Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Your Majesty, you’ve made me wait quite a while!

Mid-morning.

At the crack of dawn, the Emperor of Wu was pacing back and forth in the Imperial Study.

The emperor’s expression looked extremely eager, as if he were waiting for a lecherous old man anticipating a beauty emerging from her bath.

During the earlier morning court session, Grand Eunuch Wei had already noticed the emperor’s impatient demeanor, wishing the court would end sooner.

In Wei’s view, the emperor’s current state was rather rare.

The last time this happened was when they were waiting for Mr. Xiao to return from the White Deer Academy.

However, Wei thought it was understandable.

“Thank you, Grand Eunuch Wei.” Xu Ming secretly slipped a silver note into Wei’s hand.

“Xu Ming of Blood Floating Pagoda, pays his respects to Your Majesty.”

“See him! He has finally arrived! You’ve made me wait quite a while!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xu Ming straightened up, standing upright.

“Hmm…” Wei Xun wore a troubled expression.

“This thirteen-year-old kid is far too mature.”

Because of events from a few years ago, it’s basically impossible for the emperor to have more children now.

“Confidence isn’t much, but participation is valuable,” Xu Ming truthfully stated.

“Hahaha, you’re quite honest, young man.”

Xu Ming bowed respectfully to the Emperor of Wu.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Wei said with a smile, walking to Xu Ming, “Scholar Xu, follow me.”

As its name suggests, the harem is where the emperor’s family resides; only women and eunuchs are allowed entry.

Xu Ming paused momentarily, bowing politely, “Thank you for your guidance, Grand Eunuch Wei.”

To the emperor, Xu Ming wasn’t just a talented individual skilled in both literature and martial arts; more importantly, Xu Ming was young.

Emperor of Wu: “Speak your mind.”

How could the Xu Guo Mansion be so lucky? To produce such an excellent son!

What Confucianism refers to as someone who can fight enemies on horseback and govern the country off horseback — surely must refer to someone like this.

Wei’s statement, “Do what you can,” implied that “His Majesty has no ill intentions towards Scholar Xu; remain calm and don’t overthink things.”

The Emperor sighed, “Enough, enough. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Where is my precious daughter? Hasn’t she returned yet?”

The emperor stood up, hands behind his back, taking a few steps before asking, “Wei, what do you think about me giving Xu Ming a jade token allowing him free access to the harem?”

Xu Ming smiled faintly, “Our Wu Kingdom was established through martial prowess and governed by literary refinement. Neither should be neglected. Dual cultivation in both fields is my choice.”

“Stand up.” Despite the anticipation evident on the emperor’s face earlier, he now appeared composed, showing no particular favoritism toward Xu Ming.

“Your reputation has spread far and wide, Scholar Xu.” The emperor smiled at Xu Ming, “Especially after joining the army, many civil officials in the court deeply regretted it, repeatedly petitioning me to let you focus on your studies rather than military life, claiming it as a waste of talent.”

Moreover, upon learning that Xu Ming and Xuenuo aren’t biological siblings, and Xu Ming might not have the bloodline of Xu Guo Mansion, this made things even better!

A person like this, cultivated from a young age, would be absolutely loyal! Absolutely trustworthy!

The front palace is generally where the imperial guards are stationed; places like the Hall of Morning Court and the Imperial Study are located here, accessible to male officials.

Wei chuckled, “With the special quarters Your Majesty built specifically for Scholar Xu, how could Scholar Xu not be satisfied?”

Finally, a maidservant entered the Imperial Study, kneeling down.

Upon meeting today, indeed, Xu Ming appears to be a man of fine character.

Could it be because the assembly examination is next year, and he plans to focus on his studies?

Or perhaps because of his poetic fame, Emperor Wu couldn’t resist seeing him?

“Well, since we’re here, let’s make the best of it.”

Wei turned around and returned to the Imperial Study.

“Grand Eunuch Wei, please walk slowly.”

Xu Ming currently doesn’t know exactly what his role is. He hasn’t been assigned to the imperial guard, holds no official position, and Xu Ming himself isn’t clear why Emperor Wu summoned him to the palace.

“Your Majesty, Xu Ming of Blood Floating Pagoda requests an audience.”

The maidservant stood up and quickly exited the Imperial Study to bring Xu Ming inside.

Moreover, in Xu Ming, Emperor Wu senses not only the elegance of a scholar but also the resilience of a warrior.

Wei stopped, unable to help but glance back, touching the silver note in his hand:

Emperor Wu scrutinized the young man before him, growing increasingly satisfied.

“Your Majesty…” Wei returned to the Imperial Study.

“Yes.”

“Hmm.” The emperor nodded, “How does Xu Ming feel about his residence?”

“Starting today, Scholar Xu will reside here.” Wei led Xu Ming to a courtyard, which seemed newly constructed.

“In that case, I won’t disturb Scholar Xu’s rest.”

Wei hesitated briefly, didn’t refuse, tucked the silver note into his sleeve, and grinned even wider, “Scholar Xu, rest well. In the future within the palace, simply do what you can.”

According to Wu Kingdom law, officials, those with merit, and soldiers need not kneel before the emperor; normal salutations suffice.

The emperor smiled, though Emperor Wu indeed harbors little hope for Xu Ming’s success in the imperial examinations. He knows the rigorous training of Blood Floating Pagoda leaves Xu Ming with no time for study.

After waiting for the servant’s report, Emperor Wu had waited quite a while.

The capital of Wu Kingdom is divided into the front palace and the harem.

For all these years, Emperor Wu had heard of Xu Ming’s name but had never met him personally.

The emperor’s heart is hard to fathom. Xu Ming shook his head, choosing not to dwell on it.

“Indeed, I was a bit too hasty.” The emperor calmed down, “This could tarnish his reputation.”

Wei was startled upon hearing this, “Your Majesty’s eagerness to convey infinite trust and regard for Scholar Xu, and possibly to matchmake with the princess, but I believe this matter may be inappropriate. Though Scholar Xu is only thirteen, he’ll be fourteen next year. According to our Wu Kingdom laws, men and women at fourteen can marry.”

“Ming takes his leave.” Xu Ming bowed and stepped back.

“Alright, you may go. Rest well today, come again tomorrow. Wei, take Xu Ming to his residence.”

Moreover, although the Wu Kingdom laws have been revised, previously as a illegitimate son, Xu Ming likely had poor relations with Xu Guo Mansion.

Not to mention, His Majesty has only produced one princess thus far.

“Oh?” The emperor found this interesting, “You say literature shouldn’t be neglected, so do you have confidence in next year’s assembly examination?”

If Xu Ming becomes a prince consort and produces several children with the princess, the foundation of the Wu Kingdom will be secured.

The emperor urgently spoke.

“Replying to Your Majesty, the princess says she wishes to travel the world for a year and will return during next year’s assembly examination.”

[This chapter was originally finished in the morning, but the next two chapters got stuck, feeling like I might need to revise this one, so it was delayed until now. There are still two more chapters, once I fix some typos, today’s three chapters will be released consecutively.]