Xu Ming and Xu Pangda had dinner together and talked late into the night.
Xu Pangda didn’t even return to the Xu residence. At Xu Ming’s insistence, he simply stayed at the Jinyiwei Commander’s residence. He wasn’t one to stand on ceremony with his fifth brother.
In Wudu, Xu Ming had his comrades from Blood Asura, but for Xu Pangda, aside from his sister and Qin Qingwan, Xu Ming was his only true friend.
During their conversation, Xu Ming specifically asked about Xu Pangda’s years governing Baihe County.
After Xu Ming left Baihe County, while some local forces remained, he had already eradicated the majority of them. The remaining factions weren’t significant threats. Because of this, Xu Pangda had managed fairly well in his tenure.
Xu Pangda, however, only brushed over his achievements with a smile, considering them nothing remarkable.
But Xu Ming saw it differently.
Tingfeng Pavilion had a practice of compiling records on newly appointed county magistrates and presenting them to the Emperor.
After returning to the capital, Xu Ming had been concerned about how Xu Pangda was faring in his post. Xu Pangda was an honest and straightforward man, after all.
Despite it being his first time in office, Xu Pangda’s years of studying the classics had not been in vain.
In Baihe County, he was compassionate towards the people and deeply concerned about their well-being. Whenever a case arose, he would not rest until it was solved. Even if he couldn’t resolve it immediately, he would keep it in mind and frequently report it to the prefectural office.
Because Xu Pangda was a young master of the Xu family and Xu Ming’s elder brother, the prefectural office dared not be negligent and would usually send people to assist with investigations.
Six months into his tenure, the atmosphere in Baihe County had undergone a significant transformation.
Though it wasn’t a utopia where doors remained unlocked at night and lost belongings were always returned, the people lived in peace and stability.
The Emperor held Xu Pangda in high regard.
When Xu Pangda left Baihe County this time, the local people, fearing he would never return, tried to persuade him to stay and even escorted him for ten miles as a farewell gesture.
Unbeknownst to him, this story had already begun spreading throughout Wudu, turning into a widely praised tale.
Now that Xu Pangda had returned, it was almost certain he would remain in the capital.
A capable person was rarely left in the provinces; they were usually kept in Wudu.
Moreover, given Xu Pangda’s youth, the Emperor might very well intend to cultivate him as a trusted aide.
The only complication was that, like Xu Ming, Xu Pangda was a student of Xiao Mochi.
And right now, the Emperor was highly wary of the Prime Minister.
Xu Ming had considered inviting Xu Pangda to join the Jinyiwei, but that would send the wrong message to the Emperor.
If Xu Pangda were to join the Jinyiwei, it couldn’t be because of Xu Ming—it had to be by the Emperor’s decree.
Still, Xu Ming didn’t think Xu Pangda was suited for the Jinyiwei.
He was much better suited for administrative work.
The next morning, Xu Pangda entered the palace to meet the Emperor.
He reported the assassination attempt against him.
As expected, the Emperor was furious upon hearing this.
Assassinating a court official was one thing, but doing so right outside Wudu?
Wasn’t this a direct slap in his face?!
Without hesitation, the Emperor issued another decree, ordering the Jingzhao Office to thoroughly investigate the case.
Initially, he had considered assigning it to the Jinyiwei.
But then he remembered—Xu Ming hadn’t even gathered his people yet. The Jinyiwei wasn’t even fully operational.
Moreover, there were far too few clues in this case. The culprits had left nothing behind, and the matter would likely remain unresolved. The Emperor could do nothing but swallow his anger.
Considering everything, assigning the case to the Jingzhao Office made sense. Even if they failed to find the perpetrators, no one would be too surprised—after all, how many cases had the Jingzhao Office left unsolved?
But if the Jinyiwei took on this case and failed to produce results, the civil and military officials would start to stir.
They already disliked having the Jinyiwei hanging over their heads like a sword.
So, it was best to let the Jingzhao Office handle it.
After Xu Pangda withdrew, the Emperor paced back and forth in the imperial study, his brows furrowed deeply.
“Wei Xun, who do you think would dare to assassinate Xu Pangda?” the Emperor asked.
The Emperor had a habit of asking those around him for their opinions whenever something was on his mind.
It wasn’t that he expected a definitive answer—more than anything, it was a way for him to sort through his own thoughts.
Wei Xun hurried forward and replied, “This humble servant truly cannot guess. I have heard that Lord Xu has an excellent reputation in Baihe County. The people regard him as a parent official. Moreover, in court, Lord Xu has no real enemies, let alone the fact that the top scholar now leads the Jinyiwei.
Who in the court would be so foolish as to make a move against him?”
The Emperor chuckled.
“Those within the court may understand this, but the real problem lies with those outside the court.”
Hearing these words, Wei Xun froze for a moment, and a sudden suspicion crept into his mind. Yet, he dared not voice it aloud.
The Emperor suddenly slammed his palm heavily on the desk, a shadow passing over his eyes.
“Those remnants from two hundred years ago! Still refusing to give up! Do they think that by doing this, they can bring shame upon me?
This time—I will wipe them out completely! Not a single one shall remain!”
“Your Majesty, please quell your anger, do not harm your health!” Wei Xun immediately knelt on the ground.
The Emperor exhaled deeply.
Indeed, he must not let anger harm his body over such matters.
Those remnants had deliberately chosen to target Xu Pangda right outside the capital, not only to throw the court into turmoil but also to provoke him into losing his composure.
But he would not fall into their trap!
“How is Commander Xu progressing with establishing the Jinyiwei? He intends to appoint two deputy commanders—has he selected anyone yet?” the Emperor asked Wei Xun.
Lately, the Emperor had instructed Wei Xun to keep a close eye on Xu Ming’s movements.
“Your Majesty, news just came in—Commander Xu purchased some gifts and headed toward Chunfeng Street,” Wei Xun reported.
“Chunfeng Street?” The Emperor was momentarily surprised. “Isn’t that where the scholars from the Hanlin Academy reside? He went there…”
Suddenly, the Emperor paused, as if recalling someone.
A knowing smile appeared on his lips.
“So, Xu Ming chose him, after all.”
At the same time, in front of a small courtyard on Chunfeng Street, Xu Ming knocked on the door.
Before long, a freckled young girl timidly emerged and asked,
“Young Master, who are you looking for?”