Chapter Twenty-Six: An Unexpected Duel

“All brawn and no brains, he knows nothing of the ways of an official.”

“Master Li is the emperor’s personally appointed junior minister, and yet he dares to offend him.”

“If he’s not a reckless brute, what is he?”

From Lu Xin’s words, it was clear that Chen Jingshan knew Li Yunjie’s position as junior minister was anything but ordinary. Yet even so, their recent confrontation had shown no sign of deference. This proved that Chen was a stubborn man indeed.

“Just now, Junior Minister Chen offended Master Li,” Lu Xin said, putting away his smile and bowing respectfully. “I hope Master Li will forgive him.”

Li Yunjie was taken aback and waved his hand with a light chuckle, “We are colleagues, it’s nothing.”

“But for Master Lu to personally apologize on Chen’s behalf, you two must be rather close, I presume?”

Li Yunjie wanted to probe Lu Xin’s attitude. As a newcomer in officialdom, understanding the relationships among colleagues was crucial.

Lu Xin sighed softly. “I wouldn’t say we’re close, really.”

“But Chen is indeed someone worthy of admiration.”

“Oh?” Li Yunjie’s face was full of curiosity. “How so?”

Lu Xin opened his folding fan with a flourish, as if unfolding memories along with it.

“Master Li may not know, but Chen hails from Qiongzhou. His family was poor.”

“At twelve, he was sold to work for a prominent local household.”

“But Chen refused to accept his fate. He scrimped and saved, gathering enough silver to buy his own freedom.”

“Afterward, he entered Taihu Academy.”

“Chen was not particularly gifted, but through relentless diligence, he passed the provincial exams in the fortieth year of Qingyuan, and soon after joined the Supreme Court.”

“After years of struggle, he finally became junior minister.”

“Such perseverance is truly rare!”

Li Yunjie nodded in agreement. No wonder the man carried himself with such pride. Those who clawed their way up from the bottom rarely looked kindly on privileged sons like Li Yunjie. In Chen’s eyes, Li was just another rich heir sent to gild his resume in the countryside, lacking any real merit. That explained Chen’s earlier disdain.

“Master Li, I have matters to attend to. I must take my leave.” Lu Xin bowed to Li Yunjie.

Halfway out, he suddenly turned back. “Oh, Master Li—”

“In three days, the Supreme Court will host a martial contest.”

“Chen Jingshan is sure to challenge you.”

“If you wish to avoid him, you’d better think of a plan quickly.”

With that, he strolled away, folding fan in hand.

A martial contest?

Li Yunjie’s mind went blank. No one had mentioned this before he arrived!

Had he known, he would have delayed his appointment a few days!

He recalled Chen Jingshan’s imposing figure and broke out in a cold sweat.

...

Prime Minister’s Residence.

It was the third watch of the night.

Li Yunjie sat alone by the window, gazing at the stars in a daze.

“Master,” Eleven brought in a plate of fruit, puzzled. “Why are you so troubled?”

Li Yunjie sighed deeply.

“Eleven, is there any way I can reach the fifth rank within three days?”

Eleven thought for a moment and nodded. “There is!”

“What method?” Li Yunjie’s eyes lit up.

“Dream!” Eleven said solemnly.

Li Yunjie was speechless. He snatched the fruit plate from Eleven. “Now’s hardly the time for snacks!”

“Careful you don’t rot your teeth!”

He picked up a slice of orange and popped it in his mouth.

“Why are you so desperate, Master?” Eleven asked, swallowing.

Li Yunjie sighed again. “Three days from now, the Supreme Court is holding some martial demonstration.”

“Chen Jingshan doesn’t like me—he’ll definitely challenge me.”

“That fellow is a fifth-rank expert! I can’t beat him!”

Eleven looked at the dejected Li Yunjie and laughed softly, “If you can’t win, Master, just don’t go.”

Li Yunjie grew serious. “If your master shirks his duty right after taking office, won’t I become the butt of every joke?”

“They say a new official must light three fires; mine haven’t even sparked, and someone’s already snuffed them out.”

“No dignity left!”

“That’s true,” Eleven nodded. “Perhaps ask Miss Qingmeng for advice?”

Li Yunjie fell into thought at the suggestion.

Su Qingmeng was at least a fourth-rank expert. She couldn’t help him reach fifth-rank in three days, but perhaps she could teach him a few clever tricks to snatch victory from defeat.

No time to waste!

Li Yunjie leapt from the windowsill, went to Su Qingmeng’s chamber, and knocked on her door.

“What do you want?” Su Qingmeng opened the door, a little impatient.

Li Yunjie found it odd. She should have been asleep by now. How did she answer so quickly? But he didn’t dwell on it.

“Miss Qingmeng,” Li Yunjie grinned sheepishly. “Sorry to disturb you so late.”

“Speak your mind,” Su Qingmeng snapped.

“I have a question,” Li Yunjie coughed to steady himself. “I have a friend—”

“He’s only at eighth rank, but in three days he must duel a fifth-rank expert.”

“Is there any technique that could help him turn the tables?”

Su Qingmeng stared at him for a long moment, as if sizing up an idiot.

“Tell your friend to find a cool, shady spot.”

“Why?”

“So he’ll rot a bit slower.”

With that, Su Qingmeng slammed the door.

Li Yunjie could only sigh and knocked again.

“To be honest,” he said solemnly, “in three days, the Supreme Court will hold a martial contest.”

“Chen Jingshan will surely challenge me.”

“What’s that to me?” Su Qingmeng retorted.

“With my current skills, I’m clearly no match,” Li Yunjie said seriously.

“And?”

“If I lose, it’s not just my face—it's the honor of the entire Su family!”

That hit Su Qingmeng’s soft spot. She didn’t care if Li Yunjie got beaten, but the family’s reputation was another matter.

“Come in,” Su Qingmeng said coldly.

Li Yunjie was overjoyed—there was hope!

“An eighth-rank against a fifth-rank has no chance,” Su Qingmeng poured him a drink and spoke earnestly. “So you only have one shot.”

Li Yunjie poured himself a drink, clinked glasses with her, and drained it. “Please, tell me more!”

“This strike must be all-out, aimed at disabling Chen Jingshan completely.”

“But as far as I know, he’s a master of defense. Achieving victory in one blow won’t be easy.”

Su Qingmeng fell silent, thinking for a long time.

After the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, she suddenly spoke, “There is one strategy!”

“I’m all ears,” Li Yunjie said respectfully.

“The Thunder Talisman of Taihu Academy!” Su Qingmeng’s eyes grew sharp. “Three years ago, I sparred with an academy student.”

“Though he was only at the seventh rank of Confucian cultivation, he was proficient in talismans.”

“With just a low-tier Thunder Talisman, he paralyzed me completely for several moments.”

Li Yunjie felt as if he’d struck gold. He remembered the book of talismans gifted by Su Ming—there were several Thunder Talismans among them!

Unfortunately, he had never entered the literary path and didn’t know how to use them, so they’d been left untouched. He’d even considered pawning them for silver…

Wait!

Li Yunjie’s heart sank. Academy talismans were secret arts, and he had no idea how to use them!