Chapter 79: A Terrifying Woman (2)

Ye Lang did not pose these questions to make things difficult for others on a whim; rather, he believed that to be an emperor, one must possess a certain abnormality—it is, after all, not a position ordinary people can attain.

An abnormal person is not necessarily incapable of being a good emperor!

And as it happened, those present here had more than a few whose minds were a bit twisted; the truly rare super-abnormals were not in short supply either. In fact, the results proved this point: many people answered five questions correctly, and some even got more than ten right.

Yet even so, Ye Lang had never imagined that someone could answer every single question correctly—and that it would be a beautiful young girl, angelic in appearance!

A person with some abnormalities is well suited to rule, but one so extreme as this is not. Such an individual might very well turn the empire into a living hell!

Hence, Ye Lang deliberately excluded her from the list of heirs.

As for why Ye Lang didn’t simply declare these questions to be a psychological test, it was not that he was unwilling to say so, but that it would have served no purpose; the concept simply didn’t exist in this world. Even if he explained, others would not understand or accept it as any kind of proof.

“These questions—ordinary people should get as few correct as possible, preferably none at all. For you, a few more is better, but to get them all right… Well, I don’t even know what to say; it’s unprecedented. Anyway, handle it as you see fit, it’s hard to explain.” Ye Lang shook his head, looking deep in thought, and slowly walked out of the grand hall.

Silence…

“Brother, let’s go. You’re still putting on an act from so far away?” Ye Lanyu said, giving Ye Lang a sharp knock.

“Ah! So far already? Then let’s hurry before they come and bother me again with endless questions.” Ye Lang, as expected, had been pretending. He did so to avoid unnecessary trouble.

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have set such questions. I never imagined there’d be such a terrifying woman…”

“Brother, what exactly were you testing?” Ye Lanyu asked, curiosity piqued.

“The human psyche…”

“What?”

“Telling you is pointless. You wouldn’t understand, you’re so dim-witted!”

Bang!

“Ah…”

“Are you itching for a beating, daring to call me stupid?”

“You are…” Ye Lang began, but seeing Ye Lanyu’s little fist waving before him, he wisely stopped.

“Hmph…”

“Just watch. If that woman isn’t dealt with, sooner or later this palace will be drenched in blood. Let’s hope it doesn’t affect us.” Ye Lang mused.

He could foresee the outcome, but cared little, as it was a matter for the royal family. Whoever became emperor would not much affect him, nor the Ye family.

Moreover, he thought Zhao Yarou was still young and the emperor in his prime; even if a storm were to come, it would be decades yet—why worry now?

But would it really take so long? Perhaps…

In any case, the matter of the test questions ended for the day. Everyone went about their own affairs, leaving behind only confusion, contemplation, and resentment…

…

“Ye Lang!!”

“What do you want? Don’t bother me—I’m not dueling!”

Ever since that duel, Ye Lang was sought out daily for duels. This time, however, everyone had grown wise: they would not allow Ye Lang to choose a substitute, and made it clear that “people” could not be used as weapons.

The reason why Ye Lang hadn’t been challenged before, but now was, lay not only in the precedent he set by agreeing to a duel, but also in another key factor.

People’s opinions of Ye Lang had risen—especially since he had tested princes and princesses and won the emperor’s favor. Those who had once dismissed him as harmless now felt threatened.

Those who pursued the Seventh Princess but never regarded Ye Lang as a rival now sought to trouble him, using various means to pressure him into breaking his engagement with her.

Ye Lang was not so obliging as to dissolve the engagement just because others demanded it. Though he cared little for the marriage, he would not break it lightly. He respected the Seventh Princess’s wishes and would not, for his own comfort, make things awkward for her.

Besides, the Seventh Princess had said many times that she wanted him to fend off these tiresome suitors, and he was willing to act as her shield. After all, she was his childhood friend.

“If you don’t even have the courage to accept a duel, how can you protect the Seventh Princess, or even think of marrying her?”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? As long as she likes it, that’s enough. And as for protection, do I need to tell you? For now, she’s my fiancée, so you can all give up!” Ye Lang showed no shame at the accusations—whether from thick skin or utter confidence, no one could say.

Most would assume the former!

Thus, the shield blocked some of them…

“We won’t allow someone like you to marry the Seventh Princess! If you want her, you’ll have to answer to us!”

“Ridiculous. Who are you anyway? Out of my way, or I’ll retaliate. I’m not the Thirteenth Young Master of the Ye family for nothing!” Ye Lang said angrily.

Once again, he fended off some of them…

“Thirteenth Young Master of Ye, others may fear you, but I do not!” A proud young noble stepped forward. He had the background and strength to back his words, and everyone knew it; he represented the minority who did not fear Ye Lang.

“And you are…?” Ye Lang asked bluntly, clearly not recognizing him.

“Ye Lang, he’s Li Dan Teng, grandson of the empire’s foremost Sword Sage!” said Zhen Xiaoyan, introducing him.

Sword Sages and Blade Sages were unique figures, possessing extraordinary status wherever they went—especially the top Sword Sage of the Soaring Empire. When one person rises, so do his kin; while the Sword Sage is alive, his family is held in high esteem.

Of course, this only lasts while the Sage lives. If he passes and his family does not inherit his skill, their status plummets.

“An honor, truly…” Ye Lang suddenly clasped his hands, seeming very earnest.

Was this his respect for the Sword Sage? That seemed unlikely. Those who knew Ye Lang’s character would never believe he’d change his attitude for a Sage’s kin—not even for the Sage himself, let alone his grandson.

——————

There is something I have long wanted to say: my thanks to reader Zhang Long, who has supported Smile Smile from the very beginning, since Wind Arrives. There was a blessing event then, and it was the first time I saw your name. Ever since, your rewards have been a constant presence. I’ve long wanted to thank you, and wish you a happy New Year…

And to all known and unknown readers who support Smile Smile, may you enjoy good health and all things go as you wish!

Let me take the opportunity to recommend my earlier works…