Prime Minister’s Residence.

Xiao Mochi had just returned to his study and barely sat down when a maid walked in.

“Master, Lord Xu is requesting an audience.”

Xiao Mochi paused for a moment. “Lord Xu? Which Lord Xu?”

“The Commander of the Jinyiwei, Lord Xu.”

“Xu Ming, ah.” Xiao Mochi chuckled. “Let him come in directly. Also, have someone bring out my treasured Da Xue Hong Pao tea. Since we have an esteemed guest, we shouldn’t keep it hidden. I’ve been wanting to drink it for a while now.”

“Yes, sir.”

The maid bowed slightly and withdrew.

Before long, the tea was placed in front of Xiao Mochi, and Xu Ming was led into the study by the maid.

“Student Xu Ming pays respects to Teacher.”

Upon entering the study, Xu Ming saluted Xiao Mochi with a bow.

“What brings you here, Xu Ming?” Xiao Mochi smiled as he stepped forward to support Xu Ming. “You’re so badly injured—you should be resting at home instead of wandering around. General Mo is really something, isn’t he? Already at his age, yet he still strikes so heavily. He doesn’t even know how to show some leniency to the younger generation.”

Xiao Mochi was aware that Xu Ming was injured.

But upon seeing him in person, Xiao Mochi realized just how severe those injuries were.

Wrapped up like a mummy from head to toe—this was beyond what he had expected.

“Heh, it’s not too bad,” Xu Ming chuckled. “I just had some doubts in my mind and wanted to seek Teacher’s guidance.”

He didn’t bother explaining that not all of these injuries were inflicted by the Grand Pillar of the Nation.

For now, it was better to let the Grand Pillar take the blame.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain.

“Haha, of course! If there’s anything I can help with,” Xiao Mochi said as he helped Xu Ming settle into a chair and personally brewed the tea. “But honestly, I doubt I have much to offer you anymore. Whether it’s in academic matters or other aspects, you’ve already surpassed me in many ways.”

“Teacher is too modest,” Xu Ming replied humbly. “I am but a shallow learner—there is still much for me to be taught.”

He took a sip of tea.

The rich aroma lingered, and as it slid down his throat, he felt a warm energy gently harmonizing the qi and spiritual power within him.

This tea was no ordinary tea.

Xu Ming was certain that Xiao Mochi had prepared this tea specifically for him, to help regulate his internal energy.

“Nothing too serious, really,” Xu Ming continued.

He put down his teacup and looked at Xiao Mochi with a faint smile.

“It’s just that there have been too many happenings in Wudu lately. First, Liu Feng and the Princess of Chu arrived. Then, the King of Xiliang entered the capital. And now, the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts has been moved up by an entire year. It all feels like something major is about to happen, and I can’t shake this uneasy feeling.”

He paused, then added, “So, I wanted to ask Teacher for some insight. Is there really something significant about to unfold in Wudu? If so, our Jinyiwei should make preparations in advance.”

Xiao Mochi chuckled and poured Xu Ming another cup of tea.

“What major event could possibly happen? It’s nothing more than a coincidence that all these things are occurring at the same time.

The reason the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts was moved up by a year is simply because this year, Wu Kingdom established ties with Beihai (North Sea), and the Princess of Chu has also arrived.

His Majesty mainly has two intentions:

First, he wants to make sure the sects within Wu Kingdom are aware of the alliance with Beihai, so they behave themselves and stop stirring up trouble.

You know how our Wu Kingdom’s sects are—none of them are truly loyal. They’re all focused on fighting for their own interests and never consider the survival of Wu Kingdom as a whole.

Second, His Majesty wants to showcase Wu Kingdom’s national strength to the Princess of Chu and Liu Feng. By allowing them to witness the grand spectacle of countless sects gathering to pay homage, it will boost Wu Kingdom’s prestige.”

Xu Ming smiled and met Xiao Mochi’s gaze, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

“That’s all?”

“That’s all,” Xiao Mochi nodded. “So there’s no need for you to overthink things. Just focus on carrying out His Majesty’s orders. As long as the Jinyiwei maintains order in Wudu, there won’t be any problems.”

Xu Ming took another sip of tea.

“But I also heard that Mr. Fang has returned.”

Xiao Mochi paused for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

“Mr. Fang has returned? That, I truly didn’t know. Perhaps he simply came to Wudu to visit old friends.

After all, Mr. Fang lived in Wudu for many years—he must have many acquaintances here.

Now that he’s free from official duties, it’s only natural for him to travel and reconnect with friends.”

“That should be the case,” Xu Ming nodded, his eyes still locked onto Xiao Mochi’s.

“But, Teacher, when I was at the Dragon Palace in Beihai, I met someone.”

“Oh? Who?”

“I believe I mentioned it to you before—I met Mister Lu.”

Xu Ming had been carefully probing all this time, but since Xiao Mochi refused to say anything, he decided to be direct.

If they continued this dance of subtle hints and evasions, Xiao Mochi still wouldn’t reveal a single word.

“Did you mention that? I seem to have forgotten… perhaps you did?” Xiao Mochi feigned ignorance or perhaps had genuinely forgotten. “By the way, how is Xiao Liu doing? Is he well these days?”

“Mister Lu is doing just fine. In fact, he seems to be living quite freely.” Xu Ming nodded.

Xiao Mochi smiled.

“That guy… back when we studied together at White Deer Academy, he was always carefree. I envied his easygoing nature.”

Xu Ming returned the smile.

“Mister Lu’s personality and approach to life are indeed admirable. When we spoke, he specifically asked me for a favor.”

“That shameless man actually dared to trouble a junior? How disgraceful.” Xiao Mochi pretended to be annoyed. “Whatever he asked of you, just ignore it—treat it as nonsense.”

“It wasn’t anything too difficult.”

Xu Ming shook his head.

“Mister Lu told me that you, Teacher, will do something earth-shattering in Wudu—something that will turn everything upside down.

And because of this, you may die.

Finally, he asked me that if that day truly comes—

I should stand aside and do nothing.”