#438 - Chief Censor

Listening to Qin Ruhai's words, the old lady fell silent.

When Xu Ming came to visit her, she indeed hadn't heard him mention these things, but since Qin Ruhai said so, it must be true.

The head of an organization with over eight thousand people, capable of monitoring all officials, was a position others wouldn't even dare to dream of.

If it were anyone else in the Xu family, the old lady would already be at the ancestral temple, burning incense to thank the ancestors for their blessings.

But now, the old lady felt a sense of unease in her heart.

This wasn't because she had any objections to Xu Ming.

Although the Xu family's relationship with Xu Ming was somewhat strained, Xu Ming was, after all, a child of the Xu family.

Moreover, the Xu family hadn't done anything too outrageous to him.

And over the years, the Xu family had been trying to get closer to Xu Ming, treating his mother well, and their relationship had somewhat improved.

So, even if Xu Ming had great power, he wouldn't attack the Xu family, because there was no need.

In fact, some of the connections the Xu family had cultivated over the years could even become part of his support.

It was just that the old lady felt that His Majesty had given him too much.

So much that she felt it was a bit unbelievable.

If it were an ordinary family, it would be fine.

But the Xu and Qin families were already royalty.

Xu Ming could truly be said to have become His Majesty's confidant.

Would His Majesty feel that Xu Ming's power was too great, and then turn against the Xu and Qin families?

The old lady felt that it wasn't impossible.

But she also felt that she might be overthinking it.

After all, the two houses had only produced one Xu Ming, who had gained His Majesty's favor.

The Dukes of Qin and Xu held high positions but had no real power, only receiving stipends, and had never taken sides in any factional disputes.

"Old Ancestor, I wonder if Ming'er is in the courtyard," Qin Ruhai said with a smile. "The Embroidered Uniform Guard has just been established, and many officials need to be appointed. Perhaps some of the Xu and Qin families' descendants could enter the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Nonsense!"

The old lady slammed the table, interrupting Qin Ruhai's words.

Qin Ruhai was startled and quickly bowed: "If Ruhai has said anything inappropriate, I hope the Old Ancestor will forgive me!"

It was the first time Qin Ruhai had seen the Old Ancestor so angry.

The old lady looked at Qin Ruhai and sighed:

"Ruhai, you are not a young man anymore; you should know the principle of 'too much is as bad as too little.'

His Majesty values Ming'er so much now because he trusts him. If Ming'er stuffs a few people from the Xu and Qin families in, what kind of system is that?

Then, does the Embroidered Uniform Guard belong to His Majesty, or to our Xu and Qin families?"

Qin Ruhai was startled and quickly said: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard naturally belongs to His Majesty!"

The old lady nodded: "It's good that you know it belongs to His Majesty. You must keep this matter in mind."

The old lady said to the maid beside her: "Go and tell the master that no one from the Xu and Qin families is allowed to ask Ming'er for official positions!"

"Yes, Old Lady." The maid nodded and walked out.

Qin Ruhai didn't dare to continue asking about this matter and changed the subject: "Old Ancestor, the ancestral worship ceremony is about to begin. Please calm down. I was indeed wrong just now."

"Ancestral worship..." The old lady thought for a moment, "This time's ancestral worship, what do you think about the person who will offer the main incense?"

Qin Ruhai was stunned: "Naturally, the Old Ancestor will offer the main incense."

The Old Lady Xu shook her head: "I am old. This kind of thing that receives the blessings of the ancestors should be given to you children. Let Ming'er be in charge of this ancestral worship."

Xu Ming arrived at the residence of Censor Wang.

After handing over the letter and announcing his name, the guard learned that the Number One Scholar had come to visit and dared not be negligent. He quickly took the letter and ran inside.

Before long, the Vice Censor-in-Chief Wang Chong actually came out in person.

"Hahaha... I didn't expect that my humble place could have the Number One Scholar come to visit in person. It's truly an honor."

Wang Chong walked out of the gate with a hearty laugh and bowed to Xu Ming.

"Vice Censor-in-Chief Wang Chong! Greetings, Commander."

"Lord Wang, you mustn't. It is the junior who should be paying respects."

Xu Ming quickly bowed in return.

"That's not right. The Commander's position is much higher than Wang's."

Wang Chong said.

Xu Ming smiled: "Since this junior has come to see Uncle Wang, it is not in an official capacity."

Wang Chong looked at the spirited young man in front of him, very pleased: "Hahaha, alright, since that's the case, then Nephew Xu, come in and have a seat. It's almost noon, so try your aunt's cooking."

"Then Ming must taste it properly."

Xu Ming was not polite and followed Wang Chong into the residence.

Wang Chong's residence was much smaller than the Xu and Qin families' residences.

The residence was divided into the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard.

The outer courtyard was used to receive guests, while the inner courtyard was naturally where the family lived.

Wang Chong did not take Xu Ming to the main hall but took him to the study.

For most officials of the Wu Kingdom, the study was an absolutely private place, and ordinary guests could not enter the master's study.

"Nephew is truly a hero who has emerged at a young age. I have always wanted to visit the Xu family, but I have been busy with official duties. Please forgive me, Nephew."

Wang Chong poured a cup of tea for Xu Ming.

Xu Ming smiled: "Uncle, you are too kind. It is I who should have come to visit Uncle, but I have been unable to get away. I hope Uncle is not angry."

As for Wang Chong saying that he wanted to visit him, that was not false, but the "busy with official duties" part was probably false.

Xu Ming also knew something about the relationship between this uncle and the Xu family.

In a word, this uncle of his seemed to look down on the Xu and Qin families, feeling that the Xu and Qin families were all moths wasting the country's resources.

Back then, when Madam Wang married into the Xu family, this uncle opposed it, but in the end, Madam Wang's father still agreed.

In fact, what this uncle thought was indeed correct.

The masters of the Xu and Qin families basically did nothing serious. If there were any contributions to be said, it would be that they had made many economic contributions to the Wu Kingdom's entertainment industry, especially brothels.

"Hahaha, Nephew, I heard that you have been traveling outside all the time. As a result, you have learned a lot about how to conduct yourself in the officialdom."

As he said that, Wang Chong opened a drawer, took out a memorial, gently patted it, and then handed it to Xu Ming with both hands.

Xu Ming took the memorial and asked doubtfully: "Uncle, what is this?"

Wang Chong's lips curled up: "A memorial impeaching you, Nephew."