Chapter 212: He Wants to See Me?

Chapter 212: He Wants to See Me?

Patriarch Xu sighed with regret, "This game of chess is unlikely to be decided now."

"Consort Ke?" Old Master Chu stared intently.

Consort Ke was a consort of Emperor Wencheng, from the Runan Xu Clan. She held the title of "Ke" and was the youngest sister of Patriarch Xu, as well as the Xu Family's sole connection within the palace.

Patriarch Xu first tossed the white jade chess piece back into the celadon go box carved with osmanthus patterns, then looked at Old Master Chu with a gaze as if he were a fool. "Given Consort Chu's favor in the palace, it's surprising that you, my friend, are so in the dark about palace affairs."

"After the current Emperor ascended the throne, most of the consorts of Emperor Wencheng and Emperor Jingxiang were sent to the Anming Garden, the royal summer retreat."

"Consort Ke is among them."

Old Master Chu's expression turned awkward and unnatural.

How idle would he have to be to care about the whereabouts of the consorts?

"Then how did you come to know this?"

Old Master Chu pressed on, unwilling to let it go.

Patriarch Xu shook his head, "The Buddha says it cannot be spoken, cannot be spoken."

Old Master Chu, furious, laughed bitterly, "You're not seeking immortality or practicing Daoism!"

"No wonder you've achieved nothing after all these years of searching and practicing—it's because you lack sincerity!"

"If the immortals can bless me, I will seek them out."

"If the Buddha can bless me, I will pray to him."

Patriarch Xu spoke lightly, as if it were of little importance.

Old Master Chu, gnashing his teeth, said, "If you tell me the source of your information, I will forget about your grandson and Lu Yao ruining my Chu Family's plans."

"What do you say?"

Patriarch Xu smiled, "If you don't trouble Lu Yao, my Runan Xu Clan will help Hanyu achieve his wish. What do you say?"

Old Master Chu's fingers curled, turning white from the grip, "Is there no room for discussion?"

"None," Patriarch Xu said firmly.

"The Runan Xu Clan is at fault. We will apologize and compensate as needed, but I cannot reveal the source of the information."

Old Master Chu, unable to contain his anger, slammed his hand on the chessboard.

The chess pieces scattered, clattering across the floor.

"What if I say no?"

Patriarch Xu remained unperturbed, "Then we'll keep discussing."

"The Runan Xu Clan will always find a way to compensate you, my friend."

Their gazes met.

One burned with rage, his eyes nearly bulging.

She had a gentle smile, calm and composed.

Seeing this, Old Master Chu grew even angrier.

But he truly lacked the courage to sever ties with the Runan Xu Clan.

The Runan Xu Clan, known for its deep-rooted heritage.

The Chu Family of Ningcheng, newly rich and suddenly elevated in status.

"Fine!" Old Master Chu took a deep breath. "The Runan Xu Clan will assist Hanyu in entering the Ministry of Personnel!"

Patriarch Xu's expression remained unchanged. "Agreed," he said.

After a pause, he added, "With Hanyu's knowledge, even if he doesn't make the top three in the imperial examination, he will certainly pass as a second-tier scholar."

"There is a clear and unassailable path to follow, so why should Hanyu enter officialdom through nepotism?"

"You should know that officials who enter through nepotism are often criticized and looked down upon by truly knowledgeable people, who refuse to associate with them."

"In the long run, it would be more harmful than beneficial for Hanyu."

Seeing that Patriarch Xu's doubts and concerns appeared genuine, Old Master Chu suppressed his anger. "After the autumn exams next year and the spring exams the following year, a year and a half is a long time with many uncertainties. Even if he tops the list, he would still have to start from the lowest position and gradually climb up by gaining experience and achievements."

"But with nepotism, as long as the Emperor is pleased and the right connections are made, entering one of the Six Ministries would be as easy as flipping a hand."

"What does it matter if he is criticized? Consort Chu remains favored in the imperial harem and has children to depend on. Hanyu will stand firm in the court."

"Please, Patriarch Xu, keep Consort Chu's pregnancy under wraps for now."

Patriarch Xu nodded. "I am not one to spread rumors."

"The matter of Hanyu entering the Ministry of Personnel will be handled seriously by the Runan Xu Clan."

"Let's end here for today. We can continue this chess game another time."

"Patriarch Xu," Old Master Chu quickly said, "With the Runan Xu Clan's influence, why is it that only the father of Young Master Xu holds an official position, and just as a small county magistrate of Changhe?"

Patriarch Xu replied mysteriously, "The time is not yet right, the time is not yet right."

Old Master Chu: ...

Confirmed, he's gone mad in his pursuit of immortality and the Dao.

After leaving the Chu residence, Patriarch Xu did not return directly to Runan but instead traveled lightly to Changhe County.

He had to see for himself to feel at ease.

As the New Year approached, every household was bustling with activity.

Whether rich or poor.

Just before Xu Qingxing arrived, Lu Mingchao was still learning to fry pastries with Yunniang.

"Your grandfather wants to see me?" Lu Mingchao's hands were covered in flour, her clothes speckled with oil, her hair loosely tied up.

The patriarch of the Runan Xu Clan should be meeting Lu Yao, not her.

Xu Qingxing nodded, reaching through the window to pick up a fragrant fried pastry, blowing on it before popping it into his mouth.

During this period, Xu Qingxing had managed to get on familiar terms with the Lu family by being relentlessly persistent.

Lu Chunsheng and Yunniang treated Xu Qingxing as if he were their own nephew.

"Just me?" Lu Mingchao pointed at herself, clearly surprised.

Xu Qingxing finished chewing the fruit in his mouth before saying, "Grandfather said he’d welcome it if you brought Xie Yan and Lu Yao along."

Lu Mingchao frowned, "Can you be straight with me? What does the Patriarch intend to do?"

"It’s just a regular visit," Xu Qingxing said sincerely.

"Grandfather's exact words were that he wanted to see the changes in the world."

"Sister Lu, don’t worry. Since my grandfather started visiting famous mountains and seeking the Dao, he has always spoken in mysterious and strange ways. Don't take it to heart; it’s all just meaningless talk."

Lu Mingchao’s heart sank.

No way.

Could Xu Qingxing’s grandfather really have achieved some profound Dao?

Seeing Lu Mingchao remain silent, Xu Qingxing blinked, "If you don’t want to go, I’ll find a way to stall."

"Anyway, grandfather is returning to Runan tomorrow."

"If he asks, just say I ran into a classmate as soon as I went out, had a couple of drinks, and forgot about the important matter."

"Those who practice Dao are usually very patient."

Lu Mingchao spread her hands, "Really? I’m not buying it."

Xu Qingxing's mouth twitched, "Nah, I don’t believe it either."

In poetry, it’s the loving mother’s thread in hand, the wanderer’s clothes on his back.

With his grandfather, it’s the sword in hand, slashing at the rebellious grandson.

He felt like his grandfather’s Tai Chi sword moves were all tested on him.

"So, are you going?" Xu Qingxing asked in a low voice.

Lu Mingchao, "I will."

Since Patriarch Xu invited us, it’s only proper to go.

Xu Qingxing asked again, "So, are you bringing Lu Yao and Xie Yan?"

"Does your grandfather want to meet them?" Lu Mingchao countered.

Xu Qingxing nodded eagerly, "Grandfather even changed out of the coarse linen clothes he usually wears."

"He seems to be taking it very seriously."

Lu Mingchao took a deep breath, "Then we’ll meet him."

"If it’s a blessing, it’s not a curse; if it’s a curse, there’s no escaping it."

Xu Qingxing raised an eyebrow, "My grandfather is just a bit too obsessed with practicing Dao, but it's definitely not a disaster."

"If grandfather tries to raise his sword, I’ll step in front of you."

As he spoke, Xu Qingxing's voice grew softer, muttering, "With Xie Yan’s skills, he could take down my grandfather with one hand."

"Would my grandfather even dare to make a move?"

"Just who are you?"