Chapter 260: Plan (Second Update)

Although Chu Liuyue had arrived late, no one dared to cause her trouble because she had secured first place in both of her previous matches.

She quickly scanned the area and saw that Emperor Jiawen had finally taken his seat in the chair that had remained empty on the eastern side of the arena.

The Empress was sitting beside him.

Looking further to the side were the various princes and princesses.

With a cursory glance, Chu Liuyue found most of those present to be quite familiar.

However, Rong Xiu's seat was empty.

On the arena floor, numerous students were already in position, each with a medicinal tripod in front of them for alchemy.

Sun Zhongyan was currently announcing the competition rules.

"...In front of each of you lies a jade box. Inside the box, there are a total of three medicinal formulas! These three formulas are of different grades; you may choose the one you are most confident in based on your own strength! As long as you refine the medicine specified in the formula, you will have completed the competition! Finally, the elders from the three academies will jointly judge based on grade and quality to determine the first place winner!"

His deep, resonant voice echoed across the vast Canaan Square.

The onlookers were filled with excitement and anticipation, while the aspiring Heavenly Physicians in the competition were mostly nervous.

Chu Liuyue walked quietly to her seat.

At this moment, most people's attention was focused on the arena, so her arrival did not cause much of a stir.

After sitting down, she also cast a glance toward the arena.

Situ Xingchen was indeed standing among them.

The people around her were whispering speculations about who would take first place.

Chu Liuyue, however, was more interested in the formulas inside the boxes.

She wondered what the actual topics of this Qingjiao Assembly competition would be...

After Sun Zhongyan went over a few more matters, he announced the start of the competition.

The participants on the field opened their boxes one after another to inspect the three formulas.

For a moment, there were expressions of shock, joy, and difficulty.

Clearly, the skill levels of the contestants were uneven, and their reactions to the competition topics varied accordingly.

After a brief silence, a youth on the arena raised his hand.

"He Yang of South Wind Academy, choosing formula grade—'Medium'!"

An officiating teacher quickly stepped forward from the sidelines, leading people to deliver the corresponding medicinal ingredients.

"Each person only has two sets of ingredients. If you fail twice in a row, you will be considered disqualified! Do you understand?"

He Yang nodded decisively.

"Thank you for the reminder, Teacher. This student understands."

Having said that, he placed his hands upon the medicinal tripod and injected his Original Force!

A burst of blue flame rose up!

Seeing this, the surrounding students were not to be outdone; they began selecting their formulas and starting their alchemy one after another.

Watching from below, Chu Liuyue observed with interest, noting that many were choosing "Medium," while very few were choosing "Low."

"I wonder what the difference is between those formulas. Why are people still choosing 'Low'? Isn't that just asking to lose?"

Beside her, Si Yang couldn't help but mutter in curiosity.

Chu Liuyue gave a faint smile and answered kindly.

"That is because Heavenly Physicians have a clear understanding of their own strength. They know their own level, so they naturally know which one to choose. For a Heavenly Physician, failing at 'Medium' is worse than choosing 'Low.' At least with 'Low,' they might secure a ranking. If they fail to refine anything at all, they are immediately eliminated. Of course, we can't rule out those who want to take a gamble."

Si Yang had an epiphany and finally understood.

"According to you, those who choose 'Low' might not actually be the lowest in skill level?"

Chu Liuyue corrected him, "To be precise, it means their ranking might not necessarily be at the very bottom."

Si Yang nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly his eyes widened.

"How do you know all this?"

Chu Liuyue gave him a lazy glance.

Si Yang reacted immediately—he had almost forgotten that this freak in front of him also possessed the talent of a Heavenly Physician!

It wasn't strange that she knew these things.

"...By the way, why didn't you participate in the Heavenly Physician competition?"

Chu Liuyue gave him a half-smile.

Si Yang lightly slapped his own mouth.

He was truly foolish!

In three competitions, Chu Liuyue had already taken two first places; what was the need to participate in this final one!?

Moreover, there had always been rumors in the academy that Chu Liuyue's talent in this specific area wasn't very high; he assumed she likely felt that participating would just be a waste of time.

Chu Liuyue withdrew her gaze and looked toward the stage.

"Cough, cough, cough—"

Hearing Rong Jin coughing again, Emperor Jiawen turned back to look, his expression somewhat displeased.

"Since you are injured, why are you not recuperating properly in the manor?"

Hearing these words, the Empress felt a surge of joy in her heart.

His Majesty appeared strict, but in reality, he was showing concern.

If he truly didn't care about the Crown Prince at all, he would have simply ordered Rong Jin to be taken back immediately rather than speaking this way.

Rong Jin also sensed this, and his pale lips curled into a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Imperial Father. My body is of no great concern. Teacher Zuo Rong has already said that I only need to rest for a period of time. Furthermore, it has been a long time since I have seen Imperial Father, so..."

Ever since he was confined to the Crown Prince's Manor, no matter how much he requested an audience, there had been no word from the palace.

Today was a good opportunity; he naturally could not miss it.

A flicker of emotion passed through Emperor Jiawen's eyes.

Although the Crown Prince was somewhat narrow-minded, he was, after all, someone the Emperor had watched grow up and had once placed high hopes upon. How could there truly be no father-son affection left?

Seeing him looking so weak now, Emperor Jiawen also felt a pang of heartache.

"Go back and recuperate properly! A dignified Crown Prince, always looking sickly—how does that look!?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hearts of those around him stirred.

Did His Majesty's meaning imply... that he did not intend to let Rong Jin step down from the position of Crown Prince?

The Empress was even more delighted.

Originally, she had been very much against Rong Jin coming here.

She knew better than anyone that Rong Jin's arrival today was actually aimed at Chu Liuyue!

But she hadn't expected that he would actually move His Majesty to compassion and resolve the current predicament!

This was truly a stroke of luck!

She smiled earnestly.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has grown much more mature and sensible. In the future, he surely will not make you angry over such trivial matters again."

Emperor Jiawen gave a cold snort but said nothing more.

Rong Jin felt much more at ease and couldn't help but look toward the direction of Tianlu Academy.

Chu Liuyue was sitting amidst the crowd.

Even though there was a clear distance between them, he still spotted her at a single glance.

Vivid, brilliant, and dazzling!

He had already heard of Chu Liuyue's performance in this Qingjiao Assembly, and he found himself even more infatuated.

Only a woman as outstanding as her was truly suitable for him!

When he arrived, he had quietly asked his mother and learned that she had not yet made a move, which had made him somewhat anxious.

At this moment, another thought arose in his mind.

—Once today's Qingjiao Assembly ends, if Mother still hasn't brought it up, then he will report it to Imperial Father himself!

(End of Chapter)