Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 377 A Heart Demon is Hard to Guard Against, This Guy Won't Live to See the New Year!
Xiaohuaxi was originally a brothel in Huangzhou that was neither too big nor too small, neither too rich nor too poor. In July of this year, it moved to the capital and made a name for itself in a very short time.

The credit doesn't lie in the fact that the behind-the-scenes boss discovered Qin's influence in both the legitimate and underworld circles, but rather in the fact that Xiaohuaxi had a courtesan whose musical skills were unparalleled, making her even more famous than Li Shishi.

Lian Xiuxiu, known in the martial arts world as "Zheng Xian" (The Zither Fairy), possesses exceptional vocal skills. What is most captivating is her otherworldly aura, like a lotus rising from the mud.

Get out of the mud without dyeing, licking and not demon.

Li Zhaoting had quite an impression of Lian Xiuxiu.

In the original story, Lian Xiuxiu's criteria for choosing a spouse would leave Cihang Jingzhai speechless. Lian Xiuxiu only had four requirements for her partner: either Pang or Lang!
This means that apart from Pang Ban and Lang Fanyun, she doesn't care about anyone else, not even Han Bai, who has a demonic seed and unparalleled attraction.

What's even more surprising is that Lang Fanyun, who had never been interested in anyone since Ji Xixi's death, was attracted to Lian Xiuxiu and they eventually got together.

Why was Xiaohuaxi moved to the capital?

There are no experts in Huangzhou. Cha Zhiqin can protect Lian Xiuxiu. The capital is full of powerful people. With Cha Zhiqin's limited power, any spoiled brat could easily break through Xiaohuaxi and forcibly abduct Lian Xiuxiu.

Don't overestimate the nature of a playboy.

These bastards, bullying men and women, what wouldn't they do? They can't afford to offend martial arts masters, they dare not offend royalty, but surely they wouldn't dare offend brothels?
Tianxiang noticed Li Zhaoting's confusion and curled her lip at the building sign: "Cha Zhiqin has sided with Su Mengzhen. Xiaohuaxi is the property of Jinfeng Xiyu Tower. Unless Su Mengzhen dies suddenly from illness, who would dare to offend Su Mengzhen?"

It is said that Liufenbantang prioritizes "righteousness" and has never broken its promise to give you three and a half parts of the profits in return for six and a half parts of the assistance. When Lei Sun was at his lowest point, he personally drew his sword and fought with others, determined to protect the brand even at the cost of his life.

In fact, from the perspective of chivalry, the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion is the one that most reveres chivalry.

Su Mengzhen's philosophy is that no matter how high your martial arts skills or how great your power, if you kill my brother, I will fight you to the death, and only one of us can live.

No matter how lecherous a spoiled brat might be, he wouldn't dare gamble his life on whether Su Mengzhen would dare to make a move.

Tianxiang continued, "Su Mengzhen's junior sister, Wenrou, came to Xiaohuaxi to listen to the zither. After two or three times, she became friends with Lian Xiuxiu. If it were just Su Mengzhen, we could ask Lei Sun for help. But offending Wenrou would be troublesome!"

Who is this gentle person?

The halo of the first female lead in the Wen family.

The eldest daughter of the Wen family, a time-honored brand in Lingnan.

Although Wenrou learned her skills at Xiaohan Mountain and could neither concoct medicine nor detoxify, her father was Wen Wan, the head of the Wen family and the infamous "Poison Master".

The Poisonous Demons are categorized into Flower, Insect, Gu, Vessel, and Human!

The "person" is Wen Wan.

Wen Wan can poison people with sounds, colors, and smells. Eating, drinking, admiring beautiful scenery, or sleeping while listening to wind chimes can all lead to infection with deadly poisons.

However, Wen Wan is a very upright person and belongs to the chivalrous world of martial arts. He would not easily use poison to hurt people.

Wenrou is Wenwan's only beloved daughter. From a young age, Wenrou was spoiled rotten. She was treated like a precious gem, and anyone who dared to bully Wenrou would face a lifetime of misery, living in the shadow of poisoning.

This is also poison.

Heartless.

Wen Wan does nothing, yet she can make the other side paranoid and fearful, never to have peace again.

Why is Wen Wan so amazing?

Because Wen Ruian has a pen name, Wen Wan.

Why is Wenrou the first female lead in the Wen series?
Because the gentle young lady is truly my biological daughter!

Perhaps it's because Lian Xiuxiu has such a unique temperament that she easily becomes good friends with noble ladies from wealthy families. In just a few days, she has become friends with Princess Qingqing, Princess Yunluo, Wenrou, Pang Feiyan, and other notorious figures in the capital. Her network of relationships is even stronger than Cha Zhiqin's. Lian Xiuxiu is the real boss.

Tianxiang was quite curious about this and thought that Lianxiuxiu might have used magic. Worried that she couldn't defeat Lianxiuxiu, she dragged Li Zhaoting to her door to see if there were any monsters.

If there are monsters, fight them and see the unparalleled martial arts of the leader of the Heavenly Gang. If there are no monsters, listen to the zither. Its skills surpass those of the capital, and everyone wants to hear the celestial music.

The two bickered and teased each other until they arrived at Xiaohuaxi.

Xiaohuaxi is not a super luxurious brothel like Fanlou, Yihongyuan, or Qinhuai River; its decoration is quite elegant.

The pavilions and towers are scattered in a colorful and staggered manner. All the light-transmitting areas use the technique of "borrowing scenery," giving people the feeling of containing Mount Sumeru in a mustard seed. Many poems and some word puzzles are hung on the walls, all of which are the works of Lian Xiuxiu.

Upon hearing that Li Zhaoting had come to listen to the zither, Cha Zhiqin hurriedly cleared the room of guests and led his servants to greet him outside.

First, they were worried that Li Zhaoting would draw his sword and kill someone. Second, they were worried that Li Zhaoting was a womanizer and would abduct Lian Xiuxiu. Without Lian Xiuxiu, Xiaohuaxi would collapse in an instant and wouldn't even be considered second-rate.

Upon seeing Li Zhaoting and Tianxiang, Cha Zhiqin dared not shout. Li Zhaoting had beautiful wives and concubines at home, and Tianxiang was the daughter of the Eighth Prince. If he were to loudly proclaim that the two of them were visiting a brothel together, who knows how much gossip would spread.

People in the capital love gossip.

Even a hundred diligent observers couldn't suppress the rumors.

"Your humble servant, Chazhiqin, pays his respects to Hero Li and Hero Wenchou. Your presence at Xiaohuaxi is an honor to our humble abode. Miss Xiuxiu is ready!"

"You make me sound like a bandit who bullies the weak. Since we're here to listen to the zither, we should do something elegant. According to your usual rules, if we want to hear Miss Lian Xiuxiu's zither playing, do we need to recite a poem or compose lyrics?"

"for this I……"

"Chief Inspector Cha, don't be afraid! Just ask any question. If you beat Li Zhaoting, you'll beat the leader of the Heavenly Gang. I'll help spread the word and make this guy lose face. If he dares to use violence, he'll lose face even more."

Tianxiang, always eager for drama, cheered for Chazhiqin from the sidelines. Li Zhaoting, his face darkening, thought to himself, "Whose side are you on? Shouldn't you be helping me?"
Cha Zhiqin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and, seeing that Li Zhaoting was all smiles and not angry, said, "As long as you can match Miss Xiuxiu's poems or write a poem that satisfies Miss Xiuxiu, you can listen to the zither."

Li Zhaoting called out loudly, "Please give me the question!"

The voice carried to the warm pavilion on the second floor. Cha Zhiqin tactfully stepped aside, and Lian Xiuxiu said, "I have long heard that Master Li shone brightly on the Song-Liao battlefield, defeating the world's top boxer with his peerless sword. How about we use this as a topic?"

"The battlefield atmosphere is too intense, which might overshadow the elegance of Xiaohuaxi. This topic is somewhat inappropriate."

"It was my oversight. I will play a tune for Master Li. Please forgive me."

Lian Xiuxiu lightly plucked the strings, and the sound of the zither was like a thousand troops charging forward, a thousand battles and clashes. Then the sound changed, and the heroic spirit and chivalrous tenderness gradually transformed from the bloodshed of the battlefield to the tenderness of love between husband and wife. It was like a soldier who had been away from home for ten years, tired and weary, thinking of his beloved wife and children thousands of miles away and the joy of family life.

The zither music stopped abruptly, leaving the listener wanting more, when suddenly a few clear notes burst forth, completely dispelling the murderous aura.

Li Zhaoting said: "The wind tears the felt robe and the horn bow weeps; the blood of battle congeals on the Heyang Bridge; the night watchman's cold clapper startles the Qin-era moon; the frosty stars sing the Yan-Yun ballad. I am moved by these words and offer my humble opinion!"

"This poem has the style of Du Fu. Master Li is skilled in both literature and martial arts. Xiuxiu admires you. Please come upstairs!"

Tianxiang complained, "Scholars are so annoying. They always speak in riddles. Who is Du Fu anyway?"

"Du Fu!"

"Hiss~~ She praised your poetry as being like Du Fu's?"

She said my poems were adapted from Du Fu's "Five Poems on Leaving the Frontier After the Fall," imitating two or three parts of his style. For scholars and literati, they were second-rate, but for people from the Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry), they were top-notch and qualified to go upstairs to listen to his music.

"What about me? Was I mentioned?"

"You're my follower!"

"Hmm~"

Tianxiang let out a fierce growl like a kitten guarding its food.

Li Zhaoting ruffled her hair, as if soothing an angry kitten: "If you're so capable, write one yourself. If you're even 30% as good as me, you'll be qualified to go upstairs."

"Could someone else write this for me?"

"Go and ask the Eighth Prince if he agrees!"

"Tch! What's so great about him? He can write a few doggerel poems, is very skilled in martial arts, is handsome, and has a widespread reputation as a hero..."

Tianxiang's mouth was full of complaints, but after she said them, they turned into praise. Li Zhaoting deliberately slowed down, taking two or three minutes to walk up one floor of stairs, listening to Tianxiang ramble on for five or six hundred words, before finally pushing open the door of the warm pavilion.

A beautiful woman in white stood gracefully beside the zither near the window, bowing and saying, "Xiuxiu respectfully welcomes the arrival of the esteemed Hero Li!"

Li Zhaoting waved his hand: "No need to be so polite. I'm neither a man-eating monster nor a god. The title 'Imperial Carriage' carries too much weight; it's easy for me to get beaten to death."

Lian Xiuxiu laughed and said, "Hero Li is joking. Who would kill someone just because of a title? Even if someone really wanted to, who could defeat the Purple and Green Twin Swords?"

"My sworn brother, Xiao Feng."

"Ok?"

“The old guy who called himself ‘Fair Driver’ was killed by him in a few punches and kicks. Unfortunately, he was just crowned the champion. I killed another champion. If he ever causes me trouble, Xiuxiu will have to mediate for me.”

Li Zhaoting sat down as if they were old friends.

Tianxiang complained, "Don't try to mediate for him. He didn't bring any gifts, so he obviously isn't sincere."

Lian Xiuxiu covered her mouth and chuckled: "Bringing a gift would be disrespectful to Master Li, while not bringing one would be a great honor. I have prepared the paints; please, Master Li, pick up your brush and wield your pen."

Tianxiang took out a money pouch from her bosom: "I don't agree with your idea. People eat grains and other foods, and no one can live without eating, drinking, and defecating. Nobody wants to go hungry!"

Tianxiang placed the money bag on the table.

Inside the purse were twelve gold ingots. Strangely enough, in the past, when those lecherous and dissolute young men flaunted their wealth and extravagance, spending lavishly, Lian Xiuxiu only found it vulgar. But when Tianxiang casually tossed out the purse without any manners, she didn't find it annoying at all. On the contrary, she felt it was very real, a genuine act of care.

Lian Xiuxiu bowed deeply and said, "Thank you so much for your generous gift, Great Hero Wen Chou. I would gladly starve to death..."

Tianxiang hurriedly interrupted Lianxiu: "Remember to spend your money before you starve to death. Living is the most important thing. If you really can't survive, remember to spend all your money."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Wenchou. You are a free and unrestrained hero, a pure white lotus in the mortal world."

"Interesting! Tell me more, I like it!"

Tianxiang shook her head, waiting to hear praise.

Li Zhaoting lay on the soft couch, and Meizhu gently massaged his legs. Lian Xiuxiu calmed herself down and adjusted herself to her best state. Melodious music filled the room.

……

"Didn't you say you were closed today? Why is there music coming from Miss Xiuxiu's room? Damn it! Which bastard is listening to the music up there? Cha Zhiqin, if you don't give me a reasonable explanation, I'll make sure you're closed forever!"

A slick-haired fellow pointed at Cha Zhiqin's nose and cursed angrily. Cha Zhiqin chuckled and said, "My shop is indeed closed today. Please do not disturb me, young master!"

"Who dares to disturb my enjoyment! Show yourself if you dare, or I'll cripple you!"

"Pooh!"

Tianxiang spat out a mouthful of sugarcane residue from the second floor.

The spoiled young master was knocked down by sugarcane residue. Just as he was about to go forward to argue, a servant grabbed him.

"Young master! This is sugarcane! Sugarcane!"

"So what if it's sugarcane! This young master..."

The words were on the tip of his tongue when the spoiled young master abruptly stopped.

At this time of year, there is only one person who can eat fresh sugarcane and carries sugarcane with him wherever he goes. This is someone his father cannot afford to offend, let alone a mere playboy.

Mei Zhu ran down from the second floor: "My master said that you should punish yourself with twenty slaps and never come to Xiao Hua Xi again, and then this matter will be over!"

"What is your master?"

"Just for that, I'll add ten more!"

Mei Zhu turned and left.

Just as the spoiled young master was about to get angry, the servant pointed at Mei Zhu's back and said, "Young master! She is Mei Zhu, Li Zhaoting's favorite concubine. Upstairs, Li Zhaoting is listening to the zither."

“Li…Li Zhaoting…”

The spoiled young master's hands and feet trembled, and his whole body shook.

At worst, offending Tianxiang with your words will result in a beating.

The Eighth Prince wouldn't take things too seriously over trivial matters; at most, he would suffer some physical pain.

If you offend Li Zhaoting, he'll be rolling in his grave after circling around their door a few times!

The playboy had heard his father say that back then, the Liao delegation provoked Li Zhaoting and challenged him to a literary contest. Not only did they all suffer a crushing defeat, but the entire delegation was also killed. Immediately afterward, the Liao Dynasty was thrown into chaos, with blood flowing freely within its ranks.

"Young master, we're quitting!"

The servant fled in panic, abandoning his wages and his job, for saving his life was the most important thing.

The spoiled young master has a powerful father who can spare his life, while these lackeys are either kept to take the blame or used as cannon fodder; once a fight breaks out, they are doomed.

Cha Zhiqin whispered: "Young Master..."

"I'll fight! I'll fight! I'll fight!"

The spoiled young master slapped her repeatedly.

In less than half an hour, news of Li Zhaoting's righteous act of punishing the纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats) for the sake of Lian Xiuxiu spread throughout most of the capital, making all the纨绔子弟 in the capital feel insecure.

The end of the year is just two months away.

Should officials in the capital exchange New Year's greetings?

Bringing your son along when visiting relatives for the New Year is perfectly reasonable, isn't it?

It makes perfect sense for a frail scholar to be accompanied by bodyguards!
It makes perfect sense for Li Nanxing to bring Li Zhaoting along!

What will happen after the New Year's greetings is uncertain. You can visit Bao Zheng in advance and ask him to investigate the truth should something happen to you.

Bao Zheng will definitely find out the truth.

Which truth it is is not important!
……

"Xiuxiu, that guy was probably bothering you the whole time, right? Who is he?"

"His surname is Yuan, and his father is a high-ranking official in the court. I think his name is Yuan Lianqin. Xiuxiu thanks the hero for getting her out of trouble."

"Yuan Lianqin won't live much longer!"

Li Zhaoting rubbed his fingers together with a hint of disdain.

Tianxiang asked in surprise, "Surely not! That guy surnamed Yuan disturbed your enjoyment of the zither, and you're going to kill his whole family? Your murderous aura is too strong; it's not good for your health!"

Li Zhaoting sneered: "It's not that I have a strong murderous aura, it's that the people who died in the Yangtze River flood three years ago have a strong resentment. That Yuan embezzled the river repair funds and then found someone to take the blame, thinking he could get away with it. But his protégés and former subordinates betrayed him long ago!"

"How do you know so clearly?"

“When my father-in-law was the prefect of Hangzhou, his last achievement was building a dam. I asked a few civil engineering experts for help, and we accidentally found a clue. I gave the clue to Bao Zheng, and he will find out everything.”

"Is this related to his former students and officials?"

"The ledger was made by his student. It was a mess and full of loopholes. However, the man surnamed Yuan was efficient and left no trace, so there were no flaws."

If we want the Censorate to impeach Yuan Lianqin, we need the help of his protégés and former subordinates. Should we go and take a look? They happen to be coming to report for duty not far from the capital.

I've prepared a good show for them!

"What's the show?"

"It's hard to guard against a devil in the heart!"

Li Zhaoting and Tianxiang chatted idly to themselves.

Lian Xiuxiu was on the verge of tears: "My two heroes, could you please be a little more discreet when you're discussing secrets? If word gets out, I can't bear the consequences!"

"This might be a test for Xiuxiu!"

"I am just an ordinary woman of the martial world, with only my skill in playing the zither to my name. I am by no means a disciple of the Demonic Sect. If you do not believe me, Master Li, you can verify it for yourself."

"I have not thought this through. Please forgive me, young lady."

While they were talking, Li Zhaoting multitasked, picking up his brush and painting three pictures. One was of Lian Xiuxiu's dignified appearance when they first met, another was of Lian Xiuxiu playing the zither with complete concentration, and the third was of a beauty shedding tears. The last thing Li Zhaoting said was to deliberately provoke her.

Lian Xiuxiu felt wronged, her eyes filled with tears, but she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Li Zhaoting, so she forced herself to endure it. Li Zhaoting caught a fleeting inspiration and added the finishing touch to the last painting, and also wrote a short poem.

A silk robe holds jade chopsticks, her fair hands wiping them, yet she lingers.

If you ask where the new marks are, look at the spring pond where the green ripples rise.

"Miss Xiuxiu, thank you for your hospitality!"

Li Zhaoting and Tianxiang said goodbye and left.

Lian Xiuxiu put away the calligraphy and painting, and chuckled: "What an unpredictable eccentric! The painting skills are really quite good!"

Li Zhaoting's paintings may not have a profound artistic conception, but they are very lifelike, with exceptionally delicate expressions on the figures. In particular, the final touch of the brush, with a light stroke, brings the aggrieved expression to life on the paper, captivating the viewer.

If this painting were to be displayed, people might think that Li Zhaoting had done something wicked, tormenting Lian Xiuxiu to the point of despair, and would be so enraged that they would want to fight Li Zhaoting to the death and eliminate this great villain of the martial arts world.

Lian Xiuxiu liked it more and more the more she looked at it.

Suddenly, it was discovered that Li Zhaoting had written poems on the back of each painting, with two lines on the last one.

When put together, they form a seven-character quatrain.

The traces of grease congealed into frost on the blade's edge; the thunderclap on the string shattered the jade's verses.

Even if cinnabar is branded into my flesh and bones, I will still seek the light of day amidst the sound of tearing silk!
The first line describes Lian Xiuxiu's skin as being as smooth as jade, but her environment is full of scheming. Every day of the year, she is relentlessly attacked by wind and frost. The next line describes Lian Xiuxiu's exquisite skills as being like those of a pipa player from the Tang Dynasty. The last two lines, combined with Lian Xiuxiu's aggrieved expression and her inherent resilience, praise her for remaining untainted by the mud and for her continuous efforts to fight back.

Lian Xiuxiu finally couldn't hold back her tears.

Li Zhaoting is truly a kindred spirit in the martial arts world!
　Obsessive-compulsive disorder caused me to change the chapter numbers to even numbers. Today it's still three updates and 15,000 words, tomorrow it will be four updates again. By the way, wouldn't this be considered "changing one's mind frequently"?
　　
　
(End of this chapter)