The announcement came at dusk. Tomorrow, each candidate would be tested one by one.
There would be no spectators, no interference, and no explanation beforehand.
The estate was quiet, thick with anticipation.
Adrian stood alone in his courtyard that night.
Moonlight spilled across the stone tiles. He did not test them to humiliate them; he tested them because power reveals the truth when pushed.
If ten men were to stand by him for life—through politics, danger, jealousy, and the complexity of heirs—he needed to know where they would break.
If they would break at all.
First Test: Gu Han
At dawn, Gu Han was called to the training grounds. When he arrived, he found Adrian waiting in grey robes, a sword by his side.
There were no attendants and no witnesses.
"Draw," Adrian said calmly.
Gu Han did not hesitate.
Their swords clashed.
This was no mere demonstration;
Adrian moved with a speed Gu Han hadn't seen before—precise cuts and clean footwork.
Every strike was calculated.
Gu Han pushed forward with force, but Adrian gave in, redirecting the momentum until their blades locked inches apart.
"Would you disobey the throne for me?" Adrian asked quietly.
Gu Han's jaw tightened. "If the throne threatens you unfairly, yes."
"And if I am at fault?"
Gu Han paused. "Then I will correct you. I will not abandon you."
Adrian shifted suddenly, disarming Gu Han. The sword clattered to the ground. Adrian's blade hovered at Gu Han's throat for a second before he stepped back.
"Good," Adrian said.
Gu Han retrieved his sword, his eyes burning—not with anger, but with recognition.
Second Test: Lin Qiyue
The scholar was called to the study, where three sealed letters lay on the table.
"Two are real," Adrian said. "One is fake. Each details a conspiracy against me."
Lin Qiyue sat calmly and read each letter slowly, analyzing the handwriting, the phrasing, and the seals.
After several minutes, he pushed one aside. "This one is false."
"Why?" Adrian asked.
"The fear in it is too much," Lin Qiyue replied. "A real conspirator writes carefully, not emotionally.
Adrian smiled slightly. "And the real threat?"
Lin Qiyue pointed to one of the remaining letters. "This writer pretends loyalty and avoids specifics. He wants to see your reaction."
Adrian leaned back. "If that man offered you power to betray me?"
Lin Qiyue looked at him steadily. "I prefer power earned honestly."
Third Test: Zhao Ming
Zhao Ming was invited to the accounting hall, where stacks of documents covered the table.
"I have moved some of your guild's investment funds," Adrian said calmly.
Zhao Ming's smile froze. "How much?"
"Enough to hurt."
There was a long silence. "Why?" Zhao Ming asked.
"To test if your loyalty is tied to profit."
Zhao Ming studied him carefully. "And if I protest?"
"You fail."
Zhao Ming exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Then I will recover the loss another way."
Adrian's eyes flickered. "You aren't angry?"
"I am," Zhao Ming admitted. "But if we marry, what is mine is partly yours. Just... don't bankrupt me."
Adrian laughed faintly. "Pass."
Fourth Test: Shen Rui
The physician was led to Adrian's chambers. A fake medical report lay on the bed, claiming the Rose-Bearers faced lethal complications. Shen Rui read it, his expression darkening.
"This is not accurate," Shen Rui said, looking up.
"If someone gave you this to scare you, they intended to manipulate you."
"And if I truly faced such a risk?" Adrian asked quietly.
Shen Rui stepped closer. "Then I would give you the knowledge to make your own choice."
"Even if that choice meant no heirs?"
"Yes." There was no hesitation.
Adrian felt something steady settle inside him.
Fifth Test: Mo Yan
Mo Yan was called at night.
Adrian stood in the shadows.
"I have information," Adrian said.
"One of the candidates plans to remove me from power once we are married. I want you to eliminate him."
Silence stretched between them.
Mo Yan did not move. "...I will investigate first."
Adrian watched him. "And if the evidence is unclear?"
"I will not kill without certainty."
Adrian stepped into the moonlight. "Even for me?"
"Especially for you."
Sixth Test: Liang Feng
The musician was brought to a marketplace while Adrian's identity remained hidden.
A staged argument erupted nearby; actors accused Adrian of arrogance and selfishness.
Liang Feng heard every word. He did not lash out or argue. Instead, he gently steered the conversation.
"He may seem distant," Liang Feng said softly to the crowd, "but perhaps distance is a form of protection."
Later, Adrian asked, "Why not confront them?"
Liang Feng smiled gently. "Noise only feeds the fire."
Seventh Test: Wei Jian
Wei Jian was given a legal case where Adrian was accused of misusing state funds. The evidence was planted; the witnesses were bribed.
"What is your verdict?" Adrian asked.
Wei Jian reviewed the file. "The evidence appears solid," he admitted. "However, I would reopen the investigation. Quietly. Thoroughly."
"And if it proved true?"
"Then I would hold you accountable."
Adrian held his gaze. "Even if it weakens you?"
"Yes."
Adrian's expression softened. "Pass."
Eighth Test: Tang Huo
Tang Huo was called to the training yard, where Adrian feigned frustration.
"I am tired of politics," Adrian said sharply.
"Perhaps I should give up and live quietly."
Tang Huo blinked. "You could."
Adrian frowned. "That's all?"
Tang Huo shrugged. "If you want to rest, rest. If you want to fight, fight. Just don't run because you're afraid."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You think I'm afraid?"
"I think you carry too much alone."
The words struck deeper than intended.
Adrian looked away briefly. "...Pass."
Ninth Test: Su Cheng
Su Cheng was told the Crown Prince demanded Adrian's political support.
"In exchange," Adrian said, "you would be promoted. If I refuse, you risk demotion."
Su Cheng's face remained unreadable. "I serve the throne," he said carefully.
"And me?"
He paused. "...If you act with justice, I will stand beside you."
Adrian studied him. Bound by duty, but not blind. "Pass."
Tenth Test: Bai Xuan
Bai Xuan's test was the simplest. Adrian met him in the garden.
"I may grow ill," Adrian said.
"The rose mark may weaken me. Beauty fades."
Bai Xuan stepped closer. "I am not here for beauty."
"Then why?"
Bai Xuan's silver eyes held steady. "Because you do not bow."
"And if you lost everything?" Adrian pressed.
"Then we rebuild."
No drama. No grand vows. Just certainty.
That evening, Adrian stood alone once more. Ten men. Ten different responses. Not one had broken. Not one had chosen power over principle, and not one had reduced him to a mere "rose mark."
For the first time since waking up in this world, the weight on his shoulders eased.
They were not flawless, but they were worthy.
Behind him, footsteps approached. Gu Han stopped at a distance. "You tested us," he said.
"Yes."
"And?"
Adrian turned, moonlight reflecting in his calm eyes. "You stay."
Relief and a flicker of happiness crossed Gu Han's face. Adrian looked out over the estate. His future no longer felt like a trap; it felt like something he was building—slowly, and with purpose.
This time, Adrian would not face the world alone.