A Scholar in the Ming Dynasty

“On the night of the full moon, atop the Purple Forbidden City, vie for the crown of number one, and let the world debate the sword!” A solemn, booming slogan rang through the imperial palace! On the rooftop, two men faced each other with grim expressions. Zhu Houzhao sat in a grand armchair with one leg crossed, holding a teacup as he watched the pair on the roof. He drawled, “Minister Bao, I approved this martial arts tournament to determine the greatest under Heaven, and I agreed to let them fight on the palace roof. But what happens if they damage the roof?” “Your Majesty, rest assured. I've already made each of them pay five thousand taels for repairs.” “The Japanese are coming next month to challenge the martial arts of our Great Ming. What arrangements have you made?” “Your Majesty, rest assured once more. I've made the arrangements. The Three Mountains, Five Peaks, Seven Sects, Twelve Manors, Twenty-Four Gangs, Forty-Eight Schools, and so on. They'll never finish challenging them all in their lifetimes.” “Why haven't you finished writing that book of yours, The Unprecedented and Unmatched, Shaking the Ages and Shining Through Time, A Tale of Martial Heroes?” “Your Majesty, rest assured yet again. I give you my word as a writer who once made a living on Qidian: I absolutely will not abandon this book!” “Good. I believe you. If you dare abandon it, I'll make you a eunuch.” “Your Majesty is wise!”