What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 192 The Battle of the Immortal Sects
Zhang Xuzu and the others stared at Su Mo in disbelief, as if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight!

A giant of Wei Zhengguang's stature would never joke with them.

So, did Su Mo really become a marquis in the Great Wu Kingdom?

Damn it!
Will the Great Wu Dynasty also enfeoff feudal lords?

Are there not enough feudal lords already? Why are they even enfeoffing Gufeng Mountain near the capital?
Zhang Xuzu and the others felt like they must be dreaming!
Su Mo smiled wryly at Wei Zhengguang: "Lord Wei, please don't joke with me."

"Lone Peak Mountain is only ten miles in size, and I am merely a viscount. How can I be considered a feudal lord?"

He then looked at You Li, Zhang Xuzu, and others: "Please come inside and we'll talk further."

Su Mo invited everyone into the main hall and personally brewed tea for them.

You Li glanced around the main hall, then smiled and said, "Lord Su's residence is quite nice, but why are there so few servants?"

"May I help Lord Su find a few?"

"Thank you for your kindness, sir! Actually, there are quite a few servants in the house, but they are all busy with their own affairs."

Su Mo then added, "This humble official is of lowly rank and insignificant, how could I possibly deserve such a title from you, Assistant Magistrate!"

You Li waved his hand: "Lord Su is a viscount, deeply trusted by His Majesty, and has been bestowed with a tiger robe. He is certainly worthy of the title of 'Lord'!"

He glanced at Zhang Xuzu and the others, then suddenly said, "I have a few words to say to Lord Su, along with Lord Wei. Is it convenient?"

Su Mo had expected this.

The fact that high-ranking members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard like You Li and Wei Zhengguang came in person was certainly not just to congratulate them on becoming viscounts.

He nodded to Lin Moyin: "I'll trouble you, Commander Qianhu, to greet Brother Zhang and the others for me."

He then greeted Zhang Xuzu and the others.

They then led You and Wei to a side hall.

You Li glanced at Wei Zhengguang.

Wei Zhengguang's expression turned serious, and he took the initiative to speak: "I am sure Brother Su has guessed why I have come with Lord You."

"I know that Brother Su is an honest and straightforward person, so I won't beat around the bush."

He frowned slightly: "Could the vandalism of Tianyi Tower be related to Brother Su?"

Su Mo pondered for a moment: "Since Lord Wei has said so, it would be pretentious of me to pretend I don't know."

"The damage to the first floor that day could be said to have nothing to do with me, or it could be said to have something to do with me!"

A cold glint flashed in Wei Zhengguang's eyes: "The woman in green?"

Su Mo smiled without saying a word.

Let Wei Zhengguang and You Li guess for themselves!
You Li and Wei Zhengguang exchanged a glance.

Wei Zhengguang hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "That scoundrel Lu Wenxuan didn't return to the command post this morning. Even the commander himself doesn't know where he is!"

"I heard that the man surnamed Lu was plotting against Brother Su, but his whereabouts are currently unknown. Brother Su, you must be careful!"

Su Mo sighed inwardly.

No wonder he works in intelligence; his keen intuition is truly remarkable.

They've come to me to gather information.

Whether they admit it or not, Lin Moyin's promotion was closely related to Wei Zhengguang. In the eyes of outsiders, Lin Moyin was Wei Zhengguang's confidante.

Wei Zhengguang came with You Li to show Su Mo that he was on You Li's side.

simply put.

You Li, Wei Zhengguang, Lin Moyin, and Su Mo are in cahoots!

The fact that the two of them came to the Su residence together was a demonstration that Su Mo was now qualified to be on equal footing with them.

Of course, Su Mo had to demonstrate his abilities to gain their approval!
In the Embroidered Uniform Guard system, the extent of power was not significantly related to the rank of an official.

For example, the Commander of the Northern Garrison Command was only a fourth-rank official, and even a third-rank commander would be wary of him.

Su Mo pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "My lords, there is no need to worry."

"The one surnamed Lu is no longer a threat."

You Li and Wei Zhengguang were both taken aback.

You Li, the deputy commander, finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked in a deep voice, "What do you mean by that, Lord Su?"

Su Mo sneered: "A dead man is nothing to worry about!"

You Li and Wei Zhengguang's expressions changed drastically!

Even the lowest-ranking officials under the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't help but stand up abruptly, staring intently at Su Mo: "Lu Wenxuan is dead?"

Su Mo nodded: "Not bad!"

He paused, then added, "I saw his body with my own eyes! He died a very serious death!"

You Li took a deep breath: "How did he die?"

Su Mo smiled and met You Li's gaze: "As His Majesty's henchman, you colluded with the Empress Dowager's relatives and plotted to harm your fellow Imperial Guardsmen. Shouldn't you die?"

He paused, then asked again, "My lords, do you perhaps think I have the guts to assassinate Lu Wenxuan?"

You Li and Wei Zhengguang both fell silent.

At first, he really thought that it was Su Mo who had the audacity to let Lin Moyin take action to get rid of Lu Wenxuan!

they know.

On the surface, Lin Moyin is Su Mo's superior.

In fact, she was Su Mo's woman and obeyed his every word!
Su Mo asked her to get rid of Lu Wenxuan, and Lin Moyin might actually do it!

Of course, You Li and Wei Zhengguang did not believe Su Mo's nonsense that Lu Wenxuan was colluding with the imperial relatives and that the empress would get rid of Lu Wenxuan!

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was responsible for monitoring all officials. There are countless reasons that could explain Lu Wenxuan's secret meeting with Zhang Shouning.

For example, deliberately showing goodwill towards Zhang Shouning, getting closer to him, and trying to get information from him, etc.

This was a common tactic used by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in handling cases.

The Empress would not use the fact that Lu Wenxuan and Zhang Shouning met a few times as an excuse to kill a commander!
If that's the case, who in the Embroidered Uniform Guard will dare to actually do anything in the future?

You Li and Wei Zhengguang exchanged a glance, feeling even more that Su Mo was unfathomable!

No wonder the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Phoenix Cry Division are so successful!

Wei Zhengguang was silent for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject: "Brother Su, are you aware that the imperial court has just passed a resolution?"

"The four counties surrounding Tianchang County—Wuling, Shizhou, Chishui, and Antong—will be designated as new pilot areas for opening up commercial regulations."

Su Mo was taken aback upon hearing this.

How could the imperial court be so efficient?
It hasn't been long since I transported the silver back to the capital!
It seems that both the Empress and the Ministry of Revenue are desperately poor.

Seeing the revenue of Tianchang County, everyone's eyes lit up with envy!

It is estimated that all the civil and military officials are waiting for merchants to purchase the official documents so that they can receive their official salaries!

Su Mo lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then looked up at Wei Zhengguang and You Li: "I haven't been back to Tianchang County for many days, and I have no way of knowing about the affairs of the court."

"Forgive my ignorance, sir, for I do not understand the meaning of your words."

Wei Zhengguang glanced at You Li, then said calmly, "The matter of opening up Tianchang County is entirely the responsibility of Brother Su and Magistrate Xue. Brother Su naturally has considerable say in this matter."

"Lord You and I have a few young fellows under our command..."

Su Mo's expression changed instantly, and he quickly lowered his voice, saying, "My lord, be careful what you say!"

"Lu Wenxuan serves as a cautionary tale!"

"How dare we, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, interfere in the promotion of court officials!"

Wei Zhengguang waved his hand and laughed, "This official and Lord You naturally know what's important."

“But the Su brothers are different.”

"Brother Su, don't forget, you are also a ninth-rank official in the imperial court!"

Su Mo...

Fortunately, Wei Zhengguang added, "Furthermore, neither I nor Lord You are involved in the appointment of court officials."

"It's just that a few of my underlings are a bit restless and want to go to the local centurions to gain some experience!"

Su Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The pilot program in four counties aims to replicate the Tianchang County model, but it certainly won't succeed without the cooperation of the Imperial Guards.

Zhong Dingfang, a former marginalized centurion in Xianchang County, was transferred back to the Right Guard of Shenjing because of this merit, which can be considered a promotion of half a rank!
If a centurion from the capital is transferred to a local post, performs meritorious service, and is then transferred back, he will undoubtedly be promoted to a trial commander.

Alternatively, one could try transferring a centurion to a garrison centurion position in one of the four counties, and then transferring him back to the garrison, thus achieving a promotion through a roundabout route!
Su Mo pondered for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "Although I am willing to serve you two, I am but a humble person with little influence, and I am afraid I cannot be of much help."

You Li chuckled: "Lord Su, you are mistaken."

"I dare not speak on other matters, but the opinions of Lord Su regarding the centurions of these five counties, especially the centurion of Tianchang County, carry considerable weight!"

He paused, then continued, "If the Commander asks Lord Su for his opinion, Lord Su can simply say a few good words for those lads."

"They will surely remember Lord Su's kindness!"

Su Mo was taken aback: "The Commander would summon me for questioning?"

You Li smiled and nodded: "Very likely!"

"Of course, this is just my guess, and may not be true."

Su Mo's lips twitched twice. Why did it feel like he'd become a powerful figure who could influence the promotion of a sixth-rank centurion?

Could it be my imagination?

I'm just a lowly centurion!

He could only nod and say, "Rest assured, my lords, if the opportunity arises, I will certainly support your decision!"

Wei Zhengguang lowered his voice and then said a few names!
Su Mo was speechless upon hearing this.

Good heavens, there are five of them!

This would bring all five garrison posts and their hundred households, including those in Tianchang County, under its control.

However, you can tell from Wei Zhengguang's tone that the focus is on the first three names!

After saying five names, Wei Zhengguang took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, placed it on the table, pressed it down with two fingers, and pushed it toward Su Mo.

Su Mo glanced at it.

Liufu Money Exchange: Cash on delivery, one thousand taels of silver in flying money.

However, the price is a bit low!
At an average of only two hundred taels of silver per person, the offer is rather meager; there may be other rewards after the deal is done.

He discreetly slipped the money into his sleeve.

Wei Zhengguang smiled and said, "I still need to be mindful of the distance between myself and Lord You, as well as Zhang Xuzu and the others. I'll take my leave now."

Su Mo quickly replied, "This humble official will see you two off!"

……

The two sedan chairs departed one after the other.

Not long after, Wei Zhengguang saw You Li's sedan chair suddenly stop, so he also told the sedan chair bearers to stop and quickly climbed into the sedan chair of the Assistant Magistrate!
You Li looked at Wei Zhengguang with a gloomy expression: "Lord Wei, what do you think?"

Wei Zhengguang naturally knew what You Li was asking. After pondering for a moment, he finally shook his head with a wry smile: "I can't see clearly!"

"I thought His Majesty trusted him simply because he could bring His Majesty a lot of money, but now it seems there might be a deeper reason!"

He paused slightly, then said, "Although Su Mo is skilled in making a living, he wouldn't dare to attack Zhang Guojiu's people!"

"I suspect it is the woman in green."

As he spoke, a look of apprehension appeared on his face, and he lowered his voice even further: "Does the Assistant Magistrate know the origin of that woman in green?"

A fierce glint flashed in You Li's triangular eyes as he coldly said, "In this world, there are very few people who dare to smash up Tianyi Tower without fear of Zhang Shouning!"

"The only ones who can be identified with the woman in green are the eldest princess and that... princess!"

Wei Zhengguang was immediately startled: "The Eldest Princess and that... Princess?"

"Didn't the eldest princess turn against His Majesty and stay in the驸马府 (驸马府) for several years without coming out?"

"That Princess Baicheng, who is said to have been in seclusion for three years to break through to the Golden Core realm, how could she appear in the capital?"

You Li sneered: "It's hard to say!"

He paused, his expression growing even more wary. He didn't bring up the topic again, but frowned and asked, "Is Lu Wenxuan really dead?"

Wei Zhengguang also became suspicious: "Su Mo shouldn't dare to deceive us!"

"But the news is that the people from the Phoenix Cry Division took Lu Wenxuan away from the mansion in the early hours of the morning. How could Su Mo have seen Lu Wenxuan's body with his own eyes?"

You Li snorted: "He's also from the Phoenix Cry Division!"

"And she's also very close to Nangong Sheyue!"

As he spoke, the look of fear on his face deepened: "Don't forget, in the Jade Sound Pavilion, Nangong Sheyue sat to Su Mo's right!"

Wei Zhengguang took a deep breath: "This is also what I don't understand!"

He hesitated for a moment, then a look of fear flashed in his eyes: "Lord You, you say... could Su Mo possibly be...?"

You Li's eyes narrowed suddenly as he stared intently at Wei Zhengguang: "You're saying he's the commander of the Phoenix Cry Division?"

Wei Zhengguang nodded solemnly.
The Phoenix Cry Division is ten times more mysterious than the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Even now, You Li and Wei Zhengguang don't even know where the Fengming Division's office is located!

Not to mention the legendary Commander of the Phoenix Cry Division, whose voice is heard but whose person is never seen!

The highest-ranking members of the Fengming Division have ever appeared are only Nangong Sheyue and another commander!

You Li frowned.

Don't tell me yet.

As the head of the intelligence agency, he understands better than anyone the importance of keeping one's identity secret!
You Li really dared not say for sure whether Su Mo was the commander of the Phoenix Cry Division!

Finally, he whispered, "He's probably not the commander of the Phoenix Cry Division, but he could very well have a very close relationship with him!"

Wei Zhengguang gritted his teeth: "Lord You, is the Fengming Division really that terrifying? Daring to directly kill the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

You Li's expression turned bitter: "If we receive His Majesty's decree, the Fengming Division certainly dares to do so!"

“If the eldest princess or the princess of Baicheng were to take action, they could certainly persuade His Majesty to execute the man surnamed Lu.”

He paused, then his tone sharpened: "This is a matter we cannot delve into!"

"Regardless of the circumstances... Su Mo is not someone to be underestimated."

"Hmph! The title of 'Lone Peak Mountain' is hereditary and perpetual, and Lone Peak Mountain has even been granted as a fiefdom... Not simple at all!"

A sharp glint flashed in You Li's eyes: "Of course, the most crucial question is, who will fill the vacancy with the surname Lu!"

Wei Zhengguang's expression instantly turned stern!

The change of commanders was nothing short of a major earthquake for the Embroidered Uniform Guard system; to exaggerate a bit, it could even rewrite the power structure of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Don't talk about them.

The commander is probably eyeing this position covetously!

In particular, the Commander was promoted by the late Emperor.

The most urgent task is to consolidate power!

……

Here at the Su residence.

Upon seeing Su Mo enter the main hall, You Li and Wei Zhengguang were nowhere to be seen.

Zhang Xuzu and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter who it is, being in the same room with these two top Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) officials would be incredibly stressful.

Lin Moyin gave Su Mo a deep look.

Su Mo gave his wife a reassuring look.

He then smiled at Zhang Xuzu and the others, saying, "Thank you for waiting so long, Brother Zhang."

"Hmm... Regarding the soap makers and the ships, have you all made a decision?"

Zhang Xuzu quickly smiled and said, "The specific shares have already been allocated."

"This time we have brought 41,000 taels of silver, of which 15,000 taels is the profit that you are entitled to."

"The other ten thousand taels is the money invested by Brother Han and others. According to the shareholding, Lord Su should receive ten thousand taels."

"The remaining 16,000 taels will be the capital for shipbuilding."

Now Zhang Xuzu speaks much more boldly, using units of ten thousand taels of silver, and never mentioning the odd amounts of three or five hundred taels.

In the past, he would shamelessly send people to smash up Su Mo's restaurant for a few thousand taels of silver.

He paused, then smiled and asked, "Lord Su, is there any error in your opinion?"

Su Mo was also taken aback upon hearing this.

Unexpectedly, Han Yu and the others managed to gather the silver so quickly, even bringing in the capital for a business like a seagoing vessel, which was still undecided.

He hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "The number is correct."

"However, the funds for shipbuilding will all be placed with me. Can you all really rest assured?"

"As per our agreement, I, the official, shall also contribute twelve thousand taels of silver!"

No one mentioned the 30% share of Fengming Division; everyone knew that this money couldn't possibly be kept.

Han Yu chuckled: "Brother Xu Zu has told us about Lord Su's character before, so we naturally trust him!"

Cao Feng also laughed and said, "Anyway, we don't know how to build ships. We've already provided the money. If there's anything else you need, please let us know as soon as possible, Lord Su!"

Su Mo nodded: "We'll discuss this matter in detail once we get news from Lord Nangong."

"However, you may take note of the shipbuilding craftsmen involved."

Just as he was speaking.

Suddenly, a falcon swooped in and flew into the main hall.

Lin Moyin was slightly taken aback. She reached out and beckoned, and the falcon landed on her forearm.

She took the strip of cloth out of the copper tube and looked at it; her pretty face instantly darkened!

Zhang Xuzu and the others tactfully took their leave.

Su Mo frowned and looked at Lin Moyin: "What happened?"

Lin Moyin snorted heavily: "Several of my sect members got into a fight with the people from Nanming Palace, and they've all been captured and taken to Wannian County!"

(End of this chapter)