All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 010: First Encounter with Princess Huaiqing, Chang’e is Here!

Sunlight cascaded onto the Recruitment Platform, its golden brilliance interwoven with the attire of those gathered, painting a picture of both grandeur and solemnity.

On the platform, scholars and talented individuals from all walks of life congregated. Some bowed their heads in deep thought, while others strode forward with confidence. Each harbored aspirations of serving the nation, hoping to shine brightly on this grand stage.

Yet, amidst this harmonious atmosphere, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

“You, a mere commoner who cannot even recognize a single character, dare to set foot on the Recruitment Platform? This is utterly laughable! This is deception! Your Highnesses, I believe this person should be driven out immediately.”

Zhang Yi’s sharp, grating voice echoed as he pointed at Lin Qiye, his face brimming with contempt and disdain.

Standing below the platform, Lin Qiye was clad in clean yet simple garments. Though his face bore traces of fatigue, his gaze remained unwaveringly resolute.

Lifting his head, his eyes burned like torches as he met Zhang Yi’s gaze. His voice was calm yet firm: “So this is what you call talent recruitment? Though I, Lin Qiye, am but a humble commoner, my heart beats with a desire to serve my country.”

“You set no challenges, ask no questions—merely judge my worth by my origins? How absurd.”

A prince furrowed his brows at these words. He looked at Lin Qiye with a trace of curiosity in his voice. “Have you ever studied? Were you ever affiliated with any academy?”

Lin Qiye answered truthfully, “I once lived as a wanderer, begging to survive, roaming from place to place. I have never entered the Imperial Academy nor studied under any mentor. I have never attended any formal institution.”

As soon as he spoke, the platform erupted in laughter.

The assembled nobles and dignitaries shook their heads, their faces full of ridicule and scorn.

Zhang Yi laughed even louder, nearly doubling over. Pointing at Lin Qiye, he shouted, “You all heard him! He’s a mere beggar, someone who has never read a single book. He’s making a mockery of us!”

“Boy, do you think this is a place for the likes of you?”

Without hesitation, Zhang Yi commanded, “Guards! Throw him out immediately! If word gets out that even beggars attempt the Recruitment Platform, we will be the laughingstock of the empire.”

Two guards stepped forward at his order, roughly pushing Lin Qiye, attempting to drive him away.

Staggering from their shoves, Lin Qiye nearly lost his balance, but his gaze never wavered.

As he looked at the jeering crowd, an intense sorrow and indignation welled up within him.

He understood that their mockery was not truly directed at his background—it was born of their deep-seated prejudice and arrogance.

Unable to suppress his emotions, he murmured, “I see no sages in the past, nor heroes in the future. I stand alone, mourning the vast expanse of time.”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and walked away, his figure elongated by the sunlight—solitary and forlorn.

From a distant carriage, Princess Huaiqing watched everything unfold.

Her brows knit together, a trace of displeasure flickering in her eyes.

Within Lin Qiye’s words, she sensed a profound sorrow and helplessness, but also an unyielding spirit and resilience.

“This man has talent, yet his gifts go unrecognized. What a pity,” she thought to herself.

Determined to give him a chance, she instructed her maid to call him over immediately.

Just as Lin Qiye was about to leave, a gentle female voice called out behind him, “Young master, please wait. My lady requests your presence.”

Lin Qiye followed the maid’s gesture toward the carriage, curiosity stirring within him. Nevertheless, he chose to comply.

A soft voice emanated from within the carriage: “You seem rather bold, and perhaps somewhat talented. I wonder—do you know who I am?”

Turning to face the unseen woman, Lin Qiye was perplexed.

He frowned slightly. “You claim I have talent, yet you do not test me. Instead, you ask me to guess your identity?”

He scrutinized the carriage, finding no distinguishing marks. However, the quality of the horses alone spoke volumes of the owner’s noble status.

Just then, he noticed the nobles in the distance gazing toward the carriage with expressions of reverence, as though they wished to approach.

At that moment, he understood—there were only two young women of such esteemed status in Great Feng: Princess Huaiqing and Princess Lin’an.

Having deduced as much, Lin Qiye slowly said, “If I am not mistaken, you must be Princess Huaiqing.”

Astonishment flickered across Huaiqing’s face. She had not expected Lin Qiye to guess her identity so precisely.

Intrigued, she asked, “And your reasoning?”

Lin Qiye replied, “It is said that the Eldest Princess values talent and seeks to recruit worthy individuals. I am but a mere commoner, yet you have summoned me. This proves that you are different from the others—you do not look down upon me because of my humble origins.”

“Just now, your maid halted those nobles before they could approach. Were they not stopped, they would have come to pay their respects. Among the women of this empire, only one commands such reverence—the Eldest Princess.”

“Furthermore, your tone reveals your intelligence and confidence. From this alone, I deduced that you are none other than Princess Huaiqing.”

Huaiqing was momentarily stunned. She had not anticipated Lin Qiye’s keen perception, his ability to capture subtle details.

Her interest in him deepened.

“Why not Princess Lin’an?” she asked with a smile.

Lin Qiye shook his head. “Princess Lin’an lacks your composure and steadiness.”

Huaiqing could not help but feel a trace of delight. Praise from an unfamiliar yet insightful individual felt unexpectedly gratifying.

Lifting the curtain, she gazed at Lin Qiye. “Is that so?”

The moment he saw her, Lin Qiye was momentarily dazed.

Her beauty was ethereal—elegant and noble, like a celestial maiden descended to the mortal realm.

For a brief moment, he was speechless, staring in awe.

Sensing his prolonged gaze, Huaiqing grew slightly uncomfortable. She quickly lowered the curtain and cleared her throat to mask her embarrassment.

Lin Qiye snapped back to reality and immediately bowed. “Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I momentarily mistook you for a goddess and found myself at a loss for words.”

Huaiqing, now curious, asked, “Then compose a poem in my praise.”

Lin Qiye pondered for a moment before reciting:

“A beauty of the land, her name eternal in history’s tome. Grace surpassing celestial wine, a song stirring the heavens’ dome. Chang’e of the moon cannot compare, nor celestial maidens so fair. Regal charm beyond mortal kind, like the Queen Mother’s divine air.”

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd.

Even Huaiqing’s heart swelled with joy. She had truly found a rare talent.

With a smile, she said, “You are indeed gifted. Would you be willing to serve as my retainer?”

Lin Qiye immediately bowed. “It is an honor to be recognized by Your Highness. I, Lin Qiye, vow to serve you with unwavering loyalty.”

At that moment, a voice echoed in Lin Qiye’s mind:

“Congratulations, Host! You have become Princess Huaiqing’s retainer. Reward: The Grand River Sword Intent!”