National Division

Perhaps Chapter 110 felt he hadn't had enough of the scolding?
Kirin Court

Several lanterns under the eaves swayed in the wind. Han Yi placed stools for the group. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, and the aroma of fine wine was mouthwatering.

"That year, I was twenty-four years old."

Even after a long time, Zhang Rong raised his eyebrows and his voice still held a hint of joy: "When I returned and was awarded the title of Yunqiwei, the General of the Guard patted my shoulder and said that I was a Grandmaster. He said that the Empress Dowager wanted to sweep away the decadent martial spirit of the Qianniu Guard and selected me to enter the palace."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian exclaimed, "Those who crawl out of piles of corpses are destined for wealth and honor!"

"Two years have passed in a flash. These days of standing guard, though without fighting, are far too leisurely," Zhang Rong chuckled, adding, "When I heard about the selection process for overseas assignments, I was the first to sign up."

Shen Xian laughed and said, "You won't be idle in the future; there will be plenty of opportunities to fight and make merit."

He looked at the others and called out, "Come over here and have a drink and a chat."

At this moment, Shen Xian was both offering wine and patiently listening to several Qianniu Guards recount their life's highlights.

They treated scholars with utmost respect and courtesy, and made friends with them with utmost respect.

Xue Zhihua looked at the young man under the two lanterns of the Qilin Pavilion, who was chatting and laughing with a group of Qianniu Guards with his arms around each other. Her clear eyes flickered, and she was momentarily lost in thought.

This person has the style of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong of the Great Jing Dynasty.

Shen Xian drank wine with several Thousand Bull Guards, then had six more Thousand Bull Guards summoned, and they drank all of the Hundred Flower Immortal Wine.

Although there were no dishes to accompany the wine, the generals' stories were still quite enjoyable to listen to.

Zhang Rong asked, "Scholar, are you to have a martial arts contest with the young men of the Cui and Lu clans tomorrow?"

"You all know too?" Shen Xian smiled and put down his wine cup.

“The traitor Cui Lu,” Zhang Rong said, and the guards around him laughed, clearly not taking the side of the aristocratic families.

Zhang Rong said, "Now the whole capital knows about this matter, and Scholar Shen wants to teach the Cui and Lu families a lesson."

"If you were to compete against disciples of the Cui and Lu clans who are both at the Grandmaster level, who do you think would win?" Shen Xian asked, his smile fading.

Zhang Rong thought for a moment and said, "Although I have never competed with the Cui and Lu clans, I am confident that I have a 50% chance of winning if we were to compete. However, if it were a life-or-death struggle, even if the Cui and Lu clans attacked me together, I can guarantee that I would survive."

By the end, Zhang Rong's expression was proud, and his voice seemed to carry an indescribable confidence.

Shen Xian became serious and said, "A life-or-death struggle is different from a competition."

What is artistic conception? In his view, it is roughly a belief in certain victory.

"Let's drink." Shen Xian said, raising a wine cup in his hand.

Before I knew it, it was already past midnight.

The sky grew increasingly dark, and a few drops of rain began to fall. Many of the lights in the streets and alleys of the capital city were also extinguished.

Shen Xian instructed several guards, then left the corridor and quickly entered the pavilion with Xue Zhihua.

Xue Zhihua said, "These Qianniu Guards are all valiant generals who rose from the ranks of the army."

"It must have been hard for you to choose so carefully," Shen Xian said, turning to Xue Zhihua with a touch of admiration.

Xue Zhihua treated him so well; if he didn't understand the feelings in the beauty's heart, then he would have truly lived two lives in vain.

However, there's no need to spell it out.

Xue Zhihua said, "As long as you find it easy to use, that's fine."

Shen Xian nodded, sat down behind a long rectangular table, got up, and opened the window.

As a fragrant breeze wafted by, a beautiful woman's clear, cool voice rang in Shen Xian's ears: "Still thinking about condensing your martial will?"

Shen Xian stretched out his hand to feel the cool night breeze outside, his gaze seemingly piercing through the darkness to land on the sparsely lit capital city, and said in a low voice, "Martial will should be a martial artist's belief."

"That's about right. Of course, it could also be because they all come from the prefectural guards." Xue Zhihua said, "If they were martial arts masters from the Jianghu, it would be a different story."

Shen Xian nodded and said, "Yes."

As he spoke, he suddenly turned his gaze to the beautiful woman with fair and delicate skin, his eyes burning with desire.

Xue Zhihua lowered her gaze, her fair and delicate face flushed crimson, and asked, "Why...why are you looking at me like that?"

Shen Xian asked, "What are your beliefs?"

"Huh?" Xue Zhihua's expression froze upon hearing this.

What are her beliefs?
Xue Zhihua's bright eyes flickered, and she said, "If I had to talk about beliefs, I would hope that my father and brothers would be safe, and that I could..."

Shen Xian asked, "What about yourself?"

"Why should I tell you about myself?" Xue Zhihua asked in surprise, "Why are you asking this?"

Shen Xian said, "You are not a martial artist, and you have not cultivated a martial will, so your belief may not be strong enough."

“If a belief is too strong, it becomes an obsession, which can easily lead to demonic possession. For those who follow the path of immortality, the key is to go with the flow. If one is too attached, one may fall into the demonic path.” Xue Zhihua said, “In fact, back in Qingyang Temple, that Crane-Headed Taoist was too attached and had lost the meaning of ‘the highest good is like water.’ This is what my master said.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian looked at Xue Zhihua and said, "Persistence."

He realized that the key to martial arts willpower is perseverance.

The path of immortality emphasizes following one's fate and being free to go wherever it leads, while martial arts emphasizes the difficulty of letting go of one's attachments and integrating them into oneself.

Of course, the path of immortality is not necessarily about following fate and being carefree. When it is time to fight, one will still fight. One will accept loss with equanimity and gain with equanimity. One will fight for what is inevitable and let nature take its course.

Xue Zhihua asked in surprise, "You've got a clue?"

Shen Xian said, "That's about enough. Tomorrow, come with me to the top of the tower to watch the sunrise."

"I think it might rain tomorrow, so we probably won't see the sunrise," Xue Zhihua said irritably, giving the boy a reproachful look.

"Then let's see how it rains," Shen Xian said softly, his tone uncertain.

At this moment, the high-rise buildings of Qilin Pavilion are brightly lit, with people busily preparing for the next day.

Xue Zhihua walked closer and stood side by side with Shen Xian, quietly gazing at the capital city.

A calm and peaceful atmosphere formed around the two of them.

Nothing more to say all night.

……

……

The next day, as dawn broke, the sky was covered with thick, leaden clouds, and the weather was still somewhat gloomy, as if a downpour was brewing.

The entire capital city seemed to awaken like a giant lion, with shops on both sides of the street gradually opening their doors.

Shen Xian, through the vivid descriptions in the "Qilin Report" and the instigation of the Cui and Lu clans, can bring the atmosphere to a climax.

This martial arts competition has become a major event in March of the second year of the Tiansheng era.

The origins of Shen Xian were also spread like wildfire by those with ulterior motives.

The Shen family of Lanxi, though not yet twenty, held the rank of fifth grade official. They rose to prominence by presenting a memorial entitled "On Governance" to the Empress Dowager.

Because the two memorials, "The Wealth of Nations" and "On the Rule of Ministers," were of great importance—the former involving national policies that threatened the division of interests, and the latter being memorials written by strategists—Empress Dowager did not reveal them to the world.

In the past two years, with Zhou Liang, Lai Jing and others in power, even criminal officials and scoundrels have been able to hold official positions in the imperial court, wearing scarlet robes and living in fear among the scholar-officials. People like Shen Xian, who have a pure and upright background and are famous for their literary and policy arguments, are extremely rare.

At least, the entire Shilin community recognizes Shen Xian.

The head of the Shen family in Lanxi held a position as a junior official in the prestigious Secretariat, demonstrating the family's profound scholarly tradition.

The reputation of the Cui and Lu clans was known throughout the entire capital.

The gambling dens in the capital city also offered odds for betting, but they all favored the Cui and Lu clans to win big.

Dingyuan Casino opened early in the morning, bustling with people.

The gamblers in the neighborhood were all discussing the upcoming battle.

"Why are so many people not optimistic about Scholar Shen? I think the Legend of the Condor Heroes is so exciting to read."

"You don't know? That Scholar Shen is, after all, a scholar from a humble family. Even if he received the Empress's patronage, there are no shortcuts in martial arts."

"Yes, being able to write about lofty and abstract things doesn't mean you can do it yourself."

"I've heard that Scholar Shen is also a Grandmaster?"

In order to highlight their noble lineage, the Cui and Lu families deliberately spread the story that Shen Xian's cultivation had been elevated to the Grandmaster level through spiritual medicine.

The original intention was that you, a nouveau riche and a sickly person, could still compete with a scholar, but how could you compare with a scion of a noble family in martial arts?

Well, in the public's perception of the Cui and Lu clans, Shen Xian is now a nouveau riche and a sickly person!

"There are differences between grandmasters."

"Why are Scholar Shen and the Cui and Lu families having a competition out of the blue?"

"Who can figure it out? Maybe they just felt... they weren't satisfied with the insults?" "Haha, what a great excuse for not being satisfied with the insults." The group of men burst into laughter.

Laughter filled the gambling den.

"The Cui and Lu families are of high status and great influence, and they think too highly of themselves. They even refused a marriage proposal from the imperial family. They should have been dealt with back then." A gambler, who was clearly dressed in civilian clothes but had calluses on his hands and sat in a posture that was clearly that of a low-ranking officer in the Imperial Guard, said gloatingly.

"Old Lei, if I offered you the title of 'Five Surnames Woman,' would you marry her?"

"Go! Go! Go."

The gambling den was bustling with activity and a lively atmosphere. People were talking and laughing, just like they were at a bustling market.

Because the Cui and Lu families were powerful clans, even the prime ministers of the Great Jing Dynasty and the Hongxi Dynasty regretted that they could not marry women from the five surnames.

This demonstrates the influence of the Cui and Lu clans.

Ordinary people at the bottom of society both resent and wish they could take their place.

Therefore, many people felt a mix of emotions and secretly pleased when Shen Xian attacked the Cui and Lu clans.

Just as the people of the capital were discussing this, on the fourth floor of the Qilin Pavilion—

Shen Xian was having breakfast with Xue Zhihua.

Four kinds of pastries and various snacks were placed on the small lacquered wooden table, all of which looked and smelled delicious.

The two of them took turns using their chopsticks.

"How does it taste?" Xue Zhihua asked.

Shen Xian smiled and said, "As expected of the capital city, a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery, even the snacks here are unique."

Han Yi entered the hall and bowed, saying, "Scholar, this issue of the Qilin Gazette has been published. It is a follow-up report on the Cui and Lu clans."

This was a task specially assigned by Shen Xian: to focus on reporting and follow up on the family history of the Cui and Lu clans.

This is called in-depth investigation in later generations.

The lowest-ranking official in charge of proofreading, in effect, oversaw all the details, including topic selection and content review.

Shen Xian said, "I read the Qilin Report earlier. You did a very good job this time. You traced the genealogy of the Cui and Lu families and achieved the goal of getting to the bottom of things. The Cui and Lu families were not any high-ranking families during the Former Han Dynasty. They only rose to prominence in the last few hundred years by passing down their family tradition of poetry and books and monopolizing knowledge, which is why they have so many descendants. Compared with the founding nobles who risked their lives to pacify the army and the people, they did not make any great contributions to the court. They were just flattered and praised to the top."

This kind of exposé helps to demystify the Cui family's prestigious status.

Overjoyed at Shen Xian's praise, Han Yi said, "Scholar, the newspaper issue about The Legend of the Condor Heroes is selling well."

Shen Xian smiled without saying a word.

Using serialized novels to boost newspaper sales is something that Mr. Jin has proven effective.

Han Yi said, "Now, there is no more content to serialize in The Legend of the Condor Heroes in the Qilin Daily. Many readers are asking why The Legend of the Condor Heroes is no longer being written."

Shen Xian put down his chopsticks and said softly, "After this competition is over, I will finish writing this book for you."

Xue Zhihua handed over a blue handkerchief: "There are grains of rice on the corners of your mouth. Here's a handkerchief for you to wipe them off."

Shen Xian took the blue handkerchief and thought to himself, "Is it fashionable to reverse the Heavenly Stems now?"
Seeing that Han Yi lowered his eyes and pretended not to see, he said, "Then this humble servant awaits your work, Scholar."

"Furthermore, after the competition is over, I'll meet with the students of the Imperial Academy and hold a creative meeting. It's beyond my ability to write a novel on my own," Shen Xian said.

The prosperity of the arts and entertainment industry cannot be achieved by one person alone; it requires someone to lead a trend.

Upon hearing this, Han Yi clasped his hands in agreement.

Outside the palace city, at the Left Gate Tower—

At this moment, umbrellas were already being held up around the platform, and the weather suddenly became somewhat gloomy. High-ranking officials and dignitaries gathered together, some of whom were still inside the reed awnings.

Bustling and crowded, layer upon layer, yet orderly and not chaotic.

"The Cui family has arrived." Just then, murmurs arose from the crowd.

Amidst the throng of people, the Cui family members, dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, their garments exquisitely embroidered, were escorted by servants. Several carriages slowly approached, and on the front of each carriage was a small triangular apricot-yellow flag embroidered with the character "Cui".

In addition, there were several finely bridled horses, on which sat the younger generation of the Cui family, while Cui You rode a tall horse, dressed in brocade robes, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist and a precious sword in his hand.

Not far away sat Cui Youzhi's younger sister, Cui Mei. Today she was dressed in a vermilion dress, and beneath her delicate, dark eyebrows, her almond-shaped eyes seemed to exude an air of arrogant arrogance.

The Zheng siblings appeared quite calm, leisurely observing the guests who had arrived that day.

Because the Zheng family was not involved in this challenge, and Zheng Ya and her sister Zheng Nianxi were mostly there to watch the excitement.

"The Cui family truly lives up to its reputation as a thousand-year-old clan; their procession exudes the grandeur of a prestigious family," the crowd murmured.

"is not that right?"

"Look, that looks like the Lu family's convoy," some sharp-eyed people began to discuss.

"The head of the Lu family has also arrived?"

Under a dark blue canopy, King Zhao Yang Youxing frowned slightly, put down a teacup in his hand, and looked at his chief secretary Ji Hong beside him.

Chief Secretary Ji Hong leaned closer and said, "Your Highness, it is said that the heads of the Cui and Lu families have declared that no matter if it's windy or rainy today, they must come and see the ugly behavior of that brat Shen Xian!"

It can be said that Cui Yan and Lu Dezhen hated Shen Xian to the core and were determined to see Shen Xian get beaten to a pulp and lose all face in the capital before they could vent their hatred.

"Master, what do you think?" Yang Youxing's gaze was somewhat amused as he turned to Faming beside him and asked, "Who do you think has a better chance of winning?"

Faming clasped his hands together and said, "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, no matter who wins, it is nothing more than a petty squabble."

This is a metaphor from Zhuangzi.

As a highly respected Buddhist monk, Faming clearly didn't think much of the fights between martial artists at the third realm, considering them mere trifles.

Yang Youxing shook his head and said, "It can't be said that way. Although it's only a competition of the third realm, it involves the Cui and Lu clans. If the young disciples are really defeated in martial arts, then things in the court will be much easier to handle."

Faming was, after all, a monk, and was ignorant of politics and the significance behind the contest.

Well, actually he didn't understand at first either, but after being scolded by his aunt, he went back and thought about it and understood a little.

Faming did not refute, but raised one palm and said, "Your Highness's words are enlightening."

Inside a thatched hut twenty paces away from Prince Zhao Yang You, Zhou Liang, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was having tea and conversation with his advisor Diao Fenglai.

"My lord, Scholar Shen is in grave danger today." Diao Fenglai stroked the two wisps of rat whiskers under his chin, his small eyes gleaming.

Zhou Liang scoffed, "To use one's own weaknesses to attack another's strengths is utterly unwise!"

If Shen Xian had previously made him look foolish at the Dali Temple, which made Zhou Liang resentful, Zhou Liang felt somewhat at ease after Shen Xian publicly scolded the heads of the Cui and Lu clans, treating them like grandsons.

"In your opinion, if he loses, will the palace no longer trust him?" Zhou Liang asked in a low voice.

Diao Fenglai glanced at the high platform and said, "My lord, this Scholar Shen is a scholar, so he won't be dismissed from his post and lose face. However, the Empress's favor towards him will definitely decrease."

A minor official approached and said, "Lord Zhou, the Lord is here."

Zhou Liang said, "Come with me to greet them."

Lai Jing, the Vice Minister of the Censorate, also brought some officials to join in the fun.

At that moment, several carriages could be seen slowly approaching from the southwest street, causing another commotion among the crowd.

"The Lu family has arrived."

“That’s Lu Ziling, also a member of the Qilin Ranking.”

"Yes, with two outstanding talents on the Qilin Ranking, Scholar Shen is in for a tough time this time."

"Won't it be a series of attacks?"

"That's impossible. How can we fight then?"

Just as everyone was discussing this, Lu Dezhen, the head of the Lu family, also arrived at the arena.

Lu Ziling dismounted and approached the carriage, helping Lu Dezhen, the head of the Lu family, to lift the hanging curtain with respectful manners.

Then, the Lu family members surrounded Lu Dezhen and arrived at the reed shed that had been erected.

"Where are the Shen family members?" someone asked.

"Are you afraid of fighting?"

Just as everyone was waiting anxiously, someone shouted, "Lady Han and Lady Zheng have arrived."

The ordinary people of Beijing who were watching from outside exchanged glances, most of them revealing smiles that only men could understand.

The two ladies were renowned for their unparalleled beauty, their fame spreading throughout the entire capital. Countless men dreamed of having the stroke of luck to win their favor.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the two carriages, accompanied by a group of exquisitely dressed, handsome young men and beautiful young women, stopped by the roadside.

Some lustful citizens of the capital craned their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the stunning beauty of Lady Han and Lady Zheng.

(End of this chapter)