Chapter 292

Chapter 292: Why have you come to see me again?

“Clang!”

Ming turned around and swung his sword, the long swords clashed against each other, sparking in the night. The opponent was sent flying several meters away by Ming’s slash.

When the opponent regained composure, Ming’s longsword was already at his brow.

The masked man turned his head, dodging the blade, and struck a palm towards Ming.

Ming punched forward, fist met palm, both were sent flying back.

Ming narrowed his eyes as he stared at the man before him.

The ordinary iron-forged sword in Ming’s hand now had a noticeable notch from the clash.

This sword was indeed decent in the mortal realm but clearly insufficient.

But given the current man’s level, Ming was confident that even with an ordinary sword, he could still kill this opponent.

The masked man stared intently at Ming.

Ming saw excitement in his eyes.

To be honest, Ming thought this masked man might be somewhat psychologically deranged, a bit like a masochist.

“Master Xu, your sword technique is remarkable!” The masked man looked at Ming with excitement.

Ming didn’t understand what he was so excited about.

Frowning, Ming asked, “Who are you? How dare you sneak attack my Xu Mansion at night!”

The previous sword strike lacked any intent to kill; instead, it felt restrained, as if testing himself.

So Ming’s earlier strike wasn’t lethal either; otherwise, this man’s head would’ve been gone already.

But here comes the question:

Who is this person? Why test me? “Do you know of Prince Sang?” The masked man asked.

“Do you know what mentioning these two words implies?”

How could Ming not know of Prince Sang? The reason illegitimate sons hold such low status is largely due to the nine princes’ struggle for succession back then, and among them, Prince Sang was the one with the highest reputation.

At that time, Prince Sang had the greatest fame and the strongest forces.

However, no one knows what methods Chen Wang used, but he managed to seize the throne, and the entire Prince Sang clan was wiped out.

Even though it has been over a hundred years, that event has long faded into history. The current Emperor of Wu can be considered a wise ruler, greatly supported by the common people. Nevertheless, the name “Prince Sang” remains extremely sensitive.

“Hahaha, how could anyone in the Wu Kingdom not know what those two words represent?”

The pair of eyes under the man’s mask pierced Ming like daggers.

“Originally, this Wu Kingdom should belong to the lineage of the Fifth Prince, Prince Sang! The man currently sitting on the throne is nothing more than a usurper!”

Ming coldly chuckled, “The victor writes history, and the loser accepts their fate.”

Ming roughly guessed the identity of the other party.

Even though Prince Sang is dead,

it was rumored that Prince Sang had great charisma during his lifetime, with many retainers willing to die for him!

Especially in Prince Sang’s former fiefdom, today’s Xiliang Province of the Wu Kingdom, even after a hundred years, the common people still deeply remember Prince Sang’s kindness.

The Xiliang Iron Cavalry founded by Prince Sang was disbanded and reorganized, distributed across various armies. But among these scattered remnants of the Xiliang Iron Cavalry and their officers, there are likely still some who haven’t fully pledged loyalty to the royal family of the Wu Kingdom. Of course, after so much time, most of those factions have become insignificant.

And the other party must be one of Prince Sang’s supporters.

Honestly, Ming admires these supporters.

If Prince Sang weren’t dead, and you’re all set on helping him reclaim the throne, I could understand.

But Prince Sang is definitely long gone, buried deep beneath the earth, probably reincarnated by now. And yet, you’re still not letting go.” Well said, ‘Victor or Vanquished.'” The masked man breathed deeply, his gaze intense. “That’s true, Master Xu is correct. A hundred years ago, we accepted it, but! We don’t accept this result! We will surely take back everything that belongs to Prince Sang’s lineage!”

“Crazy.” In Ming’s heart, he labeled the other party as such. His state was already somewhat manic.

“So why have you come to find me?” Ming asked.

“We want to invite Master Xu to join us!” The masked man revealed the truth.

“Huh?” Ming was stunned for a moment, suspecting he had heard wrong. “No, why do you think I would join you?”

Ming was truly confused, even finding it somewhat amusing.

Bro, I’m doing pretty well right now, not exactly at the peak, but things are going smoothly.

Whatever I do in the Xu Mansion, they wouldn’t dare say no.

In everyone’s eyes, I am the Emperor’s favorite minister.

Even if I hadn’t refused the marriage proposal, I would’ve already been married to the Emperor’s only daughter, making my future child the ruler of the Wu Kingdom.

First off, I’m not interested in politics anyway.

Even if I were, what benefits would I gain from joining you? What could you possibly offer me? The masked man frowned, “I know Master Xu is currently a favored minister of Wu Li (the Emperor’s real name), but he is absolutely not destined by heaven. Sir, you are both scholarly and martial, why assist a tyrant? Why not join us and create a great cause together?”

Ming laughed coldly, “If the Emperor were cruel and incompetent, leaving the people starving, then I might agree with what you say. But in the past year of my travels, wherever I’ve been, the governance hasn’t been perfectly clear like snow, but it’s certainly better than most dynasties.

Regarding the current court, while the people do have complaints, ultimately praise outweighs criticism.

Unexpectedly, the current Emperor will leave behind a legacy of wisdom in history.

Why should I follow you? Let the people of the Wu Kingdom suffer and lose their homes?

In the end, just because of your one-sided wish, let the Wu Kingdom fall into war?”

There was something else Ming didn’t say.

My “girl friend” might even become the Empress someday; the Emperor has already started paving the way. Would you have me betray my female companion? The masked man sighed, shook his head, “With such a response from Master Xu, I am truly disappointed.”

“Hmph.” Ming laughed a few times, “If you want to recruit me, you’re mistaken. On the contrary, if you rebel, I will suppress the rebellion. I could even capture you and send you to the Imperial Palace right now. But considering your sense of loyalty, you may leave. If we meet again in the future, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

The masked man gave Ming a deep look, said nothing more, and turned to fly away.

“How absurd.”

Ming watched him disappear into the night sky, shook his head, and turned back to his room.

Out of nowhere, the supporters of Prince Sang want to recruit me?

Are they crazy?”Wait…”

Ming felt something was off.

If they’re not crazy, knowing full well they couldn’t possibly recruit me, why did they come looking for me?