It was clear to the discerning eye that up until now, the improvised performance hadn't unfolded any truly captivating conflict.
In other words, it lacked allure.
While everyone seemed to be playing along with each other's acts, looking back at the whole show, there was not a smidgen of dramatic tension.
Compared to other back palace intrigues over favor I had watched before, it was utterly devoid of originality.
Not to mention a moment that took one's breath away.
If things continued this smoothly, the outcome of this examination was almost obvious.
I had thought I was clever to have desired the role of the empress and thought I had won just by starting in that position.
But at this moment, Shi Ruyan realized, it was Xiao He in both her triumph and downfall.
She had chosen the empress.
Thus, the chance of catching the judges' attention was the greatest.
