Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

Chen Shao was originally prepared to flee.

Hearing her say that, I suddenly remembered that I have the "Naked Warrior" tag.

He glanced at Qin Ling Shuang. What's the difference between this and being beaten naked?

Chen Shao deliberately made things difficult:

"But I'm really in a hurry..."

His appearance only strengthened Qin Ling Shuang's resolve.

This kid has been cheating all along.

Dressed like that, how could he possibly get any external help?

Has the secret been exposed? Are you scared?

Hahaha!

The proud and smug Qin was finally able to hold her head high.

"So, if you're going to say that, then there's no room for negotiation?"

"But..."

"There are no buts. If you leave now, it means the negotiations have broken down."

She sneered repeatedly.

"If you defeat me, I, Qin Ling Shuang, will risk my life to do whatever you asked me to do."

"Oh well."

Chen Shao began to take off his clothes.

A moment later!

The two stood facing each other.

"Chen Shao, you are a formidable opponent. I will use all my strength to deal with you."

"Let me show you my family's secret martial arts."

"The Qin Family's Eighteen Fists!"

Qin Ling Shuang decided not to give him another chance.

With a swift movement, he launched the first attack.

The first punch shocked Chen Shao.

Qin Ling Shuang threw two punches, one to the left and one to the right, producing two completely different effects.

The left fist was blazing hot, while the right fist exuded a chilling aura.

"That's amazing."

Although he was able to parry, he couldn't help but give a heartfelt sigh of praise.

"Hmph! This is just the first punch, the Ice and Fire Fist."

"Let's see how many punches you can withstand!"

The second punch was even more terrifying.

It was just a light, effortless punch aimed straight at his face.

In that instant, he unleashed a full sixty-nine punches!

"69 punches!"

Next, Qin Ling Shuang's attacks came down like a torrential downpour.

"One-Legged Fist!"

"Dragonfly Skimming Water Fist!"

"Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers Fist!"

"Double Dragons Playing with a Pearl Fist!"

"..."

She held nothing back; every move she made was the essence of the Qin Family Eighteen Styles.

These eighteen moves have been improved by the Qin family over several generations.

It has long been perfected and is flawless.

It integrates the essence of grappling, wrestling, joint locks, and close-quarters combat.

Each punch was harder than the last!

The saying goes, "Practice a punch a million times, and the true meaning will naturally emerge."

It's clear that Qin Ling Shuang must have put in a lot of hard work to achieve this level of martial arts prowess.

His boxing skills were superb, each punch like fire.

It's a pity that Chen Shao has the entry for "Naked God of War".

After a long struggle, he ripped off his shirt.

It killed the game.

Qin Ling Shuang rested her hands on her knees, panting heavily.

He stared at Chen Shao in disbelief.

The already thin inner garment was completely soaked.

It's practically the same as not wearing anything at all when it's stuck to your body.

"You...how...are you so amazing..."

Chen Shao waved his hand, "Leaving aside me, what exactly did your Qin family ancestors do?"

"Mountain bandits."

"A legitimate bandit?" Chen Shao looked incredulous.

Could a decent person come up with this name?

"Nonsense, what's the difference between respectable and disreputable bandits?"

"I'm just being naive."

Chen Shao extended his palm, facing Qin Ling Shuang.

The latter immediately understood.

He stood up and struck Chen Shao's palms together.

This time, there was no trace of contempt or defiance in her eyes.

Only those who are true heroes in the martial arts world possess the frankness and valor to never lose face, even in defeat.

"Rest assured, those who live in the martial world value their promises above all else."

...People of the martial world should learn to offer themselves in marriage or bow down in worship, Chen Shao thought to himself.

He bowed and took his leave.

......

That day, Chen Shaosuan completely lost and panicked.

He simply turned around and headed back to the palace.

Meeting the next day.

Chen Shao's gaze swept over the officials in the hall.

Han Cao and Yuwen Huagu were indeed not there.

"Those two old fogies are afraid that the other party will become a valuable asset and a true confidant of Chen Yuan."

With the two of them away, it was the perfect time for him to get things done.

Chen Shao slowly walked into the main hall.

He stood among the officials.

"My dear ministers, since the Prime Minister and the Grand General are both absent today, we will not discuss state affairs for now."

All the officials nodded in agreement, praising His Majesty's wisdom.

What's the use of your discussion if the prime minister isn't around?

The prime minister's faction, in particular, was instantly thrilled.

This is what oppression feels like!

"These days, philosophical discussions are very popular in the capital. Last night, while reading history, I suddenly felt like having a philosophical discussion with you all."

"Pure talk" is an elegant term.

To put it bluntly, it's just a group of literati getting together to talk about people's livelihoods, history, and politics, to show off their talents and knowledge—basically, bragging.

Pure conversation has become a social trend.

Everyone was overjoyed upon hearing this.

How could such a gathering of so many impressive figures be possible through ordinary conversation?

If this negotiation goes well, then the reputation of being a man of exceptional talent can be established.

Chen Shao paced back and forth a few steps:

"When I read the history books of past dynasties, I saw that at the beginning of each dynasty, there were many fierce generals who conquered cities and fortresses with overwhelming force. What a magnificent spirit they were!"

"But once the world is at peace, maintaining order and governing the country will no longer rely on swords, horses, bows, and crossbows."

"My esteemed ministers," I say, "our Great Yan has existed since its founding, and we strive to ensure lasting peace. Where, then, lies the foundation for this peace?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a white-haired imperial censor stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Your Majesty, I believe that the foundation of governing a country lies in literature."

"As the ancients said, one can conquer the world on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback. Founding a country relies on military force, while maintaining it relies on civil administration. The foundation of civil administration lies in reading."

"Therefore, the foundation of governing a country lies in reading."

The Book of Rites says: "Jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel; a person who does not learn cannot know."

Chen Shao glanced at Shen Qingci and saw that she shook her head.

Holy crap... this wasn't a plant she arranged!

That old man is really good at playing the straight man.

How did he know he was using this to lure the other man into a trap?

This was the moment when he began to show his talent, and others started to join in the discussion.

"What Lord Chen said is absolutely right. The imperial examination system selects people who are learned and reasonable."

"Nowadays, even the army needs educated people as advisors. How can someone who is illiterate and can't even understand military texts lead troops? It's clear that all other pursuits are inferior, only studying is superior!"

Chen Shao clapped his hands in praise:

"What you say, my dear minister, is exactly what I think."

"Reading is indeed important. However, I think that if a person only understands this principle when he is in his forties or fifties, and then goes to read, although he may have the light of a candle, he will eventually be too weak and his years of service to the Great Yan will be too short."

Among the officials, Zhang Erhe slowly stepped forward.

The news of Luming Academy had not yet spread, and he was unaware that his son had passed away.

"Your Majesty! Of course, it's a young man."

Zhang Erhe laughed:

"Aren't the future generals, officials, and skilled craftsmen of our Great Yan just like the young people in the school right now? Only when young people study can the fate of our Great Yan be guaranteed for the next few decades!"

Chen Shaolong was overjoyed.

"Lord Zhang Erhe's words have enlightened me greatly."

"I am reminded of a saying: 'If the youth are strong, then the Great Yan Dynasty will be strong.'"

(There should be one more chapter; I'll try to update more this month.)