Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Young Master Xu, Your Imperial Edict Has Arrived

Within the Imperial Palace, a total of four hundred Jinshi scholars were already seated.

The seating arrangement started from the left with the first position being the Zhuangyuan, the top scholar, and the second position on the right was the Bangyan. Next to Xu Ming sat the Tanhua, the third-place scholar, forming the front row along with the top three scholars. The rest were seated according to their rankings.

Naturally, at the very front was the Emperor of Wu’s seat.

Xu Ming glanced at the Tanhua beside him.

Yu Ping’an noticed Xu Ming’s gaze and smiled back.

Earlier when entering the palace, Xu Ming had observed that this Tanhua seemed somewhat physically challenged.

But this wasn’t what troubled Xu Ming the most.

If one’s legs aren’t convenient, then so be it; he would become a civil official, not a military officer.

What made Xu Ming uneasy was the inscrutable aura that Yu Ping’an exuded.

He always wore a gentle smile, appearing extremely amiable.

“That is incorrect,” Yu Ping’an shook his head. “Had it not been for the Zhuangyuan’s stunning performance at the poetry banquet, providing a valid reason for reform and earning public support, the reforms would have been difficult.”

By that time, even the son born to the princess would become emperor. What significance would Xu Ming’s current influence hold?

That was marrying the princess as his wife.

Yu Ping’an just smiled faintly without further comment.

With the eunuch’s shrill voice announcing,

Considering all the favors he had received before even stepping into politics, how could the emperor overlook them?

This tranquil demeanor wasn’t feigned; it came from genuine composure, steadiness, and clarity about one’s actions and inactions, achieving a state of indifference to external gains or losses.

Yu Ping’an surveyed everyone, “Among the seated Jinshi scholars, thirty percent are sons of merchants, singers, or illegitimate children who previously couldn’t participate in the imperial exams. These thirty percent, and future candidates, owe the Zhuangyuan a favor.”

When someone becomes powerful, who feels the most uneasy?

“Yu Tanhua, please stop teasing me,” Xu Ming shifted the topic and stopped continuing.

Xu Ming sighed softly, “If things go like this, my life in the officialdom will surely be tough.”

“Yu Tanhua’s insights into commerce and methods of reform have enlightened me. Is your family involved in business?” Xu Ming asked while reviewing the exam papers of Xu Pengda and Yu Ping’an.

Everyone ceased whispering among themselves.

“That won’t happen. I have a plan to turn this matter into an advantage. Your Majesty will not only not suspect you, Zhuangyuan, but will also support you more,” Yu Ping’an looked at Xu Ming with a knowing expression.

“I had the privilege to review your examination paper before the parade. That Decree of Favor truly impressed me,” Yu Ping’an said with a smile.

Xu Ming chuckled, “What does this have to do with me? The court’s laws changed thanks to the officials who pushed for reform. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to take the exam either.”

Compared to others’ spiritedness, Yu Tanhua remained exceptionally calm, as if for him, coming to Wudu was merely eating a meal, taking an exam, and coincidentally ranking third.

Of course, it was the Emperor.

“Yes,” Yu Ping’an nodded, “My family sells cloth, and I’m not a legitimate heir. My ability to take the exam in Wudu is entirely due to the Zhuangyuan’s efforts.”

Xu Ming naturally understood what Yu Ping’an was referring to.

“The Emperor has arrived!”

All four hundred Jinshi scholars stood up, bowed deeply, “Students, we pay our respects to Your Majesty.”

The Emperor walked through the aisle between the four hundred scholars and turned around at the front, “All of you may rise and please sit down.”

“Thank Your Majesty!”

All four hundred scholars took their seats.

Many secretly stared at the Emperor, too afraid to look directly but eager to admire his majesty.

In the common folk’s eyes, the Emperor was undoubtedly a wise ruler with high prestige.

However, Yu Ping’an was different.

Yu Ping’an calmly looked at the Emperor, showing respect in his eyes but no trace of fear or guilt, appearing utterly composed.

Soon, palace maids carried dishes and wine to place before everyone.

At the banquet, the Emperor displayed his approachable side, chatting casually with everyone about family matters without involving any state affairs.

As conversations flowed, the atmosphere relaxed, and the scholars grew both more respectful and closer to the Emperor, feeling a deeper sense of loyalty to serve him.

The Emperor asked everyone for their opinions on the current state of Wu Kingdom and international situations, purely conversational without judgment of right or wrong.

Many spoke eloquently, eager to impress the Emperor and establish a good image.

However, both Xu Ming and Yu Ping’an remained silent, listening quietly.

The banquet lasted for an hour.

After an hour, the four hundred Jinshi scholars departed from the Imperial Palace.

Regarding official appointments, they would be announced half a month later. Those not selected usually went to the Hall of Worthies for cultivation—politely called refinement, less politely put—it meant there were no vacancies yet, so wait.

Nevertheless, the treatment at the Hall of Worthies wasn’t bad. Everyone held at least a nominal sixth-rank official title, receiving decent salaries but without much power.

After Xu Ming and Xu Pengda returned to the Xu Mansion, the Xu and Qin families set off fireworks, celebrating grandly. Many relatives and friends of the Xu and Qin families, as well as numerous officials from the court, came to offer congratulations.

Unable to avoid it, Xu Ming and Xu Pengda had to entertain guests.

Feeling it didn’t concern him anymore, Xu Ming returned to the courtyard with his mother and the Big White Goose.

After four years apart, his mother hadn’t changed much, but Xu Ming had transformed from a child into a young man, ready to start a family in the Wu Kingdom.

Xu Ming fought with the Heavenly Black Goose after four years.

This time, Xu Ming won decisively.

The Heavenly Black Goose was extremely不服气 (unwilling to accept defeat) and intensified its training.

Xu Ming just smiled and said nothing.

This dog-goose had indeed grown stronger.

But it seemed to have slacked off. This dog-goose looked incredibly plump, unable to fit in a single pot.

Could it possibly transform into a 200-jin (about 100 kg) maiden?

Xu Ming began to panic.

Just as Xu Ming planned to spur this dog-goose to exercise more and lose weight, Chun Yan hurriedly rushed into the courtyard:

“Master Xu, the imperial edict, your imperial edict has arrived. Hurry and receive it.”

[Stuck while writing. There’s an outline, but suddenly realized I don’t know how to connect the next part. Writing felt watered down. Need to reorganize the outline and consider how to proceed.]

I recommend a great book – “Wizard: Starting From Marrying A Wife As A Lord”

Eighteen years after crossing over to the wizard world, David never imagined that despite having abundant resources, he was still a failure.

Just as he decided to marry and have children, the system suddenly awakened, revealing that continuous communication with his wife would make him stronger.

Only at this moment did David realize he hadn’t found the correct way to cultivate.