C16 Registration

Feng Tiange hadn't been there long when she saw Nanny Sunn's carriage arrive at the entrance of the Imperial Academy. The two of them walked in, one after the other. As they passed twelve statues, they noticed two archways: the left leading to the Wenn Mansion and the right to the Martial Academy. They seemed unassuming, but there was much more beyond them.

In front of them stood a grand building with sweeping eaves. Its red paint and green tiles, along with the words "Imperial Academy" above the entrance, gave it a solemn air. The official registration time was set for 8:45 AM, and students were gradually gathering outside the academy to sign up.

"Xueyao, isn't that your older sister?" In the crowd, a girl in a green silk jacket grabbed Feng Xueyao's arm, speaking in surprise. This was Xie Ruxuan, the eldest daughter of Xie Jin from the Ministry of War.

Prompted by Xie Ruxuan, Feng Xueyao looked over. She had noticed Feng Tiange when she arrived, but since Tiange's face was covered and Nanny Sunn seemed unfamiliar, she hadn't recognized her. Moreover, since the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion's spot was given to her, it seemed impossible for Feng Tiange to be there, so she hadn't thought much of it. But now, looking closely, it really was her!

"Why is your sister here? Could she be signing up?" Xie Ruxuan leaned closer to Feng Xueyao. "Isn't this embarrassing for your family?"

Feng Xueyao and Xie Ruxuan were close friends, so they naturally knew all about the happenings at the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion.

"Don't say that. Maybe my sister thinks she's more capable than I am," Feng Xueyao remarked casually, prompting Xie Ruxuan to scoff.

"A plain Jane dreaming of getting into the Imperial Academy? I'll go have a word with her!" Xie Ruxuan, though from a military family, had been raised by her father, the Minister of War, to be quite unruly and arrogant, never taking anyone seriously.

As Xie Ruxuan headed towards Feng Tiange, Feng Xueyao's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.

"Feng Tiange, what are you doing here?" Xie Ruxuan's voice was loud, drawing the attention of everyone around.

Nanny Sunn looked displeased and was about to step forward when Feng Tiange stopped her. "Is there something wrong with me being here?"

"Of course there is! You don't belong here!" Xie Ruxuan had often heard Feng Xueyao complain about how this eyesore bullied her sister at the mansion, and today she intended to teach Feng Tiange a lesson.

"Whether I belong or not is for the Imperial Academy instructors to decide. You're here to take the entrance exam too, so you shouldn't be so quick to judge others," Feng Tiange replied, stepping forward with a commanding presence.

"How am I judging? Everyone knows you're the ugliest in the land, never having studied a day in your life, just banging on a wooden fish at the temple! Maybe in a past life, you sinned too much, and now you're in a hurry to atone before Buddha!" Xie Ruxuan mocked loudly, and the crowd began to whisper among themselves.

"Entering the Imperial Academy is about skill. If you say I'm not worthy, Miss, then what makes someone worthy?" Tiange's voice held a trace of anger, her lips pressed into a thin line beneath the sheer fabric.

"Are you applying to the Literary Mansion or the Martial Academy? If it's the Literary Mansion, you need to outdo Xueyao in poetry. For the Martial Academy, you have to beat me!" Ruxuan lifted her chin arrogantly, her confidence unshakable.

Tiange said nothing, simply gesturing for Ruxuan to proceed. Nanny Sunn, standing nearby, looked concerned, but Tiange gave her a reassuring glance, prompting her to step aside.

"You're asking for it!" Ruxuan hadn't expected Tiange to have such courage. She leaped into the air, aiming a powerful kick straight at Tiange's face.

Ruxuan, aspiring to join the Martial Academy, was undoubtedly skilled in combat. Her impressive display of strength and agility caught the attention of the onlookers.

Across from her, Tiange watched calmly, her dark eyes steady and unruffled.

'Thud—'

No one anticipated that Tiange would withstand the attack. She caught Ruxuan's foot just before it reached her face, dust swirling up from the ground.

As Ruxuan's body flew backward, Tiange swiftly grabbed her ankle, pulling her back before releasing her. Tiange then gracefully leaped into the air, landing lightly on Ruxuan's back just as she hit the ground.

Time seemed to stand still, and an eerie silence enveloped the surroundings. No one could believe that the daughter of the Secretary of War had been defeated in a single move by someone everyone considered a good-for-nothing.

“Tiange, you jerk! You jerk!” Ruxuan shouted, pinned under Tiange's foot, utterly humiliated.

Nearby, Xueyao, who had witnessed Tiange's martial skills before at the Silk Garden, was still taken aback by her prowess. “Sister, Ruxuan acted on impulse. Please, don't hold it against her. At least consider the Secretary of War's reputation!” Xueyao, shaking off her shock, hurried over to help Ruxuan up.

As Tiange released her hold, Xueyao pulled Ruxuan to her feet, dusting off her clothes. “You ugly freak! I'll fight you!” Ruxuan's face flushed with anger, but Xueyao quickly pulled her aside before she could act on her rage.