Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 146 How to make Li Zhaoting betray Lu Xiaofeng?
"Does my lord know the origin of the red shoes?"

"Imperial City Guard Spy".

"Did Gongsun Lan tell you that?"

"Guess!"

Even wild guesses should have some basis.

"The night before last, I had a sword duel with Ye Gucheng. When I left the palace, I happened to run into Gongsun Lan."

Who else could have pinpointed the exact time and route of my departure but a secret agent from the Imperial City Guard?

Of the three vigorous and capable imperial uncles, only the Eighth Prince was the most enthusiastic. The Imperial City Guard kept a close watch on him, and when he saw me leave the palace, Gongsun Lan immediately came to test me.

After the Empress Dowager began ruling from behind the curtain, she recruited many women with high martial arts skills to serve as female officials, secret agents, and spies.

Gongsun Lan needed strong external support to compete with Li Shengnan for the position of Holy Maiden, so she turned to the Empress Dowager.

Gongsun Lan's Rainbow Feather Robe and Gongsun Sword Dance are partly her family's martial arts and partly the Heavenly Demon Ribbon passed down from the Yin Gui Sect. I can sense the energy in them.

The red shoes served as the Demonic Cult's open scouts in the Central Plains, as well as the Empress Dowager's eyes and ears, and as a buffer between the two. Unlike other cult leaders, Yu Luosha's son, Yu Tianbao, was a dissolute playboy who couldn't support the Demonic Cult.

Therefore, Yu Luosha dared not start a war lightly. If the Demonic Sect suffered heavy losses, or if he himself was injured, given Yu Tianbao's abilities, he would inevitably be devoured by the demons.

Yu Luosha possessed unparalleled martial arts skills, making her an invincible master of all demons. However, she was truly incompetent in educating her descendants, and Yu Tianbao was completely ruined.

The biggest drawback of the Demonic Cult is the existence of "successors".

A person like Yu Luosha can be free from the constraints of interests and power, but as the leader of the Demonic Sect, he must make some compromises for the sake of the sect's legacy.

A demonic cult is, after all, a religious sect.

For religious sects, lineage is of paramount importance.

"My wife, what do you think?"

Li Zhaoting spoke eloquently, but his hands moved swiftly as he drew Feng Suzhen's eyebrows.

It's not the arched eyebrows of a noble lady, nor the willow-leaf eyebrows of a girl from a modest family, nor the widely admired inverted halo eyebrows; the eyebrows are drawn relatively heavily.

The eyebrow makeup popular at that time was mainly delicate, elegant, and graceful. Some young nuns who loved beauty created the light Manjushri eyebrow based on the statues of Bodhisattvas.

The eyebrows Li Zhaoting painted for Feng Suzhen were at least 50% thicker than the light Manjushri eyebrows. They were gentle and elegant, with a grand style reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty, adding a touch of heroic spirit while still maintaining a graceful demeanor. They perfectly captured Feng Suzhen's talent in both literature and martial arts, and her spirited temperament. Even Duan Qiaoxiao's makeup for Feng Suzhen could not have been as fitting.

Duan Qiaoxiao was one of Cao Pi's four favorite concubines. She was skilled in makeup, improved the formula of face powder many times, and invented makeup techniques such as applying purple powder to the face. Her skills have been famous for thousands of years.

The other three are:
Mo Qiongshu, with her black hair flowing like a waterfall, has a uniquely styled cicada-shaped bun;

Xue Lingyun was skilled in needlework and was the ancestor of the Xue family of needlework masters, a tradition that continues to this day.

Tian Shangyi was skilled in singing and dancing, and was as beautiful as Zhao Feiyan.
Neither Zhen Ji nor Empress Guo were included; their status was a level higher than that of the Four Favored Concubines.

As expected of Cao Cao's son, he had so many beauties in his harem who would be remembered in history, each with their own unique talents. He truly enjoyed endless blissful beauty.

Eh?
Li Zhaoting suddenly thought of something.

The Four Princesses of the Demonic Cult probably follow the same pattern!

Singing, dancing, playing instruments, and being erudite—if someone with such extensive knowledge were to write lyrics, it would be a complete package of singing, dancing, and playing instruments. This is the fourth princess of the Demonic Sect!

Could it be that the Demonic Sect inherited the spirit of the Jian'an era?
Li Shengnan's temper is exactly like that of Queen Guo.

It should be noted that "Queen Guo" is her real name. Her surname is Guo, but her given name is unknown. Her courtesy name is Queen.

She held a position of great honor in the imperial harem and received the Emperor's great favor.

All the favor and affection? It should all be bestowed upon me!
That's how awesome it is!

Li Zhaoting looked down at Feng Suzhen.

Feng Suzhen had no idea about Li Zhaoting's cunning. She only noticed that Li Zhaoting's face was turning from blue to purple, from red to white, and he suddenly became lewd, just like when he heard about the Golden Plum Vase and was preparing to unleash the Five Luo Light Smoke Palm that night.

Aren't we analyzing the red shoes?
Isn't this an analysis of Jade Rakshasa?
Why has the official become so lewd?

Feng Suzhen couldn't help but shiver.

Earlier, when Li Zhaoting was drawing her eyebrows, he didn't let Feng Suzhen look in the mirror, lest she lose the sense of surprise. When she was shivering, she subconsciously tilted her head and happened to see the bronze mirror.

Looking at her perfectly natural and charming eyebrows in the bronze mirror, Feng Suzhen exclaimed with delight, "My lord, where did you learn this skill? Your eyebrows are so beautifully done!"

Li Zhaoting keenly grasped the key words.

It's not about technique, nor about eyebrow makeup, but about looking good. Clearing his throat, he praised in a greasy, domineering CEO's voice: "That's because my wife's beauty is unparalleled. I'm just adding icing on the cake. Woman, I've taken over your rouge, but remember, you have to give me back a little every day, like this..."

Feng Suzhen: ()
Feng Suzhen had never heard such sweet words before. Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, and she forgot all about the red shoes, Gongsun Lan, and the Empress Dowager's decree.

Li Zhaoting unleashed a powerful move.

Five Luo Light Smoke Palm!
An immortal and timeless masterpiece that will endure through all the heavens and myriad realms.

Those so-called "Emerald Bamboo Bandits," "Azure Dragon Society," "Eight Kings," and "Song of the Yi River," all of them, get the hell out of here!

Nothing is more important than the beauty in my arms!
……

"Snake King, it really is you!"

Lu Xiaofeng glared angrily at the Snake King.

The silver, gold, and paintings that Jin Jiuling stole could fill dozens of oxcarts. The paintings, in particular, all needed to be carefully preserved. Each painting was equipped with a large sandalwood box, and a dozen or so paintings filled one cart.

No matter how powerful the Azure Dragon Society was, it was still a shadowy force in the martial arts world. It was impossible for them to transport dozens of cartloads of goods out of the capital under such circumstances. They could only find a temporary storage warehouse, which was the Snake King's Black Street.

Snake King, a seasoned thug who grew up on the streets and rose to become the king of the underworld, would betray anything for profit. He could betray Lu Xiaofeng, and he could betray Jin Jiuling. His only belief was profit.

The Snake King thought he was well hidden, but faced with the "double death god" combination of Lu Xiaofeng and Bao Zheng, no matter how he tried to conceal himself, his flaws were eventually found.

"Snake King, I believe we are friends!"

"Friend? Lu Xiaofeng, is this your first time roaming the martial world? Do you know who I am? Do you know where you are? Haha!"
This is the capital!
If I throw a brick on the street and it hits three powerful people I can't afford to offend, what can I do?
If I dare to say no to Jin Jiuling, my forces will be raided by the Six Doors constables that very night, and all the power I've cultivated over twenty years will vanish in an instant.

If I dare to say no to the Azure Dragon Society, I will be assassinated by my most trusted subordinate that very night, and my head will be thrown into the desolate mountains outside the city to be eaten by wild dogs.

Tell me, what should I do?
Jin Jiuling will kill me!
The Azure Dragon Society will kill me too!
Only you won't kill me!
The only thing I'd betray is you!
This is the world of martial arts in Beijing!
This is how the underworld survives!

Lu Xiaofeng, don't be so naive!

Believe it or not, if someone offers Li Zhaoting enough benefits, he will definitely sell you out!

There is nothing in this world that cannot be sold.

Including myself!

Foul-smelling black blood flowed from the snake king's mouth.

Just as Lu Xiaofeng was about to administer the antidote, the Snake King began to dance wildly and laugh maniacally: "Hahahaha! I really was sold out! This is my retribution!"

Before he finished speaking, black blood flowed from all seven orifices at the same time.

An hour ago, the Snake King drank a cup of tea.

The man serving the tea was the Snake King's godson, the Snake King's most trusted man, and the future ruler of the Black Street.

He was bribed by the Azure Dragon Society, and when the Snake King needed help the most, he delivered the most vicious blow, killing the Snake King to silence him and erase all traces.

"Clap!"

The snake king collapsed weakly to the ground.

The poison had penetrated his internal organs, and even Hua Tuo could not save him.

Lu Xiaofeng gently stroked the Snake King's eyelids.

If I had known this, why bother in the first place!
The Six Doors constables swarmed in, opened the Snake King's secret warehouse, and took out the stolen goods. They confiscated the property, wiped out three generations of wealthy families, and saw many opportunities to make a fortune.

Of course, the case of the Green Bamboo Thief was quite big, and many people were watching it; otherwise, it would have been extremely difficult to get the stolen goods back.

Hua Yuxuan was quite lucky. Most of the paintings and calligraphy were returned; the only huge expense was the bribes given to the police officers handling the case.

Two or three percent of the real money was stolen.

Especially the tiny golden leaves.

A dozen or so pieces can be hidden in the soles of shoes and sleeves.

Lu Xiaofeng looked at Bao Zheng and asked, "How much money would it take to bribe Li Zhaoting so he would betray me?"

Bao Zheng gasped, using his brilliant mind to seriously consider the matter and made a hypothesis: "If someone gave Li Zhaoting thirty stunning beauties, he would probably fall for it, right? This guy can't live without beauties!"

Lu Xiaofeng shook his head firmly: "Li Zhaoting mainly cultivates Qi and is not proficient in body refinement. If thirty beauties swarm him, he is very likely to die young."

At this point, Lu Xiaofeng looked the incorruptible Bao Zheng up and down: "Would you betray a friend? What price would you pay to betray me?"

Bao Zheng said disdainfully, "A group of ragged beauties came to the county office to accuse Lu Xiaofeng of climbing the social ladder, abandoning his lovers, being disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unjust."

Lu Xiaofeng: (｀Д)!!!
"Lu Xiaofeng, tell us about yourself!"

"Listen carefully, I want Bao Zheng to have a face as white as jade, Li Zhaoting to become a monk, Ximen Chuixue to be a carefree and unrestrained man, Hua Manlou to have eyes as sharp as lightning, and Huo Xiu to become a penniless pauper. As long as I can do these things, I will betray my friends!"

"I can go to you!"

Bao Zheng wondered to himself, "What is this thing?"
It would be better to say, "When the mountains have no ridges, and heaven and earth unite!"

Bao Zheng rubbed his dark face and thought to himself that if he could become a pretty boy, it would be a good thing!
To be honest, Bao Zheng had very handsome features, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, and a dashing appearance. He looked like a carefree young nobleman who lived a life of leisure in the mortal world. His only flaw was his dark complexion, which was also his advantage.

Because of his exceptionally dark complexion, he was said to have an unusual appearance and extraordinary abilities. During the imperial examination, he could gain an absolute advantage by showing his impartiality and incorruptibility.

……

Jin Jiuling was beheaded, and the capital fell into silence.

Even the two powerful gangs, Liufenbantang and Jinfengxiyulou, stopped fighting, and there were no murders for more than ten days, making it even quieter than the Lunar New Year.

The reason is simple: the imperial examinations are approaching.

This is more important than the Chinese New Year.

Anyone who dares to cause trouble during the imperial examinations will be punished severely by the entire court. Even petty thieves on the streets will be confined to their homes until after the examinations.

Candidates who had been preparing for the exam for several months entered the examination hall one after another.

A separate examination hall was set up in the palace, and Feng Suzhen changed into Feng Shaomin's vest to take the exam inside the palace.

Isn't he supposed to have the talent to be a top scholar?

Try your skills!
This exam has attracted a wealth of talented individuals.

There is a Bao Zheng who is the reincarnation of the God of Literature.

There is Tang Bohu, whose name has been passed down through the ages.

There is Li Xunhuan, the Flying Dagger Master.

Han Qi was enshrined in the Temple of Literature.

It boasts historical figures such as Wang Yaochen, Zhao Gai, Wen Yanbo, and Wu Yu, as well as several prime ministers.

There were two major imperial examinations during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song.

One such instance was in the second year of the Jiayou era, known as the Dragon and Tiger List. Its prestige needs no further explanation. All that is known is that the God of Literature descended to earth to participate in this imperial examination, and at most, he could only manage to get into the top ten.

One such event occurred in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era, a period known as the "List of Chancellors," which produced several chancellors and vice-ministers, and several of them were honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Numerous storytelling performances and historical dramas were also produced during this time.

Wang Yaochen, the top scholar in the imperial examination, was appointed as a vice minister.

Han Qi, the second-place finisher in the imperial examinations, became the prime minister.

Zhao Gai, the third-ranked scholar, served as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Wen Yanbo, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), became a prime minister.

Wu Yu, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), served as a Privy Councilor.

Bao Zheng, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), served as the Deputy Privy Councilor.

Because of Bao Zheng's unique existence, there were countless storytelling performances and novels from the same period. The beliefs embodied in Bao Zheng were probably second only to those of Guan Yu.

They did not participate in the previous cases because they were busy preparing for exams. These people's main ability was not in poetry and prose; poetry was just a side job for them.

With so many people taking the same exam, the pressure must have been immense. The entire capital was eerily quiet, as if some unparalleled genius had turned the capital into their domain.

Due to a series of recent cases, the chief examiner has been temporarily changed from Cui Mingchong, the son-in-law of Grand Tutor Pang, to Zhuge Zhengwo, while the Four Great Constables are on patrol.

Grand Tutor Pang expressed his understanding.

Zhuge Zhengwo is upright and incorruptible, and would never bend the law for personal gain. In addition, he is highly skilled in martial arts. If anyone tries to cause trouble during the imperial examination, Zhuge can deal with them quickly.

The martial arts skills of the disciples of the Zizai Sect are all fluctuating.

In recent decades, countless people have claimed to have martial arts skills comparable to Zhuge Zhengwo, and to be no less than Mr. Zhuge. However, after decades, most of these people have died, and a large number of them were defeated by Zhuge Zhengwo.

Many people try to take advantage of Zhuge Zhengwo, but very few can withstand a hundred of his moves. Even someone as strong as Chu Xiangyu could only last a little over a hundred moves against Zhuge Zhengwo.

As for Ling Luoshi and his ilk, they fought to a standstill with the inexperienced Four Great Constables, were evenly matched with Tie Shou in terms of skill, and were mercilessly riddled with arrows.

If Ling Luoshi were to fight Zhuge Zhengwo, he would probably be blown into dumpling filling by the "amazing shot".

Zhuge Zhengwo's weapon is a gun.

The most powerful move is called "Stunning Shot".

This move isn't a thrust, a stab, or a counter-attack; it's firing a gun—firing a gun in the literal sense. The spearhead explodes directly upon impact, with a power comparable to a rocket launcher.

Lei Sun, who controlled half of the capital, conspired with three top experts to assassinate Zhuge Zhengwo. They launched a sneak attack on Zhuge Zhengwo's vital points. Zhuge Zhengwo snorted coldly and his true energy rebounded back. If Lei Sun hadn't cut off three of his own fingers in time, he would have had all his bones shattered.

Even now, despite his great success and fearsome reputation as a powerful underworld figure, Lei Sun still dares not utter a single harsh word against Zhuge Zhengwo, leaving behind an eternal shadow.

If Yuan Shisanxian gives the impression of being ruthless, killing one by one, or two by two, then Zhuge Zhengwo gives the impression of being steady, as steady as a rock.

Seeing Zhuge Zhengwo makes me feel at ease.

Whether it's a battle of wits, courage, strength, or military might, as long as Zhuge Zheng is present, victory is assured.

Even his enemy, Grand Tutor Pang, and Yuan Shisanxian, with whom he had a deep-seated hatred, agreed that such an important matter as the imperial examination required Zhuge Zhengwo to be in charge.

Cui Mingchong is too young.

They couldn't subdue the Grim Reaper of the capital.

Li Zhaoting was very interested in the imperial examinations, and his biggest dream when he was a child was to outwit his fellow candidates.

After discussing it with the Empress Dowager several times, Liu E set up an additional examination hall in the palace for Li Zhaoting to participate in the examination. However, as long as he participated, his ranking was out of the question.

As it turns out, even someone as strong as Li Zhaoting would face significantly increased difficulty if he took the exam without any preparation. For Feng Suzhen to pass the exam without any preparation is probably a testament to the power of the Ziwei Emperor descending to earth.

According to some folk legends, the Ziwei Emperor descended to earth several times, and one of those times he was indeed "Suzhen".

Because the legend of Bai Suzhen is so famous, different opera versions have fabricated different origins for her.

Some of them were disciples of the True Martial Emperor.

Some depict Guanyin's severed finger transforming into a white snake.

Some of them were disciples of the Old Mother of Lishan.

Some are reincarnations of the spirit of the Purple Star Emperor.

The imperial examination lasted for several days. Li Zhaoting was lost in thought while devising answers. Feng Suzhen answered the questions very quickly. Coincidentally, some of the rare books in the Southern Tang Treasury happened to match the exam questions.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye!
(End of this chapter)