Chapter 121: The Imperial Examination System

Inside the inner hall of Huaqing Palace, Yang Guifei, dressed in splendid attire, knelt devoutly before the deity’s statue, praying earnestly for the heavens to protect Zhao Su and keep him safe.

It was only today that she truly realized she had fallen for that roguish Zhao Su.

Though fully aware of their incompatible statuses, destined never to be together, she did not mind.

As long as Zhao Su remained unharmed and could ascend the throne smoothly...

Concentrating her spiritual energy, Xuemeng discovered to her surprise that there was no response in her palm—no stirrings of power, no sign of spiritual energy.

She had never imagined she could feel such unbearable pain and regret, wishing she could end her own life.

On the bed, Li Moran held Ye Xiaomei tightly, gazing at her and kissing her silky hair, while Ye Xiaomei playfully toyed with the large hands embracing her.

“Miss, are you looking to provoke trouble or incite rebellion?” Chen Yueting’s eyes gleamed as he leaned close to An Youran. Rather than fulfilling his duty loyally, he seemed more intent on stirring the pot, his face alight with anticipation, clearly eager for a spectacle to unfold.

Ou An’an felt the urge to tear her face apart, but Jinsha gently grabbed her arm and shook it, signaling her with a look, as if she had something to say.

Ruan Mingyue neither agreed nor opposed her father’s decision. Her expression was as serene as a gentle breeze, as if nothing in this world could move her—except perhaps the artistry of calligraphy and paintings, or the touching stories of youth.

Gu Kong had already stepped onto the shore of Yunhai City. His forelimbs swung through the air, sweeping away the towering buildings on the left like they were fragile tofu blocks, reducing one after another to ruin.

“No, no,” Zhao Caiying quickly waved her hands, her bright eyes and radiant smile shining. Although her skin was dark, in Xuemeng’s eyes, it possessed a unique charm.

Sensing Gong Ruomu’s movement behind her, Diao Manrong felt as if she had just lost something in that instant, leaving an emptiness in her heart.

Before the arrival of the Liu family from the Tang Dynasty, the workshops of the great clans—more accurately, small factories—produced goods strictly for personal use. Any surplus was bartered among the clans through exchange.

But at present, I truly cannot afford to anger him. After all, the finances and military power in Yunnan still depend on his consent. If I provoke him, all prior negotiations might be wasted.

After a tender moment, Song Yiyi was embraced by Xiahou Ce. His fingers slid through her hair, gently stroking it. The usually aloof expression on his face softened into a rare smile. His lowered eyes fixed on the delicate beauty before him, stirring a gentle affection in his heart.

Though the four Spirit Kings had lost their consciousness, they continued to carry out their duties like loyal automatons, marked by their imprints—for instance, announcing the continuation of the Sword Dance Festival.

Meanwhile, capturing these three cities would extend the Ming dynasty’s defensive line northward by over three hundred kilometers, a move of great strategic importance.

Qingfeng’s tone was heavy and serious, his gaze on Ling Su’s cheek equally grave.

Having spoken, he ordered his subordinate lamas to set up a fire basin atop Elephant Mountain’s highest peak and begin the ritual.

When the principal handed me the certificate, I took it with both hands, then knelt and deeply kowtowed thrice to him.

Though there was a restroom on the first floor, the second and third floors also had them, so at night, apart from Aunt Sun and Old Lady Lu occasionally waking, hardly anyone descended downstairs.

“Xiao Lina has driven off,” Yin Rongyu replied casually, climbing into the driver’s seat and preparing to start the car.

As for Manichaeism, it was indeed a real religion brought from Iran at the time. Even today, relics of Manichaeism remain preserved in Quanzhou, Fujian.

“I must stay strong; otherwise, after I die, I might be even less than Takeda Kei...” Chi Shangzhen silently warned himself, remaining vigilant.