I became the demon of the female devil

Chapter 298 Empress: I'm coming clean, I love Chen Mo! The prophecy has come true!

The South Suburb Temple was built by Emperor Taizu in the early years of the founding of the dynasty, and it covers a very large area.

In addition to the Temple of Heaven in the core area, there were also five imperial palaces for the royal family to rest and recuperate.

The original ritual of offering sacrifices to Heaven was very complicated and solemn. Before the ceremony, the emperor had to fast for three days, refrain from speaking, playing music, and engaging in sexual activity, so as to be in the best possible condition to welcome the arrival of the Heavenly Day.

However, since Wu Lie's health deteriorated, the entire process was greatly simplified.

For the first two years, he never left the palace. Instead, Lü Huaiyu carried the imperial crown, dragon robe, and jade tablet on his behalf, which shows the extent of the emperor's trust in Lü Huaiyu.

Chen Mo followed Eunuch Jin and headed towards the imperial palace.

The roof of the hall is arched, without exposing the beams and rafters, hence it is called the "Beamless Hall," which means "daring not to press down on the sky."

The brackets and purlins under the eaves are all made of glazed tiles and painted with exquisite colors. In the center hangs a plaque with the words "Revering the Heavens" written in gold on a black background.

Chen Mo only glanced at it before feeling a stinging pain in his eyes, as if pierced by steel needles, and quickly looked away.

It took quite a while for the symptoms to subside.

With his eyelids lowered, Eunuch Jin said, "This plaque inscribed with 'Respect for Heaven' was personally written by the founding emperor. It contains the domineering and imposing power of an emperor, and it has not dissipated for hundreds of years."

"Hundreds of years?"

Chen Mo clicked his tongue slightly, "How strong must one be to have an aura that can last for so long?"

Eunuch Jin smiled and said, "Back then, heroes rose up across the Nine Provinces, and Daoists and Buddhas emerged one after another. Which one wasn't a dominant force in their time? Yet, before the founding emperor, they could only submit, pay tribute, and shout 'Long live the emperor!'... How could you or I possibly fathom such a level of understanding?"

Chen Mo also had some understanding of this.

Emperor Taizu of the Yuan Dynasty rose from humble beginnings and, in just a few decades, rebuilt the vast land and laid the foundation for the Yuan Dynasty.

His experiences were so legendary that even male protagonists in wish-fulfillment novels wouldn't dare to write something like that.

"However, governing a country and cultivating one's spiritual path are two different things. No matter how strong one's personal strength is, it will eventually come to an end, and one will inevitably have to rely on external forces," Eunuch Jin said calmly.

Chen Mo asked in a low voice, "Does the eunuch mean the Hidden Clan?"

"Hidden Clan? Ha..."

Eunuch Jin scoffed and said disdainfully, "They live in seclusion but not in power, engage in idle talk but not in their hearts, recite scriptures of idleness while counting silver ingots... They call themselves recluses, but in reality they are nothing but slaves to fame and fortune."

Chen Mo nodded secretly.

As expected of the cutters, their words are always sharp.

Jiang Wangye claimed to be a commoner and appeared aloof and untainted by money, but behind the scenes he befriended powerful figures, secretly pulled strings, and even coveted the military power held by the eldest princess...

His words and actions were inconsistent, which is laughable.

The two chatted as they walked through the palace corridors and arrived at the hanging flower gate.

Eunuch Jin stopped in his tracks, turned to look at Chen Mo, and said solemnly, "In the past, the country was shattered and surrounded by powerful enemies. It was only possible to survive without the help of aristocratic families. This is a fact, but the court has already paid too much for this."

"But they are like a bone-deep carbuncle, insatiable and greedy."

"Unauthorized minting of armor and weapons, interception of taxes, salt and iron monopolies, and the disruption of the imperial court... they are frantically sucking the lifeblood of the Yuan Dynasty, never stopping for a moment..."

At this point, Eunuch Jin abruptly changed the subject and asked, "If it were Lord Chen, how would you resolve this matter?"

"I?"

Chen Mo was caught off guard. After a moment's thought, he said, "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Even if it brings infamy, it is worth it if it can bring peace to future generations for a hundred years..."

Eunuch Jin pressed further, "Tell me more about it?"

Chen Mo shook his head, "I am of low rank and my words are too grand; I fear it may be inappropriate."

Eunuch Jin waved his hand and said, "It's just idle chatter. What you said goes into my ears. There's no need for you to be nervous, sir."

"Uh, okay."

"Although I don't know the specifics, these kinds of things usually only involve a few steps."

Since the other party had already put it this way, Chen Mo had no reason to hesitate and said, word by word, "Let them be arrogant and nurture their great crimes. First, clip their wings, then destroy their foundation..."

Eunuch Jin's eyes flickered. "And then?"

Chen Mo lowered his voice unconsciously, "In the end, we should sever their bloodline, eradicate them completely, and wash away the traces of their existence with blood. Since they call themselves the 'Hidden Clan,' let them disappear completely into the dust of history..."

Eunuch Jin's expression froze slightly.

Then, a satisfied smile slowly crept onto his lips.

"That's right, blood debts can only be washed away with blood."

"Lord Chen, I'm growing to like you more and more."

Chen Mo found these words somewhat familiar; it seemed that the Eldest Princess had said the same thing yesterday.

Looks like I'm actually quite popular...

Eunuch Jin reached out and lifted the curtain, saying, "I have remembered what Lord Chen said. Please come in."

"Thank you, father-in-law."

Chen Mo felt it was a bit nonsensical, but he didn't think much of it.

Upon entering the inner palace, one sees the Empress sitting upright in a chair, with the Crown Prince standing before her, head bowed, listening attentively to her teachings.

Chu Yanli had already removed her golden armor and changed into a long brocade dress. She leaned against the window, lazily yawning.

"This humble servant greets the three princes."

Chen Mo bowed respectfully.

Upon seeing him, the Crown Prince's eyes lit up immediately. "Chen Mo, long time no see!"

Then, as if remembering something, her expression turned serious, and she pouted, saying, "You said you would come to play with me, but you've never come even once... You didn't keep your word, I don't want to be friends with you anymore!"

"..."

Chen Mo explained, "This humble servant has been too busy lately. I just heard that Your Highness had left the palace, so I immediately followed."

"Really? You came for me?" The prince's expression quickly changed from gloomy to sunny. He put his hands behind his back and snorted, "I'll let it go since you're so loyal."

Chen Mo blinked. "So, are we alright?"

The prince's face flushed, and he nodded earnestly, saying, "Yes, as long as you don't lie to me again, you'll still be my best friend."

Chu Yanli's expression was somewhat strange when she saw that Chen Mo had completely charmed the Crown Prince.

This guy not only has a great rapport with women, but he also seems to have a great rapport with children...

"It's getting late. Let's take the Crown Prince to bathe and purify himself in preparation for the ceremony," the Empress said.

"Yes."

The palace servants beside him responded and led the reluctant crown prince out.

Only three people remained in the inner hall, and the atmosphere quieted down.

The Empress looked up at Chen Mo, frowning, and said, "Shouldn't you be patrolling near the palace? Why did you follow us here?"

"It is Grand Tutor Lü..."

Just as Chen Mo was about to explain, Chu Yanli's slightly amused voice rang out: "Of course, he's worried about you. If you lose even a single hair, he'll be heartbroken for half a day."

Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned even more deeply.

Chen Mo's expression turned cold. "This humble servant does not understand what Your Highness is saying."

"Are you genuinely ignorant, or are you pretending?" Chu Yanli narrowed her eyes slightly. "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"

"As the mother of the nation, the Empress cannot be slandered in this way. Your Highness, please be careful with your words and actions."

"Now that you know who she is, you still dare to act recklessly?"

"Does Your Highness have evidence?"

"I'm not investigating a case, what would I need evidence for? Some things are common knowledge."

The two stared at each other across the distance, the air thick with tension.

Just as tensions were about to rise, the Empress raised her hand and tapped the table, saying in a deep voice, "How dare you! Do you even respect me?!"

Seeing that the Empress was truly enraged, the two men snorted coldly and looked away.

Chen Mo knew very well that Chu Yanli wanted to use his relationship with the Empress to achieve her own goals.

But as he said, this is just speculation.

So as long as you stubbornly refuse to admit it, the other party has no way to do anything about it.

"Li'er..."

The Empress cleared her throat and said, "Chen Mo has already told me about what happened yesterday. I called you here to take this opportunity to make things clear."

Chu Yanli raised an eyebrow and said, "I know what you're trying to say. Your relationship is completely innocent, there's been no overstepping of boundaries, it was all out of love for the material, right? You think I'm stupid..."

"wrong."

The Empress raised her hand to interrupt, and said in a calm tone, "My relationship with Chen Mo is not innocent. I have done everything I should and shouldn't have done. That's what I want to tell you."

?

The hall fell silent for a moment.

"Your Highness?"

Chen Mo was stunned.

"W-what did you say?"

Chu Yanli was taken aback when the Empress readily admitted it, and was momentarily speechless.

The Empress stood up, her luxurious skirt trailing on the ground, and slowly walked to Chu Yanli. Her almond-shaped eyes looked at her calmly. "Since you didn't hear me clearly, then I will say it again."

"The relationship between me and Chen Mo is exactly what you're thinking."

"Whether you want to announce it to the world or report it in court, it doesn't matter, no one will stop you."

"But if you think you can threaten me in this way, you are sorely mistaken. I will not fall for your tricks."

Looking into those piercing eyes, Chu Yanli felt a tightness in her chest, as if she were being oppressed.

Suddenly, I realized that this friend I've known for many years seemed a bit unfamiliar...

Her throat tightened, and she whispered, "But you are, after all, the Empress..."

"Don't try to intimidate me with that title."

"When we first entered the palace, it was all just a matter of each person getting what they wanted." "Over the years, I have fulfilled my duties and have never owed you anything."

The empress extended her delicate hand, palm facing upwards, and golden light shone forth, revealing an inscription on a seal base that read "Treasure of Fengtian".

"This Heavenly Seal was given to me by you. Now I'm returning it to you. From now on, we're even, and we'll have nothing to do with each other anymore."

She tossed the seal, a symbol of authority, onto the ground as if it were trash, and it rolled to Chu Yanli's feet, her tone laced with mockery:

"You can go ask Yu Youhan if she's willing to be the empress. I'm tired of it anyway."

"Chen Mo, let's go."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the gate.

Chen Mo said nothing and silently followed behind.

Chu Yanli clenched her fists, only then realizing that she seemed to be terribly wrong.

This matter has never been the Queen's weakness; on the contrary, she should try her best to keep this secret, because the Queen can abandon the task at any time, but she cannot!

"and many more……"

Just as the two were about to walk out the door, Chu Yanli picked up the inkstone, flashed, and blocked their way.

The Empress paused, and said calmly, "Is there anything else?"

Chu Yanli said, "Even if you don't care about the Empress's position, don't you want to avenge the grudge from back then?"

The Empress's face darkened, and Chu Yanli hurriedly explained, "You misunderstood. I didn't mean to threaten you... I meant that we can continue to cooperate. You can continue to help me maintain stability in the court, and I will help you resolve the old grudges from back then."

“If you want to cooperate, you should show a cooperative attitude.” The Queen raised her chin and said slowly, “But I haven’t seen even the slightest bit of remorse from you.”

"I'm sorry, I was too harsh with my words just now..." Chu Yanli said softly.

The Empress shook her head and said, "You shouldn't apologize to me, but to Chen Mo."

Chu Yanli was stunned. "On what basis?"

"Given your absurd behavior these past few days, and his numerous acts of saving you despite past grievances, don't you know the truth in your own heart?" the Empress said coldly.

"..."

But he spanked me so hard my butt was swollen, and he even grabbed my private parts...

Chu Yanli felt somewhat distressed, but dared not argue back, so she could only bite the bullet and say, "Lord Chen, I apologize for my previous rudeness. I hope you will not take offense."

Chen Mo enjoyed watching her get flustered and nodded, saying, "It's alright. I don't hold grudges. Just be more careful in the future. It would be even better if you could stay away from me."

Chu Yanli's cheeks flushed red, and she almost ground her back teeth to powder.

The original plan was to use this method to "control" them, but the Empress didn't play by the rules, and instead, it backfired...

"About the cooperation..."

The Empress reached out and took the inkstone back, her expression as gentle as a spring breeze, and said with a smile, "Since your performance has been quite good, I will reluctantly agree to your request, but you are not allowed to cause trouble in the future."

"……understood."

Chu Yanli hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Yu Chan, have you two really... you know... done it?"

"Cough cough!"

The Queen nearly choked on her saliva, rolled her eyes at her, and said irritably, "What's it to you? Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask... The festival is about to begin, you'd better go and get ready."

"Ok."

Although Chu Yanli was curious, she knew that business was more important, so she turned and left the inner hall.

"Your Highness, just now..."

Chen Mo was about to speak when he saw the Empress's tense body go limp, leaning weakly against him, her fair face flushed. "She actually said it out loud, it's so... so shameful... you little thief, my heart is beating so fast..."

Gazing at those heaving breasts, Chen Mo reached out and pressed them against his chest, carefully feeling them.

Yes, the heartbeat was indeed very loud.

"Oh, don't do anything reckless! What if Li'er comes back from behind?" The Empress trembled slightly and playfully slapped him.

Chen Mo found it somewhat amusing, "Your Highness just laid everything bare, so why are you suddenly shy?"

"There's nothing we can do about it."

The Empress said helplessly, "On the way here, I thought about it carefully. Given Li'er's personality, she definitely won't give up easily. I can't really make you her husband, can I? Rather than that, it's better to take the initiative..."

Chen Mo asked curiously, "What if the Princess doesn't agree in the end?"

The Empress frankly stated, "At worst, we can just part ways. Anyway, I've long since given up on this Empress position, so this is a good opportunity to change my way of life..."

Chen Mo was speechless for a moment.

Just now, the Empress seemed to be bluffing, but in reality, she had already made a do-or-die plan.

And all of this was so that I could be with him...

However, Chen Mo still had a question and asked, "What does the Princess mean by 'revenge'?"

The Empress paused slightly, remained silent for a moment, then shook her head and said, "This is a long story..."

thump—

The melodious bell rang.

"The time has come. We can talk about it after this is over." The Empress gently pecked him on the cheek, blushing but firm, and said, "Anyway, remember, no matter what, my feelings will never change."

"The same applies to me."

Chen Mo said solemnly, "Your Highness will always be my precious treasure."

"Pah, that's so cheesy..."

The Empress spat, her pretty face burning as if on fire, but the affection in her eyes grew even stronger.

……

……

After a brief moment of tenderness with the Empress, Chen Mo left the palace, passed through the winding corridor, and arrived at a wide open space.

Looking up, one sees a dense mass of imperial guards standing all around, banners fluttering in the wind, and civil and military officials lined up in the square, their positions perfectly aligned.

Directly in front of the square stands a massive building, consisting of three circular platforms, constructed entirely of white jade, which gleams in the sunlight.

It is supported by nine towering stone pillars, all black in color, with a coiled golden dragon carved on top, its scales and claws clearly visible, lifelike, and looking at it closely gives one a strange feeling of unease.

"This is the Circular Mound Altar, also known as the Nine Dragons Terrace."

“Besides the sacrificial ceremonies, emperors of all dynasties would ascend this platform before ascending the throne, burn firewood to inform Heaven, and prove that they were the chosen rulers.”

Chu Yanli appeared beside him at some point and began to explain.

This person is so persistent...

Chen Mo gave her a strange look.

Chu Yanli was also a little embarrassed, and said in a low voice, "I really didn't expect Yu Chan to go to such lengths for you, but then again, my decision still won't change..."

Chen Mo knew she was stubborn and didn't bother to say more. He muttered to himself, "Nine Dragons Terrace? That name sounds familiar..."

“The fact that Wu Lie had the Crown Prince take the stage on his behalf this time is of great significance.” Chu Yanli’s eyes darkened slightly as she said, “This means that the Crown Prince has been recognized by Heaven and Earth and is the destined ruler… This is not something he would do.”

Chen Mo recalled the runes he had seen on the Crown Prince, and his unease grew stronger.

thump—

The bells rang again.

The official in charge of rites at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices placed the sacrificial offerings, jade, and silk in front of the altar.

The master of ceremonies proclaimed loudly, "The Supreme God of Heaven, descend upon this altar—"

Accompanied by the melodious sound of the jade flute, the Eight-Row Dancers, holding pheasant feathers, danced gracefully. The Crown Prince, dressed in a black imperial robe, arrived at the foot of the Nine Dragons Terrace under the escort of the ceremonial guard. He then climbed the steps alone, ascending towards the top of the high platform.

Their figures appeared extremely small against the backdrop of the massive building.

According to etiquette, he stopped every three steps, and it took a full quarter of an hour to climb the high platform, arrive at the Heavenly Heart Stone, and slowly kneel down.

An official in charge of bestowing titles stepped forward and handed the gourd to the crown prince.

The prince took the wine, dipped two fingers in it and dabbed them on the web of his thumb and forefinger, then sprinkled the remaining wine onto the white jade floor tiles, chanting:
"Heaven has blessed us, and we pray for the well-being of all people... We offer this precious jade, this black silk, and this calf as a pure sacrifice... We humbly pray for timely rain and sunshine, abundant harvests, a stable imperial rule, and the continued prosperity of our ancestral temples..."

The childish voice drifted on the wind and reached everyone's ears.

The ritual official placed the offerings into the bronze furnace, and the official in charge of the fire lit the pile of firewood with a tinderbox. Under the blazing flames, the furnace hummed and trembled.

A moment later, a wisp of smoke rose straight up from the furnace opening.

Upon seeing this, the Minister of Rites was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Purple aura pierces the sun, and blue smoke soars into the sky. This is an omen of 'Heaven receiving a blazing fire.' Your Highness's virtue is in harmony with Heaven and Earth, and there will surely be auspicious omens of peace and prosperity!"

The officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

"May it endure as long as the heavens and shine as brightly as the sun; truly, it is a blessing from heaven upon the Great Yuan..."

Boom——

Just then, a muffled thud was heard, and the ground beneath their feet trembled slightly.

Everyone was stunned.

"what's the situation?"

"It looks like an earthworm turning over?"

"How is that possible? Tiandu City is located in Zhongzhou, and it has never experienced an earthquake in thousands of years..."

"This is……"

Chen Mo suddenly realized something, a thought flashing through his mind, "Oh no!"

The next moment, the ground suddenly bulged up more than ten feet, then surged like ocean waves, and the blue bricks and stone steps shattered inch by inch!

Scalding flames erupted from the cracks in the ground, tearing the entire square apart as if by an invisible hand. Smoke and dust, carrying the smell of sulfur, shot into the sky, obscuring the sun and moon!
"It's flammable powder! Flammable powder has been buried underground!"

"Her Majesty the Empress is in danger!"

Chen Mo moved like lightning, shooting towards the palace!

Gazing at the palace engulfed in flames and teetering on the brink of collapse, a storm raged in my heart!
"The Purple Star shines down upon the nine heavens, the flames of calamity burn away the old palace..."

"The judgment on that title actually came true?!"

(End of this chapter)