Chapter 374

Chapter 374: Your Majesty Wishes to See Him Again

Likewise.

As Ming scrutinized the young girl, she was also observing him. The girl felt a sense of familiarity with him. In her mind, an image of someone from her childhood popped up. “Could he be…” Her heart rate involuntarily quickened, but she couldn’t confirm it. After all, they hadn’t seen each other for so many years; anyone would have changed significantly.

“Hey, buddy, your eyeballs are about to fall out,” Fang Yu said with a smile while looking at the man in front of him. However, neither Fang Yu nor the others thought his behavior was rude. They were used to it. Whenever a normal man met CiCi, this was usually their reaction. Even Fang Yu himself reacted similarly when he first saw Zhu CiCi at the White Deer Academy and was stunned by her beauty.

“If your eyes weren’t drawn to CiCi, I’d start questioning your sexual orientation,” Fang Yu added humorously.

“Sorry,” Ming apologized with a polite bow, “I just feel like this young lady reminds me of someone, but I can’t quite place it.”

“Hahaha, buddy, that trick of trying to connect is outdated,” Chen Kun laughed as he introduced himself with a bow, “I am Chen Kun from the White Deer Academy.”

Ling Bisheng bowed, introducing himself, “I am Ling Bisheng from the White Deer Academy.”

“I am Fang Yu from the White Deer Academy.”

The woman standing before them placed her hands together in front of her and bowed politely, “I am Zhu CiCi from the White Deer Academy.”

Zhu CiCi… Zhu CiCi.

Hearing that name, Ming felt it was familiar. But soon, everything came rushing back to him. Ming hadn’t forgotten her, and he couldn’t possibly forget her. After all, the adorable little girl from his childhood left a deep impression. Moreover, the poem he gave to Zhu CiCi became a turning point for the Wu Kingdom, greatly influencing its future. Even if he had forgotten, history books would remember it for him. That poem he wrote for her was widely circulated, and he often heard people mention it.

But now, seeing Zhu CiCi standing before him, Ming felt a sense of unreality. He couldn’t help but sigh at how time flies. The chubby-cheeked little girl from before had grown into such a graceful young woman.

“Buddy, you must have heard of our White Deer Academy’s Zhu CiCi, right?” Fang Yu chuckled, looking at Ming’s dazed expression, “You guessed right; this is the Zhu CiCi from the Red Beauty List. If you’re planning to pursue her, you’ll have to queue up.”

“Fang, don’t joke around!” Zhu CiCi smiled, her beautiful eyes blinking as she looked at Ming, “Please forgive my brother Fang. He has no sense of propriety, and his teacher has scolded him countless times.”

“Of course not,” Ming shook his head with a smile, bowing to everyone, “I am Xu Ming from the Wu Kingdom. Nice to meet all of you.”

“Xu Brother is too kind,” everyone replied with another bow.

However, soon, everyone froze. What did this man just say? Who did he claim to be?

Xu Ming?

Xu Ming!

Suddenly, everyone realized, their gazes shifting towards Zhu CiCi. She stood there, her eyes darting, her mind blank.

Ming’s voice echoed endlessly in CiCi’s ears, leaving her frozen in place.

“Mistress Zhu, we haven’t seen each other in a long time,” Xu Ming gazed softly at Zhu CiCi, speaking gently.

Outside the Dragon Palace in a courtyard,

Liu Jijiu and Lu Xiaoliu sat leisurely drinking tea together.

“Why didn’t you go when those juniors invited you for dinner?” Liu Jijiu asked.

Lu Xiaoliu grinned, “Why should an old uncle like me join the youngsters? Besides, my reputation is terrible. They probably want to keep their distance anyway. They only invited me out of politeness.”

“You…” Liu Jijiu wanted to say something but closed his mouth, sighing instead.

“Did you see that Xu from the Wu Kingdom last night?” Liu Jijiu sipped his tea and questioned.

Lu Xiaoliu nodded, “Yes, I did.”

“What do you think of him?”

Lu Xiaoliu pondered for a moment, “Xu’s tea-making skills are genuinely impressive, far better than yours.”

Liu Jijiu rolled his eyes, “Stop joking around. Tell me what you really think of him.”

“He’s excellent,” Lu Xiaoliu chuckled, “It’s no wonder he’s a disciple of the Ink Pool. Whether in conduct or knowledge, he excels. And he carries a maturity beyond his years.”

“Hmm,” Liu Jijiu nodded, “Do you think he’s qualified?”

“…”

After Liu Jijiu spoke, Lu Xiaoliu fell silent. Liu Jijiu waited patiently for his response.

After a long pause, Lu Xiaoliu finally said, “Whether he’s qualified isn’t up to me to decide. And even if he is, does he even want it?”

“You’re right,” Liu Jijiu sighed, “But time is running out.”

“That’s our problem, not the younger generation’s. Don’t burden them with our issues!” Lu Xiaoliu looked sternly at Liu Jijiu.

Rarely had Liu Jijiu seen Lu Xiaoliu’s eyes filled with anger.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

Just as the atmosphere grew silent between them, a knock came at the gate.

“I’ll get it,” Lu Xiaoliu exhaled deeply, standing up and walking to the door.

Opening it, he found a palace maid dressed in royal attire standing there.

Lu Xiaoliu recognized her; she was Little Blue, the Empress’s personal maid.

“Sorry to disturb you, Master Lu,” Little Blue bowed respectfully.

“Is there anything I can help you with, Miss Blue?” Lu Xiaoliu bowed in return.

Little Blue straightened up, “I went to Mr. Xu’s residence earlier but found him absent. Since you’re close to him, I wondered if you’ve seen the gentleman from the Wu Kingdom?”

“One of our students at the White Deer Academy mentioned they had a gathering. They know Xu, so he might be at Pan Hai Tower,” Lu Xiaoliu explained, “May I ask why you’re looking for Xu?”

“It’s the Emperor,” Little Blue smiled, “His Majesty wishes to see him again.”