A week had passed since the selection tournament. Won Zui's victory over Lei Fan had shaken the entire **Warrior Section**, and whispers of her strength spread like wildfire. However, while Zui's name echoed through the training grounds, another name had reached an even higher place—
**Won Xiao.**
---
### **An Unexpected Summon**
Xiao sat at his usual spot beneath the large willow tree, flipping through a scroll on water distribution systems. He had read it three times already, but his mind was elsewhere.
Ever since the tournament, he had noticed **eyes on him**—not the usual stares of contempt from the warriors, but the calculating gazes of **scholars and officials**. Something had changed.
His suspicions were confirmed when a **royal messenger**, dressed in gold and black robes, arrived at the school gates. His voice echoed through the courtyard.
**"Won Xiao! His Majesty, Emperor Van Qian, summons you to the palace!"**
Silence.
Zui, mid-training, nearly dropped her spear. The other students exchanged stunned glances.
Xiao blinked. "Me?"
The messenger's sharp gaze met his. "You."
---
### **Meeting the Emperor**
Xiao was escorted through the grand halls of the **Imperial Palace**, where gold and jade lined the walls. He had never been inside before. Unlike his sister, whose path to power was through combat, Xiao's world had always been books, ink, and silent ambition.
At the end of the long corridor, he was led into a chamber where **Emperor Van Qian** himself sat on his throne. The emperor was a man in his forties, his gaze steady and piercing.
Beside him stood several **high-ranking ministers**, their expressions unreadable.
Xiao stepped forward, bowing deeply. "This student greets His Majesty."
The emperor studied him for a moment before speaking. "Won Xiao… I have heard much about you. A boy with no dantian, yet skilled in knowledge beyond his years."
Xiao remained silent, sensing there was more.
The emperor's lips curled slightly. "Tell me, if you were given power, what would you change in this empire?"
The ministers stiffened. It was a dangerous question. But Xiao only smiled.
"Power without purpose is wasted," he said calmly. "Before changing anything, I must first understand the heart of this empire—its strengths, its weaknesses, and its people."
The room was silent. Some ministers frowned, but the emperor…
He **laughed**.
"Hahaha! Interesting." The emperor leaned forward. "Very well, Won Xiao. Let us see how sharp your mind truly is."
---
### **A Test of Strategy**
The emperor clapped his hands, and a servant brought forth a **chessboard**, but this was no ordinary game. It was a **battle simulation**, representing the **borders of the Guo Empire** and its enemies.
The emperor gestured toward it. "The Shol Empire is marching toward our lands with 50,000 soldiers. You have only 20,000 to defend. How would you handle this?"
Xiao studied the board, his photographic memory recalling every war strategy he had ever read. Then, with steady hands, he moved the pieces.
He outlined a **feigned retreat**, luring the enemy into a choke point, cutting off their supplies, and using terrain to weaken their forces before a final ambush.
By the time he finished explaining, the room was silent.
One of the ministers scoffed. "That is just theory—"
The emperor raised his hand, silencing him. His eyes gleamed. "This strategy… it was once used by our greatest general, yet you devised it in moments."
Xiao bowed slightly. "War is not just about strength, Your Majesty. It is a game of patience and deception."
The emperor chuckled. "I see. Then let us test your patience."
---
### **A New Path Begins**
The emperor leaned back. "I have decided. Won Xiao, from today onward, you will take the **Assistant Minister Exam** in three months."
Gasps echoed through the chamber. This was unheard of. The exam was meant for **experienced scholars**, not 14-year-old students.
Xiao's heart pounded, but he kept his face calm. He met the emperor's gaze and bowed. "I will not disappoint Your Majesty."
The emperor smirked. "See that you don't."
As Xiao left the palace, his mind raced.
*The game has begun.*
And he intended to **win**.