This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

The first question is about swords.

With a whoosh, a huge curtain descended from the city wall, covering the entire city gate. On the curtain, a sword was displayed—a lifelike and exquisitely painted sword.

"Your Highness, this first question tests your knowledge of the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. Please tell me the origin of this sword."

Confucius's voice rang out again, prompting many to nod in agreement. While the question seemed simple, it was far from simple if it involved the history of the Great Qian Dynasty.

At the same time, many people began to frown, trying to recall what kind of sword it was.

The eldest princess smiled and looked up at the city wall, asking leisurely,

"Your Highness, does Consort Xian really think you can stump me with this? There are only a few events in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty that are related to swords. You don't even need to think about it to know the answer to this question. Are you sure you want to test me with this?"

"Haha, elder sister, you're overthinking it. We never intended to make things difficult for you. This is just a formality. These issues are naturally not a problem for you."

The Crown Prince showed no sign of nervousness; on the contrary, he spoke with a certain frankness, which puzzled the Princess. She had repeatedly confirmed that the sword was indeed the one she remembered, but all their efforts had resulted in such a simple problem? Something seemed amiss.

"Your Highness, you will have half an incense stick's time to think about each question before answering."

Confucius's voice rang out again.

Huangfu Lingxue glanced at the crowd in the distance a few more times. One person silently nodded at her, which reassured her considerably. She then spoke.

"No need. In the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, there is only one thing related to swords that is worth remembering: Xiao Jianxian's sword that suppressed mountains and rivers. This laid the foundation for our dynasty for a hundred years. How could I not know about his sword?"

"This sword is the same Wind Whisper Sword that Xiao Jianxian wielded when he stood atop Yong'an City. Am I right?"

As soon as the princess finished speaking, whispers arose from the crowd.

"So it's the Sword Immortal's sword. No wonder it looked familiar."

“That’s right. Consort Xian is not trying to make things difficult for the princess. This is a mother’s test for her children, hoping they will become successful. If they can’t even remember the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, then they certainly don’t deserve to enter the city. Consort Xian has really put her heart into it.”

"Every person in the Great Qian should remember Xiao Jianxian's sword. The princess answered this question correctly, which shows that she has not forgotten her roots and is familiar with the history of the Great Qian. She is a qualified princess."

. . .

Confucius didn't say much, he simply announced...

"The princess answered the first question correctly. Now let's move on to the second question."

"It's that simple?"

The sixth prince frowned, and asked with some suspicion,

"How could it be easy? They did this first question on purpose. They were sure I couldn't answer the other two questions. It's a best-of-three series. The real killer is in the last two questions."

"Furthermore, this first question made the people feel that Consort Xian wasn't trying to make things difficult for me, and it also earned her a reputation for protecting her children. I must say, it was a clever scheme," Huangfu Lingxue slowly explained, directly revealing the secret behind it.

Far from feeling relieved after answering the first question correctly, their expressions became even more serious. This was because the Consort Xian's arrangement clearly indicated her certainty that they would not be able to answer the next two questions.

It's clear that many people considered this connection. The first question, using such a topic, highlighted the virtuous concubine's character while simultaneously lowering the princess's guard. This was obviously a carefully arranged test.

"Your Highness, the first question is related to Xiao Jianxian, and the second question is also related to him. I hope you are mentally prepared."

Confucius offered a rare word of advice, which made the eldest princess realize that the second question would not be easy.

"Please, Master, give us a question,"

"Alright, now that Your Highness is ready, please proceed to the second question."

With a whoosh, another huge curtain was cast down from the city wall, and in an instant, densely packed small characters came into view.

Xiao Xingchen, who was watching the commotion, only glanced at it before spitting out a mouthful of phlegm.

"This is fucking amazing."

That's the only way he could describe it. When the old man announced that the question was related to Xiao Jianxian, he knew something strange was bound to happen.

With Xia Buyu's cheeky and irresponsible nature, he'll never take the normal path.

Sure enough, only modern people could understand these exam questions.

As for the others here, Xiao Xingchen didn't even need to guess; it would be strange if they could understand this.

"What's wrong with you?" Daji asked directly when she saw Xiao Xingchen's unusual behavior.

"Daji, I know this is outrageous, but I have to tell you, I know the answer to this question."

"You can?"

"Shh, keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear you."

"How is that possible? I don't even understand this question."

"Yes, how could that be? Maybe this is a question from another world? Sigh, what a tragedy."

Xiao Xingchen smiled wryly; he didn't even need to look to know how unpleasant the Princess's expression was.

"What is this question?" the eldest princess asked.

Many people looked over because no one could understand what the question meant.

The old scholar stroked his beard and spoke slowly.

"This question was left by Xiao Jianxian back then. He said that whoever can solve this question will be the one who lays the foundation for the next century of prosperity of the Great Qian Dynasty. His Majesty also personally promised that whoever solves this question will be made a king."

"Now, does the princess understand the meaning of this question? As long as you can solve this question, the princess becoming a queen will no longer be a legend."

"What? Confer a royal title?"

Not only was the eldest princess shocked, but even the princes behind the crown prince looked grim.

"Your Highness is foolish. How could you bring up such a topic? Your Highness, why didn't you advise me against it at the time?"

The Third Prince, Huangfu Wuji, said anxiously, "None of the princes have been granted the title of king. If a princess were to do so, it would be a huge mess. It wouldn't just be a slap in the face to the Eldest Princess; it would be a slap in the face to them all!"

"We overlooked something; if she answers correctly, all our work will have been for nothing."

The other princes also showed signs of worry, but the crown prince remained as calm as a mountain in the face of this.

"Don't worry, everyone. This is a question without an answer. My father once organized all the great scholars in the land to solve this problem, but no one could solve it. Even Confucius was helpless with this question. Do you think Huangfu Lingxue can do it?"