155 The Great Ganwuju and the Princess Returning to the South
"Your Majesty, this martial arts..." Xia Hai seemed to be hesitant when he heard this.
The martial arts examination is completely different from the imperial examination of Daqian.
The imperial examination was something that the emperors of the Daqian dynasty tried their best to promote, but it could not be absolutely fair. Favoritism and fraud were endless, and the children of aristocratic families accounted for most of the Jinshi rankings.
And martial arts has long been reduced to a tool used by the emperor to appease aristocratic families.
Since ancient times, "the poor in literature and rich in martial arts", not everyone can practice martial arts.
The word "martial arts" sounds extremely simple, but just an iron sword made of ordinary materials is enough to feed an ordinary family for several days.
Not to mention the expensive and rare skills, the drugs needed to assist, and the guidance knowledge required for various martial arts.
The one with the most number in the world is Guizhou(1).
Just surviving alone is already taxing enough for Qian Shou, and he has no extra financial resources or energy to practice expensive martial arts.
The Daqian martial arts competition takes place once every four years.
Although nominally any martial artist over the age of fifteen and under thirty can participate, in fact, martial arts has long been regarded as a "game" among the young heroes of the Jinling family.
Even privately, countless people refer to Da Gan's martial arts competition as a "martial arts competition" between aristocratic families.
Ordinary warriors are not qualified to participate at all.
Not to mention those from poor families (2) are not eligible, even ordinary wealthy people are not eligible to participate.
Xia Hai, a deputy commander-in-chief of the Jinyi Division who climbed up from the bottom of the patrol, even though he holds a high position, he is still a member of a poor family who is not looked down upon by the Jinling family.
His apprentice, in the eyes of the Jinling family, is naturally not qualified to participate in martial arts.
…
Seeing Xia Hai being in trouble for a moment, Zhao Purui felt very relaxed. He was very at ease and said directly -
"Don't worry, Xia Hai. It's just a martial arts competition. Is it possible..."
Zhao Purui originally spoke kindly and gently, but in the second half of the sentence, his words suddenly became dark and serious, even with a hint of murderous intent, "...will I still kill you?!"
The pressure from the emperor made Xia Hai breathless for a while.
Natsumi is also a mid-sixth level warrior and can be considered an absolute master.
But facing Zhao Purui at this moment, he was frightened and couldn't help but kneel down and worship him more respectfully...
Xia Hai seemed to understand what Zhao Purui meant - the emperor needed a solitary minister. Since he had always claimed to be loyal only to his majesty, he had to completely break away from the aristocratic families in Jinling.
Breaking the hidden rules of martial arts is the first step.
Moreover, the emperor should no longer be able to tolerate aristocratic families using martial arts as a tool to obtain fame and titles for their family's descendants.
only……
Xia Hai himself didn't care about this, but he really didn't want his two juniors to get involved.
After many thoughts, Xia Hai finally had no choice but to bow respectfully.
The old emperor Zhao Purui was very satisfied, and his words once again became kind and gentle, "What are the names of your two disciples?"
"They are Wei Chen's adopted son, Ren Yi, and his daughter, Xia Jingjing."
"How is the strength?"
"The strength of my adopted son Ren Yi is in the middle stage of the fifth level warrior. My daughter Xia Jingjing is slightly weaker, but she is also in the late stage of the fourth level warrior."
"Well." Zhao Purui seemed very satisfied, "...with this strength, he should be able to win the number one and second place in this year's martial arts exam, right?"
"...We have to find a way to find another third-rate flower."
"...Otherwise, the three-legged cat kung fu of those young masters from aristocratic families really can't stop my nephew Wulu."
Xia Hai listened quietly.
The emperor's words sounded like he was talking to himself...
Xia Hai suddenly didn't quite understand the meaning of the emperor's words.
"Your Majesty does not want to completely separate himself from the aristocratic families and become a lonely and loyal minister.
Then take the opportunity to gradually take back martial arts from the noble family?"
Xia Hai secretly thought, "...What does this have to do with Prince Zhenbei?"
The old emperor Zhao Purui didn't seem to say anything more to Xia Hai. He gave some minor instructions, saying that the Jinyi Division would be entrusted to Xia Hai in the future, and then asked Xia Hai to bow and retire.
Until later.
Xia Hai left the palace and said this to Xia Jingjing and Ren Yi at night.
Suddenly, from the mouths of Xia Jingjing and Xia Jingjing, I heard about a major event that had already caused trouble in Jinling City today, a bet between Princess Taiping and the Prince of Zhenbei——
At noon today, Taiping Princess Zhao Lingxin, dressed in a bright red riding uniform, stood in front of the gate of Yan's Mansion, in front of the Yan family and the people of Jinling, to gamble with the Prince of Zhenbei.
"If you, Yan Wulu, can enter the top three in the martial arts competition, I, Zhao Lingxin, will bow down, get engaged today, and go to the North with you. But if you can't enter, then you must respect me and follow me.
I live in the palace."
Xia Hai suddenly realized.
He was a little disappointed——
It turns out that Your Majesty just wants my adopted son and daughter to help his daughter win this bet...
…
Night falls.
The martial arts masters at the Royal Palace School's martial arts field are currently packing up the practice weapons in the school's martial arts field, practicing wooden figures, sword stakes, archery targets and other equipment.
A young martial artist raised the archery target that was as tall as himself.
However, he discovered that the very center of the target had been shot into the air.
"Penetrated by an arrow?"
The young martial artist is also well versed in martial arts, and he can see the traces of this kind of arrow target at a glance.
He was very curious. The thickness of this archery target was no thinner than his own.
Anyone who can pierce this target with an arrow must also be able to pierce his chest with an arrow.
To this level, at least an ordinary entry-level warrior must be lucky enough to pull the bow to a full circle and shoot an arrow with all his strength to be able to accomplish it.
But today...
It seems that His Majesty is the only one who has come to this school to practice archery, right?
…
…
The next day.
Inside the Yan Mansion.
After Yan Nangui was in a coma for a whole day and night, he woke up and found that he was already lying safely on a comfortable bed.
The surroundings are quiet and warm, gorgeous but not obtrusive.
There is quite a sense of ancient literary style among the various decorations, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
"I'm... not dead yet?"
Yan Nangui said to himself in confusion.
He struggled to get up.
He tried to put on the clothes on the side and walked out of the room.
But after just taking a few steps, I felt weak.
Yan Nangui looked back at the Dantian in his body and found that the inner elixir he had practiced for more than 20 years had now degenerated into a hollow whirlpool of internal energy...
The original strength of a mid-level fifth-level warrior is now only that of a first- and second-level warrior.
Yan Nangui smiled helplessly...
However, he was able to save his life. It seemed that it was the Prince of Zhenbei who did it.
"You're awake."
A male voice, like the gentle playing of a guzheng, came from outside the door.
The geese returning to the south raised their heads upon hearing the sound.
It was Yan Wulu, the prince of Zhenbei.
Yan Wulu walked into the house in a few steps and sat on the main seat on one side.
The servant behind him helped Yan Nangui to sit up on the bed.
"...You have now eliminated the hidden weapon toxins in your body, as well as the short-lived curse of the demons that you received when you were young. The internal organs that were impacted by Zhao Lingcheng's fighting spirit have also been completely healed."
"...You are out of danger, but you still need to rest."
"...So, during this period, stay here in Yan Mansion and don't move around."
Yan Wulu said calmly.
He seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and couldn't help but add with some evil humor: "...I will take the time to go out and buy you some oranges."
"Green Gourd Sword Fairy"
While talking, Yan Wulu felt that he had taken advantage of the other person and was very satisfied.
He picked up the celadon tea cup with a long eucalyptus on one side, placed it in front of him, lifted the lid and sniffed, feeling the fragrance of the tea.
Although, Yan Wulu didn't think that the other party would know the true meaning of what he just said...
Yan Nangui's originally haggard face showed a hint of excitement after hearing the words "Devil's short-lived curse".
"Has the demon curse also been removed?"
Yan Nangui said, while extending his right hand.
On it, the pattern representing the lifeline has been greatly extended at this moment...
Yan Nangui once fought with a descendant of the demon clan when he was young. He was cursed with a short-lived life and was destined not to live past the age of twenty-five.
The extremely short lifeline on the palm of his hand reminded him of this curse all the time.
And Yan Nangui will turn twenty-five this year...
There was not much time, so he had to rush to assassinate Jin King Zhao Lingcheng at such an extremely unfavorable and incomplete time.
Because he has no time to wait any longer...
He must avenge Dongyue Kingdom and Princess Nangui.
"Gui Nan, thank you so much, Your Majesty, for saving me."
"It's a small thing. I've taken more than twenty years of your skills and given you your life. It's considered an equal deal."
Yan Nangui could not hide his joy at this moment...
For him, if his skill is gone, he can still practice again.
But if your life is gone, you really have nothing.
As long as you are alive, whether it is revenge or something else, there are still infinite possibilities and opportunities.
From the bottom of his heart, he was full of gratitude for the Prince of Zhenbei...
It gave him, who was destined to die as a shadow, the possibility of looking into the future.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Highness, but I don't dare bother Your Highness with such a small matter as buying oranges."
"Forehead……"
Yan Wulu was a little speechless. He just felt that the atmosphere at that time had reached this point, so he was just playing a joke and taking advantage.
This guy really doesn't understand anything.
But that's normal. He doesn't know Mr. Zhu's prose.
Yan Wulu put the tea in the cup to his mouth and took a sip.
Yannan returned and was still overjoyed.
Yan Wulu's eyes were actually always focused on Yan Nangui, and he could naturally tell the other person's mood at the moment at a glance.
...Very good, it seems that there will be no adverse action against me.
Yan Wulu initially felt confident. He waved his hand slightly, and the servants of the Yan Mansion who followed him immediately retreated.
"Then now..."
Yan Wulu put down the celadon tea cup, looked at Yan Nangui and continued: "... Mr. Yan, can you tell me about your origin and background."
"...It will also be easier for me to make subsequent decisions about you."
"Of course you can."
Yan Nangui agreed.
He paused. Although his status was extremely special, if he thought about it, if the other party intended to hurt him at this moment, he would have no resistance at all.
"...Actually, I have talked about my identity to His Highness the Crown Prince before."
"...I am the royal guard chief of Dongyue Kingdom, and also...the shadow of Princess Nangui."
…
The wild geese return south.
This is actually not the name of the person in front of me.
The surname Yan was the most common surname in former East Vietnam.
Moreover, the seventh princess in the former East Vietnamese royal family was titled "Nangui" and was called "Princess Nangui".
The person in front of me is the shadow of Princess Nangui.
His role is to protect the safety of the princess and practice the "Nine Phoenix Spiritual Sutra". When the princess and Ji reach adulthood, he will use the last "wedding dress" in the "Nine Phoenix Spiritual Sutra" to transfer his skills to the princess.
"Nine Phoenix Spiritual Sutra" is one of the "Three Treasures of the Kingdom" of Dongyue Kingdom.
Almost every important royal member of Dongyue Kingdom has a shadow.
They all practice the "Nine Phoenix Spiritual Sutra" and transfer their skills to the royal family when the royal family members reach adulthood.
The conditions for practicing the "Nine Phoenix Spiritual Scripture" are harsh, and candidates suitable for practicing this technique are extremely rare. Moreover, they must practice it since childhood in order to achieve success.
Otherwise, it will be difficult to improve one’s skills during practice. Even the loss during the transfer of skills may not be enough.
Moreover, a person can only practice the "Nine Phoenix Spiritual Sutra" once. After passing on the skills, practicing again is the same as practicing in the middle.
Therefore, even if we search the entire Dongyue Kingdom, we can only gather a few Miaomiao people.
They will all be regarded as the shadows of the most important people in the East Vietnamese royal family.
And the person in front of me was the shadow chosen to become Princess Nangui.
Princess Nangui is the seventh child of the former King of Dongyue Kingdom. She is kind-hearted and beautiful.
It is said that every subject of the Dongyue Kingdom who has seen Princess Nangui, uukanshu.com www.uukanshu.com, regardless of gender, old or young, will feel as if they have seen a fairy descending to earth, and feel as if they are bathed in the spring breeze.
There is also a legend that back then, when the Dongyue Kingdom was threatened by an enemy country, Princess Nangui retreated in a dance.
Princess Nangui was therefore praised as "the first of the three treasures of the Dongyue Kingdom".
Princess Nangui is kind-hearted, and she is the only one who treats the people in front of her as friends, unlike other royal families who regard shadows as their own "internal elixirs".
Back then, when Princess Nangui and Ji came of age, the person in front of her wanted to teach her the kung fu, but Princess Nangui refused.
Princess Nangui knew how painful it was for a warrior to transfer the inner strength he had cultivated for half his life to others. She didn't want to see the person in front of her in such pain, and she didn't want to do it either.
Shadow froze on the spot for a moment, his words choked with sobs, and he couldn't say a word for a long time.
In the end, it was Princess Nangui who gently touched his shoulder and restored his freedom. He could serve as his bodyguard and friend as a free man, not as a shadow.
At that time, Princess Nangui was still thinking with him about what kind of name to choose...
At that time, only the surname "Yan" was confirmed.
But that's where it ends.
A huge rebellion suddenly broke out within East Vietnam.
The royal army failed to suppress it effectively, and the King of Dongyue once mobilized all the fighting forces in the palace to go out, including the shadows.
However, the rebels were still unable to be put down.
Behind the rebels, there seems to be support from a behemoth force.
…
(1), Qianshou. Refers to common people and civilians.
(2), Hanmen. In ancient times, Hanmen, during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, referred to families with lower status and influence. Later, it generally referred to families with poor family backgrounds, and this work will always take the latter meaning.
