Princess Lin’an’s attempt to refine tax silver nearly resulted in an explosion at the Directorate of Celestial Studies. Despite the risky and arduous process, Lin’an was overjoyed with her progress. Returning to the palace, she greeted her mother, Consort Chen, with a radiant smile. However, Consort Chen, with her traditional mindset, disapproved of Lin’an’s involvement in the laboratory, believing it unbecoming of a woman and incomparable to the endeavors of the Crown Prince. This maternal favoritism deeply saddened Lin’an.
Meanwhile, as Xu Qi’an was preparing to flee, he was unexpectedly intercepted by two Nightwatchmen. Clearly prepared, they escorted Xu Qi’an into a carriage under tight supervision. Xu Qi’an, uneasy about the situation, reflected on his recent success in toppling Zhou Li and was confident he had left no incriminating evidence. Resorting to bribery, he slipped a silver note to one of the Nightwatchmen, who simply advised him, “Don’t say what shouldn’t be said.”
The Nightwatchmen took Xu Qi’an directly to Master Yang, where another figure, Nangong Qianrou, was also present. It turned out that the Nightwatchmen had been observing Xu Qi’an’s actions from the shadows during his entire scheme. Recognizing his potential as a Nightwatchman, they sought to recruit him. Xu Qi’an was given the choice to apprentice under either Master Yang or Nangong Qianrou. Nangong Qianrou, eager to take him as a disciple, attempted to coerce him with both gentle persuasion and veiled threats. Xu Qi’an, however, was not one to be easily swayed. Remembering how Yang Yan had once helped him escape imprisonment, Xu Qi’an chose to become Yang Yan’s apprentice out of gratitude.
To officially join the Nightwatchmen, Xu Qi’an had to pass several tests assessing his aptitude, including tests of intelligence and moral integrity. Despite his nonchalant attitude, Xu Qi’an answered the first question correctly in just three breaths’ time, a feat that astonished his observing seniors. While some had taken nine breaths and still been proud, Xu Qi’an’s performance was unmatched.
The tests continued as Xu Qi’an ascended three floors without performing the required kneeling rituals. Upon reaching the fourth floor, he was informed that failure to kneel would result in a punishment of lingchi (death by a thousand cuts). Startled, Xu Qi’an quickly prostrated himself, but the “Heart-Testing Mirror” showed him still standing, indicating his posture lacked sincerity. Confused, Xu Qi’an wondered why the mirror treated him differently than others.
Wei Yuan, the commander of the Nightwatchmen, reviewed Xu Qi’an’s test results. He was impressed to learn Xu Qi’an had answered in three breaths and only knelt at the fourth floor, interpreting these as signs of intelligence and fearlessness—qualities of a natural leader. Wei Yuan saw great potential in Xu Qi’an, believing that, with proper training, he could become an outstanding talent.
The final test on the sixth floor presented a poem written by Wei Yuan himself. Reading it, Xu Qi’an immediately discerned Wei Yuan’s deep ambition for power. As a modern-day transmigrator, Xu Qi’an cared little for political maneuvering but knew he needed to excel in the test to join the Nightwatchmen. He carefully analyzed the poem, unraveling its deeper meanings, and delivered a brilliant answer, earning the highest grade of “A+” (甲上).
Nangong Qianrou was greatly impressed and tried to bribe Yang Yan with two silver luo to claim Xu Qi’an as her disciple. However, Yang Yan, determined to retain such talent, refused. Hearing that Xu Qi’an had already advanced to the Qi Cleansing Pool, Yang Yan called upon his brother-in-law, Li Yuchun, to mentor the promising recruit.
Li Yuchun initially had a poor impression of Xu Qi’an but, out of respect for Yang Yan, reluctantly agreed to observe him. To everyone’s surprise, Xu Qi’an completed a process that typically required an entire day in less than an hour, solidifying his reputation as a prodigy.
