National Division

Chapter 104 Xue Zhihua: She did that to recommend talented people to the court... (Third update, please vote!)

Palace gardens, Qianyuan Hall, rear hall

The Empress nodded and said, "Now, the Eternal Green Tower?"

“Time inside the tower is different from that outside. Junior Brother Shen Xian said he wanted to improve his martial arts cultivation, but I advised him not to rush it,” Murong Yue said.

The Empress was slightly startled, her phoenix eyes sparkling with surprise. "Did he anticipate this all along?" she exclaimed in delight.

After all, he was a strategist; how could he not have made such a connection?

Gu Nanzhu also raised an eyebrow, a strange light flickering in his bright eyes.

"Is it possible to make it in just a few days?" The princess's eyes lit up, but then she frowned and asked.

Murong Yue shook her head and said, "It has been four or five days since he entered the tower. If it were the Evergreen Tower, it would have been half a year. I wonder if he can break through to which realm of martial arts he has reached."

The diva turned to look at Gao Yanfu beside her, a sense of anticipation rising in her heart.

Gao Yanfu met that gaze and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this servant believes that if one cultivates with all one's might, it should not be a problem to go from the seventh level of the Acquired Realm to the Grandmaster Realm. After all, Mr. Shen and Miss Xue took away a lot of pills for cultivation from the Qilin Pavilion."

The Empress Dowager exclaimed with delight, "Mr. Shen is a man of great foresight; he must have anticipated this very thing. It must be quite accurate."

The eldest princess couldn't help but pour cold water on the Empress: "Mother, that Mr. Shen has just broken through to the Grandmaster realm. When facing the challenge from the young disciples of the Cui and Lu families, he may not be a match for the Cui and Lu disciples who have been immersed in martial arts for many years."

The Empress also recalled this incident, frowned slightly, and said, "This... in terms of martial arts skills, can the Cui and Lu families match the number of martial arts skills stored up by our royal family?"

The eldest princess sighed and said, "As Your Majesty knows, cultivation can be forcibly boosted through pills, but martial arts skills cannot be mastered overnight. Lu Ziling was trained from a young age and is now ranked eleventh in the third rank of the Qilin Ranking. As for Cui You, he is even more remarkable, ranking among the top five in the third rank of the Qilin Ranking."

Upon hearing this, the Empress felt a pang of disappointment.

She knew perfectly well, but she always harbored some unrealistic fantasies.

"That's not entirely true. If Junior Brother Shen is exceptionally talented and gifted in martial arts, he might very well be a match for the two of them," the Imperial Preceptor Murong Yue suddenly said.

After thinking for a moment, the Empress instructed the eunuch Gao Yanfu, saying, "Gao Yanfu, when Mr. Shen comes out, you should spar with him in martial arts. You should impart all the essentials of martial arts techniques to him without reservation."

Gao Yanfu said, "This servant obeys the decree."

Just then, a female official entered the hall and said, "Your Majesty, Scholar Shen of the Zhaowen Academy and the daughter of Duke Xue are now requesting an audience outside the hall."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager could not hide her joy, and her tone was filled with urgency: "Summon them."

The female official responded and turned to leave.

The eldest princess said softly, "Mr. Shen and Zhihua have returned."

In the brief pause between their conversations, they saw the handsome, sharply defined young man in a long Shu brocade robe, and on the other side was Xue Zhihua, a bright and charming woman in a wide-sleeved red dress.

A ray of sunlight fell upon the two women in front of the hall. The woman's skin was delicate and radiant, like jade. To those outside, they appeared to be a perfect match.

The eldest princess chuckled softly, stood up, and called out, "Zhihua is back."

Xue Zhihua bowed and said softly, "Greetings, Your Highness the Eldest Princess."

The princess then turned her gaze to Shen Xian. The young man was not wearing an official robe; his casual clothes only enhanced his strategist's demeanor.

Shen Xian bowed to the Princess, then entered the hall and bowed to the Empress: "Your subject greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years."

The Empress said, "Mr. Shen, there's no need for such formalities. Someone, please bring a seat."

Gao Yanfu and two eunuchs quickly carried over the brocade stools.

Shen Xian thanked him and took a seat.

Beneath her delicate eyebrows and phoenix eyes, the Empress asked with undisguised eagerness, "Mr. Shen, have you just returned from cultivating in the Eternal Green Tower?"

Shen Xian said, "I cultivated there for nearly half a year."

"Has your martial arts cultivation broken through?" the Empress asked hastily.

Shen Xian said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm."

The Empress was overjoyed upon hearing this and turned to look at Gao Yanfu beside her, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Gao Yanfu smiled and said, "Your Majesty, your true energy is surging; you are indeed at the Grandmaster level."

Shen Xian pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness is so eager to inquire about martial arts cultivation, could it be trouble from the Cui and Lu clans?"

The two families arrived quite quickly.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's heart stirred, and her voice became slightly unsettled: "I knew I couldn't hide it from you, sir."

Gu Nanzhu continued, "Scholar Shen, the members of these two clans have already sent a challenge to the Qilin Pavilion, wanting to challenge Scholar Shen, saying that Scholar Shen has insulted the ancestors of the Cui and Lu clans."

Then he recounted the whole story.

Seeing the thoughtful look on Shen Xian's face, the Empress assumed he was worried about his chances of winning. Although disappointed, she still comforted him, saying, "If Mr. Shen doesn't want to accept the challenge, he should just refuse. We can't let them talk to themselves like that."

The person before me is a strategist, not a warrior.

Shen Xian said, "Your Majesty, I have just broken through to the next level and would like to find someone to practice my martial arts with."

The Empress was stunned upon hearing this.

Shen Xian smiled faintly and said, "The Cui and Lu clans' plan is nothing more than to embarrass me, so that their previous criticisms of the Cui and Lu clans in court will not be very convincing."

"Scholar Shen has just broken through to the Grandmaster realm, and his cultivation is not yet stable. Martial arts cannot be mastered overnight. If things really don't work out, it's best to avoid battle," the Princess advised, her beautiful face showing worry.

Shen Xian said, "I used to love martial arts the most, and I am quite close to martial arts techniques. I can master some martial arts techniques after just a few simple readings."

Yes, this explanation is absolutely necessary; otherwise, it could easily cause unnecessary trouble.

Moreover, it is perfectly reasonable to be close to martial arts.

There is another group of people in this world who are born with an affinity for the Dao. They can read Daoist scriptures at a glance, memorize them after reading them once, and even learn profound things like the Great Evolution Divine Calculation of Tianji Peak in one go.

In this way, there will be no coveting of "this child has great opportunities," which refers to external opportunities, such as innate talents like learning ability. How can one seize such opportunities?

He possesses great fortune, is backed by the royal family's blessed land, and has an inexhaustible supply of martial arts resources. Let him seize it.

"Sir, are you perhaps a martial arts prodigy?" The Empress was overjoyed, then looked at Gao Yanfu: "Eunuch Gao is indeed such a prodigy, having cultivated many martial arts techniques to the level of a celestial being."

Gao Yanfu smiled and said, "It takes me four or five days to master a set of martial arts techniques."

“That’s still not slow. It would take others at least several months, or even several years,” the Princess Zhenguo said softly.

Shen Xian looked at Gao Yanfu and thought to himself, "I knew it! This eunuch leader is so favored. Besides being considerate, he must also be a master of martial arts from the Imperial Palace."

The Empress said, "If Mr. Shen is interested in martial arts, then choosing martial arts techniques from the Qilin Pavilion to practice will greatly increase his chances of winning."

Shen Xian asked, "I wonder when the challenge mentioned by the Cui and Lu clans will take place?"

Gu Nanzhu said, "The day after tomorrow, we'll see if Mr. Shen accepts the challenge."

"If you wish to postpone it for a few days, I can issue an edict," the Empress Dowager said.

“No need.” Shen Xian shook his head and said calmly, “I will go to the Eternal Green Tower to study for a while longer.”

Seeing the young man's confidence, the Empress felt relieved and said, "Sir, just focus on the competition. It doesn't matter whether you win or lose."

That being said, they were eager to win a decisive battle against the Cui and Lu clans and extinguish their arrogance!

"However, I would like to ask Her Majesty the Empress for a favor," Shen Xian said, bowing.

The Empress Dowager paused for a moment, then her gaze turned serious, and she said, "Please speak freely, sir, I will do my best to satisfy you."

Shen Xian said sincerely, "I have been away from home for several days and do not know how things are at home. I hope that after this competition, Your Majesty can allow me to return home to visit my family for a few days, so that my father will not worry about me."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "While parents are alive, one should not travel far; if one must travel, one should have a specific destination in mind. So that's what it is. I agree. I will certainly have the Imperial Guards escort you back to your hometown in glory."

Shen Xian said, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

He hadn't actually considered any of these things.

However, it is true that wealth and honor are not returned to one's hometown, like wearing fine clothes at night.

Of course, before that, he had to defeat the challenges from the young members of the Cui and Lu clans, and by then his reputation would be known throughout the capital. Only then would he return to his hometown and deal with the situation in Guhe County.

Murong Yue raised her bright eyes and asked, "Do you still want to enter the Eternal Green Tower to practice martial arts?"

“So, I need to borrow Senior Sister’s identity jade token for a few more days.” Shen Xian smiled, his gaze falling on the female Taoist’s beautiful face. “There are quite a few spirit stones on the jade token, just use them.” Murong Yue said only softly, as always, sparing with her words.

The eldest princess said, "Mother, this time when we go to the Eternal Green Pagoda in the Great Crimson Cloud Cave, I will take Mr. Shen there so that Zhihua can rest."

She was also curious about how this Mr. Shen cultivated his martial arts skills and what kind of martial arts prodigy he was.

Xue Zhihua: "..."

When did she get tired?
Well, I haven't slept well these past few days while waiting at the Evergreen Pagoda.

The Empress nodded, her eyes full of consideration, and said softly, "Zhihua has been back in the capital for some time now. She should go back to her residence to rest and reunite with her family."

In this beautiful woman's eyes, she was more concerned about her subordinates.

Upon seeing this, Xue Zhihua's pink lips trembled slightly. She glanced at Shen Xian and could only thank the Empress for her kindness.

Shen Xian turned to look at Xue Zhihua and said, "Miss Xue, you've had a hard time these past few days."

Xue Zhihua nodded indifferently, but her voice was cold and clear: "Serving the court is my duty."

A strange feeling welled up in Shen Xian's heart.

Well, a woman's mind is truly unfathomable.

The Empress looked at the young man and said gently, "Mr. Shen, this matter should not be delayed. Go to the Qilin Pavilion to rest first. If there is anything, send someone to the palace."

Although she wanted to ask Shen Xian how he would deal with the Cui and Lu clans next, seeing the weariness in the young man's eyes, she temporarily suppressed her questions.

Shen Xian cupped his hands and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

As they were talking, he took his leave and left the palace with Xue Zhihua. The two of them stood under the eaves of the palace and gazed at the palace gardens.

At that time, it was a bright and sunny morning at the end of mid-spring, and a gentle spring breeze was blowing on my face, making me close my eyes and feel intoxicated.

“The eldest princess is highly skilled in cultivation and is a person of immortality. Her status is also noble. It will be safer for her to accompany you,” Xue Zhihua said quietly.

Shen Xian looked at the beautiful woman with a gloomy expression, and his heart stirred slightly.

He knew the reason, and it wasn't necessarily jealousy, but rather a sense of loss that came from feeling less important because the princess favored him.

Even friendship is like this.

Xue Zhihua pursed her pink lips and said, "I'll go to the Shen family for you first. You haven't been back for the past few days, so they must be looking for information."

Shen Xian turned to meet those clear eyes, remained silent for a moment, and said gently, "I have kept in my heart all the kindness Miss Xue has shown me during this time."

Since arriving in the capital, he has been greatly helped by Xue Zhihua. If it weren't for her recommendation to the Empress, he might have had to take many more detours.

Upon hearing the young man's sincere words, Xue Zhihua's heart pounded wildly. Her eyelashes fluttered, casting a dense shadow, and her bright eyes lowered, seemingly avoiding Shen Xian's gaze. She quickly said, "Then I'll go back first."

What is this person babbling about? What do you mean by "her is good"?
She was doing it to recommend talented people to the court; it had nothing to do with personal feelings. That's utter nonsense!

But the joy in the beautiful woman's heart still surged uncontrollably, causing a blush to rise on her fair and cool face.

“Once everything is settled, you will come back to Guhe County with me,” Shen Xian suddenly said.

Xue Zhihua, who had already walked away, responded with a soft "hmm" upon hearing this.

Shen Xian watched Xue Zhihua leave. After standing under the eaves for a while, the Princess Zhenguo came out of the hall. Her face, as beautiful as a peony petal, was smiling charmingly. She said, "Scholar Shen."

Shen Xian cupped his hands and said, "Your subject greets Your Highness the Eldest Princess."

“Mr. Shen is a civil official respected by the Empress Dowager, there is no need for such formalities.” The Princess’s gaze was warm as she said, “Let’s not delay, let’s go to the Qilin Pavilion now.”

Shen Xian nodded and followed the princess along the ornately decorated corridors towards the outside of the palace.

“Zhihua has been with you all the way, busy with everything. She should rest well. She has just reached the Danxia Realm and needs to practice some Taoist techniques.” The Princess Zhenguo seemed to explain the purpose of her actions earlier. Beneath her beautiful eyebrows, her bright eyes fell on Shen Xian, and she said softly, “It just so happens that Si Di wanted me to ask you about the establishment of the Demon Slaying Division and the Jingchong Division.”

Shen Xian suddenly realized, he had been wondering how the princess could possibly have so much free time.

The princess suddenly turned her gaze, calmly sizing up the young man, and asked, "Mr. Shen, what are your chances of winning this competition?"

Shen Xian said, "It shouldn't be a big problem."

The princess's voice was clear and melodious: "At that time, I, Si Di, and Yu Qing's people will be witnesses. Mr. Shen, rest assured, even if we are no match for you, we will not let you suffer any humiliation."

"There's no need for that," Shen Xian said with a gentle smile.

If even with the Yin-Yang Millstone to help him deduce martial arts techniques, he still couldn't defeat Cui and Lu, then he might as well give up.

The eldest princess smiled brightly and joked, "It seems that Mr. Shen is a man of great wisdom and insight."

The woman was stunningly beautiful, with captivating eyes and a seductive charm. Every smile and frown exuded the allure of a mature woman. In particular, a delicate fragrance, like orchids and musk, mixed with an indescribable skin scent, wafted into Shen Xian's nose, making him feel restless and aroused.

Shen Xian couldn't help but glance at the smiling beauty, but his gaze suddenly faltered before a soft, snow-white expanse, causing him to fall into a deep pit. It took him a breath to climb out.

He thought to himself, "This prince is truly insightful."

Beneath the crescent-shaped eyebrows of the princess, a hint of embarrassment and annoyance appeared in her crystal-clear eyes. Clearly, the beautiful woman, whose cultivation was at the fifth level of immortality, had keenly caught the fleeting look in the young man's eyes.

This Mr. Shen is not old, yet his eyes are so intense.

That makes sense, though, as it is the age when young people are prone to romantic entanglements, it is inevitable that they will be tempted by women.

The princess felt a strange stirring in her heart when she thought of this.

Why is she thinking about all this nonsense?

With their own thoughts, the two left the palace and headed towards the Qilin Pavilion.

Left Palace Gate, Qilin Pavilion —

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

Shen Xian looked at the familiar pavilion and came closer. Coincidentally, it was the same guard who had been there before. This time, he clearly recognized Shen Xian, the one in charge of the Qilin Pavilion, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "This humble servant greets Scholar Shen."

Shen Xian nodded slightly and said, "I'll go in and take a look."

As he spoke, he led the Princess Zhenguo into the hall. Just then, a young clerk who was organizing documents behind his desk looked up and saw the two of them. His face immediately lit up with joy. He quickly put down the documents in his hand and ran over in a "dakang-like" manner: "Scholar Shen."

Shen Xian looked in the direction of the voice and recognized the person. He asked, "Han Yi."

"This humble servant greets the scholar and Your Highness." Han Yi glanced at the princess, not daring to look at her for long, and bowed. His young face was beaming with a warm smile: "It has been a few days since the scholar visited the pavilion."

"Some things have been going on lately." Shen Xian's expression softened slightly as she asked, "Well, where is Scholar Zheng?"

"Scholar Zheng is still on the second floor handling official business," Han Yi said, a smile appearing on his handsome face. "Please wait a moment, Scholar, I will go and call him."

"No need, come up with me. I have some questions for you." Shen Xian waved his hand and turned to the Princess beside him, inviting her, "Your Highness, please."

The princess's bright, sparkling eyes crinkled with a smile that blossomed like peach blossoms as she said, "Scholar Shen is the host here, so please go first."

Shen Xian didn't stand on ceremony and went upstairs.

Time is precious now, so he needs to select some martial arts techniques and then head to the Everlasting Tower to cultivate.

Han Yi followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, the minor officials sitting at the mahogany desks behind the bookshelves in the distance saw Han Yi running over and gathered together, whispering among themselves.

One of the clerks said sourly, "Han Yi has really made it big. He's now working for Scholar Shen of the Zhaowen Academy, who is a favorite of the Empress. I just saw that woman; she seems to be from the palace."

This clerk really didn't know the Princess Zhenguo.

Her clothes were bright and elegant, her hair was styled in a high bun, and she exuded a graceful demeanor, chatting and laughing with ease. It was clear that she was a noble lady from a high-ranking family.

With his discerning eye, he naturally failed to notice the phoenix and dragon pattern on the sleeves of the princess's dress.

"What success? Heh, Scholar Shen has offended the Cui and Lu clans. I'm afraid he won't be able to hold this position for long." A middle-aged official with a short beard smiled faintly. He was a proofreader in the Qilin Pavilion, holding the rank of lower ninth grade.

He was over forty years old and only held a low-ranking position (ninth grade). He felt quite resentful that younger people had suddenly risen to higher positions and surpassed him.

A clerk lowered his voice: "The day before yesterday, a challenge was sent to the cabinet. The Cui and Lu families want to challenge Scholar Shen?"

"How could Scholar Shen, a mere scholar, possibly defeat him?" Another old proofreader came out carrying a stack of documents, shaking his head and sighing.

It can be said that these minor officials are almost like the minor officials of the Shanglin Bureau in "Lychees of Chang'an". Their numbers are huge, and gossip and office politics are the norm in the offices of all levels of government in the Great Jing Empire.

(End of this chapter)