A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 228 The First Person in the Martial Arts Examination

"You two have come to the right place."

The tea master immediately introduced Xu Sichun, a local bully who, relying on being the brother-in-law of the local county magistrate, had always acted arrogantly and domineeringly.

Whether it was collecting protection money, tolls, or harassing young women and dragging them into the woods, they committed every imaginable evil.

Song Xuan nodded slightly.

He vaguely remembered that there was a character named Xu Sichun in the movie "Brotherhood of Blades".

It doesn't sound like a good thing at all.

But none of it matters.

Wang Gui could clearly see the excitement in Song Xuan's eyes.

Beating him up now and venting my anger would truly be doing justice for God!
Now that I'm far from home, I don't need to reveal my name to do anything; I can just use an alias.

"Twelfth Brother, have you rested enough?"

"Ah."

Song Xuan put on his sun hat again and went to stretch his muscles and bones. He would stay at the inn and take a bath that night.

In such hot weather, coupled with the journey.

That long hair really has a very strong flavor.

In the woods not far away, a group of people were surrounding a boy, eating watermelon.

Xu Xianchun was tall and strong, ate well, and had a lot of energy. In addition, her brother-in-law held an official position.

He was extremely arrogant and domineering in this small territory of Guancheng.

"Master Xu, two more scholars are coming over."

Xu Xianchun lifted his head out of the watermelon and took a closer look:
"They're unfamiliar faces, though."

"They are indeed unfamiliar faces; perhaps they are criminals in disguise."

Xu Xianchun spat out a watermelon seed and gestured to his henchmen to stop him.

He had the utmost contempt for scholars who only knew how to spout classical Chinese phrases.

The two scholars were clearly taken aback.

Looking at that group of people in the woods, they look just like hooligans!

"What is the purpose of you gentlemen blocking our way?"

"When you're out and about, you should still be kind to others," one of the thin scholars quickly asked.

"Investigate the criminals."

After Bai finished speaking, he pretended to pull out a sour-smelling wanted poster from his pocket, compared it very seriously, and then turned around and said:
“Mr. Xu, he looks like someone from the wanted poster.”

"Bring him over for a thorough interrogation."

“How can we, innocent people, be slandered like this by you?”

Just then, another person dressed as a yamen runner stood up in the woods:
"Come here when we tell you to, cooperate with the government in handling the case, we will never let a bad person go, nor will we wrong an innocent person like you."

The man in the constable's uniform said coldly:

"This is the county magistrate's brother-in-law. He is working for the government and has been ordered by the county magistrate to track down the bandits. The two of you will need to cooperate carefully."

Upon hearing that the man was both the county magistrate's brother-in-law and had been instructed by the county magistrate, the two scholars realized that this matter was no small thing.

"What has happened?"

"Don't ask about things you shouldn't inquire about, such as cases of family annihilation."

Upon hearing this, the two obediently agreed to be searched. When they found some copper coins, they deliberately counted them.

"That was our travel expenses for studying in Xijing. Give it back to me."

"Is it these thirty-one coins?"

"Bullshit, I clearly have fifty-one coins."

"Oh, I miscounted."

Bai Yi chuckled and said he couldn't count, then handed the money back to the two scholars.

They wouldn't let them leave, they just kept saying it looked like them.

It's so true.

Xu Xianchun sat on the loess soil, leaning against a tree trunk, watching the two scholars suffer a setback.

He was extremely pleased with himself.

What's the use of just being good at reading books?

When trouble comes, you have no choice but to swallow your anger!

They didn't even have the strength to resist.

In the end, one of them was somewhat clever and voluntarily handed over some of his money, begging them to let him go.

The bailiff immediately said that they didn't want any money at all, but because they saw that you looked somewhat similar to the criminals in the wanted poster, they didn't dare to release you casually. They suggested that you go back to the county jail and ask their accomplices to identify you.

Ultimately, it was only when the weather was hot that they were offered cold drinks or something similar that the matter was resolved.

After they passed by, Xu Xianchun couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Such humiliation deserves to be reported to the authorities."

"There are no witnesses here, and the person in question has connections in the county government. Let's leave this place quickly and continue on our way."

"I am unwilling to accept this humiliation."

"forget it."

The two, feeling sullen, quickly left the place.

"I do hope they'll dare to put up a fight, to actually lift a finger."

Xu Xianchun pinched the hardened clod of earth, which was then scattered by the wind:

"I haven't been active for a long time, and I feel a bit uncomfortable."

"With Master Xu sitting here, he's like a fierce tiger. Who would dare to be disrespectful?"

"Yes, it is a matter."

The crowd gathered around Xu Xianchun, all showering him with flattery.

Hsu Hsien-chun was very proud of this.

"Master Xu, two more scholars have arrived. Perhaps they are also on their way to Xijing for further studies."

"Good good."

Xu Xianchun leaned back against the tree trunk: "I need to provoke him. I want to stretch my muscles and get some exercise."

"clear."

The white-clad soldiers immediately held their positions.

Song Xuan glanced at the woods: "It should be those few."

Two scholars passed by just now, and they hid in the woods and witnessed a few things.

"Twelfth Brother, what are our weaknesses?"

"Weak my foot, let's go for it, I just happen to be itching for a fight."

Song Xuan tightened his belt:

"Look at these few punks, there's no need to use weapons."

"clear."

So the two hurried over to the seven or eight people who were resting in the woods.

Seeing that the two of them were walking quickly, several servants immediately stood up to block their way, and two others stood behind them.

Bai Yi pretended to pull out the arrest warrant, but before he could say anything...

Song Xuan immediately knocked him down with a punch:
"Damn it, someone is robbing people in broad daylight."

"Fuck you!"

Wang Gui also went after the two people behind him and took them both down.

“A family has been wiped out in the city, we are waiting.”

Song Xuan immediately kicked him again to shut him up.

In a few swift moves, they beat all the constables who were blocking their way to the ground.

A group of people were lying on the ground, groaning and crying out in pain.

Xu Xianchun then stood up and stared at Song Xuan with great pleasure.

He's reasonably good-looking, wears a school uniform, and has some fighting skills.

Moreover, these people all followed his instructions, feigning defeat to help him stretch his muscles.

"By order of the county magistrate, we are here to verify your identity."

Hearing Xu Xianchun's words, Song Xuan reached out and said:
"Since you are acting on the orders of the county magistrate, show me the documents. Otherwise, how will you know if you are forgers?"

Hsu Hsien-Chun really doesn't have this thing.

After all, there was a constable, plus Xu Xianchun sitting here.

Who dares to disobey?

Even if you take the complaint to the county government, someone at the door will tell you that it is the magistrate's order.

"I don't have any documents."

Xu Xianchun chuckled:
“The magistrate has given the order, and we must carry it out. What is your punishment for assaulting government officials?”

"Tsk, tsk."

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice and pointed at the person on the ground:

"Which one of them is a government official in name only? Stand up and let me see."

Xu Xianchun truly hadn't expected that this student would be so knowledgeable about government affairs.

Even the constable in official robes, and the servants, were not government employees.

Outsourcing is perfectly normal!
Could this person also come from an official family?
Otherwise it wouldn't be so clear.

"Okay."

Xu Xianchun chuckled, "You're quite the sharp-tongued one. Well, you're not leaving today."

"I can't leave?"

Song Xuan nodded slightly, finding things increasingly interesting.

Xu Xianchun was the top-ranked military candidate in the eighth year of the Tiansheng era, which also made him a military scholar.

Even though the top-ranked martial arts scholar is not worthy of the title of "Martial Arts Champion".

The first martial arts champion was Xue Yi from Fujian, who was born during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song. He later died in battle against the Western Xia.

The first military examination was held in the seventh year of the Tiansheng era, and the following year, Emperor Zhao Zhen began to hold the palace examination.

Of the ten military scholars selected by Emperor Zhao Zhen, only one was an active-duty military officer, while the other nine were commoners. Those who were not selected were all officers with official positions.

Because the war against Western Xia required many generals.

Therefore, Xu Xianchun was of mediocre martial arts skills and had some knowledge of military strategy, but he was brave and wanted to serve the emperor.

Furthermore, since Xu Xianchun was the top scorer in Emperor Zhao Zhen's first martial arts examination, he naturally hoped that Xu Xianchun would display his great prowess.

However, due to Ge Huaimin's poor command, Zhao Xun, the son of Zhao Zhen who was kept by Zhao Zhen's side, had his suggestions rejected by Ge Huaimin.

A few days later, Xu Xianchun also died in the war against Western Xia.

In the Battle of Dingchuan Village, the Song Dynasty lost dozens of generals and nearly ten thousand soldiers.

"Yes, you can't leave!"

Xu Xianchun was very excited.

He has finally met a formidable opponent; how could he let him go so easily?
Say it.

Xu Xianchun immediately stepped forward and kicked Song Xuan.

Song Xuan turned slightly to the side.

slow.

It's really too slow.

Moreover, the signs of street fighting were too obvious, and they hadn't properly trained their muscles and bones.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have made such a move.

Because Song Xuan had gone through the same process, but he often practiced with Wang Gui and clearly learned military tactics.

Wang Gui stood aside, watching Song Xuan fight. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the person lying on the ground.

Wang Gui was just thinking that Twelfth Brother wanted to fight a few rounds before deciding to take down the person in front of him.

Snapped.

Xu Xianchun immediately fell to the ground.

He collapsed to the ground.

My muscles and bones are still not warmed up.

Xu Xianchun kicked out, and Song Xuan kicked back.

He collapsed to the ground.

Xu Xianchun was completely dazed and hadn't recovered yet.

He always believed that his men had deliberately feigned defeat.

I never imagined that I was wrong.

They were truly no match for the scholar before them.

Xu Xianchun was actually knocked to the ground by a scholar he looked down upon.

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice:

"Damn it, he still hasn't gotten up after three seconds. He's way too weak!"

Wang Gui laughed a few times; he truly looked down on this group of people who were making money under the guise of searching for notorious bandits.

If they really encountered the perpetrator of the family massacre, they couldn't stop him.

"Twelfth Brother, where are there so many thugs who rob people on the road? They rely on force."

Wang Gui looked at the group lying on the ground groaning:
"Most of them rely on the power behind them."

"After all, when you're out in the game, you still need influence. Small fry have no right to become big shots."

Song Xuan sighed; he was well aware of such things.

After all, the tea master had just described it so vividly.

They praised Xu Xianchun as if he were Zhou Chu.

What kind of person was Zhou Chu?

Whether fighting tigers or crocodiles, or even in battle, they are incredibly brave.

Before he could even muster any strength, Director Zhou of Guancheng collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

Wang Gui squatted down, looked at Xu Xianchun who was still in a daze, and patted his face hard.

"Twelfth Brother, you'd better go easy on him next time. I reckon he'll need a while to recover."

Song Xuan himself was carrying an iron mace, which was clearly quite heavy.

If he were wearing armor, Song Xuan felt that his movements wouldn't be as fast; it would restrict his actions.

At least this leg lift won't be so smooth.

"Damn it, he's really too weak to fight."

Song Xuan didn't even break a sweat before sitting down and tapping the watermelon with his hand.

None of these people dared to run away.

After all, even Xu Xianchun, the most capable fighter and the county magistrate's brother-in-law, was defeated in one move.

We've met our match today.

They need to handle the situation carefully in order to regain their composure.

However, one of the quick-witted servants, seeing Xu Xianchun lying there, hurriedly came over to pay his respects.

"I hope you will understand, sir. We are truly working for the Guancheng County government, and we are by no means robbers or thieves. This is a misunderstanding."

"If you, sir, do not believe this, you may come with us to the county government office for verification."

Song Xuan chuckled, split the watermelon in half with one hand, checked its color and found it edible, then tossed a new one to Wang Gui.

He just sat there eating watermelon.

Bai Yi stared at Song Xuan's appearance, momentarily stunned, yet dared not urge him on.

It was just too powerful.

With one kick, he knocked Master Xu to the ground.

Is this scholar truly a scholar?
I've been setting up this checkpoint here for so long and I've never seen this person before!
Even if those scholars carry swords, they're mostly just for show; how many of them actually know how to wield them?

Xu Xianchun only came to her senses after Song Xuan finished eating the whole watermelon.

"Let's go again! I was careless just now. I refuse to believe I can't beat you!"

Xu Xianchun stood up, pointed at Song Xuan, and said loudly.

He shook his head vigorously, trying to avoid feeling dizzy.

When the servants saw that Master Xu was acting recklessly again, they quickly tried to persuade him, but Xu Xianchun pushed them away.

"Bingzhi, let him lie down for another half an hour."

After Song Xuan spoke, Wang Gui wiped his mouth and said with a grin:

"You were knocked down in one move, and you still want to fight my brother? You'll have to get past me first!"

Xu Xianchun pushed aside the crowd surrounding him and stubbornly insisted:

"I was careless just now, that's why I wasn't on guard."

"it is good."

Wang Gui clapped his hands, without even taking off the bundle on his back:

"Let me let you lie down for another half an hour."

"Insanity!"

Xu Xianchun immediately clenched his fists and headed straight for Wang Gui.

Wang Gui also achieved fame at a young age, learning military combat techniques, whether it was using a spear or an iron whip.

boom.

Xu Xianchun's vision went completely black, and he collapsed to the ground.

The servants looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

They couldn't even sneak off to report the news and get reinforcements.

These two students truly have the ability to kill them all.

"It's a misunderstanding, it really is a misunderstanding!"

A new round of misunderstandings has begun.

"Noisy."

Song Xuan spat out the melon seed in his mouth: "Untie their belts and tie them all to the tree."

"Yes."

Wang Gui responded and immediately tied all of them to the tree.

They didn't even spare Xu Xianchun, who was in a coma.

"You guys collect tolls all day long, and you even defile young ladies."

"Hero, spare our lives! We would never dare to do such a thing!"

"Don't you dare?"

Wang Gui immediately gave him a flick on the forehead:
"The people have long heard that Xu Xianchun is the 'Little Zhou of Guancheng,' who specializes in bullying the good and kind, and everyone has the right to kill him!"

"We've been wronged! We've truly been wronged!"

"Good sir, spare my life!"

The pleas for forgiveness were incessant.

"A bunch of useless good-for-nothings! They really think they can do evil just because they have a little power!"

Song Xuan wiped his hands, too lazy to pay attention to this group of people.

They all rely on their power to act recklessly and oppress the people.

I hope everyone likes being an official.

Does that mean he likes being an official?
That's for the sake of having special privileges!
Gao Yanei, who liked Lin Chong's wife, was not Gao Qiu's biological son.

There are far too many scoundrels in the streets.

Whoever you can curry favor with is considered to have "power"!
Wang Gui could tell that Song Xuan wasn't entirely happy.

"Twelfth Brother, this bully really has no skills."

"Yes."

Song Xuan curled his lips: "Let's go into the city and find lodging. Fighting is less fun than traveling. It's really not worth it."

As the two moved away.

After much calling and coaxing, Xu Xianchun, who had been unconscious, finally opened his eyes again.

"what happened?"

"Who tied me up?"

"What about people!"

As Xu Xianchun questioned him loudly, his subordinates, who were also tied up, helped him recall the scene he had just forgotten.

Then Xu Xianchun's face turned as if she were recalling painful memories.

He truly never expected that Xiao Zhou, who was invincible in Guancheng, would be knocked to the ground by a random passerby without even putting up a fight.

In the Song Dynasty, many people hoped that their nicknames would be as ruthless as possible.

"Little Zhou" is a very prestigious term.

Unexpectedly, they suffered two defeats in a row today.

How could Xu Xianchun accept this?

Once this matter gets out, how will Xu Xianchun ever be able to get along in Guancheng again?

"Master Xu, let's go back to the county government office and ask the county magistrate to help us!"

The white-clad servant, who was tied up to the side, began to offer suggestions.

"Just say that the two of them were ruthless criminals who murdered their entire family, and that they started to resist when we questioned them."

"Yes, as long as we detain them, they'll be completely at our mercy in jail."

"At that time, we will definitely be able to vent Master Xu's anger!"

Xu Xianchun, however, appeared extremely dejected.

He had always boasted of his excellent skills, but he never expected to be knocked unconscious in a single move.

How can they continue to serve on the battlefield and gain fame and fortune?
Xu Xianchun cannot succeed on the path of studying.

Therefore, he deeply despised scholars and often mocked them.

As for relying on family connections, that's even less likely.

My brother-in-law is currently only an eighth-rank county lieutenant, and he still has to climb up to the fifth-rank official position!

He could recommend his sons, grandsons, brothers, and nephews to be promoted to officials of the eighth to ninth rank.

Hsu Hsien-chun could be considered as the younger brother.

But for his brother-in-law to be promoted to the fifth rank is an impossible task!
Now, Xu Xianchun is left with only one path: joining the army.

Fortunately, he was tall and strong, and with his brother-in-law providing for him, he had no shortage of food and was able to build up his strength.

From then on, he ran rampant in Guancheng County.

But to his surprise, his skills, which he was so proud of, were completely overwhelmed by two passing students.

They didn't even break a sweat.

He was kicked to the ground with one kick.

They can't even manage a two-way exchange.

Xu Xianchun's eyes were lifeless at this moment, and he did not listen to a word they said.

"Master Xu, we need to know who they are, otherwise, if your martial arts improve in the future, we won't know who you'll seek revenge on!"

"Ok?"

Xu Xianchun immediately perked up.

(End of this chapter)