Chapter 58

Chapter 58: Xu Ming Enlists

“Xu Ming, receive the imperial decree.”

“By the Emperor’s command, I have learned that Xu Ming has temporarily abandoned the Assembly Examination to enlist in the army. I am deeply pleased. The sons of our Wu Kingdom should be like this. My promise to Ming stands! Decree ends!”

In the main hall of the Xu Mansion, Wei Gongsun announced the imperial decree with his sharp falsetto voice.

“Ming, receive the decree.”

Xu Ming straightened his back and respectfully received the decree.

Others who did not hold official titles also stood up from the ground.

One method was to select elite soldiers from other armies to join the Blood Floating Pagoda.

Wang Feng said proudly to Xu Ming, “Don’t make me collect your corpse, it would be such a hassle.”

“As the descendant of Lord Xu, if even joining the Blood Floating Pagoda is too daunting, how will the Imperial Court view the Qin Mansion?”

“Since His Majesty has allowed me to enter the Blood Floating Pagoda, he has expectations for me. How can I disappoint him? Moreover, Lord Xu and Lord Qin originally founded the Blood Floating Pagoda with the founding ancestors, establishing a legacy for eternity.”

The crowd wanted to say more but held their tongues.

Xu Ming bid farewell to his mother.

This Xu Ming, at such a young age, already knows how to use grand principles to pressure people.

“Suyan, you, please counsel Young Master Ming.” Xu Zheng said to Chen Suyan.

For an army to become a battle-hardened force, even one that strikes fear internationally, its training must be unimaginably harsh.

Xu Ming bowed politely.

Chen Suyan tightly pursed her lips, looking very troubled.

“Grandma, Grandfather, Father.”

Xu Ming smiled, knowing that this was his mother deliberately showing confidence to reassure him.

Xu Ming wanted to say something, but seeing his mother’s red eyes trying to hold back tears, ready to fall at any moment, he deeply bowed and said, “Yes, Mother!”

“Foolish child.”

“Tomorrow morning, you’ll go to the Blood Floating Pagoda, right? Go rest now. Mother will see you off tomorrow.” Chen Suyan rubbed Xu Ming’s head.

But Ming, take good care of yourself once you’re there.

No one knew how long they had walked until Xu Ming was thrown off his horse by a member of the Blood Floating Pagoda. They turned and left without any courtesy.

That night, in the Xiao Chun Courtyard,

Chen Suyan sat in the courtyard, gazing at the vast starry sky.

Xu Zheng also urged quickly, “Son, the Blood Floating Pagoda is indeed one of the three iron armies of our Wu Kingdom, but it’s not a place for ordinary people! Many people die during training before even stepping onto the battlefield!”

Early the next morning, two warriors clad in blood-red iron armor rode horses to the Xu Mansion.

As she spoke, Chen Suyan revealed a proud expression.

After a long pause, Chen Suyan whispered, “Madam, Sir, Husband… I respect Young Master Ming’s choice.”

“Alright, since the decree has been delivered, I’ll report back first.” Wei Xun finished his mission, leaving the decision entirely to Xu Ming.

Xu Ming returned to his room.

Moreover, the Blood Floating Pagoda emphasizes life-and-death situations!

“If you survive, your realm and willpower will break through.”

However, Mother is right; with Lady Wang and Lady Qin around, nothing will happen to her.

And within the Blood Floating Pagoda, everyone will be assigned various tasks to ‘find death.’

Chen Suyan gently touched Xu Ming’s small face.

Chen Suyan looked at her son’s closed door, covering her mouth with her hands as tears uncontrollably dripped down.

“How has this child grown up so fast?”

“Rest assured, Lady Wang and Lady Qin take good care of me. And recently, thanks to you, Mother has gained much respect throughout the mansion.”

Nevertheless, Xu Ming clearly understood that what worried the elders of the Xu family wasn’t his death, but rather the loss of the Xu family’s top scholar.

Xu Ming smiled and nodded, “I appreciate Your Majesty’s concern and thank Wei Gongsun for delivering the message. I will consider this matter carefully.”

Naturally, Xu Ming had heard of the Blood Floating Pagoda.

“Young Master Ming, you absolutely cannot join the Blood Floating Pagoda!” The old lady warned Xu Ming.

Chen Suyan snapped back to reality, looked at her son, and pulled his hand toward her, “Come closer, let Mother have a good look. The next time I see you will be five years later.”

After washing in the kitchen, Xu Ming saw his mother sitting on a stone bench lost in thought and felt somewhat guilty.

“Mother…” Xu Ming approached his mother.

The recruits of the Blood Floating Pagoda come from two sources.

Xu Shuiya nodded, “Young Master Ming, your future is boundless, there’s no need to take such risks.”

Xu Xiaopang said nothing, just hugged Xu Ming and cried. To Xu Xiaopang, his fifth brother was his only friend.

The Big White Goose patted Xu Ming’s shoulder, indicating, “Don’t worry, your mom has me protecting her. The boss awaits your return.”

Xu Ming looked up at his mother.

Once you join the Blood Floating Pagoda, you’re on your own. Always think carefully about everything, never act rashly, understood?”

Xu Ming nodded, “Your child remembers. Mother, please take care of yourself.”

When Wei Gongsun left, the elder of the Xu family, the current Duke Xu Shuiya, and Xu Ming’s stepfather all tried to dissuade Xu Ming.

“If Mother forbids me to go, then I won’t go,” Xu Ming told his mother.

“Scholar Xu, His Majesty mentioned that joining the Blood Floating Pagoda isn’t mandatory. You could join another army if you wish,” Wei Gongsun whispered to Xu Ming while handing over the decree.

“…”

The Blood Floating Pagoda is one of the three iron armies of the Wu Kingdom, equivalent to the special forces among special forces.

If you send in five thousand new recruits each year, whether two thousand will survive after a year is uncertain!”

In front of Xu Ming, a massive military fort stood, with a frail old man standing guard at its entrance.

Xu Ming got up, brushing dirt off his clothes.

The old man glanced at Xu Ming, “What’s your name? What’s your business here?”

“Xu Ming, enlisting.”