Chapter 447

Chapter 447: Whose Young Master Is It?

Xu Ming and Xu Ponta were having dinner together, chatting deep into the night. Ponta didn’t even return to the Xu Mansion that evening; instead, he stayed at the Jinyi Guard Commander’s residence upon Ming’s insistence. There was no formality between these brothers.

In Wudu, Ming had colleagues from the Blood Floating Pagoda. But in truth, aside from his sister and Qingwan, Ponta’s only true friend in Wudu was Ming.

Ming specifically asked Ponta about his governance in Baihe County over the years. Since Ming left Baihe, although some local factions remained, they were negligible compared to what Ming had already dealt with. Thus, Ponta’s tenure went relatively smoothly.

Ponta dismissed his achievements with a laugh, finding them unremarkable. But Ming saw it differently. The Wind Listening Pavilion collected records of newly appointed magistrates for the Emperor of Wu’s review. After returning to the capital, Ming had worried about Ponta’s performance as an official. Given Ponta’s honest nature, the Emperor generously sent his dossier to Ming, who reviewed it thoroughly.

Despite being new to governance, Ponta hadn’t wasted his years studying classics. In Baihe, Ponta cared deeply for the people, solving cases diligently, reporting unsolved ones to higher authorities. As the son of the Xu family and Ming’s elder brother, the prefecture never neglected his requests for assistance.

After six months under Ponta, Baihe transformed—though not quite reaching the level of “no need to lock doors at night,” its people lived peacefully. The Emperor held Ponta in high regard. When Ponta departed Baihe, the townsfolk feared his return and bid him farewell for ten miles.

This story had spread throughout Wudu, becoming a tale of virtue. On this visit, Ponta would likely stay in the capital. Capable individuals rarely remain outside; most reside in Wudu. Moreover, given Ponta’s youth, the Emperor might consider grooming him as a trusted confidant.

The sole issue? Both Ponta and Ming were students of Mochi. The Emperor now viewed their chancellor with suspicion. Ming considered recruiting Ponta into the Jinyi Guard but decided against it—it would give the Emperor a poor impression. If Ponta joined, it must be by imperial decree, not Ming’s invitation. Still, Ming doubted Ponta suited such a role—he excelled more in administration.

The next morning, Ponta entered the palace to report on his assassination attempt. The Emperor grew furious—attacking an official was one thing, but daring to strike near Wudu’s outskirts was tantamount to slapping the Emperor’s face! He issued another edict ordering the Jingzhao Prefecture to investigate thoroughly.

Initially, the Emperor wanted to assign this case to the Jinyi Guard. But considering Ming lacked personnel, the entire guard was barely operational. With so few clues left behind, the case would likely go unresolved—a silent slap to the Emperor himself. Weighing options, assigning it to the Jingzhao Prefecture seemed safest—if they failed, no one would blame the Emperor, as unsolved cases were common there. However, if assigned to the Jinyi Guard and still unresolved, the civil and military officials would grow restless—they disliked the Jinyi Guard looming like a sword above their heads. So, the Jingzhao Prefecture would handle it.

After Ponta withdrew, the Emperor paced in the Imperial Study, brows furrowed.

“Wei, what kind of person would dare assassinate Xu Ponta?”

The Emperor often consulted those around him, not seeking answers but organizing thoughts.

Wei approached quickly, “This servant cannot guess either. Xu Daren has an excellent reputation in Baihe, regarded as a parent-official by the commoners. And in court, Xu Daren has no enemies. How could anyone be so blind with Zhuangyuan Lang overseeing the Jinyi Guard?”

“Ho ho ho,” chuckled the Emperor.

“The people within the court are clear, but those outside… well, they aren’t always predictable!”

Wei hesitated, sensing a suspicion but dared not voice it.

The Emperor slammed his hand on the desk, eyes flashing ominously, “The remnants from two hundred years ago! They still won’t give up! Do they think this will embarrass Me?! This time, I’ll eradicate them all—none shall remain!”

“Your Majesty, calm down! Don’t harm the Dragon Body!” Wei knelt urgently.

“Hmph,” the Emperor exhaled deeply.

Indeed, he couldn’t let anger harm his health. Those remnants sought to kill Ponta, right outside his door, causing unrest among ministers and provoking him to lose reason. He wouldn’t fall for their tricks!

“How is Commander Xu progressing with the establishment of the Jinyi Guard? Has he chosen candidates for the deputy commanders?” the Emperor queried Wei.

For some time, the Emperor tasked Wei to monitor Xu Ming’s actions closely.

“Your Majesty, just received news—Commander Xu purchased gifts and headed to Spring Breeze Street,” Wei replied.

“Spring Breeze Street?” The Emperor paused, “Isn’t that where scholars of the Hall of Worthies reside? He went…”

Suddenly, the Emperor remembered someone, a sly smile forming.

“Never expected Xu Ming to choose him.”

Meanwhile, at a small courtyard on Spring Breeze Street, Ming knocked on the gate. Soon, a freckled young woman opened it, timidly asking:

“Whose young master is it?”