Meanwhile, the Tianji Old Man’s storytelling had concluded, and the discussions gradually died down.
Tang Bohu glanced at Wang Shouren and smiled, “Bo An, are you also taking the imperial examination?”
Wang Shouren smiled helplessly, “I didn’t want to come, but my father insisted that I get an official title.”
At this time, Wang Shouren had already made a grand vow: he would definitely become a sage in this life.
In recent years, he had neglected his studies, discussing the path to sainthood with people everywhere, and had no interest in official titles.
But his father, Wang Hua, had once been a Zhuangyuan (top scholar), so how could he tolerate his son’s behavior?
According to historical development, Wang Shouren, having neglected his studies in recent years, did not pass his first imperial examination.
He then studied diligently for two more years before passing the Jinshi examination.
His true rise came after Liu Jin demoted him to Longchang to be an Yi Cheng .
Wang Shouren achieved enlightenment in Longchang, founded the School of Mind, and became one of the few sages throughout history.
Now that Liu Jin was dead, would Wang Shouren’s destiny take a different turn?
Tang Bohu said, “With Bo An’s talent, you will surely pass with high marks this time.”
“Brother Bohu, those words aren’t from your heart, are they?”
“You also know that I haven’t studied much in recent years, so how could I pass with high marks this time?”
“On the contrary, Brother Bohu, this special imperial examination was set up specifically for you by the imperial court. When the imperial announcement is made in a few days, you will surely be the top scholar of this examination!”
Tang Bohu smiled, “It’s just an empty title.”
He was very confident in his talent, and furthermore, this special examination was decreed by the emperor specifically for him.
How would those examination officials dare to defy the emperor’s wishes?
If he wasn’t the top scholar, wouldn’t it imply that the emperor was blind and had set up a special examination for such a person?
Therefore, all the scholars taking the examination knew very well that the top spot this year would be his.
Even if his essays and policy proposals were utter garbage, the top spot would still belong to him!
After chatting with Wang Shouren for a few moments, he told him where he was staying, then left the inn.
Upon returning home, Nie Meiniang said, “Husband, Elder Xie Qian of my Demonic Cult once died at Jue Sheng’s hands.”
“That mysterious person was also kind to my Demonic Cult. If I ever learn his identity, I would like to ask my husband to paint a picture to repay him.”
Tang Bohu smiled, “No problem.”
Nie Meiniang: “This concubine thanks her husband.”
Yue Yao, standing nearby, snorted, “If you ask me, younger sister, you’re too polite.”
“Why don’t I, your elder sister, help you wipe out all those so-called righteous people of the Great Tang Demonic Cult in one go!”
Good heavens… if the Great Tang Demonic Cult were to join forces with Yihua Palace.
The entire Martial Arts world would be shaken, wouldn’t it?
Nie Meiniang shook her head and chuckled, “Elder sister’s kindness, younger sister is deeply grateful.”
“But some things, younger sister wants to do herself.”
As she spoke these words, Nie Meiniang’s eyes suddenly turned icy, radiating a chilling killing intent!
Tang Bohu, meanwhile, thought to himself, “Even if you plan to do it yourself, as a husband, as a man, how can I bear to let my woman fight to the death?”
“I, your husband, will take care of things on the Great Tang side for you!”
At the same time, in an inn in the capital.
“Is this Tang Bohu really that formidable?”
A young girl in yellow scoffed, clearly unconvinced.
“I don’t believe he’s more talented than Father!”
Beside the girl, a man dressed in a green robe, holding a long flute, with a heroic appearance, extraordinary demeanor, a touch of scholarly elegance, and a hint of wickedness, smiled softly.
“Rong’er, the world is vast, and talented scholars are countless.”
“Since this Tang Bohu is on the qilin list and holds the title of one of the Four Great Talents of Jiangnan, as the saying goes, ‘a great reputation is not undeserved,’ he must have real ability.”
The girl remained unconvinced, “But some also say that a great reputation is often hard to live up to, ah, Shen.”
Her eyes lit up, “That’s right, Father, why don’t you compete with him and see who’s more impressive?”
The man in green thought for a moment, “A literary exchange is not impossible. I, your father, also want to see just how great his talent is.”
“However, he is taking the imperial examination, so to avoid distracting him, let’s wait until after the examination.”
In the following days, Tang Bohu spent his days taking his two wives out to sightsee, and his evenings at home resting and accompanying his wives.
Because a large number of Martial Arts Masters had gathered in the capital, Tang Bohu learned many interesting stories of the Martial Arts world from them, greatly expanding his knowledge.
As his knowledge increased, his experience points naturally grew as well.
In just a few days, he had almost accumulated 1.5 million!
Ordinary Shenyou Realm cultivation methods definitely did not require such a massive amount of experience points as the Mingyu Skill.
The advancement of this cultivation method was almost comparable to an Enlightenment Level Cultivation Method!
The reason for this lay in the Mingyu Skill’s unique nature.
In the Martial Arts world, while cultivating methods could increase one’s cultivation, it required years of accumulated practice, a gradual and slow improvement.
But what about the Mingyu Skill?
Cultivating it to its highest realm could directly lead to the Shenyou Fifth Level!
Looking across the entire Martial Arts world, there were only a few such cultivation methods. It was said that the Heavenly Demon Strategy of the Sacred Gate’s two factions and six paths also had this effect. If he had the chance, Tang Bohu truly wanted to seize it.
October 15th, the day of the imperial examination.
Yue Yao got up early and prepared a lavish breakfast.
After breakfast, the two wives personally escorted their husband to the examination hall.
Soon after leaving the house, Tang Bohu saw two people walking towards their direction.
“Bohu.”
“Teacher Yi’an?”
It was none other than Li Qingzhao, the foremost talented woman of the Great Song Dynasty.
And the person accompanying Li Qingzhao surprised Tang Bohu.
It was Qiao Feng, the Beggar Clan Leader of the Northern Song Dynasty, whom he had met earlier in a Bianliang (Kaifeng) inn!
The Great Song Dynasty was divided into North and South, and the Beggar Clan was no different.
The Beggar Clan Leader of the Northern Song Dynasty was Qiao Feng, and the Beggar Clan Leader of the Southern Song Dynasty was Hong Qigong.
“Teacher Yi’an, why have you come?”
Li Qingzhao laughed heartily, “Hahahahaha, today is Brother Bohu’s great day, how could I not be here?”
“I heard that the Great Ming imperial court set up a special imperial examination specifically for you, so I set off.”
“Hmm?”
Li Qingzhao’s eyes suddenly lit up, “Could these two be… Sister-in-law?”
Tang Bohu quickly introduced, “Yue’er, Wanwan, this is Teacher Yi’an, Li Qingzhao, the greatest talented woman of all time, whom I often speak of to you.”
“Teacher Yi’an, this is Tang’s First Madam, Li Yue’er, and this is Third Wife Yun Wanwan.”
Li Qingzhao quickly cupped her hands in a bow, “Qingzhao greets the two Sister-in-law.”
In front of outsiders, the two women resumed their virtuous, dignified, and graceful demeanor.
Yue Yao smiled faintly and returned the bow, “Teacher Yi’an is too kind. Teacher is an unparalleled talented woman. My husband being able to know you makes us wives feel happy.”
Nie Meiniang also said, “Yes, indeed.”
“We often heard people speak of Teacher Yi’an’s talent in Suzhou. We’ve long wanted to meet you, younger sister.”
Li Qingzhao smiled, “The two Sister-in-law are not only devastatingly beautiful, but their words are also so pleasant to hear.”
“Oh, by the way, let me introduce everyone.”
“This is my elder brother, Qiao Feng, the Beggar Clan Leader of the Northern Song Dynasty!”
Tang Bohu was stunned, “Elder brother?”
“That’s right, more than a month ago, I already swore an oath of brotherhood with my elder brother.”