Chapter 430

Chapter 430: Strengthening Ties with the Northern Sea

Ming didn’t just fly back to Wudu all by himself.

Ming was merely a cultivator at the Dragon Gate Realm, far from having the ability to tear through space like those above the fifth realm.

The Northern Sea was incredibly far from Wudu. If Ming had to fly there on his own, it would take more than a year or two.

By the time he returned to the Wu Kingdom to report to the Emperor of Wu, the four seas might already be engulfed in war.

Thus, Ming used a flying boat provided by the Northern Sea.

In just over two months, Ming was almost back to the Wu Kingdom.

Before arriving, Ming sent a message via flying sword to inform the kingdom of his imminent return and estimated a precise arrival time. Otherwise, returning without notice would be considered impolite.

When Ming reached the gates of Wudu, he saw the Emperor of Wu leading Civil and Military Officials waiting for him.

All officials were present except for Wu, and even Mr. Xiao was there.

Everyone looked eagerly towards the sky, their eyes lighting up as they spotted a flying boat approaching.

Recognizing the grandeur of the welcome, Ming realized it was for him but couldn’t help but think how excessively high the protocol was—this was the kind of ceremony usually reserved for dukes and marquises…

Ming quickly dismissed the flying boat and descended.

“Your servant, Ming, pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Approaching the Emperor, Ming bowed respectfully.

“Ho ho ho! Zhuāngyuán Láng, no need for such formalities!” The Emperor, clearly pleased with this young man he admired greatly, personally helped Ming up. “I’ve been waiting for you, my dear Zhuāngyuán Láng, for quite some time!”

“To have Your Majesty personally come to the city gate is truly an honor,” Ming said as he straightened up slowly.

“What’s the fuss?” The Emperor appeared generous and announced loudly, “Minister Xu has devoted himself wholeheartedly to our Wu Kingdom. This mission to the Northern Sea has brought great friendship between the Northern Sea and Wu, a monumental achievement. I shall reward you! Lavishly reward you!”

As the Emperor emphasized “reward you,” he pointed forcefully at Ming, his voice louder, as if addressing all the Civil and Military Officials.

Hearing this, the other officials exchanged glances.

They knew the Emperor favored this young man and were aware of Minister Xu’s great contributions during this mission to the Northern Sea.

Minister Xu deserved rewards.

However, the issue was that the Emperor had declared this so solemnly in front of everyone, indicating this reward wouldn’t be minor. It was highly possible that Minister Xu would be ennobled and appointed as Chancellor.

The Emperor had waited too long for this moment.

After all, it was rumored that the Emperor wanted to enoble this Zhuāngyuán Láng but lacked substantial achievements until now.

With Minister Xu’s success in the Northern Sea mission, establishing significant merit, everyone in the Wu Kingdom knew that being ennobled wouldn’t be an issue.

Moreover, the Emperor was sending a clear signal—”From now on, Xu Ming belongs entirely to me! All others with ulterior motives, beware!”

Especially after the incident in the Rootless Mystic Realm when certain cultivators were sent to assassinate Minister Xu, which not only infuriated the Emperor but also united the common people against such treachery.

“To relieve Your Majesty of worries is my duty,” Ming continued humbly.

Truthfully, Ming felt somewhat uneasy inside.

Receiving favor from the emperor wasn’t bad; countless officials vied desperately for imperial attention.

But when someone received excessive favor, it ceased to be entirely beneficial.

“Xu Ming, there’s no need for such formality. Come, come, join me in my carriage. I want to hear everything about your days in the Northern Sea. What they’ve told me isn’t satisfying enough!”

Saying this, the Emperor pulled Ming into the carriage.

Many officials observing this scene felt unsettled.

Riding alongside the emperor.

The last person to enjoy this privilege was Chancellor Mochi of the current dynasty.

Now it was Xu Ming.

And if memory served, Mochi was Xu Ming’s mentor.

A day’s teacher is a lifetime father, and such a teacher-student bond was extremely solid.

Thus, the power of the “Mochi faction” would undoubtedly grow, becoming unstoppable.

Ming declined politely a few times, but under the Emperor’s insistence, who even questioned, “Could it be my minister doesn’t wish to ride with me?” Ming had no choice but to get in.

On the way to the Imperial Palace, Ming recounted every detail of his time in the Northern Sea.

Of course, his relationship with the Dragon Empress remained undisclosed.

The Emperor listened silently, deep in thought.

Ming guessed correctly—the Emperor was contemplating the current political landscape of the four seas.

Perhaps the Emperor was even considering going all-in with the Northern Sea.

Given the chaos in the four seas, which might persist for a while, aligning with the Northern Sea could bring immense benefits to the Wu Kingdom if successful.

But the question lingered: What were the ambitions of the Northern Sea?

Though the Emperor learned from Ming that the Northern Sea aimed to control the Eastern Sea, whether they intended to unify the other two seas remained uncertain.

From the Emperor, Ming also learned that the Northern Sea had already sent a letter.

The Emperor showed Ming this letter.

It was a personal letter from the Dragon Empress, explicitly stating that during the Four Seas Ceremony, Ming had greatly aided the Northern Sea. The Northern Sea was willing to deepen its friendship with the Wu Kingdom through Ming.

At this point, Ming understood why the Emperor was so delighted and loudly proclaimed rewards.

For years, the Northern Sea had only established superficial ties with other kingdoms and sects.

Truly speaking, the Wu Kingdom was the first ally of the Northern Sea.

With the backing of the Northern Sea, the Wu Kingdom would have a stronger voice among the ten great human dynasties.

Still, Ming felt uncomfortable reading the phrase “deeper friendship” on the letter.

It seemed to imply something else.

“Unfortunately, the Dragon Empress has no heirs, and I only have one daughter. Thus, we cannot strengthen ties through marriage with the Northern Sea.”

As the Emperor sighed, he looked at Ming.

“Xu Ming, do you have any ideas?”