After Tran Kien left, the examination grounds remained in an uproar. The other examinees were still racking their brains, desperately trying to write the most grandiose, world-saving strategies. They had no idea that the victor of this examination had already been decided by three concise stratagems.
Up on the high platform, Tao Chinh, the head of the Six Gates, read Ve Nhan's paper over and over. His falcon-like eyes shone brightly, as though he had just unearthed a peerless, flawless jade.
"Ruthless?" He chuckled faintly, a cold smile forming on his lips. "Against bandits and rebels, mercy is cruelty to the common people. Our Six Gates does not need smooth-talking pedants quoting scriptures. We need sharp knives, knives that can solve problems!" He slammed the paper heavily onto the table. "This man, I, Tao Chinh, want him!"
"Lord Tao," the old eunuch spoke in a sycophantic tone. "Although this person possesses talent, his background is unclear, and his schemes are far too sinister. Recruiting him into the Six Gates, I fear..."
"It is precisely because his background is unclear that he is all the more valuable," Tao Chinh interrupted, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "Only a blank sheet of paper can paint the most beautiful picture. I need someone who has nothing, someone who knows only to be loyal to me alone. This person is exactly who I have been searching for." He turned to a subordinate in black robes standing silently in the corner. "Black Crow, I give you one day. Investigate thoroughly for me just who this 'Ve Nhan' is."
Meanwhile, Tran Kien had found a small inn in the commoners' district. He didn't go anywhere. He knew that after submitting such an earth-shattering examination paper, he had definitely become a target of attention. Now, there was only one thing he needed to do: wait.
Sure enough, just one day later, Black Crow came looking for him.
Tran Kien was led into the true headquarters of the Six Gates in the Imperial Capital—a building without a signboard, looking incredibly ordinary on the outside, yet hiding at least a dozen powerful auras within.
In the study, Tao Chinh sat behind a large wooden desk, holding Tran Kien's examination paper in his hand.
"Ve Nhan. Hailing from Hoai An, parents died early, traveled to the capital alone to take the examination?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, that is correct," Tran Kien replied, his tone humble. He had fabricated this background—it was as simple as it could possibly be, but precisely for that reason, it contained no loopholes.
"Hah," Tao Chinh chuckled faintly. He finally raised his head. His sharp falcon eyes seemed to pierce straight through to Tran Kien's very soul. "A poor scholar from a remote countryside, yet capable of writing such earth-shattering stratagems. Do you think I would believe that?"
A formless coercive pressure crashed down upon the room. Yet Tran Kien remained silent. His eyes remained crystal clear, without the slightest ripple.
"Fine," Tao Chinh did not press further. "I care not who you are or where you come from. I only care about the future. Your examination paper is excellent. But that is merely theory. Our Six Gates does not need those who only know empty talk."
"I will give you one final opportunity to prove yourself," he said, his gaze turning frigid. "Recently, a series of disappearances involving young maidens has occurred in the capital. The Six Gates has investigated for half a month without a single clue. I give you three days. If you can find the culprit, or at the very least find a crucial clue..."
He paused, emphasizing every word. "This 'Strategist' position... shall be yours."
A practical trial. A case with no leads. Three days. This was no longer a paper examination. This was a true life-and-death chessboard.
Tran Kien did not show the slightest hint of panic. On the contrary, within his profound eyes, a gleam of intense interest flashed.
He clasped his hands and bowed calmly.
"This junior... accepts the command."