“It’s fate that I met Xiao Ping’an.” Lei Yun patted Zhao Ping’an on the shoulder.
A smile appeared on Zhao Ping'an's face; he had never dared to imagine such an opportunity before.
"Master, please rest assured, Ping An will definitely work hard."
Jiang Bai patted Zhao Ping'an's head: "Your master and I have important matters to discuss. You can go down and play by yourself for a while."
Lei Yun waved to his deputy, "Jiang Yun, come here."
"Your subordinate is here." Jiang Yun had been by Lei Yun's side since childhood and was his capable assistant.
"Take Ping An down to take a look at the training ground and the armory, and pick out a suitable weapon for Ping An."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ping'an immediately perked up, his eyes shining.
Jiang Yun casually put his arm around Zhao Ping'an's shoulder: "Let's go, Ping'an, I'll take you downstairs to have a look."
"Okay." Zhao Ping'an felt a little awkward being put in that embrace.
Jiang Bai chuckled: "Go ahead."
After Zhao Ping'an left, Lei Yun led Jiang Bai to a seat and then had someone serve tea: "Sister Jiang, you haven't forgotten what I told you last time, have you?"
“Of course not.” Jiang Bai raised an eyebrow slightly.
"However, I'm not sure if my mediocre skills are good enough for you, General Thunder."
Lei Yun stood up: "Last time I saw Ping An's kung fu, I became curious about the person who taught him martial arts. I didn't expect it to be Sister Jiang."
"Wouldn't that be even more convenient? As the saying goes, 'Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders.'"
Jiang Bai had originally thought Lei Yun was a serious and unsmiling man, too old for his age, but today he couldn't help but chuckle when he heard him say that.
This person is quite talkative.
"Then I'll make a fool of myself."
"please--"
Lei Yun led Jiang Bai to the martial arts arena, where various weapons were displayed on both sides. Jiang Bai's gaze narrowed slightly, his usual gentleness replaced by a cold and stern expression.
In the blink of an eye, she picked up a long spear and came flying through the air. The whole set of movements was smooth and graceful, but each move was deadly.
After a stick of incense had burned, she had demonstrated almost all the weapons in different forms, with ever-changing and seemingly random variations.
Lei Yun's pupils dilated slightly, and he couldn't help but gasp.
If there's anyone in this world who can win his respect, Jiang Bai is one of them.
Jiang Bai dropped the dagger, clapped his hands, and let out a long sigh of relief: "Sorry, I haven't done this for a long time, so it's a bit strenuous."
She chuckled politely twice, but Lei Yun's expression grew increasingly serious.
Jiang Bai's heart skipped a beat.
What does Lei Yun's expression mean? Does he think he's too powerful and wants to silence him?
No way?
They were talking so well just now, how could things change so quickly?
Just then, Lei Yunshan stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I admire Sister Jiang's martial arts skills. I would like to ask Sister Jiang for some pointers."
Jiang Bei was startled. "What are you doing? This is inappropriate."
She helped Lei Yun to his feet: "That's easy, there's no need for us to be so formal."
So that afternoon, Jiang Bai stayed at General Lei Ting's mansion for a full half day, only returning home when the sun went down.
"Sister Jiang, why don't you have your meal at my residence?"
Jiang Bai waved his hand: "No need, there are people waiting at home."
Lei Yun smiled and said, "Then I won't stay any longer."
Lei Yun saw Jiang Bai off onto the carriage and watched her leave before turning away himself.
On the carriage, Jiang Bai felt quite sore. Today, she had demonstrated almost all of her martial arts skills to Lei Yun. Fortunately, Lei Yun was very intelligent and he remembered them all after just one demonstration. Otherwise, she was afraid she would have been exhausted to death in the General's Mansion.
"Your master and you are both martial arts fanatics."
Zhao Ping'an didn't know why his mother said that, but he was in a very good mood at the moment.
At the Zhao residence, Zhao Yi was already standing at the gate waiting.
The carriage slowly came to a stop, and a hand lifted the curtain: "You're back."
Jiang Bai responded and placed his hand in his palm, practically draping his entire body over him: "Let's eat, I'm hungry."
"Ping An, you go in first."
Zhao Yi looked at her and smiled: "What happened? You're so tired after going to the General's Mansion?"
Jiang Bai slumped her head and briefly told Zhao Yi about what had happened that day. Zhao Yi helplessly rubbed her head and said, "Alright, let's rest early after dinner."
Several days passed, and somehow the news that the young master of the Wang family had been dealt with spread like wildfire. Many people in the streets and alleys knew about it, and it became a topic of conversation.
Strangely, the Wang family never caused trouble for the Zhao family.
With no one bothering him in his business, Jiang Bai had far fewer troubles.
Upon closer reflection, she could roughly guess what had happened. Lei Yun must have already dealt with it, which was why the dynasty had become much more restrained.
At the very least, they won't do anything to their family openly, but they might do something behind the scenes.
For example, recently, medicinal food shops have been maliciously slandered by people who claim that they use only rotten medicinal herbs.
If she hadn't stayed at the shop every day to handle things personally, someone might have taken advantage of the situation.
However, compared to these trivial matters, something else caught Jiang Bai's attention.
This also caused a stir throughout the entire Great Chu Dynasty.
When the Imperial Academy was recruiting students, the first imperial edict was issued to select students from various sectors, including scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Those with outstanding academic performance were then allowed to study at the Imperial Academy.
However, everyone knows that ordinary people would never have this opportunity, no matter how hard they tried, because they have neither power nor money.
As for businessmen, there is still a sliver of hope.
The final selection spots were still in the hands of those ministers.
However, as long as there is even a glimmer of hope, Jiang Bai will not give up.
Zhao Xile is exceptionally intelligent. If she could enter the Imperial Academy, she would be surrounded by outstanding people, which would be a great stepping stone for her.
So when Jiang Bai heard the news, he rushed home to tell Zhao Yi about it and also asked Zhao Xile for his opinion.
Zhao Xile was also quite happy; this was the best opportunity for her to become a talented woman.
"Since that's the case, it's settled then. Le'er will also sign up for this selection of women of letters!"
"Le'er will do her best."
Jiang Bai held her in his arms: "Le'er, just go ahead and do it. You have your father and mother behind you, so don't be afraid of anything."
"Besides, our Le'er has real talent and ability, and I believe you will definitely be selected."
Zhao Xile hugged Jiang Bai's neck and kissed her twice on the cheek: "Mother is the best."
"Good girl." The girl in his arms was soft and sweet, and Jiang Bai's heart melted. He started to play with Zhao Xile.
The mother and daughter chatted and laughed, and Zhao Yi, standing to the side, felt extremely warm inside.
However, things were far more complicated than they had imagined. Among those participating in this selection was Wang He's son, Wang Xuan, the spoiled brat who had been taught a lesson by Lei Yun.
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