Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 471 - Why Is He There Too?

“Sir, I have already written two letters and sent them separately to the Grand Justice’s Office and the Grand Pillar’s residence.”

In a duty room of the Jinyiwei, Xu Ming met with Yu Ping’an.

Not long ago, after learning about what had happened at the teahouse, Yu Ping’an had already anticipated what Xu Ming would want him to do. So, he had written those two letters in advance. By the time Xu Ming came looking for him, the letters had already been sent.

Xu Ming nodded, then sat down across from Yu Ping’an. “It’s good that they’re sent. Now, we just wait.”

He picked up a pastry from Yu Ping’an’s desk and took a bite. “Hmm? This tastes pretty good. Where did you buy it?”

Yu Ping’an chuckled. “My Ping’er made it. If you like it, I can ask her to make some and send them to your residence.”

“No need for that.” Xu Ming waved his hand. “I’ll just mooch off you from time to time.”

Yu Ping’an only smiled and didn’t insist. “But, sir, this matter seems rather troublesome.”

Xu Ming took a sip of tea. “Of course it’s troublesome. It involves the Grand Justice and the Grand Pillar. This is not looking good.”

Yu Ping’an frowned. “Something is off about this whole thing.”

Xu Ming smirked. “Of course it is. Think about it—why did the Grand Justice’s son come to Wudu at this time? Wudu is a place where one must tread carefully, yet after arriving, instead of being told to keep a low profile, he acted so arrogantly?

From what I know, the Grand Justice is an extremely cautious man, cautious to an almost ridiculous degree. After so many years in the court, he’s already an old fox.

I’ve heard that even when he accepts bribes, the money has to go through multiple hands first. Even when he visits brothels, he disguises himself.

And then, that teahouse—it’s not particularly famous, so why was the Grand Pillar’s son there at just the right moment?

Lastly, do the Grand Pillar and the Grand Justice have any close ties?

Not that I’m aware of. Yet, the Grand Pillar’s son jumped in to defend the Grand Justice’s son without hesitation. Doesn’t that seem odd to you?”

Yu Ping’an’s thoughts were the same as Xu Ming’s—everything about this was too much of a coincidence.

Something was definitely off.

“Could it be that their real target is...” A suspicion took root in Yu Ping’an’s mind.

Xu Ming nodded. “You’re thinking the same thing I am. Their real target should be me—or, more precisely, the Jinyiwei.

The establishment of the Jinyiwei has threatened too many people’s interests. It’s not just the officials in Wudu; officials all across the kingdom have been struggling ever since the Bureau was formed.

They’re probably using this as an opportunity to push back against us. Or rather, some officials might be using this to push back against His Majesty.

Because, many times, just because the Emperor says something doesn’t mean it will be done.

Me being at that teahouse was just a coincidence. Even if I hadn’t been there, this would have happened anyway, and the Jinyiwei would still have been dragged into it.”

“Hah...” Yu Ping’an shook his head with a bitter smile. “These people...”

“It’s normal. Where there are interests, there is conflict. Where there is conflict, there are factions.

Back when Prime Minister Xiao pushed for his reforms, His Majesty’s pressure wasn’t any less than his. But the problem is, His Majesty couldn’t do much about them.

They are following the rules, doing what is within their rights. Everything is in accordance with the law, so even His Majesty wouldn’t dare to break the rules.”

“Since ancient times, being an emperor has never been easy.” Yu Ping’an sighed. “Then, sir, what should we do about this?”

Xu Ming looked at him and asked, “What do you think?”

Hearing this, Yu Ping’an’s gaze grew firm.

Xu Ming smiled faintly. “Just wait. Someone will come looking for us soon. The whole court will hear about this before long.

Everyone is watching.”

At the Grand Justice’s residence, Lord Zheng Liu, the Grand Justice himself, was leisurely tending to the birds in his cage. His life seemed peaceful and carefree.

For Lord Zheng, his only goal at this point was to hold onto his position steadily, then retire safely in a few years, collecting his pension and enjoying a comfortable life.

As for the political storms in the court, he wanted nothing to do with them—he’d rather stay as far away as possible.

But at that moment, an old servant came stumbling and scrambling into the courtyard, shouting in panic, “Master! Bad news! Terrible news! Oh heavens—”

The servant’s loud cries startled the birds in the cage, causing them to flap their wings wildly, scattering feathers everywhere.

The old servant tumbled to the ground right at Lord Zheng’s feet. Lord Zheng frowned and kicked him lightly. “What’s got you so flustered?”

The servant hurriedly got up, pulled out a letter, and handed it to him. “Master, it’s terrible! The young master—he’s been arrested by the Jinyiwei!”

“What?!” Zheng Liu was shocked. “He was arrested by the Jinyiwei? What crime did he commit?”

“Wait... that’s not right.” Zheng Liu suddenly realized something. “Isn’t the Jinyiwei only operating within the Imperial City? Wasn’t Zheng Qiu in Huaibei?”

“Huh?” The old servant was dumbfounded. “Master, didn’t you summon the young master to the capital? You said you missed him.”

Zheng Liu was so furious that he kicked the servant again. “When did I ever tell that brat to come to Wudu?!”

“Forget it.” Zheng Liu knew something was suspicious about this, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it now. “That fool came to Wudu—fine. But how did he manage to get himself involved with the Jinyiwei?”

For the officials in Wudu, the Jinyiwei was like a ferocious tiger. Everyone avoided them as much as possible, terrified of becoming the first to be targeted.

And yet, somehow, the first one to get caught... was his own son?!

“Master, the Bureau’s men said that the young master went to a teahouse to drink tea and listen to music. Then, he saw a beautiful girl and tried to take her as a concubine. But he was beaten up, and in the end, the Jinyiwei got involved.” The old servant quickly explained. “This is the summons from the Bureau.”

Zheng Liu snatched the letter and read it over and over again before finally throwing it to the ground in rage. “That damned wretch! How dare he try to snatch a woman in the capital?! Even Duke Xu’s son, Xu Zheng, only dares to harass women in the outskirts!”

“Hurry! Prepare the carriage! We’re going to the Jinyiwei!” Zheng Liu ordered immediately.

“Yes, Master!” The old servant scrambled to his feet.

“Wait!”

Suddenly, Zheng Liu stopped in his tracks, as if something had just dawned on him.

He looked down at the letter in his hand.

In his panic earlier, he had missed a crucial detail.

“The Grand Pillar’s son... Why was he there too?”

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