As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 278 Mingchen felt a bit gloomy.

"Hey, we have kids in our family too!"

"Lord Feng, won't you give our Xiu Die anything?"

Mingchen took out a seashell and gave it to the little boy as a gift.

He then patted the little girl's head beside him and said to Feng Xiaozhong with a smile.

He did not force the little girl to perform anything or go against her wishes to "bring glory" for himself.

"Hey!"

"You!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaozhong laughed and scolded him, "If I don't give it to you, why are you asking me for it?!"

“If Xiu Die’er calls me Grandpa, I’ll give her a gift.”

Mingchen raised his eyebrows and snorted, "Hmph, you old bastard, trying to take advantage of me, huh?!"

“If Xiu Die calls me brother, but you call me grandfather, then I am a generation younger.”

Xiao Ling was a loyal and upright military general who was not good at joking. He simply sat down and drank a few cups of wine with the two high-ranking officials and couldn't help but smile when he saw them bickering like children.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two took their leave.

After all, this grand event is also a matter of social interaction. They are all the heads of their own households, and they need to both pay visits to others and receive visits from others. They need to return to their own territories to take charge.

Joking aside, Feng Xiaozhong did leave Xiu Die'er a jade bracelet before he left.

Xiao Ling also left a gift.

As time slowly passed, more and more people arrived.

People would visit Mingchen from time to time.

Some were officials fleeing to Yueyang City, while others were generals who led the western campaign against the Xiongnu.

More or less, they had all met Mingchen a few times.

Since Mingchen rarely attends such a public event, we should definitely pay him a visit.

"Lord Ming, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

The young man, dressed formally, walked up to Mingchen and cupped his hands in greeting.

This is one of the few times that someone is all alone, without any family members.

Yun Zheng is a man of extraordinary talent.

The person who triggered that extraordinary phenomenon in Xiao Xinyue was a little monster she found in a small village. He was even younger than Mingchen. He was a man of ten who plotted to build a city and established laws for the new dynasty. At such a young age, he was a prodigy who had accomplished what many old men could not do in their entire lives.

Along with Feng Xiaozhong, one old and one young, they can be considered the backbone of the new dynasty.

If it weren't for the presence of Mingchen above his head, he would probably have become the most influential figure in this dynasty.

Being from the same era as Mingchen can be quite frustrating at times.

Mingchen smiled and gestured for him to sit down: "Lord Yun, it's been a long time. Come, have a seat!"

This young man is cunning, but he's still one of our own.

In contrast to Mingchen's laziness, Yunzheng is a workaholic.

Since Mingchen returned, he has never seen him.

When Yun Yao left, he didn't even come to see her off.

"My sister has been very grateful for Lord Ming's care over the years."

To this day, Yun Zheng believes that the best move he made was getting Yun Yao to become Ming Chen's apprentice.

Firstly, it strengthened the bond between the two families, and secondly, Yun Yao did indeed gain something and grow under Ming Chen's guidance.

Mingchen waved his hand casually: "I didn't do anything. It's just that Yun Yao is naturally gifted."

He glanced at the boy's eyes and asked, "Aren't you worried at all that Yun Yao went out alone like this?"

It is actually very difficult for ordinary people to understand Yun Zheng.

His younger sister, with whom he depended on for survival, was simply abandoned and raised by other people.

Now, even at such a young age, they go out alone without any hindrance.

Now that he holds a high position of power, it's not like he can't afford to support a little girl, but he hasn't done anything about it.

They seem even less than strangers.

Yun Zheng's eyes flickered, but he simply shook his head: "I have already found my path; she needs to find her own."

"She can take care of herself, so I have nothing to worry about."

Mingchen shrugged.

Both of the Yun family's geniuses seem to have quite unique personalities.

Yun Zheng looked around and said to Ming Chen, "Lord Ming, there are too many people here and too much chatter. I have many things I want to discuss with you. After the grand event, I would like to pay you a visit. Is that alright?"

Although the Qian Yuan dynasty is currently stable, it certainly cannot remain so stable indefinitely.

As the water boiled, everyone could glimpse a glimpse of the future.

In the future, we will inevitably have to move eastward, and war will inevitably break out.

Yun Zheng is a man of action and has plans for the future.

He supports this matter and wants to talk to Mingchen about some details, as well as the problems encountered at work and future plans.

Mingchen smiled and waved his hand: "Of course."

"it is good!"

The young man raised his wine cup and bowed to Mingchen: "Please!"

"please!"

Yun Zheng doesn't drink much, but after taking a sip, his face flushed a little.

After hesitating for a moment, he said to Mingchen, "Lord Ming, I have another request, a private matter."

Mingchen raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

"To be honest, Lord Ming, I will be of legal age next year and will be eligible for marriage."

"I've heard that Lord Li has a daughter named Yulan, who is of marriageable age, graceful and virtuous. I've had the honor of meeting her once... I hope Lord Ming or Lord Ling can act as an intermediary for me,"

Mingchen's family is already considered to be of humble origin.

Yun Zheng was even more lonely and desolate.

His younger sister was left with Mingchen, leaving him all alone in the huge mansion.

Born into a farming family, with both parents deceased and no elders.

Now that he has met the woman he desires, there is hardly anyone to speak up for him.

Even though she was intelligent, she still lacked knowledge about the etiquette surrounding marriage.

Marriage is a major life event, so one should be cautious.

If someone like Mingchen could act as a matchmaker and say a few words on his behalf, the matter would basically be settled.

"Hey!"

Upon hearing this, Mingchen couldn't help but chuckle.

This strange young man now looks much more human, which is quite rare.

Mingchen thought he was a cold-blooded, ruthless machine destined for historical fame!

And so, there will be someone who will catch your eye.

No matter how talented you are, the stirrings of youth are irresistible, and when feelings come, they cannot be stopped.

This contrast is particularly evident in Yun Zheng.

"Why don't we invite Lord Feng?"

That old man really enjoys matchmaking for the younger generation.

"Your Excellency, why is it necessary to invite Lord Feng to lead the expedition?"

In Yun Zheng's view, the higher one's status, the more influence one's words carry.

Moreover, his personal relationship with Feng Xiaozhong was actually just so-so.

The two men had completely different personalities; Feng Xiaozhong was somewhat conservative and old-fashioned, and they often argued in court.

"Hahaha~"

For someone like Yun Zheng, getting married is like being tied down.

It's much better to settle down here than to drift aimlessly like a rootless duckweed.

This is a good thing for him and for the country.

Mingchen chuckled and agreed: "It's rare for Lord Yun to ask me for a favor, so I'll act as your matchmaker and put in a good word for you."

Yun Zheng took another sip of wine, his face flushed, and he could hardly contain his joy: "Thank you! Thank you, Lord Ming."

"Oh, you're too kind."

After Yun Zheng left, Ming Chen watched his retreating figure, swirling the wine glass in his hand, and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Sometimes, he also felt that he had lost his enthusiasm and become somewhat gloomy.

A young person's sincere joy can unconsciously lead them to conspiracies.

Yun Zheng is a cold-hearted man. He doesn't care about the people. Even after his parents died violently, he remained calm. His questioning of the emperor was just to leave an impression on the emperor and secure a future for himself.

His goal was to become the brightest star of the era, even surpassing Mingchen and Emperor Xiao Xinyue.

It's really hard to imagine someone like that making your heart flutter.

Why specifically ask him to do that?
Marriage can actually be something that can be exploited.

Was this a way of showing him and the court that his heart was settled, that he was bound to this place, and that he had no disloyal intentions?

These scheming thoughts were impolite, but they still uncontrollably appeared in Mingchen's mind.

Everything is in doubt, and everything in the world is shrouded in a shadow.

"call."

He watched the female warrior galloping freely on the grassland, the sunlight scattering down, full of charm and dazzling.

Mingchen felt that he was getting sick.

"My lord, it's been a long time. Happy New Year."

After a moment of distraction, another official came over and greeted Mingchen.

He was chubby and fair-skinned, with glasses perched on his nose, and he was leading a well-mannered little boy.

"Oh... Lord Chen, it's been a long time! It's been a long time!"

Inside the human-shaped library with its photographic memory, Chen Yutang...

Mingchen had asked him some questions about immortals and gods.

They also had a good personal relationship. Mingchen led him to a seat and said with a smile, "How does Lord Chen feel wearing these glasses? I can tell at a glance that you are a well-read and eloquent person."

"Hahaha……"

"Your Excellency flatters me. I am able to see things clearly, and I am grateful for Lord Ming's kind words!"

The demand for eyeglasses was not high in this era; only people like Chen Yutang could afford them.

Mingchen mentioned it to the craftsman, and after some fine-tuning, they finally made this pair of glasses for Chen Yutang.

Mingchen just chuckled and waved his hand: "Oh, no need to be so polite."

Mingchen teased the little fox in his arms, as if he had thought of something: "Lord Chen is here. Perfect timing, I have something I would like to ask you."

"Oh? What do you mean by asking for advice? Please speak freely, Lord Marquis. I will answer all your questions to the best of my ability."

"Does Lord Chen know any stories about fox spirits? Could you tell them to me?"

Upon hearing this, the little fox perked up its ears, grabbed Mingchen's hand, and nibbled at it twice in a show of defiance, but it didn't seem to hurt at all.

"Foxes are very spiritual creatures. They were once a totem worshipped by the Northern Lie. There are many legends about them, and I'm afraid I could talk about them all day without finishing."

"How about I organize the books and send them to the Marquis another day?"

Mingchen has always been interested in these kinds of things involving gods, demons, and ghosts, while Chen Yutang has become accustomed to it.

Furthermore, since some cultivators with supernatural abilities have emerged in the dynasty, he had no objection to this.

However, Mingchen's question was too vague, and even after searching through a lot of information, he didn't know where to begin.

"Haha, very well! Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Chen!"

"Oh, it's alright, it's alright."

The little fox glared fiercely at Mingchen: "Don't look."

"Haha, we've been having such a good talk that we've forgotten about the kids."

"Here, this is a gift for meeting you."

Mingchen then took out a small trinket and gave it to the child that Chen Yutang had brought.

Compared to Xiao Ling's children, this child was much more reserved, didn't talk much, and was somewhat timid.

Mingchen gave him the gift, glanced at his father beside him, and then accepted it, saying, "Thank you, Lord Marquis."

"Harm~"

Mingchen waved his hand casually, having already accepted his fate as an elder of the uncle generation.

“My son Chen Ye is rather reserved; please forgive his rudeness, Lord Marquis.”

"Less talk, fewer mistakes; caution is a good thing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Yutang glanced at the quiet child beside Mingchen.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he asked, "My lord, I have long known that the Marquis's mansion has a daughter who is beautiful and graceful, intelligent and wise."

"I wonder what your plans are for your daughter, Lord Marquis?"

Mingchen froze.

He wondered why these unlucky guys who came to greet him today didn't bring any pretty girls, but all brought boys around ten years old.

Damn it, they've all been eyeing their own kids!
Damn it, the officialdom is really too treacherous.

He had never thought about such things for Xiu Die before, but after Chen Yutang mentioned it, he realized it.

Mingchen is very young, and nominally he only has Lingyu as his wife. In fact, it wouldn't be a problem to introduce him to some potential marriage partners.

But... the problem is that Ling Yu's status is also extraordinary!
Even if you really want to fly into the Marquis's mansion and become a phoenix, you still have to get past this terrifying female general!

In comparison, it would be easier to establish a connection by using the name of a maid from the Marquis's mansion.

Xiao Chen across the table secretly glanced at Xiu Die twice.

The child's face was expressionless, but he unconsciously clenched his hands and looked up at Mingchen.

Mingchen wore a warm smile, gently stroking the child's soft hair, and said to him, "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Chen. Our Xiudie is already engaged."

Chen Yutang's expression didn't change upon hearing this; he simply chuckled dryly, "Uh... hahaha, oh, is that so!"

"Indeed, I suppose the Marquis has already made arrangements for your daughter. I was just overthinking it."

"It's okay~"

The matter was dropped.

Mingchen chatted with Chen Yutang for a couple more minutes about immortals and gods before the latter took the child and left.

Before Xiu Die could speak, Ming Chen patted the little girl's head and said gently, "Brother chose his own marriage."

"Your marriage contract is just a piece of paper."

"You decide what to write on it."

Upon hearing this, Xiu Die stared intently at Ming Chen, her hazy eyes reflecting her brother's features.

She wasn't talkative, she just nodded gently and said, "Mm."

The little fox, who had just been making a fuss, glanced at Mingchen with great interest.

This person... really seems out of place in this era.

After a while.

"The emperor has arrived!"

Suddenly, the messenger's penetrating shout came from afar.

For a moment, the huge square quieted down, and the people playing polo on the horse field suddenly stopped.

Everyone bowed respectfully, their faces full of piety.

Surrounded by several guards, Her Majesty the Empress, the most esteemed woman in this half of the country, entered on a galloping horse. She did not wear the magnificent imperial robes she wore during the sacrificial ceremony, but instead donned a dark red, fitted outfit, exuding a heroic and decisive air.

Under everyone's gaze, she waved her hand: "Today's grand occasion is for you all to enjoy yourselves. I also wish to share the joy with my people, so there's no need for such formalities..."

As the top leader, she couldn't help but say a few words upon entering.

It's probably just some formalities about looking back on the past and looking forward to the future. The event isn't a solemn occasion like attending court; everyone just needs to have fun and enjoy themselves.

After finishing her presentation, she naturally walked over to Mingchen's side.

Now it's free time, her private time, she can talk to whoever she wants.

Mingchen stood up, smiled, and bowed to her, saying, "Chen greets Your Majesty~"

They've done a good job of putting on a show.

However, considering Xiao Xinyue's understanding of him, it seemed somewhat unnatural and deliberate.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xinyue rolled her eyes at him repeatedly: "Just bowing isn't enough! Kneel down before me!"

"Hey~"

Mingchen chuckled, placed his fingers on the table as if they were his legs, and tapped them together: "Chen kneels."

Xiao Xinyue: ...

You scoundrel!
Although this guy is unreliable and oversteps his bounds.

However, it made Xiao Xinyue feel relaxed and happy.

Eyes came from all directions; everyone was watching them.

Xiao Xinyue said politely that there was no need to care about her and that everyone should just have fun, but how could they really not look at her?
She is the highest leader of this dynasty!
The officials looked at her with utmost respect, and her family and servants were even more so.

Xiao Xinyue's words could easily determine the life and death of everyone.

Her every move will be scrutinized and analyzed.

The men on the horse track displayed their talents even more freely, and the scholars discussing literature wished they could whisper their insights and talents into His Majesty's ear... all hoping to catch His Majesty's eye.

I dare not hope to be favored; it would be good enough if my appearance could be remembered.

The entertainment-oriented event subtly changed its flavor after Xiao Xinyue entered.

It was here with Mingchen that she could be 'Xiao Xinyue'.

"Come, Your Majesty, let me pour you some wine."

The morning passed without seeing many beautiful girls; instead, it was all shrewd and cunning men who came, some even bringing little boys to try and seduce him.

Xiao Xinyue is here; finally, it's a feast for the eyes.

Mingchen took out an unused wine glass and poured wine for Xiao Xinyue with a smile.

The two got along quite well and naturally.

This scene was witnessed by countless onlookers, some of whom solidified their own ideas, while others changed their minds.

Xiao Xinyue took the wine and asked Mingchen, "How was the event?"

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

Xiao Xinyue lowered her eyes: "With the country and the nation still in turmoil, will my grand celebration here make the world think that I am indulging in pleasure and have forgotten my great ambitions?"

"Harm~"

Mingchen waved his hand: "Your Majesty, I'll say it again: even if you win, it's all meaningless. Everyone's ideas can change at any time; they can be extravagant or they can be about sharing joy with the people."

"Don't be too tense, relax when you need to."

The Northern Emperor, who was preparing his troops and sharpening his swords, would also occasionally have a fight or go hunting in the mountains when he had nothing else to do.

Xiao Xinyue is putting herself on too tight a nerve.

Even relaxing for a little while feels like a waste of time.

"Um……"

Xiao Xinyue actually understood the reasoning behind it all; she just wanted to hear Mingchen say a few words of comfort to her.

"Your Majesty's attire now..."

"How is it? Doesn't it look good?"

Mingchen raised his wine glass and said with some emotion, like an old man, "No, no, no, it's my temperament that has changed, hahaha, it reminds me of those memories when we fled south from the capital."

"Really……"

Xiao Xinyue lowered her eyes upon hearing this.

Those memories weren't actually beautiful; as rebels against the dynasty, they fled in a sorry state, their lives hanging by a thread, with no future in sight.

Now that she holds a high position, her status is vastly different, but she still occasionally pulls it out of her mind to think about and savor it repeatedly.

Those days are a treasure she will cherish for a lifetime.

Time passed quickly, and she realized that she hadn't ridden a horse in a long time.

On the racecourse, people were still playing polo on their horses. Feeling Xiao Xinyue's gaze, they seemed even more eager and fought even harder for the small polo ball.

Suddenly, Xiao Xinyue turned her head and looked at Mingchen with bright eyes: "Mingchen, let's go play too!"

"what?"

(End of this chapter)