My family has been wielding knives for generations, but now it's my turn to wield a pen!

The next morning.

Jiang Xiaobai sat on the bed, his eyes were dark and his face was tired.

That's right, he looked completely dazed.

Outside, Tang Ningshuang had already finished washing and dressing.

Dressed in a smart outfit, with his long hair tied up and a sword at his waist, he looked sharp and spirited.

Jiang Xiaobai raised his head and glanced outside.

When he saw Tang Ningshuang's appearance, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

Yes, he didn't know how long he had been reading to Tang Ningshuang last night.

Anyway, as he talked, the sky outside began to lighten, and then he finally went to sleep.

And the result?!

It felt like I had just closed my eyes when the maid woke me up.

Tang Ningshuang is a trained fighter; after staying up all night, she's acting like nothing happened.

But he's different. His physical condition isn't very good. How could he withstand such an ordeal?

However, Jiang Xiaobai didn't stay in bed. He rubbed his face, forced himself to wake up, and left the bedroom.

After a quick wash, Jiang Xiaobai looked much more refreshed.

Especially when eating breakfast, she really comes alive.

Tang Ningshuang sat opposite her, but ate rather slowly.

As she ate, Tang Ningshuang's gaze fell on Jiang Xiaobai.

Jiang Xiaobai had just picked up a piece of pastry when he paused, looked up at Tang Ningshuang, and said, "We're eating, so let's not talk now!"

"oh."

After hearing this, Tang Ningshuang simply responded with an "oh".

She appeared calm, but at that moment, Tang Ningshuang's expression clearly showed regret.

Yes, she was truly captivated by Dream of the Red Chamber; in fact, the more she listened, the more fascinated she became!

It was clearly not a battle on the battlefield, nor was it about national righteousness.

But the people, the words, and the events inside felt like tiny needles, pricking one's heart and making one feel suffocated.

Her mind was now filled with the scenes Jiang Xiaobai had described last night.

But then, when it comes to the crucial part, this person stops talking.

She was so angry at this that she wanted to grind her teeth, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Moreover, given her personality, she wouldn't actively beg for anything.

After dinner, Jiang Xiaobai found Zhang Xinnian.

Before long, the carriage stopped outside the Marquis's residence.

Jiang Xiaobai got into the carriage, leaned back in the carriage, and looked rather lazy.

Tang Ningshuang followed and sat down opposite her.

Outside, Zhang Xinnian pulled on the reins, his voice carrying, "Your Highness, where are we going?"

"Let's go take a look at the Orchid Pavilion!"

Jiang Xiaobai responded.

"Lanting Tower?"

Zhang Xinnian's voice was clearly tinged with surprise as he asked, "Your Highness, isn't tomorrow the day the Orchid Pavilion reopens?"

"Um."

Jiang Xiaobai replied, "I know, so let's go and familiarize ourselves with it today!"

Jiang Xiaobai paused for a moment before adding, "Let's also see how this situation has developed."

"Okay!"

Zhang Xinnian responded and raised his riding whip.

Soon, the carriage slowly drove out of the Marquis's residence.

Jiang Xiaobai leaned back in the carriage and closed his eyes to rest.

An hour later, the carriage slowed down.

Jiang Xiaobai lifted the curtain and looked outside.

The next moment, he paused slightly, his expression slightly taken aback.

Yes, as far as the eye can see, there is a lake. The lake is not very large, but it is extremely clear.

Several arched bridges span the water, and weeping willows sway gently beside them, their reflections pleasing to the eye.

There is also a long street by the lake, on both sides of which are mostly shops selling writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, books, calligraphy and paintings.

There were also some stalls selling folding fans, sachets, and even stalls that offered calligraphy and poetry writing services.

Most of the people coming and going were dressed as scholars.

Compared to other parts of the capital, this place has a much more refined and elegant atmosphere.

Jiang Xiaobai watched this scene with a look of novelty in his eyes.

His predecessor spent his days either in brothels and taverns, or in cockfighting and bird-walking.

I've never really been to a place like this before.

Seeing it with his own eyes now surprised him somewhat.

The scenery is picturesque and has an ancient style. Of course, the most eye-catching thing is a tall building built by the water.

The building looked very simple, without much gold or jade decoration, nor any exaggerated carvings or painted beams.

But precisely because of this, it gives people a sense of weight and solemnity.

It is also ten stories high, which is similar to the Tianji Tower.

"Is that the Orchid Pavilion Pavilion?"

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the tall building and asked.

Tang Ningshuang also glanced outside through the curtain: "Yes, Lanting Tower."

As the carriage continued forward, the Orchid Pavilion came closer and closer.

At this moment, Jiang Xiaobai noticed that although the main gate of Lanting Tower was closed, there were quite a few people gathered outside.

There appeared to be young students, middle-aged scholars, and of course, some ordinary people watching the spectacle.

They stood in small groups outside the building, whispering among themselves.

At this moment, Zhang Xinnian pulled on the reins, and the carriage slowly came to a stop: "Your Highness, we have arrived."

"It's quite lively here."

Jiang Xiaobai lifted the curtain and bent down to get off the carriage.

Seeing this, Tang Ningshuang also came down.

Zhang Xinnian parked the carriage and quickly followed.

As Jiang Xiaobai got closer, he finally understood why so many people were gathered here.

At the entrance of Lanting Tower, there was a long table, and behind the table sat seven young people.

All seven men were dressed in blue robes, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones laid out in front of them.

At this moment, one person after another is stepping forward.

"Um?"

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow slightly, looking somewhat puzzled.

After looking around, Jiang Xiaobai happened to see a young student standing next to him.

The student was holding a folding fan and staring intently at the long table in front of him.

"Brother, if I may ask, what is this for?"

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the young student and asked.

Upon hearing the voice, the young student turned his head and glanced at Jiang Xiaobai.

Seeing Jiang Xiaobai dressed in fine clothes and accompanied by guards and women, he frowned and said, "This is the entrance examination for Lanting Tower."

"An entrance test?"

Jiang Xiaobai looked surprised.

"That's right."

The young student nodded and said, "The assessment began seven days ago."

As he spoke, the student pointed to the long table in front of him: "There are three questions in total."

"Answer one question correctly, and you may enter the Lanting Pavilion when it reopens tomorrow."

"If you answer two questions correctly, you will be assigned a seat after entering the building tomorrow."

"If all three questions are answered correctly..."

At this point, the young student paused noticeably, his eyes filled with longing: "Then I can also participate in tomorrow's Orchid Pavilion assessment!"

"Oh?"

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow slightly: "So there's such a rule."

"nature."

The young student said, "The Orchid Pavilion has strict requirements; it's not a place you can just walk into."

"Especially with the reopening of Lanting Tower this time, students from the capital and surrounding cities have all rushed over."

"Unfortunately, after seven days, only about 30% of the participants were able to answer at least one question."

"And those who can answer both questions are even fewer."

"As for getting all three questions right..."

The young student shook his head: "Heh, even now, there aren't many."

Is it that difficult?

Jiang Xiaobai was extremely surprised.

Unexpectedly, before they even entered the door, a group of people were stopped.

"Your Highness, there doesn't seem to be much to see here!"

At this moment, Zhang Xinnian looked at Jiang Xiaobai and lowered his voice, saying, "How about we go for a walk somewhere else?"

That's right, in his opinion, Jiang Xiaobai was supposed to come to Lantinglou tomorrow anyway.

Moreover, according to what Fan Xinghe said at the time, Jiang Xiaobai would still be the main person being tested tomorrow.

Therefore, even without the assessment here, there would be no problem getting in, so there's no need to go through the extra trouble.

"Since I'm here, I'll give it a try."

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and said, "Since I'm free anyway, I might as well... just treat it as a game."

"Just for fun?"

No sooner had Jiang Xiaobai finished speaking than the young student beside him spoke, his voice laced with sarcasm: "Kid, you probably have no idea how difficult this assessment is, do you?"

"Still want to play?!"

"Ha, do you think this is a game of make-believe?"