Chapter 287

Chapter 287: Something’s Off About Your Mother (4000 words, Combined Edition)

“…”

Upon hearing that the North Sea wanted him to serve as an envoy to the Dragon Palace, Xu Ming instantly knew what to say.

Xu Ming didn’t expect the North Sea’s actions to be so swift.

He had just returned from the Heavenly Profound Gate when a letter arrived from the North Sea asking him to serve as an envoy to the Dragon Palace.

Does that Dragon Empress of the North Sea really want to see me?

But I don’t even know her! “Do you have any connections with the North Sea?” Emperor Wu asked curiously.

The North Sea usually doesn’t interfere in Central Plains affairs. Even if Xu Ming were famous, his reputation wouldn’t logically reach the North Sea. At most, during the display of the Azurecloud List, the ancient Dragon Empress might glance at Xu Ming’s name on the list.

But then again, even if Xu Ming is a genius on the Azurecloud List, so what? There are so many geniuses on that list, and even the one ranked first has never received an invitation from the North Sea Dragon Palace.

Thus, Emperor Wu believed it was likely that Xu Ming had some entanglement with the North Sea during his recent travels.

Otherwise, it would be hard to understand why the Dragon Empress would look upon Xu Ming favorably.

Xu Ming shook his head with a smile: “At that time, two people from the North Sea invited me for a visit, but I didn’t go. After I refused, the North Sea probably wanted to invite me under the Wu Kingdom’s name. As for any connection between me and the North Sea, I’m not entirely sure.”

Emperor Wu stroked his chin, thoughtfully considering this, and found no reason to believe Xu Ming was lying because there was no need:

“The Dragon Empress of the North Sea is over ten thousand years old, unfathomable, and few know what she truly thinks.

But you don’t need to worry since the Dragon Empress has a good reputation and isn’t a bloodthirsty type.

As long as you haven’t done anything unforgivable, she won’t do anything to you. Besides, she invited you, not came to accuse you.”

Emperor Wu looked at Xu Ming: “Are you willing to represent our Wu Kingdom as an envoy to the North Sea?”

Xu Ming bowed respectfully: “I will follow Your Majesty’s arrangements.”

Though Xu Ming said this outwardly, inwardly he was already cursing Emperor Wu for saying such obvious nonsense.

The North Sea, such a massive power, countless dynasties try to establish relations with them but fail.

Now that the North Sea has actively invited the Wu Kingdom to send an envoy to participate in their “Four Seas Grand Ceremony,” how could Emperor Wu possibly refuse the North Sea face?

Emperor Wu’s words were merely giving Xu Ming a “seemingly optional choice,” mainly to demonstrate his consideration for subordinates. “Hmm.” Emperor Wu nodded satisfied, waiting for Xu Ming’s response.

If Xu Ming hadn’t agreed, Emperor Wu would have persuaded him until he did.

After all, the North Sea Dragon Palace’s face must be given. Who knows, they might help out in the future.

“The Rootless Mystic Realm is about to open. After it concludes, you’ll serve as an envoy to the North Sea Grand Ceremony. Rest well during this period.” Emperor Wu said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Wu exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xu Ming before dismissing him.

As soon as Xu Ming exited the Imperial Palace, the Xu Mansion had already dispatched a carriage and Manager Wang to wait at the palace gate.

“Master Xu!” Seeing Xu Ming come out, Manager Wang quickly approached.

“Manager Wang.” Xu Ming smiled and bowed politely.

“Not necessary, not necessary! How can someone of your stature bow to me? Master will beat my old bones if he finds out!” Manager Wang hastily avoided Xu Ming’s bow.

Xu Ming laughed as he straightened up: “Manager Wang, are you here to pick me up?”

Manager Wang grinned: “Of course! Master and Lady, along with everyone from the Xu and Qin families, are waiting for you. Let’s hurry back.”

“Alright.” Xu Ming nodded, thinking of his mother. “It’s time to return.”

Xu Ming stepped into the sedan chair.

“Here he comes!”

About two incense sticks later, among those eagerly awaiting on both sides of the street, a maid shouted.

Everyone turned their gaze.

“Firecrackers! Light them quickly, Xu Ming has returned!”

With the support of the maids, the old lady saw the Xu family carriage slowly approaching and immediately gave instructions.

“Bang bang, bang bang…”

Soon, the sound of firecrackers rang out continuously, smoke billowing.

“Hmph! Young Master Ming didn’t get this kind of treatment before he became famous. When he was little, he couldn’t even drink enough milk. Now that Young Master Ming is famous and a favorite of His Majesty, everyone in the two houses is trying to curry favor with him.”

Standing beside Chen Suyan, Chun Yan muttered under her breath.

“Shh! Don’t say things like that randomly.” Chen Suyan was startled.

Chun Yan’s lips moved to speak but eventually closed.

Never mind, never mind, it’s such a joyous day; let’s not talk about these things. We should focus on welcoming Young Master Ming.

As the firecracker sounds gradually subsided, Xu Ming finally descended from the carriage.

When Xu Ming appeared before everyone, quite a few women from the Xu and Qin families felt a tremor in their hearts.

They weren’t unfamiliar with Xu Ming.

A year ago, when Xu Ming set off on his travels, many had seen him off.

But after only a year, many felt that Xu Ming had changed significantly.

Compared to before, Xu Ming’s appearance was more resolute and distinct, his eyes exuding a mature air.

Especially the oppressive Sword Qi and the refined demeanor Xu Ming radiated, which made many women infatuated.

“Xu Giggles~”

Seeing Xu Ming, Shen Shengsheng immediately rushed forward.

Looking at Shen Shengsheng dressed in a pink dress with two small buns on her head, Xu Ming smiled and opened his arms to embrace her.

“Did you listen to Mommy while I was away?” Xu Ming rubbed Shengsheng’s little head.

“Yes~” Shen Shengsheng nodded rapidly like a chick pecking at rice. “Shengsheng has always been very obedient.”

“That’s good.” Xu Ming pinched Shen Shengsheng’s nose.

Xu Ming put Shen Shengsheng down and walked forward.

Ahead were the old lady of the Xu family, his adoptive grandfather Xu Shuiya, adoptive father Xu Zheng, and Lord Qin Ruhai of the Qin family.

Beside them were Xu Ming’s mother, the First Lady of the Xu family Wang Feng, Qingwan’s mother Zhao Qing, and nearby were the various secondary wives and concubines of the Qin and Xu families.

The concubines of the Qin family, seeing Xu Ming’s handsome young lord appearance, involuntarily tightened their legs and looked at Chen Suyan beside them, feeling she had incredible luck to give birth to such a precious son.

The secondary wives and concubines of the Xu family had even more complex feelings. Initially, no one looked down upon Chen Suyan because who would take a concubine seriously?

But now, this concubine Chen Suyan was the center of attention for everyone in the Xu family.

Chen Suyan’s current status was higher than even the main wife Wang Feng.

When Chen Suyan fell ill, the entire Xu family was worried, and even the Imperial Palace sent numerous royal physicians.

Ask anyone among the women of the two families, aside from the old lady of the Xu family, who else would receive such treatment? Xu Ming didn’t immediately pay respects to the old lady of the Xu family or greet his adoptive grandfather and father.

Instead, he walked to his mother’s side and deeply bowed: “Mother, your son has returned.”

“Hmm” Chen Suyan’s eyes flickered. She extended her hand, gently caressing her son’s hand, her gaze constantly scanning her son’s body, fearing he might be missing something.

“You’ve grown taller…”

“It’s been a year, after all.” Xu Ming smiled. “How have you been, Mother?”

“I’m fine.” Chen Suyan nodded slightly, whispering, “Go greet the old lady.”

According to etiquette, Xu Ming should have greeted the old lady and the lords first, not her.

“Alright.” Xu Ming nodded.

However, Xu Ming wasn’t going to greet the old lady but rather greeted Wang Feng first, followed by Qin Qingwan’s mother Zhao Qing, and lastly the old lady.

Facing Xu Ming’s actions, the Xu family’s people showed varying degrees of awkwardness on their faces.

Everyone could see that Xu Ming was greeting according to the closeness of relationships.

Even so, no one dared to say Xu Ming was impolite.

After all, how you treated others in the past is known to everyone.

You only valued people when they rose to prominence. Otherwise, Xu Ming would have been just another oppressed illegitimate child.

And the fact that he hasn’t completely turned his back on you yet is already giving you face.

Everyone pretended nothing happened, smiling happily and welcomed Xu Ming inside.

This welcome banquet was grand, with many high-ranking officials attending.

Previously, these officials attended banquets at the Xu or Qin families mostly out of respect for the Qin family’s title, merely going through the motions.

But now it was different.

Due to Xu Ming and Xu Pangda, especially because of Xu Ming, the Xu family’s banquet was something everyone vied to attend.

Many believed that because of Xu Ming, the Xu family would surely rise to prominence in the future.

If they didn’t lay the groundwork now, how would they benefit later?

To be honest, Xu Ming really disliked such formalities, but in such households, such grandeur was unavoidable.

By evening, the banquet finally ended, and Xu Ming could finally rest.

Xu Ming went to the courtyard where his mother lived.

Chun Yan had already prepared pastries and sobering tea.

“This amount of alcohol means nothing to me.” Xu Ming smiled, but not wanting to disappoint Chun Yan’s efforts, he drank the sobering tea.

“Speaking of which,” Xu Ming placed the teacup back on the tray in Chun Yan’s hands, half-jokingly said, “Sister Chun Yan, why haven’t you found someone to marry yet? Any later, Sister Chun Yan might really end up being an old maid.”

Xu Ming thought he remembered correctly; when he was born, Sister Chun Yan was around fourteen years old. Now that he was seventeen, Sister Chun Yan must be thirty-one.

In his previous life, thirty-one-year-old women were already saint fighters, let alone in ancient times.

Some extreme cases even saw women of thirty-one becoming grandmothers.

Chun Yan pouted: “Young Master Ming really knows how to bring up unpleasant topics. I don’t want to get married. Once married, you have to serve your husband. Serving the mistress in the Xu family is serving anyway. What if I end up with a husband who gambles and frequents brothels? Wouldn’t I die of frustration? It’s better to stay and serve the mistress forever, isn’t it, Mistress?”

“That’s right, that’s right.” Chen Suyan smirked. “I tried to arrange a match for Chun Yan, but she refused outright. This is actually good. If Chun Yan leaves, I wouldn’t know who to talk to.”

“…” Xu Ming was momentarily speechless. “I didn’t realize Sister Chun Yan understood things so thoroughly.”

“Hehehe~” Chun Yan laughed happily, bowed to Chen Suyan, and then retreated.

“Where’s Xiao Bai? Why didn’t she return with you?” Chen Suyan asked Xu Ming.

Actually, Chen Suyan had wanted to ask this for a while but hadn’t found the time.

Xu Ming shook his head: “This matter is complicated and hard to explain to Mother. But please rest assured, Mother, nothing has happened to Xiao Bai. Everything is fine, and someday, I will definitely bring Xiao Bai to meet you.”

“Good, as long as Xiao Bai is fine.” Chen Suyan nodded, believing her son’s words.

“Mother, your complexion seems a bit off?” Xu Ming looked at his mother, noticing her pale complexion.

“It’s nothing.” Chen Suyan lied uneasily, shaking her head. “Maybe because I’ve been having trouble sleeping these past few days knowing you’re coming back, so my complexion looks a bit off.”

Xu Ming smiled: “Now that your son is back, I won’t leave anytime soon. I’ll visit you every day.”

“Good.” Chen Suyan smiled gently.

But the next moment, Chen Suyan felt a headache coming on.

She pressed her forehead, rubbing it a few times.

“Mother, are you alright?” Xu Ming was concerned.

“I’m fine.” Chen Suyan smiled, shaking her head. “I think my migraine is acting up.”

“Then Mother, please rest. Don’t overwork yourself.” Xu Ming suggested.

Chen Suyan looked guilty: “But you’ve just returned.”

Xu Ming laughed: “So what? I’ll be staying here for a long time. You’ll see me every day during this period.”

Persuaded by Xu Ming, Chen Suyan finally retired to her room.

Just as Chen Suyan entered her room, Zhou Wanfeng appeared in Xu Ming’s courtyard.

Zhou Wanfeng approached Xu Ming, looking towards Chen Suyan’s room direction: “Your mother seems…off.”

“What do you mean?” Xu Ming raised his head, sensing that Zhou Wanfeng seemed to have noticed something.

“Take it literally.” Zhou Wanfeng stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I specialize in soul magic and am sensitive to the taste of souls. Your soul is clean and strong, like stone.”

“But your mother’s divine soul…”

Zhou Wanfeng looked at Xu Ming and slowly spoke.

“It’s like two candles, two different flames flickering incessantly.”

“Do you mean…?” Xu Ming’s heart raced.

“In your mother’s body, there might not be just one soul.”