Chapter 455

Chapter 455: My Master Is Inside

The next morning.

Xu Ming slowly opened his eyes in his own mansion.

Recently, Xu Ming had been sleeping at the residence of the Commander of the Jinyi Guard. Though not large, it was certainly not small—only half a courtyard smaller than the Chancellor’s mansion.

The maidservants dispatched by Emperor Wu had indeed tidied up the entire mansion impeccably. However, with only Xu Ming present in such a vast estate, surrounded entirely by maidservants, it couldn’t help but feel somewhat desolate.

Originally, there were also some attendants in this mansion, but Emperor Wu, for reasons unknown, had transferred all of them away. Thus, the entire mansion felt like Xu Ming’s private harem.

“His Majesty probably wants me to spread some unfavorable rumors.”

Xu Ming chuckled, thinking that it wouldn’t take long before the rumor “the Commander of the Jinyi Guard is fond of women” began to spread throughout the capital.

But Xu Ming didn’t bother too much about this matter.

Sometimes having a few stains on one’s reputation makes Emperor Wu more at ease.

Xu Ming proceeded directly to the Xu Mansion.

Everyone in the Xu Mansion was already fully prepared for the items needed for the ceremony.

When Xu Ming saw Yi and Shan, they were clearly much more obedient than yesterday.

Xu Ming even noticed that when they looked at him, their eyes carried a hint of fear.

Xu Ming didn’t care much about these two as long as they remained stable and didn’t cause trouble.

At the hour of Si, everyone from the Xu and Qin mansions headed to the imperial tomb.

Duke Xu and Duke Qin were very close brothers to the founding ancestor of the Wu Kingdom, so they were specially permitted to be buried alongside the royal tombs.

The process of worshiping at the Xu and Qin mansions was simple: Xu Ming led the incense offerings, others followed according to their seniority, and finally, the bell was struck three times.

The entire ancestral worship ceremony was solemn, everyone respectfully paying tribute to their ancestors, expressing gratitude for their legacy, allowing future generations to enjoy blessings, and praying for the protection of their descendants.

At the end of the ceremony, Xu Ming lit the paper money and scattered it into the air, concluding the entire ancestral worship.

However, on his way back, Xu Ming glanced at a tree, feeling as if someone had been watching him all along.

When the ceremony ended, that gaze disappeared.

But Xu Ming didn’t pay it much attention.

The surroundings of the imperial tomb were guarded by the palace’s honored monks. If someone could enter, it meant they had permission.

At noon, both the Xu and Qin families held a grand banquet together.

Most of the officials from the imperial court came to offer their respects.

Even Emperor Wu sent gifts.

This was far grander than the last ancestral worship ten years ago, and everyone knew it was because of Xu Ming.

As the banquet progressed smoothly and guests gradually entered,

An old man appeared at the entrance of the Xu family mansion.

With a long beard reaching his chest, both his beard and hair were snow white.

He wore a blue robe, though it looked somewhat worn out, patched with different colored fabrics.

Despite its weariness, the old man was clean and tidy. He carried an elegant demeanor, resembling a scholar.

Beside the old man stood a woman wearing a bamboo hat, dressed in black attire. A black silk ribbon tied around her slender waist accentuated her graceful figure.

“The grand banquet is at the adjacent water pavilion courtyard; this is the Xu family mansion, where we welcome civil and military officials. You’ve come to the wrong place,” said Manager Wang, who was assisting in receiving guests.

During every ancestral worship, the Xu and Qin families not only invited officials but also hosted a grand banquet for ordinary people in nearby courtyards.

Anyone who arrived early and found a seat could dine.

Even if there were no seats left, servants would distribute food, requiring only a bowl.

“I’m not going there. I’ve come to offer my respects at the Xu family mansion,” the old man smiled, stroking his beard.

“Do you have a name?” asked Manager Wang politely.

Under normal circumstances, Manager Wang would have driven the person away by now.

These so-called “respects” were mostly scams, trying to sneak into the Xu family mansion to steal or cause trouble.

However, this old man gave Manager Wang a sense of elegance, almost like a transcendent being.

Yet, his clothing did not match his refined aura.

“My surname is Liu, single character ‘Wind,'” the old man introduced himself. “And she is my master’s fiancée.”

Manager Wang had never heard of “Liu Feng.”

But perhaps he was representing his master.

“May I ask your master’s name?” Manager Wang asked curiously.

“My master’s name might shock you. He’s inside,” Liu Feng grinned.

“Old sir, stop fooling around. Do you know what day it is today? It’s the Xu and Qin family ancestral worship! There are only high-ranking officials inside, not a place for you. The grand banquet still has spots, hurry up before it’s too late.”

Manager Wang was sure now.

This old man was here to freeload.

“Eh, how can you treat me like this?” Liu Feng became upset, “Do you know how angry my master will be if the respects are delayed?”

“Old sir, please stop. If you don’t leave soon, I’ll have to call someone to escort you out,” Manager Wang grew impatient.

The woman standing beside the old man took a step forward but was stopped by the old man: “My lady, we mustn’t act rashly. After all, this is His Highness’s place.”

“Hmph,” the woman’s hum sounded pleasant.

“We are truly here to offer respects. Please let us in,” the old man said again, extending a finger to channel a strand of spiritual energy into Manager Wang’s brow.

Manager Wang was about to refuse but suddenly lost focus: “Of course, there’s no problem. Please come in.”

“Thank you.”

Liu Feng led the bamboo-hat woman step by step into the mansion.

After a while, Manager Wang snapped back to reality: “Eh? Where did that old man go?”

[These past few chapters have indeed been a bit dull, mainly for transition. Tomorrow, we’ll start entering new events and expand the world.]