Chapter 32: Same Group
The examiners in charge of the academy examinations was already up on stage and the personnel that were holding the wooden buckets had recorded the different categories to divide it to groups for the examinations.
First up were the female groups, for the four scholarly arts. The students of Guang Wen Tang did not have to take the academy examinations in the first grade, only when they are in grade two and three. Grade Three were done at the next wave and thus only Grade Two students were left with around twenty over people.
The female who attended Guang Wen Tang were the capital’s noble daughters and Su daughters had no qualification. Even among the Di daughters, families would also hire teachers into the residence to teach. Moreover the fees for Guang Wen Tang were not low, every year their profits would reach to a thousand liang.
In the beginning Shen Xin did not care about such money matters so the three daughters of the Shen residence were all sent to Guang Wen Tang. Ren Wan Yun had some dissatisfaction with the matter but Shen Xin waved his hands on it and they did not dare to continue arguing. After all, the money in the public fund were all rewards that the Emperor gave to Shen Xin for his battle efforts.
Twenty two people were divided into four groups. There were more, seven people, in the qin group since females had always like things that highlight themselves. For the other three topics, there were five people each.
In the painting group where Shen Miao was in, there was Shen Yue, Left Commanding Imperial Censor’s Di daughter, Qin Qing from Feng Tian residence, Fu Yin residence’s Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan from the Left Vice Minister residence
Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan were both somewhat disappointed. Fan Liu-er expertise was in the qin and Zhao Yan was good in chess, moreover no one was like Shen Yue who was proficient in every category. To be unable to pick their expertise in front of the males, Fan Liu-er and Zhao Yan was not satisfied about it. It was Qin Qing, who was as arrogant as usual. Qin Qing was pretty and was the only rival of Shen Yue in Guang Wen Tang but not on talent. Even though Shen Yue was a soft beauty, Qin Qing looked glamorous and her presence could push her down.
Shen Miao’s eyes landed on Qin Qing. Today she was wearing a green wide-sleeved cotton robes and there was a yellow belt on her waist. Her waist was less than a grip and with the fluttering of her robes, there was some fairy-like feeling. As compared to the weak and soft appearance of Shen Yue, she was like a pure Water Lily.
However in such a life of a beautiful female would be caught up in the late Emperor’s plan of cleaning up of the noble family clans. After the Left Commanding Imperial Censor’s family suffered a defeat, she was reduced to a prostitute in the army and later it was heard that she used a knife and perished with some insignificant soldier in the army.
Seeming aware of Shen Miao’s sight, Qin Qing looked over and was somewhat surprised but then turned back with some disgust, as if she was not willing to see one more look of Shen Miao.
Shen Miao was not bothered about it but it was Feng An Ning, who stood beside her, who tugged the corner of her clothes, “Later on you should just draw anything casually and not think too much.”
Feng An Ning thought it simply. Since one would definitely be humiliated, to be humiliated like that would make those people find it boring. But if Shen Miao strive to be vindicated and did overstep the boundaries of propriety, then it would be a major disadvantage.
Shen Miao nodded. After hearing the examiners on stage beating the drum, the academy examinations officially started.
The first comparison was ‘qin’.
It could be Feng An Ning’s good luck as the female students who had picked ‘qin’ all had mediocre skills. In addition of being the best few in qin, it turns out to be a lucky coincidence. Feng An Ning had picked up a big advantage.
Moreover Feng An Ning had been practising her qin skills hard these recent days and it was finally not in vain. When she was sitting, there was some air of a gentlewoman and couple with her good looks and qin sounds that comparing with those mediocre others, it was like a burst of breeze that made one feel pure and cool.
A blue clad youth at the male section of the banquet said, “It’s sonorous and resounding.”
When Cai Lin heard it at the side, he kicked that youth unhappily, “What was that? That was because one did not hear Yue’er qin. If Yue-er was to play a piece, even nine heavenly fairies would not be able to compare. Such ignorance!”
Cai Lin was one who always protected his crush but Su Ming Lang who heard it began to twitch his mouth. He wanted to say something but seeing his brother warning eyes, he held back.
The ‘qin’ category was almost finished and the few examiners started to discuss with one another on the judgement. After the ‘qin’ group was done, it was then chess. The process for chess was much simpler. The five people were divided to two and play with one another, one game to define the winner and marks were awarded for the chess strategy and manner. In this category, the winner was Yi Pei Lan.
After chess it was ‘literary’. Shen Qing, Bai Wei and Jiang Xiao were all in a group. These three people were good friends normally but in the academy examination, there was a nervous atmosphere. This time the literary context would be based on Chrysanthemum. One would pick up the brush to write a poem down. First to see the calligraphy and second to see one’s talent. Shen Qing’s expertise was not at poetry and chess but accounting. Unfortunately accounting was in the male examinations so she did not get it.
But as long as the final result was not out, no one would know who would be the first position.
One would need to wait till the end before it reaches to Shen Miao’s group.
Shen Yue glanced at Shen Miao, most likely she still remembered that Shen Miao humiliated her just now, Shen Miao actually did not try to maintain their good sisters’ appearance. She smiled at Shen Miao, “Later at the stage, Fifth Younger Sister must not give way to Older Sister. To have such a confidence appearance, even I am a little afraid.”
These words were heard by Fan Liu-er at the right moment and she could not help but laugh, “Shen Yue, what are you talking about? What confidence appearance, could it be – Shen Miao has a trump card?”
“Since you say it to such, I have some expectations already.” Zhao Yan said in rejoice at her misfortune, “Remember last year Shen Miao picked qin but pull the strings off from a good bamboo qin. It must be that she had inherited General Shen’ bravery. This year is painting, the brush better not be broken.” As she spoke, she touched Shen Miao’s cheek, “Such a fair and tender face, better not paint on this face later on.”
Shen Miao did not move and just look at her indifferently. Under that extremely cold eyes, Zhao Yan smile gradually froze and Fan Liu-er also felt that Shen Miao expression was not good. There was a sudden wave of fear in her heart and she involuntary pull Zhao Yan’s hand back.
Qin Qing seemed somewhat impatient and glance Shen Miao, “Quarrel what quarrel? If you want to quarrel then go up stage and quarrel and let everyone see both of your appearances.”
After she said it like that, even though Zhao Yan and the rest were not happy about it, they did not speak any more.
At the male side of the banquet, Cai Lin looked at Shen Yue’s figure excitedly but that rice dumpling tugged Su Ming Feng, “That pretty older sister is there. Eldest Brother look.”
Su Ming Feng was between laughter and tears, he did not know how his own Younger Brother was so persistent with Shen Miao. He was already Grade Three and this was the first time he was out after being seriously ill and also evidently weak so he was unable to participate in the academy examinations. He also knew of Shen Miao’s reputation, after all the entire Ding capital knew that the formidable Shen General was unhindered in the battlefields but had an idiot for a daughter.
“She will definitely win.” Su Ming Lang said while making a fist with his hands.
Su Ming Feng did not express an opinion as he knew that it would be Shen Yue who would win the first place today again.
In front of the stage, Shen Yue could not help but spoke to Shen Miao, “Fifth Younger Sister, later on you must not show any mercy. Older Sister will wait for you.”
“Definitely.” Shen Miao answered.
Would definitely not show any mercy.
Thank you for the chapter. 🙂
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Thanks for supporting!!
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Thank you for the chapter! 🙂 We’re getting closer! Su Ming Lang is adorable here with his long suffering brother, but Su Ming Lang won’t be disappointed either 🙂
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Thanks for supporting!!! Su Ming Lang is just sooooo cute!!!
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Thanks for the chapter!
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Thanks for supporting!!
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Thank you so much!! 😘😘😘.
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Thanks for your support!!
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I thought it would have started, but not yet. I can’t wait for the next chapter. XD
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Thanks for supporting!!! The next chapter will be out tomorrow!!!
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Ahhh so excited for next chapter!!! This chapter felt more like a preparation to something big, can’t wait to see what SM does!!! She might not be spectacular in the four arts, but I’m sure she has something up her sleeve to beat her cousin and I can’t wait to see Shen Yue suffer and be envious ^.^ She will definitely regret asking SM to not have any mercy when competing lol!
And don’t worry little dumpling, your pretty older sister will definitely wow your brother and everyone else 😉 Also, I’m curious. Is the little marquis also in the crowd?
Thank you for the chapter!!! 💖
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Next chapter will be out tomorrow!!! 🙂 The previous chapters are all setups… Actually some of the subsequent chaps are also set up 😛
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Omg yass!! Thank u!😁😁
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Shen Miao glanced at Shen Miao = Shen Yue glanced at Shen Miao
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Lol. Definitely.
She’ll beat you to shame that you can’t raise your head for losing against an idiot you look down upon! You and that @ssh*le Cai Lin who adores you much. *evil laugh*
Aaaanyways… SMF is gonna have a big surprise in this one when SM wins.
SML… So cute~ ever supporrtive of SM… I wonder how he’s react when he finds out that she’s nice to him because he reminds her of her deceased son -> not that he would ever know.
Where the hell is XJX? Is he not gonna see how awesome SM is going to be during the examinations?
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Thanks for the update!!!
Can’t wait for the next one~
Soooo curious how she’s gonna kill SY… Or well, at least beat her down for now. 😈💪💕
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Thanks for spotting that!!! Just amended…
Shen Yue and Cai Lin do not know the true power of Shen Miao… HA!!!! Our Empress will definitely deliver a worthy smackdown 🙂
There will be one additional chapter this week and it will be released tomorrow
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Not shown MERCY? I bet she gonna shown those people Hell!!!
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YES!!! NO MERCY!!!!
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NO MERCY!!!
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Shen Miao glanced at Shen Miao => Shen Yue glanced at Shen Miao
Got confused for a bit at that part lol
Thanks for the chapters!! Get rekt you evil step siblings
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Thanks for picking that out! Just made the changes… 🙂
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Ah!! Cliff hanger again?!?!? Ah!!!! Thank you…. Shen Miao hurry and kick their butts!!
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Always… Thats why we are hooked!!! Thanks for supporting!
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The so called nice elder sister just dug her own grave.
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🙂 In fact, she lay down on her own grave just waiting for SM to bury her
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No Mercy. Definitely. 😀
Thanks for the chapter!
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Thanks for supporting!!!
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Thank youuuuu .. can’t wait for the next chapter😊
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Thanks for supporting!!! Next chapter is less than 24 hours away 🙂
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Some sentences are odd, there is a need for editing.
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Which one in particular? I will review them again.
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“He was already Grade Three and this was the first time he was out after being seriously eat and also evidently weak so he was unable to participate in the academy examinations.”
should probably be :
“He was already Grade Three and this was the first time he was out after being seriously ill and also evidently weak so he was unable to participate in the academy examinations.”
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Thanks for catching that, I have amended it!!!
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Go Shen Miao! Destroy that wicked cousin of yours. Thanks for the chapter.
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Thanks for supporting!!! Yes!!! Destroy her
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Ahahaha…. SY you are the one who ask SM not to show mercy, so don’t blame her to be the black horse! Thanks for the chapter desu~
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Thanks for supporting!!! GO SHEN MIAO!!!
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The examiners in charge of the academy examinations was already up on stead (?)…
Not up on stage?
Thank you very much for the chapter! 🙂
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Just amended!! Thanks for supporting!!
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Ahhhhhhh! 👿👿👿👿 O come on author why so many cliffhanger! Ahhgarh 😖😖😖😖 anyways thank you so much for the translation I am so happy and cannot wait for the next chapter ❤❤❤❤❤❤
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No choice,.. With the cliffhanger, we will then only get hook into it 😛
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Thank you for the new chapter!
If the opponent wishes it, naturally the empress Shen Miao will comply! Lol
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YES!!! But when Shen Miao throw her attack out, the opponent better not lament about how strong it is 😛
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Thank you for ur hardwork. It’s nice to have more chapter this week. ^^
Fighting !!
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Thanks for supporting!!
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Lol that rice dumpling is just too cute. Can’t wait for SM to shock everyone with her painting. I can almost imagine the look on everyones faces, especially SY. I’ll give her 1 more chapter to act all uppity and superior until SM puts her in her place. Thanks for the chapter!
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One thing I can say… The smackdown is good!!! 😛
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Ah.. Such cliff.. 😅😅
Thank you for the update translator-sama.. 😀
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Thanks for supporting!!!
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I was planning to wait for 2 weeks to read.. but when I saw the chapter.. I automatically tapped it…Man I can’t get enough of this story!!! …Ah ..The cliffhanger just made me more curious.. I can’t wait. 0_0
Thanks for the chapter!! 😀
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Good news!!! There will be two additional chapters this week due to our wonderful donors!!! 🙂
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Really!?
Thanks to all the donors!! 😀
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I am a fan of this story 😍
Thanks for updating 🤗
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Thanks for supporting!!! Glad you like it as much as I do 🙂
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Thanks a lot for your fast update… I love reading Chinese novels… too bad I don’t understand Chinese 😦 So I would be glad to support your hard work to be able to read them! You are awesome!! Thanks!!!!
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Thanks for supporting!!!! I hope the translations are easy to understand cause some words are directly translated from Chinese so it may not sound like normal English… 😛
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You are a very good translator … lately I’m reading several translated novels and you’re the best so far 😉
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The lil glutinous rice dumpling is so cute shipping his brother with SM 😝
Thank you for the constant updates! Things are getting exciting. ✌🏼
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Well… If his bro marries SM, then SM will be his sis-in-law… I think that is his end in mind 😛
Thanks for supporting!!!
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I’m so excited that I’m tempted to google translate the raws, but I think it would be wiser to have patience and indulge in your wonderful translations.
Thank you 😀
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Awwww… Thanks for your compliments!!! I do hope I did the author proud 🙂
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Definitly not show any mercy SM haha (evil laugh)
I can’t wait for the next chapter pliz tomorrow update (T_T)
Thanks for the chapter (^,^)
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Thanks for supporting!!! The next update is less than 12 hours 😛
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Thanks for the chapter!
Kekekeke.. eat your words Shen Yue!
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Thanks for supporting!!!
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Thank you for the chapter 🙂
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Thanks for supporting!!
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Thank you…..each chapter is very exciting. Am so into this story now…..only worried if Su Min Feng will have to compete with the little Marquis for her love later
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Thanks for supporting!!! Ahhhh… Our SM is awesome!! How can only there be only 2 ppl who want to marry her? 😛
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I hope SM get’s through her trial. Maybe she can just make the picture have some meaning? Personally, I’ve always liked paintings that the audience can draw meaning from way more than paintings that have advanced techniques
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!!!!!! Are u the author?!?!?!?! Your prediction is spot on!!!!
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Thats the only way i can see that she’ll get out of it. Coincidentally, my husband and i had just been talking about the merits of different types of paintings and the more modern art is about expression rather than technique. Gave me some inspiration
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I thought of reading this novel after some 100 chapters were posted but I got tempted, now I’m hooked!
Thanks for the translation 🙂
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Thanks for supporting!!! The author tempt us too much.. With only a glimpse, most of us will be hooked
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Honestly, if this is to make into a series who do you have in mind for the main characters? For look wise I thought of Yang Yang for XJX; however I find Yang Yang acting is subpar. I actually think Allen Ren and Jing Tian would be great as the two MC. If you don’t know who they are, they are the MC in Glory of Tang Dynasty. I find their acting quite good, especially Allen Ren for a newbie.
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Love you for all your hard-work. Thank you so much!!
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Thanks for supporting!!!
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Thank you for the chapter~
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I don’t get it. Her father (& perhaps her brother even) is fighting the war but what is her mother doing out there??? Doesn’t the general know the city is ridiculing his daughter for not being smart because she doesn’t have a good role model like a mother, yet he doesn’t send his wife home to teach her and help. I mean, really, she gave birth to the kid then because the child is too small to travel they leave her behind with a greedy nurse and just never bother doing their duties as parents besides visiting once in a while and sending home money that gets squander away by the relatives that lives with her??? I know the relatives at fault here but I’m thinking our mc’s parent had a share in the blame too.
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Her mother is also fighting the war (she is also from a family of generals) In the beginning I also think it that way… But then when I read how the parents was, I kinda understand why is it done and that they really really trusted that the family was taking good care of her and even SM (of the past) prefer the relatives than her real family…
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If only SML would be a little bit older he might become a serious candidate for he is such an adorable and honest boy… xD I really like that streak of character.
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Su Ming Lang is the cutest. Yes boy cheer your older sister on.
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Will definitely not show any mercy!!! 😆😆😆
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NO MERCY!!!
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I wonder if that little brother is going to develop a reputation within his family as an idiot savant after this 😉
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My adorable Su Ming Lang~~ Hahaha Shen Miao first ever enthusiastic fanboy 😆
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Pingback: Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage – Chapter 32 – Dramas On My Mind
I loveee baby dumpling so much
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