Chapter 84

Chapter 84: The character ‘Ming’ is homophonous with ‘Meng’

At a rustic villa in Wudu.

In the chicken coop of the courtyard, several chickens were pecking at rice incessantly. A dog wandered around, wanting to urinate, and then walked to the edge of the vegetable garden, lifted its leg, and relieved itself.

“Mr. Zhang, your move this time seems even more modest than the last. This yard doesn’t suit your status.”

An old man was playing chess with a young man.

The elder was the most respected figure in Wu Kingdom.

The young man was the controversial “favorite minister” who was being impeached by many officials.

Mochi: “Mr. Zhang, among the scholars who have gained fame recently, which ones are worth paying attention to?”

Your Majesty, though still in his prime, can no longer bear children. If Ming could have two children with the princess, we could directly cultivate heirs, and the foundation of the kingdom would be secured.”

Mochi smiled but said nothing.

“Official Wang will fall ill seven months later.” Mochi revealed a knowing smile, “His Majesty has asked me to take charge.”

The chess pieces were carved by the young man during his idle moments.

Everyone worried about the Xu and Qin mansions, especially whether the Xu mansion might become too arrogant.

Mochi finally stopped shaking his head.

“Unless you promise Ling that he will accomplish that one thing, otherwise, he won’t come down,” Mr. Zhang stroked his chin and said.

“Zhu Cici went to the White Deer Academy. She just came of age, and the rulers of Liang and Wei kingdoms proposed marriage to the Yunyi Marquis Mansion, at the level of crown princess.”

“The more dangerous and chaotic it is, the greater the opportunities. The great era is coming, and the world will undergo a great reshuffle. Without striving, there is only extinction.”

“To be honest, brothers Ming and Pengda Xu, one is not like a pool creature and will stir up heaven and earth in Wu Kingdom and even this world. The other works diligently like an old ox. After he becomes an official, he will patch up all the messes you people create.”

Mochi shook his head: “I respect Chancellor Fang. What Chancellor Fang wants to do, I also want to do. But the problem is, what Chancellor Fang wants to do is not easy. It’s even harder than my reforms.”

“By the way, who will preside over the next assembly examination? Is it still Minister of Rites Wang?”

“The Rootless Mystic Realm’s lifespan is almost over, and the rules within the realm will certainly be chaotic. Previously, when the realm began, protective amulets could be made according to the realm’s rules. If someone suffered a fatal injury, they would be expelled. But the next time will be different. Next time, it will be real combat. Once dead, there will be no second chance.”

“The ones worth paying attention to, aren’t they all familiar to you? A pair of brothers.” Mr. Zhang looked at Mochi.

“That girl covered her doorstep with fragrant tea, then placed jasmine flower cores on top of the tea.”

“Hmm?”

“There was a minor accident in the Rootless Mystic Realm, so it needs to be postponed for two and a half years.” Mochi replied, “And according to the predictions from Tianji City, this opening of the Rootless Mystic Realm might be the last one.”

“How did the officials react?” Mr. Zhang asked.

Most of them support it.” Mochi answered.

“You’re trying to crush others.” Mr. Zhang gave Mochi a look.

“What happens next?” Hearing such interesting news, Mochi became interested.

“If it were really that smooth, it would be nice.” Mochi sighed, “But I’m worried that His Majesty might grant a marriage proposal, and whether Ming Xu will accept it.”

Mr. Zhang Zhang dropped a white stone.

“I heard His Majesty recently found a way to make you Prime Minister?”

“Hmm.”

“After all, Ming Xu was originally a commoner, not deeply connected to the Xu family.”

Mochi fell into deep thought: “It’s very difficult to be a repairman.”

“Well, there’s nothing you can do. Just endure it. At least Ling hasn’t caused you trouble yet. You should be secretly happy.” Mr. Zhang took a sip of tea beside him, “I heard His Majesty let that kid Ming Xu stay by his side?”

“It’s quite difficult, but that little fatty can do it.” Mr. Zhang stroked his beard, “By the way, did you hear something?”

“If Ming Xu accepts, the Xu and Qin families will also have a hard time.” Mr. Zhang said.

“Yes.”

Mr. Zhang smiled: “Do you guess why he doesn’t want to?”

“When a secret realm collapses, opportunities are often the greatest. Many dynastic sects must be eager to try, right?” Mr. Zhang laughed.

Mr. Zhang: “Haha, His Majesty used this trick for you. The next assembly examination will be very lively, a bountiful year after the imperial examination was liberalized. Talents will surely emerge. Then, you will be their mentor.”

Mochi shook his head: “Chancellor Fang isn’t willing.”

“Yes, but this time each dynasty and sect needs to carefully consider.”

Mr. Zhang took a sip of tea: “Let’s not talk about this for now. Is the Rootless Mystic Realm about to open?”

“Ming Xu is talented in both literature and martial arts, intelligent, a commoner, still young, and His Majesty only has one daughter. Everyone knows what His Majesty intends to do.”

“Now the Xu and Qin families are producing talents, plus the influence of their ancestors, their network of relationships in the court is not bad either. If Ming Xu becomes the prince consort, or even if Ming Xu’s child becomes the future ruler of Wu Kingdom…”

Mochi shook his head again: “Anyway, it’s not for that supposed power.”

“Hahaha.” Mr. Zhang pointed at Mochi and laughed, “Are you becoming Prime Minister for that power?”

“Not enough.” Mochi placed a piece, “Still lacking a lot. Even with His Majesty’s support, it’s troublesome. I didn’t feel it before, but now it’s true. One rank higher in office is really crushing.”

Mr. Zhang’s eyes rarely sparkled with anticipation:

Mochi adjusted his sleeves.

“Is the authority of the Chief Secretary insufficient for your work?” Mr. Zhang asked.

Talking about this, Mr. Zhang sighed.

“What kind of identity am I? Just a commoner, at most with a bit more cultivation. Besides, people are already so old. How useful is a big mansion? I’ll get lost myself.”

Mochi paused, smiled, “That’s true.”

“Indeed, Ming Xu became famous across the land with a poem ‘Butterfly Lovers Flower – Gift to Zhu Cici’. As a commoner, at the tender age of ten, he consecutively ranked first in the local and provincial exams. Civil officials have a good impression of him.”

Later, Ming Xu entered the Blood Floating Pagoda. At thirteen, he reached the Heroic Soul Realm, one of the few in today’s world. The military officers like him.

Mochi had the same opinion.

Mochi just smiled without saying anything.

Mr. Zhang stroked his beard.

“The character ‘Ming’ is homophonous with ‘Meng.'”