#286 - Appointing You to Go on a Diplomatic Mission to the Dragon Palace of the North Sea (4000 word

Arriving at the city gate of the Martial Kingdom's capital, a number of officials were already lined up to welcome them.

Moreover, the ranks of these officials were not low, making it a somewhat extravagant reception for Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan.

However, despite this breach of protocol, no one said anything, and even the censorate officials, who usually criticized everything, remained silent.

They had no choice but to remain silent.

One was the Martial Kingdom's only princess, who had just quelled a rebellion of a vassal king, led troops into battle with strict military discipline, clear rewards and punishments, and the merit of destroying a vassal state.

The other was the only scholar in the Martial Kingdom's history to be both a civil and military champion, also the youngest champion in the Martial Kingdom's history, who traveled for a year and killed the Joyous Union Sect's master, defeated Chen Yun, entered the Azure Cloud List as the second, and it was even rumored that Xu Ming played a significant role in this Joyous Union Sect's internal strife.

Wu Yanhan, Xu Ming, and Qin Qingwan.

These three people had already become synonymous with the Martial Kingdom.

As for Xu Xuenuo...

Her name was not even on the family register anymore; she was no longer a person of the Martial Kingdom.

In the beginning, many people would still associate Xu Xuenuo with the Martial Kingdom.

But after so many years, the Martial Kingdom had somewhat forgotten Xu Xuenuo.

"They're here, they're here..."

Upon seeing the convoy, the civil and military officials, who had been baking under the sun, all perked up, facing the direction of the convoy, cupping their hands in salute, and shouting in unison: "Welcome Princess and Scholar-General back to the capital."

Inside Xu Ming's carriage, Zhou Wanfeng lifted the curtain, glanced at the city gate of the imperial capital, and chuckled, covering her mouth: "This reception is quite grand. When I was in Jiangnan Prefecture, I heard stories about you. In the past, the status of illegitimate sons in the Martial Kingdom was extremely low, and did you ever imagine that there would be such a day? To go from a despised illegitimate son to someone whom no one dares to ignore?"

"I never thought about it, and it doesn't matter to me anyway," Xu Ming said, lifting the curtain and stepping down.

Watching Xu Ming's departing figure, Zhou Wanfeng smiled softly to herself: "That's right~ How could such a person like you be confined by the identity of an illegitimate son~"

Zhou Wanfeng did not get out of the carriage at this time.

Although Zhou Wanfeng usually liked to tease Xu Ming, she also knew her limits. Her reputation as a "slut" was not good, and she couldn't affect the reputation of her little brother Xu Ming.

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan got off the carriage at the same time and came before the civil and military officials, cupping their hands in salute: "Everyone is too kind with this welcome; I am truly apprehensive."

"Hahaha, Scholar-General and Princess are too polite," the Minister of Rites laughed, "The two of you have made great contributions to our Martial Kingdom, promoting our national prestige. It is our honor to be able to welcome the Princess and Scholar-General."

"If the adults say so, I'm almost afraid to enter the city," Xu Ming joked.

"That won't do," Xiong Wentian, the Minister of Rites, said with a smile, "If the Scholar-General doesn't enter the city, wouldn't His Majesty skin me alive?"

Xu Ming looked at Xiong Wentian and couldn't help but recall when he and his son Xiong Hai Zhi had a conflict when they were young.

Later, he and Xiong Haizhi entered the Blood Floating Pagoda and became comrades-in-arms.

It could be said that they became friends through fighting.

"I wonder how Haizhi is doing now? Is he well?" Xu Ming asked.

Hearing Xu Ming ask about his child, Xiong Wentian was also stunned for a moment, feeling quite touched in his heart, not expecting the other party to still remember Haizhi.

Xiong Wentian said with a smile: "Thanks to the Scholar-General's concern, Haizhi is now serving as a centurion in the fifth battalion of the Blood Floating Pagoda; all is well."

"Yes, that's good," Xu Ming nodded.

"The two of you, it's getting late; please enter the city? Don't miss the hour; His Majesty has been waiting for the two of you for a long time," Xiong Wentian stepped aside and extended his hand.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan exchanged polite words again, and the two of them mounted their horses and entered the imperial city.

Inside the imperial city, the people lined the streets to welcome them.

Both sides of the road were packed with people, with flowers being thrown at Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan, and people constantly shouting "Princess," "Scholar-General."

Especially the women.

All women in the world like talented people, and the women of the Martial Kingdom are no exception.

However, the Martial Kingdom also values martial prowess.

So, if one is both talented and capable in martial arts, then that is even better.

And Xu Ming just happened to satisfy both of these points.

Xu Ming has written many immortal poems and lyrics, and is hailed as the hope of the entire literary world of the Martial Kingdom, the future leader of the literary world of the Martial Kingdom, especially that "Butterfly Loves Flowers," which has stirred the hearts of countless women.

In addition, Xu Ming has also served in the military, and also in the Blood Floating Pagoda, and is also second on the Azure Cloud List.

All of this has added a filter to Xu Ming.

Among the young ladies in the imperial capital, there is a saying circulating: "If I could meet Xu Lang once, what would death matter in this life?"

This shows how popular Xu Ming is among the women of Wudu.

Now, Xu Ming is wearing a green robe, riding a sweating blood horse clad in armor, with a slender body and handsome appearance, and with the addition of the idol filter, that kind of refined temperament, how many women today "meet Xu Lang and ruin their lives."

Xu Ming felt that it was not good for him to always not respond to others, so he nodded to the women on both sides of the road who were calling his name.

As a result, some women were too excited and fainted on the spot.

"It seems you are very popular among women," Wu Yanhan looked at Xu Ming, snorting coldly, her voice tinged with a bit of jealousy.

"I really didn't know that. It wasn't like this before..." Xu Ming shook his head helplessly. "I haven't been back to Wudu for a long time, but it's not just me who is popular. The princess is also not to be outdone."

"Hmph."

Wu Yanhan turned her head.

Wu Yanhan also has many admirers.

Moreover, Xu Ming is only deeply loved by women, but Wu Yanhan is the type that appeals to both men and women.

After all, Wu Yanhan is very beautiful, and after wearing armor, she looks even more heroic, belonging to the type of mature woman who is both sassy and beautiful, which is really hard not to be moved by.

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan arrived at the gate of the imperial palace, changed into carriages, and entered the imperial palace.

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan were both taken in to bathe and change clothes.

The women who served Xu Ming in his bath were all good-looking, and should have been carefully selected by Emperor Wu.

When they served Xu Ming in his bath, their cheeks were flushed, and even their expressions carried some expectation, hoping to be favored by this champion.

But this champion only asked them to leave, saying that he could wash himself.

In the end, these women could only leave with regret.

When Xu Ming arrived at the open space in front of the imperial study, Wu Yanhan was already standing in this square waiting.

At this time, Wu Yanhan was wearing a large red dress, with the skirt trailing on the ground, her slender waist tied with a cloud belt, making her appear even more delicate, and a seven-treasure coral hairpin in her hair, reflecting a face like a hibiscus.

The girl's face was incomparably clear and beautiful, with a pair of phoenix eyes that were naturally charming, yet awe-inspiring. Her black hair was styled into an elaborate and majestic updo, and the pearl the size of a little finger sparkled like snow, twinkling in her hair.

The girl's heroic spirit in armor was gone, replaced by the gentle and elegant demeanor of a noble lady.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Xu Ming stepped forward.

Although Wu Yanhan is a royal daughter, she is also a subject, and for royal daughters like Wu Yanhan, they sometimes have to pay attention to etiquette.

For this kind of meeting between monarch and subject, if Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan are both summoned, then Wu Yanhan has to wait until both of them arrive before they can enter together.

"I just arrived as well," Wu Yanhan placed her hands in front of her, "Compared to that, I thought you would be another one or two incense sticks later."

"Why?" Xu Ming asked in confusion, "I've never been slow to bathe."

"Never mind," Wu Yanhan turned and walked towards the imperial study, "Let's go."

Xu Ming walked beside Wu Yanhan, and Eunuch Wei, who was guarding the door, led Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan into the imperial study.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Your daughter pays respects to Father Emperor."

Inside the imperial study, the two bowed.

"Hahahaha... you two need not be so polite," Emperor Wu stepped down from the soft couch, looking at his most proud young man and his most beloved daughter, "You have traveled a long distance, and I summoned you as soon as you returned. Don't blame me."

"Where are Your Majesty's words," Xu Ming responded, "Your subject has traveled for a year, and after returning to the imperial capital, your subject should report to Your Majesty on the state of your subject's affairs over the past year."

"Hahaha, good!" Emperor Wu patted Xu Ming on the shoulder and said to Wei Xun beside him, "Why don't you give the princess and Scholar-General seats."

"Yes, yes, yes..."

Wei Xun flatteringly took two golden nanmu chairs and placed them under Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan.

Xu Ming began to tell Emperor Wu about his travels this year.

Some things Xu Ming talked about, but some things Xu Ming did not talk about.

Most of the things were just talked about in general terms.

If he were to talk in detail, then he would probably not be able to go home today.

Moreover, in Xu Ming's view, this was just a formality. Emperor Wu must have heard about the major events, after all, the Listening Wind Pavilion, the largest intelligence agency in the Martial Kingdom, was not just for show.

And it was just as Xu Ming thought.

Emperor Wu did indeed know about Xu Ming's affairs through the Listening Wind Pavilion.

Not to mention that Emperor Wu had also sent a Dao protector on Xu Ming's body, and she would also occasionally send messages back.

It's just that this Dao protector has a somewhat eccentric personality, and doesn't listen to orders very much. Some things, Xu Ming's Dao protector wouldn't say, and whether she sends a message or not depends entirely on her mood.

Not to mention that after Xu Ming entered the Baiwa Secret Realm and the Tianxuan Gate, this Dao protector had no way to follow.

Wu Yanhan also presented some of her battle achievements to Emperor Wu.

"You two did very well!"

After listening to Xu Ming and Wu Yanhuan's report, the Martial Emperor was very satisfied.

"Yanhuan's contribution to quelling the rebellion this time is actually secondary. The most important thing is that you led the army with clear rewards and punishments, and governed the army effectively. On the battlefield, you attacked the real with the solid, and concealed the solid with the empty. It is truly rare. Even the old general, Grand Pillar, said that you have the style of the Great Ancestor.

I have been considering the rewards for this for a long time."

The Martial Emperor stood with his hands behind his back.

Martial Emperor: "Wei Xun!"

"This servant is here," Wei Xun hurriedly knelt before the Martial Emperor.

The Martial Emperor's voice was majestic without anger: "Draft an edict, Princess Wu Yanhuan leads the army effectively, and wherever she goes, all hearts return. She quelled the rebellion, destroyed the vassal state, and is hereby granted the title of Prince Qin!"

Wei Xun's heart skipped a beat, but he still hurriedly said: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Wu Yanhuan and Xu Ming both frowned.

It is normal to be granted a title and become a minister after pacifying a rebellion, but being granted the title of "Prince Qin" is not normal.

The Wu Kingdom originated in the Qin region, and the Great Ancestor of the Wu Kingdom once proclaimed himself Prince Qin.

The princes of the Wu Kingdom throughout the generations all needed to go out and lead troops to fight, and all the crown princes were granted the title of "Prince Qin."

The title of "Prince Qin" is not just as simple as being a prince of the first rank. In a sense, it symbolizes the position of crown prince.

In other words.

Does the Martial Emperor already want to make his daughter the first empress in the history of the entire Central Plains?

Without even thinking, one knows how much of a storm this will cause when the civil and military officials know about this.

After all, in the human dynasty, there has never been such a precedent.

"Xu Ming, what do you think of my reward?" The Martial Emperor looked at Xu Ming.

"The decision made by Your Majesty is naturally correct." Xu Ming cupped his fist and bowed, saying something that could apply to any situation, "In this humble subject's opinion, Her Highness is virtuous and talented, and does not let men have all the glory. She is completely worthy of the title of 'Prince Qin'."

"Hahaha, well said." The Martial Emperor was very satisfied.

Having seen countless people, the Martial Emperor could naturally see that Xu Ming truly felt that Yanhuan was suitable, and he truly supported Yanhuan.

"Prince Qin, why don't you quickly thank the Emperor?" The Martial Emperor said to his daughter in a joking tone.

Wu Yanhuan bowed deeply: "This child thanks Father Emperor."

"Yes." The Martial Emperor nodded in satisfaction, and looked at Xu Ming, "As for you, Xu Ming, you have also won a lot of honor for the Wu Kingdom, but I haven't thought about it yet. When I have thought about it, the imperial edict will naturally arrive at the Xu residence."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Xu Ming thanked.

But to be honest, Xu Ming didn't want to be rewarded.

If he were to receive another "bestowed marriage" type of reward, then he would be in trouble again.

"Alright, Prince Qin, you may withdraw first. I have some things to say to Wenwu Qing." The Martial Emperor waved his hand.

Wu Yanhuan glanced at Xu Ming with some worry, but did not move.

"What are you doing? Are you worried that I will eat Xu Ming?" Seeing his daughter so concerned about another man, the Martial Emperor, as a father, felt quite complicated. He always had the feeling that his cabbage had been taken by a pig, even though he quite liked this pig.

"Then this child will take her leave." Wu Yanhuan withdrew and left the Imperial Study.

"It seems that your relationship is quite good. This is the first time I've seen my daughter care so much about someone. She hasn't even cared about me that much." After Wu Yanhuan left, the Martial Emperor said with emotion.

Xu Ming: "."

Xu Ming didn't know how to reply, and Xu Ming heard a hint of jealousy.

"Forget it, forget it, girls can't be kept at home when they grow up." The Martial Emperor waved his hand and pulled out a letter from the desk, "Take a look at this."

"This is?" Xu Ming took the letter.

"An invitation from the North Sea," the Martial Emperor said, "Specifically requesting you to be an envoy to the Dragon Palace of the North Sea."