The Deer Calling Banquet was held the day after the announcement of the exam results. It was named after the poem “Deer Calling” from the Book of Songs, Xiaoya section, which was sung during the feast. It was a grand event following the autumn imperial exams, and all the candidates attended dressed in their finest.

Yan Shian wore a gray-green round-collared robe that looked about eighty percent new, with a decorative belt around his waist. The only thing that stood out was the splash of purple on his wrist.

Compared to those candidates who wore brand new robes with the round collar’s shoulder buttons undone, collars turned outward to show off their best posture and appearance, Yan Shian’s look was rather conventional and modest.

Unfortunately for him, he was born with an exceptionally handsome face; wherever he stood, he looked like a refined gentleman out of a painting.

Moreover, the granddaughter of Prime Minister Zhang had personally come down to the exam list to capture him as a prospective son-in-law. His spotlight far exceeded that of the top and runner-up scorers, making him the most talked-about candidate this year. As soon as he arrived, many eyes—both openly and secretly—fell on him.

Yan Shian pretended not to notice and quietly waited in a less crowded corner until the appointed time.

“Brother Shian.”

Yan Shian turned sideways to see Zeng Xian approaching.

“Brother Zeng.”

“That day was too rushed, I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you. Once again, you’ve won.” Zeng Xian’s gaze held no extra malice, and his competitive spirit was undiminished. As always, he regarded Yan Shian only as a rival, dismissing all else.

Yan Shian liked this look at this moment very much.

“Except for the top and runner-up scorers, the others are of comparable skill. Your seventh place and my fourth are of equal level; I can’t say I really beat you.”

“If that’s the case, then I—third place—should be equal to both of you?” Someone nearby was none other than Wei Heliang, the third place, wearing an unfriendly expression. “If we are equal, why have rankings? Wouldn’t one title suffice?”

Before Yan Shian could reply, Zeng Xian snorted coldly, “Brother Shian, you’re just trying to save face for me, but I didn’t expect an outsider like you to take it seriously. From what you say, you think you’re much stronger than us? Poetry, lyrics, and prose—choose whatever you like. I, the seventh place, will come first to test you and see just how much stronger you really are.”

Wei Heliang wasn’t stupid to have gotten this far, nor was he someone who dared to offend everyone. He only dared to pick a fight with Yan Shian because he knew that aside from a somewhat famous teacher, Yan’s family background was very low. He figured since he just happened to run into him, he might as well vent his grudges from being suppressed by Yan Shian lately.

He did not dare to offend Zeng Xian, the seventh place from the Zeng family.

But now, watched by so many, if he refused the challenge, he might lose all respect. Just as he was about to grit his teeth and accept, laughter came from nearby:

“I heard from afar someone wants to duel—still not satisfied after the autumn exams and want another round? The spring exams are still in February next year; everyone will have to wait.”

Everyone turned to look; a few people were chatting and walking over. The one surrounded in the middle was the Jingzhaoyin (Capital’s chief administrator) Li Sheng.

He seemed to be looking at everyone but his gaze landed on Yan Shian, who was indeed easy to recognize.

Yan Shian bowed with the crowd, his expression calm and composed, deliberately avoiding Li Sheng’s gaze but quietly pulling up his sleeve to fully reveal the purple band on his wrist.

With Li Sheng’s arrival, others naturally gathered around him. He named the top and runner-up scorers and joked with them, then named some other candidates to encourage them. Finally, he mentioned Yan Shian.

Yan Shian stepped forward and bowed.

The purple wristband was too conspicuous; Li Sheng couldn’t pretend not to see it. He changed the words at his lips:

“You are the youngest among this year’s candidates but have the focus and dedication to learning—rare, truly rare.”

“Studying diligently is a natural duty, your honor’s praise is too kind.”

Li Sheng glanced again at the wristband and joked, “I heard Yan Juren was almost taken as a son-in-law right under the exam list? As your host, how about I help arrange a match for you?”

Yan Shian smiled bitterly and shook his head repeatedly, “Because of that matter, my fiancée has been very worried. To ease her mind, you see, I not only brought the wristband she gave me before, but even brought this old handkerchief. We have been betrothed since childhood and have long since been mutually in love. I have never had any unfaithful thoughts. Miss Zhang’s kindness, I dare not accept.”

His words were reasonable, heartfelt, and loyal. Anyone who tried to separate them would be the villain breaking a loving couple apart.

Naturally, Li Sheng didn’t press further. He patted Yan Shian’s shoulder and laughed heartily:

“Young man, there’s still a long way ahead. We’ll see, we’ll see!”

Someone with tact reminded that it was time—the banquet was to begin.

Li Sheng glanced at Yan Shian once more and went to the main seat.

Everyone could see that the Capital’s chief administrator treated Yan Shian differently.

The top and runner-up scorers looked at Yan Shian with more hostility. Clearly, their results were better, yet all the benefits went to the fourth-place candidate. They were truly upset.

Yan Shian remained vigilant, pulling up his sleeve and taking out his handkerchief to wipe his mouth from time to time, constantly signaling that he was a taken man.

Meanwhile, Shi Buyu awaited the expected person.

She didn’t even care about comfort anymore; she had carefully dressed early that morning, wearing new clothes, jewelry, and painted on a weak, fragile makeup, looking as if she might collapse anytime. It was indeed beautiful, but she barely recognized herself—when silent, she seemed like a completely different person.

Of course, once she spoke, she was unmistakably herself.

“No rush, let her stew a bit longer—make her even angrier.”

He Yisheng loved hearing Shi’s calm words. Every time he heard “no rush,” he felt reassured.

Feeling the tea had cooled, he went to fetch a fresh cup. Returning, he saw the previously mischievous girl’s expression had grown serious.

She was looking at the news delivered today.

“Yisheng, tonight we’re going out of the city.”

She needed him…

He Yisheng knew well: “Another corpse thrown into the palace?”

“This time they didn’t dump it in the mass grave but buried it in a mountain. If they’d done this sooner, they wouldn’t have been noticed by me.” Shi Buyu folded the note and put it on the side after reading. “You come with me to identify the person.”

He Yisheng agreed.

After checking some other news, Shi Buyu slowly headed out. Just as she reached the outer hall of the guest courtyard, a bowl was thrown from inside.

Wan Xia quickly stepped in front of her to block it. If not for her slightly weak strength, it would have hit Shi Buyu. Wan Xia’s face darkened and she became alert.

“How dare you make me wait so long, Luo family, you’ve got some nerve!”

Shi Buyu chuckled silently inside; her courage was far greater than just a bit.

But on the surface, she wore a wronged and aggrieved expression:

“I have no family or friends in the capital, and no one usually visits. I didn’t expect Miss Zhang to suddenly come knocking. Naturally, I needed some time to prepare to receive her properly, to avoid any neglect. Could it be Miss Zhang thinks I did wrong by doing this?”

The Zhang family’s young lady, Su Su, was spoiled at home and got everything she wanted, usually not thinking much. She was very angry now. Hearing this, it seemed reasonable, but somehow this made her even angrier.

So she smashed the plate of melons and fruits.