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But why did he seem to enjoy it when little Feng Wu yelled at him… Yu Mingye rubbed his chin.

“Why are you grinning?” Feng Wu was bewildered and felt Yu Mingye’s forehead for his temperature.

The guy was rubbing his chin and grinning. Was he delirious?

He didn’t have a temperature.

Before Feng Wu knew it, a big hand was on top of hers and Yu Mingye was looking up at her with his brooding eyes. The air felt warm all of a sudden.

Thump!

Feng Wu stomped on Yu Mingye’s foot.

“Ouch!” That hurt!

Yu Mingye glared at Feng Wu.

Feng Wu said grumpily, “Have you recovered?”

“I think so?”

“Completely?”

“I… don’t think so.”

“Then lie down already!”

“…Alright.”

After forcing Yu Mingye to go to bed, Feng Wu sat down against the wall and closed her eyes.

The night ended and the eastern sky began to brighten up.

The candidates started to wake up one after another.

Meanwhile, in Imperial College, many were worried sick.

For they had lost contact with the candidates inside.

Not only wasn’t there a video feed on the screen, even the ranking screen had gone dark.

Only one tenth of all candidates had passed the written exam, and everyone who was still taking part in the physical tryout was from privileged backgrounds. Hence, all their families were concerned about the situation. Parents had gathered outside the college and were asking questions in great agitation.

But no one was able to tell them anything.

For even the heads of Imperial College didn’t know what was going on in the snowfield.

The news got to the Feng clan.

Feng Liu was over the moon when she heard it.

“What? Say that again!” Feng Liu stared at Caiyue, her chambermaid. “What did you say?”

“Miss Liu, all candidates are stuck in Proud Snowfield and have lost contact with people on the outside. No one knows what happened to them!”

Lady Wang patted her chest. “Xiao Liu, it’s so lucky that you didn’t get in, or I would be so worried now.”

“All of them are stuck there, and they could be all dead by now, right?” Feng Liu said. “Such as Feng Wu, Chaoge, and Mu Yaoyao?”

“That’s right,” said Caiyue. “Many families have gathered outside Imperial College and are asking for an explanation.”

Feng Liu was elated. “Has Feng Wu’s family heard about this?”

“We’ve only just heard the news ourselves. That family has kept pretty much to themselves. I don’t think they’ve been told yet.”

Feng Liu and Lady Wang exchanged looks.

They hadn’t? Good.

“Let’s go.”

Lady Wang and Feng Liu headed for Fallen Star Yard.

Feng Wu feared that her beautiful mother would be harassed after she and Chaoge left for the exam, so she had made arrangements beforehand. Uncle Qiu was to keep the gate shut and try to stay inside for as long as possible.

Knock, knock, knock —

Granny Gui banged on the door.

But no one answered.

“Keep knocking!” Lady Wang smirked.

Knock, knock, knock —

Knock, knock, knock —

The door to the yard had been fortified, but the banging still almost shattered it.

“Who is it?” Granny Zhao called out from inside, sounding displeased.

“Granny Zhao, it’s me. We’ve got news about Miss Wu!” Granny Gui and Lady Wang exchanged looks.

Granny Zhao opened the door immediately at the mention of Feng Wu.

She saw a large group of people outside, led by none other than Lady Wang herself.

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Granny Zhao asked in a hurry, “What happened to Miss Wu?”

Lady Wang cast a stern look at her. “You’re just a maid. Show me to your lady now.”

“Lady Wang, her ladyship isn’t feeling well…” Granny Zhao tried to stop Lady Wang from coming in.

However —

Lady Wang glared at her. “Xiao Wu is dying and all she thinks about is herself? What kind of mother is she?!”

Granny Zhao and Uncle Qiu exchanged looks of astonishment!

“Miss Wu is dying? How’s that possible?!” Qiuling was bewildered.

Qiuling was helping Lady Xuanji to her feet, and naturally, the lady heard the news as well.

“What? Xiao Wu is…” Lady Xuanji turned ghastly pale. Tears welled up in her eyes and her knees buckled. “What happened to Xiao Wu?”

Seeing how shocked Lady Xuanji was, Lady Wang felt she had vented her hatred. She smirked. “Something disastrous has happened and they’ve lost contact with the candidates inside.

“I heard that the boss of all magical beasts, the Frosty Night Beast, has woken up!

“The other candidates at least have the ability to protect themselves, but your Feng Wu is simply too weak. Or shall we say: she’s useless.

“Some candidates who have withdrawn from the exam said that your Xiao Wu is dead…”

“My lady! My lady!” Qiuling panicked when Lady Xuanji fainted in her arms.

All hell broke loose in the courtyard. Lady Wang and Feng Liu promptly left the scene.

The mother and daughter exchanged gloating smiles after they left the courtyard.

“Xiao Wu, my Xiao Wu…” Lady Xuanji weeped.

“My lady, please calm down. Everyone thinks Miss Wu has no cultivation ability at all, but Miss Wu is very capable. I’m sure she’s fine.”

Qiuling knew that something had gone wrong, but it wasn’t necessarily as serious as Lady Wang had described.

She said to the others, “My lady, please don’t worry. I’ll go to Northern Feng Mansion to ask Lady Northern Feng about it. I’m sure she can tell us something.”

Qiuling then went to talk to Lady Northern Feng.

The guards recognized her from before and showed her in right away.

Qiuling told Lady Northern Feng what happened.

Lady Wang frowned. “Lady Wang told you that?”

Qiuling nodded with a serious look on her face.

“Nonsense!” Lady Northern Feng smacked her hand on the table. “Something happened, which is why His Majesty sent His Royal Highness and Ah Xun in to protect the candidates. If something that big happened, the crown prince would be in danger as well! Who told them that someone died? They’re spreading rumors!”

“So is Miss Wu alright? Lady Xuanji passed out when she heard the news, and she’s still pale.” Qiuling was anxious.

Lady Northern Feng waved her hand. “I’m coming with you!”

She arrived at Fallen Star Yard to find Lady Wang sitting next to Lady Xuanji’s bed while holding the latter’s hand. There was a feigned sad look on Lady Wang’s face. “Sister-in-law, I’ve sent people out to ask around. Xiao Wu is really gone. I’m here to offer my condolences. Please take care of yourself.”

Lady Xuanji flared up and shoved Lady Wang away. “You’re a bad person! Go away! I’m not talking to you!”

Lady Wang looked pleased, but before she could go on —

“Lady Wang, I see you have nothing better to do these days. Are you having fun upsetting Lady Xuanji?” Lady Northern Feng snorted.

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Lady Wang turned around to see Lady Northern Feng behind her!

She didn’t like the sight of Lady Northern Feng at all, but had to suppress that feeling.

Not only that, she even had to put on a friendly smile.

“Lady Northern Feng…”

Lady Northern Feng smirked. “Did you just say that my Xiao Wu is dead?”

My Xiao Wu? That was so affectionate! Despite her bitterness, Lady Wang had to squeeze out a smile. “Your Ladyship, I was only just told…”

“From where and by whom? What were their words, exactly? I need names.”

Lady Northern Feng sneered. “Imperial College hasn’t given out any information so far. I’d like to see who’s been spreading rumors and causing panic among the common folk! His Majesty and Her Majesty the empress dowager will hear about this!”

His Majesty and Her Majesty the empress dowager?

Lady Wang panicked!

No one had told her about Feng Wu’s death. She had made it all up to shake Lady Xuanji.

“Your Ladyship…”

“Names! Now!” Lady Northern Feng snapped. Instantly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop!

Lady Wang shuddered inwardly.

Granny Tao, Lady Northern Feng’s maid, fetched a writing brush and ink, and set them in front of Lady Wang. She then unscrolled some paper, dipped the writing brush in the ink, then handed it to Lady Wang. “There you go.”

Lady Wang didn’t know what to do.

Anything she wrote down now would become evidence. If it really was taken to His Majesty, she would be charged for spreading rumors, and that was punishable by death!

Lady Northern Feng was known for her dauntless behavior. That woman was capable of anything!

The more Lady Wang thought about it, the more scared she got. Sweat trickled down her forehead.

She could only plead with Lady Northern Feng. “Your Ladyship, I heard it from one of the maids…”

“Which maid?”

“Her, her name is Caiyue.”

“Where is Caiyue?!”

Caiyue was shivering from head to toe already. She collapsed to the ground at Lady Northern Feng’s voice.

“Granny Tao, take the girl next door and record down everything she says.” Lady Northern Feng smirked.

Granny Tao took Caiyue away as if she was picking up a chicken.

After that —

Lady Northern Feng darted a glance at Lady Wang. “Now, Lady Wang, tell me exactly what rumor Caiyue told you.”

This had turned into an interrogation.

Lady Wang flared up. “Lady Northern Feng, are you questioning me now?! My husband may not be as influential as yours, but he’s at least the minister of the Ministry of Official Personnel! Please show me some respect!”

Lady Northern Feng scoffed at her words. “Your husband’s position is the only reason that you’re being questioned here instead of at the Ministry of Punishments!”

“You!” Lady Wang’s heart sank. It was just a little gossip. Could it be that serious?

“You have ten seconds. After that, I’ll leave things in the hands of the Ministry of Punishments!” Lady Northern Feng snorted. “His Majesty wants the name of the person that started the rumors. Lady Wang, was it you?”

Lady Wang blanched…

Right at that moment!

“Smack!”

“Ah!”

“Smack!”

“Ah!”

She heard the sound of whipping and wailing next door.

Needless to say, Granny Tao was interrogating Caiyue.

Soon, the granny came back with a piece of paper. Lady Northern Feng took a look and glanced at Lady Wang with a half-smile.

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Lady Wang didn’t dare hold back any information anymore. She said in a hurry, “It was Caiyue! She told me that Xiao Wu was dead!”

“But this piece of paper tells me otherwise.” Lady Northern Feng smiled. “I wonder which of you is lying. Guards!”

Lady Wang was utterly flustered.

With a wave of her hand, Lady Northern Feng said, “Take these two people away!”

“Lady Northern Feng, you can’t do this to me! I’m a fourth-ranked lady! I…”

“You’re suspected of spreading rumors and disturbing public order! I’ll talk to Minister Feng himself if he has questions! Lock Lady Wang up in the prison at the Ministry of Punishments!”

Lady Wang was bewildered!

This wasn’t happening…

She couldn’t believe it…

She was going to be locked up in the Ministry of Punishments because she made up a story about Feng Wu’s death? She was the wife of the minister of the Ministry of Official Personnel, for Christ’s sake!

However, no matter how loudly Lady Wang cried and how aggrieved she felt, she couldn’t change Lady Northern Feng’s mind. No one ever could.

Seeing her mother being taken away, Feng Liu slipped away without a word.

Lady Northern Feng shook her head as the girl ran away.

Luckily, Ning Chenxi had discovered the truth in time. The entire Ning family would have been ruined if he married this girl.

With Lady Wang’s people taken away or scattering, Fallen Star Yard quieted down again.

It was only now that the people of Fallen Star Yard could express their gratitude toward Lady Northern Feng.

Lady Xuanji had the mind of a child, so Granny Zhao thanked Lady Northern Feng on her behalf.

“Your Ladyship, it’s all thanks to you that…”

“It’s the least I could do.” Lady Northern Feng casually waved her off. “Xiao Wu is my god daughter and you’re all family. Plus, if Xiao Wu finds out that I didn’t help you when she was away, she’ll hate me for it.”

Qiuling asked, “Miss Wu is coming back, isn’t she? We’ll see her again, right?”

Lady Northern Feng said confidently, “I wouldn’t be so sure if His Majesty sent someone else in, but His Royal Highness is leading the rescue team himself. Even if you don’t trust Xiao Wu, you should have faith in him.”

But Qiuling was still worried. So what if His Royal Highness was in there with them? He and her mistress didn’t exactly see eye to eye. Would he really care about Miss Wu’s wellbeing? Qiuling wasn’t convinced.

“And my brat is with them, too!” Lady Northern Feng knew how much Feng Xun cared about his little sister. Xiao Wu would always be his top priority.

The entire imperial capital was in a panic.

And all the pressure was on Grand Secretary Fang.

In the imperial palace —

“Cough, cough —”

Grand Secretary Fang broke out in a fit of coughing as he reported to the emperor.

“Fang, do slow down.”

Emperor Wu told the chief steward to fetch a chair for Grand Secretary Fang.

“I know that all eyes are on you at the moment. It’s very unfortunate for you, having to handle a situation like this right after starting in your new position. But don’t worry. The crown prince is in there with them. He’ll figure everything out.” Emperor Wu chuckled.

Grand Secretary Fang sighed. “I wouldn’t be so worried if everything is as reported, but that sound before the communication was cut off came from something more powerful than a king of the magical beasts… I’m afraid that the Frosty Night Beast might have mutated.”

“Are you sure?!” Emperor Wu frowned!

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Grand Secretary Fang nodded solemnly.

Emperor Wu had been very confident about his decision before, but not anymore. He was agitated.

Crossing his hands behind his back, he walked back and forth in the study.

“Are you sure about the mutation?!” Emperor Wu frowned at Grand Secretary Fang.

Grand Secretary Fang nodded. “I think it’s highly likely.”

“That’s going to be problematic,” said Emperor Wu. “The crown prince specializes in the element of fire, whereas the Frosty Night Beast is a beast of ice. The two elements are in a balanced relationship. Now that the beast has mutated, my son is going to be in trouble…”

“What?! What do you mean he’s in trouble?!”

The empress dowager was taking a walk in the garden and happened to walk past the emperor’s study. She then decided to pop in to see if the father and son had been fighting again.

Thus —

She heard mention of her Baby Jun at the door, and made her way into the study.

Emperor Wu buried his face in his hands.

Had it been anyone else, the person would have been kicked out. However, it was his mother.

“Mother —” Emperor Wu was going to find an excuse, but the empress dowager cut him off.

“No excuses! I want the truth!”

She had obviously overheard the conversation; there was no point trying to hide it from her anymore. Hence, Emperor Wu told her everything.

The empress dowager almost choked on her own breath!

Grabbing Emperor Wu, she ranted, “What’s wrong with you?! Why did you send Baby Jun on such a dangerous mission? Do you hate your son? I knew it! You hate Baby Jun!”

Emperor Wu was aggrieved. “Jun Linyuan wanted to go himself and I couldn’t stop him.”

“Why did he do that?”

“Well…”

Next to the empress dowager was none other than Empress Dugu.

While the old lady was sick, Empress Dugu had made use of the opportunity and kept her company. The two were getting along much better now.

And it would be against Empress Dugu’s nature to let such an opportunity go to waste.

“Mother, do you think… that Miss Feng Wu could be the reason?”

“What?!” The empress dowager stared at her daughter-in-law.

Empress Dugu smiled. “The rumor on the street is that His Royal Highness is in love with Miss Feng Wu. So, is it possible that His Royal Highness entered the region because of that?”

“Where did that rumor come from?!” The empress dowager flared up.

“I… I only heard it in passing… I’m sure it’s just speculation!”

“Find the person who started it!” The empress dowager’s face was livid.

Grand Secretary Fang’s heart sank when he heard the anger in the old lady’s voice.

It seemed that the empress dowager still didn’t like Xiao Wu, even after the girl saved her life.

“Why, isn’t it Grand Secretary Fang?” Empress Dugu turned to Grand Secretary Fang. “I was told that you’re Feng Wu’s next door neighbor?”

“That’s right.”

“What do you think of Miss Feng, then?”

Empress Dugu was well-connected. She had learned about the help Grand Secretary Fang gave Feng Wu during the written exam.

Therefore, she had said that to make the empress dowager aware of the relationship between Grand Secretary Fang and Feng Wu, so that the old lady would find Grand Secretary Fang untrustworthy.

That was her plan!

As soon as Empress Dugu said that, the empress dowager stared at Grand Secretary Fang. “Fang, you’ve known Feng Wu for very long, then?”

Grand Secretary Fang sighed inwardly, but only cupped his hands at the empress dowager. “Your Majesty, Xiao Wu is a modest and kind girl. Her cultivation doesn’t stand out, but her formation and medical skills…”

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Empress Dugu went on, “Wait. Grand Secretary Fang, did you just call Miss Feng Wu modest and kind? But from what I heard, she was a bully during the physical tryout and ruined someone’s face.”

“She ruined someone’s face?!” The empress dowager was shocked!

“That’s right,” said Empress Dugu. “And I heard that there was more than one person. The victims were all pretty girls who were quite capable in their cultivation skills. Sigh. Is Feng Wu jealous of others after losing her own ability?”

Irked, Grand Secretary Fang became much more serious when he said, “One shouldn’t take rumors seriously.”

Empress Dugu was going to retort when Grand Secretary Fang casually said, “Moreover, it’s common knowledge that Feng Wu has no cultivation ability. How can she bully other candidates, let alone ruin their faces?”

“Well, she could have an accomplice. Who knows?” Empress Dugu chuckled.

Emperor Wu interjected, “That’s enough. What you’re arguing about is highly inappropriate!”

Just then, footsteps came from outside.

“Your Majesty, the head of the Zuo clan begs for an audience.”

The head of the Zuo clan was none other than Zuo Qingluan’s father.

What was he doing here?

Grand Secretary Fang suddenly had a bad feeling about this.

At the same time.

The sky had cleared in Proud Snowfield and the snow had stopped, but it was much colder.

All the candidates drew in their breaths after they walked out of their little caves.

“It’s freezing —”

“Why is it much colder, even after the sun is out?”

“Oh god, we’d have frozen to death if we stayed outside last night.”

“We’re so fortunate to have Feng Wu. She told us to hide in the holes we dug. Otherwise, all of us would be dead by now.”