Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 434 - The Vice Censor-in-Chief.

As Qin Ruhai spoke, the old madam fell into silence.

When Xu Ming visited her, he had not mentioned any of this, but since Qin Ruhai was saying it now, it had to be true.

A position overseeing an institution with over 8,000 men, one that could monitor officials—such an appointment was something most people wouldn’t even dare to dream of.

If it had been anyone else in the Xu family, the old madam would have already gone to the ancestral shrine to offer incense, thanking the ancestors for their blessings.

But now, instead of joy, she felt a faint unease in her heart.

It wasn’t that she had any issue with Xu Ming.

Though the Xu family’s relationship with him had been somewhat distant, Xu Ming was still a child of the Xu clan.

Moreover, the Xu family had never treated him too poorly. Over the years, they had even tried to get closer to him, treating his mother well, and their bond had improved somewhat.

So no matter how powerful Xu Ming became, he had no reason to move against the Xu family—there was simply no need.

In fact, the Xu family’s connections, cultivated over the years, might even become an asset for him.

Still, the old madam felt that His Majesty had given too much.

So much that it seemed almost unbelievable.

For an ordinary family, this would not be an issue.

But the Xu and Qin families were already noble houses.

Now, Xu Ming had truly become one of the emperor’s trusted confidants.

Would His Majesty eventually feel that Xu Ming’s power had grown too great and take action against the Xu and Qin families? The old madam thought it was not impossible.

But perhaps she was overthinking it.

After all, these two noble houses had only produced one Xu Ming, who had merely gained the emperor’s favor.

The two dukes of the Xu and Qin families held high status but had no real power. They only received stipends and had never taken sides in court factions.

“Old Ancestor, do you know if Ming’er is in the courtyard?” Qin Ruhai asked with a smile. “The Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) has just been established, and many officials need to be appointed. Perhaps some of our Xu and Qin family members could join.”

“Absurd!”

The old madam slammed the table, cutting off Qin Ruhai’s words.

Startled, Qin Ruhai hurriedly bowed. “If I have misspoken, I beg Old Ancestor’s forgiveness.”

This was the first time he had ever seen the old madam so angry.

She looked at him and sighed.

“Ruhai, you are no longer young. You should understand the principle of moderation.

His Majesty trusts Ming’er so much because he believes in him. If Ming’er starts filling the Jinyiwei with our family’s people, what does that make it?

Would it belong to His Majesty, or to the Xu and Qin families?”

Qin Ruhai was taken aback and quickly responded, “Of course, it belongs to His Majesty!” freёweɓnovel.com

The old madam nodded. “It is good that you know this. Keep it firmly in mind.”

Then she turned to a nearby maid. “Go tell the master of the house—no one from the Xu or Qin families is to ask Ming’er for a position.”

“Yes, Old Madam.” The maid bowed and left.

Qin Ruhai dared not continue on this topic and quickly changed the subject. “Old Ancestor, the ancestral rites will begin soon. Please don’t be angry—just now, I was indeed in the wrong.”

“The ancestral rites...” The old madam pondered for a moment. “This time, who do you think should lead the offering?”

Qin Ruhai was momentarily stunned. “Naturally, you, Old Ancestor.”

The old madam shook her head. “I am old. It is time to pass this honor, this blessing from our ancestors, to the younger generation. Let Ming’er lead the rites this time.”

Meanwhile, Xu Ming arrived at the residence of Imperial Censor Wang.

After handing over a letter and giving his name, the guards, realizing it was the top scholar himself paying a visit, dared not delay. They quickly took the letter inside.

Not long after, Wang Chong, the Vice Censor-in-Chief, personally came out.

“Hahaha! I never expected my humble residence to receive a visit from the top scholar himself. Truly, this is an honor beyond measure!”

Wang Chong strode out of the gate with a hearty laugh and cupped his hands in salute before Xu Ming.

“Wang Chong, Vice Censor-in-Chief, pays respects to the Commander.”

“Lord Wang, this is not proper—I should be the one saluting you,” Xu Ming quickly returned the courtesy.

“Haha, that’s not the case. Your rank is far higher than mine,” Wang Chong remarked.

Xu Ming smiled. “But I am here to visit you as a nephew, not as an official.”

Wang Chong looked at the spirited young man before him, clearly pleased. “Hahaha, very well! Since that’s the case, Nephew Xu, come inside and have a seat. It’s almost noon—you should try your aunt’s cooking.”

“In that case, I’ll have to make sure to enjoy it properly.”

Xu Ming did not stand on ceremony and followed Wang Chong into the residence.

Compared to the Xu and Qin mansions, Wang Chong’s residence was significantly smaller, consisting only of an outer courtyard and an inner courtyard.

The outer courtyard was used for receiving guests, while the inner courtyard was reserved for family members.

Instead of taking Xu Ming to the main hall, Wang Chong led him to the study.

For most officials in the Wu Kingdom, the study was an absolutely private space—ordinary guests were rarely allowed inside.

“Nephew, you truly are a young hero,” Wang Chong said, pouring Xu Ming a cup of tea. “I’ve been meaning to visit the Xu residence for some time, but official duties have kept me too busy. I hope you can forgive me.”

Xu Ming chuckled. “Uncle, there’s no need for such words. It should be me visiting you instead. I’ve simply been tied up with matters and haven’t had the chance—I hope you won’t be upset.”

As for Wang Chong’s claim that he had wanted to visit but had been too busy, that was likely an excuse.

Xu Ming was well aware of his uncle’s attitude toward the Xu family.

Simply put, this uncle of his seemed to hold the Xu and Qin families in contempt, seeing them as parasites squandering the kingdom’s resources.

Back when Madam Wang married into the Xu family, Wang Chong had vehemently opposed the match, though in the end, her father had approved it.

To be fair, Wang Chong wasn’t entirely wrong.

The lords of the Xu and Qin families had done little of substance over the years. If they had made any contribution at all, it was to the entertainment industry—especially the flourishing business of brothels.

“Hahaha, Nephew Xu, I’ve heard that you spent years traveling the world. But it seems you’ve learned quite a bit about the ways of the court as well.”

As he spoke, Wang Chong pulled open a drawer, took out a memorial, lightly tapped it, and then handed it to Xu Ming with both hands.

Xu Ming accepted the memorial with a puzzled look. “Uncle, what is this?”

The corners of Wang Chong’s mouth lifted into a smirk.

“A memorial impeaching you.”