Chapter 438

Chapter 438: Restless Times

With a complex gaze, Xu Ming stared at the memorial in his hands. His opponent had received Lady Wang’s letter not too long ago, and already this memorial was written. Clearly, it was prepared beforehand, just waiting to be submitted to impeach him. There was no need for Lady Wang to write a special letter; he felt like he made a wasted trip.

Wang Chong smiled faintly. “Nephew, you might as well take a look at this memorial.”

Xu Ming opened it and read carefully. The more he read, the brighter his eyes became. The memorial was an artful piece of writing. On the surface, it severely criticized and impeached him, but it left room for interpretation and subtlety. In some areas, his uncle’s accusations were almost rabid, verging on irrationality, truly embodying the concept of going too far.

After finishing, Xu Ming looked up at his uncle. Wang Chong, seeing the understanding in Xu Ming’s eyes, explained, “When I returned from the Dragon-Slaying Platform this morning, I began drafting this memorial to impeach you. By the time you arrived, I had just finished.”

Pouring a cup of tea for Xu Ming, Wang Chong continued, “Your reputation is already too illustrious, yet you haven’t held any significant position, so there hasn’t been much dissent against you in the imperial court. But now that’s changing. You’re about to wield real power—great power. Many will be restless. Numerous people will impeach you, with words harsher than you can imagine. Even if His Majesty doesn’t intend anything, these memorials could sway him, planting thorns against you. Therefore, a memorial must reach His Majesty first. I may not have your talent, but I’ve served in the Censorate for years, knowing a thing or two about impeachment. After reading this, His Majesty might think I’m overthinking or overly aggressive, perhaps even uncomfortable, causing him to resist other memorials against you.”

Setting down the memorial, Xu Ming asked, “Uncle, can His Majesty see through this?”

In Xu Ming’s view, Emperor Wu wasn’t an ordinary ruler. Ordinary emperors have countless schemes, but Emperor Wu would only have more.

Wang Chong chuckled, “Our emperor is a wise ruler, always among the top three. He’ll definitely see through my intentions. But what does it matter if he does?”

Xu Ming paused, then nodded silently, comprehending his uncle’s words. Indeed, even if Emperor Wu saw through it, so what? Did Uncle overstep? No. He merely fulfilled his duty. This memorial still served its purpose as a preemptive measure.

“Junior thanks Uncle for your efforts,” Xu Ming bowed respectfully.

“You don’t need to be so polite,” Wang Chong helped Xu Ming sit back down. “During your stay in the capital, many things await you. Take this time to rest. Once you assume your post, troubles will surely arise.” Sighing, he added, “Though we ministers try to fathom His Majesty’s thoughts, we truly don’t know what he intends. Chancellor Xiao is your mentor, and the officials consider you part of his faction. With Chancellor Xiao’s already considerable influence, His Majesty naturally harbors some wariness. Yet, you’re appointed Commander of the Jinyi Guard. If a major case arises, who do you think you’ll investigate first?”

Xu Ming remained silent.

Setting down his teacup, Wang Chong stood, opening the window. The cold winter wind blew in sharply. “Then you’ll have to choose between teacher-student sentiment and sovereign-minister loyalty.”

Tightly gripping his teacup, Xu Ming frowned deeply, speechless for a long while.

“In my opinion, you shouldn’t have returned to the Wu Kingdom. You have many paths before you. Cultivation is the best route, wandering free in the world. When your realm reaches heights no one can touch, you’ll have absolute authority. Even our emperor would respect you.”

Wang Chong voiced his inner thoughts. Xu Ming smiled faintly, “As Uncle says, freedom outside is indeed the best choice for me, but I have someone I care about here in Wu. She cannot leave our country, nor will I sever ties with Wu. Soon, I may travel afar, and I wish to help her as much as possible before I go.”

Listening to Xu Ming’s explanation, Wang Chong said nothing more. Everyone has their own persistence, their own helplessness.

In the evening, Xu Ming dined at Wang Yushi’s home. Wang Yushi had no concubines, only a wife. His wife wasn’t exceptionally beautiful but was gentle, refined, and knowledgeable, clearly a capable housewife. Moreover, they had a son, ten years old, born late to Wang Yushi at nearly forty.

After dinner, Xu Ming shared a cup of tea with Wang Yushi, casually discussing court matters before taking his leave.

“Is Director Xu gone?” Lin Shi entered the study with pastries, only to find her husband.

“Hmm,” Wang Chong nodded, “He just left.”

Lin Shi looked at the pastries in her hands. “The pastries are freshly made and still warm. Should we send them to Director Xu’s mansion?”

“No need,” Wang Chong shook his head. “From now on, our family will have no further dealings with Xu Ming.”

Lin Shi lowered her head, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. “Even though we only shared a meal, I quite liked him.”

Looking at his wife, Wang Chong smiled faintly, “I like him too. Who would’ve thought that the declining Xu and Qin families would produce such a remarkable youth?”

“Will the capital be unrestful next?” Lin Shi asked.

“When has the capital ever been peaceful?” Wang Chong gazed at the moonlight outside the window. “But this time, the turmoil in the capital will be especially evident, and Xu Ming will be at the center of the storm.”