"..."
Jiang Xiaobai raised his head and glanced over. Finding Li Bingzhang looking at him, he immediately shook his head with a bitter smile.
Indeed, he had hurried here first thing in the morning and completely forgotten about that!
Only now did he remember, but... it seemed it was already too late!
One look at Jiang Xiaobai's expression told Li Bingzhang enough. He sighed inwardly and shook his head, saying nothing more.
He could only hope the three Military Examination candidates would not set overly difficult challenges. Otherwise, could Jiang Xiaobai's frail body take it?
Just then, Tang Ningshuang and the other two swiftly approached the front of the hall and bowed together.
"Your subject's daughter, Tang Ningshuang, greets Your Majesty!"
"This commoner, Qin Zhaoye, greets Your Majesty!"
"This commoner, Lu Chenshan, greets Your Majesty!"
Their voices rang strong and clear.
"Mm."
Xiao Jinxuan raised his hand slightly. "Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Only then did the three straighten.
Xiao Jinxuan swept his gaze over them. When it finally settled on Tang Ningshuang, surprise visibly crossed his face.
"A woman?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am Tang Ningshuang, your subject's daughter."
Tang Ningshuang spoke with neither servility nor arrogance.
"Tang?"
Xiao Jinxuan's gaze shifted slightly, turning toward Tang Kui.
Noticing Xiao Jinxuan's look, Tang Kui immediately stepped forward and cupped his hands awkwardly. "Your Majesty, this is my youngest daughter. I... I fear she has made a spectacle of herself before you."
"Oh?"
Xiao Jinxuan looked even more surprised. He studied Tang Ningshuang, then smiled. "Heh, the Tang family truly lives up to its military heritage. Even its daughter... carries herself with such bearing."
"You flatter us, Your Majesty."
Tang Kui grew even more embarrassed.
Xiao Jinxuan nodded, then looked back at the three. "Which of you took the Top Rank?"