"This is the North District’s Yongling Courtyard. It’s the designated resting place for examinees from the North District over the years. There are thirty halls in total, divided into male and female sections. Each section has 1,666 rooms and is staffed by 1,500 servants. Your Elders and Chief Examiners will arrange your specific living quarters."
"Also, I must remind you that the House Entrance Examination will be held in seven days. You must remember the time and not miss it. Unless there’s a special reason, please do not leave Dui Palace. You are not yet official disciples of the West Mansion. In your current capacity, you are not qualified to come and go as you please. Your permitted area of activity is restricted to Dui Palace."
After leading the North District examinees to this courtyard, the elder from the West Mansion said sternly.
"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Ge. I will keep them under strict supervision," Elder Lu said, cupping his fists toward the other elder.
The North District examinees nodded in understanding. Dui Palace was so vast that just exploring it would take several days. They wouldn’t have time to venture outside anyway.
"Mm."
The elder surnamed Ge gave a short response. Having said all that needed to be said, his business there was finished. He clasped his hands behind his back and left Yongling Courtyard, his attitude exceedingly arrogant.
But this was to be expected. What expert didn’t have a bit of a temper?
Besides, the North District examinees’ results were abysmal, and the probability of a true expert emerging from their ranks was extremely low. Thus, the elder surnamed Ge had no reason to pay them any mind.
"Wow, so this is the West Mansion’s Headquarter! It’s breathtaking! If a place for mere examinees is already like this, imagine how magnificent the residences for official disciples must be."
"Waaah, now that I’m here, I never want to leave. Everything is so wonderful."
"I wish I could stay here forever."
With the elder surnamed Ge present earlier, everyone knew he held a high status in the West Mansion, so they hadn’t dared to be unruly. Now that he was gone, the examinees finally unleashed their excitement, looking around curiously and exclaiming in amazement.
At the same time, a voice in their hearts told them they had to pass the House Entrance Examination. They had to enter the West Mansion. Only then could they enjoy such treatment and see a much wider world.
"Alright, if you all want to stay in Jiuji City, then you must work hard! Overthinking it won’t help! For now, the Chief Examiners from each city will lead you to your accommodations. Each person gets one room," Elder Lu announced.
Hearing this, the examinees all nodded and followed their Chief Examiners to receive their room numbers.
After the room numbers were distributed, Elder Lu explained a few important points to the examinees and sternly warned them not to cause trouble. He then left Yongling Courtyard with the twenty-odd Chief Examiners.
They had a great many matters to attend to and had no time to linger.
They needed to report back on their mission, submit a report about the encounter with the Heaven-Devouring Thief, and register the list of examinees.
Only after the list was registered could the North District examinees properly participate in the House Entrance Examination.
Otherwise, if the list wasn’t registered and an examinee’s name was missing from the West Mansion’s examination roster, they would not be allowed to participate and would be directly expelled from Jiuji City.
Thus, these several matters were all extremely important.
Before leaving, Elder Lu also exchanged a few pleasantries with Tang Yi, encouraging him to work hard. This scene made everyone else extremely envious.
However, Tang Yi’s strength was plain for all to see. Their envy was useless.
After returning to their respective rooms and settling in, Tang Yi walked right back out and led Tang Piaomiao to the entrance of Yongling Courtyard.
Tang Yi wanted to take the three other Tang Family members to broaden their horizons and see the splendor of Dui Palace.
Tang Yi and Tang Piaomiao were both in the men’s residential area, making it very convenient to look out for each other. Tang Shu and Tang Baijie, however, were in the women’s area, so the men had to wait for them at the entrance.
However, while they were waiting, not only did Tang Shu and Tang Baijie emerge, but Wang Bi’Er and Mu Xianling came as well. The four young women together were an especially dazzling sight.
"Why are you two here? I don’t recall saying I was taking you along," Tang Yi said, startled. He hadn’t expected Wang Bi’Er and Mu Xianling to follow them out.
"I heard from Shu’Er that you were going out for a walk. As it happens, I’m quite familiar with this place, so I can show you around," Wang Bi’Er said with a beaming smile.
"What? Are you the only ones allowed to go out for a walk? Who says we’re going with you, anyway?" Mu Xianling pouted, speaking with her usual haughtiness. It seemed her temper was still that of the spoiled young lady she used to be.
However, after Tang Yi shot her a glare, she immediately lowered her head, her defiance melting away. She fell silent, looking rather adorable.
It seemed the little tigress had been tamed by Tang Yi after all.
"Brother Tang Yi, let’s just all go together. The more, the merrier," Tang Shu said, quickly grabbing Tang Yi’s arm and wheedling when she sensed the awkward atmosphere.
Tang Baijie also looked at Tang Yi and chimed in, "That’s right, Brother Yi. Let’s all go. With Bi’Er to guide us, we can avoid getting lost and also learn more about Dui Palace."
Hearing everyone say as much, Tang Yi could only nod. "Fine, we’ll all go together. But you all have to listen to me."
"Okay! We’ll follow Brother Tang Yi’s orders. I’ll just be the guide," Wang Bi’Er said happily.
Tang Yi turned his head. Feeling his gaze, Mu Xianling tensed up and hastily added in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, "I... I’ll listen to you too."
"Good. Let’s go."
And so, the group of six—four women and two men—walked out of Yongling Courtyard and headed for the main street of Dui Palace to witness its splendor.
Besides Tang Yi’s group, many other examinees from the North District had also left Yongling Courtyard to explore the various sights of Dui Palace...
"Bi’Er, have you been to Dui Palace many times before?" Tang Yi suddenly asked as they walked.
’From what I know,’ Tang Yi mused, ’while Wang Zongyao is a disciple of the West Mansion Inner Mansion, Wang Bi’Er is not. She isn’t even an examinee for this test. So, according to the West Mansion’s rules, she shouldn’t be qualified to enter Jiuji City, let alone stay here.’
’I don’t think Wang Zongyao’s status as a mere Chief Examiner would be enough to let an outsider stay in Jiuji City. His influence isn’t that great.’
’So, the fact that Wang Bi’Er was able to enter Jiuji City, stay here, and now even claims to be familiar with Dui Palace... it makes me very curious.’
"Mm, I’ve been here a few times, but I can only ever stay for a few days. As for why I can come... if Brother Tang Yi is really that curious, then Bi’Er will find a time to tell you privately," Wang Bi’Er said with a sly smile, seeing the curious look on Tang Yi’s face and guessing what he wanted to ask.

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