Tang Bohu smiled and shook his head, “I am truly sorry. The imperial examination is approaching, and Tang still needs to diligently study the classics of the sages. I have no time.”
After being rejected, Cao Zhengchun chuckled, “Young Master is right, studying is the top priority.”
“Since that is the case, Zhengchun will take his leave.”
With that, he bowed and stood up to depart.
Watching his retreating figure, Nie Meiniang sighed, “This person is so polite…”
Lu Xiaofeng snorted, “Just putting on an act. Young Master Tang doesn’t need to bother with him. Let’s continue drinking.”
The group continued, and after a few more drinks, Chu Liuxiang said, “Seeing that eunuch Cao reminds me of a major event that happened not long ago!”
“Oh? What event?” Li Xunhuan asked.
Chu Liuxiang: “Not long ago, Liu Jin, the chief eunuch of the Inner Palace, had his entire family massacred.”
“What?!”
“Such a thing actually happened?!”
Ximen Chuixue frowned slightly, “Liu Jin’s own cultivation was extremely high, reaching the sixth stage of the Xiaoyao Heaven Realm.”
“His subordinates were also numerous experts and powerful individuals.”
“It is said that there were as many as seven individuals around the third stage of the Xiaoyao Heaven Realm. As for the Free Earth Realm and Vajra Mortal Realm, there were dozens.”
“The person who could massacre Liu Jin’s entire family must have a significant background!”
Chu Liuxiang smiled, “Brother Ximen is right, the culprit indeed has a great background!”
“He is none other than the King of Hell Palace’s top assassin, Xuan Jian!”
Ximen Chuixue’s gaze sharpened, “It’s actually him?!”
“Strange, the King of Hell Palace is a Great Zhou assassin organization, and it has been dormant for two years.”
“Why did it suddenly appear in the Great Ming Capital? And why did it kill Liu Jin?”
Chu Liuxiang: “Who knows.”
“Feiyan, the Palace Master of the King of Hell Palace, acts erratically and kills without mercy. Nothing she does is surprising.”
To the side, Tang Bohu began to mutter…
Liu Jin is dead?
And he died at the hands of Xuan Jian?
These two people are completely unrelated… This matter is indeed quite strange and perplexing.
Also, Feiyan, the Eastern Monarch of the Yin Yang School in the original work, actually founded an assassin organization in the Comprehensive Martial World?
This change in fate is truly quite significant…
Feiyan… Ye Feiyan?
Tang Bohu didn't know why, but his mind connected the Third Wife with this Female Devil.
But how could the Third Wife, so gentle and virtuous?
How could she be the leader of an assassin organization?
She didn't even dare to kill a chicken, let alone people…
Sigh, it must be the influence of Yue Yao and Nie Meiniang.
Ever since he learned the true identities of the First Madam and the Third Wife, he had become suspicious.
He always felt that the identities of his other Wives were also not simple.
Overthinking, overthinking… The group drank for a while longer, then dispersed.
Learning that Tang Bohu still had no place to stay, Lu Xiaofeng and the others offered their rooms, but he declined.
Since there were no empty rooms in the inn, he could simply rent a courtyard to live in.
It would be both comfortable and quiet.
Taking his two Wives, he left the inn. After some inquiries in the city, he found a not-too-large courtyard.
Although the courtyard was not large, its layout was very good.
It was a pity that winter had already arrived, and no matter how beautiful the garden scenery was, Tang Bohu could no longer see it.
The capital was not like Suzhou.
In Suzhou, even in winter, it was as warm as spring.
After moving into the courtyard, Yue Yao and Nie Meiniang, seeing that their husband had drunk so much wine at noon, thoughtfully massaged him.
Yue Yao stood behind him, rubbing his shoulders, while Nie Meiniang half-knelt on the ground, massaging his legs.
Enjoying the service of the Palace Master of Yihua Palace and the Demonic Cult Saintess, Tang Bohu felt a unique sensation in his heart.
This feeling was completely different from before!
After all, in the past, they were just ordinary young ladies from respectable families.
But now their identities had transformed, becoming figures of great importance.
Could the feeling of a common woman serving you attentively be the same as a crime boss giving you a massage?
One might ask, which man in this world wouldn't feel a sense of pride?
Ever since learning the identities of his Wives, Tang Bohu not only felt no aversion but loved his Wives even more.
Perhaps all men in this world are the same.
Compared to young ladies from respectable families and gentle, virtuous women, they prefer Female Devils, enchantresses, and demonic temptresses… At least, Tang Bohu was like that.
After enjoying it for a while, he thought of the King of Hell Palace and Xuan Jian again.
Tang Bohu was not clear about this organization, so he asked, “Wives, how much do you know about the King of Hell Palace?”
Yue Yao said while rubbing his shoulders, “The King of Hell Palace is a Great Zhou assassin organization, and its actions have always been mysterious.”
“However, the King of Hell Palace has many experts and is extremely powerful!”
“It is said that Feiyan, the Palace Master, has already reached the half-step Shenyou Realm.”
“There is a saying in the Great Zhou martial world: ‘If the King of Hell decrees your death at the third watch, who dares to keep you until the fifth?’ ”
“Any target marked by the King of Hell Palace has never lived past the next morning.”
Nie Meiniang nodded, “Even the emperors of the Seven Kingdoms tremble with fear when they mention the King of Hell Palace.”
“Husband, why are you suddenly interested in this martial arts organization?”
Tang Bohu: “Nothing, firstly, I’m curious about the King of Hell Palace.”
“Secondly, what they did in the capital this time has some connection to me.”
“Oh?” The two women simultaneously cast inquiring glances.
Tang Bohu explained, “Back then, I ridiculed Liu Jin in my writings, which provoked his retaliation, and that’s why the imperial court forbade me from participating in the imperial examination.”
So that’s how it was.
Yue Yao frowned slightly, “It’s a pity that Liu Jin is already dead.”
Nie Meiniang’s gaze turned icy, “He should still have family, right?”
Tang Bohu: “…”
What are you two trying to do?
“Is Young Master Tang home?”
Just then, a clear and pleasant voice sounded from afar.
Tang Bohu quickly got up, pushed open the door, and looked outside.
He saw a young man in white, uninvited, already standing in the courtyard.
This person had a tall and straight figure, red lips and white teeth, exuding a hint of delicate beauty and heroism amidst his handsomeness. He held a folding fan and was smiling as he looked at Tang.
“And you are?”
Tang Bohu looked puzzled; he didn't recognize this person.
The young man in white took a few steps forward and bowed slightly, “You must be Young Master Tang, right?”
“I am Shangguan Haitang. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Master.”
Shangguan Haitang?
So it’s a woman! No wonder I found her so delicate-looking.
Tang Bohu quickly returned the bow and said, “So it’s Manor Lord Shangguan of the Number One Manor Under Heaven. Please, come in.”
With a guest visiting, Yue Yao and Nie Meiniang put away their killing intent and busied themselves.
Some brewed tea, others prepared pastries and fruit to entertain the guest.
Shangguan Haitang sat on a chair, holding the hot tea in her hand, and sighed, “Both Sister-in-law are truly gentle, virtuous, and graceful. Young Master Tang is blessed.”
Tang Bohu chuckled, “To be able to marry several Wives, Tang is indeed incredibly fortunate.”
Hearing her husband praise them, Yue Yao and Nie Meiniang felt delighted and a sense of sweetness bloomed in their hearts.
“Manor Lord Shangguan, you suddenly visited. What is the purpose?”
Shangguan Haitang smiled, “Young Master Tang is truly straightforward, so Haitang will be direct as well.”
“The Number One Manor Under Heaven is currently lacking a Number One Talent in the World and wishes to invite you, Young Master, to take on this role. What do you think, Young Master Tang?”
Being able to enter the Number One Manor Under Heaven brought many benefits.
The biggest benefit was reputation!
Ever since Tang Bohu ascended the qilin list, his value had doubled.
If he were to also achieve the title of Number One Talent in the World, it would likely skyrocket even more!
Aside from reputation, joining the Number One Manor Under Heaven would provide protection.
Anyone who harmed a member of the Number One Manor Under Heaven would be met with Shangguan Haitang and her top experts stepping forward.
And behind the Number One Manor Under Heaven was the Dragon Guard Manor, an extremely powerful force.
Joining them was equivalent to finding a major backer.
However, Tang Bohu had no such intention.
There was never a free lunch in this world; if you enjoyed the benefits, you naturally had to contribute to the Number One Manor Under Heaven.
If they had a use for you, you couldn't refuse.
How could he endure such restrictions?
With this in mind, Tang Bohu smiled and shook his head, “Although Tang has a slight reputation for talent, I truly feel unworthy of the title of Number One Talent in the World.”
“Thank you for your kind offer, Manor Lord Shangguan.”
Shangguan Haitang was stunned. Everyone in the world was scrambling to get into the Number One Manor Under Heaven, yet he refused?
Indifferent to fame and fortune, elegant and unworldly, this Qilin Talent's character was even higher than she had imagined.
She refused to give up and spoke again to persuade him, “Young Master Tang is too modest. Your poetry and painting are unparalleled, and your literary talent is outstanding. The battle on the Bian River back then garnered worldwide attention and spread your fame across the land.”
“You are truly deserving of the title of Number One Talent in the Great Ming.”
Tang Bohu smiled, “There are countless talents in the Great Ming literary world. What am I? Manor Lord Shangguan exaggerates.”
Seeing that he was truly unwilling, Shangguan Haitang couldn't force him, could she?
She smiled helplessly and had no choice but to stand up and bid farewell.
In her heart, she admired this peerless talent even more.
Which Scholar in the world didn't love fame? Yet he viewed it so lightly.
Such a free and unworldly demeanor was truly admirable.
After Shangguan Haitang left, Yue Yao walked over and asked, “How many people long for the title of Number One Talent in the World?”
“Husband, why did you refuse?”
Tang Bohu smiled, “Although the reputation of 'Number One in the World' is good, it can also attract trouble.”
“Who dares to trouble my husband? This concubine will not spare him!”
Yue Yao’s gaze instantly turned sharp.
“Yes, yes, yes, I almost forgot that my wife is the famous Palace Master Yue Yao.”
“Husband…”
Tang Bohu’s teasing words made Yue Yao blush, and she chided, “You only know how to make fun of I (humble).”
“I’m going to buy groceries and cook.”
With that, she ran off like a flash… Night fell.
Tonight, Tang Bohu had originally intended to have both of his Wives accompany him, but after Yue Yao revealed her identity, she no longer hid anything.
To break through the ninth stage of the Mingyu Skill as quickly as possible, she informed her husband that she would be practicing in her room tonight and could not accompany him.
Tang Bohu had no choice but to spend the night with his Third Wife, Nie Meiniang.
After some intimate exchanges, the couple lay on the bed, talking late into the night.
“Meiniang, tell me about the Great Tang Demonic Cult.”
In the original work, the Great Tang Demonic Cult’s situation was not good; they were all annihilated by the righteous sects.
Tang Bohu did not know the situation in this Comprehensive Martial World.
But he cared about his wife and wanted to understand clearly.
“Alright.”
Nie Meiniang smiled sweetly, leaning against her husband’s chest, and began to explain.