My Wife is Unbeatable in the Whole World, Touch Me If You Dare!

Inside the room.

Li Nuo rubbed his forehead and looked at the two sisters, asking, "Wife, Yiren, what were you talking about?"

Song Yiren looked at him, her face lighting up with joy, "You're better!"

"I was just a bit dizzy earlier, but I'm much better now."

Song Yiren turned to Song Jiaren and asked, "Does what you just said still count?"

Song Jiaren responded indifferently, "What did I say?"

"How can you go back on your word!"

"I never promised you anything."

...

Staying at home had become unbearable, and despite Housekeeper Wu's advice, Li Nuo still insisted on going out.

Passing by Jade Sound Pavilion, he took the opportunity to visit Phoenix, taking off the gauze from his head and washing the makeup off his forehead.

Phoenix looked at him curiously and asked, "How did it go?"

Li Nuo sighed and said, "Don't ask."

He had intended to teach Yiren a lesson but ended up being the one who was educated.

It was simply him and Phoenix judging a gentleman by their own petty standards.

After hearing the story, Phoenix, too, felt melancholic and said, "Who could have thought that both Miss Song's sisters are so devoted and righteous? In that case, why can't you make them both happy?"

"Ah?"

"It's quite normal for a man to have one wife and multiple concubines, especially for an extraordinary gentleman like you. Why not follow in Emperor Shun's footsteps with Ehuang Nvying and marry both sisters? That way, no one is let down, and it can even become a legendary tale..."

It must be said, Phoenix really had a knack for giving suggestions.

Lady Mother-in-law didn't want to marry even one daughter to him; what would she do if he married both? Wouldn't she storm back to Chang'an from Sanqing Mountain?

The Grandmaster of the Fifth Realm, I doubt even Wu could stop her.

Besides, even if Jiaren agreed, Yiren definitely would not.

That much, Li Nuo was sure of.

If it weren't for Jiaren's cultivation of the Yuqing Heart Technique, her personality might not be so different from Yiren's.

Even though Mumu was compliant in other matters, she was uncompromising when fighting with Ning'er.

Phoenix thought for a moment, then asked, "By the way, how are things going with the Princess? Now that the Imperial Examination is over, they must be selecting a Prince Consort for Princess Anning."

She really knew which sore spot to press; Li Nuo had just driven the Minister of Rites away yesterday.

Divorce was out of the question.

Nor could he allow his wife to become a concubine.

As for how the court settles this, that was their problem.

One step at a time.

A strange rumbling came from his stomach, and Li Nuo said to Phoenix, "I haven't eaten anything yet today; could you make me a bowl of noodles..."

A bowl of clear soup, a few scallions, a few greens, and a poached egg.

After too many rich and exotic foods, he sometimes missed this simple vegetarian soup.

The house was in complete disarray.

The Ministry of Justice was no longer what it used to be.

The rarely visited Jade Sound Pavilion had now become his sanctuary.

Phoenix, tender and sweet-voiced, also made delicious noodles. Even though she often gave reckless advice, it was better than no ideas at all; at least there was someone to talk to.

After eating, Phoenix sat by the piano and said, "I just composed a new piece; help me listen and see if anything needs to be changed..."

Phoenix's piano skills had improved since Li Nuo first heard them.

Yet now, he no longer needed Music.

Obligated from accepting her food, Li Nuo found it hard to refuse. Besides, he had nothing else to do, so he helped her tweak the composition and personally played it several times for her.

Watching him focus on playing, a dreamy look appeared in Phoenix's eyes.

Listening to him play was truly divine.

Being skilled at Music herself, she could tell that his performance was impeccable, a level she could never reach in her lifetime.

At that moment, even she entertained the idea of keeping him for herself...

When Li Nuo finished playing and looked at Phoenix, he found her gazing at him with an odd look.

It was a look he had seen before on Song Yiren.

However, in the next moment, her expression softened into admiration and adoration, making Li Nuo wonder if he had just imagined her earlier intensity.

Leaving Jade Sound Pavilion and returning to the Song Residence, Li Nuo saw another familiar figure.

Minister Lu Sheng from the Ministry of Rites was there and, upon seeing Li Nuo frown, immediately approached and said, "Top Scholar, don't be angry. I am here on genuine business this time!"

Moments later, Li Nuo once again led Lu Sheng into the Song Residence.

However, this time, there was no tea, nor did he allow him into the room.

Li Nuo sat on a stone stool in the courtyard and asked, "What business brings Lord Lu here this time?"

Lu Sheng, standing, got straight to the point, "In two days, all the new Advanced Scholars are to enter the palace to pay homage to His Majesty and express their gratitude for imperial grace. Afterward, they will leave the palace for a procession, culminating in a feast at Furong Garden. I am here to confirm the day's proceedings with the top scholar..."

As the saying goes, it's like walking in embroidered robes at night if you're wealthy yet unwilling to return to your hometown.

What is the difference between becoming an Advanced Scholar and not, if one cannot show one's face in public?

For the court, organizing grand events and banquets for new Advanced Scholars after each Imperial Examination is a way to emphasize its value and inspire all scholars to participate vigorously. Successful candidates leap through the dragon gate, becoming honored among the public...

The top scholar ranks first in the Imperial Examination, possessing privileges other scholars do not have.

For instance, the top scholar of each examination is the only one allowed to bring his wife to the parade.

Moreover, the parade's procession must pass by the top scholar's home, allowing him to pay respects and announce this news to his ancestors, granting them honor even in the netherworld…

If the top scholar is not from Chang'an, he could also place his ancestors' spirit tablets in the inn he resides in.

All inns in Chang'an willingly cooperate, even offering significant sums in private bids.

These ceremonial procedures are all managed by the Ministry of Rites. Lu Sheng took out a map of Chang'an, marked the route, and, after confirming with Li Nuo, asked, "On that day, will the top scholar bring his wife along?"

Li Nuo nodded and replied, "Of course."

Although his wife was reserved, she was not wholly indifferent.

At the very least, Li Nuo had noticed she did possess some vanity.

Such a public occasion, she would definitely want to attend.

Lu Sheng pulled out paper and a pen from his sleeves, and as he recorded, he asked, "During the procession, does the top scholar prefer to ride a horse or travel by carriage?"

Li Nuo was, of course, very familiar with these ceremonial protocols.

On the day of the procession, the top scholar dressed in a great red robe and donned a golden flower hat with palace flowers. If alone, one generally chose to ride a horse, but if accompanied by his wife, one could opt for a carriage.

Li Nuo thought for a moment and said, "Let's go with a carriage."

By comparison, riding in a carriage was more comfortable.

The procession carriages were not the usual ones seen on the streets but open carriages that allowed the occupying scholars to be seen by people along the way.

The top scholar was the absolute protagonist of the ceremony. Many details needed to be adjusted according to his needs, and even the banquet's dishes and performances were selected based on the top scholar's preferences.

For this reason, each Imperial Examination saw young talents from all over Daxia vying for this top spot.

As Lu Sheng continued his inquiry for what seemed like an unending list of details, Li Nuo decisively snatched the paper and pen from him, saying, "That'll be all, Lord Lu. I'll write it myself…"

Li Nuo placed the booklet on the table and rapidly noted down the details.

After a while, he handed the finished booklet to Lu Sheng, saying, "There."

Taking the booklet, Lu Sheng's gaze first went to the beautifully written calligraphy.

His own writing was decent, but compared to the top scholar's, it was hardly presentable.

Reviewing the contents, which covered every aspect of the ceremony including minor details, Lu Sheng inwardly praised him; even he, a minister from the Ministry of Rites, could hardly match it. Truly befitting of a Sixth-Ranking Scholar.

With the initial concerns rendered unnecessary by the details listed, Lu Sheng put away the booklet and remarked, "Then the Ministry of Rites will make the arrangements according to what the top scholar has written…"

Before leaving, he turned back and said, "About the matter we discussed last time, are you sure you won't consider it?"

Li Nuo glanced at him, prompting Lu Sheng to immediately shut his mouth and hurry away.

Regardless, His Majesty was assured to attend when the Advanced Scholars were presented; he'd take the opportunity then to report and let His Majesty decide.

Song Jiaren stepped out from the room. Li Nuo took her hand and had her sit on his lap.

Song Jiaren's face flushed slightly but she did not resist, letting Li Nuo wrap his arms around her waist.

Li Nuo looked at her and said, "The Ministry of Rites came by just now. In two days, it's the procession and banquet for the Advanced Scholars. We'll go together."

Song Jiaren nodded and quietly responded with a hum.

Li Nuo gently held her, inhaling the fragrance of his wife close-up.

A few months earlier, he wouldn't have even dared to imagine such a scene.

Holding her quietly like this, they could both feel each other's heartbeats. Song Jiaren's heartbeat was initially fast, but it gradually steadied to match Li Nuo's rhythm and frequency...

In that moment, Li Nuo felt true happiness up close.

He wished he could hold her a little longer.

Yet an untimely figure jumped down from the nearby wall.

Song Jiaren immediately stood up; though her expression remained calm, a flush spread across her face.

Song Yiren, with a stern face, said to Li Nuo, "Step aside for a moment. I need to discuss something with her."

Li Nuo walked towards their room, glancing at the wall she had climbed over.

That area used to be occupied by Song Jin and his wife, but somehow she had persuaded the Old Lady to switch places with them, moving in next door to Li Nuo, often hopping the wall to visit.

Li Nuo considered moving back to their own home permanently.

After he returned to the room, he hid by the door, attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation.

It seemed like they were using True Qi to communicate; through the crack in the door, Li Nuo could only see her lips moving but couldn't decipher what she was saying.

However, her expression was stern, certainly not bearing good news.

In the courtyard...