Volume One: A Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter 152: The Blind Date

If Yang Hao were to go and meet them, he would only appear as a steward, which would likewise be seen as looking down upon the other party.

That would make the situation even worse.

"Then... what about Mr. Xu?" Yang Hao asked.

If it were him, his status would be sufficient to meet the Crown Prince.

"He is in the middle of cultivation," Xu Wei said directly.

Uh...

Yang Hao was at a loss for words.

In the manor, it seemed that cultivation superseded everything else, probably starting because of Wang Chuan.

That unrivaled master of martial arts.

He wouldn't pay attention even if the sky were to fall outside.

Truly, only Xu Wei could break the exception and disturb him when something major occurred.

Even the Jin Sovereign had to wait when summoning him previously.

It always felt somewhat wrong.

And now he had simply gone into closed-door seclusion.

He had pressured himself to such an extent that Yang Hao almost wanted to run off into seclusion and ignore everything as well.

Anyway, Wang Chuan had renovated the underground cultivation chamber, and they had a share in it too.

"Let me go. I assisted Lord Gong for over a year. He probably doesn't know about today's matters, and I also wish to reach a consensus with the Crown Prince," Yan Mo stepped forward and said at this moment.

"Good, what a good boy, you go," Xu Wei said. "You don't need to consult me about political affairs in the future; just handle them as you see fit."

She was even lazier than Wang Chuan.

Moreover, she did not understand these matters.

She deeply missed the days when Wang Chuan was around, making decisions instantly for them to carry out.

"By the way, I heard that Duke Yun of Cloud has led troops to the outskirts of Luocheng and has repeatedly submitted memorials asking His Highness to lead the troops at the front lines, expressing his willingness to serve as deputy commander," Yang Hao said.

"He is simply afraid of the Emperor's suspicion. The more he does so, the more he must demonstrate that he harbors no rebellious intent," Yan Mo understood the situation. "It's just that His Majesty... after entering the city, I heard that His Majesty is becoming increasingly like the late Xia Sovereign, dwelling deep within the palace and hardly seeing anyone. Previously, apart from the Fourth Prince and Wang Chuan, almost no one could see him."

Yang Hao broke into a cold sweat, feeling awkward.

Though Wang Chuan was much the same.

Fortunately, all the government offices were operating in an orderly and efficient manner.

No major crises had occurred over the past few years; otherwise, it would have been disastrous.

Yan Mo went to persuade the Crown Prince to step back, returned to meet his mother and younger sister, and only then went to find Xu Qing.

This fellow was reading a book in his room, which seemed to be printed on yellow paper—something Yan Mo had never seen before.

Seeing him enter, Xu Qing had already hurriedly put it away.

"Is something the matter?" Xu Qing asked.

"Aren't you cultivating?" Yan Mo asked.

"I lack inspiration; we'll talk later," Xu Qing said.

"Why does it seem like you all pay no attention to Duke Yun? Won't you need him in the future?" Yan Mo asked. "Previously, the Fourth Prince tried his utmost to win him over."

"So should we pay an even greater price to win him over?" Xu Qing asked.

"I feel that if that time truly comes, it would be better for Duke Yun to support His Highness. Besides, he seems to favor His Highness as well. If they could meet, and His Highness shows him the respect of a scholar, he would certainly be won over," Yan Mo analyzed.

"I see you simply have too much time on your hands, observing such things after visiting the military camp," Xu Qing said. "Wang Chuan wouldn't care about these matters. Now is not the time to command armies. Whether it's him, Duke Yun, or even the Fourth Prince, as long as nobody does anything out of line to displease His Majesty, that is enough."

"Is that so..." Yan Mo pondered. "Then what should I do from now on?"

"Go take the imperial examinations and enter the Hanlin Academy first. You must walk your own path from now on," Xu Qing said. "Get some sleep early. I will come find you tomorrow."

"What book were you reading just now?" Yan Mo asked.

"Just unofficial history. It's not suitable for you to read yet." Xu Qing pushed him out and let out a sigh.

This fellow really...

A little brat shouldn't be too curious.

Xu Qing took out the book again and studied it earnestly.

The capital of Jin was far more peaceful than he had imagined.

Yan Mo slept very well on his first night, feeling far more secure than when he first arrived in this great capital years ago.

It felt as though nothing had happened at all.

And his family was still by his side.

This capital was far more tranquil than others, lacking excessive turmoil and presenting more of a scene of people living and working in peace and contentment.

"Xu Qing, what do you think the future will be like?" Yan Mo asked him.

The next day, Xu Qing took him out.

"Why do you think so much?" Xu Qing asked in surprise, glancing at him. "Are you feeling lost at such a young age?"

"Sigh... When can the Northern barbarians be completely wiped out?" Yan Mo asked.

"Now you're worrying about the country and the people," Xu Qing said, speechless. "Whether it's the Fourth Prince or Wang Chuan, their greatest concern can only be the demons lurking behind the scenes. The barbarian tribes have never been taken seriously. Do you think the authorities are deliberately letting the barbarian soldiers run loose? Once the barbarian tribes are completely exterminated, that will be the true disaster. If the demons arrive, the situation will become even worse."

Upon hearing this, Yan Mo's heart chilled.

Dealing with the barbarian soldiers was already quite strenuous; no wonder the Jin army had consistently refused to unleash its full strength.

It seemed that neither Qi Hao nor Duke Yun failed to understand that facing the barbarian soldiers was merely a bitter struggle.

Otherwise, if the demons arrived, it would likely be even harder to find an opportunity to strike.

A life-and-death catastrophe was destined to arrive soon, and he would have to endure these hardships to prove himself as someone destined for great fortune. Xu Qing patted him on the shoulder. "We might not be able to save the world, but we must protect the people by our sides."

"Then where are you taking me now?" Yan Mo asked.

"Life still has to be lived just like before, otherwise one day all we'll have left is faith and dignity, and being devoid of material comforts is still too pitiful," Xu Qing said.

"Speak simply." Yan Mo demanded.

"Going to meet a prospective match, paying a visit to a certain family, hoping to let your mother hold a grandson sooner rather than later," Xu Qing said.

Yan Mo's eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively wanted to slip away.

Xu Qing was prepared for this and hauled him along.

"You could at least tell me whose family it is!" Yan Mo said, speechless.

"The former Grand Tutor of the Xia Dynasty, the Liu family..." Xu Qing said.

Such matters should ideally be handled by a matchmaker.

However, fearing he couldn't keep Yan Mo under control, he had taken it upon himself to manage it.

Fortunately, today was merely a courtesy visit to leave a favorable first impression.

After the fall of the Xia state, this family had been relocated to Yangcheng.

Having previously been a prominent scholarly and official household, they had now turned to commerce, so things wouldn't be too embarrassing for them.

The Jin Sovereign also hoped to maintain ties with these former officials of the previous dynasty, primarily to win the hearts of the people in other regions and dispel their guard.

There was no need to fear attacks from the censors; with Wang Chuan's reputation, normally no one would dare provoke him.

The Crown Prince's Manor had constantly been engaged in such efforts.

Today's sunlight was also exceptionally bright. Ever since the little princess was born, the strange celestial phenomena had vanished.

Strangely enough, Xu Qing did not understand why, nor did he have any interest in interfering with heavenly phenomena.

He heard that shrines had already been established for the little princess in places outside the city, where the incense burned endlessly, flourishing even more brilliantly on sunny days.

This was something even Wang Chuan could not achieve; he wondered what Wang Chuan would think of it.

Rays of morning light filtered through the thin gauze curtains, casting a glow upon a petite and exquisitely beautiful young maiden.

Yet she was still fast asleep, seemingly having a sweet dream, with a lovely smile hanging on her delicate oval face and two shallow dimples beside her cherry lips. That beauty was exceedingly pure, seemingly untainted by mortal dust.

The blanket covering her slid to one side, revealing an incomparably graceful figure, her skin crystal-clear and tender as snow.

Knock, knock...

At that moment, someone knocked on the door, and an exquisitely beautiful woman stepped into the bedroom.

The young maiden opened her eyes slightly and yawned. Her large, beautiful eyes were clear and bright, full of spirit, and seemed to flash with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Mother, let me sleep a little longer, won't you?"

"It's time to get up, the guests have been waiting for quite a while." The woman sat down on the edge of the bed and gently flicked the girl's nose. "We agreed on this, don't keep people waiting too long."

"After seeing them, I probably won't like them anyway," the young maiden said, resting her head on her mother's lap. "Instead of this, let me go look for someone myself. Mother, let me go out and play."

"Be a good girl and stay at home..."

The woman said, speechless.

...

Why are you so nervous? You're making me panic as well.

Xu Qing glanced at the fellow. Yan Mo was also nearing fifteen years of age, so settling down and establishing a career earlier on was quite normal.

He himself felt that if they delayed too much, they might become too busy to care later.

Especially in times like these.

Sitting here, Yan Mo looked as uncomfortable as if sitting on pins and needles.

He kept his head lowered, spoke timidly, and stammered nervously.

"Lord Xu, my husband has gone on a long journey, please forgive us," the beautiful woman said to him.

"No matter, having him come along is fine." Xu Qing pointed at Yan Mo. His original intention was simply to bring the young man along for a visit. "This is Yan Mo, a junior of mine, who possesses the talent of a prime minister. The Crown Prince and his wife also wish to recommend him to the Hanlin Academy. Oh, we currently reside in the Crown Prince's Manor."

"Ah, Young Master Yan is talented and handsome indeed." The woman's first impression was also quite favorable, save for his excessive stiffness; they could only take their time getting to know each other later.

She glanced toward the inner hall.

A match made in heaven!

With Xu Qing's cultivation, he could also see the young maiden inside, and he had chosen very well for Yan Mo.

That young maiden possessed profound fortune, and most importantly, an aura that would bring prosperity to her husband.

If he missed this opportunity, he wouldn't know where else to look, nor would he dare mention it to his mother.

"She's watching you..." Xu Qing kindly reminded him.

Yet Yan Mo grew even more nervous, accidentally knocking over his teacup.

Xu Qing slapped his hand to his forehead.

Was he being too impatient? Perhaps he should have put the boy through a few practice sessions first to help him adapt.

It was his miscalculation.

"Lord Xu is the newly appointed Commander of the Palace Guard?" the woman asked him.

"Mm, nothing worth mentioning." But Xu Qing had used this exact title when coming for the visit.

Someone commanding tens of thousands of imperial guards at such a young age—the woman naturally understood what that implied.

She also wished to draw closer to him.

Furthermore, rumors outside said he was Wang Chuan's junior martial brother.

Being able to board this great ship was a matter of great honor.

As for someone like Yan Mo...

Fortunately, Xu Qing guided the conversation later, having them discuss poetry, literature, and statecraft, which finally made things somewhat more natural and allowed Yan Mo to display his talents.

Making the excuse to visit the privy, Xu Qing wandered around the back courtyards, though he failed to find it or run into anyone.

This turned out to be a good opportunity.

Spotting a rockery and a pond in the courtyard, he conveniently relieved himself there.

He didn't dare walk too far for fear of getting lost; spatial awareness was his weakness. Fortunately, he could distinguish east, west, north, and south, and usually managed to grope his way back home using that method.

"My flowers..." A young maiden suddenly rushed out.

Uh...

Xu Qing couldn't hold it back anymore, letting out a stream while watching the flowers beside him wither.

The maiden suddenly covered her face, which was flushed red.

"Weren't you inside?" Xu Qing asked.

Why pop out suddenly and scare me?

"You saw me?" the maiden asked.

"I didn't see you, but I knew you were right there." With his level of cultivation, that was the extent of it. "What do you think of Yan Mo? Not bad, right? Don't hold any prejudices against him just because of me."

"You ruined my flower!" the maiden said angrily, wanting to step forward to check, only to say with disgust. "How could you do this here... Despicable!"

"Can't I send you a basket of them later to make up for it?" Xu Qing said, speechless.

He had originally wanted to relieve himself in the pond, but changed his mind at the very last moment.

Now he simply washed his hands in the pond.

A person still needed to practice hygiene.

Glancing at the battered flower, he extended five fingers, channeling dual forces of Yin and Yang in his palm as a gentle Tai Chi symbol spun.

The flower trembled, then stubbornly straightened up once more, looking even more vigorous than before.

"What kind of sorcery is this?" The maiden looked at him again, her expression shifting several times.

"Aren't you afraid?" Xu Qing asked.

"Not afraid. You aren't going to hit me anyway," the maiden said matter-of-factly.

Xu Qing paused. "Indeed. You resemble someone very much. No wonder you gave me such a familiar feeling from the start."

"Who?" the maiden asked.

"The Crown Princess," Xu Qing said. "When Wang Chuan retur—when His Highness finishes his seclusion, she will also be able to be like she was before, without so many worries, and without having to shoulder so many things."

Hearing this, the maiden pressed her lips into a smile, treating his words as high praise.

She acted shy and coy, revealing shallow dimples.

Yan Mo, you really need to put some heart into this.

"You should go back. It's not fitting for an unmarried maiden to show herself." Xu Qing prepared to leave again, but remembered to ask, "By the way, what do you think of Yan Mo, the person I brought today?"

"Him? He's dull and rather wooden," the maiden shook her head.

"He's not usually like this. He just didn't perform well because it was his first time meeting a prospective match," Xu Qing said somewhat anxiously.

"And you? How is it that you can speak so smoothly?" the maiden asked.

"Because I prefer older women," Xu Qing answered honestly.

With that, he genuinely turned and left.

Uh...

The maiden was left staring in utter astonishment. What was that supposed to mean?

...

Sigh...

Along the way back, Xu Qing kept sighing.

Yan Mo looked at him with growing impatience. "Did I let you down? I'm sorry."

"It's fine, I'll think of another way."

Yet no matter how he thought about it, there was no immediate solution; he first needed to help the boy overcome his timidity.

Was it because he had never interacted with young maidens before? Xu Qing pondered for a moment. Perhaps he could take him to the pleasure quarters tonight to broaden his horizons.

"You've probably blown your chances, really," Xu Qing sighed again. "Forget it, I'll go back and discuss it with your mother. You better perform properly next time! What does it mean when an opportunity knocks? How did I teach you before? Fortunately, I can still maintain contact with Madam Liu, so I'll push for your matters a bit more."

"Why were you staring so fixedly at her eyes just now? That was very suspicious," Yan Mo asked.

"I've been reading the Doctrine of the Mean lately and practicing the way of a gentleman. Don't let your wild imagination make you suspect me," Xu Qing said with an upright expression.

Uh...

Yan Mo grew even more speechless. "Then don't you need to enter the palace? Aren't you the Commander?"

"I'll go when I feel like it," Xu Qing said indifferently. "I told His Majesty that I'm cultivating."

Uh... How was this fellow becoming more and more like the Emperor and his son?

You're doing this too.

Cultivation, cultivating every single day?

When would it ever end?