Chapter 436

Chapter 436: Second Only To The Emperor

“Hmm? You’re suggesting that your brother should impeach me?”

Xu Ming paused for a moment, but quickly understood what the elder lady was getting at.

“What you’re saying is…”

Wang Feng nodded, “You’re now in a high position with too much attention. Someone needs to impeach you. Although His Majesty trusts you now, he always keeps his guard up against everyone.

Take Xiao Moqi, the Chancellor – your childhood mentor. Do you remember him?

How favored was Chancellor Xiao by His Majesty before?

But look at him now. The Emperor has been deliberately distancing himself from Chancellor Xiao, even planning to split the chancellorship into left and right chancellors to balance power.

Of course, this is all hearsay, but regardless, when anyone’s power grows too much, the one who starts to worry isn’t your political rival, but the person sitting on the highest throne.

If someone impeaches you, at least His Majesty will see ‘there are still people willing to offend Xu Ming; his power hasn’t reached the point where all officials fall silent.’

If no one impeaches you, His Majesty might start to wonder if you’ve been given too much power and may want to discipline you.

And if it’s just a minor reprimand, that’s fine, but we fear His Majesty won’t stop there. One small hit could cripple you.”

Xu Ming nodded, “Auntie’s reminder is well taken. I’ll visit Censor Wang shortly.”

Wang Feng looked at Xu Ming, “Xu Ming, honestly, I think you shouldn’t be in the imperial court. The carefree world of cultivation suits you best.”

Xu Ming chuckled and shook his head, “I don’t have much interest in court affairs either, but I must stay here for now. I need to pave the way for someone. Once that’s done, I’ll leave. Otherwise, who knows when I’ll return next time.”

Wang Feng smirked, “The person you’re referring to is probably Her Highness the Princess, isn’t it?”

Xu Ming nodded without hiding anything.

“Having someone to care about is a good thing,” Wang Feng sighed, “but once you get involved in the court, especially the royal family, the road ahead won’t be easy.”

Xu Ming smiled, “In this world, what is simple?”

Wang Feng nodded, “Indeed.”

“After some time, Pang Da will return. If there’s anything you need his help with, don’t hesitate.” Wang Feng took a sip of tea.

“Pang Da is returning?” This was the first time Xu Ming had heard this news.

“Yes,” Wang Feng’s eyes lit up with joy.

Though Lady Wang didn’t say it, she had definitely missed her son for a long time.

“You don’t know, the ancestral rites of the Xu and Qin families are coming up soon. Many members from outside will return, including Pang Da.

Besides, there are also a few of your brothers,” Lady Wang explained.

As for the brothers Lady Wang mentioned, Xu Ming knew they were his half-brothers.

Apart from seeing them once or twice as a child, Xu Ming hadn’t seen them since.

“This time, try to keep Pang Da in the capital.” Xu Ming said to Wang Feng.

Otherwise, with his mother gone and his stepfather always visiting brothels, and the concubines whom Lady Wang doesn’t wish to chat with, having a son in the capital would give her something to look forward to every day.

Wang Feng hesitated, then shook her head, “I understand your kindness, Xu Ming, but it’s unnecessary. Your current prominence draws too much attention. Fewer actions mean fewer mistakes.”

Xu Ming sighed, “It seems that in the future, even if I wanted to do less, it wouldn’t be possible. And in my position… how can I not make enemies?”

Wang Feng fell silent.

The Emperor specially established the Jinyi Guard and appointed Xu Ming as its commander, which destined Xu Ming to be embroiled in many controversies.

One of the Emperor’s purposes was to place Xu Ming on the opposite side of the civil and military officials.

Xu Ming’s position and responsibilities would make the civil and military officials wary. They might treat you politely, but they also hope for your demise.

After all, who wants a sword hanging over their head?

After all, which official is truly clean?

Investigations can always find something.

In the future, Xu Ming’s enforcement would inevitably offend more officials.

The civil and military officials would unconsciously regard Xu Ming as an enemy. All Xu Ming could do was rely on imperial authority, increasing his dependence on His Majesty.

Perhaps only then would His Majesty truly feel at ease.

“Alas, serving the emperor is like keeping a tiger as a companion.” Wang Feng sighed.

Regarding court matters, Wang Feng could only offer reminders based on her limited knowledge. Still, the path ahead depended on Xu Ming himself.

Wang Feng handed a letter to Xu Ming, who thanked her and left the Xu residence to visit Censor Wang’s house.

Just as Xu Ming had left, Qin Ruhai cheerfully entered the Xu residence and met with the old matriarch.

“You young man, what brings you to our Xu residence so leisurely and with such a happy face?”

The old matriarch smiled at Qin Ruhai.

“Old Matriarch, what else? Of course, I’m here to congratulate!” Qin Ruhai stroked his beard and laughed.

“Congratulate? What celebration is there? I don’t know anything about it.”

“Eh? Old Patriarch doesn’t know? Didn’t Nephew Xu tell you?” Qin Ruhai asked.

The old matriarch calmly drank a cup of tea, “Tell me what?”

“Why, it’s about Ming becoming the commander of the Jinyi Guard!” Qin Ruhai excitedly said.

“Commander of the Jinyi Guard? When did the capital have such an official position?” The old matriarch looked at Qin Ruhai.

“Old Patriarch, you don’t know. The Jinyi Guard is a newly established position by His Majesty, overseeing more than eight thousand people. It investigates nobles above and civil and military officials below, reporting directly to His Majesty.

The commander is the head of the Jinyi Guard, truly second only to the emperor and above ten thousand others!

Everyone in the court is talking about it now.”

Listening to Qin Ruhai’s words, the old matriarch was greatly shocked.

Naturally, she was pleased that a disciple of the Xu family had attained such a powerful position.

But the question was, wasn’t His Majesty giving too much recently…