Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 432 - Let Him Impeach You.

Sitting in the carriage, Xu Ming rested the imperial sword on his lap.

This imperial sword was entirely golden, with a pale yellow gemstone embedded in its hilt. The sword’s energy was restrained—unless one drew it, they wouldn’t even realize it was a weapon of celestial quality.

Moreover, this sword could not be refined by anyone. It was deeply bound to the fate of Wu Kingdom itself. As long as one had the emperor’s permission, they could wield it.

Xu Zheng glanced at the long sword on his son’s lap, swallowed hard, and dared not ask too many questions. Though he had never seen the imperial sword before, if his son said it was, then it had to be. Otherwise, who would dare to falsely claim such a thing? That was a crime punishable by death.

But what exactly had happened? How did his son come out of the North Sea carrying an imperial sword?

“Son, how have you been these past few days in the North Sea?” Xu Zheng asked with a smile, trying to get closer to his son.

Xu Ming nodded. “It was fine, just a routine diplomatic mission.”

Xu Zheng leaned in slightly. Although they were the only two people in the carriage, he still deliberately lowered his voice. “I heard something big happened in the North Sea?”

“Yes, something major did happen, but it’s complicated. It might not be easy to explain to you, Father,” Xu Ming replied.

His words carried an implicit meaning—Don’t ask too much. Just enjoy being a wealthy noble in the capital, living a carefree life, drinking wine, and visiting brothels. You’re better off than most.

“Oh, I see.” Xu Zheng, though not particularly learned, was from an official family. He could pick up on his son’s hint.

Still, he wasn’t quite ready to give up. “Son, then is there anything you can tell me? I’m quite curious, you know. When I chat with my colleagues, I need to have something they don’t know about. Otherwise, I’d lose face.”

Xu Ming: “...”

After a brief thought, Xu Ming said, “The North Sea is preparing to annex the East Sea. If things go as expected, within ten years—or even as soon as the East Sea stabilizes—they’ll wage war against End Mountain.”

Xu Zheng: “???”

He had only wanted some small talk material for social gatherings, and his son hit him with something this big?

In truth, what Xu Ming revealed wouldn’t be a secret for long. Wu Kingdom’s movements couldn’t be hidden, so it wasn’t classified information.

Xu Zheng, feeling uneasy, asked, “Son, if I share this, will I get into trouble?”

Xu Ming chuckled and shook his head. “No, Father. You can talk about it however you like, brag as much as you want—just don’t exaggerate too much.”

“Alright, alright.” Hearing his son’s reassurance, Xu Zheng felt at ease.

He then asked about the North Sea’s landscapes, specialties, and its famous beauties, such as the clam women and merfolk.

Xu Ming handed his father some North Sea specialties, which made Xu Zheng even happier. Not only could he brag now, but he also had rare goods to show off! Although the Four Seas’ products circulated in Wu Kingdom, having something personally brought back by his son was far more prestigious than anything sold in the market.

As they arrived at the Xu Residence, Xu Zheng was already itching to gather his colleagues for a drinking session to flaunt his new knowledge and treasures.

“Son, are you going in alone? I’m off to drink now,” he said eagerly.

“No need,” Xu Ming shook his head. “Father, you go ahead.”

“Alright then, I’ll be on my way.” Xu Zheng nodded and strode off. But after a few steps, he stopped, turned around, and approached Xu Ming again. He coughed a few times before saying, “Ming’er, I heard you did quite a lot to help that Dragon Empress of the North Sea... Tell me, do you think you could arrange for a clam woman or a mermaid for me?”

Xu Ming smiled. “I’d have to ask Aunt about that.”

The moment he heard that Xu Ming was going to speak to Wang Feng, Xu Zheng shuddered violently. “Forget it, forget it! I think clam women and mermaids are overrated. Just pretend I never asked. I’ll head off now. Once you return home, get some rest.”

Xu Ming cupped his hands in a salute. “Safe travels, Father.”

Xu Zheng patted his son’s shoulder before turning around and leaving.

Xu Ming straightened up, watching his father’s retreating figure, and couldn’t help but shake his head.

To be honest, he thought having such an easygoing father wasn’t a bad thing. He had nothing to worry about, held a comfortable but unimportant position, and had more money than he could ever spend. As long as he didn’t commit any outrageous crimes, no one would bother him.

Xu Ming withdrew his gaze and turned toward the Xu Residence.

The news of his return spread quickly.

One maid after another relayed the message throughout the courtyard.

Xu Ming paid no attention to the commotion and headed straight to visit the matriarch.

Although his relationship with the old lady wasn’t particularly good, she had never truly mistreated him. And when he left to travel, she did take care of his mother.

In short, she was just a shrewd and pragmatic woman—something typical in a noble family.

Xu Ming presented her with a luminous pearl. While it wasn’t particularly valuable—merely used as a lamp in the Dragon Palace—the old lady still found it fascinating. And when she learned that it came from the Dragon Palace, she was even more delighted.

Something used by the Dragon Empress carried an irreplaceable prestige.

Afterward, Xu Ming went to visit Xu Shuiya and Madam Wang.

The gift he prepared for Madam Wang was far more precious—a Sea Ganoderma, known for its beauty-enhancing and life-prolonging properties.

Even though Madam Wang had never seen one before, she could immediately tell how rare and valuable it was.

Only after much insistence from Xu Ming did she finally accept it.

“You truly are a thoughtful child,” she sighed.

To be honest, looking back, Madam Wang felt a sense of disbelief.

Who would have thought that the little boy from back then would grow into the man standing before her now?

She looked at Xu Ming and asked, “When you entered the palace this time, did His Majesty say anything to you?”

Xu Ming truthfully recounted the events to Madam Wang.

Unlike most in the Xu Residence, Madam Wang had both insight and vision, and he trusted her completely.

After hearing him out, Madam Wang furrowed her brows.

Seeing her reaction, Xu Ming asked, “Aunt, do you find something amiss?”

“Ming’er!” Madam Wang locked eyes with him. “I will write a letter. Take this letter and go to East Street in the capital. Find my elder brother.”

“Your elder brother?” Xu Ming was puzzled.

“Yes,” Madam Wang nodded. “Tell him to impeach you!”