In the first year women were allowed to take the imperial examinations, Fang Xiangxin topped both the written and palace exams, becoming the top scorer. She was as proud and confident as could be.
During the ceremonial parade, her route crossed that of the current princess's carriage. Fang Xiangxin immediately dismounted, resolved to stand her ground to the death.
Give way? Impossible! She had become the top scorer to set the world to rights. The princess smiled sweetly, and Fang Xiangxin swallowed despite herself, turning her head away with her hands behind her back. Being beautiful doesn't make it all right.
The princess's expression was unreadable as she raised a hand and ordered her servants to let Fang Xiangxin pass.
In court, Fang Xiangxin debated the assembled scholars and refused to back down. What? You want to bash your head against a pillar? Fang Xiangxin scoffed, grabbed him by the head, and shoved him toward the pillar. "You don't dare? I'll help you."
If he wanted to impeach her by threatening to bash his head against a pillar, he could go ahead and do it first.
Fang Xiangxin made a name for herself in a single battle. When the news reached the princess, she was feeding fish in the back garden, watching them scramble in the pond.
This new top scorer certainly wasn't an easy one to deal with. But she might be useful, so the princess summoned the personal maid beside her. "Give the order. Don't let her die."
Perhaps this person who wielded the blade could become her.
Theme: Strive upward
