. She turned to Xue Xiang and said, "This is Lord Shen Sanshan, the current head of the Examination Department of the Hall of Rites, a sixth-rank Immortal."

Xue Xiang cupped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Lord Shen."

Shen Sanshan nodded slightly. "May I ask how I should address you?"

"Yunmeng Xue Xiang".

Xue Xiang smiled.

Shen Sanshan's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He took a deep breath and said, "So you are the famous Beiqiu Ke. I was disrespectful."

After saying that, he looked at Princess Yong and said, "I didn't expect that Princess and Bei Qiu Ke are old friends?"

Princess Yong said, "Years ago, when I was traveling to Canaan County, I was appreciated by Mr. Yin Chuan and taught him a few classes at Zhaoyewu."

Xue Xiang happened to be studying in Zhaoyewu, and I shamelessly considered myself half a teacher to him.

"It is said that the princess is exceptionally intelligent and talented. I never imagined that she was once the teacher of Bei Qiu Ke. I am truly ashamed. Later, at the literary gathering, the princess will surely display her poetic talent and broaden our horizons."

Shen Sanshan ignored Xue Xiang and focused on the beautiful princess, thinking to himself that the beauty who was once the most beautiful in Jiangzuo was now even more stunning than before.

Princess Yong patiently exchanged pleasantries with Shen Sanshan, occasionally offering polite smiles.

Xue Xiang couldn't stand her like this, and couldn't help but send a telepathic message, "Why are you laughing at him? That old man is no good."

Princess Yong was surprised that he suddenly had a way to transmit his voice, but she couldn't help feeling sweet inside, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

Her smile was like a delicate flower in the breeze, breathtakingly beautiful, leaving Shen Sanshan stunned.

Xue Xiang grew increasingly displeased. Princess Yong stepped aside, blocking Shen Sanshan's view, and took the opportunity to wink at Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang had no choice but to stand still.

Shen Sanshan flicked his sleeves, glanced at Xue Xiang, and said, "My purpose in coming to Canglan this time is not only to attend the grand banquet for viewing the stele, but also to represent the central government and preside over this grand event."

I have reviewed the list of names submitted by the academy; you are ranked ninth. Given your renowned reputation as a melancholic autumn traveler, this ranking seems somewhat undeserved.”

Xue Xiang said calmly, "The 'Autumn Lamenter' is nothing but an empty name, not worth mentioning."

Shen Sanshan's lips curled slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "Compared to your fearsome reputation, it's indeed nothing."

The air solidified instantly.

Shen Sanshan suddenly smiled and said, "Just kidding, just kidding. With the Princess's guidance, I think my friend Xue will be able to reform himself and start anew in the future."

Princess Yong frowned slightly. "Lord Shen, you flatter me. Xue Xiang is of noble character and can be considered a model of Confucianism."

Previously, Xue Xiang single-handedly secured the golden body of Dao Yun, and didn't the central officials praise him greatly?

After protecting Xue Xiang, Princess Yong waved her hand and said, "Young Master Xue, please go back. I have private matters to attend to. If you have time to visit the capital one day, please come and pay me a visit."

Shen Sanshan laughed heartily, “Absolutely not, what a great name is the Autumn Lamenter.”

"If I, an official, were to organize this literary gathering and let that melancholy guest escape, wouldn't I become a laughingstock?"

Princess Yong glanced at Xue Xiang, signaling him to refuse.

Xue Xiang said, "Since the Yuanjun is attending the meeting, I am willing to join her as a follower."

Just then, a waiter hurried into the corridor and bowed, saying, "Lord Shen, the gentlemen upstairs have arrived. Please come upstairs."

Shen Sanshan nodded slightly, his gaze shifting between Princess Yong and Xue Xiang, his smile undiminished: "Then please excuse me, Princess, please come quickly."

He turned and left, his clothes brushing against the floor tiles, his voice fading into the distance.

Princess Yong said in a low voice, "What are you going to do? Can't you see that Shen Sanshan is quite hostile towards you?"

Xue Xiang transmitted his voice, "I don't care about anything else. It's good to be under the same roof as you and stay a little longer."

His words weren't just a whisper; they seemed to penetrate deep into her heart.

Princess Yong froze, feeling a slight burning sensation in her chest.

She had grown up listening to the elegant poems of scholars and seeing countless grand and eloquent love poems, but she had never heard such words before. They sounded light and gentle, yet they touched her heart deeply.

For a moment, she was stunned.

Xue Xiang then transmitted his voice, "That old bastard Shen Sanshan is giving you the wrong look, you'd better watch out."

Princess Yong raised her eyebrows slightly and said in a low voice, "You'll see when you go upstairs; they all have the same look in their eyes."

Xue Xiang glared at him: "Where did your veil go? Why didn't you keep your good habits?"

Princess Yong rolled her eyes at him, then couldn't help but laugh again.

The lake of my heart, which had been frozen so hard, was unknowingly melted by him.

She quickly changed the subject, "This Shen Sanshan has another identity."

He is a relative of the newly appointed Chief Minister Shen Mo and Shen Zhuoyan.

Shen Sanshan comes from a prestigious family that values ​​lineage and bloodline above all else. Given your history of causing trouble for such families, it would be a miracle if he had a good impression of you.

Since you insist on going upstairs, I won't stop you. Just listen more and talk less. I'll introduce you to some important people.

Xue Xiang hummed in agreement.

Princess Yong said irritably, "Can't you speak properly? You're getting more and more unserious."

Xue Xiang snorted, "You've seen my shape before, haven't you?"

"ah."

Princess Yong's face flushed red, all the way to her ears, and she almost couldn't stand up straight.

Xue Xiang released his spiritual power to quietly support her, and transmitted his voice, "Sister Xiao, what shape are you thinking of?"

Princess Yong covered her face in embarrassment and walked away, but after only a few steps, she had to reduce the size of her stride.

Xue Xiang was puzzled and followed along, only to see that there were more dripping stains on the peach wood floor.

Xue Xiang was stunned and quickly wiped away the stain with his foot.

After about thirty breaths, he followed behind Princess Yong and entered the building.

The building was brightly lit, with curtains hanging from the eaves like clouds, and the lake outside the window reflected in the curtains, shimmering in the sunlight.

The hall was furnished with an incense table and jade table, and the floor was covered with red wood, all arranged with great care.

Beside the desk, jade pots, gold cups, and jadeite cups are arranged in a line, and behind the desk are scrolls by famous artists, all of which are genuine works from a century ago.

There were many guests, mostly men who were Confucian scholars, high-ranking officials, and powerful figures from various sects, while the women were all dressed in gorgeous clothes, some with graceful bearing and others with elegant and refined beauty.

In the upper-level private rooms, one could vaguely see several cultivators with profound auras, all of whom were extraordinary individuals.

When Princess Yong entered, many people bowed to her, and Princess Yong responded to each one.

Xue Xiang followed Princess Yong all the way up to the third floor, where there were fewer people, but those who could be seen there were clearly important figures with imposing presence.

Soon, Princess Yong returned from the washroom and led Xue Xiang into a circle.

After Xue Xiang was introduced, everyone looked surprised.

Xue Xiang's reputation was simply too great.

Of course, this reputation includes both a phenomenal literary fame and a startling infamy.

Regardless of their opinions of Xue Xiang, everyone greeted him with smiles out of respect for Princess Yong.

Xue Xiang was patiently integrating into the circle when suddenly someone came in aggressively.

The man was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, dressed in a brocade robe and jade belt, with a gold talisman hanging from his waist. He had a face like jade and a hint of arrogance between his brows.

He rushed up to Xue Xiang and shouted angrily, "How dare you, Xue Xiang! Who gave you the right to torture and arrest people? You even dare to arrest my people!"

"Shi Zhao, what are you yelling about? What kind of behavior is this?"

Princess Yong stared at the newcomer with a frosty expression.

The person who came quickly bowed to Princess Yong and said, "Aunt, this is between Xue Xiang and me, please don't interfere."

Hearing the man shouting, Xue Xiang guessed that the man's surname was Xue.

But he never dreamed that this guy would call Princess Yong "aunt".

Xue Xiang's expression stiffened slightly, and he quietly asked in a telepathic voice, "Aunt? Are we relatives?... We're not related by blood, are we?"

(End of this chapter)