Chapter 39

Chapter 39: How Could You Do Such a Thing?!

…

After Xu Xiaopang topped the Child Examination, both the Xu and Qin households were filled with joy and festivity during these days.

However, before the Xu and Qin households could recover from this happy event, another piece of good news arrived.

Xu Xiaopang was selected as one of the diplomatic members responsible for entertaining Qi Kingdom’s envoy delegation to Wu Kingdom.

The other person chosen was the fourteen-year-old son of the Minister of Rites, a prodigy who passed the provincial examination at thirteen, causing quite a stir in the capital back then.

Recently, the arrival of Qi Kingdom’s envoy to Wu Kingdom was a major event. With Xu Xiaopang being selected to handle the reception of Qi Kingdom’s envoy delegation, such fame would greatly benefit his future career path.

Most importantly, His Majesty himself would definitely review the list, and the name “Pengda Xu” would catch His Majesty’s eye.

And on that very day, Mochi personally came to the Xu Mansion.

At the tightly closed entrance of Xiao Chun Courtyard, the Heavenly Black Goose was practicing squats while Mochi bowed respectfully to it.

“Trouble you, sir,” Ming Xu nodded without any objections.

After Ming finished his practice, taking a deep breath and suppressing his Martial True Qi, applause echoed from the direction of the courtyard gate.

Since Ming was deeply engrossed in his practice, he didn’t notice someone entering the courtyard.

“Friend Xu Ming, it has been two years since we last met,” Mochi bowed respectfully.

Straightening up, Mochi smiled as he looked at Ming: “If so, then I’ll trouble you, Ming. In five days, you and Pengda will need to go to the Hall of Worthies to learn our kingdom’s etiquette for hosting guests, and I will come to pick you up then.”

Ming hurriedly bowed in return: “This student greets Master.”

“Master, please sit. I’ll serve you tea,” Ming straightened up and prepared to entertain.

“Please inform Miss Goose. This humble scholar, Xiao Mochi, has come to visit and has something to discuss with young friend Xu Ming.”

Xu Ming’s martial arts realm was about to break into the Wooden Embryo stage.

“Master is consulting me?” Ming was confused.

As an outsider, Mochi certainly couldn’t just enter the courtyard directly.

Each top-tier martial sect had its own method of refining the body.

Anyway, even if the Xu family obtained the Blood Spirit Fruit, they would have to pay a heavy price, and even if they could obtain it, it wouldn’t be given to Ming.

In Wu Kingdom, illegitimate children don’t hold much standing.

Blood Spirit Fruit isn’t exactly priceless, but it is quite expensive.

“If you can agree, I have a Blood Spirit Fruit here which will aid your physical refinement,” Mochi offered.

Ming shook his head, withdrawing his gaze, and continued practicing his boxing techniques.

Mr. Xiao nodded and stepped forward.

“Soon, Qi Kingdom’s envoy will arrive in our Wu Kingdom. There are two prodigies on the Qi side; one possesses innate Literary Courage. If those envoys challenge the younger generation to a literary duel, I fear Pengda and others will suffer a terrible defeat.”

Mochi was known as a true Gentleman, and everyone trusted his character absolutely.

Seeing Mr. Xiao bowing ninety degrees, performing such a grand gesture, Ming was startled and bent over ninety degrees in return, bowing: “Master is too kind.”

Martial Artists need to refine their bodies when they reach the Mercury Realm.

Anyway, the Xu family’s stance was clear: you’re visiting under the guise of seeing Pengda, so feel free to wander around the mansion as you like; we won’t know.

What could Master Xiao possibly want to discuss with me?

“Yes.”

Being able to associate with Xiao Mochi, the emperor’s favored confidant, was naturally an excellent opportunity.

“Thank you for your consideration, Master. This student will give it a try,” Ming agreed.

“Honk~ (Xu Ming’s there, Lady Chen isn’t. Go ahead.)” The Heavenly Black Goose honked twice.

Shouldn’t you be practicing martial arts, Xu Ming?

Looking at Xiao Mochi’s retreating back and recalling how deeply he bowed earlier, Ming felt as if Mochi harbored some hidden guilt toward him.

But he couldn’t possibly drive the other person away, right?

So when Mochi came, they pretended not to see him.

However, they all shared one common point: using Blood Spirit Fruit as the main medicine.

Actually, the Xu and Qin families were conservative themselves.

They strongly opposed Mochi’s reforms.

“It’s precisely because of this. Therefore, my apologies, but you will only participate as an attendant, like a book boy. When Pengda and others get into difficulties, we hope you can help out.”

“Thank you.” Xiao Mochi deeply bowed.

Previously, Ming had consulted Lady Wang about matters concerning Martial Artists’ physical refinement.

Even entering the rear courtyard of the Xu family, they didn’t care.

Actually, based on the Martial True Qi radiating from Ming.

Therefore, I hope you can join Wu Kingdom’s diplomatic team.”

Your esteemed teacher, Mr. Zhang from Qing Shui Academy, said that if all child scholars took the exam together, you would surely top it.

But the Xu and Qin families did not publicize this extensively, nor did they dare to host a banquet, and they didn’t want others to know that Xiao Mochi visited the Xu residence.

This boxing technique seemed somewhat familiar to Xiao Mochi.

Mochi deeply glanced at Ming but didn’t say anything more. After exchanging pleasantries with Ming, he turned and left.

Shaking his head, Mochi got straight to the point: “Young friend, there’s no need for such formality. Today, I have something to discuss with you.”

“…”

Regarding the most talked-about man in the imperial court now.

Ming turned around and couldn’t help but be surprised: “Master Xiao?”

The first thing he saw was Ming practicing boxing techniques in the courtyard.

Ming wasn’t unaware of the Blood Spirit Fruit.

“That’s troubling you.”

Blinking, Ming said, “Master, I am a bastard.”

Ming’s mastery level was extremely high, and the courtyard was even filled with intense Martial True Qi.

However, Mochi didn’t go to Lady Wang’s courtyard but proceeded to Xiao Chun Courtyard instead.

Mochi pushed open the door and entered the courtyard.

As the top scorer of the Capital’s Child Examination and as a junior diplomat, Mochi personally coming to visit and understand the situation was understandable.

“Maybe it’s just my illusion.”

But currently, the storm stirred by Xiao Mochi was too great. The Xu and Qin families feared being labeled as part of the ‘reform faction,’ which might provoke the discontent of the conservatives.

Leaving the Xu residence.

Standing at the entrance of the Xu family, Xiao Mochi looked toward the direction of Xiao Chun Courtyard.

Watching, watching… Xiao Mochi sighed heavily, shaking his head repeatedly, his eyes filled with guilt and self-reproach:

“Xiao Mochi, Xiao Mochi,

How could you involve a child?…”