Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts
Chapter 452

Early the next morning, Xu Ming slowly opened his eyes in his residence.

For some time now, Xu Ming had been sleeping at the residence of the Jinyiwei Commander. Although the estate wasn’t the largest, it was by no means small—compared to the Prime Minister’s official residence, it was only about half a courtyard smaller.

The maids sent over by the Wu Emperor had meticulously tidied up every corner of the estate. However, despite its size, the only person living there was Xu Ming himself. Apart from him, the entire estate was filled only with maids, making it feel somewhat empty.

Originally, there had been some attendants within the estate, but for reasons unknown, the Wu Emperor had them all reassigned. As a result, the entire place now resembled Xu Ming’s personal harem.

“The Emperor is probably trying to spread some unsavory rumors about me,” Xu Ming chuckled. It wouldn’t be long before gossip spread throughout the capital, painting him as a commander who indulged excessively in women.

But Xu Ming didn’t mind. Sometimes, having a slightly tarnished reputation put the Emperor more at ease.

Without dwelling on the matter, he headed straight for the Xu Residence.

By the time he arrived, the entire household was already fully prepared for the upcoming ancestral rites.

When Xu Ming met Xu Yi and Xu Shan, he noticed that the two were much more subdued than the previous day. In fact, when they looked at him, there was even a hint of fear in their eyes.

Xu Ming paid them no mind—so long as they behaved and didn’t cause trouble, he was content.

At the hour of Sì (around 9-11 AM), both the Xu and Qin households proceeded toward the imperial mausoleum.

The founding Dukes of Xu and Qin had been sworn brothers with the ancestors of the Wu Kingdom’s imperial family, which granted them the special privilege of being entombed within the royal mausoleum.

The ritual was simple: Xu Ming would lead by offering incense, followed by others in accordance with their seniority. Finally, the ceremonial bell would be struck three times to conclude the rites.

The entire ceremony was solemn, with every participant showing deep reverence. It was not only an act of remembering and honoring their ancestors but also a way of expressing gratitude for the foundations they had laid—allowing future generations to prosper. Additionally, it was a prayer for their ancestors’ blessings, hoping they would safeguard the Xu and Qin families.

Toward the end of the ceremony, Xu Ming burned paper money, scattering it into the air. With that, the ancestral rites came to a close.

As he was leaving, Xu Ming glanced at a tree nearby. He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone had been watching him all along.

Yet, as soon as the ceremony ended, that watchful gaze disappeared.

Still, Xu Ming didn’t dwell on it.

The imperial mausoleum was guarded by palace enforcers, meaning that if someone had managed to enter, it was with permission.

By noon, the Xu and Qin families jointly hosted a grand banquet.

Most of the officials in the court attended to present their congratulations. Even the Wu Emperor sent a gift.

Compared to the ancestral rites held ten years ago, this one was clearly on a far grander scale.

Everyone knew the reason—Xu Ming.

As the banquet proceeded smoothly and guests gradually took their seats, an elderly man arrived at the entrance of the Xu Residence.

His long beard extended all the way to his chest, both his hair and beard completely white.

The old man was dressed in a simple blue robe, though it appeared somewhat worn, patched with fabrics of different colors.

Despite its ragged state, the robe was clean and well-kept.

Moreover, the old man carried an air of scholarly refinement, exuding the presence of a learned man.

Beside him stood a young woman, wearing a wide-brimmed bamboo hat and a fitted black outfit. A black silk sash cinched around her waist, accentuating her graceful figure.

“Old man, the Wanke Banquet is being held at the Shuiting Courtyard next door. This here is the Xu Residence, a place reserved for high-ranking officials and noble guests. You must have come to the wrong place.”

Housekeeper Wang, who was responsible for receiving guests, politely informed the elderly man.

Every time the Xu and Qin families held their ancestral rites, they not only invited dignitaries for the formal banquet but also hosted the Wanke Banquet in several adjacent courtyards.

The Wanke Banquet was meant for the common folk of Wudu. As long as one arrived early and there were available seats, anyone could join in for a meal. Even if there were no more seats, servants would still distribute food—one simply needed to bring their own bowl.

“I’m not here for that. I’ve come to the Xu Residence to present a congratulatory gift,” the elderly man with the white beard said, stroking his whiskers with a smile.

“May I ask for your name?” Housekeeper Wang inquired politely.

On any other day, he would have already driven such a person away.

People claiming to bring “congratulatory gifts” were usually nothing more than swindlers, looking for an opportunity to sneak into the Xu Residence to steal or take advantage of the situation.

However, there was something refined about this old man. His demeanor carried a certain scholarly grace, even an air of otherworldly wisdom.

It was just that his worn attire didn’t quite match his bearing.

“My surname is Liu, given name Feng,” the old man introduced himself. “And this young lady here is my master’s fiancée.”

Housekeeper Wang had never heard of a Liu Feng before.

But it was possible this man was simply delivering a congratulatory gift on behalf of his master.

“And your master’s name is…?” Housekeeper Wang asked, puzzled.

“If I were to tell you, I fear it might give you quite the shock. He’s already inside.” Liu Feng chuckled.

“Old man, enough of your nonsense. Do you even know what today is? It’s the ancestral rites of the Xu and Qin families! The place is filled with high-ranking officials and nobility—it’s not somewhere you should be. There are still seats left at the Wanke Banquet, but if you don’t hurry, they’ll be gone.”

Housekeeper Wang had made up his mind.

This old man was definitely here to mooch off a meal.

“Hey, now—what kind of attitude is that?” Liu Feng frowned. “Do you realize how upset my master will be if you delay his gift?”

“Alright, that’s enough, old man. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have people throw you out.” Housekeeper Wang was losing patience.

The veiled woman standing beside Liu Feng took a step forward, but the old man stopped her.

“No rush, Princess Consort. After all, this is His Highness’s residence—we shouldn’t act recklessly.”

“Hmph.” The woman’s snort was surprisingly pleasant to the ear.

“We truly are here to present a gift. Would you kindly let us in?”

As he spoke, Liu Feng extended a single finger, releasing a wisp of spiritual energy that seeped into Housekeeper Wang’s forehead.

Just as Wang was about to refuse again, his eyes suddenly glazed over.

“Of course, no problem. Please, come right in.”

“Much obliged.”

With that, Liu Feng and the veiled woman stepped into the Xu Residence.

A moment later, Housekeeper Wang snapped back to his senses.

“Huh? Where did that old man go?”

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