National Division

Chapter 111 This boy is so insidious!

Beneath the ornately decorated carriage, several servants placed down several wooden stools.

Several maids greeted them on either side, their lotus-colored dresses creating a beautiful scene.

Suddenly, a slender, snow-white hand lifted the carriage curtain, and a moment later, a face with a high-piled cloud-like hairstyle and a face as beautiful as a lotus flower appeared. The phoenix-winged pearl hairpin shimmered, and a peony flower on the side of her forehead did not detract from her beauty, but rather made her even more beautiful and charming.

As she walked, a captivating charm silently emanated from her brows and eyes, her alluring gaze and graceful movements accentuated by the fact that her wide dress could not conceal her full, radiant figure.

The people of the capital who had been craning their necks to watch were all too captivated by this sight to blink, especially when they saw the glimpse of snow-white skin lingering on her neck; their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

One of Lady Han's adopted daughters approached and took her arm, while another adopted daughter fanned her.

That arm, as white as a lotus root, stirred the hearts of the people of the capital who saw it from afar.

There's a saying that goes, "When you see a white arm, you think of a bed." It's only on this level that people's imaginations become so rich.

"Madam, this way please," a maid said softly.

Lady Han smiled brightly on her face, which resembled the features of a diva, and said softly, "I heard that Qilin Pavilion has divided the seats in the stands into several classes and sold them to high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital."

The maid chuckled and said, "Madam, it is said that it was Scholar Shen who came up with this idea. He said that the decorations on these stands, as well as the guards around them, all require money, and we can't just rely on the imperial court to pay for everything."

“That makes sense.” Lady Han hummed in agreement, her voice sweet and charming, and sat down with her maid and adopted daughter by her side.

On the other side, Lady Zheng, accompanied by her maids, stepped down from her carriage. This woman wore a sea-blue dress, which, compared to Lady Han's charming and unrestrained beauty, made her appear more elegant and beautiful. Her face, resembling that of a celestial empress, was flushed with rosy cheeks, and as she walked, she seemed like a virtuous wife and loving mother.

"Madam, please come to the thatched hut and take a seat," a maidservant said, leading the way.

Lady Zheng parted her lips slightly, her voice soft, sweet, and melodious: "My sister and I are sitting together."

Then, she turned her gaze to the Korean lady in the reed hut, smiling brightly, and walked closer.

"Sister, you've come too." Mrs. Han

"Such a lively scene is rare to behold, how can we not come out and take a look?" Lady Zheng smiled charmingly, her eyes sparkling, exuding an aura of virtuousness and gentleness.

"Why isn't Simin here?" Lady Han gently took the orange offered by the maid, her slender hands breaking open the fresh orange, the juice splashing on her fair and delicate hands, each drop revealing her soft, smooth, and tender hands.

Lady Zheng said softly, "Simin is not with us; she hasn't finished most of her official duties."

Although she was known as one of the three widows, Yang Simin was different from the other two. She served as the Palace Supervisor in the Palace Secretariat, which was in charge of the food and daily life of the palace. She was considered a close relative and minister whom the Empress Dowager relied on.

"Hmm, it seems to be here." Mrs. Han said with a light laugh as she put an orange segment into her mouth.

With each movement of her lips and teeth, the beautiful woman's delicate tongue deftly licked the orange segments, sucking out all the juice from the orange in a few swift movements before spitting the segments into a porcelain bowl held by a maid.

Her movements were elegant and alluring.

Some old perverts are already thinking about how that delicate little tongue can be used on their own bodies.

Because the reed hut is located at a higher elevation, it offers a very wide view.

Lady Zheng also gazed intently in that direction.

Yang Simin arrived on horseback, accompanied by maids and servants.

The man wore a purple official robe of the third rank, his face was unadorned, and he rarely smiled. However, he had a charming appearance, with willow-leaf eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and a plump figure. The purple official robe seemed to add to his alluring charm.

After all, purple has a more charming feel.

Unlike the ladies of Zheng and Han, who were dressed in flamboyant attire, this beautiful woman was now riding a horse, wearing a black gauze hat, a third-rank official's robe, and a gold and jade belt, seemingly intentionally highlighting her political status.

Her face exuded a more dignified air, as if she possessed a touch of the empress's sternness.

Although she shares the same name as a certain erotic star in later generations, she never closes her eyes, constantly calling him "Second Uncle," and swaying wildly like a seductive harlot.

As the guests entered one after another, filling the entire canopy of the stands, the people, scholars, and warriors of the surrounding capital were all anxiously waiting.

"It's been so long, why haven't they arrived yet?"

"Yes, where is Scholar Shen?"

Everyone waited for Shen Xian's arrival.

However, at that moment, a flash of light appeared on the dueling platform, and three figures suddenly appeared.

Two men and one woman, with the two men half a step behind, positioned on the left and right.

Wearing a magnificent and exquisitely embroidered robe of the Vermilion Bird Bureau official, he exuded an awe-inspiring presence.

He was dressed in a brocade robe and casual clothes, without a crown on his head, yet he exuded a carefree and relaxed demeanor.

In the center stood a beautiful woman in a magnificent palace dress, with her hair styled in elegant buns and a graceful figure. A smile appeared on her jade-like face, which resembled a flower petal, and she said in a clear voice, "Today is a grand event for martial arts. Commander Lu, you are the witness appointed by the Empress Dowager. Why don't you come out and say a few words?"

The middle-aged man, dressed in the uniform of the Commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, wearing a black mountain-shaped crown and a sheathed sword at his waist, bowed respectfully upon hearing this and said, "Yes, Your Highness."

Lu Ji, the commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, with his thick eyebrows and sharp, hawk-like eyes, swept over the people below. He took a deep breath and said loudly, "Today is a martial arts competition between Shen Xian, a scholar of the Zhaowen Academy, and the young disciples of the Cui and Lu clans. Please be quiet."

Because this Commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, Lu Ji, was a powerful cultivator in both the immortal and martial arts paths, his words now contained some true essence and immortal techniques.

The calm and authoritative voice resounded almost directly to the onlookers.

"Cui You and Lu Ziling of the Cui and Lu clans, both ranked as top-tier talents on the Qilin Ranking, are challenging the Qilin Pavilion Master. The Qilin Pavilion is a sacred martial arts ground of the Great Jing Dynasty. The Empress has decreed that the competition is forbidden from using Daoist jade slips, spiritual treasures, and immortal magic. Today is a martial arts battle. If this becomes a precedent, the Empress will hold a martial arts examination this June." Lu Ji paused here, then his voice suddenly rose a few notches: "At that time, all martial artists in the world who are not guilty of any crime can participate. They will be awarded martial arts examination titles and martial arts degrees based on their rankings, and the court will appoint officials according to their talents."

These words were like a boulder thrown into a lake, instantly creating a huge upheaval.

The people of Shenjing below whispered among themselves, discussing the matter animatedly.

Is there such a saying?
No wonder the martial arts competition caused such a stir in the city; it turns out that this martial arts competition was also used to explore the competition system and lay the foundation for the imperial court's grand system of military examinations.

That makes sense.

Cui Shang, who was at the fifth level of the Immortal Path [Divine Illumination Realm], remained calm, but his gaze softened when he met the eyes of Cui Kun, Cui Ang, Cui An, Cui Sheng, and others.

The eldest princess smiled and said, "Cui, your fourth brother, Cui Sheng, is from the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War. Have him discuss this with Minister Wei later. The Military Selection Department should also draft regulations on what official position a selected military scholar should be given at the beginning and what procedures should be followed for subsequent promotions."

Cui Shang's expression turned solemn, and he cupped his hands, saying, "Your Highness, I will obey your instructions."

Below, Cui Yan looked at his sixth son, Cui Shang, talking with the eldest princess, picked up his teacup, took a sip of Misty Hidden Tea, and felt very gratified.

Although he has now been dismissed from his post as prime minister, the Cui family still has a continuous stream of talented individuals serving in official positions.

Cui Shang pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, it's getting late. Why hasn't Shen Xian, the scholar of Zhaowen Hall, arrived yet? Could it be that he's afraid of the battle and won't come?"

“Scholar Shen is a national hero of our time, renowned throughout the capital. How could he be afraid of battle and not come?” The princess chuckled and said, “No rush, there is still some time before noon.”

Everyone could only wait anxiously.

……

……

"They're here! They're here!" someone suddenly shouted. "The Shen family's banner?"

Everyone turned to look at the sound, but their expressions faltered slightly when they saw the group of people.

"Where did this come from?"

"Yes, these are people from the Shen family of Lanxi."

At this moment, Shen Lin, dressed in a scarlet official robe, sat in a carriage with a small apricot-yellow flag bearing the character "Shen," resting with his eyes closed.

Shen Zheng, on the other side, was clearly less composed and said, "Father, there are too many people. Do you think Mu Zhi has any chance of winning?"

As the scale of the operation expanded, it put pressure on Shen Zheng.

In later times, this would be equivalent to a live-streamed challenge to a fight, where you unleashed a lightning-fast five-hit combo, and I, being careless, failed to dodge.

That would definitely become a laughing stock online! It would provide netizens with memes for months to come.

"The Cui and Lu families are powerful clans, among the most prestigious in the capital city. Many people are curious to see how Mu Zhi will fare against them," Shen Lin pondered.

Shen Zhengdao: "Father, aren't you worried?"

"What good will worrying do?" Shen Lin's old eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said in a deep voice, "Even if Mu Zhi loses, he is still honorable in defeat."

Not everyone is qualified to confront the Cui and Lu clans.

After this incident, the Shen family of Lanxi will likely become famous throughout the world.

However, his youngest son seemed to be bewitched, and he was always resentful of Mu Zhi, so he never had the chance to apologize to Mu Zhi.

Since Shen Xian entered the capital, he has been traveling between the palace gardens and the grotto heavens of Shangqing and Taiqing, and has never returned to the Shen family's ancestral home, which is unknown to Shen Lin.

This is what people think about the Shen family's ancestral home!
At this moment, outside the carriage, Shen Qian, riding his horse step by step, held a horse's rein in his hand. He was also dressed in the uniform of a ninth-rank Left Gatekeeper with a halberd, and a precious sword hung at his waist. He stood straight, head held high, and chest out, feeling proud as well.

Shen Zhai followed leisurely behind the carriage, watching the bustling crowds in the market, and thought to himself, "I'm afraid this defeat will be the biggest loss of face!"
As members of the Shen clan from Lanxi gradually took their seats under the reed awning, the onlookers pointed and whispered among themselves.

If you know them, explain who the important person is who has arrived today.

"Scholar Shen, why haven't you arrived yet?"

Everyone craned their necks in anticipation, like readers waiting for a fight. Around noon, someone suddenly shouted, "He's here! He's really here this time! Scholar Shen from the Qilin Pavilion has arrived!"

Then, the crowd stirred, and all eyes turned to the end of the street, looking in the direction of the sound.

Amidst the expectant gazes of thousands, several horses appeared first on the cobblestone street, clattering as they approached.

Before they could see who was sitting on the horse, they saw two rows of Thousand Bull Guards, wearing black crowns and black and red floral patterns, standing guard on either side.

The Thousand Ox Guards wore Thousand Ox Blades hanging from their waists, each with an exquisite scabbard and gleaming gemstones. As they moved, they moved in perfect unison, exuding an invisible aura of solemnity and fierceness.

"This Shen Xian brat... he's got quite the nerve!"

Cui Yan narrowed his eyes and spotted Shen Xian at a glance. It could be said that even if Shen Xian were reduced to ashes, the old man Cui would still recognize him!
King Zhao Yang Youxing frowned deeply: "The Empress Dowager is so protective of him, even sending the Thousand Bull Guards to guard him?"

This… he doesn’t even get this kind of treatment!
Upon seeing this, Faming clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, Your Highness, the moon wanes after it is full, and water overflows when it is full."

Yang Youxing nodded in agreement, saying, "Young people who achieve success often don't last long."

No one knew his aunt's temperament better than him. Now he trusted her completely. If Shen Xian failed to meet his aunt's expectations, he would likely fall from grace and plummet into the abyss.

Beneath Zhou Liang's thin eyebrows, his gloomy eyes held a hint of jealousy, and his tone was full of sourness: "The Empress Dowager treats him so well?"

Both were favored ministers of the Empress, yet the difference between them was immeasurable.

“Watch him build a tall building, watch him entertain guests, watch his building collapse,” Diao Fenglai said wistfully.

Zhou Liang murmured, "Yes, but even if one enjoys temporary glory, one's life is already fulfilling!"

Could he not know that his ruthless actions had made him many enemies, and that he would eventually be used as a pawn by the Empress?
However, life is but a hundred years, and life is but a few autumns. A true man should not only eat from a five-cauldron pot, but should be cooked in a five-cauldron pot!

Lady Han and Lady Zheng exchanged a glance and said softly, "Sister, this Scholar Shen does have a heroic appearance."

Clearly, their focus is rather peculiar.

"Indeed, with a tall and imposing figure, high brow bones, and a prominent bridge of the nose, he must be a man of great stature." Lady Zheng commented, her beautiful eyes, soft and moist as if veiled by water, beneath her elegant eyebrows.

According to physiognomy, a man with a large nose often has a large penis, while a woman with a large mouth often has a strong desire.

The Korean lady chuckled and said, "That's not necessarily true. There are also those that look good but are useless."

Lady Zheng covered her mouth with her handkerchief and chuckled, "I don't think so. But now that she's dismounted, her leap is so powerful; she's probably no ordinary person."

For some unknown reason, Lady Zheng's face flushed.

"It's hard to say whether martial artists can refine their essence into qi." Lady Han laughed heartily.

Lady Wei sat not far away, listening to the two beautiful women making lewd jokes. Her face was ashen, and the teacup in her hand shattered with a "crack".

The people of the capital are talking nonsense about the Third Madam!
She was ashamed to be associated with the two of them!

Lady Han, with her beautiful face and radiant smile, turned to Lady Wei, Yang Simin, and deliberately asked, "Simin, what's wrong? Does this porcelain cup not suit your taste?"

She did believe the rumor that Yang Simin's husband was crushed to death.

"This tea doesn't taste good. It's from after the Qingming Festival rains, and it's a bit old. It tastes sour." Yang Simin took a handkerchief and gently wiped the tea leaves in her hands, her pretty face shrouded in a murderous aura.

The Korean lady's radiant smile faded slightly as she thought to herself, "Does she think I don't understand? Is she trying to insult me ​​indirectly?"

This Yang Bamei is fierce and has a sharp tongue that's like a knife. Who would dare marry her? Their ancestors would be cursed for eight generations!
Shen Xian and his entourage, led by their cavalry, arrived in front of them amidst a crowd of admirers.

The boy had a cold expression and a calm gaze.

He is still pondering the matter of refining his martial arts will.

Half a step behind on the left was Xue Zhihua, while half a step behind on the right was Zheng Guanying with a smile on his face, along with several officials from the Qilin Pavilion.

Han Yi, meanwhile, was at the head of Shen Xian's horse, holding the reins and leading the horse for Shen Xian.

"That's Scholar Shen? He looks so young!"

"Although he is young, he has already reached the fifth rank."

"He is truly a handsome and promising young man."

At this moment, the eldest princess stood in mid-air, looking at the young man in the Shu brocade warrior's uniform.

"Scholar Shen has arrived."

The crowd parted to make way for Qilin Pavilion and the others.

"Scholar Shen," Lu Ji said, his gaze falling on the young man's face. "I am here on the Empress's orders to witness this competition. Is Scholar Shen ready?"

The crowd in the stands below all looked at the young man on horseback, the young man who had recently stirred up a storm in the capital.

Shen Xian said loudly, "I think there are many unfair points in what the Cui and Lu clans said."

"Oh?"

The eldest princess looked at Shen Xian with equal surprise.

Upon hearing this, onlookers from all directions began to whisper and discuss it endlessly.

"The challenge from the Cui and Lu clans only mentioned that if I lost, I would have to bow before their mansions and apologize, but it didn't mention what they would do if I won." Shen Xian's expression was calm, but his voice was firm and resolute: "The stakes were unequal!"

In his past life, he sometimes felt uneasy when he saw betting agreements in online novels. Why were there no options for losing if the enemy lost?

So, any Tom, Dick, or Harry can gamble with the protagonist?

"What kind of stakes do you want?" Cui Shang asked.

Lu Ji, the commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, said, "Scholar Shen, this is Cui Shang, a member of the Cui clan, who can fully represent the Cui clan."

"It can also represent the Lu family."

At this moment, Lu Ziling's voice rang out from among the Lu clan members below the Lupeng viewing platform, instantly attracting the attention of many.

The eldest princess asked in surprise, "Scholar Shen, what kind of bet do you want?"

"If any of the Cui or Lu clans lose, their heads will be hung on the flagpole for seven days, one on each side, and a banner with four characters written on it will also be displayed..." Shen Xian shouted loudly: "Traitors Cui and Lu!"

These words caused an uproar, followed by lively discussion and jubilation.

Cui Yan slammed his fist on the table, his face ashen, and roared, "You arrogant brat!"

Lu Dezhen, who was talking to the second generation of the Lu family beside him, was filled with rage upon hearing this and said, "How dare you!"

Cui You, Lu Ziling, and the others also looked grim.

Cui Mei frowned slightly, her gaze fixed on the young man.

Is this person going to spread the name of the traitor Cui Lu to the world?

As for Lai Jing and Zhou Liang, the two were talking casually when they were suddenly struck dumb and looked at the young man in great surprise.

Murder, but also punish!

Lai Jing narrowed his eyes and looked at the young man, showing a hint of seriousness for the first time.

This person is insidious and cunning, no less so than him, and perhaps even more so!
Because this tactic is indeed insidious. One can imagine that after the Cui and Lu clans are defeated, their sons will be hung on flagpoles for seven days, and all the officials will see the four characters "traitor Cui and Lu" when they go to court. That scene is too beautiful...

Yang Youxing frowned and blurted out, "This boy is so insidious?"

He had also thought of this scenario.

It was quite an eye-opening experience.

Not only were they hung on the flagpole, but they were also kept there for seven days with a banner that read "Traitors Cui and Lu."

Killing is not an end!

Upon hearing this, Yang Simin raised her eyebrows and corrected him, "Brother Zhao, it's an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, how can you call it insidious?"

In this way, the faces of the Cui and Lu clans were thrown to the ground, repeatedly trampled on, and spat on—that's how enemies should be treated!
Xue Zhihua stared blankly at the boy who had a calm expression and slightly narrowed eyes, looking as if he hadn't woken up yet.

"Just as Shang Yang moved a log to establish trust in ancient times, so too does Scholar Shen hang a pole to establish authority in modern times!"

A young official from Chongwen Hall, his eyes lit up, and he spoke loudly.

This statement quickly spread.

Moving a log establishes trust; suspending a pole establishes authority!
A glimmer of light flashed in the princess's mind as she looked at the still indifferent young man, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Bearing thorns to plead guilty, hanging a pole to establish authority, Scholar Shen truly lives up to his title as a scholar of the Zhaowen Academy, his words are full of hidden wit." Some students of the Imperial Academy who felt that the dry martial arts competition was not very interesting nodded in agreement.

The Cui and Lu families were prominent and influential clans, and the Shen family of Lanxi was also a scholarly family.

"The Cui and Lu families merely copied what others had said, but Scholar Shen has taken a different approach. I'm afraid this will become a famous anecdote in the future."

Just like the famous prime minister Lu Xiangxian's saying, "There is nothing wrong in the world, but fools trouble themselves," which later became a well-known idiom.

(End of this chapter)