My Wife Is A Sword Immortal
Chapter 472 - 321 Pre-exam Preparation (✕), Slacking Off Before Exam (✓)_2

Chapter 472: Chapter 321 Pre-exam Preparation (✕), Slacking Off Before Exam (✓)_2

As for the specifics of the Great Li evaluation, Meng Zhengjun will explain them separately to Zhao Rong and others in due time.

Leaving the Ritual Hall.

In the open space in front of the hall, Zhao Rong and Gu Yiwu huddled together for a discussion.

The two of them agreed that, in addition to the usual preparations for descending the mountain, they couldn’t afford to waste time.

They had to start immediately on the preparations for the Great Li evaluation thousands of miles away.

They solemnly divided the labor.

In the end, they decided.

Zhao Rong would primarily be responsible for gathering information about the mortal dynasties’ Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony, preferably finding some standardized and viable procedures and rituals.

For easy copying... no, for easy reference.

To learn from their strengths and supplement their weaknesses.

Whereas Gu Yiwu and others would be responsible for gathering intelligence on the current situation and circumstances within the Great Li Dynasty in advance.

Although to them, as beings from the realm of Immortals, this Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony seemed like just a not-so-important Ritual Skill assessment.

Zhao Rong surmised that for the Great Li Dynasty, it was most likely of significant importance.

It might even influence the fate and trend of the entire mortal Great Dynasty.

One pinprick, pain throughout the body.

Well, at the very least, they ought to identify where the highest mountain within the Great Li Territory was, right? They couldn’t just randomly turn left out of the door, find a small hill, and hastily conduct the ceremony.

Additionally, they needed to ascertain if there were any permanent Immortal Sects present on the high mountain that might cause trouble.

Was it suitable for holding the Sealing and Sacrifice?

Were the women of Great Li hospitable?

Were they enthusiastic towards Confucian Scholars?

How slender exactly was the waist that Yizhou was famous for?

Whether the trend of slender waists among the Li women was a naturally occurring phenomenon due to the local environment or an unhealthy preference among the Li Dynasty’s powerful elite—trickling down from the top and becoming a feudal bad custom.

All these matters of Great Li’s circumstances and local customs.

Zhao Rong and Gu Yiwu unanimously agreed that it was necessary to investigate thoroughly.

After all, they were professionals.

Students of the Saint.

They had to ensure the flawless conduct of the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony, making preparations and arrangements in all aspects.

Especially the last point, if it was due to extrinsic factors, it needed to be severely criticized.

Zhao Rong inferred:

"If they’re going to hold the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony, the ruler of Great Li must at least consider himself a wise king of the ages. And since they’ve asked our Linlu Academy to organize the ceremony, he must also have a predilection for Confucianism."

Gu Yiwu’s expression was solemn as he picked up where Zhao Rong left off:

"Therefore, if this trend of slender waists is a personal vice of his or of the nobility, leading to a national bad custom..."

"Ziyu, as students of the Saint, we must advocate with the principles of rites and speak frankly, boldly criticizing them, making them realize and correct their mistakes. This perverse and harmful influence must not be allowed to continue. Otherwise, if the Li court venerates Confucianism, I’m afraid our Confucian circle will have to take the blame again."

Zhao Rong looked at Gu Yiwu, the embodiment of integrity, and nodded, "Elder Brother Yiwu understands the greater justice, what you say is exceedingly true."

Gu Yiwu waved his hand dismissively, "Ah, this is the scholarly duty we Confucian Scholars should fulfill, it’s not worth mentioning."

Zhao Rong expressed his gravity as he performed a courtesy, "Elder Brother Yiwu is being modest."

Gu Yiwu sighed softly, "It’s you, Ziyu, who is being too courteous."

Zhao Rong shook his head, "No, it’s the respect Elder Brother Yiwu deserves."

Gu Yiwu made a gesture of modesty, "Ah, I am unworthy of such respect, truly unworthy."

The other eighteen students of Justice Hall watched the two men exchange courtesies and couldn’t help glancing at one another, admiration appearing in their eyes.

Soon after another brief discussion, Zhao Rong spoke solemnly, "Elder Brother Yiwu, let’s both go back and prepare well. As for the news regarding the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony, I will go and search earnestly."

Gu Yiwu nodded, "Alright, I too will thoroughly investigate the situation in Great Li."

In the open space in front of the Ritual Hall, two upright Confucian Scholars reached an agreement effortlessly.

After distributing the two most important tasks, they parted ways.

They went their separate ways to prepare.

Zhao Rong pondered the matters of the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony while walking back towards the East Fence Small House.

This examination was no longer just about him, but also included Gu Yiwu and other righteous brothers from Justice Hall who had stood out bravely.

Furthermore, the outcome of this Ritual Skill would significantly affect the bet he had previously made with Wu Peiliang.

Zhao Rong had to give it his all.

With furrowed brows, he returned to the East Fence Small House, tidied up a bit, and set out once more.

It was possible to visit Teacher Yan, not only to inform him about the upcoming examination at the Great Li but also to inquire if he had any knowledge about the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony.

Zhao Rong and Gu Yiwu were very much in sync in not seeking help from another academy bigwig they both knew—Meng the Sacrificial Officer.

Because they were afraid of going and never returning, leaving Linlu Academy to lament the loss of two pillars of the future...

As for Zhu Yourong, Zhao Rong thought about it and decided not to visit her again before leaving for the Great Li.

He had just recently gone to have a bowl of "hot tea."

If he went again, he would probably make a couple of individuals—earnestly devoted to their duty of standing guard and surveillance—even more suspicious and vigilant.

Thinking of this, Zhao Rong smirked.

He had important things to do right now; he didn’t have time to play their groundless game of catching adulterers or "crime-in-progress."

Regarding the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony, Zhao Rong had a vague impression. On his first ride on Cloud Sea Ferry from Qingfeng Residence, he seemed to have passed by a high mountain of a certain dynasty and saw people below, a sea of heads, performing the Sealing and Sacrifice.

At that time, he was just watching the excitement; he didn’t expect that now he had to organize it himself.

Such an encounter...

Moreover, Zhao Rong usually read a wide variety of books, which was one of the reasons why everyone entrusted him with the main responsibility for this task.

At the moment, Zhao Rong slightly furrowed his brows.

He remembered seeing something about the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony in some miscellaneous book...

Yes, it seemed to be in a book borrowed from the library... Yiwu is probably urgently gathering information about the Great Li right now... Well, he could also look in the library where there were many books; maybe there would be some clues about the Sealing and Sacrifice...

Zhao Rong shut the wooden door of East Fence Small House while his mind buzzed with countless thoughts.

His eyebrows relaxed, he turned, chose a road in a certain direction without thinking, and strode forward.

Soon, Zhao Rong arrived at... the main gate of the Academy.

He left Linlu Academy, went to the neighboring streets, carefully picked some snacks someone liked... then turned to head to Taiching Prefecture to find Qing Jun.

Cough cough, although he was a bit busy before the examination with many things to do, he can’t neglect nor forget about Qing Jun.

This too was a top priority.

So Zhao Rong had to go and ’report’ to his wife, explain the situation, and then head down the mountain.

Otherwise, she would worry unnecessarily.

Therefore, Zhao Rong decided to first go to Taiching Prefecture today to find Qing Jun and Qian’er, hmm, to spend some quality time with his wife and see if he could spend the night there.

What bad intentions could Zhao Rong have? It was merely the reluctance of parting with his wife before a brief separation.

Of course, he currently can’t even deliver his ’public grain’...

So, he would first accompany Qing Jun; even Brother Yiwu should understand that... right?

Zhao Rong nodded slightly to himself.

His thoughts suddenly became crystal clear.

Oh, today’s sunlight seems rather bright.

...

In a corner within Linlu Academy,

Gu Yiwu, accompanied by eighteen students of Justice Hall, walked on the main road.

He was leading the way at the front.

A thin-faced student curiously asked, "Boss, where are we going now?"

With a serious expression, Gu Yiwu looked at the sun and replied, "It’s still early, and according to what we discussed earlier with Ziyu, we need to collect news about the Great Li. Speaking of which, is there any channel within your families that could help us?"

The students thought for a moment and then shook their heads one after another.

Another student said:

"Boss, the bustling and vast Du You City is just next-door, and who pays attention to the mundane world down the mountain on ordinary days? However, this Great Dynasty seems rather large, and it’s one of the top contenders in the northern part of Wangque, at least it’s familiar to our ears. The beauties of the Great Li are also quite famous. When we go to the Great Li, we can also take the opportunity to have a good time."

Gu Yiwu slowly shook his head, "Let’s finish the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony first."

The thin-faced student spoke again: "Boss, there’s no need to rush this moment, let’s go play Cuju first, relax a bit before the assessment."

Gu Yiwu frowned and slapped the back of his head, "Play Cuju your mom’s way, who taught you to relax before an assessment. I’m so mad, you don’t learn the good but the bad. Right now, Ziyu is probably working hard to prepare for the Sealing and Sacrifice Ceremony; how can we shamelessly slack off behind his back, holding him back."

The thin-faced student nodded rapidly like a pecking chicken, "You’re right, Boss, right! We can’t disappoint Teacher Zhao!"

Gu Yiwu looked up to the sky and sighed softly.

"Alas, it looks like I have to step up and find a way to collect news about the Great Li. Alright, you all disperse now; let’s operate separately. After you go back, try to inquire as much as possible."

The eighteen students of Justice Hall agreed and dispersed.

Gu Yiwu’s gaze became focused as he watched the horizon, "Ziyu’s task is very heavy. I wonder how his preparations are going, if he has any ideas, whether he is encountering any difficulties... No, I too must hurry."

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PS: Wow, the Sword Lady novel has reached one million words!