At this moment, the entire scene was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. After a few breaths, immense shock and astonishment exploded in everyone’s hearts, followed by a tidal wave of discussions.
This uproar far exceeded any previous ones.
The military book that had convinced the arrogant and domineering Pei Man Xilou, the book that made the great scholar Zhang Shen exclaim in admiration, turned out not to be from Xu Xinnian’s hand, but from that person whose name had almost become taboo…
The former Silver Constable Xu Qi’an had authored it.
“It’s a military book authored by Xu Yinluo. How… how is this possible… He’s not even a scholar.”
“Xu Yinluo, he’s just a martial artist…”
Although Xu Qi’an no longer held office, people still habitually referred to him as Xu Yinluo.
The Imperial Academy students erupted in discussion, each voicing their views and opinions, no longer mindful of the occasion.
Most people found it absurd and unbelievable. It wasn’t that they looked down on Xu Qi’an, but the thing itself was unreasonable, shocking, confusing, and bewildering.
At this time, an Imperial Academy student spoke loudly:
“Don’t forget, Xu Yinluo is the poetry champion. Who could have imagined back then that he would create one stunning masterpiece after another?”
His words immediately gained agreement from other students, who shouted as if trying to convince their skeptical classmates:
“Xu Yinluo may not be a scholar, but if he can write poetry, why can’t he write about military strategy? Besides, have you forgotten? Xu Yinluo has been on the battlefield. That day in Yun Prefecture, he single-handedly held off eight thousand rebel troops until he was exhausted and died.”
Hearing this, other students suddenly realized, that’s right, Xu Yinluo wasn’t inexperienced in battle. In Yun Prefecture, he had single-handedly held off thousands of rebel troops.
“Xu Yinluo is truly an unparalleled genius.”
“Indeed, Xu Yinluo isn’t a scholar, which further proves his stunning talent. He’s a rare genius in this world.”
“Damn it, why did such a person choose the martial path? That Xu… is inhuman!”
For a time, praise for Xu Yinluo from the Imperial Academy students was overwhelming.
Some students who had been feeling frustrated for a long time even shouted provocatively:
“Pei Man Xilou, you say you’re self-taught. Well, coincidentally, our Xu Yinluo is also self-taught. I have to admit, you’re very talented, but there’s always someone better. Our Great Feng’s Xu Yinluo is a mountain you can never surpass.”
Everyone immediately echoed this sentiment.
Pei Man Xilou remained expressionless, speechless.
The vertical-pupil youth clenched his fists, his facial muscles twitching, looking as if he wanted to go on a killing spree but was desperately holding back.
He was nearly driven mad with anger. The situation had been so favorable, everything had gone according to Brother Pei Man’s plan. Except for a few highly respected famous scholars who couldn’t step in, none of the contemporary scholars were a match for Brother Pei Man.
A Xu Qi’an, known by name but never seen, had foiled Brother Pei Man’s plan, making all their efforts come to nothing.
Huang Xian’er bit her lip, her charming eyes rippling, lost in thought about something.
So it was his elder brother’s military book. For Xu Da Lang to give such an extraordinary book to him, the brotherly affection must be deeper than I imagined… After her initial shock, Wang Simu didn’t feel disappointed. She was both moved and gratified by the affection between Er Lang and his elder brother.
Relying solely on Xu Er Lang’s abilities, he seemed somewhat lacking in her father’s eyes. But if he had an elder brother who could support him to the best of his ability behind him, her father wouldn’t look down on Er Lang.
Thinking of this, she secretly glanced at her father. Sure enough, Prime Minister Wang was gazing deeply at Xu Er Lang.
Wang Simu was secretly delighted. Moreover, with today’s events at the literary gathering, Er Lang’s reputation would also rise.
For a moment, Huai Qing couldn’t help but want to turn her head to look at a certain guard behind her, but she controlled her impulse, keeping her neck stiff and maintaining her sitting posture.
Her curiosity fermented within. Does he understand the military strategy? Authored a military book? Since knowing him, she had never seen him express any views on military strategy. Was it authored by Duke Wei? Passed through his hands to Xu Er Lang…
The clever eldest princess associated more. She suspected that this military book was authored by Wei Yuan.
Huai Qing pursed her lips, her gaze immediately falling on the military book in Zhang Shen’s hands. Those eyes, as cold as autumn water, rarely burned with such heat and desire for knowledge.
It’s a book written by the dog slave… Biaobiao smiled like a flower, her oval face radiant and charming. Xu Er Lang’s moment in the spotlight only made her feel relieved, finally, someone could suppress this arrogant barbarian. Beyond that, she had no further emotional response.
Suddenly hearing that the military book was written by Xu Qi’an, Biaobiao became excited, her heart blossoming with joy, pride, and delight. If not for the inappropriate occasion, she would have been like a fluttering sparrow, chirping and clinging to Xu Qi’an.
The Grand Tutor smiled with satisfaction, his old face beaming: “Our Great Feng is rich in talent, we still have juniors who can amaze us.”
Having said this, he looked at the statue-like Zhang Shen and said in a deep voice: “Zhang Jinyan, let me see that military book.”
Zhang Shen came to his senses and sent the book through the air to the Grand Tutor’s hands.
The Grand Tutor, leaning on his cane, turned back to sit behind his desk. Squinting his somewhat dim old eyes, he browsed through the military book.
In less than half an hour, having only finished the first two chapters, the Grand Tutor suddenly closed the book with a “bang”, his hands trembling slightly with excitement. He said in a deep voice:
“This book must not be circulated, must not be copied by the barbarians. This is our Great Feng’s military book, it absolutely cannot be leaked to outsiders.”
This…
At once, the nobles and military officers, the Imperial Academy students, the top students from the Hanlin Academy, and of course, Huai Qing and others, looked at the military book in the Grand Tutor’s hands with increasing envy and desire.
…
A young eunuch ran frantically to the door of the bedchamber, his eyes gleaming brightly. Instead of lowering his head as usual, he kept trying to look inside.
It showed his inner impatience and excitement.
The old eunuch looked somewhat nervously at Emperor Yuanjing, who was meditating with closed eyes, and quietly retreated to the outside of the bedchamber. Frowning, he asked, “What’s the matter?”
The young eunuch whispered a few words.
The old eunuch’s eyes suddenly widened, his expression extremely complex. He lowered his head and returned to Emperor Yuanjing’s side, saying softly, “Your Majesty, this old servant… this old servant has something to report.”
Emperor Yuanjing didn’t open his eyes, simply grunting an “Mm,” appearing uninterested.
“There’s a new development at the literary gathering. After Zhang Shen admitted defeat, Xu Xinnian, a Hanlin Academy scholar, stepped forward, wishing to discuss military strategy with Pei Man Xilou…”
Emperor Yuanjing opened his eyes.
The old eunuch continued, “Pei Man Xilou willingly acknowledged inferiority.”
Emperor Yuanjing showed an extremely surprised expression. After pondering for a few seconds, he said slowly:
“That Xu Xinnian is Zhang Shen’s disciple, majoring in military strategy. I didn’t expect he would have such attainments, it’s commendable. Although this young man is Xu Qi’an’s cousin, he is also a Hanlin Academy scholar. His victory over Pei Man Xilou is acceptable.”
Xu Qi’an had voluntarily resigned, but subsequently, Emperor Yuanjing had also issued an edict stripping him of his titles and positions, expelling him from the court.
Xu Xinnian was that fellow’s cousin. Now that he had defeated Pei Man Xilou, when others discussed him, they would inevitably mention the equally talented Xu Qi’an, and then criticize him for “persecuting” loyal officials.
This was the only negative aspect.
However, Xu Xinnian’s position as a Hanlin Academy scholar was his imperial appointment, and his talent was recognized by his discerning eye, so it wasn’t a big problem.
Overall, Emperor Yuanjing was quite gratified. Compared to those rumors, losing to Pei Man Xilou would have been truly humiliating.
The court would lose face, and he, as the ruler of the country, would lose face too.
As an emperor, two things were most important: power and image.
The gloom between Emperor Yuanjing’s brows dissipated, and a faint smile appeared on his face. He said, “Tell me the details of the process. I want to know how he defeated Pei Man Xilou.”
The old eunuch hesitated, then silently stepped back a few paces before lowering his head and saying, “Scholar Xu Xinnian took out a military book. After reading it, Pei Man Xilou was utterly convinced and willingly admitted defeat.”
“A military book?”
This was unexpected for Emperor Yuanjing. He said in surprise, “What military book?”
Even Zhang Shen from Cloud Deer Academy had admitted that his “Six Treatises on Military Strategy” was inferior to Pei Man Xilou’s, and those military books compiled by the Hanlin Academy were just old wine in new bottles.
The old eunuch swallowed and said, “That military book is called ‘Sun Tzu’s Art of War’, it’s… it’s… authored by Xu Qi’an.”
After saying this, he heard rapid breathing from inside the bedchamber.
Even without raising his head, he could imagine how ugly His Majesty’s face must be right now.
A few seconds later, Emperor Yuanjing’s voice, devoid of emotion, came: “Get out!”
The old eunuch felt relieved in his heart. Keeping his head down, he left the bedchamber like he was fleeing. Behind him came the sound of utensils and vases being smashed.
The court didn’t lose face, but this time, His Majesty lost face big time… the old eunuch sighed.
It was easy to imagine how the people of the capital would talk about His Majesty. The emperor not only persecuted loyal officials for his private interests but now the scholars of the capital had been suppressed by a barbarian. In the end, it was the person expelled from officialdom by the emperor who turned the tide.
The dignified ruler of a country had become a laughingstock. No wonder His Majesty was so furious.
…
The literary gathering ended, and the military book didn’t return to Xu Xinnian’s hands in the end but was “forcefully taken” by the Grand Tutor.
The nobles, military officers, and scholars present had strong opinions about this but didn’t dare to openly defy this highly respected elder of the Confucian forest.
Even Huai Qing didn’t dare, so she left somewhat unhappily, taking her guards directly to Huai Qing Manor.
As various parties dispersed, on the demon-barbarian side, Pei Man Xilou’s expression was somewhat solemn, and Huang Xian’er had also put away her coquettish demeanor, her pretty face as if covered in frost.
Not to mention the impulsive and violent vertical-pupiled youth.
After the three got into the carriage, no one spoke. In the suffocating atmosphere, Huang Xian’er took the initiative to break the silence, asking:
“Do you have any other plans?”
Pei Man Xilou remained expressionless, thinking for a few seconds before saying calmly:
“Although we lost the literary gathering, and my reputation couldn’t advance further, even suffering a considerable blow, the Great Feng officials won’t ignore me because of this. There is still some effect, it’s just that that Xu Yinluo intervened, and all the subsequent plans have fallen through.”
He sighed deeply: “This man is of stunning talent, I can’t help but admire him. Before I admired his poetic talent, admired his gift, and envied his reputation, but after today, I have a deep sense of awe towards him, even fear.
“Fortunately, he doesn’t get along with the Great Feng emperor. No, fortunately, he and the Great Feng emperor are mortal enemies. Otherwise, if he were to command troops in the future, our Divine Tribe would be in danger.”
Huang Xian’er smiled charmingly: “I think the same, so I plan to send a few beautiful women with good looks.”
Pei Man Xilou shook his head: “Would he lack women?”
Huang Xian’er sighed lightly, intentionally or unintentionally revealing her long legs, her delicate hand lightly stroking her chest, saying coquettishly: “Then I’ll go personally, that should be enough, right?”
Pei Man Xilou smiled: “I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”
After a pause, he said: “No rush, let’s continue to network these few days, try to win over some Great Feng officials, salvage as much of the losses as possible. After the negotiations are over, we’ll visit this legendary figure together. Xuan Yin, you can’t go.”
The vertical-pupil youth was unwilling, urgently asking: “Why?”
Pei Man Xilou sneered: “Xu Qi’an is an out-and-out martial artist. You speak without restraint, if you anger him, he’s very likely to kill you on the spot.”
The vertical-pupiled youth glared, “He dares! We’re on a diplomatic mission, if he dares to kill a member of the diplomatic mission, the Great Feng court won’t let him off.”
Killing a member of a diplomatic mission would mean a rupture between the two countries. Under the current circumstances of jointly resisting the Shaman Religion, the Great Feng court wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen.
Huang Xian’er poked Xuan Yin’s head, smiling: “He even dared to kill a duke, if you’re not afraid of death, we won’t stop you. Weigh your importance.
“Lord Zhu Jiu sent you here to gain experience because he has expectations for you, but if you die here, the old man won’t care.”
The demon race has always been cruel when it comes to training their juniors, and Zhu Jiu, being a snake, is particularly cold-blooded.
If you can grow up, you’ll be strongly cultivated. If you die, it means you weren’t good enough.
Survival of the fittest, the law of survival.
…
Huai Qing Manor.
After returning to the manor, Huai Qing dismissed the palace maids and guards, leaving only Biaobiao and Xu Qi’an in the reception hall.
“It was indeed you, I looked for half a day and couldn’t find you. If you hadn’t entered the pavilion, I wouldn’t have dared to confirm your identity.”
Biaobiao happily pulled Xu Qi’an to sit down, wanting to sit with him.
Princess, we can’t sit together, it’s too improper… Also, my face from my previous life was handsome enough to shock the party, yet you didn’t recognize me at first sight. Your face blindness is quite severe.
Just as Xu Qi’an thought this, he heard Biaobiao say admiringly: “You’re so clever, disguising yourself as such an ordinary man. One glance and you’re forgotten, no one would notice you at all.”
Xu Qi’an looked at her expressionlessly, then silently moved to sit at another table.
Biaobiao widened her watery peach blossom eyes, looking aggrieved.
“The military book was written by Duke Wei, using your hand to suppress Pei Man Xilou?” Huai Qing drank her tea, glancing at her foolish sister who was increasingly unable to control her emotions.
“Yes!” Xu Qi’an nodded with a smile.
Huai Qing nodded slightly. This made sense. In her knowledge, among contemporary figures, only Wei Yuan could write a military book that could convince Pei Man Xilou, make Zhang Shen marvel, and excite the Grand Tutor so much.
The military book was written by Wei Yuan… Biaobiao felt a bit disappointed. In her mind, the dog slave was capable of anything.
“I suppose you don’t remember what’s written in the military book,” Huai Qing asked.
“I don’t remember,” Xu Qi’an shook his head.
Huai Qing nodded disappointedly. Although she would be able to see the book eventually, as a lover of good books, she didn’t want to wait.
Never mind, I’ll go see Duke Wei later… Huai Qing thought.
After some casual chat, Xu Qi’an took his leave.
Biaobiao followed him out. Once they left Huai Qing Manor, her eyes fixed intently on Xu Qi’an: “The military book, was it written by Wei Yuan?”