These fairies want me to deal with them every day.

"It's alright, then we'll just trouble the Wei State Preceptor to marry this unwanted, haggard old woman."

"..."

Isn't this price too high?

37. Continue with the story

Although Xiang Rong eventually clarified that it was just a joke, it did make Wei Tu quite nervous for a while.

It's not that Wei Tu is a complete looks-obsessed person.

Although it's not shameful for people to judge by appearances, and it's quite normal, Wei Tu still felt that the most important thing was the closeness of hearts.

All I could think was that if this woman really had such methods, then her level was far too high; she couldn't be subdued with just a few words.

Besides, he already has plenty of female confidantes around him, so there's really no need to invite any more trouble.

However, Wei Tu accepted the other party's kindness this time.

Ming Xiangrong arranged for him to stay in a separate courtyard near the Ming residence. Although Ming Xiangrong wanted to provide the young man with maids and other servants, Wei Tu refused, saying it was unnecessary and would affect the secrecy of his actions.

Besides, I don't know if the other party is trying to spy on me, so it's better to be careful.

The villa was nothing special; it wasn't particularly luxurious or excessively large, just like a typical family home.

When the servants came to deliver food to Wei Tu, Wei Tu, who had nothing to do, looked at the rather old man and asked him a question.

"Old man, have you been helping Miss Ming for quite some time?"

The old man nodded earnestly.

"Hmm...it's been a long time. I started helping out when Miss was in charge for about six months. It's been almost ten years now."

"So long... By the way, how could such a large family like the Ming family eventually let a woman take charge? No offense intended, just curious. I don't know anything about your young lady's affairs."

Wei Tu said this.

The old man chuckled and said, "Actually, almost everyone knows this, but as the years have passed, many people have forgotten. Because those things are so different from what they are now."

"The difference is too big?"

"Well... because ten years ago, the Ming family was at best a slightly wealthy landowner, not even a rich merchant. So the Ming family wasn't very large at that time. It's said that when Miss was born, the master was happy for a long time, but... Miss wasn't healthy when she was born. I think she had a serious illness when she was nine or ten years old, and almost died..."

"Is it that serious?"

"I heard it from the news. It seems that Madam went to a temple and prayed for Miss for seven days. Miss really did recover from her serious illness. Everyone said it was a miracle. After that, she never had any problems again. Originally, Master and Madam were thinking of finding Miss a son-in-law to marry into the family or marrying her off to a good family... but Miss was unwilling, so they gave up on that idea."

Wei Tu thought for a moment and said, "So it ended up like this?"

The old man chuckled and said, "When the madam and master passed away, the young lady had just come of age. At that time, some of the servants and maids were already demoralized, thinking that the young lady, who had just come of age, would not be able to shoulder the heavy responsibilities. But they did not expect that the young lady would take out all the family's wealth and say: 'Those who want to leave today can leave, and will receive some money as compensation. If they stay, she will lead them to great success and wealth.'"

Was Ming Xiangrong really that decisive back then?

A young woman who has just come of age, in an era that does not treat women well... it all sounds a bit fantastical.

"So...she accomplished all of this in ten years?"

The old man nodded and said, "Yes... Don't let my age fool you, I have a large family. Although my hometown isn't Chaoge City, I still own a few acres of land and some businesses there. Miss has truly treated everyone well..."

"She was indeed an extraordinary woman."

Wei Tu remarked with such emotion.

The old man looked at the handsome young man and sighed, "But, over the years, some of the old men who followed her have either left or started their own families... only Miss has always been alone, without even a close relative. We old folks are very worried about her."

Wei Tu laughed and said, "What's there to worry about? You said it yourself, since your young lady is such an extraordinary woman, she should live a perfect life, unless she's doing something shameful."

"That's not true!" The old man suddenly widened his eyes, then said seriously, "Young master, don't be fooled by the fact that it seems difficult for a woman to achieve such a level of skill. Miss is indeed the smartest person I've ever met. Many people look down on her, thinking that what she says and does is nonsense and laughable. But she manages to do it all. At the same time... Miss has also adopted many orphans from the war, finding special places to raise them, teaching them skills and abilities so that they can be self-reliant. Smart and kind, Miss is truly the best person I've ever met."

"Is that so... I apologize for my previous offensive remarks. If this is true, then I was being petty. Please forgive me."

The old man shook his head. “It’s alright…it’s normal to have some misunderstandings. Miss has never cared about these opinions, but we old folks still hope she can get more understanding.”

"Yes, sir, don't worry."

"Alright, I'll be going now. Enjoy your meal, young master."

The old man left the villa step by step.

His back was visibly hunched, and the ravages of time seemed to have long since etched themselves upon this man.

I was once full of vigor and ambition, but now I am nearing the end of my life.

Who hasn't had moments like that?

He was about to return to his residence when he saw the woman standing at the gate.

The old man stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Miss……"

Ming Xiangrong glanced at the old man calmly.

"Has the package been delivered?"

"Yes, Miss, it has been delivered."

"Hmm, why are you telling him so much?"

The woman asked this question.

The old man paused for a moment, then said, "It's nothing... I'm just getting old, and I like to chat with people and sigh a bit."

"What I mean is, why should I tell him about my affairs?"

The old man's back stiffened for a moment, then he sighed and said, "I just feel sorry for Miss, who has been alone for so many years, and he was the first man you brought back... so..."

"Don't do such pointless things."

"It's my fault... but I'm getting old and won't be able to take good care of you, Miss. I might pass away someday. I still hope that you will be well in the future."

The woman sighed and said...

“Uncle Cai, since you are getting on in years, you should go back to Xia State in a few days. You have a wife, children and grandchildren, so enjoy your retirement.”

Cai Bo was stunned for a moment, then suddenly knelt down.

He spoke with all his might, almost at the top of his lungs.

"This old servant knows he was wrong! Miss... I've served you for almost ten years, please... please don't send me away at the end. My greatest wish in life is to stay with you until the very end. I can never repay the kindness you've shown me..."

But Ming Xiangrong shook her head.

“I told you… I wanted you to go back and enjoy life. It’s too tiring for you to work with me. You can’t handle it.”

"Even if I die on the way to accompany Miss, this old servant will be willing. I only ask... that Miss prepare a coffin for this old servant when the time comes. This old servant does not want..."

"Alright, Uncle Cai."

The old man couldn't utter a single word.

His kneeling figure appeared incredibly desolate from behind.

But then he heard the woman speak softly.

"I hope everyone around me can have a peaceful end. You've accompanied me through countless mountains and rivers, and I will never forget you. Go back and spend time with your family, but you will still be a member of my Mingfu family. If anything happens, I will stand up for you. But Uncle Cai, you must know that no one can accompany anyone to the very end. Everyone will say goodbye, but I hope you live a few more years, live well, and die a little later."

“This decision wasn’t made because of anything you said; I just forgot to tell you before, or maybe I’ve just gotten used to your care. Uncle Cai, tell our story to your descendants when you have time; it will be very interesting. People always say goodbye, but they can carry their stories with them.”

Ming Xiangrong turned and walked through the door.

The old man kneeling on the ground was crying and laughing at the same time, tears streaming down his face.

"Yes...yes...it's a very interesting story." PS: The Lunar New Year is almost here, and I'm so happy to be here this year, with everyone by my side. Looking forward to next year, I hope things will get even better, and I'll continue to tell interesting stories.

38 Then I won't hide it from you anymore.

On the first day of rest, Wei Tu was unable to get through the day completely.

It wasn't that anything unexpected happened; rather, it was something expected, just that it arrived a little earlier than anticipated.

"Grand Preceptor, His Majesty summons you."

When the palace maids from the capital came to the door in person... although they didn't know how the other party found the place, they still found it, without any surprises.

The saying "All land under heaven belongs to the king" still holds some truth.

"I see."

Wei Tu nodded, and the young man, who had only eaten a few bites of food, prepared to leave the villa with the palace maid.

At the door, Wei Tu saw Ming Xiangrong standing to the side, seemingly having anticipated this situation.

Wei Tu glanced at Ming Xiangrong.

"Miss Ming, I probably won't be staying for long, so I'll have to trouble you."

Ming Xiangrong smiled and nodded, "It's alright, every little bit helps. Since His Majesty is waiting for you, then go quickly. Some things can be done another day."

In truth, Wei Tu didn't know what the other party meant by "there's plenty of time in the future," but since the other party had said so, out of politeness, Wei Tu nodded and said, "Okay, there's plenty of time in the future."

The palace maid led Wei Tu into the palace, but of course, they entered through a side gate.

Entering the palace in a grand manner has always been something Wei Tu dislikes doing. Whether from his personality or from the perspective of a cultivator, Wei Tu needs to avoid the impact he has on the mortal world.

No one is an exception; the consequences of being too arrogant are unimaginable.

People always unknowingly descend into the abyss step by step.

"How did His Majesty know I was there?"

Wei Tu asked curiously on the way.

The young palace maid smiled and whispered, "Your Majesty has deployed a lot of people these days. As soon as they see you, Grand Preceptor, or hear about the appearance of the jade tablet, they will immediately notify Your Majesty. So when you entered the city, Your Majesty received the news almost immediately."

Needless to say, Ye Bingluan, who is now gradually taking complete control of the situation, will definitely have enough manpower to track someone's movements.

Although it would be easy for Wei Tu to shake him off, he had, after all, boarded Ming Xiangrong's carriage...

Wait, Ming Xiangrong's carriage... Wei Tu had a feeling that this young empress might use this as an excuse to make trouble.