C13 Noble Concubine

"Who's the ugly one?" Tiange feigned surprise, glancing at Mrs. Huang, who was so startled she shivered.

"I'm not getting married! Boo hoo..." As the youngest lady ran out, the others followed suit.

Mrs. Huang was sharp and quickly understood the situation. She bowed to the matriarch, "I'll take my leave."

The matriarch panicked, "Don't go! We haven't set the date yet. *Cough, cough...*"

Seeing her cough, Nanny Zhou hurried forward to support her. "Be careful, ma'am."

"Careful, my foot! Tiange, did you do this on purpose?" The matriarch shoved Nanny Zhou aside and yelled angrily at Tiange.

"Of course, I came to see what kind of women Grandma picked for Father. I think Grandma has good taste; those ladies were quite decent." Tiange nodded seriously, grinning as the birthmark on half her face startled the matriarch.

How hideous!

"Grandma?" Just then, Xueyao appeared at the door, her voice sweet and soothing.

Compared to Xueyao, the matriarch wished Tiange would disappear from her sight forever.

"Sister's here too. Xueyao greets her sister."

Feng Xueyao was so well-behaved and sensible that the old lady couldn't help but feel a pang of affection. "Why bother with formalities? Come over here and warm your hands by the heater. It must be cold outside."

Seeing the old lady's doting gaze on Feng Xueyao, Feng Tiange felt a chill in her heart. It's one thing to be indifferent to those who don't matter, but being ignored by someone you care about is a bitter pill to swallow.

Feng Tiange turned to leave, resolute in her decision to let go when necessary.

"Grandmother, Yao just registered at the Imperial Academy with Father. In the entrance exam in two weeks, she’s sure to come out on top and bring honor to the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion!" Feng Xueyao's voice was perfectly pitched to reach Feng Tiange as she walked out the door.

"Good, good! Our future glory will depend on your branch of the family..."

The Imperial Academy was the highest institution in the land, producing most of the civil officials and half of the military leaders. It was divided into the Literary Mansion and the Martial Academy, admitting only forty students each year—twenty for each division.

Given its prestige and authority, even applying for the entrance exam was strictly regulated. Each noble family was allowed only one candidate, while students from humble backgrounds needed a recommendation letter from local officials.

After returning to the Silk Garden, Tiange called for Crescent.

"Why did the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion's enrollment spot end up with Xueyao?"

Strictly speaking, ever since Feng Qing inherited the marquis title, the second and third branches should have moved out of the mansion. If it weren't for the old lady insisting on keeping them together with the excuse of 'family unity,' they wouldn't be living here at all.

"Miss, the old lady decided on this while you were still at Puning Temple, and the marquis agreed..." Crescent replied hesitantly.

Tiange's eyes turned cold. The old lady again!

"Miss, why are you asking about this? You don't mean... you want to apply too?" Crescent's expression mirrored the sentiment, so it's no wonder Feng Qing agreed.

Tiange felt a pang of regret. With Silver Mask's skills, the Martial Academy exam would be a breeze!

"But the spot from the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion has already been taken by the second miss. What now?" Crescent asked worriedly.

"Then this honor is destined not to belong to the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion..."

If the Grand Yin Scripture marked the beginning of her revenge, then the Imperial Academy entrance exam would be her rise to fame. No matter what it takes, she must participate...

In the stone chamber, the luminous pearls in the corners were as large as fists, and the golden mask on the desk shimmered brilliantly in the silver-white light. Rong Qi watched as Chu Ping withdrew his hand from his wrist and shook his sleeve.

"The toxins are completely cleared; you can live without worry now." Chu Ping activated the mechanism, turning his wheelchair next to the iron medicine grinder. "I didn't expect Tiange to know so much; even the Merchant Alliance couldn't find out about Fong Qi."

"If Virtue Helping Hall becomes a royal merchant, Xue Li will have the chance to meet Fong Qi. Then, your medicine can reach the Qi Emperor, and after three years of coma, it's time for him to wake up."

Rong Qi was also surprised by Tiange's information. After all, he had been investigating Fong Qi for more than half a year without any progress. "If the Qi Emperor doesn't wake up within six months, no one will be able to stop Beiming Yuan from claiming the throne."

"As long as the Qi Emperor can drink my medicine, he will definitely wake up within six months," Chu Ping said calmly, slowly turning the medicine grinder.

Hearing this, Rong Qi's lips curled into a gentle smile. "I knew saving you was the best decision I ever made..."