Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts
Chapter 446

Talking to a smart person is truly effortless.

Before he even spoke about the matter, the other party had already guessed it.

Hearing Xu Ming’s invitation, Yu Ping’an did not immediately agree. Instead, he rubbed his chin, appearing deep in thought.

If the other party truly needed his help and he was to repay a favor, Yu Ping’an would certainly join the Jinyiwei without hesitation.

But the problem was, it wasn’t just about his own safety—that didn’t matter much. What concerned him more was the risk it might bring to those around him.

Seeing his hesitation, Xu Ming continued, “While this position can indeed be considered prestigious, allowing direct access to His Majesty’s attention and favor, it is by no means an easy one.

On the contrary, this position is bound to offend people.

After all, the duties of the Jinyiwei inevitably make enemies.

If there is any real advantage, it is that if Brother Yu leaves the Jinyiwei in the future, it will greatly benefit your career.

No matter what, the Jinyiwei report directly to His Majesty.

His Majesty will surely recognize your abilities.

Even if you are no longer in the Jinyiwei, His Majesty will likely entrust you with important responsibilities.

That is why I hope Brother Yu will carefully consider my invitation.”

Yu Ping’an nodded.

Just as Xu Ming had said, the position of Deputy Commander of the Jinyiwei was a Zheng Si Pin (Senior Fourth Rank) post, and it held real power.

In comparison, his current position in the Hanlin Academy was merely an idle post.

Setting aside his personal desire to repay Xu Ming, and analyzing it objectively—

If he accepted Xu Ming’s proposal, he could leap from an idle position in the Hanlin Academy to a powerful fourth-rank official.

It would save him at least ten years of slow advancement.

In fact, ten years might even be a conservative estimate—many officials spend over a decade without reaching the fourth rank.

Furthermore, the Jinyiwei answer only to His Majesty. As long as he showed no signs of disloyalty, there was a high chance he could become one of the Emperor’s trusted aides.

As Xu Ming mentioned, even if he eventually left the Jinyiwei, he would still likely receive important appointments.

However, one thing was certain—everything has two sides.

If he joined the Jinyiwei and moved into the Jinyiwei headquarters, he would immediately become a target of hostility among court officials.

The Jinyiwei investigate both officials and nobles, ensuring that he would make many enemies.

And once you offend people, they will hold grudges.

And when people hold grudges, danger follows.

So, should he continue his steady, uneventful career in the Hanlin Academy, waiting for a position to open up?

Or should he take the risk and step directly onto the fast track?

“There’s no need for Brother Yu to give me an answer right away,” Xu Ming said, noticing his hesitation.

“If you’ve made up your mind, you can come find me at the Jinyiwei Commander’s residence anytime.”

Seeing Yu Ping’an’s uncertainty, Xu Ming felt this was exactly how a wise man should react.

If he were someone blinded by ambition, he would have accepted immediately without hesitation.

Such people, when placed within the Jinyiwei, could become troublesome.

Of course, it was impossible to completely prevent such individuals from joining.

And it was inevitable that some, even after entering, would eventually be corrupted by power and personal gain.

But all Xu Ming could do was try to reduce their numbers—or at the very least, slow down their corruption. That was the most he could achieve.

“Alright, Brother Xu,” Yu Ping’an nodded. “I do need some time to think it over.”

“Of course,” Xu Ming nodded in understanding. “I want you to make this choice for yourself. I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you further.”

“Let me walk you out, Brother Xu.”

Yu Ping’an limped as he escorted Xu Ming out of the courtyard.

Only after Xu Ming disappeared around the street corner did Yu Ping’an return to the courtyard, sit down on a stone bench, and sip his hot tea while lost in thought.

Before long, Chen Ping stepped out of the room.

“That Young Master Xu has left?” she asked.

Yu Ping’an nodded. “He has.”

Chen Ping sat down beside him, tidying up the tea set as she asked, “What did you talk about with Lord Xu?”

Yu Ping’an smiled. “I thanked him, of course. After all, he avenged me. That’s a debt I will never forget.”

“Hmm,” Chen Ping nodded. “That’s true, we should be grateful. Otherwise, if it were just the two of us trying to get revenge, who knows how many years it would have taken?”

Yu Ping’an looked at the now-grown, freckled young girl. “Pingping, what do you think of Commander Xu?”

“The Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar)?” Chen Ping thought for a moment. She stretched out her legs, resting her heels on the ground while lightly swinging her toes. “I feel like the Zhuangyuan is different from other officials.”

Yu Ping’an chuckled. “Oh? And how is he different?”

Chen Ping swayed her head. “Most officials give me an unpleasant feeling. Aside from Prime Minister Xiao, most of them seem so high and mighty—just like the magistrates back in my hometown.

In their eyes, there’s only personal gain and career advancement. The common people mean nothing to them. Nothing is more important than climbing higher.

But the Zhuangyuan… he gives off a gentle feeling, like a warm spring breeze.

At the same time, he feels incredibly steady—standing there, he’s like a mountain.

And, of course, he’s also very handsome.”

Yu Ping’an tapped her lightly on the forehead and laughed. “That last part is the most important to you, isn’t it?”

Chen Ping stuck out her tongue. “Well, the Zhuangyuan is definitely better looking than you~”

“I never said I was better looking than Xu Ming.” Yu Ping’an shook his head, but a hint of melancholy flickered in his eyes. “Yes… the Zhuangyuan truly is an exceptional person. And that’s exactly why… I don’t know if I should accept his offer.”

Chen Ping tilted her head. “What offer?”

Yu Ping’an took a sip of tea. “Brother Xu offered me a government post. It’s not a minor position, but it does come with some risks. He told me not to decide out of gratitude but to judge for myself.”

Chen Ping tilted her head further. “And what’s your judgment?”

“This position is indeed the fastest way for me to rise in the court. It holds real power. But… it carries certain dangers.” Yu Ping’an looked at Chen Ping. “If it were just me at risk, that would be fine. But I’m afraid you might be in danger too.”

“Fool.” The girl stood up. “Haven’t we already been through so much together? No matter how dangerous things get, we’ve made it through, haven’t we?”

Then, her eyes curved into a smile. “If you want to do it, then go for it. As for me…”

She beamed. “Just make sure you protect me, and everything will be fine.”

Yu Ping’an was momentarily stunned. Then, he chuckled and said, “You’re right.”