On the day the preliminary shortlist was released, Hu Xiaotian made a special trip to the Court of State Ceremonial to take a look. As expected, his name was on it. The square before the posted list was packed with people. Some laughed with delight at having qualified, while far more cursed the Fragrant Kingdom for having eyes but no sight after being rejected.
As Hu Xiaotian parted the crowd to leave, he saw a familiar figure approaching him. It was Xie Tianqiong, whom he had once rescued on the road.
Xie Tianqiong smiled at Hu Xiaotian. "Greetings, benefactor!"
Hu Xiaotian knew that Xie Tianqiong's true identity was that of an assassin. He nodded. "Brother Xie, have you come to check the list too?"
Xie Tianqiong shook his head. "I only came to watch the excitement. I happened to see you, benefactor, so I came over to say hello." He glanced toward the distant list. "Did you make it through?"
Hu Xiaotian nodded.
Xie Tianqiong smiled. "A needless question on my part. With your standing, benefactor, there really should be no doubt about your becoming the Fragrant Kingdom's imperial son-in-law."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Then may your auspicious words come true!"
A company of riders passed in the distance. Xie Tianqiong visibly tensed and quietly lowered his head. Only after they had gone far away did he smile at Hu Xiaotian again. "Benefactor, I'll be going now. I'll be leaving Fragrant City in the next couple of days. If fate permits, we'll meet again someday."
Hu Xiaotian smiled as he saw him off. Xie Tianqiong took a few steps, then turned back. "I've studied a little face-reading. Dark clouds hang over the space between your brows, benefactor. You may suffer a financial calamity soon. I would advise you to keep your