Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

With the imperial examinations approaching, students at the Imperial Academy should, in principle, be studying diligently and preparing for the exams.

Although this year's imperial examination is a special examination rather than a regular one, those who pass can still become officials. For those scholars who have repeatedly failed the examinations, this special examination is a rare and great opportunity.

What's strange is that only half of the students preparing for the exam are actually studying a poem, and at least 30% of them are studying a poem in a style similar to Yuefu poetry.

It is said that as long as one understands the meaning of this poem, one will be able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors. One may not dare to hope for the top score or second place, but one will definitely pass the examination and have the opportunity to become an official.

Feng Suzhen disguised herself as Feng Shaomin and discreetly blended into the Imperial Academy. She thought she would be recognized, but to her surprise, no one in the Imperial Academy cared about "Feng Shaomin".

The atmosphere at the Imperial College was unusually restless. It was not like the Imperial College, which was supposed to be a place of rigorous scholarship, but more like a cram school for the college entrance examination. Everyone was on high alert every day and thinking of crooked ways.

Candidates such as Ruan Wenhao and Xiang Tianwen, who were recognized as having high academic achievements, indulged in a life of pleasure and debauchery, and even ran gambling dens, using "passing the exam" as the odds.

Two players have the lowest odds:
Ruan Wenhao, two to three;
Ask the heavens, and you'll get two for every one lost;

The remaining odds are all at least five times, with the highest odds going to the exceptionally talented candidate Chen Zhongyuan, nicknamed "Sai Zhongyuan," whose odds are a whopping ten times.

These are the odds for "getting on the list." The lower the value, the more confident the bookmaker is in the candidate. Chen Zhongyuan's odds of ten times make him stand out among those who "fail the list."

In terms of knowledge, experience, and ability, Chen Zhongyuan was at least in the top three among the candidates in this year's examination. However, Chen Zhongyuan had a very fatal flaw.

Chen Zhongyuan only has one leg.

During the imperial examination, appearance was an important criterion, and physical disability was a significant negative factor.

The most famous example is Zhong Kui.

Although Zhong Kui was learned, upright, and highly talented, his appearance was too ugly. He was disliked by the emperor during the imperial examination, failed the exam, and committed suicide in anger.

The emperors of the Tang Dynasty were obsessed with appearances, and the emperors of the Song Dynasty were the same. To be precise, most normal people with normal aesthetic sense would be attracted by good looks.

"Good looks" are a very important resource.

For example, Li Xunhuan, the "Third Scholar".

Even if a candidate like Chen Zhongyuan, who has a physical disability, has a decent appearance, his right leg injury is still hard to hide, and he is likely to be eliminated during the palace examination because of it.

Chen Zhongyuan was once a highly talented student, consistently ranking among the top three, a popular candidate for the imperial examinations, and a potential top-three finisher, enjoying immense prestige at the Imperial Academy.

Now that his right leg has been injured in a collision and he has been fitted with a wooden prosthetic leg, he has instantly gone from being a high-achieving student to a third-rate candidate, and countless rumors have spread about him.

The more people envied and were jealous of Chen Zhongyuan in the past, the more intense and malicious the rumors are now.

Too many rumors and gossip can make test takers anxious and insecure, affecting their mood and preventing them from performing at their best. They might even go crazy during the exam.

At that time, the rumors will become: Chen Zhongyuan was not eliminated because of his right leg injury, but because of his lack of ability, and his reputation is just hype!

Few people can withstand such a blow.

Especially the once-glorious child prodigies.

Chen Zhongyuan is not a saint or immortal, nor does he possess the detachment to ignore worldly affairs. His personality is becoming increasingly anxious, and in three or four days, he could very well be ruined by rumors.

A flash of anger crossed Feng Suzhen's eyes.

In the imperial examinations, everyone could demonstrate their abilities, but what students should be competing on was their talent, knowledge, and breadth of mind. Using such means to eliminate competitors was too despicable and shameless.

"Is this gentleman Chen Zhongyuan?"

Feng Suzhen asked in a gentle and refined manner.

Since his right leg injury was discovered, this was the first time someone had spoken to Chen Zhongyuan so kindly. Chen Zhongyuan excitedly asked, "May I ask how I should address you, sir?"

"My name is Feng Shaomin, courtesy name Shilin!"

"My name is Chen Zhongyuan, courtesy name Tingfang!"

“Brother Tingfang seems a bit down. I know what’s on your mind, so I’ve come to offer some advice.”

What are your thoughts, Brother Shilin?

"Judging people by their appearance is not the way of a gentleman. Although Your Majesty may inevitably judge people by their appearance during the palace examination, it is not uncommon for people with disabilities to become officials."

"They are military generals who charge into battle and inevitably suffer injuries. Their injuries are an honor, proving their bravery and skill in battle. I... I am a scholar."

"Brother Tingfang, are you familiar with the 'Ten Imperfections'?"

"Uh... Please give me some pointers, Brother Shilin."

"This man is named Shi Shilun. He is extremely ugly. His eyes are crooked, his hands are crooked, his feet are lame, and his body is crooked. None of his limbs and facial features are in the right place. He is even 50% uglier than Zhong Kui."

Because of his physical defects, he was jokingly called "Shi Buquan" (meaning "not complete"). The name spread among the people and, through misinterpretation, became "Shi Buquan" (meaning "ten incomplete") and "Beast-faced, Human-hearted".

These titles were originally meant as a joke, but as Shi Shilun demonstrated his abilities in the imperial court and was repeatedly promoted, they transformed from jokes into praise, and eventually became part of operas and novels.

In the Qing Dynasty, opera troupes and storytellers who did not know "The Cases of Judge Shi" were not qualified to perform on stage, and the legend of "ten incomplete things" would continue to circulate.

Brother Tingfang, I once heard a saying.

Being born into humble circumstances is not a disgrace.

A true man is one who can bend and stretch.

His Majesty is wise and mighty, benevolent and loving towards his people. How could he overlook your talents because of such a minor flaw?

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Shilin. Your words have been enlightening and cleared up my confusion. However, Brother Shilin, are you not afraid that I might steal your spot during the exam?"

"If you don't even have the courage to compete fairly and justly with your talents, what's the point of studying the classics?"

Using despicable and shameless means to eliminate competitors with better grades—what right do such insidious, vicious, and unscrupulous people have to be on the honor roll?
Even if he passes the imperial examination with flying colors, Brother Tingfang, do you think this kind of person will become a corrupt official who forms cliques for personal gain and embezzles public funds, or a diligent and honest official who loves the people?

We who study the classics and walk the path of humanity, how could we associate with such despicable and vile people? If I were to even glance at them, it would be an insult to my eyes!

"Brother Shilin, you have great insight and a magnanimous heart. Hearing your teachings today is better than studying for ten years! How can we, a dignified nation, be defeated by a shameless villain!"

“Brother Tingfang, I have some family matters to attend to. I only arrived at the Imperial Academy the day before yesterday. I don’t know what major event has happened recently, but the atmosphere at the Imperial Academy seems unusually restless.”

"This story begins at Qianli Lake."

Next to the Imperial College is a small artificial lake with thousands of koi carp, symbolizing the leap of the dragon gate. Students like to study by the lake for good luck.

There is a stone tablet by the lake with a poem engraved on it.

At some point, rumors began to circulate in the capital that anyone who could comprehend this poem would be able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors. As a result, candidates who repeatedly failed the examinations inevitably resorted to crooked means.

With only so many spots available, other candidates, worried about losing their place, went to study the poems.

There are two other things related to this.

First, the legendary swordsman Lu Xiaofeng attempted to assassinate the emperor, and the Duke of Zhenguo vouched for him, voluntarily going to prison. The Duke of Zhenguo's reputation was too dangerous, and the candidates worried about being implicated.

Going to Qianli Lake to fish, read, and write poetry is always better than being led astray by others and submitting memorials to the emperor. In previous years, when such things happened, students from the Imperial Academy would jointly submit memorials.

With the title of Duke Zhenguo, who in the entire land would dare to impeach him? With the imperial examination approaching, everyone is hoping for good fortune; who would want to offend the Grand Duke for no reason?

Chen Zhongyuan said earnestly, "Brother Shilin, you must not be misled. The Duke of Zhenguo is a brave and righteous knight-errant, but his murderous aura is too..."

Chen Zhongyuan was worried that "Feng Shaomin" might be misled by people with ulterior motives and engage in the trick of submitting a joint petition. He racked his brains to persuade him, fearing that "Feng Shaomin" would suffer disaster.

Feng Shaomin thought to himself, "I've done this kind of thing hundreds of times before, submitting a joint petition to impeach Duke Li Zhaoting, but not in the imperial court, but in the Duke's mansion."

They jointly submitted a memorial to Marquis Jingyuan, accusing Li Zhaoting of being dissolute and indulging in women, neglecting his family.

They jointly submitted a memorial to the leader of the demonic sect, and Li Zhaoting made the children cry while teasing them.

The first one was useless.

The latter almost triggered a war between the righteous and the demonic. The famous Jiazi Tai Sui Li Zhaoting was whipped into a grandson by the demonic sect leader Yu Luosha using the Seven Wolves Whip Technique.

Chen Zhongyuan took a sip of water and continued, "The atmosphere in the capital is a bit abnormal. Yesterday, Grand Commandant Bian Mouting launched a mutiny, plotting a rebellion."

News has spread from the palace that the disastrous defeat in the Song-Liao War more than 20 years ago, in which the entire army was wiped out, was orchestrated by Bian Mouting. I don't know the specifics.

I've only heard rumors.

Driven by greed for money, power, and women, Bian Mouting betrayed intelligence about the army's movements, completely disclosing Chu Xiangyu's tactics to Liao spies, leading to the army's ambush.

Not only that, Bian Mouting also used inferior goods to transport the weapons, which were all substandard. In the end, Chu Xiangyu was ambushed and his entire army was wiped out, with only his life spared.

Afterwards, His Majesty was misled by Bian Mouting and mistakenly believed that Chu Xiangyu was lax in managing the army and was greedy for merit and reckless.

It's a bit taboo for me to say this...

Brother Shilin should be able to understand!

Feng Suzhen nodded knowingly.

How could the emperor make a mistake?

When the emperor makes a mistake, his ministers have to take the blame.

They shifted all the blame onto Chu Xiangyu.

This led to a series of messy misunderstandings.

Chen Zhongyuan continued, "Brother Shilin, Bian Mouyan's plot to rebel, such a big thing, has not caused the slightest ripple, which means there is something even bigger going on."

In a situation like this, who dares to speak recklessly? Who knows whether their bet will ultimately win or lose?
Enko's actions were both a promotion and a form of protection.

The imperial court held this special imperial examination at this time to ensure that the students of the Imperial Academy could focus on preparing for the exam and not have any other thoughts.

Life is unpredictable; it's hard to distinguish right from wrong!

Feng Suzhen asked, "Brother Tingfang, what is that poem about? Since we have nothing to do, why don't we go and read this poem about rising to the top and passing the imperial examination?"

Chen Zhongyuan laughed and said, "No! That poem is not a lyrical poem that expresses ambition and lofty aspirations. It records love and affection, and the eternal separation between heaven and man."

Chen Zhongyuan pulled a roll of Xuan paper from his sleeve, on which was written this poem, which he had copied yesterday: "Mandarin ducks on the water, kingfishers in the clouds."

My worries and joys are with you, through thick and thin I will never regret it.

It alludes to mountains and rivers, and refers to the sun and moon.

In life, we share the same robe; in death, we share the same grave.

Chen Zhongyuan explained, "The most famous courtesans in the capital are none other than Li Shishi and Lian Xiuxiu. It is said that both of them have some relationship with the Duke of Zhenguo. They are truly blessed with good fortune."

I've heard people say that the Duke of Zhenguo is a womanizer with lovers all over the world, but he also has a shrew at home..."

Feng Suzhen coughed lightly, giving Chen Zhongyuan a subtle but powerful shock: "Brother Tingfang, is the romantic affair you just mentioned related to Qianli Lake?"
Could it be that the first wife of the Duke of Zhenguo forbade the two courtesans from entering the house, and the Duke of Zhenguo pleaded desperately but was ultimately rejected by his wife, and in a fit of anger, he jumped into the lake to commit suicide?

This is a good story!

I'll help you spread the word far and wide!

Chen Zhongyuan: The romantic escapades of the Duke of Zhenguo have always been a topic of conversation among scholars and literati. Why is Brother Shilin so angry? Does he not like to talk about romance?
Chen Zhongyuan awkwardly changed the subject.

Before Li Shishi became famous, the most famous courtesan in the capital was Yun Shuang. Yun Shuang not only had a stunningly beautiful appearance, but was also skilled in poetry, singing and dancing.

It is said that when Yunshuang wore water sleeves and danced in the wind, her skin was as white as frost and snow, and her water sleeves fluttered like clouds and mist, making her look like a fairy from the Jade Pool Heavenly Palace.

Countless young nobles and nobles have spent fortunes to see Yunshuang, and several wealthy merchants have even offered to pay a large sum to redeem her from her servitude, but Yunshuang has refused them all.

I heard that Yunshuang fell in love with a scholar who was going to the capital for the imperial examination. Unfortunately, how could a poor scholar afford to redeem the most popular courtesan?

The courtesan, after all, still had to openly entertain guests.

No one can stop this process.

In despair, Yunshuang drowned herself in the lake.

This poem was Yunshuang's favorite, and he often recited it during his lifetime. It was rumored in the city that whoever could decipher the meaning of this poem would be blessed by Yunshuang to pass the imperial examination.

Brother Shilin, judging from your attire, you clearly come from a wealthy family. Have you heard of Yunshuang? How did Yunshuang compare to Li Shishi today?

Chen Zhongyuan was not a lecher; rather than discussing romance, he was "chasing stars."

Feng Suzhen smiled and said, "The person is gone, why bother to judge who is better or worse? We are all just wandering children, and to have a peaceful night's rest is a blessing in life."

As she spoke, Feng Suzhen took out her ink box and brush and, imitating the literati of the Tang Dynasty, wrote a seven-character quatrain on the white wall next to her.

Frosty reflections on the still lake mirror the cold sky; every inch of black hair sighs at the passing years.

Mandarin ducks perch on the water, jadeite jewels roost in the clouds, and sorrowful vows are made to the mountains and rivers.

We gaze at the moon, alone and forlorn, yet our hearts remain bound together through wind and rain, forever intertwined.

May this promise be etched in the mountains and rivers of tomorrow; may we be like birds flying wing to wing, envying not even the immortals.

"Brother Shilin, what talent you have!"

Chen Zhongyuan praised it repeatedly.

Feng Suzhen said, "I didn't write it. It was written by a petty thief from my hometown who was caught stealing jade and perfume by his wife. He wrote it to appease his wife!"

Chen Zhongyuan: How did you find out? Would you really show such private poems?

Feng Suzhen added, "This petty thief is my brother-in-law; he's barely talented!"

Chen Zhongyuan: ┓(`)┏

After leaving behind her poem, Feng Suzhen turned and left.

She has already understood the meaning of the poem.

If you've only read this poem and know the story of Yunshuang, you'll never understand its meaning, no matter how hard you try. It's impossible for an ordinary person to solve the mystery.

However, some people have associated this poem with passing the imperial examination with high honors. Who is it that can give candidates a significant advantage in the preliminary examination?
Of course, it's the chief examiner—Cui Mingchong!

Yunshuang committed suicide for a scholar → Yunshuang's favorite poem → Solve the riddle in this poem and you will pass the imperial examination with flying colors → The chief examiner is named Cui Mingchong.

The answer is obvious.

This poem is a word puzzle.

That scholar was Cui Mingchong.

If you break down the names Yunshuang and Cui Mingchong, you can find the characters Yun (cloud), Yu (rain), Xiang (appearance), Shan (mountain), Jia (good), Ri (sun), Yue (moon), Shui (water), Zhong (middle), which can be hidden in the poem.

This is a trick that literati and scholars often use in love poems. Yun Shuang's suicide was not only because she could not have him, but also because she wanted to protect Cui Mingchong's future.

—Cui Mingchong is the son-in-law of Grand Tutor Pang!
There are two interpretations of this story.

First, Yunshuang knew she came from a lowly background. When she learned that Grand Tutor Pang's daughter had fallen in love with Cui Mingchong, she committed suicide by jumping into the lake so as not to jeopardize Cui Mingchong's future.

Second, in order to climb the social ladder, Cui Mingchong cruelly abandoned Yunshuang. To put it more bluntly, Yunshuang may not have committed suicide, but was killed by Cui Mingchong.

In either case, threatening Cui Mingchong with this poem is utterly insane, and if Cui Mingchong were truly threatened, he would also be considered insane.

The biggest advantage of this kind of word-splitting poem is that it can be combined freely to form hundreds of names.

Why is "bright" composed of "sun" and "moon"?
I said this is "sun-born" forming "stars"?
As long as the method of splitting the characters is imaginative enough, it is entirely possible to incorporate "Li Nanxing" into it.

As the saying goes, a tiger father begets no dog son.

Li Zhaoting was a womanizer with countless lovers, and Li Nanxing must have been a romantic and talented man in his youth as well.

Cui Mingchong entered officialdom through the imperial examination, and pedantry was one of his specialties.

Even if we assume that Cui Mingchong's love for Yunshuang is genuine and he doesn't want to spread rumors or smear her reputation, he acknowledges that he wrote the poem.

so what?

First of all, Cui Mingchong was not a son-in-law who lived with his wife's family, and he never relied on the power of Grand Tutor Pang; he relied on himself entirely.

Secondly, even if Cui Mingchong is a son-in-law who lives with his wife's family and relies on Grand Tutor Pang for everything, would Grand Tutor Pang care about such a trivial matter? Who the hell cares about something like this?

Finally, the most despicable and shameless hypothesis is that Cui Mingchong pushed Yunshuang into Qianli Lake in order to climb the social ladder. So many years have passed, who can provide evidence?
Feng Suzhen felt a little bored.

Who would be bothered by this kind of thing?
Did a donkey kick his brain?

It's just a pity that Miss Yunshuang, who was so devoted to love, ended up becoming a love ghost. According to local legend, if a water ghost can't find a substitute, it will stay at the bottom of the lake for the rest of its life.

For the water ghost, every time it winds and rains, it is an excruciating and unbearable ordeal, like being torn to pieces.

A love ghost and a water ghost, sigh...
What the hell!

Feng Suzhen suddenly opened her eyes wide.

She had exchanged intelligence with Li Zhaoting yesterday. According to Bian Mouting's confession, one of his collaborators was the Fairy Disenchantment, who liked to travel the world catching "love ghosts".

No way!
Grand Tutor Pang has become a victim?
……

night!
There was no wind or moon, and the sky was filled with dark clouds.

Upon receiving a letter, Cui Mingchong walked to the edge of Qianli Lake with a somber expression. Looking at the stone tablet inscribed with love poems by the lake, Cui Mingchong was overcome with grief.

"Yunshuang, so many years have passed, but I still can't forget you... I really want to see you!"

Cui Mingchong stroked the stone tablet affectionately.

Just then, a gentle aroma of tea wafted from the lakeside pavilion, its fragrance soothing and refreshing. Cui Mingchong took a deep breath, his mind becoming hazy...

In a daze, Cui Mingchong picked up the teacup, and Yunshuang's face was reflected in the blood-red tea.

In a daze, Yunshuang's soul rose from the lake. She was bound by thousands of chains, howling in pain. Every time the wind blew or the rain fell, she suffered the agony of being torn to pieces.

In a daze, a hideous fellow strode up to Cui Mingchong and threatened him with Yunshuang's soul, demanding that he reveal the exam questions before the exam.

In a daze, Cui Mingchong's eyes turned blood red!
You dare threaten me with Yunshuang's soul? I'll use your life to become Yunshuang's "substitute".

"Snapped!"

One hand gripped Cui Mingchong's arm.

"Gaba!"

That hideous fellow was none other than Ruan Wenhao, the candidate with the highest odds. His arm had been twisted, and he lay on the ground howling in pain, surrounded by scattered draft papers.

"Zhengzhengzheng!"

As the melodious sound of the zither drifted over, Cui Mingchong's inner demons slowly dissipated, and a voice reached his ears: "Take Ruan Wenhao to the authorities and tell them the whole story."

"Om~~"

The music faded, the clouds parted, the moon shone brightly, and all was silent.

Before Cui Mingchong was a stone tablet engraved with love poems. The three characters "Yun," "Yu," and "Xiang" that formed the name Yunshuang were as red as blood. In a daze, he heard Yunshuang weeping blood as she admonished him.

Think back to the passion you had when you were young!

—Are you the upright and righteous Cui Mingchong?

—I don't want my lover to become a demon!

Cui Mingchong shook his head to regain his senses, and shouted a couple of times. The students living nearby heard someone shouting by the lake and ran over.

Seeing the examiner covered in sweat and Ruan Wenhao's broken wrist, they knew something big had happened at Qianli Lake, and they all shouted loudly, calling for the night patrol soldiers.

Before long, the night patrol soldiers arrived.

The Prefect of Kaifeng convened a court session that very night to hear the case. (End of Chapter)