Chapter 112: The Privilege of Audience with the Emperor (Please Subscribe)

However, having trained under Wu Qingluan for many years, they were far stronger than ordinary martial artists. With a sharp cry, they unleashed their full power, wielding their swords and blades in counterattack.

Yet, after just three moves, their bodies were sent flying by Wu Qingluan’s force, each landing to the side, their vital energies fluctuating as they struggled to maintain their footing, nearly collapsing. They were filled with horror.

“Princess, is a Master at the Transformation Realm really this powerful?” After catching her breath, Wu Lanxiang asked.

“A Master at the Transformation Realm is indeed stronger than a first-rate expert, with mightier internal energy that can even leave the body, creating an even more terrifying pressure. Generally, few first-rate experts dare to directly confront an attack from a Master at the Transformation Realm unless they themselves are at the peak of first-rate mastery,” Wu Qingluan explained, nodding as she spoke to the two.

“You’re still quite young, and your martial talents are exceptional; in a few years, you both have the chance to break through and become Masters at the Transformation Realm.” The sisters were only eighteen or nineteen, already first-rate experts. Their talent rivaled that of Wu Qingluan herself, and even women like Zhu Shimei, Feng Ling, and Ye Hongxiu. Ye Hongxiu, however, had met Fang Xian, which allowed her to break through to first-rate mastery a year or two earlier.

“Eldest Princess, I heard that the Prince Consort can fight toe-to-toe with a Master at the Transformation Realm at the peak of first-rate mastery. Is that true?” Wu Lanxiang, having been at the Eldest Princess’s residence since returning, had not yet visited the clinic and had not met Fang Xian.

“That’s right. Even if I break through to Transformation Realm Master, I could only draw even with him. When he advances to that realm, he will be the strongest among all Masters at the Transformation Realm.” Wu Qingluan smiled as she mentioned Fang Xian, nodding in affirmation.

At that moment, a royal guard hurried over from the martial arts arena’s edge. Wu Lanxin approached, and after hearing a few words, returned with news: “Princess, good news. The top thirty rankings of the palace examination have been finalized. The Prince Consort placed third and will undergo the imperial interview this morning.”

“Prepare everything. There might be even better news after the interview. He’s confident he can become the top scholar.” Wu Qingluan showed no surprise as she instructed the two.

“Princess, will the Prince Consort come to the princess’s residence? I hear my sister and the guards talk about him every day, but I haven’t met him yet,” Wu Lanxiang asked curiously.

“He definitely wouldn’t dare come here now. We’ll go to the clinic tonight to celebrate for him,” Wu Qingluan replied, then cautioned, “Don’t make a fuss. We’ll go quietly.”

Other matters were naturally handled by Lanxin, who secretly sent people to tidy up the small courtyard where Wu Qingluan had lived before. Since Wu Qingluan had only moved out two days earlier, nothing had changed except for added guards.

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Fang Xian had already received notice that he ranked third in the palace examination’s policy essay, qualifying him for the imperial audience. He was now en route by carriage to the Meridian Gate.

The scene before the Meridian Gate was bustling. Alongside the ministers attending court, thirty young scholars had emerged victorious from the policy essay stage. Regardless of the outcome of the emperor’s interview today, they were already officially recognized as successful candidates and would soon be granted government positions, standing alongside the ministers.

“My nephew, Shi Hongchang, pays respects to all esteemed lords,” said Shi Hongchang, chatting casually with some noble officials when Fang Xian arrived. Shi had taken first place in the policy essay, edging out Fang Xian, and was currently quite proud.

“Having a worthy nephew like this will bring prosperity to the Shi family for decades. When serving together in court, I look forward to your guidance,” an official said politely. If Shi became the top scholar, his rank would be at least Third Rank, while some officials were only Fourth or Fifth Rank—a significant difference.

Moreover, any top scholar who avoided grave mistakes would eventually enter the Ministry of Personnel, become a Minister of one of the Six Ministries, then advance to the Cabinet as Chancellor or one of the three great ministers overseeing the imperial censorate.

Thus, many noble officials sought to befriend Shi Hongchang, hoping to gain favor with a future minister or even prime minister.

The second place was taken by Xia Zhenghong, son of the Guangyuan Prefect Xia Rongxin, said to be skilled both in literature and martial arts, earning praise from some noble officials.

Fang Xian ranked third, while another scholar from a humble background, Lu Rongkun, placed fourth. Some officials from modest backgrounds gathered around Lu Rongkun, chatting with him.

In fact, nearly every one of the top thirty scholars was surrounded by court officials chatting with them, as all had opportunities to receive the emperor’s special recognition as top scholars.

Fang Xian arrived last among the scholars. By the time he reached the Meridian Gate, only the highest officials—the Chancellor, the Chief Censor, and the Six Ministers—stood unmoving at the front. Before him unfolded this lively scene.

“Congratulations, Divine Doctor Fang,” approached several officials from the Imperial Medical Office, led by Situ Xun and other senior medical officers qualified to attend court.

“Who would have thought that Divine Doctor Fang’s medical skills were peerless, and his poetry transcendent, ranking among the top three in the palace exam? Truly worthy of celebration,” they praised, their admiration genuine, especially for his medical talents.

“Thank you all for your kindness,” Fang Xian bowed respectfully.

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“Fang Xian, why not just practice medicine well? Why come to take the palace exam?” Shi Hongchang swaggered over, flaunting his pride.

“Exactly, a mere physician aspiring to be top scholar—what a disgrace to our scholarly tradition,” a scholar nearby chimed in.

Fang Xian looked at them with a smile and said, “I wish longevity to your entire family; may none of you fall ill. And you too—go home and tell your family the same.”

Shi Hongchang’s face instantly flushed red, while surrounding officials cast them curious glances. Everyone knew Fang Xian was the nation’s foremost divine healer. Yet these fools had dared to offend him, seemingly unaware that the medical officials regarded them as prey.

Though some officials disliked Fang Xian, none openly antagonized him, knowing there was no benefit in making an enemy of the man they might need in times of illness.

Not only Shi Hongchang, but also his sycophant looked miserable, as if having swallowed a fly. If his family learned he had offended Divine Doctor Fang in a moment of folly, he might never live it down.

“Divine Doctor Fang, congratulations.”

“Congratulations, Divine Doctor Fang. To heal and study simultaneously is truly a model for us all.”

“To practice medicine is to save lives; to be an official is to serve the people’s lives. In that sense, they are closely connected.”

Seeing this, the officials realized Fang Xian had little patience for arrogance and quickly stepped forward to greet him warmly, careful not to associate themselves with those fools. Otherwise, it would be troublesome when they later sought his favor.