Chapter 0004: The Imperial Capital Chang'an.

History has long verified that it is not easy to marry a princess from the Tang Dynasty. Being a husband of a Tang princess is a profession with a high risk and a high chance of receiving a green hat.

On the morning of the ninth day, Yu Nu reminded: "Master, tomorrow is the deadline given by the court. You should prepare early. Li Xianyuan also made an appointment to meet with you today."

So, in Xue Shao's view, tomorrow's visit to the grand Daming Palace is just a formality.

After years of military service, a deep attachment to the military has been ingrained in his heart. Initially, if it weren't for wanting to provide a stable life for Xiao Rou, he would never have considered retiring and transitioning to civilian life. Now, in the Tang Dynasty, with the added prestige of being a noble, it is impossible for him to enlist again. Moreover, times have changed, and the military in the Tang Dynasty is certainly different from the modern military. Will he be able to find the same sense of belonging and purpose there?

Hooded hats have become popular in recent years. Initially, they were required by law for the wives and daughters of officials when they went out. The hats were made of tung oil and had long cloth curtains that covered the women's faces and bodies, so that they could not be seen by others on the road. During the Wu De period at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, this kind of hat was called "Mi Qi", and the brim was so long that it reached the waist or even the ankles. After the Yonghui period, the brim of the hat only reached the neck, and the law no longer required it, indicating that the customs of the Tang Dynasty were becoming more open. This beautiful hat gradually spread from the palace to the people, and was also called "Gong Wei Mao". When women like Yue Nu wore it with a sword and rode a horse, they really had the style of a female knight in martial arts movies.

"This is not the main point. The key lies in the location and manner of this meeting, which is quite particular," said Li Xianyuan. "After discussing with the two saints and the close ministers, they felt that arranging the meeting between the princess and the prince consort in a grand and ostentatious manner, as in the past, would not be appropriate. Princess Taiping has long been tired of such a situation, and it is possible that she would ruin things even before meeting Brother Xue. Therefore, this time Brother Xue went to Chang'an to have a private meeting with Princess Taiping - well, it will be like an accidental encounter!"

In the vicinity of Lantian, the water level of the Wei River is abundant. Xue Shao has also hired people to excavate a swimming pool on the spacious polo field. The Xue Mansion, which was once used for indulging in sensual pleasures, has become a fitness club for Xue Shao alone.

After several days of tempering, Xue Shao has finally improved his body that was once indulged in wine and women. The old Xue Shao was a typical feminine style "pretty boy", with a touch of feminine charm in his appearance, posture, and speech. Now, after merging with the renowned soul, his temperament has gained a bit of masculinity, combining both strength and softness.

Up until now, Xue Shao has no idea about his future and prospects in the Tang Dynasty. He has asked himself this question countless times, and if he doesn't think too much, the most direct answer in his heart is -- to join the military.

During those seven years, it was also the only time when Princess Taiping, a historical celebrity, behaved herself after reaching adulthood. Later, Xue Shao was wrongly imprisoned and executed for his involvement in a rebellion. Princess Taiping had no choice but to remarry and take with her the grief, pain, and children of the Xue family. From then on, Princess Taiping's personality changed drastically, and she spent her life fighting for power and eventually went mad and perished. But that is another story.

"Since it is a matter decided by the court, is there a need to discuss it with me?" Xue Shao remained calm, "Just tell me the date of the meeting."

Li Xianyuan prepared good food and excellent singers and dancers early on to entertain Xue Shao, who rarely had distinguished guests. Xue Shao declined his hospitality, citing fatigue from the journey, and went to bed early after dinner, only waiting for tomorrow to complete the formalities of entering the palace.

Nine heavens open the palace gates, people from all nations bow in admiration... Xue Shao took a deep breath and recited two lines of poetry that An Xiaorou often mentioned. In his heart, he thought, "Xiao Rou, the magnificent capital city of the prosperous Tang Dynasty in your dreams is truly as stunning and breathtaking as you described."

As soon as these words were spoken, Shui Ling'er, who was standing aside, immediately curled her lips in disdain. Yue Nu's expression remained indifferent and glamorous, which was inconsistent with her age and status. She cast a contemptuous glance at Li Xianyuan, then looked away as if ignoring him, and focused on her own thoughts.

Xue Shao had already made up his mind, but sometimes one has to bow their head under the eaves. Since the two saints have issued such an edict, there is no need for him to act recklessly and seek death. It is extremely difficult to please a woman, but it is all too easy to make her dislike oneself.

Yes, young master! Yue Nu couldn't help but feel secretly delighted. After so many years, this is the first time the young master has taken me out!

After nightfall, Xue Shao began to carve a wooden elephant of An Xiao Rou with a small knife in his room. He has practiced the skills of carving and painting countless times over the years to become proficient without a teacher. After several evenings, a lifelike wooden elephant of An Xiao Rou, about the size of a mobile phone, had been completed. There were also a few bloodstains left by the carving knife on Xue Shao's fingers.

Xue Shao smiled but remained silent. Li Xianyuan's words, he had long been familiar with them. Not only that, he also knew about the historical Xue Shao and Princess Taiping, who lived together for seven years and had two sons and two daughters.

Yes, young master.

The Xingyi Quan has "ten routines", "head, body, hand, foot, and tip, refined intention, energy, and strength", Xue Shao coordinated the eight sections of health preservation, using a method of gradual progress and internal cultivation, focusing on refining "intention, energy, and strength" first. As for the practical combat routines of Xingyi Quan, Xue Shao had already integrated them with the combat techniques learned in the military and police in his previous life, seamlessly combining them. The techniques are not forgotten and can be easily executed, making them much easier to learn and master than internal cultivation. As for the practical combat routines of Xingyi Quan, Xue Shao had already integrated them with the combat techniques learned in the military and police in his previous life, seamlessly combining them. The techniques are not forgotten and can be easily executed, making them much easier to learn and master than internal cultivation.

So, Xue Shao is very confused.

Internal and external cultivation, emphasizing health preservation without neglecting practical combat, is the highest level of martial arts.

I understand. Brother Li may directly tell me the time and location.

"Brother Li?"

Originally, Li Xianyuan wanted to come to the Xue Mansion as usual and enjoy a few days of fun. However, the Xue Mansion now not only lacks the beautiful music and silk, but Xue Shao has even quit drinking. In addition, Xue Shao claimed to be unwell, so Li Xianyuan didn't want to stay here anymore and have a boring time. After finishing the meal, she left with a sullen farewell.

From a high vantage point in the distance, the ancient imperial capital of Chang'an appears like a divine monument left behind from ancient times, surrounded by the majestic Eight Rivers at the foot of Mount Zhongnan. Encircled by a solid city wall, it is the largest city in the world with a population of millions. The wide Zhuque Avenue, spanning over a hundred meters, cuts through the city, with residential areas arranged like a chessboard on both sides. The streets are filled with carriages and horses, and the crowds of people resemble ants. The Imperial Palace, sitting in the north and facing the south, stands grand and magnificent. The entire imperial capital is like a bold and desolate ink landscape painting, exuding a natural and domineering aura, reigning over the world and overlooking the four seas! The wide Zhuque Avenue, spanning over a hundred meters, cuts through the city, with residential areas arranged like a chessboard on both sides. The streets are filled with carriages and horses, and the crowds of people resemble ants. The Imperial Palace, sitting in the north and facing the south, stands grand and magnificent. The entire imperial capital is like a bold and desolate ink landscape painting, exuding a natural and domineering aura, reigning over the world and overlooking the four seas!

This is the past life of Xue Shao, the young master of Blue Field. He goes out without money and returns home with millions. His noble lineage and this excellent appearance are his natural capital for getting rich. In addition, Xue Shao owns a large amount of land granted by the imperial court in Blue Field County, which has become his solid capital for indulging in a life of luxury and revelry in the past.

It's just that this time Xue Shao came with a royal mission, so Li Xianyuan dared not show off in the city. Xue Shao also only wanted to seek peace, so the group quietly entered Chang'an City and directly settled in Li Xianyuan's home.

The First Prince's Consort ?

Yuenou bought many knives, swords, bows, and arrows. These rare items from the 21st century greatly piqued Xueshao's interest.

Xue Shao couldn't help but laugh. He remembered that it was indeed recorded in historical books that the first meeting between Princess Taiping and Xue Shao was exactly like a clichéd, deliberately arranged "beautiful encounter" described in a romance novel.

In Xue Shao's mind, he never took Princess Taiping seriously. He had no interest in being the "number one husband" of the Tang Dynasty. In his view, it was at most the ultimate ideal of a vase-like man. Moreover, he knew that in the coming years, Wu Zetian would ascend to the throne and there would be hidden dangers and assassination attempts around Princess Taiping. He did not want to end up like Xue Shao in history, marrying a beautiful woman and enjoying a few years of happiness before dying tragically, followed by his wife being slept with by others, his money being spent by others, his children being beaten by others, and even wearing countless green hats when meeting the King of Hell.