Wife is hell

Chapter 99 Fairy Miaozhu (7000 words)
No sooner had Madam Yan left than Tang Jinxian rushed in like a gust of wind.

The woman wore an elegant white brocade dress, without any makeup. Her black hair was casually tied into a loose bun, with a few strands hanging messily beside her cheeks, indicating that she had arrived in a hurry.

"Gan Yuanyuan was killed last night!"

She went straight to the point as soon as she entered, her sharp phoenix eyes fixed on Jiang Mu, as if trying to read something from his face.

Jiang Mu was wiping his neck with a handkerchief, only raising an eyebrow:

"Oh, I just found out. Ke Linyue came to see me early this morning, acting all sarcastic and suspicious. She must be doubting me."

Tang Jinxian stepped forward: "I'm asking you, was it you?"

Jiang Mu spread his hands, looking completely serious:
“That’s right, the chief inspector is very discerning. It was me. Last night I infiltrated the post station, fought her for three hundred rounds, and killed her with my own hands.”

"roll."

Tang Jinxian kicked him irritably, her white skirt billowing up. "You can't just make jokes like that!"

She clearly didn't believe Jiang Muzhen would dare to kill a Xuan Envoy.

Seeing that Jiang Mu still looked nonchalant, Tang Jinxian sighed and said seriously:

“Gan Yuanyuan is, after all, the Chief Envoy of the Mysterious Realm, and His Majesty will definitely look into this matter. In addition, she has a godfather who is a eunuch in the palace, so there will inevitably be people interrogating you.”

She paused, then said...
"But don't worry, with me here, they won't dare to do anything to you."

Jiang Mu's eyes crinkled as he was about to thank her when Tang Jinxian changed the subject: "By the way, I've already submitted your appointment application, and it should be approved in about two or three days."

"so slow?"

"What do you think?"

Tang Jinxian rolled her eyes at him, raised her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, revealing her fair earlobe.

“If it were just an ordinary yamen guard, I could decide with a single word. But you are a formally appointed member of the patrol yamen, and you must be approved by the chief commander. That’s the rule.”

She coughed and lowered her voice:
"I've arranged for you to join the Eighth Branch Hall. The head of the Eighth Branch Hall, Xiang Laoyang, is a neutral party. He keeps a low profile and is quite old. He'll retire in three or four months at most."

"You should accumulate merits first, and once he retires, you can naturally take his place."

Good grief, you're trying to give me a shortcut, aren't you?

Although Jiang Mu didn't know much about the promotion system in the Patrol Department, he knew that a newcomer like him, who had just joined halfway through his career, would not be able to rise to the position of head without three to five years of hard work.

Tang Jinxian completely let him get in through connections.

Jiang Mu felt a warmth in his heart, chuckled, and joked:
"Master, can't you assign me a position similar to that of Miss Xiuxiu? Just a personal servant, someone who serves you tea and water."

"Warm my ass!"

Tang Jinxian blushed and spat at him, "If you really want to be like Xiuxiu, castrate yourself first, and when you come back I guarantee you'll be my personal maid!"

As the two were chatting and laughing, a slender figure burst in.

It is Shi Yuyuan.

Holding a stack of freshly drawn talismans, she prepared to have Jiang Mu inspect them.

The woman, dressed in a simple long dress that accentuated her exquisite figure, resembled a wisp of mist in the rain of Jiangnan, evoking tenderness at first sight.

This is in stark contrast to Tang Jinxian.

When Tang Jinxian saw this girl next door to Mu Jiang, she couldn't help but recall the day she fed Jiang Mu milk.

Suddenly, my originally bright mood was inexplicably shrouded in gloom, and I felt a bit depressed.

It's like eating an unripe green plum; the sour and astringent feeling spreads through my heart.

She suppressed her displeasure and said in a nonchalant tone, "You all have your business to attend to; I'll head back now."

After that, he turned around and left.

As they stepped out of the courtyard, Jiang Mu suddenly chased after them.

"grown ups!"

Jiang Mu stuffed a few talismans into her hand, "This is for you, the Runyu Talisman, to be used when bathing, it's absolutely effective."

Tang Jinxian, holding the talisman, suddenly asked:
"Does Shiyuju also have it?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Jiang Mu chuckled. "Of course we have them."

"Oh."

Tang Jinxian responded with an "oh".

I also felt that my question was somewhat foolish.

However, the next moment, Jiang Mu suddenly leaned closer and said mysteriously:
"However, yours is different. I drew it myself, and it's ten times better than theirs. I only gave it to you. Don't tell Sister Yu-yan, or she'll accuse me of favoritism again."

Tang Jinxian's beautiful eyes suddenly lit up.

She lowered her head, looking at the talismans in her palm that still carried the warmth of the man's body. The small gloom in her heart was instantly dispelled by a ray of bright sunshine.

A sweet little joy, like melting stream water, bubbled and gurgled.

The sour taste vanished with a "poof".

She gripped the talisman tightly, a smirk involuntarily creeping onto her lips, which she forced back, letting out a soft "humph."
"Who cares?"

With a twist of her slender waist, she turned and left.

The hem of her skirt swirls out tiny waves, like a woman's fluttering heart.

……

Jiang Mu returned to the house and handed another stack of talismans to Shi Yuhua.

Shi Yuhua looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Jiang Mu placed the talisman in her hand and whispered:

"These are for you, painted especially for you. They look better than the others. Don't tell anyone else, especially my boss, or she'll accuse me of favoritism."

The mute girl nodded vigorously.

Her beautiful eyes were curved like two crescent moons, pure and captivating.

-

The next day.

Madam Yan's carriage arrived at the An family's courtyard on time.

Jiang Mu was initially hesitant about whether to wear a mask or something. But then he thought that he had come here to "build his reputation," so wearing a mask was really unnecessary.

Seeing that Jiang Mu was still wearing his usual simple blue robe, Madam Yan couldn't help but smile.
"Young Master Mu is quite carefree; he doesn't even change his clothes for such an occasion."

Jiang Mu laughed and said, "A person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance; I don't play those empty games."

Horse-drawn carriages rumbled through the streets and alleys, with all sorts of vehicles and horses passing by in an endless stream, all heading in the same direction.

The closer you get to Chongtian Temple, the more congested the roads become.

When we arrived at the mountain gate, it was already bustling with people and cars.

Looking at the vast, bustling crowd, Jiang Mu exclaimed, "This scene is even more lively than the Lantern Festival."

Lady Yan gently waved her round fan and explained:

"The Dao Inquiry Gathering is held every three years and is a rare and grand event. Not only do high-ranking officials and nobles flock to it, but even extraordinary people and eccentrics in the martial arts world will not miss it."

Jiang Mu spotted two familiar figures in the crowd.

Zhao Ling and Shi Xueying, the master and apprentice pair.

Shi Xueying was dressed in her usual plain white dress, her temperament as white as snow. Perhaps because she had begun her cultivation, she had an extra touch of freshness about her.

Jiang Mu glanced at it twice and then looked away without saying hello.

To his surprise, the people checking people in front of Chongtian Temple today were not the usual Taoist priests, but a group of female soldiers in golden armor, with red feathers on their helmets and phoenix-tail swords hanging from their waists.

"These are the Imperial Guards escorting Consort Yue to Divine Phoenix Island."

Madam Yan explained in a low voice.

Jiang Mu clicked his tongue in surprise.

He was still hoping to get in by relying on Master Hongyuan's connections, but seeing this situation, he realized just how important Madam Yan's letter was.

After verifying the letter, the two followed the flow of people inside.

The air was filled with the fragrance of perfume, and dignitaries in brocade robes and jade belts mingled shoulder to shoulder, creating a lively scene.

Upon entering the square, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.

In the very center is a huge circular dojo.

The surrounding area is divided into dozens of elegant private rooms by screens and gauze curtains.

Like a cluster of emerald pavilions, they are arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner.

Above, there was a vast, semi-transparent object that provided shade.

Like clouds and mist, the scorching sun was transformed into a gentle, clear glow, illuminating the entire area, making the heat completely imperceptible.

Jiang Mu guessed it might be some kind of spiritual object.

Madam Yan led Jiang Mu to a corner spot, her face apologetic: "My abilities are limited, and I can only get such a remote location. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Young Master Mu."

"You're too kind, Madam. This place is just fine."

Jiang Mu didn't care.

He muttered to himself, "This is just like a concert."

If I had known, I would have gone to Tang Jinxian or that eight-foot-tall lady and asked for a VIP box ticket.

At this moment, the square was already packed with people.

There were elegant Confucian scholars, otherworldly Taoist priests, highly respected monks, and many high-ranking officials and nobles in fine clothes.

The people either talked in hushed tones or closed their eyes to rest.

Those important people who are rarely seen on ordinary days are all here.

Jiang Mu looked around and his gaze was quickly drawn to a special private room.

Outside the private room, several female guards in golden armor stood with their hands on their swords.

The atmosphere was somber and cold.

A fine beaded curtain hung down, obscuring the interior, through which only a figure could be vaguely seen.

Although her true appearance is not visible, she possesses a majestic presence that surpasses all others.

"That must be Consort Yue's imperial carriage."

Jiang Mu thought to himself.

……

Meanwhile, in another private room, also covered by a curtain.

The atmosphere was completely different.

Princess Su Meixin was leaning against a soft couch.

Today she was dressed as a Taoist nun, wearing a lotus crown and a misty blue Taoist robe loosely tied with a silk sash. The collar was slightly open, revealing a large expanse of jade-like skin below her collarbone.

What's most eye-catching is her signature long legs.

Black silk stockings reached up to the knees, with a gold trim around the top that accentuated the subtle indentations of her fair skin.

He was not wearing shoes.

Her ankles were slender and her toes were rounded.

Opposite her, Tang Jinxian was wearing an ordinary apricot-colored traditional Chinese dress with a front opening, without any pearls or hairpins, which only made her bright face appear even more vivid and lively.

Tang Jinxian sat sideways on the edge of the couch.

The curves are full and rounded, like a full moon reflected on silk.

"Here, the list."

Su Meixin yawned and handed a scroll of plain paper to Tang Jinxian.
"The people listed here are all people that Consort Yue has publicly praised, giving them high marks. Three of them are here today: that one, that one, and Wu Jing from Wenhua Mountain..."

She pointed casually.

"Later, as soon as those three go up to discuss the Dao, you go up there. Give them a good thrashing. In front of that woman, Consort Yue, ridicule them."

Tang Jinxian took the list, her face blank with disbelief:

"What grudge do you have against Consort Yue? I remember that Consort Yue has always been aloof and never associated with the other concubines in the palace. Why did she provoke you?"
I don't believe that you've held a grudge for so long just because of that little thing you said before.

"Oh, my Tangtang, please don't ask anymore."

Su Meixin chuckled and stuffed her pair of small feet, wrapped in black stockings, directly into Tang Jinxian's arms.

Anyway, I just don't like her.

Su Meixin smiled like a fox, "As long as you do a good job today, I will reward you handsomely. Tonight... you can do whatever you want with my phoenix bed, how about it?"

The woman's toes rubbed together lightly like playful fish.

When the instep is straightened, the silk at the toe of the sock is stretched to a very thin thickness, and the outline of the toe bone can be vaguely seen.

This raunchy joke made Tang Jinxian blush.

"Pooh!"

She rolled her eyes at Su Meixin and pushed away the mischievous little foot. "I can help you, but there's only one condition."

"I know, I know, it's just that you want me to protect your little male favorite."

Su Meixin then placed the back of her foot against the other person's waist.

Black stockings against an apricot-colored skirt.

Like a piece of ink plum blossom falling on the morning glow.

"Don't worry, I treat him like my godson and will take good care of him."

The eldest princess knows how to flirt.

"What nonsense are you spouting about, calling someone a male favorite or adopted son!"

Tang Jinxian threw a soft pillow in embarrassment and annoyance, but Su Meixin caught it with a smile.

-

Meanwhile, in the private room on the east side, a group of disciples from Wenhua Mountain sat upright.

Among them was Zhao Niansheng, whose Dao heart had been almost shattered by Jiang Mu's arguments.

He still looked somewhat haggard, his face sallow, clearly not yet fully recovered from that blow. This was a stark contrast to his previous high spirits.

Beside Zhao Niansheng sat a refined and scholarly man.

The man was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with a handsome face and a straight back, exuding a refined and scholarly air.

He was Zhao Niansheng's senior brother, Wu Jing.

They are also a newly emerging generation of young leaders in Wenhua Mountain.

Seeing his junior brother's dejected appearance, Wu Jing frowned, somewhat displeased, but ultimately said nothing.

Last time, he was going to Chongtian Temple to discuss Taoism, but he ran into his junior brother who was rushing down the mountain. He heard him rambling on about how "the guy surnamed Mu is too powerful," but at the time he didn't think much of it.

But after listening to his junior brother recount the entire discussion, Wu Jing was completely stunned.

His Dao heart almost shattered as well.

What kind of monster is this?

Without saying a word, he directly submitted a letter of "admission of defeat" to Master Hongyuan, thus saving some face.

After some inquiries, they learned that the person "surnamed Mu" was actually named Mu Qingshan, and was a highly learned assistant specially invited by Master Hongyuan.

For a moment, Wu Jing and the others were filled with despair.

But unexpectedly, news suddenly came that Mu Qingshan had died.

Although the reason is unknown, the person is indeed gone.

Upon hearing this news, Wu Jing and the others felt both regret and relief.

Once people are dead, they naturally stop being afraid.

After the fear of being utterly crushed disappeared, a long-lost confidence returned to their hearts.

I feel like I'm... good again!

Wu Jing, in particular, was praised by Consort Yue in front of the emperor for his policy essay.

Now that Consort Yue is presiding over this Taoist gathering, if he can win the championship and gain favor, the benefits he will receive in the court in the future will be immeasurable.

Wu Jing glanced at everyone, a slight smile playing on his lips.

It seems that today's gathering was destined to be prepared for him.

-

Deep within the forbidden area of ​​Chongtian Temple, in a dark stone chamber.

A copper lamp glowed dimly, its light suppressed by the cold air, appearing as small as a bean.

An old man is playing chess with a woman.

The old man was extremely slovenly, with hair as messy as a chicken coop, a tangled beard, and a shiny, greasy Taoist robe. He looked no different from an old beggar.

The woman opposite him, however, resembled a silhouette of the moon palace.

She wore ordinary coarse cloth clothes, her black hair was casually tied up with a rough wooden hairpin, and her face was covered with a thin veil, revealing only her eyes.

His gaze was so clear it was almost heartless, yet it seemed to conceal all human compassion.

Just sitting there quietly, like a pear blossom in a snowy night, cold and light.

"Snapped!"

The old man dropped a broken piece and laughed:

"I thought that Fairy Miaozhu was coming to attend the Dao Inquiry Conference. I never expected that she would come to play chess with this old man."

That's right, this woman is none other than the famous Fairy Miaozhu.

Lingmiaozhu held a white chess piece between her fingertips, her voice as faint as distant smoke:
"The noise outside the mountain is nothing more than crows cawing in the forest. Of the many officials present, how many understand the true nature of things? The path within the temple is no longer the true path."

The old man stroked his beard and laughed heartily.
"As long as you live in this world, as long as you are human, you will always have selfish desires. You, Ling Miaozhu, are no exception, are you?"

Lingmiaozhu remained silent, focusing solely on the game of chess.

Seeing that she remained silent, the old man sighed, feeling awkward, and scratched his toes, saying:

“I know why you’ve come. You just want to see if that thing in the forbidden area has been snatched away by those brats from the Spirit Cult. Don’t worry, with this old man watching over it, no one can take it away.”

The white piece landed gently, making a crisp sound.

Ling Miaozhu then looked up and changed the subject: "I heard that the remnant soul of the Spirit Sect leader is imprisoned here?"

"fart!"

The old man laughed so hard his beard trembled.
"It's just hearsay. I don't know which bastard spread the rumor. It's probably just to fool those fools in the Spirit Cult and make them come here to die and cause trouble."

He stopped smiling and said seriously:
"Back then, the leader of the Spirit Cult did indeed use a spiritual object to preserve a wisp of his soul. But where that wisp of soul went, no one knows. Or... it may have long since dissipated, who knows?"

Lingmiao Bamboo seemed to be deep in thought

The old man seemed to find it boring, and suddenly called out towards the outside of the stone chamber:
"Xiao San'er!"

A young Taoist boy who looked only eight or nine years old immediately ran in.

"Grandmaster Uncle, is something the matter?"

"Go, go to the outside temple and listen to what those crows are spouting."

The old man waved his hand impatiently, "Come and tell me the interesting content and results. I've been in this dark and gloomy place for over twenty years, it's so boring, I need to relieve my boredom."

"Yes, Grandmaster Uncle!"

The young Taoist boy responded, picked up his whisk, which was taller than a person, and disappeared in a flash.

-

In the dojo.

Madam Yan was patiently introducing the dignitaries and important figures in the room to Jiang Mu.

As the auspicious time arrived, the discussion officially began.

The first topic is "The Theory of Human Nature's Goodness".

It's roughly about deciphering a sentence from a fragment of a book that appears with a spirit, debating the difference between a person's "innate goodness" and "acquired goodness," and which is better.

At the beginning, the participants were all somewhat well-known figures who discussed their ideas and warmed up the atmosphere.

I don't know how others felt, but Jiang Mu was definitely getting sleepy.

However, as time went on, the atmosphere gradually became more lively.

The weight of those taking the stage is increasing.

Everyone quoted classical texts and expressed their opinions, their words sharp and incisive, making the atmosphere increasingly tense, with some even rolling up their sleeves in preparation for a fight.

“Amitabha, if you are unreasonable, this humble monk knows a little bit of martial arts.”

"Unfortunately, I also know a little about martial arts."

"I understand."

"..."

Jiang Mu finally showed some interest and began to watch with great interest.

Unfortunately, the fist and foot techniques were never displayed.

About half an hour later, a middle-aged man with an extraordinary demeanor refuted several opponents in succession with a eloquent and unrestrained argument, dominating the entire scene.

For a brief period, a vacuum was created, and no one dared to step onto the field again.

Just as the man's face lit up with smugness, a clear, melodious yet slightly cold female voice rang out:
"I cannot agree with what you have said."

Jiang Mu suddenly shuddered.

This sound...

The man turned his head to look.

A beautiful figure is hidden behind the curtain, like a lotus flower in the snow.

Then, a figure in an apricot-colored skirt gracefully appeared as it fluttered in the breeze.

Big gummy candy!
Jiang Mu was dumbfounded when he saw Tang Jinxian suddenly appear in battle.

"What's going on? She's participating in this too?"

"You should have said so earlier, my goodness! If you're coming, at least take me with you. What am I supposed to see sitting in the back?"

The middle-aged man was taken aback, then chuckled inwardly: "A woman's limited knowledge, yet she dares to discuss philosophy?"

Tang Jinxian remained expressionless, her wide sleeves fluttering slightly as she knelt on the prayer mat. Her ample breasts stretched the fabric of her skirt taut, revealing the warm contours of her thighs beneath.

"Jinxian, I would like to ask for your guidance."

-

Inside the forbidden stone chamber.

On the chessboard, the black and white pieces are locked in a stalemate.

The disheveled old man absentmindedly placed his pieces while listening to the occasional reports from the young Taoist boy outside the door, yawning incessantly.

"Oh, girl."

The old man ruffled his messy hair and smiled at Ling Miaozhu:

“You were right not to go. Listen to that, it’s all a bunch of idiots talking nonsense. It almost puts this old man to sleep. There’s nothing new about it.”

Ling Miaozhu remained silent, focusing intently on the chessboard.

The lamplight reflected in her pupils, clear and cold as water.

Before long, the young Taoist boy came running in again, excitedly shouting, "Grandmaster Uncle, it's a change of personnel! It's the new Magistrate Tang from the Patrol Office!"

"Tang Jinxian?"

The old man's expression suddenly turned strange.

He chuckled mischievously, glancing at the aloof woman before him:
“Girl, I heard that at the Dao Inquiry Conference three years ago, you ridiculed that girl and said some really nasty things. As a result, that girl never participated in any poetry and literary gatherings again.”

Ling Miaozhu was still looking at the chessboard, but she paused in her movement of placing a piece, and then spoke coldly:
"His talent is superficial; it is merely a beautiful exterior with nothing inside."

"Hahaha……"

The old man slapped his thigh and laughed loudly, "I think you're just being selfish and making things difficult for her."

After all, she was the only person who ever made you cry when you were little. Even though she doesn't remember it anymore, you really hold a grudge, don't you?

The woman's eyes remained unwavering; she simply raised her hand, picked up a new coin, and said in a calm voice:

"Those who hold different views should not engage in unwarranted discussions."

The old man stopped laughing and asked curiously, "Then who do you think will ultimately win this Daoist competition?"

Lingmiaozhu countered:
Do you think people are inherently good, or are they good through their own actions?

"Stop!"

The old man quickly waved his hand, "I won't argue with you. I can't win against you."

Lingmiaozhu's clear eyes drifted into the endless darkness outside the stone chamber, a hint of confusion in them: "I feel... this path should never be like this."

-

Above the dojo.

The scorching sunlight was filtered into a soft white by the dome, falling on the woman as if she were plated with a thin layer of gold.

Tang Jinxian sat upright on a futon, her apricot-colored ruqun skirt spreading out like a quiet lotus flower.

His expression was serene.

The man opposite him was already drenched in sweat.

Tang Jinxian lived up to her reputation as a talented woman; with just a few words, she seized upon several flaws in the other party's argument.

After several exchanges, the middle-aged man was drenched in sweat and speechless. In the end, he could only awkwardly fold his hands in defeat and slink away.

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

Several self-important scholars, seeing a woman so eloquent, stepped forward to challenge her.

As a result, they all returned empty-handed.

Among them were two people whom Consort Yue had once praised.

To save face for her best friend Su Meixin, Tang Jinxian went all out, showing no mercy, and refuted the two of them until they were red in the face and almost wanted to cover their faces and leave.

The young girl, Shi Xueying, watched with shining eyes, secretly admiring the sight.

"This Lord Tang is truly remarkable."

Although she had met Tang Jinxian before, she only thought that the other party was a high-ranking female official.

Unexpectedly, her talent was also astonishing.

She's practically the idol of every young girl's dreams.

Seeing Tang Jinxian's winning streak and her momentum soaring, some respected elders couldn't sit still and hesitated whether to personally step in and dampen her spirits.

Just then, Wu Jing from Wenhua Mountain finally couldn't hold back any longer and came out.

He approached Tang Jinxian and bowed deeply in greeting.

"Wu Jing, a disciple of Wenhua Mountain, greets Lord Tang."

Wu Jing spoke in a clear and melodious voice, with a humble attitude: "I have long admired Lord Tang's brilliant talent, and seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved. I am but a humble student, and have come here to seek your guidance."

Seeing this, Tang Jinxian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The third target my best friend mentioned has finally appeared.

She was actually tired too.

After a series of debates, I was highly focused and had no interest in these things; I just wanted to finish the task and leave as soon as possible.

"Young Master Wu, you're too kind. Please."

"please."

The two began to discuss philosophy.

At first, Tang Jinxian was able to handle the situation with ease. With her extensive knowledge and quick thinking, she was evenly matched with Wu Jing.

However, as the debate progressed, Tang Jinxian gradually found it difficult.

This Wu Jing is far more capable than she imagined.

He appears humble, but in reality he possesses profound knowledge, rigorous logic, and sharp wit.

Every rebuttal hits the nail on the head.

For any point I put forward, the other party always manages to deliver the most incisive rebuttal in a subtle and pervasive way.

Tang Jinxian had to be on her guard.

No matter how hard she tried, she could never find the other party's weakness.

After a heated exchange, the woman's forehead was covered in sweat, and her head was buzzing. Her arguments were also unconsciously starting to lack logic.

Tang Jinxian began to feel anxious.

The more anxious you are, the more chaotic your mind becomes.

Sweat dripped from the woman's cheeks, slipping into her clothes and causing her collar to heave.

Everyone could see that Tang Jinxian was going to lose.

Inside the cubicle, Su Meixin watched this scene and sighed helplessly:
"Sigh, Wu Jing truly lives up to his reputation as the leader of the younger generation at Wenhua Mountain. It's really tough on Tangtang to deal with him."

Just as Su Meixin was about to make Tang Jinxian admit defeat, a clear voice suddenly rang out from a corner of the Daoist Association:
"What Young Master Wu says is utter nonsense!"

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(End of this chapter)