From the Red Mansion, you can travel through the world of martial arts

Chapter 35 The martial arts competition begins

That day at the Jiaofangsi, Jia Wei did not force Chen Jinnan to stay. After he paddled, the injured Chen Jinnan was rescued by Wei Xiaobao.

The reason is simple. If he cooperates with the East Factory's men to kill Chen Jinnan, he will undoubtedly become the second target of the Tiandihui.

The first thing the next chief will do when he takes office is naturally to avenge Chen Jinnan.

Today is the military examination. At one o'clock in the morning, when it was still dark outside, Jia Wei had already gotten up early.

Of course, the servants in the yard got up earlier. Jia Wei had good hearing and could hear the conversation between Cuiguo and Xiangling.

He was sitting on the couch getting dressed when Xiangling came in with hot water and Cuiguo with a towel.

Xiangling put down the basin and squatted under the kang to put on Jia Wei's shoes. Cuiguo helped him put on his clothes, squatted down to tie his belt, and then smoothed out the folds. Her movements were gentle and capable.

With the help of two maids, she washed her face with soap. Xiangling then handed her a towel to wipe her face. She wiped her teeth with green salt and rinsed her mouth.

Being served by two beautiful girls, Jia Wei enjoyed himself very much. It was common to wander around the rivers and lakes and sleep in the open air. This gentle place was a test of one's willpower.

"You still have to work hard, otherwise you'll be sent along with them when Ningguo Mansion is raided..."

When going out, one must tie up one's hair and wear a crown. Jia Wei sat in front of the glass mirror, watching Xiangling combing his hair with a smile.

"Cuiguo, go set the table. I want to eat in the yard."

Cuiguo glanced at Xiangling, responded and went out. Living on your own also has its advantages. You don't have to worry too much about "etiquette", you can order whatever you want, and you don't have to eat in the public kitchen.

Jia Wei took Xiangling into his arms, touched her slender waist, and then moved down: "Have you gained weight recently? It would be more comfortable to touch a little more meat..."

Xiangling huddled in his arms, resting her head on his chest, and called out coyly, "Master... I haven't finished combing my hair yet."

She has always been a submissive person, willing to accept whatever is given to her without any resistance.

Fortunately, she met a gentleman like Jia Wei, who saw that she was still young and let her be raised for a while.

Jia Wei lifted her chin and stroked her jawline. Xiangling's oval face was very dignified and beautiful, pure and flawless, without any makeup, but her lips were rosy and attractive...

After Cuiguo set the table, she saw Xiangling with a ruddy face and red ears. She walked out trotting while buttoning her collar and wiping her mouth.

"Bah! You have no shame seducing a man so early in the morning!" Cuiguo patted Xiangling on the buttocks, her eyes full of jealousy.

After dinner, Jia Wei left the yard. Tie Zhu was already waiting outside the door with a horse. The two of them walked out of Ningrong Street and headed towards the imperial city.

The journey was still quite long and the light was not good. The horse was led by an iron pillar. Jia Wei rode on it, squinting his eyes to rest and silently reciting the policy essay he had prepared.

The military examination is divided into inner and outer fields. The inner field tests military books and strategies, while the outer field tests archery and horsemanship.

The martial arts examination is far less strict than the imperial examination, especially the internal examination, which leaves a lot of room for maneuver.

For example, Su Can couldn't even write his own name, but he could get high scores in the internal strategy essays. Jia Wei's situation was much better than Su Can's, but he was only familiar with military books, and his strategy essays were very ordinary, so he did some off-site work.

Jia Wei recalled that the martial arts examination in this world was a little different. The imperial examination and the palace examination were held together. (It feels a bit watery to repeat the examination plot twice)

The Ministry of War would examine the essays of candidates from all over the country, and only those who passed the civil test could participate in the military test. The external military test was held in the parade ground, and the emperor would select the top military candidate.

Jia Wei recited his military strategy essay of more than a thousand words three or four times before he arrived at the examination room. It was still dawn.

When the time was up, Jia Wei entered after verifying his identity. After passing the Tongshi and Xiangshi, Jia Wei was already familiar with these procedures, including cheating...

"Brother Jia, we really are destined to meet each other!" Su Can next to him smiled happily.

Jia Wei didn't look at Su Can. When he had just copied half of the policy essay, he heard Su Can's snoring. He turned his head and saw Su Can sleeping on the table. His answer paper was wet with saliva... A quarter of an hour later, Jia Wei put down his pen, rubbed his wrist, and was surprised to find that a full test paper was already spread out on Su Can's table.

He looked to the other side and saw the candidate copying the notes on the inside of his clothes...

"Fuck, it was all in vain, what a loss!"

After the policy discussion was over, one of the five candidates was selected by the Ministry of War to be awarded the title of Military Scholar. Jia Wei and Su Can were naturally at the top of the list.

Behind the six departments of the imperial city, flags covered the sky in the training ground.

"The first round of the martial arts exam, candidates are entering the venue."

Gazing from afar, Jia Wei could see a group of Jinyiwei wearing flying fish uniforms and embroidered spring swords on their waists guarding a high platform. It seemed that Emperor Xuanwu was there.

"How impressive!" said Su Can.

"That can be taken... cough cough." Jia Wei stopped in time, "Why are you still here? I'll be the first to beat you up!"

"It's still uncertain who will beat whom. Last time in Jinling, I only put in 70% of my strength." Su Can lifted his messy hair and smiled brightly.

"I only used one-third of my strength last time." Jia Wei said very conservatively. He felt that he could beat ten Su Cans now.

"I'll share half the strength!" Su Can shouted at his back.

In the initial test, they competed in boxing and kicking skills, and advanced by drawing lots in pairs. Jia Wei admired Su Can's bad luck, as he was never picked.

With their strength, it was easy for them to deal with those candidates whose martial arts were not up to par. They both made it through the test and successfully advanced to the semi-finals.

Ningguo Mansion, Jia Wei;

Su Can, son of the former governor of Guangdong;

Bordo, the son of Wei Ao, the adopted son of the Duke of Dongchang;
Liu Fang, grandson of Liu Biao, Duke of Liguo.

Seeing that Jia Wei and Liu Fang were drawn into the same group, Su Can quickly said, "Brother Jia, you are so lucky to get the second place. If you had drawn me, you would only get the third place... but the third place is quite suitable for you."

Jia Wei did not trash talk with him, but bowed to Liu Fang and the two of them greeted each other politely.

The Duke Liguo Mansion and the Jia family both belong to the camp of the four kings and eight dukes, the founding military heroes.

Jia Wei thought that Liu Fang's father seemed to be in poor condition, but he would soon be able to inherit the first-class title and even take part in the military examination. He was really working hard.

It’s a pity that she chose the wrong time. Even if she didn’t meet him, Liu Fang couldn’t beat Su Can.

During the preparation stage, there were stands behind Jia Wei. When he turned around, he saw Old Man Su introducing his son to others as having the potential to be the top martial arts champion.

A man who looked even more wretched than Su Can was muttering, "It's the last quarter of an hour, who should I bet on to win? Su Can is 10 to 1, Bordo is 1 to 1, Jia Wei is 1 to 2... There is definitely no hope for Su Can."

"Are you kidding me? The odds are so different." Old Man Su was very dissatisfied.

"Who is that person?" Jia Wei always felt that he looked familiar.

"Who knows!" Su Can was unhappy. "Can't he see that I'm holding back my strength?"

Liu Fang introduced: "Li Duolong, the commander of the Dragon Guards."

"Oh, it's Lord Duolong..."

(End of this chapter)