Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts - Chapter 490

“Your Highness, the Commander of the Jinyiwei, Xu Ming, has come to visit.”

The maid stood before Wu Yanhan and bowed slightly, her voice echoing through the grand hall.

Upon hearing that Xu Ming had come to visit, both King Xiliang, Wu Tianhu, and his son, Wu Lei, showed expressions of surprise.

Especially Wu Lei, the heir of Xiliang—he knew exactly who this Commander of the Jinyiwei was. Back when he was still in Xiliang, he had already heard of this man’s reputation.

The name Xu Ming was well-known throughout the entire Wu Kingdom, almost like thunder resonating in everyone’s ears.

After all, he was the youngest top scholar in Wu Kingdom’s history and ranked second on the Qingyun List. His name frequently appeared in discussions.

Since arriving in Wudu, he had become even more renowned, particularly for what had happened within the Jinyiwei. It was said that he had relied solely on his raw strength to withstand three punches from the Grand Pillar of the Nation.

And the Grand Pillar of the Nation was two whole cultivation realms above him when he threw those punches.

It could be said that after enduring those three strikes, Xu Ming’s name would spread like wildfire among all martial practitioners.

No matter who they were—whether they were Xu Ming’s friends or foes—they would at least hold a certain degree of respect and fear for him.

Upon hearing that Xu Ming had arrived, a hint of joy flickered in Wu Yanhan’s eyes. She had been feeling somewhat unwell, but now she finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Since Commander Xu has come, we cannot neglect our guest. Quickly, invite him in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The maid bowed and left.

Not long after, she returned, leading Xu Ming into the grand hall.

Xu Ming cupped his hands and greeted them with a bow. “Xu Ming greets Your Highness, Princess. Greetings to King Xiliang and the Heir of Xiliang.”

His demeanor was measured, his etiquette impeccable.

King Xiliang and his son quickly stood up to return the courtesy.

“I have long heard of Lord Xu’s great reputation,” King Xiliang said with a hearty laugh. “They say Lord Xu is unparalleled in both scholarly wisdom and martial prowess, a man of unmatched talent. I have also heard that you spent many years training in the Blood Asura Battalion.”

“For an ordinary person, that would be an impossible feat. The trials of the Blood Asura Battalion are not something just anyone can endure. Yet not only did you survive, but you also achieved great merit within it.

“And now, barely after arriving in the imperial capital, I hear you managed to withstand three punches from our nation’s greatest warrior. I have been wanting to meet you for quite some time. Now that I finally have the chance, I must say—you truly are a young hero of remarkable grace and extraordinary presence.”

Despite the king’s effusive praise, Xu Ming did not feel particularly pleased.

People like King Xiliang—those with a smile hiding a dagger—only made Xu Ming all the more vigilant.

“Your Highness overpraises me,” Xu Ming replied humbly. “I am but an ordinary official, far from as exceptional as Your Highness makes me out to be.

“As for enduring Senior Mo’s three punches, that was merely because he went easy on me.”

His tone was modest, as if he refused to accept any of the accolades.

“Xu Ming, have a seat,” Wu Yanhan said.

Listening to the exchange between Xu Ming and King Xiliang, Wu Yanhan inwardly shook her head.

She understood Xu Ming better than anyone.

Although his words seemed courteous, in truth, he did not regard King Xiliang as a true friend at all.

On the contrary, Xu Ming was highly wary of him.

It was evident that his ability to say one thing while thinking another had matured significantly—his skill in courtly diplomacy was beginning to resemble that of the most seasoned political foxes.

Xu Ming took a seat on the opposite side, facing King Xiliang and his son.

Wu Yanhan looked at him and asked, “Xu Ming, how are you feeling? Are you alright?”

She knew that he was not in any serious danger—the palace physicians had assured her of that.

But still, when Xu Ming had been unconscious, she had been unable to suppress her worry.

Now, seeing him standing before her in good health, she finally felt a sense of relief.

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. I’m not seriously injured and am already feeling much better,” Xu Ming said with a smile.

Hearing this, Wu Yanhan nodded in relief. “That puts my mind at ease. But instead of resting and recovering at your residence, you came all the way here. Is there something important?”

“There is indeed something important,” Xu Ming said, nodding slightly. Then, he turned his gaze toward King Xiliang and his son.

His expression clearly conveyed, With others present, it’s inconvenient to talk. We can only discuss this properly once they leave.

Wu Yanhan couldn’t help but smile inwardly at his subtle hint. She then turned to King Xiliang and his son and said, “My apologies, Your Highnesses. Commander Xu has just recovered yet still took the trouble to visit me, which must mean he has urgent matters to discuss. There are some official affairs that I need to handle with him, so I’m afraid we must excuse ourselves.”

“Your Highness need not apologize,” King Xiliang responded with a laugh. “Since Your Highness and Lord Xu have important matters to discuss, we won’t impose. We will take our leave for now and visit another day.”

He cast a glance at Wu Yanhan and Xu Ming but said nothing more, decisively preparing to leave.

“Thank you, King Xiliang, for your understanding,” Wu Yanhan said. Then she turned to her maid. “Caidie, see King Xiliang out.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Caidie answered with a bow before turning to King Xiliang and his son. “This servant will escort Your Highnesses.”

Caidie led them out of the hall.

King Xiliang, Wu Tianhu, and his son, Wu Lei, soon boarded their carriage and headed toward the Xiliang Royal Residence in Wudu.

King Xiliang owned a residence in Wudu, a reward from the late emperor. Though it had remained largely unoccupied, it was regularly maintained, ensuring it was always ready for his stay whenever he came to the capital.

Inside the carriage, Wu Lei, who had remained silent until now, finally looked at his father and spoke slowly, “Father, it seems this princess is not very fond of us.”

Hearing his son’s words, Wu Tianhu chuckled. “Isn’t that obvious? The current emperor already sees us as a threat. Do you really think his daughter would have any fondness for us?”

“What about the marriage proposal, then?” Wu Lei glanced at his father, stopping mid-sentence.

Wu Tianhu turned to look at his son. “What? Have you fallen for the princess at first sight?”

Wu Lei smiled openly and replied, “Her Highness is ranked among the top ten beauties on the Beauty List. Now that I’ve seen her in person, she certainly lives up to that ranking.

“If I could marry the princess, that would be ideal. Not to mention, if I wed her, the kingdom would practically be ours for the taking.”

“That is true.” Wu Tianhu nodded. “If you marry the princess, you become the imperial son-in-law. The child you have with her would be the next emperor of Wu Kingdom. In fact, we wouldn’t even have to wait that long—with our power, we could seize the throne much sooner.”

However, after saying this, Wu Tianhu sighed.

“But both of us understand this reality, don’t we? Do you think the emperor himself doesn’t?

“If he truly wanted this marriage to happen, he would have issued a decree long ago instead of letting it drag on like this without any progress.

“Not to mention, even if His Majesty does issue an imperial edict, it might not matter. I’ve heard that this princess has an incredibly strong will.

“If she refuses something, not even the emperor’s decree can force her.”

Wu Lei frowned and asked, “Then what should we do?”

“No need to rush. Why are you in such a hurry?” Wu Tianhu chuckled. “If there was nothing we could do, would we have even come to Wudu?

“Just watch. Everything will unfold in due time.”

….

In the courtyard of the Prince Qin’s residence, Wu Yanhan and Xu Ming strolled through the garden, chatting as they walked.

“How’s your hand? Is it alright?” Wu Yanhan glanced at the bandages wrapped around Xu Ming’s hand.

“It’s fine, nothing serious. The medicinal ointment is quite effective—I feel like I’ll be able to remove the bandages in just a few days.” Xu Ming shook his hand lightly before grinning. “Besides, don’t you think my fists wrapped in bandages look rather cool?”

Wu Yanhan rolled her eyes at him. “Forget about looking cool. If the civil and military officials saw you like this, I bet their legs would be trembling in fear.”

Xu Ming chuckled but didn’t refute her words.

Just as Wu Yanhan said, his bandaged fists were more than just injuries—they were a symbol, a testament to the unyielding nature of the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard).

Even the Grand Pillar of the Nation couldn’t make him back down. If others dared to step out of line, they would have to think twice.

Changing the topic, Xu Ming asked, “Before I arrived, what did King Xiliang and his son talk to you about?”

Hearing this, Wu Yanhan’s brows furrowed in displeasure. “What else could they talk about? It was the same old story—Wu Lei marrying me.

“They went on about how we’d all be family in the future, how I’d surely get used to Xiliang’s customs. And if I really couldn’t adapt, Wu Lei could even live in Wudu instead.

“The way they spoke, it was as if the marriage had already been settled!”

Xu Ming nodded and looked at Wu Yanhan. “And what do you think about it?”

Wu Yanhan smiled. “What do you think? Do you want me to marry King Xiliang’s son?”

Xu Ming answered without hesitation. “Of course not!”

His firm and resolute response stirred a faint warmth in Wu Yanhan’s heart.

She turned her head away and continued walking forward, speaking in a calm but determined voice. “Don’t worry. I would never marry someone I don’t like.

“Besides, those two are clearly scheming—what they truly want is the throne. I won’t let myself become anyone’s tool.”

Xu Ming smiled. “That’s good to hear.”

Wu Yanhan glanced at him. “So, did you come all the way to my residence just to make sure I wasn’t marrying the Xiliang prince? Do you really have that little faith in me?”

Xu Ming chuckled. “Of course not. I know full well that you’d never marry that guy.

“The real reason I came was that I was worried you might not be used to handling this kind of situation.

“You’re someone who’s straightforward and direct, whereas King Xiliang—though a military man—is an old fox.

“You can’t just drive them away, so dealing with them must have been frustrating.

“I figured I’d come and help you out of the situation. Otherwise, you’d probably still be sitting there, feeling trapped and uncomfortable. Shouldn’t you be thanking me?”

Wu Yanhan snorted. “Oh, thank you so much.”

Xu Ming grinned shamelessly. “No need to thank me.”

Wu Yanhan ignored him and continued walking ahead on her own.

Xu Ming followed by her side. Neither of them spoke, yet there was no awkwardness between them—nor any sense of distance.

After a moment, Xu Ming asked, “What’s your father’s stance on this matter?”

“What else? My father has always been wary of Xiliang. Do you really think he’d agree to their marriage proposal so easily?

“Besides, anyone with a brain can see that they only want to use this marriage as a stepping stone to seize the throne.”

As she spoke, Wu Yanhan let out a sigh.

“But, you know how it is—Xiliang’s three provinces are as solid as iron.

“The civil and military officials there are fiercely loyal to Wu Tianhu and his son.

“If they were to rebel, it would be a serious problem.

“I’m sure my father is having a major headache over this right now.”

Xu Ming thought for a moment before asking the young woman in front of him, “If your father decreed the marriage, what would you do?”

Wu Yanhan stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Xu Ming. Her eyes were filled with unwavering determination. “Even if my father orders the marriage, I still won’t marry that guy. Worst case, I’ll fight my way out of Wudu and roam the world freely.”

As she spoke, a smile curved her lips, and she turned the question back to Xu Ming. “Xu Ming, if I were to be forcibly betrothed and couldn’t escape Wudu—if I were tied up and forced into marriage—what would you do?”

Xu Ming chuckled, giving an answer he knew he would never waver from. “If that day ever comes, then no matter what, I’ll take you away—even if I have to steal you. Worst case, we’ll roam the world together.”

Hearing such a firm response from the person she cared about, Wu Yanhan’s eyes curved with joy, and the warmth in her heart spread even further.

She had always known Xu Ming would say something like this, but hearing it out loud still felt completely different.

“Don’t worry. My father would never actually decree such a marriage. And even if he did, well—then we’ll just elope together.” Wu Yanhan cheerfully hopped closer to Xu Ming.

“But speaking of which, I heard my father is considering another marriage arrangement—one that involves both me and a certain princess from Chu.

“The idea is that she and I would both be married to you as equal wives.

“So, Lord Xu—what do you think about that?”

Xu Ming: “…”