I Only Stomp on Weaklings

At the moment, Chen Ming needed to focus on the crisis from the Gu Family, and he took the opportunity to inquire, "Daoist Priest, do you know anything about the Zhongyuan Night Banquet?"

The old Taoist shook his head and said, "The Zhongyuan Night Banquet is only attended by high-ranking court officials and hereditary noble families. As for what actually happens inside, I’m not clear about it."

"Then do you know about the Celestial Dao Alliance’s ’Celestial Heart Technique’?"

"I’ve heard a little about it. It’s one of the top cultivation techniques in the world; incredibly powerful and marvelous. However, cultivating it involves experiencing many tribulations and is not easy to achieve."

"I have a friend who’s a disciple of the Celestial Dao Alliance; she’s already at the Third Grade but encountered a love tribulation. Do you know if there’s any way to help her?"

Chen Ming was quite worried, and since this Taoist priest was highly knowledgeable and knew many secrets, he casually asked.

The old Taoist said, "Although I do not know the specific contents of the ’Celestial Heart Technique,’ since it is her own heart demon, only she can overcome it; no one else can help her."

Not even this old Taoist could help.

Chen Ming sighed inwardly and said, "This time, thanks to your reminder, Daoist, otherwise, the situation could have been dire."

"A person with a noble character is always under divine protection. Even without me, you could have overcome this hurdle."

"Regardless, I still must thank the Daoist. In the future, if the Daoist needs anything, just say the word. As long as I can help, I won’t refuse."

"You have a good heart, young friend."

...

In the next few days, Chen Ming trained during the day and at night went to "Qingwei Heaven" to gain experience points. He ignored all outside affairs.

On the day he finally accumulated the remaining twenty million experience points, Gu Zhengshan came knocking, "Old Qi, someone is looking for you."

"Someone is looking for me?"

Chen Ming was a little surprised.

Gu Zhengshan said, "It’s Gang Master Xia from Xiazhou’s Money Gang. He wants to see you."

So it’s my cheap father-in-law.

Chen Ming realized, this guy actually found his way to the Duke Jingguo’s mansion. He must have successfully stepped into the Divine Treasure Realm by now.

"Okay."

"Uncle Wu asked me to remind you, don’t forget your current status, what should be said, and what shouldn’t. You should be clear."

"Of course, I understand."

...

In the main hall, there were two middle-aged men sitting. One had a square face, wearing a luxurious purple robe, and had a very authoritative presence. This was Chen Ming’s "convenient" father, Gu Haoran.

The other was a middle-aged man with a graceful demeanor, his cheap father-in-law, Xia Shaowen.

Chen Ming entered and immediately greeted, "Father, Gang Master Xia."

This was his first time seeing the current Duke Jingguo, who matched the image in Gu Xianyu’s memory. Those eyes bore no warmth, only cold indifference.

This was understandable since he was an impostor.

Gu Haoran couldn’t be deceived by Gu Hao Ran, especially not the Family Head of the Gu Family.

Today, if the real Gu Xianyu stood here, would the Duke Jingguo still have this attitude?

Xia Shaowen’s gaze grew increasingly kind, "In just a few months, my dear nephew has accomplished such earth-shattering feats. Truly, heroes emerge at a young age."

Chen Ming humbly bowed his head and said, "Gang Master Xia praises me too much."

This Gang Leader Xia knew what was appropriate, not calling him a worthy son-in-law but rather a worthy nephew.

He must also know that calling him a son-in-law in front of the Duke Jingguo would only invite trouble.

However, the aura emanating from this person was completely different from before.

It felt quite strange, as if he were an ordinary person, yet with a sense of profound mystery.

This might be what is known as returning to simplicity.

Evidently, he had already taken that step.

Xia Shaowen turned to Gu Haoran and said, "Duke Jingguo has a good son. At the upcoming Zhongyuan Night Banquet, your son will surely shine brightly."

Gu Haoran said indifferently, "Gang Master Xia overpraises."

"I haven’t seen my dear nephew for a while, and I’d like to have a word or two with him. I hope His Grace permits it."

"Of course. Old Qi, stay here and have a chat with Gang Master Xia."

"Yes."

Chen Ming watched as the Duke Jingguo left. When departing, he cast a warning glance at him, sending chills throughout his body, almost causing his Gang Yuan to freeze.

This Duke Jingguo was also a strong practitioner in the Divine Treasure Realm. Just a look could render him powerless.

Xia Shaowen said, "It seems that even though you’ve reached Second Grade, your father still doesn’t seem to favor you much."

Chen Ming had already recovered and said, "Gang Master Xia has good skills, to actually persuade my father to let me talk with you alone."

"Your father is easy to deal with; it’s all about interests. I promised him a position, so naturally, he couldn’t refuse."

"Gang Master Xia is indeed generous."

A position that could potentially produce a Divine Treasure Realm expert is something no force could refuse.

Even though the Duke Jingguo’s mansion controlled several Secret Realms, positions were scarce, so naturally, the more, the better.

Chen Ming asked, "Gang Master Xia, coming to find me at this time, you wouldn’t be asking me to elope, would you?"

"Hahaha..." Xia Shaowen was amused, "You, a mere Second Grade, still want to elope with an imperial concubine appointed by the emperor?"

Seeing his reaction, Chen Ming was curious, "Aren’t you here to persuade me to go against the emperor?"

Xia Shaowen shook his head and said, "Things have come to this point; it’s already irreversible. We can only resign ourselves to fate."

"..."

"To tell you the truth, my daughter was worried that you’d do something rash and asked me to persuade you not to do anything foolish. In this life, you two are destined to be apart."

"..."

Chen Ming didn’t know what to say for a moment.

That Xia Shaowen was so sensible made him a bit unaccustomed. As a father, shouldn’t he fight tooth and nail for the lifelong happiness of his daughter?

Uh, then again, marrying the emperor as a concubine isn’t exactly unfortunate.

From the rumors, this emperor wasn’t an old man in his seventies or eighties, even though he has been on the throne for over twenty years, he’s actually just in his thirties, having ascended the throne at a young age.

Moreover, this emperor had a gentle nature and a reputation for benevolence. He was neither licentious nor lecherous, with only one empress and two consorts.

The only issue was that he had no heirs. Previously, he had two children who died shortly after birth.

Thus, there was a legitimate reason to marry concubines for the emperor. Not wanting to marry concubines was something the Empress Dowager wouldn’t agree to, nor would the ministers.

This time, besides directly bestowing the concubine title on Xia Mudan, several dozen maidens were also selected to enter the palace.

For the continued stability of the Great Jin’s empire, the emperor had no choice but to work diligently.

"Well, I’ve said everything that needed to be said. I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself in the future."

After saying this, Xia Shaowen left.

Chen Ming was left sitting there alone, lost in thought.

...

Not long after, Xia Shaowen returned to the residence of the Prince of Yan in the capital. He first went to see his wife.

Madam Xia coldly asked, "Have you explained everything to that kid?"

Xia Shaowen lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong, "I’ve made everything clear."

Madam Xia, looking at him, became angry. This fool had trapped her while she was in closed cultivation, and then caused so many issues, almost leading to an irreparable disaster.

"Do you know? You almost got our whole family killed! Do you think it’s me who wants to send our daughter into the palace? It’s the Empress Dowager who favors Yan’er. You should know what happens if you defy the Empress Dowager’s will!"

Xia Shaowen said with a bitter smile, "Madam, you should have told me about these things earlier. I thought you wholeheartedly wanted to send Yan’er into the palace. That’s why I did such a foolish thing."

Madam Xia angrily said, "This is the Empress Dowager’s wish, and not a sound should leak out. If the emperor finds out, Yan’er’s situation in the palace will be even more difficult."

"Alas."

Xia Shaowen couldn’t help but sigh; this matter probably involved the struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Their family being involved meant that one misstep could lead to a disastrous outcome.

"Yan’er is the one who will suffer."

Madam Xia got even angrier, "Isn’t it because of you? If you hadn’t stirred up all this nonsense, how would Yan’er have met that kid from the Gu Family?"

In the past, when a daughter entered the palace, though tough, life could still go on.

Now, with her daughter’s heart set on that Gu family kid, entering the palace would make life utterly dismal. If the emperor sees through anything, she might end up in the Cold Palace...

This life would truly be ruined.

Xia Shaowen thought of his daughter since arriving in the capital, lovesick and dejected, and sighed, "I was wrong."