The Soldier King Becomes a Useless Little Girl

Chapter 273: An Irresistible Temptation

Is he the one who made my mother and I wander, destitute, and even drove grandfather to death?

Xin Zhuo saw his long-absent "Imperial Father," but there wasn’t the slightest hint of excitement in his eyes.

"Your Highness, today you will see your Imperial Father. You must keep your composure and must not let Empress Feng recognize you."

The worried voice of Shi Guiren still echoed in his ears.

Empress Feng... Xin Zhuo caught sight of Empress Feng by Emperor Longteng’s side at a glance.

A stunning beauty with flawless features, incomparably different from Shi Guiren.

When Xin Zhuo looked towards Empress Feng, it was as if she had a premonition and met his gaze. Their eyes collided.

Empress Feng’s gaze turned slightly stern, and a hint of panic flashed through Xin Zhuo’s eyes. Despite his effort to hide it, Empress Feng noticed.

Xin Zhuo panicked; just then, Xin Lin tugged at him, and he quickly lowered his head.

"All ministers, you may rise."

Emperor Longteng waved his hand, signaling the courtiers to take their seats.

Xin Lin noticed that Jiang Qing was seated in the same row as Grandmaster Jin and Zuo Zong, with Zuo Zong in the same row as Chu Tianyi, while the other ministers sat according to their ranks as well.

"You are the top ten candidates of the Zixiao Palace Exam this time, very good. Longteng Country is thriving, and this batch of candidates is full of scholarly and martial talents. I am truly gratified and hope that you will all display your strengths in today’s Imperial Examination."

Emperor Longteng’s voice was hearty and loud. This year’s Zixiao Palace Exam was different from previous years, and although Emperor Longteng had not presided over the Literary and Martial Arts Examination, he had heard about the significant stir it caused.

However, Emperor Longteng did not expect some of the candidates to be so young.

The Xin siblings looked no more than seven or eight years old, with cute and tender appearances that didn’t resemble common children at all.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The ten candidates expressed their thanks by kowtowing.

An eunuch stepped forward and announced the rules of today’s Imperial Examination.

The Imperial Examination is the final round of assessment for this year’s Zixiao Palace Exam.

The score of the Imperial Examination accounts for half of the final grade, along with the Literary and Martial Arts Examination scores, adopting an elimination system.

Among the ten candidates, each will face off in pairs, and the victor will become the top scorer of the Imperial Examination.

All ten candidates will gain direct entry to the Qingtian Academy.

Additionally, the first-place winner of the Imperial Examination will receive an extra reward, the opportunity to choose a Spiritual Formula or a Cultivation Technique from the Royal Spiritual Weapon Vault.

Upon hearing this, most candidates showed ecstatic expressions.

The Emperor-level Royal Spiritual Weapon Vault is the second-largest library in Longteng Territory, just after the Qingtian Tower of Qingtian Academy, containing numerous Spiritual Formulas and Cultivation Techniques that are not available on the market.

While all candidates appeared thrilled, Xin Lin quietly observed everyone’s reactions, noticing that only Murong Ziyue and the one named Zhang Zhiqing remained calm.

"Pride Corpse, don’t just speak halfway. What’s the background of that Zhang Zhiqing?"

Xin Lin recalled Gui Hu’s earlier words and secretly asked.

Gui Hu sneered coldly and ignored Xin Lin.

Uh, why does this sneer sound so familiar?

Where did I offend him again?

Xin Lin felt depressed.

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s great generosity."

The candidates hastily bowed their heads in gratitude.

The top ten candidates stepped forward to draw lots.

Soon, the list for the paired contests was out.

"First group, Murong Ziyue, Cheng Xingwu.

Second group, Xin Lin, Lin Zhong.

Third group, Xin Zhuo, Jin Chen.

Fourth group, Zhang Zhiqing, Mu Ke.

Fifth group, Ren Feng, Chen Nian."

As soon as the draw results were announced, Xin Lin frowned slightly—Little Xinzhuo had ended up facing Jin Chen.