#494 - Then Let's Elope (4000 words, two in one)

“Your Highness, Xu Ming, the Commander of the Jinyiwei, is here to visit.”

The maid bowed slightly before Wu Yanhan, her voice echoing throughout the hall.

Upon hearing that Xu Ming had come to visit, both the King of Xiliang, Wu Tianhu, and his son, Wu Lei, showed expressions of surprise.

Especially Wu Lei, the heir of Xiliang, couldn't possibly be unaware of who this Jinyiwei Commander was; he had already heard of this person's reputation while still in Xiliang.

The name Xu Ming was like thunder to the ears of the entire Wu Kingdom.

After all, he was the youngest Zhuangyuan (top scholar) in the Wu Kingdom and ranked second on the Qingyun List, so his name was frequently seen.

After arriving in Wudu, he had heard even more about the events that had occurred within the Jinyiwei; this Jinyiwei Commander had relied on his own strength to withstand the Grand Pillar's three punches.

Moreover, the Grand Pillar's cultivation was two realms higher than his.

It could be said that after those three punches, Xu Ming's name would spread among all martial artists.

Regardless of who it was, whether Xu Ming's friend or his enemy, they would at least have some respect for him.

Upon hearing that Xu Ming had come to visit, a hint of joy flashed in Wu Yanhan's eyes, and the previously somewhat uncomfortable Wu Yanhan finally breathed a sigh of relief:

“Since Commander Xu has arrived, we mustn't be negligent. Quickly, invite Commander Xu in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The maid bowed and left.

Before long, the maid led Xu Ming into the hall.

Xu Ming bowed to the group: “Xu Ming greets Princess Your Highness, King of Xiliang, and Heir of Xiliang.”

Xu Ming's words and actions were extremely measured, and his etiquette was very proper.

The King of Xiliang and the Heir of Xiliang naturally stood up quickly and returned the greeting to Xu Ming.

“I have long heard of Master Xu's reputation; I've heard that Master Xu is accomplished in both literary and martial arts, and that his talent is unmatched. I've also heard that Master Xu has trained in the Blood Floating Pagoda for many years.

This is a very rare thing for an ordinary person. Not everyone can endure the hardships of the Blood Floating Pagoda, but Master Xu was able to emerge from it and even make many contributions.

After just arriving in the capital, I heard that Master Xu withstood the three punches of our Wu Kingdom's number one martial artist, and I have long wanted to visit Master Xu.

Meeting you today, it is indeed true that Master Xu is a young hero, elegant and extraordinary.”

The King of Xiliang laughed heartily, praising Xu Ming.

However, listening to the King of Xiliang's praise, Xu Ming did not feel particularly happy.

Xu Ming was even more vigilant towards this kind of smiling tiger.

“Your Highness, you flatter me. This junior is just an ordinary subject; how can I be as amazing as Your Highness says?

As for withstanding Senior Mo's three punches, it was entirely because Senior went easy on me.”

Xu Ming said modestly, seemingly not accepting his praise at all.

“Xu Ming, please sit.” Wu Yanhan said to Xu Ming.

Listening to Xu Ming and the King of Xiliang exchanging greetings, Wu Yanhan actually shook her head inwardly.

Wu Yanhan couldn't be more familiar with Xu Ming.

Although he said so, in reality, Xu Ming didn't regard this King of Xiliang as a true friend at all.

In fact, Xu Ming was very wary of this King of Xiliang.

It could only be said that Xu Ming's skill of saying one thing and thinking another was becoming more mature, with a hint of the old fox flavors of the court.

Xu Ming sat down on the other side, facing the King of Xiliang and his son.

Wu Yanhan looked at Xu Ming and asked, “Xu Ming, how are you feeling? Are you alright?”

Wu Yanhan knew that Xu Ming was actually fine, after all, the imperial physicians in the palace had said so.

But no matter what, when Xu Ming was unconscious, Wu Yanhan was certainly worried.

Only when Xu Ming was truly standing in front of her did Wu Yanhan breathe a sigh of relief.

“Thank you for Your Highness's concern. I am fine, and I feel much better now,”

Xu Ming said with a smile.

“I'm relieved to hear that, but instead of resting well in your residence, is there something important that brings you here?”

Wu Yanhan asked Xu Ming again.

“There is indeed something important.”

Xu Ming nodded, then looked at the King of Xiliang and his son.

His expression clearly said, “It's not convenient with other people here. We can only have a proper chat after they leave.”

Wu Yanhan smiled inwardly, then looked at the King of Xiliang and his son, saying to them:

“My apologies, you two. Commander Xu just recovered and came to see me despite his condition, so there must be something important.

Xu Ming and I have some official business to discuss, so I'm afraid I must excuse myself.”

“Your Highness, you are too kind. Since Your Highness and Master Xu have important matters to discuss, we won't stay here any longer. We'll visit another day.”

The King of Xiliang glanced at the two of them and didn't say anything, instead very simply wanting to leave.

“Thank you for your understanding, King of Xiliang. Caidie, see the King of Xiliang off.”

Wu Yanhan said to the maid beside her.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Caidie bowed and said to the King of Xiliang and his son.

“This servant will see you two off.”

Caidie escorted the King of Xiliang and his son out.

Wu Tianhu and Wu Lei got into the carriage and headed to the Xiliang King's residence in Wudu.

The King of Xiliang had a residence in Wudu.

This residence was bestowed by the late Emperor. Although no one had lived there, in reality, people would clean it every few days to ensure that the King of Xiliang could live there at any time when he came to the capital.

Sitting in the carriage, Wu Lei, who had been silent, finally looked at his father and slowly said, “Father, this Princess doesn't seem to like us very much.”

Listening to his son's words, Wu Tianhu said with a smile, “Isn't that obvious? The current Emperor is already wary of us, do you think his daughter would like us very much?”

“Then what about the matter of the marriage agreement?” Wu Lei looked at his father, stopping halfway through his sentence.

Wu Tianhu also looked at his son: “What? Have you fallen in love with this Princess at first sight?”

Wu Lei smiled and said frankly, “The Princess is among the top 10 on the Beauty List. Meeting her today, the Princess indeed deserves this ranking.

If I can marry the Princess, then naturally there is no need to say more.

Not to mention that if I can marry the Princess, then basically this Wu Kingdom will be in our hands.”

“That's indeed the case.” Wu Tianhu nodded, “As long as you can marry the Princess, you will be the驸马 (驸马, imperial son-in-law), and the child you and the Princess have will be the next Emperor of the Wu Kingdom. You don't even have to wait for your child with Wu Yanhan; with our power, we can ascend to the throne in no time.”

As he spoke, Wu Tianhu sighed:

“But you and I both know this, do you think the current Emperor doesn't know this?

If he really wanted you two to get married, he would have issued an edict long ago. Would he have waited until now without any news, just delaying the matter?

Not to mention that even if the current Emperor issued an edict to bestow the marriage, it probably wouldn't work. I heard that this Princess has a very fiery temper.

If she doesn't agree to something, even the Emperor's decree can't force her.”

Wu Lei frowned and asked his father, “Then what should we do?”

“Don't worry, why are you in such a hurry for this kind of thing? If we couldn't accomplish anything, would we still have come to Wudu?” Wu Tianhu smiled, “In short, you just watch.”

… …

In the courtyard of the Princess's mansion, Wu Yanhan and Xu Ming walked in the garden, chatting as they strolled.

“How is your hand? Is it alright?” Wu Yanhan looked at the bandage wrapped around Xu Ming's hand.

“It's fine, there's no problem, and this ointment works very well. I feel like I'll be able to take off this bandage in a few days.” Xu Ming shook his hand, “And don't you think my fists look quite good with bandages on them?”

Wu Yanhan rolled her eyes at Xu Ming: “Putting aside whether it looks good or not, if the civil and military officials see your fists wrapped in bandages, their legs might tremble in fear.”

Xu Ming smiled and did not refute.

Just as Wu Yanhan said, his fists wrapped in bandages were like a medal, more like a symbol of the Jinyiwei's fearlessness of the powerful.

I didn't even give way to the Grand Pillar, so if others commit crimes, they have to weigh the consequences.

“Before I came, what did this King of Xiliang and his son talk to you about?” Xu Ming asked, changing the subject.

Listening to Xu Ming's question, Wu Yanhan frowned, looking very unhappy: “What else could they talk about but Wu Lei marrying me?

Then they said something about how we would be a family in the future, and something about how I would definitely get used to the customs of Xiliang. If I really didn't get used to it, I could let his son live in Wudu or something.

Listening to their tone, it was as if I was already married to his son.”

Xu Ming nodded, looking at Wu Yanhan: “Then what are your thoughts?”

Wu Yanhan smiled: “What do you think my thoughts are? Do you hope that I marry the son of the King of Beiliang?”

Xu Ming replied decisively: “Then I definitely disagree!”

Xu Ming's decisive and firm answer made a hint of joy ripple in Wu Yanhan's heart.

Wu Yanhan turned her head, continued walking forward, and slowly said, "Don't worry, I would never marry someone I don't like, let alone those two scheming father and son. What they value more is the throne. I won't become anyone's tool."

Hearing Wu Yanhan's answer, Xu Ming smiled: "That's good."

"What? Could it be that you came to my Princess Manor just because you were worried about me marrying that young master of Xiliang? So you specially ran over to ask me? Do you have so little faith in me?" Wu Yanhan asked.

Xu Ming smiled: "That's not it. In my heart, how could you possibly marry that guy?

The main reason I came here is that I was worried you wouldn't be used to dealing with this kind of thing.

After all, you are a straightforward person, and although the King of Xiliang is a military general, he is indeed a sly old fox.

You can't just chase them away, so you must be feeling uncomfortable. Wasn't I just here to help you out of a difficult situation? You're not going to thank me? Otherwise, you'd still be sitting there on pins and needles."

Wu Yanhan hummed: "Then I really have to thank you."

Xu Ming smiled, his face looking a bit thick: "You're welcome."

Wu Yanhan ignored this guy and continued walking forward on her own.

Xu Ming followed beside Wu Yanhan. The two of them didn't speak, walking side by side, but they didn't feel any awkwardness or distance at all.

"What is your father's reaction to this matter?" Xu Ming wanted to know what kind of attitude Emperor Wu had.

"What else could it be? My father has always been wary of Xiliang. Now they want to come and ask for a marriage, how could it be so easy?

Not to mention that everyone can see that they just want to marry me and take the opportunity to ascend the throne."

As Wu Yanhan spoke, she also sighed.

"But you also know that the three prefectures of Xiliang can be said to be a solid iron plate.

The civil and military officials of Xiliang are extremely loyal to Wu Tianhu and the others.

If they rebel, it will really be very difficult to deal with, so my father is probably having a headache right now."

Xu Ming thought for a while and asked the girl in front of him: "If your father bestows a marriage, what will you do?"

Wu Yanhan stopped, turned to look at Xu Ming, and the girl's eyes were filled with incomparable determination: "Even if my father bestows a marriage, I will not marry that guy. At worst, I will leave Wudu and wander the world from now on."

As she spoke, Wu Yanhan smiled and asked Xu Ming: "Xu Ming, if I am bestowed a marriage and can't escape Wudu, and am forcibly tied up to get married, what will you do?"

Xu Ming also smiled and said an answer that he would definitely do: "If it really comes to that day, then even if I have to snatch you away, I will snatch you away. At worst, we will wander the world together."

Hearing her sweetheart's affirmative answer, Wu Yanhan's eyes curved, and the joy in her heart rippled even more.

In Wu Yanhan's heart, there was an unprecedented sense of security.

Although Wu Yanhan knew that Xu Ming would definitely answer like this, the feeling was completely different when he actually said it.

"Don't worry, my father definitely won't bestow a marriage. Even if he does, at worst, we'll elope together."

Wu Yanhan happily jumped in front of Xu Ming.

"In comparison, I heard that my father plans to betroth me and that princess of Chu to you together.

Me and that princess of Chu as co-equals wives.

Regarding this matter, Master Xu, what do you think?"

Xu Ming: "…"