Test

Jun Hua returned back home late and slept soundly. Since tomorrow was going to be their test day, she would try to at least achieve a bit. The test only included painting or music, so she didn't really have much chance since her aptitude in music was low. As for painting, she didn't want them to know about her real ability so she might just make a few mistakes then.

The next day, Jun Hua arrived at the hall early. She chose one corner to sit and waited patiently. It was then she saw a person entering: Lin San.

After the incident with her mother, Lin San remained as the brilliant girl of the academy, but she became quieter and rarely talked to others. Today, that girl was walking gracefully, with her head held up high, looking very confident.

With Lin San's talents, she indeed had more chances than the other students to pass the test with flying colors*. Given that she had been studying from a very young age, there was no way she would allow herself to lose against those who only have good enough skills. The number of talented people in the academy was relatively low and Lin San would surely show off her brilliant talents.

After looking around for some more, Jun Hua found a familiar face: Fan Lanying. That girl seemed to not care about what other people think. Since she already has the skill to pass the test, Fan Lanying didn't care about what other people thought of her. She never strived to achieve the best because her real interest was becoming a general.

"You are early today, Jun Hua. What are you looking at?" Fan Lanying followed her gaze.

"I'm just looking around at the people who are arriving here. There are a lot of them," Jun Hua answered honestly.

Fan Lanying nodded. "This is the test for all the girls and boys. Their criteria are different. I hope that I could get music since my playing has become better after that time in the palace."

Jun Hua nodded in understanding. She remembered that during that time, Fan Lanying was the only who didn't study the etiquette and instead learned music with Ming Hui. Because of that time, Fan Lanying had been learning about music more in hopes that she could perform better. Last time, she didn't get the chance to play for her due to some incidents. Because of that, she had been learning even more diligently.

"Will the imperial family come?"

"Yes, they will come here."

Jun Hua had never attended the test before so it was normal that she wasn't aware about the things worked here. She remembered Ming Hui that she had just met. If Fan Lanying knew that she had been meeting with Ming Hui every week, what would her reaction be? Hopefully, she would not get angry at her because it was not like she specifically wanted to meet her.

While she was chatting with Fan Lanying, the number of the girls and the boys arriving increased. They kept coming one by one. The venue of their test was held at the same place. It was in this hall so they have to be here. The hall was big enough to accommodate all the students and their parents.

"Would your parents come?"

"Yes, but they are busy talking with their friends. The test hadn't started yet, so I don't think they would want to sit idly and do nothing."

Jun Hua nodded. The nobles all have connection here and there. During the party or maybe other occasion, they would gather together to talk about many things. There were many other nobles in attendance so they have a lot of friends they can talk with.

While they were talking, they suddenly heard cheering from the girls. Jun Hua turned around and felt her body stiffen a bit.

The person who arrived was Nanglong Soujin. Normally, he wouldn't participate in this kind of event and didn't bother with them. But now he had suddenly shown himself. Several girls who were his fans were already whispering among each other and trying to look their best.

Jun Hua didn't want to meet with him as herself. If Nanglong Soujin were to find out about her real identity, it would be highly troublesome. She didn't have the guts to tell him the reason that was if he didn't get angry at her for concealing it. Or maybe, had he found out?

Nanglong Soujin's eyes swept the hall once. He found out that his friends hadn't arrived yet so he decided to take a seat. When he looked at all the people present, he noticed that Jun Hua was among them. Given her highly conspicuous features, it would be a miracle if he wasn't able to find her among the crowd. Even when she dressed low-key, she still undeniably looked very beautiful.

Not long after that, the imperial family members arrived. Aside from Yan, the first prince, Ming Kui, and the second prince, Ming Gong, also arrived. Ming Hui was also there which made Fan Lanying excited.

"She's here, Jun Hua! I will finally be able to play a song for her."

"That is if you got music."

Fan Lanying pouted. "Come on! Wish your best friend to get the music one."

Jun Hua laughed and nodded. She did indeed wish Fan Lanying to get music, so she could show them that she's no longer the second worst in music anymore.

The imperial family members all sat on different places. Their relationship was not really harmonious since they were constantly competing against each other to get the throne. The emperor had not picked the crown prince yet, which means that their chances were more or less at the same level.

Yan and Ming Hui arrived to Soujin's side.

"I would never think that you're interested in this kind of event. What made you show up here?" Yan asked.

"Jun Min." Soujin simply answered.

"That boy would only arrive late during the test for the boys. Did you forget that he said he was busy so he can't watch his sister?" Yan asked.

"I know that," Soujin answered nonchalantly.

Yan shrugged and picked a seat near the general. Ming Hui sat down beside her brother.

"How do you think Jun Hua will perform? I heard that she was the worst among the girls."

Ming Hui recalled the time when she invited the noble girls to the palace. Jun Hua was indeed the worst when she first arrived, but she learned quickly. If Jun Hua wanted to, she might do quite good at the test.

"Yes, that's true," Soujin answered. Ming Hui stared in disbelief. Did this man truly think she cannot learn much? "Besides, her skill is indeed awful."

"How do you know?" Yan asked.

"Jun Min told me."

Yan and Ming Hui: "…"