Forgotten Legend of the Bloodied Flower

While Mu Fei Jiu stayed inside the carriage outside, Feng Ao Kuai walked into the venue and met with many other youths who would also take the examination this year. Many of them were wearing expensive and elegant clothes.

From the first glance, Feng Ao Kuai knew that they were the few youths from the noble families who came to take the post.

For the noble families, it was easy for them to become an official. They only needed to make sure that they were not completely stupid. Because if they were useless, the Emperor would not be willing to use them.

'He's a strict and wise Emperor.'

That was people's evaluation about Emperor Yang Zhou.

Ever since his inauguration where he took control over the entire court, the officials who could enter the court had to be examined more strictly. What Emperor Yang Zhou wanted was people he could use and not some stupid b*stard who would only take public resources for themselves.

Thus, the people who came here have already prepared themselves.

Feng Ao Kuai picked a corner to sit down and wait.

More and more people came here and one of them stopped not far from Feng Ao Kuai. His expression looked surprised and there was a slight delight amidst the alienation. 

"Cousin Ao Kuai?" the young man asked tentatively.

Feng Ao Kuai blinked his eyes, looking at the young man who had some similarities with himself but not very apparent. He thought about the few people in the Capital City who were willing to get close to him and then asked, "Feng Mo Xing?"

"That's me." The young man, Feng Mo Xing smiled brightly.

Feng Mo Xing received news that his older cousin, Feng Ao Kuai, would take the examination this year too. He himself had been preparing for the examination for a long time and was finally ready.

But meeting his cousin like this was still unexpected.

"I see that you're taking the same examination." Feng Ao Kuai smiled politely. "Are you ready?"

"I have been preparing for years, so it should be fine." Feng Mo Xing nodded. He looked at Feng Ao Kuai curiously. "It's cousin that might need to prepare more."

Feng Ao Kuai had been spending a few years on the frontline. It was not a secret and many people also knew about this, which was why they thought that Feng Ao Kuai would wait for another year before taking the examination.

Thus, seeing him here still surprised some people.

Some sneered and thought that Feng Ao Kuai was overconfident while the others didn't bother with it.

They had heard about Feng Ao Kuai's deeds on the frontline and felt that he might be powerful contender. After all, there was a limit to how many people would be accepted in the officialdom each year.

If they couldn't pass this year, they could only wait another year to pass the examination.

"Don't worry. I will be fine." Feng Ao Kuai was confident in himself. 

He had already reviewed the lessons and after a thorough lecture from Nan Hua when he was still at the frontline, he was very knowledgeable about the condition of the Capital City. Back then, it was nothing more than ordinary discussion with Nan Hua.

But it has become the foundation for him to take the examination now.

It was quite unexpected if Feng Ao Kuai had to say for himself. After all, when he was young, he had never thought that he would return to the Capital City to take the examination.

He wanted to become a general like his father.

But after many experiences on the frontline and being tempered, he changed his decision and decided to come back.

The so called shouldering blame was nothing more than his act in order to make his return more 'justifiable.'

Of course, he would not mention this to anyone.

Only a few people knew the truth of his plan and the rest of the people only thought that he returned because of a mistake he had made. 

"Okay, may the Heaven be with you, Cousin." Feng Mo Xing smiled and then retreated to the side. 

He couldn't show that he was close to Feng Ao Kuai because a lot of people were already staring at Feng Ao Kuai. It was as if they were determined to take a piece out of the young man's flesh.

There were not many people whom they wanted to take advantage of so badly like Feng Ao Kuai.

Soon, the people were called one by one for their examination.

…

<Mu Fei Jiu's side>

Mu Fei Jiu did nothing but to stay inside her carriage. After a few incense stick of time had passed, she was also tired and leaned on the chair, sleeping peacefully. The exams would take a long time, which she already knew.

But it was longer than expected.

Her snacks and food had been eaten clean, so the bored Mu Fei Jiu finally fell asleep inside the carriage.

Thankfully, the curtain was fully drawn so no one would be able to see this appearance of hers. 

Tep! Tep!

The examinations were over and the candidates walked out. Some of them have black faces while some others have light expression and the others have indifferent expression. The result would not be announced on the spot and thus, these people were a bit nervous.

But all in all, the examination had finished.

Feng Ao Kuai also walked out of the examination hall. His robe fluttered elegantly following his walk. This image of his was totally not like a commander who came out of the battlefield.

Elegant, gentle, and handsome. 

He totally looked like a very good scholar rather than a commander.

"Second Young Master." The servant cupped his fist.

"Let's go back." Feng Ao Kuai nodded and then opened the door. Upon opening the door, what greeted his eyes was the sight of Mu Fei Jiu, who was sleeping.

Traces of surprise flashed within Feng Ao Kuai's eyes, but he suppressed it as he entered and closed the door, completely blocking the view of other people who might be looking in this direction.