Chapter 286

Chapter 286: You’re Designated to the North Sea Dragon Palace (4000 words, two-in-one)

Arriving at the imperial capital of Wu Kingdom, some officials were already lined up at the city gate to welcome.

Moreover, these officials held fairly high ranks. For Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan, it was an overly grand reception.

But in the face of such extravagance, no one said a word. Even the typically sharp-tongued censors who criticized everyone now remained silent.

They couldn’t afford not to stay silent.

One was the sole princess of Wu Kingdom, who had just rehabilitated a rebellious vassal king, known for her strict military discipline and clear rewards and punishments, earning great merit.

The other was the only person in Wu Kingdom’s history who excelled both in literary and martial arts, becoming the youngest zhuangyuan (top scholar), traveling for a year, killing the master of Hehuan Sect, defeating Chen Yun, ranking second on the Azurecloud List, and even playing a major role in the internal strife of Hehuan Sect.

A Wu Yanhan, a Xu Ming, and a Qingwan.

These three individuals had become synonymous with Wu Kingdom.

As for Xuenuo? She didn’t even have her name on the family register anymore and was no longer considered a citizen of Wu Kingdom.

Initially, many people still associated Xuenuo with Wu Kingdom.

But over the years, Wu Kingdom had somewhat forgotten about Xuenuo.

“They’re here! They’re here!”

Upon seeing the convoy, all civil and military officials who were baking under the sun perked up, bowing respectfully toward the incoming convoy and shouting in unison: “We humbly welcome Princess Your Highness and Lord Wenwu back to the capital.”

Inside Xu Ming’s carriage, Zhou uncovered the curtain, glanced at the city gate, and covered her mouth while giggling lightly: “This is quite a spectacle. When I heard your story in Jiangnan Province, you were once a lowly illegitimate son. Did you ever imagine a day like this, transforming from someone looked down upon into someone no one dares to ignore?”

“Never thought about it, and it doesn’t matter to me,” Xu Ming said as he lifted the curtain and stepped out.

Watching Xu Ming disembark, Zhou smiled softly to herself: “That’s right~ Someone like you, born as an illegitimate son, how could you be bound by such a status~”

Zhou did not get off her carriage at this moment.

Although Zhou often teased Xu Ming, she knew her limits. Her reputation as a “wanton woman” wasn’t good, and she didn’t want to tarnish young Master Xu’s reputation.

After Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan both got off their carriages, they approached the civil and military officials, bowed politely: “Your presence honors us greatly, we are rather flustered.”

“Hahaha, Lord Wenwu and Princess Your Highness speak too humbly.” The Minister of Rites chuckled, “You both have established great merits for our Wu Kingdom, enhancing its prestige. It is our honor to welcome Princess Your Highness and Lord Wenwu.”

“Minister, if you say so, I might hesitate to enter the city,” Xu Ming joked.

“That cannot be!” The Minister Xiong Wentian laughed, “If Lord Wenwu doesn’t enter the city, His Majesty would surely skin me alive!”

Xu Ming looked at Xiong Wentian and recalled his childhood conflict with Xiong Hai’s son.

Later on, they both entered Blood Floating Pagoda and became comrades-in-arms, turning enemies into friends.

“I wonder how Hai is doing? Is he alright?” Xu Ming asked.

Hearing Xu Ming inquire about his child, Xiong Wentian paused momentarily, deeply moved that the other party still remembered Hai.

Xiong Wentian smiled and said, “Thanks to Lord Wenwu’s concern, Hai currently serves as a captain in the fifth camp of Blood Floating Pagoda, everything is fine.”

“Good, that’s reassuring,” Xu Ming nodded.

“Gentlemen, it’s getting late, please enter the city? We mustn’t delay, His Majesty has been waiting for you both for quite some time.” Xiong Wentian gestured with his hand.

“Thank you.”

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan expressed their gratitude again, both mounted their horses, and entered the royal city.

In the royal city, commoners lined the streets to welcome them.

The roads were packed, flowers thrown towards Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan continuously, voices shouting “Princess Your Highness,” “Lord Wenwu,” especially from women.

Women across the land admire talented individuals, and naturally, the women of Wu Kingdom are no exception.

However, Wu Kingdom values martial prowess.

So, if someone is talented and also skilled in combat, that’s even better.

And Xu Ming fits both criteria perfectly.

Xu Ming has written numerous timeless poems, regarded as the hope of Wu Kingdom’s literary circle, the future leader of Wu Kingdom’s literary world, especially the poem “Butterfly Lovers Flower,” which stirred the hearts of countless women.

Additionally, Xu Ming participated in the military, specifically Blood Floating Pagoda, and ranked second on the Azurecloud List.

All of this added a filter to Xu Ming.

Among the elite ladies of the capital, there was a saying: “If I could meet Master Xu once, death would be worth it.”

This shows how popular Xu Ming was among the women of Wudu.

Currently, Xu Ming wore a green robe, riding a sweat-blooded steed clad in armor, tall and handsome. With the idol filter enhancing his elegance, countless women today felt “one meeting with Master Xu ruined my life.”

Xu Ming felt it wasn’t good to ignore others, so he nodded to the women calling his name from the sides of the road.

Some women got so excited they fainted on the spot.

“It seems you’re quite popular among women,” Wu Yanhan looked at Xu Ming, coldly snorted, with a hint of jealousy in her voice.

“This is indeed unexpected. Things weren’t like this before…” Xu Ming helplessly shook his head, “I haven’t returned to Wudu for a long time, but it’s not just me who’s popular; Princess Your Highness is equally well-received.”

“Hmph”

Wu Yanhan turned her head away.

Wu Yanhan also had many admirers.

While Xu Ming was beloved by women, Wu Yanhan appealed to both men and women.

After all, Wu Yanhan was exceptionally beautiful. Wearing armor made her appear even more heroic, embodying the charm of a strong yet elegant older sister, making it hard for anyone not to fall for her.

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan arrived at the palace entrance, switched to a carriage, and entered the palace.

Both Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan were led inside to bathe and change clothes.

The women serving Xu Ming during his bath were all very attractive, likely deliberately selected by Emperor Wu.

Their cheeks flushed red while attending to Xu Ming, even revealing anticipation, hoping to be favored by this top scholar.

But this top scholar simply dismissed them, indicating he would wash himself.

Eventually, these women left with regret.

When Xu Ming reached the flat area in front of the Imperial Study, Wu Yanhan was already waiting on the square.

At this moment, Wu Yanhan wore a bright red dress, her long skirt trailing on the ground, her slender waist restrained by a cloud belt, appearing delicate. A seven-jewel coral hairpin adorned her hair, reflecting her face like a lotus flower.

Her youthful features were incredibly charming, her phoenix eyes naturally seductive yet commanding respect. Her black hair styled into a magnificent bun, splendid and dignified, small pearls gleaming like snow, sparkling in her hair.

The previous martial aura of the girl in armor was gone, replaced by the grace and refinement of a well-bred lady.

“You’ve kept me waiting.” Xu Ming approached. Although Wu Yanhan was a princess, she was also a subject, and sometimes, rules needed to be followed.

For such a meeting between sovereign and minister, where both Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan were summoned, Wu Yanhan had to wait until both arrived before entering together.

“I just arrived myself.” Wu Yanhan placed her hands in front of her, “Compared to you, I thought you’d be another incense stick or two late.”

“Why?” Xu Ming asked curiously, “I never take long to bathe.”

“Nothing.” Wu Yanhan turned and walked towards the Imperial Study, “Let’s go.”

Walking beside Wu Yanhan, Eunuch Wei led Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan into the Imperial Study.

“Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”

“Daughter pays respects to Father Emperor.”

Inside the Imperial Study, both bowed.

“Hahaha… Neither of you need to be so formal,” Emperor Wu descended from his soft couch, looking at his most promising young talent and beloved daughter, “You’ve traveled far, yet I called you immediately upon your return. Please don’t blame me.”

“Your Majesty speaks too much,” Xu Ming responded, “Your servant has been traveling for a year, and after returning to the capital, should report my situation to Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha, excellent!” Emperor Wu patted Xu Ming’s shoulder, then said to Wei Xun nearby, “Why don’t you grant seats to Princess Your Highness and Lord Wenwu?”

“Yes, yes, yes…”

Wei Xun obsequiously brought two golden-threaded nanmu chairs and placed them under Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan.

Xu Ming began recounting his travels of the past year.

Some things Xu Ming mentioned, but others he omitted.

Most of the events were summarized briefly.

If detailed, he feared he wouldn’t make it home today.

To Xu Ming, this was merely a formality. Major matters, Emperor Wu must have already heard through the Wind Listening Pavilion, the largest intelligence agency in Wu Kingdom.

And as Xu Ming expected,

Emperor Wu indeed learned everything about Xu Ming through the Wind Listening Pavilion.

Even more so, Emperor Wu sent a protector to Xu Ming, who occasionally reported back.

Just this protector, with a somewhat reclusive personality, didn’t always follow orders. Some things Xu Ming’s protector wouldn’t mention, sending messages based purely on mood.

Not to mention when Xu Ming entered White Hollow Secret Realm and Heavenly Profound Gate, the protector couldn’t accompany him. Wu Yanhan also reported her military achievements to Emperor Wu.

“You two have done exceedingly well!”

After hearing the reports from Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan, Emperor Wu was highly satisfied.

“Wu Yanhan’s success in quelling the rebellion is secondary. Most importantly, you led the army with clear rewards and punishments, effectively governing the troops, employing real tactics against the enemy, masking reality with deception, truly commendable. Even General Great National Pillar praised you for having the style of the founding emperor.

Regarding this reward, I have considered it for a long time…”

Emperor Wu stood with his hands behind his back.

Emperor Wu: “Wei Xun!”

“Your humble servant is here,” Wei Xun quickly knelt before Emperor Wu.

Emperor Wu’s voice carried authority: “Draft an edict. Princess Wu Yanhan leads the army effectively, everywhere she goes, hearts are won. She quelled the rebellion, destroyed the rebel states, hereby granting her the title of Prince Qin!”

Wei Xun’s heart skipped a beat but hurriedly replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Both Wu Yanhan and Xu Ming furrowed their brows.

It was normal to be rewarded with titles for quelling rebellions, but being granted the title “Prince Qin” was unusual.

Wu Kingdom originated in Qin territory, and the founding emperor of Wu Kingdom once self-proclaimed himself Prince Qin.

Throughout Wu Kingdom’s history, every prince needed to lead armies into battle, and all crown princes were once bestowed the title “Prince Qin.”

The title “Prince Qin” wasn’t just a simple rank equivalent to a prince. In a certain sense, it symbolized the position of crown prince.

In other words,

Was Emperor Wu planning to let his daughter become the first empress in the history of Central Plains? There was no precedent in human dynasty history.

“Xu Ming, what do you think of this reward?” Emperor Wu looked at Xu Ming.

“The decision made by Your Majesty is certainly correct,” Xu Ming bowed, speaking diplomatically, “In my view, Princess Your Highness possesses both virtue and talent, a woman surpassing men, completely deserving the title ‘Prince Qin.'”

“Hahaha, well said,” Emperor Wu was very pleased.

With extensive experience reading people, Emperor Wu naturally saw that this young man genuinely believed Yanhan was suitable and truly supported her.

“Prince Qin, aren’t you going to express your gratitude quickly?” Emperor Wu said jokingly to his daughter.

Princess Wu Yanhan deeply bowed: “Your humble daughter thanks Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.” Emperor Wu nodded approvingly, then looked at Xu Ming, “As for you, Xu Ming, you’ve brought great honor to Wu Kingdom, but I haven’t decided yet. Once I do, the imperial decree will naturally reach the Xu residence.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xu Ming expressed his gratitude.

Frankly speaking, Xu Ming didn’t wish to receive any rewards.

If he received another “bestowal of marriage” type of reward, it would create complications.

“Alright, Prince Qin, you may retire first. I have something to discuss with Lord Wenwu.” Emperor Wu waved his hand.

Wu Yanhan looked at Xu Ming worriedly, hesitating to move.

“Do you think I’ll eat Xu Ming?” Watching his daughter worry so much about another man, Emperor Wu felt complex emotions as a father, akin to feeling his cabbage was stolen by a pig, despite liking that particular pig.

“In that case, your servant shall retire.” Wu Yanhan withdrew and left the Imperial Study.

“Seems like your relationship is pretty close. It’s the first time I’ve seen my daughter care so much about someone. She hasn’t shown such concern for me,” after Wu Yanhan left, Emperor Wu remarked.

Xu Ming: “…”

Xu Ming found it difficult to respond, detecting a hint of jealousy.

“Never mind, daughters grow up and leave eventually.” Emperor Wu waved his hand, pulling out a letter from the desk, “Take a look at this.”

“What is this?” Xu Ming took the envelope.

“An invitation from the North Sea.” Emperor Wu explained, “Specifically requesting you to represent us at the North Sea Dragon Palace.”