Chapter 289 : The Incident
Chapter 289: The Incident
“Your Highness.”
At dawn, Chen Ming woke up to see an inner attendant walking in.
This was someone granted to him by His Majesty, tasked with supporting the façade of the Prince of Linjiang’s Residence, so that he wouldn’t be left entirely unattended. There were a total of five eunuchs, including one old chief steward.
This particular eunuch, named Xiaoyu, was responsible for Chen Ming’s daily affairs.
Truth be told, these eunuchs sent by the emperor had indeed solved a major issue for him.
At his side, there had only been one maid, Xiao He, who had been sent by the family and whose background was questionable. He hadn’t even planned to bring her along.
After all, back when he had baited the second and third sons of the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence, the Immortal-Summoning Token hidden in the beam had disappeared — Xiao He couldn’t be entirely innocent in that matter.
Now that he had broken away from the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence, he naturally didn’t need her anymore.
Other than Xiao He, he didn’t even have a single maid or servant by his side.
He couldn't possibly borrow a few servants from the Xia Family, could he?
It wasn’t that he cared, but the emperor was one to maintain appearances, so he sent him five inner attendants. These five eunuchs were all very capable, organizing all matters of the Prince of Linjiang’s Residence in perfect order.
As Eunuch Xiaoyu helped Chen Ming wash up, he said, “Early this morning, the Six Doors Authority sent people. They’re waiting outside — would Your Highness like to see them?”
“Six Doors Authority?”
Chen Ming was a bit surprised. “What ranks are the ones who came?”
He had already been in the capital for a month and had visited the Six Doors Authority once, but no one gave him the time of day. It was said to be an unspoken rule — a form of hazing for the children of aristocratic families.
To put it plainly, they had intentionally left him out in the cold.
Chen Ming had gone once, received a cold shoulder, and never bothered to seek trouble again.
After all, he hadn’t planned on staying in the Six Doors Authority — it was just to go through the motions. There was no need to pull any strings.
Unexpectedly, now they were coming to him.
Eunuch Xiaoyu replied, “Two First Grade Purple-Robed Inspectors.”
Two First Grade officers?
Chen Ming rubbed his chin. The Six Doors Authority was quick to adjust with the wind — now that he had become a favored one before His Majesty, they wasted no time lowering themselves to seek him out.
This truly came as a bit of a surprise.
“Speaking of which, I’m still a Fifth Grade Constable of the Six Doors Authority. Since my superiors are here, I should meet them.”
After he spoke, he noticed Eunuch Xiaoyu hesitating and chuckled. “Speak freely. In front of me, there’s no need to hold back. I won’t punish you for speaking your mind.”
Eunuch Xiaoyu cautiously said, “Then this servant shall speak boldly. Your Highness currently lacks manpower the most, while the Six Doors Authority is the last place lacking people…”
As he spoke, he carefully watched Chen Ming’s expression. Seeing no displeasure, he continued boldly, “Now that the Six Doors Authority has sent two First Grades to pay respects, it shows how much they value Your Highness. Given Your Highness’s ties with them, it’s entirely possible to hold office within the Six Doors Authority. I believe they’d be happy to assign you a rank befitting your status.”
Finally, he added, “These are just this servant’s humble thoughts. I hope Your Highness won’t be offended.”
Seeing how cautious he was, Chen Ming said, “Your analysis is good. You may offer suggestions in the future. However, I’m unfamiliar with the bureaucratic world. Now that I’ve been granted a title of nobility, can I still serve in the Six Doors Authority?”
“Your Highness, you certainly can. In fact, during the reign of the Founding Emperor, the first Prince of Linjiang once served as a Dao Master of the Six Doors Authority.”
There was such a thing?
Chen Ming was slightly surprised.
The Six Doors Authority resembled more of a sect — even its name had a martial flair. Above the First Grade Purple-Robed Inspectors was the Exceptional Grade Red-Robed Rank, and higher still were the six Hall Masters.
These Hall Masters were originally from the Demon Suppression Division of the former dynasty.
The head of the Six Doors Authority was called the Dao Master!
However, traditionally, the Dao Master of the Six Doors Authority had always been the emperor himself. This signified that, in theory, the entire Six Doors Authority answered directly to His Majesty.
The emperor could appoint all positions within the organization without consulting the Cabinet.
This was considered the foundation of imperial power in Great Jin.
Chen Ming, having been personally granted the title of Prince of Linjiang by His Majesty, was now widely known as His Majesty’s favored subject. That the Six Doors Authority was rushing to curry favor made perfect sense.
…
Chen Ming was now curious — what position would the Six Doors Authority offer him?
Third Grade Inspector?
That would be an insult.
First Grade Governor?
His cultivation wasn’t sufficient yet. Forcing him into that position would only spark controversy. The Six Doors Authority already had a reputation for unjust promotions.
“Esteemed sirs, you’ve waited long. My apologies for the delay.”
As soon as Chen Ming entered the main hall, he smiled and offered his apologies.
Inside the hall, two First Grade Purple-Robed Inspectors sat upright in their official robes. Upon seeing him arrive, they immediately stood and saluted, “Li Zhongling and He Yutang of the Six Doors Authority, pay respects to Your Highness!”
The two knelt on one knee, performing a formal salute.
A royal title placed one just beneath the emperor and above all others. Even First Grade officials had to show respect.
Chen Ming said, “Please rise, esteemed sirs. Although I now hold a royal title, I am still a Fifth Grade Constable under the Six Doors Authority — technically, your subordinate.”
Both Purple-Robed Inspectors respectfully insisted they dared not accept such words.
Once seated, Chen Ming asked, “What brings you here today?”
Li Zhongling said, “By order of the Hall Master, we’ve come to invite Your Highness to the Six Doors Authority for an important discussion.”
“So the Hall Master invites me. Unfortunately, His Majesty has summoned me to the palace today…”
“The Hall Master said that Your Highness may come whenever convenient.”
“In that case, the day after tomorrow.”
“We shall not disturb Your Highness any longer.”
Only then did the two take their leave.
Chen Ming had someone see them out, but in his heart, he was contemplating. Should he go to the Six Doors Authority?
Currently, the organization had two Hall Masters.
One had long been in seclusion, uninvolved in affairs.
All operations were handled by the Hall Master of Reincarnation Hall — akin to a CEO, while the emperor, as the Dao Master, was the Chairman.
It was said the Reincarnation Hall Master was at least at the Divine Repository Realm — perhaps even the Primordial Embryo Realm. In any case, a supreme figure standing at the pinnacle of the world.
Chen Ming worried that, if this man saw through him, it might be troublesome.
…
“Seventh Brother.”
Just as Chen Ming saw the Six Doors officials off, someone else arrived — Gu Yuyin. Upon seeing him, she looked visibly excited but restrained herself, kneeling to perform a formal salute. “Yuyin greets Your Highness.”
“That’s enough. No need for such formality with me.”
Chen Ming helped her up.
During his time as Gu Xianyu, the only person he had a favorable impression of was this cousin.
Gu Yuyin, seeing that his attitude toward her hadn’t changed despite his elevated status, became even more emotional. “Your Highness, I—”
“Just call me Seventh Brother. Calling me Your Highness feels too distant.”
“Seventh Brother.” Gu Yuyin was so moved she nearly cried.
Chen Ming asked, “What’s the matter? Were you wronged at home?”
“No.”
She shook her head. “I’m just so happy. You suddenly became the Prince of Linjiang — when I heard the news, I thought I was dreaming…”
Seeing that she had come alone, Chen Ming could guess the situation.
Since being granted his title, he hadn’t returned to the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence, making it clear he intended to form his own faction. Among the younger generation of the Gu Family, there surely weren’t kind words about him.
The higher-ups in the Gu Family likely knew he was an imposter. First, they didn’t want to expose the matter — lest they lose the Heavenly Residence Quota.
Second, they didn’t want to strain ties too much — hence the silent treatment.
Chen Ming held no fondness for the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence and didn’t bother with pretense. His Majesty already knew he wasn’t on good terms with that household.
Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn’t have directly granted him a mansion.
It had to be said — the emperor was indeed meticulous in such matters, with a knack for winning hearts.
He said, “It feels a bit unreal to me too. Honestly, I don’t deserve this honor — every day feels like walking on thin ice.”
“Seventh Brother, don’t belittle yourself. You cleared all seven floors of the Tower of Merits — no one has ever done that before. That’s why His Majesty holds you in such high regard. You deserve this reward.”
Chen Ming smiled, “You didn’t come just to say that, did you?”
Gu Yuyin swallowed nervously. “The family suspects that Second Brother and Third Brother have met with misfortune. After several days of searching, there’s been no sign of them — not even their closest aides know where they went. Alive or dead, there’s no trace. We fear… they’re already gone.”
“How could that be?”
“Everyone in the residence is on edge. A few days ago, my father even summoned me to question me about barging into Third Brother’s Sharpening Hall.”
“What did you say?”
“I insisted I only went to borrow books. They didn’t think I could’ve harmed Third Brother, so they let me go.”
Chen Ming nodded and sighed. “To think Second and Third Brothers would suffer such a fate… it’s truly lamentable.”
Gu Yuyin had already guessed that they had most likely died by Seventh Brother’s hand.
In the past, she wouldn’t have believed it.
But now, he was the Prince of Linjiang, having accomplished seemingly impossible feats. Considering the grudges between him and his two brothers, he had every motive to kill them.
But to eliminate both without leaving a trace — such means were truly unfathomable.
Just thinking about it made her scalp tingle.
It wasn’t just her — almost everyone in the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence believed their disappearance had something to do with him.
But so what?
He was now the Prince of Linjiang, deeply trusted by His Majesty. Frankly, even the entire Duke of Jingguo’s Residence might not hold as much weight in His Majesty’s heart as this newly appointed prince.
Gu Yuyin concealed her thoughts and brought up another matter. “Seventh Brother, there’s one more thing.”
“Speak.”
“The Princess Royal wishes to meet you.”