Chapter 143

The second battle was over!

In the end, Count Jin Haibo still agreed to a draw.

After calming down, he also knew that this was probably the best ending.

There were still twenty people left on his side, but they were all masters picked out of a hundred.

There were still seventy people left on Xuanwu's side, and only five masters.

The strength of both sides could be said to be equal. If they really had to fight to the last moment, the result would be really hard to predict.

By right, Jin Hai Count House had a greater chance of winning. The strength of these twenty masters was slightly better after all.

But in terms of morale, Xuan Wu Mansion's side was definitely higher.

So if they persisted in the battle, it was still unknown who would win.

And a draw was especially beneficial to Jin Hai Count House.

"Xuanwu, Jin Hai, do you two agree to a draw?" Uncle Wang Ning Qi asked again.

Xuanwu stepped out and bowed, "I agree."

Count Jin Haibo also stepped out and bowed, "I agree!"

… …

Inside Jin Hai Count House's station.

A group of dignitaries was already celebrating. Of course, there was also a feeling of survival after a disaster.

The second battle was far from what he had expected.

But at least they didn't lose, right?

At the beginning, it really scared everyone out of their wits.

Who would have thought that the new armor and weapons of Xuan Wu Mansion were so sharp? It was simply a massacre.

Fortunately, Zhang Chong had the foresight to let Count Jin Haibo pay a huge amount of benefits to borrow masters from each family.

Otherwise, they would have completely lost now. There was no need to fight the third battle, and they could just go home.

In that case, the loss of benefits would be incalculable.

Crown Prince Tang Yun even felt a little lucky in his heart, because in this way, he was the one who saved the family and turned the tide.

Although Jin Hai Count House now had one draw and one loss, in the eyes of many people, victory was in front of them.

In the afternoon battle, was there any suspense about Tang Yun defeating that trash Jin Mucong in seconds?

There was no suspense!

Even if the sun rose in the west, it couldn't change the ending.

After Tang Yun won the third battle, there was an additional battle tonight to determine the winner.

Xuanwu against Count Jin Haibo.

There was no suspense in this battle either.

What could one say about Xuanwu?

To put it nicely, it was integrity, perseverance, and tolerance.

To put it bluntly, it was old-fashioned and mediocre.

He was mediocre in every aspect.

Be it in terms of literary talent or martial arts, he was above average.

Of course, it was very good in the eyes of ordinary people, but in the circle of nobles, it was a little ordinary.

Therefore, many people jokingly said that Xuanwu was a tortoise, and Jin Zhuo was the most tortoise-like Xuanwu of the generation.

Some people even joked that Jin Mucong had the charm of Jin Zhuo Count.

This meant that Jin Mucong was the inferior version of Xuanwu Jin Zhuo.

To be fair, Xuanwu's martial arts were very high.

Although his talent was average, he was diligent and persistent.

Unfortunately, he didn't have Hero Guo Jing's fortuitous encounter, so there was a big gap between his martial arts and Count Jin Haibo's.

Count Jin Haibo was an extreme person with a tough personality and sharp edges. He was the complete opposite of Xuanwu's steadiness.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked universal condemnation and betrayed his position to become a knife in the hands of the Monarch.

Although Tang Lun liked to chew on words, his literary talent was actually very average. On the contrary, his martial arts talent was very high.

Once it developed to the point where Xuanwu and Count Jin Haibo would decide the winner, the Tang family would definitely win.

Therefore, this group of nobles waiting to eat the corpse of the Kim family would celebrate.

Although the second battle was a draw, it wouldn't change the outcome of victory.

Count Jin Haibo Tang Lun came in front of Governor Zhang Chong and bowed, "Tang Lun thanks Governor for your great kindness."

He was indeed afraid.

If it wasn't for Zhang Chong, the Jin Hai Count House would have been finished.

Therefore, everyone praised Zhang Chong one after another, saying that he was really worthy of being a talent of the country and that his vision was like a torch.

This governor was really everyone's savior.

However, there was no smile on Zhang Chong's face.

Not only did he not get rid of the bad premonition in his heart, but it became even stronger.

Seeing that this group of allies had already celebrated the victory in advance, he wanted to say a few words of advice, but he gave up after thinking about it.

It was better not to do things where the whole world was drunk and I was the only sober one. Otherwise, I would have no friends at all.

"Gentlemen, I will take my leave first!"

Zhang Chong left.

… …

After returning to his room, Zhang Chong poured tea over and over again, but he didn't drink it.

He was sorting out every detail in his mind.

Was he trying to see what he had missed?

When Zhang Jin came in and saw his father frowning, he couldn't help but say, "Father, although the second battle was a draw wasn't the best, it was still a good result. Now the outcome has been decided."

Zhang Chong said, "Why do you say that? Do you think that's all Shen Lang had planned? "

Zhang Jin said, "According to Shen Lang's plan, he would win two out of three battles. He would win the military battle, and he would lose the civil battle. He really is a genius, and he almost succeeded. "

"If not for Father's keen senses, Shen Lang would have already won. No one would have thought that he could actually find a way to break the Meteor Fall sword technique, and no one would have thought that he could actually create such amazing armor and weapons. "

"But Shen Lang's miracle ends here. He has exhausted his limited abilities."

Zhang Jin's words were very reasonable.

This was also the reason why the nobles were celebrating the victory in advance.

Zhang Jin said, "Everyone says that rotten wood cannot be carved. Could it be that Father thinks that trash like Jin Mucong can still be trained? No matter how diligent he is, no matter how famous he is, Jin Mucong's greatest achievement in this life is probably to pass the county-level examination. "

These words were really not the least bit false.

"And Tang Yun is like the Star of Literature in the sky. Last year, he was the third ranker in the court examinations. His literary talent is truly outstanding. Even if the mountains and rivers were to collapse and the seas were to flow in reverse, it would not be able to change the outcome of Jin Mucong being crushed by Tang Yun."

"Moreover, this time, only the Monarch knows the questions for the civil battle. It was completely sealed in a box. Even if Shen Lang wanted to help Jin Mucong cheat, it would be impossible."

Zhang Chong's eyebrows suddenly twitched, as if he had an idea in his mind.

"You once said that Shen Lang went on a killing spree in Tian Heng's gambling house, and won thirteen rounds in a row?"

Zhang Jin was stunned, "Did such a thing really happen?"

Zhang Chong's mind suddenly had a very absurd idea.

But very quickly, he shook his head and threw this idea out.

It was because it was truly too preposterous. How could there be such a strange thing in this world? Wouldn't that be like seeing a ghost or god?

Zhang Chong asked, "Do you think it's possible for Shen Lang to know the topic of the literary battle in advance and write a policy essay and poem for Kaneki Satoshi?"

Zhang Jin was shocked, "How, how is that possible? That's impossible. "

Zhang Chong said, "Underestimate the enemy. Think boldly, and be careful."

Then, he said, "Go and let Chunhua in."

After a while, Zhang Chunhua walked in.

At this time, he believed that a woman's intuition was sharper. Especially his daughter, who was always bold and unrestrained.

More importantly, she liked Shen Lang.

"Chunhua, did you notice Shen Lang's expression when the military battle ended this morning?"

Of course, Zhang Chunhua was concerned.

She recalled, "When Xuanwu suggested a draw and a truce, Shen Lang seemed to be relieved, but his brows were furrowed."

"No!" Zhang Chong said, "There's a detail that's not right!"

Zhang Chunhua said, "Which detail?"

Zhang Chong said, "Is Jin Mulan afraid of death?"

Zhang Chunhua said, "That stupid woman is not afraid of death. She's very brave. During the military drill a few months ago, she even dared to risk her life for the sake of Xuan Wu Mansion's reputation."

"But today, she fought very conservatively, without any intention of putting her life on the line," Zhang San said, "This is very abnormal. Logically speaking, this military battle concerns the survival of the Black Tortoise Count's Manor, so she should have disregarded her own life and death, and even used a method of mutual destruction. But she didn't. Instead, she fought very cautiously. "

As soon as this was said, Zhang Jin and Zhang Chunhua immediately felt that this was very suspicious.

Found it!

Zhang Chong finally found what was wrong.

"Now, who Jin Mulan listens to the most? Of course, it's Shen Lang." Zhang Chong said, "Why didn't she risk her life? Because Shen Lang told her not to risk her life. Even if she lost, it wouldn't matter. Why does Shen Lang have such confidence? Because he thinks he will win the civil battle! "

Zhang Jin said, "Maybe it's because Shen Lang loves Jin Mulan very much and doesn't want her to get hurt?"

Zhang Chong said, "If it wasn't for Shen Lang's confidence, why would Jin Mulan listen to him and fight cautiously? She didn't even have a scratch on her body. This concerns the survival of her family. Shen Lang must have told her that the third civil battle will be won without a doubt. He told her not to risk her life and not to get hurt. "

Zhang Chunhua felt that her father's words were very reasonable.

"Why is Shen Lang so confident in the civil battle? Jin Mucong can't win Tang Yun. " Zhang Chong said, "The only possibility is that he knew the exam questions in advance and prepared the essays and poems for Jin Mucong to memorize."

Zhang Jin said in shock, "How is that possible? This question was personally set by the Monarch and it was sealed in a box. There's no possibility of it being leaked. "

"I also can't think of how Shen Lang knew the exam questions in advance." Zhang Chong said, "But, when you eliminate all the wrong answers, the last answer, no matter how ridiculous, is the truth!"

Zhang Chunhua said, "Father, I agree with your judgment."

Zhang Chong said, "There's still more than two hours before the civil battle in the afternoon. Time is tight, but there's still time to turn the situation around."

After saying that, Zhang Chong left and asked to see Uncle Wang Ning Qi.

… …..

Inside the castle at the top of the mountain.

After listening to Zhang Chong's words, the Monarch's uncle Ning Qi suddenly felt that it was extremely ridiculous.

"Zhang Chong, do you not trust us?"

Then, he pointed at the box in the hall and said, "The civil battle question in the afternoon is lying in the box. No one has seen it, including the three of us. Even if Shen Lang is a god, he can't know in advance."

Zhang Chong directly knelt down and said, "I am afraid."

Ning Qi said, "Look carefully. Has the wax seal on the box been touched? Has the seal been touched? "

Zhang Chong took a closer look. None of them had been touched.

Ning Qi said, "Zhang Nujiang, you are a capable and capable minister. It is the Ning clan's fortune to have a minister like you. But sometimes, you may be too suspicious. "

Zhang Chong kowtowed again and said, "I am afraid."

Ning Qi said, "Go. This matter is too big. We can't change the question on the spot just because of your speculation."

Zhang Chong kowtowed and said, "I will take my leave."

He was very determined and would never give up because of a little setback.

After leaving the castle on the top of the mountain, Zhang Chong went to see Governor Zhu Jung as fast as he could.

After all, the governor was his benefactor, so Zhang Chong was very direct with his words.

"To ensure that nothing goes wrong, the civil battle question must be changed. Governor, please make an appearance."

Governor Zhu Jung trusted Zhang Chong a lot.

"Do you really think this is necessary?" Governor Zhu Jung said, "Are you sure that Shen Lang will know the question in advance? This is ridiculous!"

"I can't be sure." Zhang Chong said, "But it's better to be safe than sorry! If what I'm worried about turns out to be true, then the Black Tortoise Count's Mansion will win the battle for Golden Mountain Island. At that time, all our previous efforts and all the resources we've consumed will all be for naught. Only by being prepared can we be safe. "

In order to create a chess game to besiege Xuan Wu Mansion from all sides, Zhang Chong could be said to have spared no effort.

The Northern Marquis' Mansion, the Hidden Origin Association, and the Jinhai Count House were all made up by him.

Governor Zhu Jung said, "Even if Shen Lang has some literary talent, he can't compare to Tang Yun."

Zhang Chong said, "Even if there's a ten percent chance, we can't afford the risk."

Governor Zhu Jung said, "Uncle Ning Qi is very experienced. It's hard for me to convince him."

Zhang Chong said, "Governor, for this battle, the Monarch must have prepared a backup question and sealed it in the same box. If I'm not wrong, the box with the backup question is kept by Suo Xuan and Duke Weiwu. It's just that they haven't made it public. "

Governor Zhu Jung nodded.

That was indeed the case.

Whether it was the imperial examination or the battle between the nobles, there must be a backup question.

In case the question was leaked, it could be replaced immediately.

Governor Zhu Jung said, "Even so, it's hard for me to get Uncle Ning Qi to change the question."

Zhang Chong said, "It's not for you to convince him, but to accidentally destroy the wax seal and seal on the box in the name of checking the question. In this way, even if it's for the sake of fairness, Duke Ning Qi must change the question. "

Governor Zhu Jung couldn't help but look at Zhang Chong again.

This confidant's way of doing things was really unconstrained and unconstrained.

This method was very shrewd, but it was indeed the best method.

As the Queen's brother and the Governor of Tiannan Province, even if he accidentally destroyed the wax seal on the box, Duke Ning Qi would only reprimand him a little. He wouldn't blame him.

The Monarch wouldn't blame him.

Once the wax seal on the box containing the question was destroyed, even if the question wasn't leaked, it couldn't be used. This was the rule.

Because who can guarantee that you haven't opened it?

Governor Zhu Jung said, "Zhang Chong, are you sure you want to do this?"

Zhang Chong said, "Yes, I want to make sure that nothing goes wrong!"

Governor Zhu Jung nodded and said, "Okay, as you say!"

… … …

Half an hour later!

Governor Zhu Rong accidentally dropped the box on the ground in the name of checking the seal and wax seal of the exam paper.

King Uncle Ning Qi looked at the box that had fallen to the ground. The wax seals on it were all shattered, and the seal was broken.

"Zhu Jung, what are you doing?" Duke Ning Qi said angrily.

Zhang Chong hurriedly bowed and said, "Uncle, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I made a mistake."

Then he hurriedly picked up the box on the ground and exclaimed, "Oh, the wax seal is destroyed and the seal is broken."

Uncle Ning Qi trembled and said, "Zhu Jung, you did it on purpose, you did it on purpose, it must be Zhang Chong who ordered you to do this, he's got guts."

Governor Zhu Jung bowed again and again and said, "I'm sorry, Uncle, it's all my fault, it's all my fault. Please spare me. Otherwise, why don't you beat me up? "

Governor Zhu Jung was extremely dignified in front of others, but in front of Uncle Ning Qi, he was still as ruffian as he was decades ago.

He was the Queen's brother and Uncle Ning Qi's junior, and they had been friends for decades.

"When you return to the capital, ask for forgiveness from the Monarch yourself." Uncle Ning Qi said angrily.

There was no other way now. The sealed box of the main question was destroyed, so he could only use the backup question.

"Duke Weiwu, Marquis Suo Xuan, take out the backup question."

A moment later, Marquis Suo Xuan held a box in his hand, exactly the same as the one that had just fallen on the ground.

Whether it was the color, the texture, or even the wax seal on it, it was the same.

"Are you satisfied now? Is Zhang Chong satisfied too? "Uncle Ning Qi said angrily," Get lost. "

Governor Zhu Jung hurriedly left.

… …

Outside the courtyard, Zhang Chong saw Zhang Chong kneeling on the ground.

Governor Zhu Jung said, "When I return to the capital, I'll ask for forgiveness from the Monarch. You don't have to kneel here, Uncle was just angry."

Zhang Chong said, "Thank you for your concern, Master."

But he didn't get up.

Zhu Jung and Uncle Ning Qi were on the same side, so they wouldn't blame him.

And he, Zhang Chong, had offended Uncle Ning Qi badly this time.

Although this old uncle no longer held any position, and he might not really punish Zhang Chong, it was not strange for people to be polite.

However, there was nothing wrong with being polite. The older an old child was, the more he needed to be coaxed.

He kneeled there for a day and a night, after all, it was not wrong.

After a moment, Uncle Ning Qi, Duke Weiwu, and Marquis Suo Xuan came out, holding the backup question box in their hands.

Seeing Zhang Chong kneeling in the courtyard, Uncle Ning Qi said, "Zhang Nujiang, you're so scheming."

Zhang Chong kowtowed and said, "I'm guilty."

He didn't exaggerate by saying he deserved to die.

"Get up, I'm past my prime, I won't ruin your future." Uncle Ning Qi said.

Zhang Chong kowtowed again, this time with his forehead on the ground, and said, "I'm guilty!"

Seeing that his attitude was so sincere, the anger in King Uncle Ning Qi's heart was slightly reduced.

"If you're willing to kneel, then kneel. It's going to rain in a while." Uncle Ning Qi said, "I'll have someone bring you an umbrella."

Zhang Chong didn't dare to answer and kept his forehead on the ground.

"Rumble …"

It was the end of autumn, and there was still thunder.

Dark clouds rolled and began to accumulate.

As expected, it was going to rain. The morning glow was a sign.

A few warriors quickly opened the huge umbrella cover and raised it above Uncle Ning Qi's head.

Uncle Ning Qi left because the civil battle in the afternoon was about to begin.

Duke Weiwu, Bian Xiao, stopped when he passed by Zhang Chong and said, "Zhang Chong, you're not bad!"

Zhang Chong raised his head and bowed, "I'm sorry."

Duke Weiwu left.

This person was extremely arrogant and looked down on all his colleagues in the world. To be able to get a "not bad" from him was really unprecedented.

In the position of military governor in Yanzhou, Duke Weiwu's words had a lot of weight.

Receiving his praise was great news.

"Rumble …"

The thunder in the sky was more violent than before.

Finally, the dark clouds accumulated to the limit.

Heavy rain poured down.

Zhang Chong was still kneeling in the courtyard, motionless. The curtain of rain completely shrouded his thin figure.

A moment later, his body was completely soaked, and the ground was muddy, making him look especially miserable.

Zhang Jin and Zhang Chunhua ran over and held an umbrella over Zhang Chong's head.

"Take it away," Zhang Chong said.

Zhang Jin said, "Father, you're doing this for the new government, for the Ning clan royal family, and even for the interests of Uncle Ning Qi. Why do you have to lower yourself like this? "

"Childish!" Zhang Chong said, "If you reason with His Majesty, you'll never get ahead."

Zhang Jin said angrily, "In the battle of Jinshan Island, Jin Hai Count House, Count Chingan House, and Lanshan Viscount House are the ones who benefit. Why are they celebrating there, but you're suffering here?"

"If your companions aren't incompetent, how can you appear powerful?" Zhang Chong said.

"Let's go now. Don't be so wishy-washy. A day and a night of rain won't kill you."

… …

Outside, it was raining cats and dogs!

In the study of Nujiang hunting ground.

The third battle of Jinshan Island was underway.

But this time, there was no audience. In order to let Tang Yun and Jin Mucong perform well, there was no one else except for the three invigilators.

Ning Qi put the box containing the questions on the table.

"Xuanwu, Jin Hai, both of you check if there are any signs of damage on the wax seal and seal of the box."

If Shen Lang was here, he would find that the questions had been changed, but he wasn't qualified to enter the examination room.

But Xuanwu and Jin Hai couldn't see it because the two boxes were exactly the same.

"There's no damage."

"There's no damage."

Ning Qi said, "If that's the case, then I'll tear off the seal and open the box."

"Yes!"

Next, Ning Qi very slowly tore off the seal, baked and melted the wax seal, and then opened the box.

He took out a piece of paper and unfolded it, letting Tang Yun and Jin Mucong see it clearly.

This was the question of today's literary battle, the backup question of the Monarch.

The first question was a policy question.

The title was: The Best Theory of Punishment and Reward for Loyalty.

This question came from Shangshu, Yu the Great.

The second question was very mischievous.

Please write a poem with Xuanwu as the title.

… …

Tang Yun was overjoyed when he saw these two questions. He was very proud.

He was very good at these two questions. Even if he participated in the court examinations, it would be enough for him to get third place, or even second place.

Killing a useless person like Jin Mucong in a second?

That was too low level. It was a disgrace to Tang Yun's identity.

Any hair he plucked out would be enough to kill Jin Mucong a hundred times over.

Jin Mucong had always trusted Shen Lang.

Last night, Shen Lang told him what the questions were today, and even wrote a policy paper and a poem for him to memorize.

Jin Mucong believed him immediately.

Then, he used a few hours to copy it dozens of times.

He memorized it word for word.

He trusted him too much, and he didn't ask why.

Whatever brother-in-law said would be tested, it would be tested.

Hence, he felt that today's test would definitely be the two questions that Shen Lang had told him about last night.

Even when he entered the examination room, he was silently reciting.

As he recited, he gritted his teeth as he stared at Tang Yun's back.

I'm going to defy the heavens.

Tang Yun, just you wait! I'll crush you into dregs!

Now that he saw the questions, he was stunned.

That's not right!

God, that's not right!

These aren't the two questions brother-in-law told me yesterday.

What's going on?

Where did I go wrong?

Brother-in-law can't be wrong.

If he said that the questions would be tested, it would definitely be tested.

Why didn't he take the exam today?

It's over, it's over!

How am I going to defy the heavens? How am I going to destroy Tang Yun?

I'm going to be crushed by him.

In terms of talent, Tang Yun can kill me with a single hair.

I'm going to lose the battle for Jinshan Island.

The fate of my family is going to be destroyed in my hands, Jin Mucong.

Jin Mucong was on the verge of tears. His body trembled.

Then, he felt that something was amiss.

Then, he tried to recall!

Why do I have an impression of these two questions?

Then, Fat Otaku recalled.

That's right. Brother-in-law, Shen Lang, had bet on the questions.

He had bet on nineteen policy questions and one hundred and fifty poetry questions.

He had heard that the questions were based on the Monarch's habits and habits, as well as his favorite books.

Brother-in-law had bet on these two questions correctly.

He had also prepared a policy essay and a poem based on these two questions.

Not only that, I heard from my brother-in-law that this is the best piece of work ever written, and the turtle poem is a masterpiece that will last for a thousand years.

Jin Mucong had copied and memorized it with all his might.

Yes, yes!

The policy essay and poem appeared in Fat Otaku's mind.

A good memory is not as good as a bad pen!

Fat Otaku was drenched in sweat.

He had almost peed his pants just now.

Brother-in-law, you're too despicable. You're messing with me again. You nearly scared me to death.

Hahahaha!

I, Jin Mucong, am going to defy the heavens.

Tang Yun, just you wait! This Lord Fatty will crush you into dregs!

Hahahaha!

Kekekeke!

… … …