Military Fragments Draw an Attack

"Are those scholars really protecting Qiu Yan?"

In the backyard, Pang Qianru listened to the servant's report, her brows furrowed, pacing back and forth, radiating displeasure.

She had heard everything that had happened in the front yard, which surprised Pang Qianru greatly. She had thought that Qiu Yan was being unreasonable, fighting with an unknown nobody in the front yard and incurring the displeasure of others. She intended to belittle him in front of Song Qian and then have him brought here to take control of the situation.

After waiting for a while, the message that arrived was completely different. Instead, it said that Qiu Yan had intimidated the crowd and taken control of the situation!

As soon as the news reached her, Pang Qianru knew that her Ruyi thinking was unlikely to succeed.

However, what puzzled her was how a painting or a piece of calligraphy could have such a powerful effect, turning the tide of the situation in one fell swoop.

"What's so special about those words and paintings?" she asked, but the servants couldn't offer any insightful explanation and were quickly dismissed.

"This is getting more and more complicated..."

After thinking for a moment, Pang Qianru narrowed her eyes and glanced at Song Qian.

"Being able to move people's hearts with calligraphy and painting, even if Qiu Yan lacks in interpersonal skills, he must have talent. No, his way of handling things..."

Song Qian frowned, also lost in thought. She sensed the hostility towards Qiu Yan from Pang Qianru's earlier words and was somewhat worried.

At this moment, Pang Qianru said, "Qiu Yan and Wen Zhizhen have both entered the hall. Let's go now; the banquet should be starting soon."

Nodding, Song Qian and Pang Qianru left the backyard. Instead of heading to the main hall, they took a few steps around and met Xu Ran and Ji Zheng in the side room. They were going the same way as Wen Zhizhen, but there were many people coming and going at the gate of the villa, all of whom were men. Although Great Rui was open-minded, one should still be careful sometimes, otherwise, gossip could cause problems.

After meeting up, the four women exchanged a few words. Because of Xu Ran, their words inevitably contained some barbs, but fortunately, they did not part on bad terms and entered the main hall together.

The low tables in the hall were already full of people. They chatted from time to time, and Qiu Yan met up with Luo Jiayun and others.

Besides Qiu Yan, Wen Zhizhen, and Qi Jiulian, there were quite a few others who could gain entry into the inner circle, including Ye Yun, the top scholar from Southern Ridges who was mentioned earlier.

The others were also somewhat well-known, with Gao Jing, the second-ranked scholar from Jiannan, prominently featured. However, Luo Jiayun, Zhou Guan, and Gu Yanzhi were not admitted.

However, apart from Qiu Yan Wen Zhizhen, everyone else is in some trouble. They are challenged from time to time, which shows that some people are not Qi Ingestion and dare not go after Qiu Yan Wen Zhizhen, so they use others as a breakthrough point.

On the contrary, Qi Jiulian's side was at peace. Although he did not participate in the Metropolitan Examination, his grandfather's reputation was too great. Sitting in the hall, he represented Void Master's face, and no one dared to raise any objections.

This is the benefit of reputation. Once it is officially established, those around you will also benefit. Qiu Yan is currently in the early stages of building his reputation. Only by withstanding various challenges and being truly recognized can he enjoy the benefits that reputation brings.

Even Wen Zhizhen, who has become a prominent figure today, is not because of his reputation in Jiangnan, but because his actions in Prosperity Capital are in line with his reputation, which is why he is admired.

After accumulating momentum, one can then enjoy People's Prestige. No one in the world will consider themselves inferior simply because of their reputation, but people will readily follow the crowd.

Conversely, even in the hall, the invited guests did not consider themselves mere extras; almost everyone regarded themselves as the main character, and upon seeing Pang Qianru and the other women come out, they all smiled.

"Gentlemen," Pang Qianru greeted with a fist and palm salute upon arrival, "Please don't stand on ceremony to attend the banquet at Anyang Estate today. A few drinks are just a token of our appreciation." As she finished speaking, she clapped her hands, and immediately elegantly dressed maids, carrying trays of wine and dishes, moved gracefully across the tables like flowing water, placing the fine wines and delicacies on everyone's tables.

"Please help yourselves!" Pang Qianru didn't say much, raised her hand, and with a heroic air, led the other girls to their seats.

"Rumors say that this young lady from the Marquis's family has a forthright and generous nature, and seeing her today, it is indeed true."

Immediately, people in the crowd began to discuss it, their words clearly indicating that they had heard of Pang Qianru beforehand. Pang Qianru's words just now had been delivered with force, her voice carrying from inside the hall to outside.

The banquet then began, and all the attendees were scholars who had taken the imperial examinations. During the meal, they inevitably urged each other to drink, took the opportunity to compose poems and lyrics, or exchange couplets to accompany their drinks, creating a lively atmosphere.

However, when wealthy families entertain guests at banquets, they inevitably provide some entertainment. Even if there are no dancers, there are at least some novelties to keep the guests entertained.

However, since the banquet hosted by Pang Qianru was hosted by a woman, there were no dancers on stage. After a few rounds of drinks, many people put down their cups and turned their attention to the hall.

At this banquet, some people sat inside the hall, while others sat in the courtyard. The layout was ingenious, allowing people far from the hall to see what was happening inside. Moreover, the low tables had large gaps between them, making it even easier to observe the scene.

"With such an arrangement, there must be some entertainment. I wonder what Pang Qianru will bring out?"

"She's the daughter of a marquis, her perspective is definitely extraordinary, and the things she brings out will probably broaden our horizons."

"Let's wait and see."

Similar thoughts flashed through everyone's minds, making them quite expectant. Before long, Pang Qianru lived up to everyone's expectations, clapping her hands and saying, "Gentlemen, it's a rare opportunity for all of you to gather here. I happen to have something to add to the festivities."

"They're here!" everyone thought to themselves, and they perked up.

Seeing this, Pang Qianru smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping across everyone's faces, lingering longer on Qiu Yan and Wen Zhizhen's faces. This detail also caught the attention of those who were paying attention.

Then she said, "As the saying goes, the examination hall is like a battlefield. You are all renowned figures in literature. Metropolitan Examination the examination papers this time is like a general stepping onto the Sand Battlefield. I am particularly eager to face it calmly and defeat the enemy. However, I have no chance to try. Today, I am fortunate to have invited you all here. I hope you can fulfill this wish of mine and let me share the same feelings as you."

She referred to herself as a "little woman," but her words carried an air of unyielding authority, implying a strong will. Such a woman naturally did not meet the expectations of the people present. However, with Pang Qianru's beauty and the power behind her, some people couldn't help but be moved and develop a little admiration.

Of course, some people were interested in the meaning behind Pang Qianru's words, wondering what this woman wanted to test.

The mystery was quickly solved. Pang Qianru turned around, took a few steps, picked up the sandalwood box from the table at the far end of the hall, held it to her chest, and then walked back.

Looking at the box, a glint flashed in Qiu Yan's eyes. Wen Zhizhen, Ye Yun, Qi Jiulian, and the others also showed slight changes in their expressions. Clearly, they had also noticed the unusual nature of the box long ago.

"Pang Qianru took this box out; I wonder what she's planning to do with it."

Qiu Yan was lost in thought when Pang Qianru's next words interrupted her—

"You are all talented scholars from various regions; you should all have some understanding of the former Duke Wei of the previous dynasty, right?"

Duke Wei of the former dynasty?

Hearing this name, the Confucian scholars present were naturally familiar with it, for that Duke Wei was indeed a goal and an aspiration for contemporary scholars, embodying their beautiful Votive Thoughts.

Confucian General a god!

This man pioneered a new path in literature, and his military achievements are recorded in history!

Even in the Historical River, this is a name that has shaken the ages!

Even Qiu Yan and Wen Zhizhen were startled upon hearing this name, and began to speculate about the box in Pang Qianru's hand.

"Could the contents of the box be related to the God of War?"

The same question arose in the minds of everyone present, interacting with each other and brewing a slight desire.

Pang Qianru chuckled lightly, "I'm sorry to disappoint you all, but the things of the God of War are not something a mere daughter of the Hou family like myself can obtain."

These words extinguished the fire in everyone's hearts, giving rise to a sense of frustration. Under the combined effect, their desires gradually turned into shadows, but they also brought them back to their senses, realizing that Pang Qianru was right. Even if there were items belonging to the God of War, they would be objects fought over by various forces, and it was impossible for them to fall into the hands of a woman, let alone be brought to the banquet.

However, Pang Qianru's subsequent words rekindled their passion—

"However, although the book in the box is not handwritten by Duke Wei, it is somewhat related. Duke Wei once left behind a volume of military strategy, which has since disappeared, a regret for us Military School. However, his military strategy has not been lost, as many books from previous dynasties contain fragments of Duke Wei's military strategy."

"Could it be that the box contains the book of Duke Wei's Art of War?"

Seeing the obvious change in everyone's gaze, Pang Qianru stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "What's in this box is a Military Miscellany, recorded by several generations of clerks and military advisors, including some of Duke Wei's insights!"

The position of Registrar of the Army was a post from the previous dynasty, and the officers were usually subordinate to Wang Gong and generals.

"Military Miscellany!"

Upon hearing this name, many people outside the hall hadn't yet realized anything, but those inside the hall gasped in shock, all deeply moved. Qiu Yan, in particular, felt a growing apprehension towards the miscellaneous book after sensing the changes in the Sage Spirit within him! He knew it likely contained some kind of Military Spirit!

At this moment, Pang Qianru smiled slightly and said, "This miscellaneous record has been compiled by military officers, including those who are well-versed in Confucianism and those who also practice unorthodox Outer Dao Divine Ability. It has been added and revised over the generations, and now it has some extraordinary features. It can construct Sand Battlefield scenes out of thin air for people to march in. It is perfect for you talented scholars to try. If anyone can succeed, this book can be given to them..."

Before she finished speaking, she reached out and lifted the lid. Radiance shot out from the opening of the box like a rainbow, captivating everyone's attention! Because of their shared emotions, they resonated with each other, and a little Heart Demon was finally born!

Strangely, neither the radiance within the box nor the Heart Demon in everyone's hearts could elicit a response from the Dragon Qi or the City Will!

"Hmm?" As the light rushed in, Qiu Yan caught a glimpse of a shifting, unpredictable intent, but before he could investigate further, a sudden sense of alarm arose in his heart!

Boom!

The entire hall shook violently, and then the roof shattered with a deafening crash!

Two beams of light appeared out of nowhere!

"I originally intended to seize the Heart Ape's Spiritual Object, but unexpectedly I've also encountered the Military Spirit! True Intention! I should capture them both!"

P. S.: Thanks to "Wan Xia Xia La" for the donation!

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