Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Young Master Wu, the Princess has arrived!

“Master Xiao, good morning.”

“Good morning, Master He.”

“Congratulations to you, Master Xiao!” Master He bowed in celebration.

“Congratulations? For what reason should I be congratulated?” Mochi laughed and asked.

Master He: “Both Ming and Pengda were once your students. Back then at the Zhi Xing Academy, it was you who enlightened them. Now one has become the Zhuangyuan (top imperial scholar), and the other has become the Bangyan (second place). Isn’t that a cause for celebration?”

Mochi shook his head: “Whatever achievements Ming and Pengda have today are entirely their own doing. The enlightenment back then doesn’t amount to much.”

Master He chuckled: “Though that’s what you say, the bond of gratitude is certainly deep.”

Mochi knew exactly what Master He implied but still smiled: “All I hope is that they remain honest officials without losing their integrity. If our friendship allows us to share a few cups of tea together, that would be the best outcome.”

Master He paused momentarily before nodding: “Master Xiao speaks wisely. Master Xiao, please proceed.”

If the reasoning in the memorial written by the Zhuangyuan isn’t sufficient, it will indeed be troublesome.

The two walked into the palace together.

“How come I haven’t heard about this? I was right there at Xu Mansion, personally witnessing the Zhuangyuan declining His Majesty’s offer.”

Inside the Qiankun Hall, all the officials had gathered.

“The Zhuangyuan wrote a memorial, invoking the favor of literary and martial fortune.”

“All hail His Majesty!” everyone shouted in unison.

As expected, the incident from yesterday at Xu Mansion would gradually spread throughout the capital.

“His Majesty arrives.”

“Rise, my loyal subjects.” The Emperor of Wu gestured with his hand. “Before we begin the court deliberations, there is a memorial that needs to be reviewed by all of you.”

There must be reasons why Ming refused.

Among the courtiers, many whispered and discussed the events from yesterday at Xu Mansion.

“Did you hear? Yesterday His Majesty offered marriage to Ming.”

“Regardless of what was written, the Zhuangyuan declining the marriage proposal has surely caused embarrassment to His Majesty.”

“Master He, please.”

“I’m also curious about what the Zhuangyuan wrote in that memorial.”

At least this indicates that Ming isn’t someone who compromises for power.

Xiao Mochi hopes Ming marries the princess, giving birth to a royal grandson to strengthen the nation’s foundation.

But since Ming refused, Xiao Mochi regards him even more highly.

With Wei Gonggong’s shrill voice, everyone in the court ceased their conversations.

Ming had already woken up and was practicing the Heaven Opening Fist in the courtyard.

Listening to the discussions around him, Xiao Mochi showed no reaction.

Now that Ming has grown up, males should avoid their mothers, and females should avoid their fathers. Ming had moved out of the compound and now lives with Pengda.

“Fifth Brother, you’re up so early.”

Pengda stepped out of the room and saw his fifth brother practicing boxing in the yard.

It was barely past the hour of Mao (5-7 AM).

“Habit from Blood Floating Pagoda,” Ming stopped his stance. “Third Brother, shouldn’t you sleep a bit longer?”

Pengda smiled humbly: “I’ve long been accustomed to waking up at this time to read. Fifth Brother, don’t worry about me; continue your practice.”

Ming nodded and continued practicing while Pengda took a book and sat down to read in the yard.

However, Pengda occasionally glanced toward Ming.

After an incense stick’s worth of time, Ming finished his morning routine, took a deep breath, calmed his Martial True Qi, looked at Pengda, and smiled: “Third Brother, is there something on your mind? Why have you been staring at me?”

“Not really…” Pengda smiled, “I was just wondering if the reason written in that memorial truly reflects your refusal of the marriage proposal.”

Ming chuckled without hiding anything: “Not entirely.”

This immediately sparked Pengda’s curiosity, and his eyes gleamed with a hint of gossip: “Could it be that you’re waiting for Qingwan?”

Ming hesitated, then shook his head: “No.”

“If not Qingwan, then could it be Zhu Cici from Qi Kingdom?” Pengda guessed further.

Ming was puzzled: “Why would you bring up Zhu Cici?”

“Didn’t you write a poem titled ‘Longing’ as a birthday gift for Zhu Cici? I sent it on your behalf,” Pengda replied matter-of-factly.

“That poem ‘Longing,’ did you send it?” Ming exclaimed in surprise.

“Yes,” Pengda nodded, “You asked me to deliver it, didn’t you? There was another poem on the table, so I sent it along.”

“…,” Ming was momentarily speechless.

That poem ‘Longing’.

Surely it won’t cause any trouble?

After all, for someone like Zhu Cici, a literary girl, that poem could be quite impactful.

“You really like Zhu Cici, Fifth Brother.” Seeing Ming’s silence, Pengda assumed he had admitted it and said surprisingly, “Fifth Brother, think carefully. It will be very difficult for you and Zhu Cici.”

As the Wu Kingdom’s Zhuangyuan, deeply favored by His Majesty, Fifth Brother might even become a leading figure in the literary world of Wu Kingdom. It’s impossible for him to marry into Qi Kingdom.

And Zhu Cici, a rare literary genius in a thousand years, Qi Kingdom wouldn’t allow her to marry abroad either.

For Fifth Brother and Zhu Cici, it seems unlikely they’ll have a happy ending.

“Third Brother is overthinking things,” Ming smiled, “I don’t like Zhu Cici.”

Ming didn’t refuse the marriage because of Qin Qingwan or Zhu Cici.

Qingwan probably forgot about him already.

Zhu Cici wouldn’t possibly run away with him; otherwise, the entire Qi Kingdom would hunt him down.

Regarding Wu Yanhan, Ming does have some feelings. After all, they’ve known each other for a long time, and Wu Yanhan is indeed beautiful. In a couple of years when the Beauty Rankings are updated, Wu Yanhan will definitely be on the list.

However, Ming doesn’t feel like he’ll always stay in the Wu Kingdom.

Although the Wu Kingdom is one of the ten great human dynasties, compared to the world, it’s still small. Ming wants to go out and see.

To see what the cultivation sects outside look like.

To see how fierce the martial artists are outside.

To see the tens of thousands of demon kingdoms in the Southern Lands.

To see the barbarians in the Northern Wilderness.

To seek immortality and ask questions about the Dao.

If he becomes a prince consort, it will be hard for him to leave. At least until he has children, preferably a son.

Not to mention how many years that would take.

If he really has children, would he still want to leave?

“Third Brother, actually, I have my own…”

“Master Wu! Master Wu!”

Just as Ming was saying “actually, I have my own reasons,” Chun Yan rushed in:

“Master Wu, hurry to the front hall! The Princess…the Princess has arrived!”

[Sorry, I really intended to write ten thousand words today, but alas…

The day I can support myself writing books, I’ll throw my resignation letter in that bastard’s face!

Hopefully, I won’t have to work overtime on Sunday and can catch up on what I owe.]

汪汪汪~~~~