Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 453 - Your Husband.

The old man led the young girl into the Xu Residence.

Inside, the estate was bustling with activity. The high-ranking officials and noble guests were either gathered in the courtyards, conversing amongst themselves, or had already taken their seats, sipping tea and enjoying refreshments while waiting for the banquet to begin.

The maids and servants hurried about, all wearing bright smiles.

Today, they had received generous red envelopes—enough to cover half a year’s wages. Though the day was exhausting, they secretly wished every day could be this busy.

For the older servants of the Xu family, today was especially gratifying.

Many of them had long considered themselves part of the Xu household.

Over the past decade, the Xu family’s influence in the court had waned.

At the last ancestral rite ten years ago, barely any high-ranking officials had attended.

But today was different. This time, nearly every important figure in the imperial court had shown up for the Xu family’s grand occasion.

And it was all because the Xu family had produced outstanding sons—especially the fifth young master.

At this rate, the Xu family would no longer rely solely on ancestral merit and hereditary titles.

The fifth young master himself was building his own legacy. If things continued as they were, a double ducal household was not out of the question.

“This Xu Residence is truly extravagant,” the girl standing beside the old man scoffed, her tone filled with disdain.

“Now, now, you mustn’t say such things,” the old man, Liu Feng, said softly. “After all, this is where your husband grew up. I’m sure His Highness still has deep feelings for this place.”

The girl’s brows furrowed slightly at his words, her expression hinting at displeasure.

It was unclear whether she was upset at the words your husband or dissatisfied with the old man speaking favorably about the Xu family.

“Please, take a seat,” a servant approached and invited them in.

Although the old man’s clothes were somewhat tattered, the aura of the veiled girl beside him was extraordinary—just her presence alone commanded attention.

Moreover, since Housekeeper Wang had already allowed them inside, the servants dared not question their status.

Perhaps this old man was an acquaintance of one of the young masters.

After all, the Xu family’s young masters frequently traveled for training and cultivation; it wouldn’t be strange for them to have made a few unusual friends.

“Much obliged.” Liu Feng nodded and took a seat.

The girl naturally sat beside him.

“Look over there.”

Liu Feng gestured toward a middle-aged man with a bulging belly.

“That man is the current Minister of Revenue—Jiang Yuan. His father, Jiang Wan, was an old friend of mine. After serving a few years in office, he left Wudu to pursue cultivation.

“Unfortunately, the old man had no real talent for it. In my opinion, he only managed to extend his life by a measly half a year. He would’ve been better off staying in the imperial court and making a real impact.”

Liu Feng then pointed to another man.

“And that one? That’s the Deputy Minister of Justice. They call him the ‘Black Qingtian’—a symbol of impartiality and fairness. But honestly, his whole face just looks black to me.

“And over there...”

One by one, Liu Feng introduced the various high-ranking officials in the courtyard.

The girl memorized each one, then coldly declared:

“I’ll have them all killed.”

“Tsk.”

Liu Feng smacked his lips and straightened his posture.

“Princess Consort, you really shouldn’t say things like that. Many of these people are still quite useful.

“Besides, the political web of Wudu is complex. Most people here are only concerned with their own wealth and status—preserving their official titles.

“As for who sits on the throne? They couldn’t care less.”

“Hmph.” The girl turned her head away once more.

“And stop calling me ‘Princess Consort.’ I haven’t married him yet.”

“Very well, Princess.” The old man chuckled and adjusted his wording, not taking the matter to heart. “Princess, have some tea. You must be thirsty.”

The girl did not refuse. She accepted the teacup, gently lifted the black veil of her bamboo hat, and drank it all in one go.

As she lifted the veil that concealed her face, a little girl nearby caught a glimpse of her features and was instantly mesmerized.

This big sister is so beautiful...

Just as the girl set down her teacup, a commotion arose near the courtyard entrance.

A man stepped into the courtyard.

As soon as he entered, nearly all the officials present approached him to greet him.

He wore a scholar’s blue robe, his hair neatly tied up in a topknot.

His posture was upright, exuding the presence of a warrior, yet he also carried the refined air of a learned scholar.

His sharply defined features were undeniably striking.

“Who would’ve thought His Highness would grow up to be so handsome? Princess, are you satisfied?” Liu Feng smiled as he glanced at the girl.

She turned away. “Just average.”

“Heh heh heh,” the old man chuckled but said no more.

“Lord Xu, it’s been a long time.”

“Lord Chen, what are you saying? We just saw each other in the palace half a month ago.”

“Since Lord Xu took on the role of Commander, your presence has truly changed—standing here like this, you’re practically a beacon of righteousness, shining like the sun.”

“The jade ruyi scepters Lord Huang gifted last time—my grandmother was quite fond of them.”

“Hahaha, as long as the esteemed lady likes them, that’s all that matters,” Lord Huang said hurriedly, momentarily startled.

When he had gifted those jade ruyi to Xu Ming, they were meant as a gesture of goodwill. If the grandmother liked them, it meant Xu Ming had accepted the gift and passed it along to her.

More importantly, Lord Huang had previously maintained good relations with Prince Qi.

Lately, he had been unable to sleep well, fearing he might be targeted in a political reckoning.

But now, Xu Ming had specifically mentioned this—an unmistakable sign that he bore no grudges.

Had there not been so many people around, Lord Huang might have burst into tears on the spot. fгeewebnovёl.com

More and more officials gathered around Xu Ming, offering blessings and pleasantries.

Their flattering smiles made it abundantly clear just how powerful Xu Ming had become.

Even the Minister of Works stood beside him, grinning obsequiously.

“Borrowing power from the tiger! Mingling with these vermin! He has none of his great-grandfather’s spirit!”

The girl huffed in displeasure, her peach blossom eyes beneath the veil burning with anger.

Liu Feng merely chuckled softly, saying nothing.

“I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you all. Please, enjoy yourselves—make yourselves at home.” Xu Ming cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

“Lord Xu, you’re too polite.”

“It’s only natural for Lord Xu to be busy.”

“Lord Xu, take care.”

The officials quickly responded, knowing better than to actually try to detain him.

As Xu Ming passed by Liu Feng’s table, he instinctively glanced in the girl’s direction—

At that very moment, the girl happened to lift her head.

Their eyes met.

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