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

Chapter 196 Su Mo discovers that the level difference between him and the Empress is quite large.
Su Mo swallowed hard, staring intently at the top of Leng Liuxi's head!
Of the five targets that have appeared so far, Leng Xixi is the most special!
Lin Moyin, Xue Yishu, Nangong Sheyue, and Bai Susu have all issued missions. Just click on the exclamation mark to get the mission details, as well as their names, identities, and other attributes!
Leng Xixi is the only one I can't access. I only have a goodwill rating, but no missions are assigned to her, and I can't click on her to see her specific attributes!
Unexpectedly, a yellow exclamation mark appeared out of nowhere at this moment!

Finally, we'll know her true identity!

Su Mo couldn't help but get excited. He took a deep breath and clicked the exclamation mark without hesitation!

then……

[Cold? ? ?]: Fengming Division Hundred-Household Officer? ? ? (20%)

Su Mo exclaimed, "Holy crap!"
A neurotic system, just amusing itself?

Does it think this is an online game?
The level difference is too great, and I can't see all the boss's information?
Su Mo was speechless!

However, based on the system's introduction of Leng Xixi, it can be confirmed that Leng Xixi's surname is indeed Leng, and she is undoubtedly a member of the royal family, while the name Xixi is almost certainly fake.

Furthermore, she is indeed a centurion of the Fengming Division, but she holds a hidden official position.

Judging from the Empress's trust in her and Nangong Sheyue's attitude towards her.

Su Mo estimated that the three question marks were almost certainly the commanding officer of the Phoenix Cry Division, the head of the largest intelligence agency in the Great Wu Dynasty!
He is indeed a super big boss!

My gaze shifted downwards, landing on the task details.

Let's take a look at what the task entails first.

[Cold? ? ?]: Fengming Division Hundred-Household Officer? ? ? (20%)

[Task]: Chief Examiner
[Requirement]: Help Leng? ? to obtain the position of chief examiner for the Immortal Martial Arts Grand Examination (Soul-Fixing Realm).

[Hint]: Grand Secretary Xiao Yuan and Grand Secretary Yuan Xingdao of the Star Gazing Hall are also eyeing this position!
[Hint]: Zhang Heng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and Zou Hou, the Physician of the Five Observatories, have a deep-seated hatred for each other and have vowed to kill him!
[Hint]: Something seems to be buried in the backyard of the Fu family's residence, Shilipo, outside the city.

[Rewards]: Favorability +5%! Grain production in Lonely Peak County permanently increased by 20%! Chi Wulei conquest objective activated!
Upon seeing the mission details, Su Mo was dumbfounded!
Is the system sure it's not joking with me?

How could I possibly influence the selection of the chief examiners for the Immortal Martial Arts Grand Examination?
Although the Immortal Martial Arts Examination is not as prestigious as the Imperial Examination, it is still one of the two paths for everyone to enter the court as an official!

Especially the chief examiner of the Soul-Stabilizing Realm Grand Examination!

Looking at Lin Moyin's current official position, one can understand the importance of the Immortal Martial Arts Tournament!
Lord Qianhu entered officialdom through the Immortal Martial Arts Examination!

The chief examiner of the Immortal Martial Arts Grand Examination can select dozens or even hundreds of Grand Martial Officials to become his disciples, so that a large number of officials will fight for him in the future!
Whether it's the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites, or the Assistant Minister of the Five Offices and Spiritual Terrace, they are all official positions of the fifth rank!
The system allowed him to intervene and influence the appointment of such an important examiner?

What a joke!
I'm just a nobody!
Didn't you see that the mastermind behind the competition for this position is a true martial arts giant like the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and the Grand Academician of the Star Gazing Hall?

Who do I think I am compared to them? Not even a hair on their head!

Su Mo felt her throat was a little dry!
However, Leng Xixi's ability to compete with the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and the Grand Academician of the Star Gazing Hall for this position shows that she is a super big shot on the same level as Xiao Yuan and Yuan Xingdao!

The thigh I'm holding is a bit thick!

Su Mo swallowed hard again!

No wonder we can't see all of her information.

The boss level is a bit too high, the difference is quite large!
Even with the system's assistance, I'm afraid there's still a long way to go before I can surpass her official rank!
Just as Su Mo was sighing, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and his gaze fell back on the name of the handsome and intelligent man, Zou Hou.

This name seems so familiar!

Ok?
Who is the powerful backer of the Fu family in Yong'an Prefecture?
Su Mo took a deep breath, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes!
The man who coveted his beloved concubine Liu Siyun!

Is the system trying to take revenge on itself?
Of course, even if there was no grudge, Su Mo still wanted to get rid of Zou Hou, because the system rewards were quite generous!

A 5% favorability rating for the cold-hearted girl is not a small amount.

After all, it's extremely difficult to raise the favorability of this super boss; the higher the favorability rating, the harder it is to raise!
Grain production in the Gufeng Mountain fiefdom will permanently increase by 20%!

Needless to say, combined with the extremely high base yield of sweet potatoes, it's a miracle product!
The final pool of the "No Tears" strategy has been activated!
During this period, Su Mo met quite a few women.

For example, there are Jiang Lan, Yin Rou, Meng Danying, the black-armored female knight, etc., but no romanceable characters have appeared.

Is there a limit to the number of targets the system can target?
Do I need to complete a task to activate a new objective?

Su Mo couldn't be sure about that, but there was no doubt that Chi Wulei would definitely be activated!

He's a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel!
Having connections in the imperial court makes it easier to become an official. If these "connections" are from the Ministry of Personnel, then becoming an official is even easier!

The Ministry of Personnel is the top-ranking government office among the Six Ministries. The Director of the Ministry of Personnel is only below the Minister of Personnel and the Left and Right Vice Ministers, making him undoubtedly a powerful figure!

By then, the Empress will have no one to rely on, and with Lin Moyin and Nangong Sheyue in charge of the two intelligence agencies, and the Minister of Personnel protecting her in the court.

Who would dare to touch a single hair on my head?

……

When Leng Liuxi saw Su Mo looking at her with a strange expression, his gaze seemingly fixed on her hair bun, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she subconsciously touched her hair bun.

She didn't wear her phoenix crown!
What are you looking at, Su Mo?

She forgot to feign pitifulness and blinked suspiciously, asking, "Why does my lord look at me like that?"

Nangong Sheyue remained silent.

Su Mo seems to be restless unless he's courting death.

Is the Empress allowed to stare like that? If it were anyone else, wouldn't they be charged with a grave offense of disrespect?

Su Mo then came to her senses.

Even though everyone knew that Leng Xixi was a super big boss, judging from her demeanor, it was really hard to associate her with those unapproachable high-ranking officials and ministers.

He coughed and said, "No, I was just thinking about something and lost in thought for a moment."

He immediately changed the subject, sounding indignant, and said, "You said earlier that someone was bullying you in the court?"

"Who is so bold!"

"I will gather my men tomorrow and teach him a lesson!"

Leng Liuxi's attention was immediately drawn back to Su Mo, her pretty face relaxed, and she smiled sweetly, "Okay!"

"I thank you, my lord, for your help in avenging me."

After pausing, she thoughtfully offered Su Mo a suggestion: "Young master, you can lead men to lie in ambush near Chongfu Temple in Xiuxiangfang. They will pass through there after court."

“My lord, give them a good beating. Don’t give me any face.”

Su Mo...

Lord Leng went too far, playing by his own rules, leaving Su Xiaoren at a loss for how to respond!
After a moment of silence, Su Xiaoren gave an awkward smile: "Lord Leng, can we pretend I didn't say what I said before?"

Seeing Leng Liuxi's pretty face immediately turn resentful.

Su Mo said helplessly, "This humble servant is just a lowly centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Even if I wanted to, how could I possibly help Lord Leng?"

"Your Excellency enjoys the deep trust of His Majesty, why not seek His Majesty's advice?"

Leng Liuxi sighed: "I am weak and powerless, and so is Your Majesty."

"Don't really think that His Majesty can ignore his ministers and act arbitrarily."

"For this Immortal Martial Arts Grand Examination, His Majesty intends to appoint Chi Wulei, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, as the chief examiner of the Soul-Fixing Examination."

"But the ministers all said that Lord Chi was not qualified enough and strongly opposed it. His Majesty was helpless and hoped that I could think of a solution."

She paused, her beautiful eyes looking at Su Mo with eager eyes: "Alas, I am also at a loss for what to do."

"My lord is always wise; could you please give me some pointers?"

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat!
Sure enough!

The Empress is cultivating her own faction.

Su Mo had actually heard Lin Moyin mention Chi Wulei before.

It wasn't because of her high official rank, but because she was one of the few female officials in the court, and the top scholar in the special imperial examination held by the Empress!
Since the Empress ascended the throne, in just five short years, he rose from Hanlin Compiler to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, becoming a key minister of the Empress's faction!
No wonder the court officials strongly opposed Chi Wulei serving as the chief examiner of the Immortal Martial Arts Tournament!

Su Mo looked at the mission prompt again.

A minor official certainly couldn't influence such an important court appointment.

It all comes down to the system.

The system message was very clear.

Zhang Heng and Zou Hou were sworn enemies.

He instigated a power struggle between Zhang Heng and Zou Hou, then let Chi Wulei reap the benefits.

Considering the relationship between Zou Hou and the Fu family, the backyard of the Fu family mansion must be hiding evidence of Zou Hou's crimes, almost certainly involving illicit funds!
The problem is, how can I offer suggestions to someone as cold and indifferent as I am?
Seeing that Leng Xixi was still looking at him, Su Mo smiled wryly and said, "Lord Leng thinks too highly of me."

"Such important matters of the court are not something that a lowly centurion like myself can interfere with."

Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi felt a slight sense of disappointment.

But think about it.

Even though Su Mo was resourceful, he knew very little about court affairs, so what could he do to deal with those cunning and treacherous officials?
This is not about researching bicycle tricks or running a restaurant or other similar businesses.

I've made things too difficult for Su Mo.

Forget it.

Let them give way.

I was indeed a bit impatient.

Chi Wulei had only been a junior official in the Ministry of Personnel for a year.

He wanted to take this opportunity to recruit the talents of this year's Immortal Martial Arts Tournament and, incidentally, promote Chi Wulei to the position of Left or Right Attendant.

How could those cunning and treacherous court officials not see through it, and how could they possibly do as they wished!
Just as the Empress sighed inwardly, preparing to give up on the idea...

Su Mo suddenly said, "However..."

The Empress was taken aback. Judging from his tone, could it be that he really did have a solution?
She couldn't help but ask, "But how?"

Su Mo smiled casually, "There are many talented people in the court, and there are certainly many qualified to serve as examiners." "I think that Lord Leng might as well wait for them to put forward their candidates first, and then try to add Lord Chi Wulei to the list. With your abilities, I believe it will not be difficult."

Leng Liuxi's pretty eyes lit up slightly: "Please continue, my lord, I am listening!"

Su Mo nodded and said, "My lord, you can use the strategy of 'openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang' from the Thirty-Six Stratagems!"

Leng Liuxi raised an eyebrow slightly: "Thirty-six stratagems?"

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat.

Surely they don't even have all thirty-six stratagems?

But having too many lice doesn't mean you're immune to bites: "Uh... that's what the old man with the white beard said."

"The superior first shows weakness, indicating that the candidate he proposed is merely a foil."

"We will do everything in our power to help the disadvantaged obtain this position!"

Leng Liuxi and Nangong Sheyue immediately became suspicious.

Seeing the Empress's signal, Nangong Sheyue immediately asked in a cooperative manner, "I don't understand."

"If the person they nominated gets the position of chief examiner, wouldn't His Majesty's favorite, Lord Chi, really be relegated to a supporting role?"

Su Mo said calmly, "May I ask, if the imperial court were to recommend chief examiners, how many would be eligible?"

Nangong Sheyue glanced at the Empress subconsciously and saw that the Empress's fair hand quietly emerged from her sleeve, holding up three jade fingers.

She immediately replied, "At most three people!"

Su Mo nodded and then said, "I have heard that the selection of the chief examiner will be decided within five days of the grand examination!"

"My lord, you are the commander of the Fengming Division. If at this time, you suddenly hear that someone has reported the chief examiner for suspected misconduct..."

Nangong Sheyue's pretty face suddenly darkened, and she shouted sharply, "How dare you!"

"Isn't this slandering an official of the imperial court?"

Su Mo's expression turned serious: "My lord, you are mistaken!"

"This humble servant never said I would slander the officials of the imperial court!"

"The Phoenix Cry Division and the Embroidered Uniform Guard monitor all officials on behalf of His Majesty. If they hear of any reports of corruption among court officials, they will naturally investigate thoroughly and clear your name!"

"This humble servant also believes in the integrity of His Excellency and will firmly refuse the important task of the Immortal Martial Arts Trial to demonstrate his innocence!"

He paused, then gave an example: "For instance, Liu Siyun, who lives in my residence, once told me that the fifth-rank Lingtai Lang of the Imperial Observatory had been having close ties with the people from the Fu family's residence outside the city, and was suspected of embezzlement and bribery."

"This humble servant is preparing to investigate this matter. I will not allow anyone to slander an important official of the court. If the matter is found to be false, I will punish this gossipy woman severely!"

Nangong Sheyue's expression instantly turned strange.

Just as she was about to speak, Leng Liuxi suddenly frowned and asked, "Isn't there another candidate?"

"Are you going to resort to the same old trick? That would be far too obvious!"

Su Mo smiled and said, "What if the person who is not selected has a royal decree on their side?"

"For example, traveling outside the capital to inspect local areas."

He looked at Leng Liuxi with a half-smile: "Could it be that he dares to refuse His Majesty's imperial decree?"

A sharp glint flashed in Leng Liuxi's eyes: "In that case, time is of the essence, and there's no time to make another selection. Two of the three are already gone, so Lord Chi has to take their place?"

The Empress narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly and gave Su Mo a deep look: "Is this the strategy of 'openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang' that you mentioned in the Thirty-Six Stratagems?"

"Could you tell me the remaining thirty-five strategies, my lord?"

Su Mo quickly explained, "I was young and ignorant back then. Although I heard the old man with the white beard talk about the Thirty-Six Stratagems, I have forgotten most of them."

"If I ever run into that old man again, I'll definitely get to the bottom of this!"

Nangong Shoots the Moon...

Empress...

After a moment of silence.

The Empress smiled and said, "It's getting late, my lord, please rest well in the palace."

"It would be inconvenient for me and Lord Nangong to stay here any longer, so I will not disturb your rest any longer."

She thought for a moment, then took out a token from her sleeve and handed it to Su Mo: "This is a token for entering and leaving the palace. Please keep it safe, my lord, and do not lose it."

"If I am unable to come tomorrow morning due to other matters, my lord may take this token and leave through the Xuanwu Gate on his own."

Su Mo was immediately dumbfounded.

Should I leave on my own?

What if I accidentally bump into the Empress?
Before he could ask a question, Leng Liuxi gave him a slight bow and then hurriedly left with Nangong Sheyue!

……

"Minister Nangong, what do you think of Su Mo's plan?"

As soon as she stepped out of the Linhu Palace, Leng Liuxi instantly transformed back into the ruthless and imposing Empress Wu.

After pausing, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Su Mo is truly remarkable. Not only is he skilled in various secret arts and his talent unparalleled, but he is also extremely adept at the intrigues and deceit in the imperial court!"

"I increasingly desire him to serve as a court official, to lend me a helping hand in court!"

"But this fellow refuses to serve as a court official, which infuriates me!"

Nangong Sheyue dared not accept such a suggestion and quickly replied, "This humble subject believes that Su Mo's plan is feasible."

"But what if the court officials find out about this..."

Leng Liuxi said calmly, "If they really commit crimes, the court officials will naturally have nothing to say!"

She paused slightly: "Xiao Yuan's side will likely put forward Zhang Heng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, while Yuan Xingdao prefers Zou Hou, the Assistant Minister of the Five Observatories."

"You should focus your investigation on that Zou Hou!"

As she spoke, the Empress paused, then asked suspiciously, "By the way! Why did Su Mo suddenly bring up this fifth-rank Spirit Platform Gentleman?"

"Did you also mention the Fu family mansion outside the city?"

"How did he know that Yuan Xingdao would recommend Zou Hou?"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "This humble subject believes that this is a coincidence!"

"Lord Su... seems to have had some disagreements with Lord Zou?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress immediately became curious: "Besides having a grudge against the Imperial Brother-in-law, does he also have a grudge against Zou Hou?"

Nangong Sheyue: "Your Majesty, I have discovered that the Fu family once planned to offer Liu Siyun to Lord Zou as a concubine!"

Empress...

This Su Mo is truly a person who holds grudges and seeks revenge.

This is like putting eye drops on Zou Hou.

He probably didn't know that, by sheer coincidence, Zou Hou would be pushed forward by Yuan Xingdao!

Leng Liuxi thought for a moment and said calmly, "Investigate Zou Hou thoroughly!"

As he spoke, his face darkened, and he snorted angrily, "That guy never tells the truth. He commits the crime of deceiving the emperor every day. He's utterly despicable!"

"You used to tell me you couldn't understand military strategy, and now you've come up with Sun Tzu's Art of War and the Thirty-Six Stratagems!"

"What infuriates me even more is that, despite having such profound military strategies to read and practice, he is too lazy to even look at them!"

She turned to look at Nangong Sheyue: "Isn't it infuriating, my dear minister!"

Nangong Sheyue was silent for a moment, then nodded emphatically and said, "It's infuriating!"

The empress grew angrier as she spoke: "What angers me the most is that he clearly remembers a lot of things, yet he refuses to tell me!"

She frowned, then looked at Nangong Sheyue: "My dear minister, do you have a way to make him honestly tell me everything?"

Nangong Sheyue was speechless.

It's best for me to stay out of Su Mo's business with His Majesty.

He'll get what's coming to him, but he won't die.

If you court death, you really will die!
Just as she was about to say that she had no solution either, she suddenly paused and realized that she had actually come up with a solution!
"Your Majesty, Lord Su's calligraphy is truly appalling. Why not have him practice calligraphy more?"

Leng Liuxi's pretty eyes lit up instantly: "Yes!"

"This fellow often secretly writes in pamphlets. If we make him practice calligraphy more, he'll definitely practice books he knows by heart. He might even write down the Thirty-Six Stratagems and Sun Tzu's Art of War in those pamphlets. Then I can sneak into his study and peek at them..."

Lord Nangong wants to say that Your Majesty is wrong.

But I dare not say it!

The Empress suddenly felt pleased and took off a jade pendant from her waist, handing it to Nangong Sheyue: "This jade pendant is a reward for my beloved minister!"

Consider this compensation for taking your bicycle!

"Furthermore, my dear minister, you should spend more time with Su Mo in the future and try to obtain Sun Tzu's Art of War and the Thirty-Six Stratagems from him!"

The Empress thought about it more and more and felt that the plan was feasible. She couldn't help but get excited and raised her voice: "With such a two-pronged approach, I refuse to believe that I can't get the knowledge out of this guy!"

……

　Here's 5,000 words to make up for the 2,000+ words I missed yesterday!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)