Chapter 439

Chapter 439: Giving Gifts

Ming returned to the Xu Mansion, heading back to his own courtyard. His living quarters remained the small annex from before. The Xu family had repeatedly suggested Ming switch to a larger yard due to his rising status, but Ming refused every time. He didn’t care about the size of his courtyard; as long as it was comfortable, that’s all that mattered. He didn’t even request a single maidservant.

However, there were always dedicated staff responsible for cleaning his yard. As Ming entered his little courtyard, he noticed a pile of gifts on the stone table in the center. Servant Chun Yan was busy arranging them.

“Miss Chun Yan,” Ming called out.

“Ah!” Chun Yan jumped, turning around to see Ming, “Master, you scared me half to death!”

“Miss Chun Yan is still so timid,” Ming chuckled as he approached, looking at the gifts and asking, “Who sent these?”

“Who else? Of course, it’s the officials from the imperial court. Since this afternoon, officials have been coming one after another to give gifts.” Chun Yan handed over a gift list to Ming, “Old Patriarch wasn’t sure whether to accept them or not, so he decided to keep them in his name for safekeeping. Here’s the list; take a look.”

Ming took the list and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, these officials are really rich! They must make quite a bit on the side.”

“Look what you’re saying, Master. In the capital city, which official doesn’t have some money?” Chun Yan smiled, then asked, “So, Master, are you going to accept these gifts?”

Ming nodded with a grin, “Of course, I’ll accept them. If I don’t, these officials probably won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

“Ooh…”

Chun Yan didn’t fully understand. She just knew that since Master Ming had become a high-ranking official, many people came to present gifts. Why officials would lose sleep if their gifts weren’t accepted was beyond her comprehension. But she didn’t need to think too much about it.

“These gifts and the list, find a few maidservants to help me move them to the Xu Mansion’s warehouse. And tell Lǎotàitai that no one is allowed to touch these items.”

“Yes, Master,” Chun Yan replied, quickly retreating to follow Ming’s orders. Soon enough, Chun Yan returned with a group of agile maids who carried away all the gifts.

The night passed quietly. The next morning, even more officials arrived to present gifts. Ming excused himself, citing important matters, and instructed his father, Zheng, to entertain the guests. Though Zheng lacked real skills, he was adept at socializing, having spent his days drinking with colleagues or visiting Qinglou brothels.

Over time, he became an expert in reading people and navigating social situations. Plus, Ming knew his father would enjoy entertaining the officials, who were sure to flatter him endlessly. However, Ming specifically warned his father not to promise anything to anyone.

Zheng responded confidently, “I understand, son. Don’t worry,” and happily went out to greet the visitors.

By the afternoon, the number of visiting officials had decreased. Looking through the lists, Ming recognized several self-proclaimed upright officials whose gifts were less extravagant compared to others, yet they clearly had pooled their resources to buy something appropriate.

Ming shook his head but still instructed everything to be locked up in the warehouse along with the lists, ensuring nothing went awry.

Lǎotàitai didn’t ask any questions but personally helped secure the gifts, even double-checking them herself to avoid any mishandling by the servants. Ming observed this carefully.

From the start, Ming never underestimated this elderly matriarch. To become the wife of Lord Xu and live for three hundred years, she was undoubtedly extraordinary. Her experience and knowledge of various personalities far surpassed most people in the capital.

Not to mention, she had fought alongside Lord Xu through bloody battles. Time had merely dulled her spirit.

Did she not know about the current affairs within the Xu family? Did she not know the Xu family elders frequented brothels? Of course, she did. Did she not realize the decline of the Xu and Qin families? Did she not know they relied solely on the emperor’s favor? She was fully aware.

But the old lady chose to turn a blind eye, content to deceive her grandchildren and enjoy her remaining years. She was simply too old and preferred stability, even if it meant clinging to superficial glory. She also understood that her passive approach ensured the safety of the Xu family.

Although the Xu family had connections in the capital, very few of its members held real power. Those who did only wielded minor authority.

Now, everyone could see that the Xu family had become the center of political activity in the capital—all because of a prodigious young talent.

A misstep could lead to the downfall of both the Xu and Qin families. The old lady could no longer afford to pretend ignorance.

Especially now, with the Xu and Qin families gaining influence, their relatives were likely scheming. The old lady knew she had to act as the stabilizing force, suppressing everyone’s restless ambitions.

After a day of hard work, the old lady returned to her bedroom. For the first time in years, she felt this exhausted, reminiscent of her days following her husband.

Previously, she often wondered if the Xu family would ever produce someone capable of leading. Now, with the entire court bowing to the Xu family, she wasn’t sure if this was a blessing or a curse.