I became the demon of the female devil

Chapter 255 The Lady's Fantasy! Chen Mo, stop pretending, you definitely like me!

"Jiang family?"

Feng Jinyu paused for a moment, then asked uncertainly, "Which Jiang family?"

Yan Peizhi said calmly, "How many families with the surname Jiang are there in Tiandu City? And which one is worthy of being personally introduced by Chief Minister Zhuang?"

Feng Jinyu's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "You mean..."

Yan Peizhi raised his finger and pointed to the ceiling.

The atmosphere in the reception room quieted down, and Feng Jinyu's slightly heavy breathing could be clearly heard.

In that brief moment, several names flashed through his mind: the Jiang family of the Privy Council, the Jiang family of the Secretariat... but the answer was the one he dared not even think about!
"Brother Yan, have you gone mad?!"

Feng Jinyu snapped out of her daze and said urgently, "You actually dared to get involved with them? Do you know that Her Majesty the Empress is...?"

He paused, and although there was a soundproofing array in the living room, he still subconsciously lowered his voice, "Her Majesty the Empress is most averse to ministers and powerful clans getting involved together. As a member of the Six Ministries, you have committed a grave taboo!"

"Of course I know, but do you think I had any choice?" Yan Peizhi sneered. "Over the years, I have served the Empress faithfully, but what have I gotten in return? I was ruthlessly abandoned simply because of a conflict with Chen Mo!"

"And given Chen Mo's methods, do you think he'll just let this go?"

"Dealing with the Yan family is just the beginning. Next will be the heir apparent, as well as the Feng, Xu, and Cui families... Anyone who has a grudge against him will not be spared!"

"Since things have come to this, and Your Highness is indifferent, I have no choice but to find another way to protect myself!"

Seeing that Yan Peizhi was getting more and more agitated, Feng Jinyu calmed down instead.

Thinking about it carefully, what he said actually makes some sense.

So-called factional strife, on the surface, is a disagreement over political views, but in reality, it is a power struggle among the upper echelons, and in the end, it comes down to background and backing.

Logically, the Six Ministries should have the advantage in this regard, but in reality, as soon as the fighting started, the Empress, as the "party leader," was the first to switch sides, and even His Majesty, the "referee," sided with Chen Mo.

What's the point of arguing about this?
They either had to surrender and be at the mercy of others, or they had to seek protection outside the imperial court.

His initial decision to cooperate with the Prince Yu's Mansion was also based on this consideration... The Empress's attitude was becoming increasingly unpredictable, and he couldn't really put all his eggs in one basket.

"Power resides in the ruler, while officials are like duckweed."

Yan Peizhi took a breath and continued, "Third-rank officials may seem to outsiders as having a prominent position, but in reality, they are not even ranked in the court and cannot touch the core of power."

"You and I are neither Lü Huaiyu nor Zhuang Jingming, so we can die as soon as we want."

“Zhou Chuanbing is a bloody example. Do you want to follow in his footsteps?”

Feng Jinyu was speechless for a moment.

After a long silence, he finally asked, "How confident are you?"

Yan Peizhi stroked his beard and said calmly, "Chief Minister Zhuang has already personally entered the palace to meet His Highness. How likely do you think it is? Chen Mo has no substantial evidence at all. As long as we shift the blame to the Crown Prince, the Yan family can extricate themselves from the situation."

Feng Jinyu's expression was somewhat strange as she said, "That's true, but there are still more than twenty days left until the deadline for solving the case. If Chen Mo drags it out until the last minute to release the person, I'm afraid your son's health won't be able to take it."

Let alone Yan Linghu, a martial arts expert, even the steel-like body of Wuwang Temple would turn into a pile of rotten flesh within five days once he entered the imperial prison.

Yan Peizhi's expression stiffened slightly, and he shook his head, saying, "Only by eliminating the troubles of the minutiae can one achieve great things. In the current situation, there is no other way but to sacrifice the pawn to save the king."

"No matter how arrogant Chen Mo is, he wouldn't dare to take Ling Hu's life. At most, he'll just suffer a little."

“After he gets out, I will send him to Jiangnan Province, which will at least guarantee him a comfortable life for the rest of his life.”

"As for Chen Mo..."

Yan Peizhi's eyes turned cold and sharp. "After this matter is over, I will settle accounts with him slowly!"

Feng Jinyu knew that Yan Peizhi had completely given up on Yan Linghu.

Although this approach is chilling, he would probably make the same choice if he were in his shoes.

If the skin is gone, where will the hair attach?
After all, a son can be born again, but if the Yan family falls, everything is over. Compared to the interests of the entire family, this sacrifice is nothing.

Feng Jinyu's mind raced, and he forced a smile, saying, "Brother Yan, we've been through thick and thin together. If you ever have the chance, you'd better put in a good word for me."

There has been no movement from the Crown Prince's side so far, which means he is clearly unreliable. We need to find another powerful ally.

He knew a little about the power of the Hidden Clan, and the fact that the Empress was able to sit firmly in the Eastern Palace and rule from behind the curtain was also due to the influence of powerful clans.

If we can get in touch with the Jiang family, even if it doesn't guarantee a meteoric rise in our careers, it will at least open up more avenues for our future.

"Don't worry, I may forget anyone else, but I'll never forget you." Yan Peizhi said with a smile, "With Chief Minister Zhuang here, you can rest assured. I guarantee Chen Mo won't be able to cause any trouble..."

bang bang bang-

Before he could finish speaking, a loud knocking sounded at the door.

The butler's panicked voice came from outside the door: "Master, it's terrible! The Tianlin Guards have come to our door again!"

?

The two exchanged a glance, and the atmosphere fell into a deathly silence.

Yan Peizhi's eyelids twitched, and he suddenly slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacup on the table to jump up and shatter on the ground.

"My son has already been arrested, what is he doing here? Does he really think the Yan family is easy to bully?!"

"I want to see what he's really up to!"

Yan Peizhi flicked his sleeves and strode out of the reception room.

Feng Jinyu hesitated for a moment, then followed.

……

……

in the bedroom.

Qin Shu leaned back lazily in the recliner, flipping through a stack of manuscripts.

Looking at the words on the Xuan paper, she unconsciously rubbed her legs together, biting her lip with her pearly teeth, and a faint blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

"This book..."

"Could it really have been written by him?"

At the tea party last time, she overheard He Yuzhi and Madam Jinyun's conversation. Although it was just a few words, she still guessed what was going on—

The man known as "Whip-Wearing Hero" clearly has an inextricable connection with the Chen family.

Considering the rumors circulating before, and taking into account the characteristics such as being male, tall, and not showing his true face, a bold conjecture couldn't help but emerge in my mind.

Could this Whip Master be Chen Mo?

Once the idea popped into my head, it became unstoppable.

After the tea party, she immediately sent people to investigate information about "Whip-Wearing Hero" in an attempt to find any clues.

However, the identity of this person is still undetermined, but an unexpected discovery has been made... Recently, someone has been submitting manuscripts to several bookstores in the city, signing them as "Whip-Wearing Hero".

It is said that after reading it, all the bookstore owners were amazed and immediately decided to publish it.

However, due to the limited content (currently only the first ten chapters are available), it can only be published in installments, with revenue shared based on sales figures.

Engraving a book takes time and it hasn't been officially released yet, but Qin Shu still managed to get a handwritten copy.

"The Pingzhun Administration has clear regulations regarding the 'Whip-Clothing Hero' emblem, strictly prohibiting its reproduction and piracy. This applies to both clothing and books."

"Then this book is very likely written by him."

This made her think of herself.

In the book, Dalang has a younger brother, and Yan Peizhi also has a younger brother. Yinlian drugged Dalang, and she also handed over evidence of Yan Peizhi's crimes.

Moreover, the portrayal of Yinlian reveals not only her unfulfilled emotional needs but also her struggle between desire and reason, reflecting her psychological state to some extent.

All matched.

This Miss Pan might be based on her...

Who is Chen Mo?
Ximen Da Guanren?
"He complains about secondhand goods, but in reality, he's having sex with other people's wives in the book?"

"This guy is definitely a hypocrite!"

Qin Shu's eyes shimmered, and he silently spat.

For some reason, my heart was pounding nonstop.

The book describes Miss Pan as extremely beautiful; even Ximen, a seasoned veteran of the pleasure quarters, was "half-melted" the moment he saw her...

"So, I'm still pretty charming in his eyes, huh?"

Qin Shu turned her head and looked at the dressing mirror next to her.

Her beautiful face was reflected in the mirror; her lips were red and her teeth were white, her eyes were alluring, and her gaze was filled with a misty mist.

crunch--

Suddenly, the door was pushed open.

Qin Shu subconsciously hid the manuscript under his body. When he looked up, he saw his personal maid hurriedly walk in.

"Why didn't you knock before coming in?" Qin Shu frowned and said, "You don't understand any manners at all."

"Please forgive me, Madam." The maid closed the door tightly and whispered, "The Tianlin Guards have arrived again. They're in the courtyard now, completely surrounding the Yan residence!"

Qin Shu was not surprised by this.

When she handed over the incriminating evidence to Chen Mo, she had already anticipated this day would come.

"Has he arrived?" Qin Shu asked.

"Who?" the maid asked, puzzled.

"Who else could it be but Chen Mo?" "Oh, he's here. He's the one who led the charge, and he's sitting in the courtyard sunbathing right now... Eh, Madam?"

Before the maid could finish speaking, Qin Shu had already stood up.

She stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusted her clothes, touched up her makeup and lipstick, and then turned and left the room.

……

……

The Yan family mansion was similar in scale to the Chen family mansion.

After passing through three courtyards and three entrances, bypassing the blue brick screen wall and the front courtyard, and passing through the three-bay hanging flower gate, one arrives at the main courtyard.

The ground is paved with square bricks and is spotless. There is a rockery made of Taihu stones next to it, with a babbling stream flowing through it and eventually converging into a clear pool below.

At this moment, the spacious courtyard felt slightly crowded.

A group of bailiffs dressed in black robes surrounded the main hall like dark clouds, creating a cold and somber atmosphere.

Having learned their lesson from last time, the guards in the mansion could only stand far away and dared not step forward to stop them.

Chen Mo sat imposingly on a stone chair in the courtyard, rhythmically tapping his fingers on the table.

"It's been so long and no one has come out yet. They really don't know how to treat guests..." Chen Mo said lazily, "Commander Li, remind Lord Yan to tell him that we have arrived."

"Yes."

Li Yuan drew his Mo Dao instantly, and the blazing blade light surged out like a wave of flames!

The brick floor was torn apart by the flash of the knife, creating a deep trench that spread rapidly toward the main hall!

boom!
Smoke and dust billowed up, as if an earthquake had struck, and the entire hall trembled violently!

Just as Yan Peizhi reached the door, a flash of light grazed his body, slicing the "Shidetang" plaque hanging on the wall behind him in two!

The plaque fell down and almost hit Feng Jinyu on the head, giving him a fright that made him break out in a cold sweat.

Yan Peizhi clenched his teeth, his face growing even more gloomy.

"Chen Mo!"

"What are you going to do?!"

Just as Chen Mo was about to ask Li Yuan to do it again, he saw Yan Peizhi storm out of the main room.

"Oh, Lord Yan, I thought you weren't home. It's been several days, but you still look as energetic as ever..."

"Stop spouting nonsense!" Yan Peizhi glared at him fiercely. "You forcibly broke into an official's residence without cause and even used force without permission. What exactly do you mean by this?"

Chen Mo crossed his legs and shook his head, saying, "I'm here to investigate a case, so how can you say I forced my way in?"

"Handling a case?"

Yan Peizhi became even angrier upon hearing this, "My son has already been imprisoned by you, what more do you want? Do you think you can do whatever you want just because you have Her Majesty the Empress's decree?!"

"Hey." Chen Mo waved his hand and corrected, "Lord Yan, you're wrong. Even without His Highness's decree, I can do whatever I want, can't I?"

"..."

Yan Peizhi paused for a moment.

I almost forgot, this guy has always acted recklessly, otherwise he wouldn't have seriously injured the prince in the street.

If you really anger him, he's capable of anything. My old bones can't withstand a single punch from him...

Yan Peizhi silently took two steps back, his expression softening slightly, and said in a deep voice, "We can talk things out. It's really unseemly to resort to knives and guns."

"Dignity is something you earn yourself, not something you can rely on others to bestow upon you." Chen Mo said with a light laugh, "Whether Vice Minister Yan can make a dignified exit in the end depends on your own choice."

"Ok?"

Yan Peizhi frowned.

Why does this guy seem to be implying something?
Tread-tap-

There was a sound of rapid footsteps.

Qin Shu walked over quickly, her light green gauze dress swaying in the wind.

Seeing the two people facing off, she felt a little guilty and wanted to go up and greet Chen Mo, but after hesitating for a moment, she stood silently to the side.

Yan Peizhi said in a deep voice, "You want to investigate the barbarian slave case, and I have cooperated with you as required. Now you've come to our door in such a grand manner. What exactly do you want?"

"If you don't give me an explanation today, this is definitely not over!"

"Tsk, so you've found a powerful backer. Lord Yan is much more assertive than last time," Chen Mo said with a light laugh. "But who told you I was here to investigate the barbarian slave case?"

Yan Peizhi frowned even more deeply. "Then what are you doing here?"

“While interrogating Yan Linghu, I unexpectedly uncovered a long-standing case. Fortunately, Lord Feng is also here, saving me the trouble of making another trip.” Chen Mo said with a smirk, “Do you two still remember Dong Haibo?”

? !
Upon hearing this name, Yan Peizhi was struck dumb!

Standing behind him, Feng Jinyu's pupils suddenly shrank to pinpoints!

Why would Chen Mo suddenly mention this person out of the blue?
"I don't understand what you're saying..." Before Yan Peizhi could finish speaking, a beam of emerald light flashed and landed in front of him.

“Lord Yan is indeed forgetful. It’s alright. After reading the contents of this jade slip, you’ll remember everything.” Chen Mo said slowly and deliberately.

Yan Peizhi moved his throat, bent down to pick up the jade slip, and immersed his mind in it.

A moment later, he swayed slightly, muttering to himself, "Impossible, this is absolutely impossible..."

Seeing this, Feng Jinyu's bad premonition grew stronger, and she reached out and snatched the jade slip away.

Upon closer inspection, his face turned deathly pale, and a chill ran down his spine to the top of his head!

"It really is that case..."

Two years ago, a case of leaked exam questions during the Spring Examinations broke out in Beijing, and he, as the chief examiner, was the first to be implicated!

The reason for this was that Yan Peizhi was too greedy and wanted to take this opportunity to strengthen his own power... He secretly expanded the original three people to eight!

The incident came to light because Dong Haibo, a student from Jiangnan, celebrated with others by drinking after the imperial examination.

Under the influence of alcohol, he accidentally let slip what he knew, which led to his classmates reporting him...

This matter caused a huge uproar at the time, implicating more than a dozen ministers in the court!
In the end, Yan Peizhi was able to escape only because he had connections with the Ministry of Justice and was able to intercept a large number of memorials reporting wrongdoing.

This jade slip contains a detailed record of the process by which Yan Peizhi and Feng Jinyu cheated together, including their correspondence, which is very detailed!

It can be said to be irrefutable evidence!
"This matter had clearly been suppressed, so why has it been brought up again after two years?"

Feng Jinyu suddenly looked up at Yan Peizhi, her teeth grinding together. "You, surnamed Yan, didn't you say these things were destroyed a long time ago? You dare to lie to me?!"

In his view, Yan Peizhi wanted to keep something in reserve so that he could use it to coerce him in the future.

As it turned out, Yan Linghu couldn't keep his mouth shut and confessed everything... Otherwise, how could Chen Mo have obtained such clear evidence?

"Fuck you!"

Yan Peizhi's forehead veins bulged as he angrily said, "I burned the letter long ago, and besides, Yan Linghu knew nothing about this! It must be you! You're the one who leaked the information!"

"You scoundrel, you're still pretending with me!"

Seeing that the two were about to fight, Chen Mo cleared his throat and said, "Ahem, why don't you two come over to my place and talk it out?"

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, giving them a chilling feeling.

It's pointless to dwell on how the evidence was leaked now. The matter is settled. Bribery, favoritism, and corruption... multiple crimes will be punished. Being demoted and dismissed is a minor matter; whether he can keep his head is another matter entirely!

Without saying a word, Yan Peizhi strode towards the gate.

Swah——

The blue bricks in front of him tore open, and a fierce killing intent locked onto him. A dangerous glint flashed in Li Yuan's eyes.

Without turning his head, Chen Mo said, "If I'm not mistaken, Lord Yan wants to go see Chief Minister Zhuang, right?"

Yan Peizhi's body trembled slightly.

Chen Mo stood up, shook his robes, and said calmly, "Don't waste your energy. Chief Minister Zhuang already knows about this. He's too busy hiding to see you."

"..."

Yan Peizhi's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

Chen Mo actually knew about his relationship with Zhuang Jingming?
Could this person really be able to predict the future?!
However, since they were willing to hand over the evidence, they must have already blocked all other avenues of retreat...

Yan Peizhi looked at the densely packed constables around him, swallowed hard, and said in a low voice, "Lord Chen, may we go inside for a chat?"

"Of course," Chen Mo said with a smile. "Commander Li, you two keep watch outside."

"Yes."

Li Yuan responded.

"Please lead the way, Lord Yan."

"Please come this way."

Yan Peizhi led Chen Mo toward the main hall.

Feng Jinyu remembered that he still had the Jiang family as a powerful backer, and his expression brightened. He hurriedly followed behind.

But as soon as he entered the house, Yan Peizhi's knees buckled and he knelt on the ground with a thud.

"Lord Chen, there were many people outside just now..."

Feng Jinyu: ?

(End of this chapter)