Empress, please have some self-respect. I am not your husband.

Two days passed in a flash, and the day of the third competition finally arrived. Lu Feng got up early, quickly washed and dressed, and then left the inn.

Upon arriving at the imperial city, the palace gates were not yet open, but many officials were already waiting outside in their official sedan chairs.

In particular, nine people from the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy were selected to participate in the third round of the literary contest with Lu Feng.

Today is the last day of the competition. Lu Feng stole the show in the first two rounds, so today is their only chance to seize the opportunity.

If we defeat Western Chu, we will be meritorious officials and will surely receive rewards from His Majesty the Emperor, thus rising rapidly in rank.

Especially the Grand Master of Ceremonies and the Hanlin Academician.

The Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy can be said to have gathered the most learned scholars in the Qian Kingdom, and it is possible for either of them to achieve merit.

This is a joyous occasion for both of them.

Under these circumstances, they naturally didn't want Lu Feng to share the spoils, so when they saw Lu Feng, both adults snorted coldly.

The chief priest, Zhang Wenhao, scoffed, "Archery and weightlifting are one thing, but this literary contest? They dare to be so arrogant as to come and join in the fun! They really don't know what's good for them!"

Hanlin Academician Su Hanyu smiled slightly and cooperated, saying, "Hey, Lord Zhang, maybe he's some learned scholar who has read countless books?"

“Lord Su, even you can make a mistake?” Zhang Wenhao said deliberately.

The two laughed heartily, seemingly feeling quite accomplished in mocking Lu Feng.

Lu Feng heard these words and naturally wouldn't tolerate them. He slowly said, "So that's why there's such a strong sour smell. Turns out there are two pedantic scholars here. I should have brought a handkerchief to cover my nose. Does anyone have one? Lend me one!"

Immediately, Zhang Wenhao and Su Hanyu's faces turned red with anger.

Many military officers, however, burst out laughing.

Although the civil and military officers didn't get along and they also disliked Lu Feng, they felt quite pleased to hear Lu Feng mocking Zhang Wenhao and the other guy.

Their laughter only fueled Su Hanyu's anger: "Lu Feng, you brat, who are you calling a pedantic old scholar!"

“I’ll point out who’s in a hurry. You’re not in a hurry, are you?” Lu Feng asked.

Su Hanyu almost blurted out "no," but fortunately Zhang Wenhao stopped him.

Seeing the amused expressions on the faces of those around him, he suddenly recalled the second match, when Lu Feng asked Wei Qingfeng in the martial arts arena if he was in a hurry.

What a despicable and shameless bastard! I almost fell for it!

After glaring angrily at Lu Feng, Su Hanyu could only pretend not to hear and swallow his anger.

At this moment, Qin Ming, the Minister of Revenue, also appeared in an official sedan chair, accompanied by Qin Xinyi.

A red outfit perfectly accentuated her already stunning figure, and her beautiful face remained radiant even without makeup.

Her appearance immediately attracted the attention of many people.

These people were all students selected from the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy, and they were basically students of Zhang Wenhao and Su Hanyu.

Not only are they talented, but they're also young. Seeing such a beautiful woman as Qin Xinyi, they can't help but feel a little restless.

Those who recognized him came up to greet him directly, using the terms Qin Xinyi liked to hear: "General Qin, I didn't expect you to be here today."

Anyone in the capital who has designs on Qin Xinyi knows that she prefers martial arts to feminine attire, and regards the title of female general bestowed upon her by His Majesty as her lifelong honor.

Faced with the enthusiasm of others, Qin Xinyi simply nodded, her beautiful eyes then falling on Lu Feng.

He nodded to himself, realizing he hadn't broken his promise and had come after all.

Although I don't know how good this guy is at literature, having him around definitely increases our chances of winning.

She didn't greet him, but Lu Feng naturally wouldn't ignore his savior, so he smiled and stepped forward gently, saying, "Uncle Qin, Miss Xinyi."

"Lu Feng, you're here too. You'd better do your best today," Qin Ming said with a smile.

He said this from the bottom of his heart. Ever since he witnessed Lu Feng's financial power that day, his goodwill towards Lu Feng has skyrocketed!

After all, who doesn't love money?

Not to mention that His Majesty the Emperor has indicated that Lu Feng has a very high chance of becoming an official in the court. As long as he climbs the ranks, he and his daughter will be a perfect match!

“That’s natural.” Lu Feng nodded.

The students who were thinking about Qin Xinyi immediately sensed something was wrong and turned their hostile gazes toward him.

Qin Xinyi did not respond to his greeting, but Lu Feng was not annoyed by it.

He's figured it out these past few days, and that's why Qin Xinyi said he humiliated her.

It's understandable that a proud and arrogant young lady would feel bad about being rejected in front of civil and military officials.

In other words, Lu Feng wasn't interested in Qin Xinyi; otherwise, it wouldn't have been wrong for him to reveal his identity.

Just then, a group of people came from afar, the sedan chair landed, and a beautiful figure stepped out.

The moon-white floral print palace dress was elegant and sophisticated, and her long, flowing black hair and stunning beauty rivaled even Qin Xinyi's.

Who else could it be but Yu Ningyan?

The attention of some students was immediately drawn to them, as they had previously studied at the Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy.

Upon seeing that a stunning beauty, no less beautiful than Qin Xinyi, had arrived, he was immediately filled with curiosity.

It was only after being mentioned by others that I learned the other party was the Princess of Western Chu.

"your Highness."

Some officials from the Qian Kingdom greeted him, showing that even though they were enemies, the proper etiquette still had to be observed.

Yu Ningyan simply nodded in response, then her beautiful eyes swept over Lu Feng.

Just then, the palace gates opened, and a eunuch shouted loudly.

Everyone lined up in an orderly fashion.

Yu Ningyan and the others entered first, followed by the civil and military officials of the Qian Kingdom. Lu Feng followed Qin Xinyi and her father inside.

The eunuch leading the way said as he walked, "His Majesty has decreed that the third round of the literary contest will be held today in the Wenhe Hall. Please follow me."

Upon arriving at the Wenhe Hall, Lu Feng discovered that His Majesty the Emperor had already arrived, and seats had been arranged in the hall.

After the greetings.

A group of maids led the officials to their seats.

He was placed in the center of the main hall, along with Zhang Wenhao, Su Hanyu, and seven other people.

Anyone with eyes could see that these ten people were the candidates for the third competition in the Qian Kingdom.

Yu Ning's rosy lips curved slightly: "Does Your Majesty intend to wage a war of attrition against Western Chu?"

Her words were contemptuous and mocking, but Ye Bingyun, sitting in the main seat, was not annoyed and calmly said, "My Qian Kingdom is full of talented people. No matter what Xi Chu wants to compete in, we have people to choose from."

Seemingly eager to show off, Zhang Wenhao immediately said, "That's right! Princess, tell me, what will you compete in this third round?"

Su Hanyu also said, "Today, I will make sure the Princess knows the literary heritage of my Qian Kingdom!"

Her gaze swept over the two men before settling on Lu Feng. Yu Ningyan's tone was icy: "The third round of the literary contest is best two out of three. My Western Chu will send only one person! Song Qingyu!"

The moment he finished speaking, everyone in the room was astonished!