Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 320 Li Zhaoting: I'm not taking the blame, it really has nothing to do with me!

This kind of thing is really discouraging.

Duan Yu: Father, I have fallen in love with Mu Wanqing.

Duan Zhengchun: She's your sister!
Duan Yu: Father, I have fallen in love with Zhong Ling.

Duan Zhengchun: She's your sister!
Duan Yu: Father, I have fallen in love with Wang Yuyan.

Duan Zhengchun: She's your sister!
Duan Yu: Mother, I can't go on living!
Dao Baifeng: It's okay, he's not your biological father!

The last sentence does not exist.

Duan Zhengchun must be Duan Yu's biological father.

Even Duan Yanqing himself agrees with this.

Even if you used the Ten Great Tortures of the Qing Dynasty, Duan Yanqing would still insist that Duan Yu was Duan Zhengchun's son. Apart from Li Zhaoting, the prophet, and the two parties involved, Dao Baifeng and Duan Yanqing, no one knew this secret. To outsiders, Duan Zhengming made Duan Yu recognize Duan Yanqing as his godfather to settle the grudges between the two sides.

Duan Yanqing was ugly, physically disabled, and over fifty years old, childless and widowed. He suddenly had a young and handsome adopted son, whom he naturally cherished.

Once you enter the gates of a noble family, it's like entering a deep sea; how much more so for the royal family?

Dali is a remote and small country, but even though it is small, it has all the essentials. The rules and regulations that should be followed must not be forgotten!
The Prince of Zhennan can be mischievous.

The Crown Prince of Dali must take responsibility.

Furthermore, even in the original novel, in the serialized version of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," Duan Yu marries a daughter of the Gao family, although the Gao family daughter dies young.

As for the Western Xia princess, to be honest, if one had to marry a princess, it would be better to marry the Jin princess.

She was the daughter of the Wanyan clan.

The Jin and Manchu dynasties were originally one family, rising to power in the region between the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River. Originally, the Wanyan clan was the emperor, and the Aisin Gioro clan was a king of equal rank. When the world was in chaos, taking advantage of the Wanyan clan's war with the Mongol Yuan dynasty, the Aisin Gioro clan led their elite troops to launch a backstabbing attack, nearly wiping out the Wanyan clan.

The Wanyan clan fled in disarray, barely clinging to life.

The Aisin Gioro clan changed the name of the country to Qing and gradually consolidated their rule over the Manchu Qing dynasty. In the last ten years or so, the Wanyan clan has shown signs of a resurgence, with several highly capable individuals emerging.

Li Zhaoting had heard the Eighth Prince say that the Wanyan clan had a princess with extraordinary talent, known as the reincarnation of the Weaver Girl. Her swordsmanship was exquisite and she was confident that she could compete with Ximen Chuixue, Ye Gucheng and others. If she were a man, the experts of the Manchu Sticky Pole Bureau would probably hunt her down day and night.

From the perspective of marriage alliance, the Jurchen princess, who is exceptionally talented, has superb martial arts skills, and is backed by a powerful force (though not as strong as the Tianlong Temple), is more suitable than the Western Xia princess.

Duan Zhengchun talked about national affairs all day long.

Duan Yanqing kept urging Duan Yu to continue the family line.

Xiao Feng is an upright and honest person.

Only Li Zhaoting would comfort Duan Yu from an unconventional and unexpected perspective, occasionally telling a few nonsensical stories about the martial arts world, allowing Duan Yu to relax a little.

"Second brother, do you want to marry the princess?"

"Phoenix should be considered a princess of Miao territory."

"I'm talking about one with a Royal Warrant!"

"Which sister do you want to marry me? Mu Wanqing or Zhong Ling? Or perhaps Wang Yuyan? I remember my aunt wouldn't allow Qin Hongmian and Ruan Xingzhu to enter the family. If Mu Wanqing and Wang Yuyan are recognized as princesses, what will happen to their mothers? A princess's mother is a concubine!"

"This matter...my mother can't handle it!"

Of all things, national affairs are of utmost importance.

The whole thing started with A'Zhu.

Even though A'Zhu had no feelings for Duan Zhengchun and only offered incense to Madam Murong during festivals, the blood ties could not be severed. Duan Zhengming personally made the decision to let A'Zhu recognize her ancestors and return to the family. She was now the Princess of Zhennan, and when Duan Zhengchun ascended the throne, A'Zhu would be the Princess of Dali.

Xiao Yuanshan was a relative of the Xiao family of the Liao Dynasty. From the perspective of social background, Xiao Feng and A'Zhu were a good match.

Mr. and Mrs. Qiao Sanhuai retired in Dali.

Xiao Yuanshan is also retiring in Dali.

Once Xiao Feng and A'Zhu have a child, they can rest and recuperate in Dali, thus completely binding themselves to Dali.

Don't think Duan Zhengchun was too pragmatic.

As the saying goes, once you enter the gates of a powerful family, it's like entering a deep, uncharted sea!

The Prince of Zhennan possesses both chivalrous spirit and tender heart.

The emperor of Dali must live up to the expectations of the people of Dali.

Duan Zhengchun wanted to be a good emperor.

Duan Yu also wanted to be a good emperor.

There are many things that are beyond their control!

Including their own marriages.

Duan Zhengchun and Dao Baifeng also had an arranged marriage, but they later developed feelings for each other, which can be described as marriage before love.

Duan Yu drank his wine in silence, muttering complaints under his breath.

Li Zhaoting offered gentle words of comfort.

Duan Yu, you've had a tough time!

"Third brother, Uncle Duan has a unique skill, a profound palm technique. Has he passed it on to you? Dali can live without the One-Finger Divine Skill, but it cannot live without this palm technique!"

"What my second brother is talking about, could it be..."

"...Five Luo Light Smoke Palm!"

"Second brother, you really are no decent person!"

"Looks like you've been using it quite a bit lately!"

Li Zhaoting took out a prescription.

The prescription written by Hu Qingniu.

It replenishes qi and blood, and strengthens the kidneys and lower back.

Duan Yu carefully put it away.

This secret recipe is worth passing down for three generations.

Duan Yu wasn't a very good drinker, and he was especially prone to getting drunk when drinking alone, quickly becoming completely intoxicated.

Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, and Scholar brought Duan Yu back to his bedroom.

Li Zhaoting went to his room.

That's right!

Li Zhaoting had a room in the Zhennan Prince's Mansion.

There were maids and servants responsible for cleaning.

Inside is a bed that Duan Zhengchun had carefully arranged.

A few days later, Duan Zhengchun ascended the throne and lived in the Dali Palace. This Zhennan Prince's Mansion then belonged to Xiao Feng and Li Zhaoting, who preferred the West Wing.

The next morning.

Li Zhaoting's refreshing morning exercise.

Lan Fenghuang and Miss Wang were fast asleep, their postures all crooked and twisted. One of them was studying poison techniques, and the other had the Northern Darkness Divine Skill by her side, so she didn't need to practice martial arts in the coldest winter and hottest summer, and could often take a little break.

Jiang Yuyan accompanied Li Zhaoting during his morning exercise.

Cheng Huaixiu was used to getting up early and practicing swordsmanship in the garden.

Xiao Feng had essentially retired from the martial arts world, but his biological clock, honed over twenty years of martial arts training, prevented him from sleeping in late. After waking up, he felt bored and would exercise in the garden together.

Li Zhaoting came in a hurry yesterday, and the three brothers didn't get to get together. They must make up for it today.

Duan Yu was still hungover and hadn't woken up yet.

Li Zhaoting and Xiao Feng exchanged a glance. Xiao Feng raised his hand and threw a punch, while Li Zhaoting flicked his finger and unleashed sword energy. The two were only sparring and used common moves.

Xiao Feng used the Taizu Long Fist, a fist technique left behind by Zhao Kuangyin, which is characterized by its wide, sweeping, and unrestrained style.

Li Zhaoting used the Drunken Eight Immortals Sword Technique, his steps unsteady, seemingly drunk yet not so drunk, seemingly awake yet not so awake.

The maids and servants of the Prince of Zhennan's mansion came to watch the battle.

Xiao Feng and Li Zhaoting didn't care about being watched by outsiders.

Even if you watch it, you won't be able to learn it.

If you can learn it, it means you are a top genius.

Such a genius should be taken under one's wing on the spot.

Xiao Feng didn't say it, but he really wanted to take on a disciple with exceptional talent to inherit his martial arts skills. However, geniuses were hard to find, and he couldn't find a suitable candidate.

Li Zhaoting thought to himself, "Go to Qinghe County and find a short man who sells steamed buns. His younger brother would be perfect!"
Unable to find anyone in Qinghe County, they went to Yanggu County. The Taizu Long Fist style is simple and direct, originally intended to strengthen soldiers' bodies and lay a solid foundation. It is most suitable for a heroic and tragic warrior like Xiao Feng from Yan and Zhao. Xiao Feng has mastered the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill, and his true essence and blood have condensed into a single force within his body. His posture is extremely elegant and graceful, and his strength is both firm and soft, combining strength and gentleness.

With a casual punch, he reached the pinnacle of martial arts, and was in no way inferior to Li Chenzhou and Wanyan Jue, even surpassing them in terms of boldness.

Li Zhaoting staggered, dodging the heavy punch. He pointed his sword at the White Crane Spreads Wings, aiming for Xiao Feng's waist and ribs. His body wobbled and soared into the sky, followed by the Fierce Tiger Descending the Mountain. He pointed his sword straight at Xiao Feng's chest.

This move is incredibly versatile, like a rabbit leaping and a falcon swooping down – truly exquisite.

Although it is a common style of the Drunken Eight Immortals in the martial arts world, the form of the moves and the intent of the swordsmanship are unparalleled.

Taizu Changquan has sixty-four moves, while Zui Baxian Swordplay has only eight moves. The moves are all interconnected. For martial arts masters, both Taizu Changquan and Zui Baxian Swordplay are just basic fist and sword stances.

In battle, one must be adaptable and act as one pleases.

Xiao Feng was born with a love for heavy drinking. When he got excited during the fight, he clenched his hands into "cup-holding hands" and staggered, using drunken fist against drunken sword. Li Zhaoting clenched his fist and his moves became more open and powerful. He was actually using the Taizu Long Fist.

The two were just doing morning exercises, not even sparring. They were displaying their moves and sword intent. Masters like Cheng Huaixiu were mesmerized, while Jiang Yuyan couldn't understand it at all. Lan Fenghuang and Miss Wang, who had just gotten out of bed to watch the fun, also couldn't understand it. They could only see blurry shapes, feeling like they were scratching an itch through a boot.

If it were a direct confrontation, Miss Wang could see through at least 50-60% of it. This kind of morning exercise routine is like wearing a veil in front of your eyes; Miss Wang would never understand it.

It wasn't that Li Zhaoting and Xiao Feng were hiding their abilities, but rather that their destructive power was too great. If they went all out, they could destroy the Zhennan Prince's Mansion in three moves at most, and they would be fighting outside Dali City in seven or eight moves, capable of destroying two or three mountain peaks.

After exchanging a hundred moves, the two stopped.

Li Zhaoting could not break through Xiao Feng's defenses.

Xiao Feng could not find any flaws in Li Zhaoting's defenses.

Azhu invited everyone to have breakfast.

After breakfast, Li Zhaoting acted as a tour guide, leading Cheng Huaixiu and Miss Wang on a tour of Dali City. Dali is a place of beautiful mountains and clear waters, spring-like weather all year round, and beautiful women.

The beauty of nature, from its wind and flowers to its snow and moon, is so captivating that one lingers there, reluctant to leave.

Besides merchants selling local specialty jade.

"Brother Li doesn't like jade merchants?"

"My father sells jade."

"Are competitors enemies?"

"Those in the same industry know best what others are doing. Anyone selling jade in a scenic area is deceiving tourists."

"I've heard people say that the jade and emeralds in Dali are very exquisite. Are they all just hype?"

"Genuine jade is a priceless gem, while fake jade can bankrupt people. I'll take you to see for yourself. To find top-quality jade, you need someone in the industry to help you."

Li Zhaoting found a jade shop, made a hand gesture, and the shop assistant, seeing the gesture, knew that an expert had arrived and immediately brought out some fine jade.

This shop was owned by a Bagan merchant.

The Kingdom of Bagan was roughly equivalent to modern-day Myanmar.

Its signature specialty is... jade!
How to distinguish between genuine and fake jadeite and its value?
In short: the more it resembles glass, the more valuable it is!

Burmese-run jade shops offer a variety of services, including bracelets, hairpins, jade pendants, and safety buckles for direct sale, as well as large blocks of raw jade stones to lure wealthy individuals looking to get rich overnight to gamble on stones. They also offer pre-cut slabs with designated locations marked on them; this service is the most expensive.

Jewelry requires matching, matching, and fitting.

The jade bracelet that Jiang Yuyan was wearing was definitely too small for Tang Zhuquan to wear. The finished bracelets could not be adjusted in size and could only wait for customers on the shelf.

The sheet material is "tailor-made".

If Cheng Huaixiu takes a fancy to a piece of material, she can directly measure her arm, draw the corresponding size, and ask a craftsman to cut the material and carve it into a bracelet piece by piece.

Of course, apart from children under ten years old, or oddities like the Great Joyful Bodhisattva, the wrist size of most women does not vary much. As long as a standard size is selected, most bracelets can be sold!

For items that don't sell, lower the price to attract customers.

Burmese people are very good at doing jade business.

If an inexperienced person comes, they'll be completely ripped off.

Li Zhaoting whistled: "Old Burmese, bring out your best stuff. If you dare lie to me, I'll smash your shop and send you to a brothel to shovel manure!"

The Burmese man responded in fluent Chinese: "How could I dare to play tricks in front of Master Li? We just received a batch of old mine jadeite recently, which yielded a large piece of violet jadeite and a piece of yellow jadeite, which are perfect for the two ladies."

"Stop talking nonsense and show it to us!"

"Master Li, please take a look!"

Four workers carried over two planks of wood.

A piece of crystal-clear purple jade.

A piece of yellow jade, like a rock candy pear.

Li Zhaoting said, "Old Burmese, you old fox, you must be hiding something good. Bring it all out! I have countless beautiful wives and concubines at home, this little bit isn't enough to go around!"

Li Zhaoting suddenly understood the difficulties faced by the Tang Clan.

There are too many people in the family, and there aren't enough good things to go around.

The Li family is so small, yet they have to spend a fortune every time they buy something. The Tang Clan has thousands of disciples, including several hundred inner disciples. If they are not allowed to establish their own sects, the Tang Clan's main sect's income simply cannot support so many people.

Knowing that Li Zhaoting was a major client, the Burmese man took him directly to the warehouse and let him choose whatever he wanted. Miss Wang's eyes lit up, and even the usually serene Fairy Jingzhai felt like she was floating on clouds when she saw so much jewelry, and couldn't help but pick out a few pieces.

Miss Wang and Cheng Huaixiu knew nothing about jade, so they directly selected finished products. Li Zhaoting examined the raw materials, selected those with better texture and clarity, and commissioned dozens of pieces of jewelry.

The Burmese man happily accepted the banknotes.

The jade business is not easy.

Cash flow is a huge problem.

They claimed to have millions of dollars worth of raw materials piled up in their warehouse, but since they couldn't sell them, these materials were just worthless stones; only the ones that were sold would generate profit.

evening.

Duan Zhengchun held a banquet to entertain everyone.

After a few rounds of drinks, Duan Zhengchun said, "Have you all heard of Changchun Valley in Dali? There are many nonagenarians here, and seventy or eighty-year-olds are everywhere."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope appeared in everyone's eyes.

Longevity has been a topic of discussion for thousands of years.

Countless emperors who were wise and powerful in their youth, expanding their territories, became suspicious and fickle in their old age, and were completely fooled by alchemists in their quest to concoct elixirs of immortality.

Who can resist the temptation of immortality?

You can endure it when you're young, but what about when you're old?
This shows how magnanimous Liu Bang was, directly stating that birth, aging, sickness, and death are the will of Heaven and cannot be forced.

If you get sick, find someone to treat you; if you can't be cured, just wait to die.

I, the Emperor, wielded my three-foot sword to pacify the land; how could I be deceived by a bunch of sorcerers? To hell with immortality!
There are differences between immortality and eternal life!

If you're working overtime every day, Yang Zhi is your boss, Scrooge is your employer, the cafeteria chef is from England, clients make you revise your plans 180 times, and when you call your parents you find they've bought a bunch of health supplements, claiming they're all high-tech and you shouldn't talk nonsense if you don't understand.

In this kind of life, immortality is torture.

If one could live a life of luxury and debauchery, with every night filled with revelry and a position of power second only to the emperor, who wouldn't want to live forever?
Duan Zhengchun sighed, "Don't misunderstand, I have no interest in immortality. In ten or twenty years, when Yu'er is familiar with the affairs of the country, I will go to Tianlong Temple to become a monk."

"Huh~~"

Li Zhaoting made sarcastic and mocking remarks.

Duan Zhengchun chuckled awkwardly and changed the subject.

"The matter of Changchun Valley is nothing new. At most, it serves as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors. Recently, however, many martial arts practitioners have come here."

I'm worried they'll do Dali a disservice.

Nephews, which of you will go and take a look?
I'm just too busy lately.

Duan Zhengchun looked at Li Zhaoting and Xiao Feng.

Li Zhaoting chuckled: "Uncle Duan, are you sure you want me to investigate? Let me make this clear first: if any injuries or deaths occur during the investigation, you'll take the blame!"

Xiao Feng laughed and said, "Father-in-law, let me investigate Changchun Valley! My second brother is rather... well, his fate is rather strange, and he is prone to getting into conflicts in the martial world."

What a pity!

When did Xiao Feng start speaking in such a veiled manner?

Cheng Huaixiu looked at Li Zhaoting with disdain.

You jinx, you bring no peace wherever you go.

Miss Wang snorted: "I've heard there's an Evergreen Island overseas. Is it related to Evergreen Valley?"

"Only the pronunciation is the same."

Li Zhaoting wrote two characters on the table.

(End of this chapter)