章 79: Chapter 79: You’ve Kept Me Waiting!
It was halfway through the morning hours.
In the imperial study, Emperor Wu paced back and forth. His expression was one of impatience, resembling an eager old lecher waiting for a peerless beauty to step out of her bath.
Earlier, during the morning court session, Eunuch Wei had already noticed the emperor's restlessness, as if he wished for the proceedings to end as soon as possible.
To Eunuch Wei, seeing the emperor in such a state was rare—last time he had shown such anticipation was when Mr. Xiao returned from the White Deer Academy.
However, Eunuch Wei found it understandable.
To the emperor, Xu Ming wasn't just a prodigious talent skilled in both literature and martial arts; more importantly, he was young.
Moreover, although the laws of Wu had recently been amended, Xu Ming's status as a concubine-born son likely meant he had a strained relationship with the Xu family. On top of that, there were rumors suggesting that Xu Ming and Xu Xue'nuo weren't even blood-related siblings, possibly meaning Xu Ming bore no bloodline connection to the Xu family. This made it all the better!
Someone like him, raised by the emperor's side from a young age, would surely grow to be loyal—a perfect confidant!
And that wasn't all.
To this day, the emperor had only fathered a single princess. Due to prior circumstances, having another child seemed nearly impossible. If Xu Ming were to become the imperial son-in-law and have children with the princess, the royal lineage would finally have a stable foundation.
"Your Majesty, Xu Ming of the Blood Asura Battalion requests an audience."
Finally, a maid entered the study and knelt in salute.
"Bring him in! He's finally here—he's kept Us waiting!"
Emperor Wu exclaimed eagerly.
After receiving the maid's report, the emperor had waited long enough.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The maid stood, hurriedly left the study, and soon returned with Xu Ming.
"Xu Ming of the Blood Asura Battalion greets Your Majesty."
Xu Ming cupped his fists in salute.
According to Wu Kingdom law, officials, degree holders, and military personnel were not required to kneel before the emperor; a formal salute sufficed.
The emperor sized up the young man before him, growing increasingly satisfied with what he saw.
For years, the emperor had heard of Xu Ming's name, but today marked their first meeting. Upon seeing him, Xu Ming truly lived up to his reputation—a man of extraordinary talent.
Not only did Xu Ming exude a scholar's elegance, but he also carried the resilience of a warrior.
As the Confucians often said, "One who can ride into battle and kill the enemy, yet also govern the nation upon dismounting"—Xu Ming was precisely such a person.
How fortunate the Xu family was to have produced such a remarkable son!
"Rise," the emperor said. Though his earlier expression was brimming with anticipation, he now appeared composed, his face betraying no hint of favoritism.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xu Ming straightened and stood tall.
"Xu Juren, your reputation has spread far and wide," the emperor remarked with a smile. "Especially after you joined the army. Many civil officials have expressed regret, repeatedly submitting memorials to Us, urging you to focus on your studies instead of military pursuits, claiming it to be a waste of talent."
Xu Ming smiled faintly. "Our Wu Kingdom was built on martial strength and governed with literary wisdom. While literature must not be neglected, neither should martial arts be abandoned. Ming has chosen to pursue both."
"Oh?" The emperor's interest was piqued. "You say literature must not be neglected. Does that mean you're confident about next year's metropolitan exams?"
"Confidence is scarce, but participation is what counts," Xu Ming replied truthfully.
"Hahaha, you're quite the honest one, aren't you?"
The emperor laughed heartily. In truth, he held little expectation for Xu Ming's success in the exams; he knew how grueling the Blood Asura Battalion's training was, leaving Xu Ming with hardly any time to study.
"Very well, you may go for now. Rest well today and return tomorrow. Wei Xun, take Xu Ming to his quarters."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Xun, smiling warmly, stepped forward. "Juren Xu, this way, please."
"Ming takes his leave." Xu Ming cupped his fists and retreated.
The Imperial Palace of Wu was divided into the Outer Palace and the Inner Palace.
The Outer Palace housed the Imperial Guard and locations like the Hall of Listening Seas for morning court and the imperial study. It was accessible to male officials.
The Inner Palace, as the name implied, was the harem—where the emperor's family resided. Only women and eunuchs were allowed entry.
At this moment, Xu Ming wasn't entirely sure of his own role. He hadn't been enlisted into the Imperial Guard, nor was he given any official position. In fact, he didn't even know why the emperor had summoned him to the palace.
Was it because the imperial exams were coming next year, and the emperor wanted him to focus on his studies? Or was it because of his widespread reputation as a poet, and the emperor had finally grown too curious to resist meeting him?
"Whatever. Since I'm here, I might as well settle in," Xu Ming muttered to himself, shaking his head to dismiss his overthinking.
The emperor's intentions were hard to fathom, so there was no point dwelling on it.
"This will be your residence from now on, Xu Juren," Wei Xun said as he led Xu Ming to a courtyard that appeared to be newly constructed.
"Thank you, Eunuch Wei," Xu Ming replied, discreetly slipping a banknote into Wei Xun's hand.
Wei Xun paused for a moment but didn't refuse. Instead, he tucked the note into his sleeve with a brighter smile. "Xu Juren, just rest well for now. While in the palace, do only what is within your abilities—that's all that's required."
Xu Ming froze for a moment before bowing respectfully. "Thank you for the advice, Eunuch Wei."
Wei Xun's words, "do what is within your abilities," carried a deeper implication—The emperor harbors no ill will toward you. Just behave, and all will be well.
"Well then, I won't disturb your rest any further."
"Take care, Eunuch Wei."
After turning to leave, Wei Xun walked a few paces away from Xu Ming's courtyard before stopping and glancing back. He touched the banknote in his sleeve and murmured to himself,
"A thirteen-year-old boy... How can he act so mature?"
---
In the imperial study, Wei Xun returned to the emperor.
"How is it? Is Xu Ming satisfied with his residence?" the emperor asked.
Wei Xun smiled. "Your Majesty, you had that courtyard specially built for Xu Juren. How could he not be satisfied?"
The emperor stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced. "Wei Xun, what do you think about giving Xu Ming a jade token, allowing him free access to the Inner Palace?"
Hearing this, Wei Xun was startled. "Your Majesty, you greatly value Xu Juren and wish to show your trust and esteem for him. You also wish to match him with the princess. However, I fear this might not be appropriate. While Xu Juren is only thirteen now, he'll turn fourteen next year. According to the laws of Wu, men and women can marry at fourteen."
"You're right—it is a bit hasty," the emperor said, calming down. "It wouldn't do well for his reputation."
With a sigh, the emperor added, "Forget it. Let's not talk about this for now. What about my precious daughter? She hasn't returned yet?"
Wei Xun hesitated, looking troubled.
The emperor frowned. "Speak."
"Your Majesty, the princess said she intends to travel the world for a year. She plans to return when the imperial exams take place next year."
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット