Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 439: A New Day

When the first golden ray of sunlight pierced through the thin morning mist, spilling onto the blue tiles of Xu Qing's estate, his eyes were already open.

Last night, he had slept deeply. There were no dreams of those towering piles of account books, none of the Yongchang Marquis's sinister gaze, nor any of the blades and shadows lurking in the darkness. He had simply sunk into a profound, undisturbed slumber.

Outside the window, early-rising birds chirped and twittered among the branches. The cool autumn breeze slipped through the window lattice, carrying with it a crispness unique to deep fall.

Xu Qing slowly sat up from his bed. He took a deep breath of the morning air, feeling as though the stagnant haze that had clogged his chest for five years had been completely washed away by this single breath of freshness.

He threw off the covers and got up.

Without calling for a servant to attend to him, he walked personally to the bronze basin, soaked a towel in cold water, and carefully wiped his face. The icy water stung his skin, shocking him into full alertness.

After washing up, he walked to the clothes rack and took down the set of green official robes—starched crisp and spotless, not a speck of dust clinging to them.

Just before putting them on, his movements paused slightly.

He reached his hand into the inner layer of his undergarment. His fingertips touched something warm and slightly cool, a hard object.

It was the jade pendant of the Cloud Hidden Sect that Su Ming had left him last night.Through the thin fabric, Xu Qing gently traced the outline of the pendant, confirming that it was still securely placed against his skin.

This jade pendant was not just a life-saving trump card; it was also the last remaining link between him and Su Ming in this lifetime. As long as this pendant was here, he knew that somewhere in this world, beyond the clouds he could never reach, his brother was still walking his own path.

This knowledge gave Xu Qing an unprecedented sense of peace.

He changed into his official robes, donned his black gauze cap, tidied his appearance, and pushed open the door.

Sunlight poured onto him without reservation.

stepped out of his estate. Outside, a sedan chair was already waiting. But today, he waved his hand, signaling the bearers to withdraw.

in the early morning

into the air. The air mingled the aroma of steamed meat buns, the sweetness of soy milk, and the greetings of people

filled with the smoky, vibrant scenes of everyday life—the first such

"Lord Xu!"

in the crowd recognized him and suddenly

boulder thrown

after a brief silence, erupted into

It's the Xu who's above corruption, the one

seeking justice for our

out from behind her stall. Ignoring the mud on the

son died at Wind Crossing Ferry. I kowtow to you! You

she spoke, she was about to slam her

laborers, and scholar-officials alike—all stopped in their tracks at that moment. Some knelt and kowtowed, others bowed deeply, their eyes filled

woman's arm, steadying

not disdain the flour and grease stains on her hands, nor did he put on any

to him all around, took a deep breath, clasped his hands together,

people, please rise quickly.

Qing's voice was not loud, but it reached every

official who eats from the sovereign's bounty and bears the nation's responsibilities. Rooting out traitors is simply my duty. The ones who truly bled and sacrificed for the country are the soldiers garrisoning the Northern Frontier. This realm is His Majesty's realm, but it is also yours. As long as I hold office in this court, I

words were neither boastful nor falsely

crowd erupted in

his hands once more in thanks, then strode forward with steady steps, continuing toward the imperial

he was no longer a revenge-seeker hiding in the shadows, walking on thin ice. He would stand tall and upright as the pillar of this

the imperial city, at the Hall of

court bell

a fresh start. Though a lingering air of post-purge severity