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

Chapter 241 Seeking Help from the White Snake Spirit!
Knowing that Su Mo had arrived at the artisan camp, the slender young woman naturally came to pay her respects to her master immediately.

When Su Mo saw Yin Rou, this model worker, her pretty face full of fatigue, her hair slightly messy and unkempt, he couldn't help but sigh.

Normally, after a woman gets married, she is expected to stay at home and manage household affairs, and rarely goes out.

Even as a female official, it was impossible for her to stay out all night.

Yin Rou treated the artisan camp as her home, not only staying there at night, but Su Mo also never saw her ask for leave to go home.

Su Mo first inquired about the situation of the artisan camp.

Everything went as Su Mo had predicted, and production was on track. Bicycle production reached ten units per day, and rickshaw production reached twenty units per day.

These two products alone can bring in three thousand taels a day for the artisan battalion, and after deducting costs, the profit is over two thousand taels.

Of course, about half of this money should go to Nangong Sheyue (the Empress).

Su Mo felt much better.

At this rate, my total assets will exceed 100,000 taels in less than a month!

Yin Rou told Su Mo about the bicycles and rickshaws, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Teacher, the Artisan Battalion's business is getting bigger and bigger, but the manpower is a little insufficient..."

"Bicycles and rickshaws accounted for 90% of the workforce, so the production of four-wheeled carriages had to be temporarily suspended."

"Although the disciples recruited some mountain women and children to manufacture simple parts, it was still difficult to increase production..."

As she spoke, she bit her lip slightly: "Teacher, could you perhaps slightly increase the size of the artisan battalion to maintain daily production?"

Yin Rou naturally knew that the teacher had taken over the artisan battalion.

Expanding the size of the artisan battalion was just a matter of a word from Su Mo.

In Yin Rou's view, the fact that her teacher entrusted her with full responsibility for the artisan battalion was a sign of his high regard for and cultivation of her.

Don't underestimate yourself just because you're a lowly officer in the Phoenix Cry Division, seemingly marginalized and unable to participate in the division's daily affairs.

But which junior officer of the Phoenix Cry Division said that he could see Commander Zuo if he said he wanted to?

Yin Rou naturally knew how many people in Fengming Division envied her immensely.

As long as the artisan battalion is managed well, there shouldn't be any problem in the future for him to be promoted to centurion of the Fengming Division!

Seeing the young woman's eager and expectant gaze, Su Mo nodded: "The craftsmen's battalion is indeed a bit short-handed with only this many people. I will arrange for more people to come later and set up an auxiliary craftsmen's battalion outside the main craftsmen's battalion."

He paused, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed that Yin Rou had dark circles under her eyes. He then said, "I should remain in the camp for the next few days."

"Would you like to ask for a few days' leave and go back to the city to rest for a while?"

Yin Rou's eyes lit up immediately, and she blurted out, "Teacher, are you going to stay at the Craftsmen's Camp for a few days?"

Seeing Su Mo nod, she immediately and without hesitation said, "This disciple does not need to ask for leave!"

"Disciple...disciple wishes to stay by Master's side and serve Master!"

Su Mo looked at Yin Rou speechlessly: "Since that's the case, I won't force you."

"However, you need to pay attention to rest in the future and avoid overworking. Work is never-ending, and a balance between work and rest is the key to improving work efficiency."

Yin Rou nodded gently: "Disciple understands."

Su Mo sighed.

Later generations of bosses would be overjoyed to have such incompetent employees.

He himself advised others to rest; he is not a qualified, heartless capitalist.

He could only say, "Send someone to inform Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi to come over, and then go to the back courtyard for a good night's sleep!"

Yin Rou: "Teacher, your disciple..."

Su Mo straightened his face and said without waiting for a reply, "I still need you to keep an eye on the artisan battalion!"

"Several thousand people will arrive later. If they don't get proper rest, how will they manage them for me in the future?"

The young woman was dumbfounded.

Thousands of people?
All under one's own management?

Can a mere flag officer really manage so many people?
……

Upon hearing the summons, Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi naturally came running over eagerly.

Zhou Dashu, in particular, is extremely excited right now.

Yesterday, I finally managed to accumulate enough points for him and got him a new title of Colonel. He was instantly promoted from a lowly person to a court official. It was as if his ancestors' graves had been set on fire.

If Su Mo told him to die, he would probably slit his throat without hesitation.

After all, the descendants of someone of low social status are still of low social status, while his current descendants are eligible to become officials!

It is said that Lord Su used to be a clerk in the yamen and a strongman in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, not even as good as this captain!

Sacrificing one person for the happiness of a family and the benefit of future generations is worthwhile!

"Greetings, Lord Su! What are your orders, Lord Su?" Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi asked, vying to curry favor with Su Mo.

Su Mo smiled at the two men: "You look quite well. I happen to have two items that I need you to make for me!"

"If it is successfully built, I will reward you handsomely!"

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu's eyes suddenly lit up, and their breathing became heavy.

They all knew that Lord Su was eloquent and had never deceived them, the craftsmen, and that his rewards were incredibly generous!

Su Mo then pulled out two stacks of blueprints: "These are blueprints for copper movable type and Su's spinning machine."

"Do you think you can build it?"

There is no Jenny in this world, only Su Mo, so Jenny's spinning machine should naturally be changed to Su's spinning machine.

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu quickly and respectfully accepted the blueprints with both hands, then spread them out on the table and began to examine them carefully.

The lines on the drawing are finer and clearer than those drawn with charcoal.

Su Mo finally managed to get the pencil out.

This little thing doesn't take much effort.

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu were both master craftsmen. In ancient times, master craftsmen were usually proficient in one specialty but also had multiple skills. Now, they have also learned to read and write and to do mathematics, which has greatly improved their skills.

The two carefully examined the blueprints, discussed them in hushed tones, and then Ding Bashi nodded emphatically, patting his chest assuring Su Mo, "Sir, we can make this spinning machine and copper movable type!"

Zhou Dashu added, "I used to make spinning machines."

"Sir, your spinning machine is a bit complicated, but it can be made. However, it is slightly different from ordinary spinning machines. You will need to relearn how to spin yarn properly."

After pausing, Zhou Dashu continued, "Polymer copper is a delicate craft. It requires first creating a clay mold, then pouring in molten copper, and it will take some time to complete."

Su Mo nodded: "Let's build one spinning machine first, and have the women in the camp who know how to spin test it to see if there's any room for improvement!"

"If you can improve upon these blueprints and increase efficiency, I will reward you handsomely!"

"The number of copper movable type pieces should be made according to the frequency of the characters used in daily life. If you don't know how, you can ask a woodblock engraver to come to the camp to help with the work."

"The same applies to ink formulations."

"If it can be improved, the effect will be even better, and I will not hesitate to reward you!"

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu nodded excitedly.

Su Mo continued, "You all should work well for me. In a few days, I will send three thousand men to the artisan battalion, and you will each be allowed to select three hundred to work in the blacksmith's workshop and the carpentry workshop!"

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu gasped.

So, I'll be an official managing hundreds of people from now on?

After Su Mo finished giving his instructions, he was about to dismiss the two men when Ding Bashi hurriedly said, "Lord Su, my little rascal... he made a spring bed. Could you send it to your residence?"

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated.

Ding Bashi got addicted to flattering people.

After receiving the official appointment, he became more refined in his speech.

But I must say, this flattery made Su Mo feel quite comfortable.

He thought for a moment and said, "There's no need to send it to my residence. Sending it to the back of the government office will suffice. It will be perfect for Officer Yin's daily rest."

Ding Bashi hurriedly replied, "I understand!"

"I will deliver it to Lord Yin right away!"

He paused, then added with a fawning smile, "Don't worry, sir!"

"If Lord Ruolin, Lord Nangong, and Lord Leng ask, I will say that I offered it to Lord Yin voluntarily, and it has nothing to do with Lord Su!"

Su Mo gathered his strength from his dantian and his voice boomed like thunder: "Get out!"

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu hurriedly grabbed the blueprints and scrambled out of the government office!

Su Mo's face turned ashen.

Why would someone need the Empress, the Lady, and Lord Nangong's approval to give their subordinate a spring mattress?

What a joke!
After drinking away Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu, Su Mo went to the study.

The geomancers from the Bureau of Geography also built a sand table here at the government office, which was more detailed and exquisite than the one at Gufeng Mountain, even including the artisan soldiers' camp.

Su Mo carefully examined the terrain of the sand table, focusing her attention on the area near the Five Dragon Pool.

Finally, he spread out the Xuan paper, picked up a pencil, and began to sketch and write. His own villa was simply built near the hot springs of Wulongtan.

Su Mo planned to build fortresses on several surrounding high hills to protect the core of his fiefdom.

Blockhouses and fortified positions must also be set up at various passes and passages.

Once the fiefdom is completed, the key research and development departments of the artisan battalion can be transferred to the fiefdom for better secrecy.

What troubled Su Mo the most was whether or not to build city walls or enclosures according to the terrain to seal off the fiefdom.

After thinking about it, I decided to give up.

The workload is too large.

Su Mo put down his pencil and looked at the drawing again.

The initial construction should proceed without any major issues. If any problems arise, modifications can be made during the actual construction phase.

Just as he stretched and prepared to go to the back courtyard to see if Yin Rou had woken up.

Suddenly, shouts and sounds of fighting erupted outside the government office.

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat.

The artisan battalion is guarded by the Dragon Guard. Who would dare to cause trouble here and start a fight?

Could it be someone from the Heavenly Mother Cult coming to seek revenge?
Just as Su Mo was about to draw his Dragon Whip as a precaution, a white light flashed at the gate of the government office.

Su Mo looked closely and saw a giant snake, as thick as an arm and as long as six or seven meters, quickly slithering into the main hall of the government office!
Su Mo was immediately taken aback.

The giant snake rolled on the ground, and in an incredibly magical transformation, a beautiful young woman appeared, completely naked.

The woman, now in human form, had a look of terror on her pretty face. Upon seeing Su Mo, she hurriedly rushed towards him, crying out urgently, "My lord, save me!"

Su Mo stared in disbelief at the white snake spirit, whose body was as smooth as jade, without any flaws, whose figure was absolutely perfect, and whose appearance was delicate and pretty.

I've finally learned something new!

It has finally been confirmed that the storylines in previous TV dramas where monsters could transform into human form and even change their clothes were complete nonsense!

When a monster transforms into human form, it cannot conjure clothes!

Even Su Mo, who had seen countless women, couldn't help but swallow hard when he saw the White Snake Spirit's incredibly graceful and beautiful figure.

Seeing the white snake spirit about to pounce on him, Su Mo subconsciously reached out and pushed his most prominent area, feeling an excellent sensation, then took two steps back: "Stand still!"

The white snake spirit stopped, but still cried out in terror, "My lord, save my life!"

Footsteps could be heard coming from outside.

Su Mo frowned, took off his robe, and let the white snake spirit put it on.

As soon as the White Snake Demon put on her robes, more than a dozen Dragon Guard soldiers wielding long swords rushed into the hall.

Upon seeing Su Mo wearing only his undergarments, and the white snake spirit hiding behind him, the soldiers were immediately taken aback.

The squad leader hesitated for a moment, then looked at Su Mo with his knife in hand: "Lord Su... are you alright?"

Although they didn't know Su Mo's true background, they did know the origins of Lord Nangong, who frequently visited the artisan camp.

Xiahou Yi, the trial commander of the Longxiang Guard, was very respectful to Su Mo!

The Longxiang Guard soldiers naturally dared not disrespect Su Mo!

Su Mo waved his hand: "I have nothing to do. You all go out first and guard outside the government office!"

The squad leader glanced at the white snake spirit behind Su Mo and quickly replied, "Yes, sir!"

"This subordinate will lead men to guard outside, and will not allow anyone to enter or leave the government office. If you have any orders, sir, just give a shout!"

After saying this, he led the soldiers out of the government office hall.

After dismissing the soldiers, Su Mo turned to look at the White Snake Demon, his brows furrowed, and asked in a deep voice, "What exactly happened?"

The white snake spirit was beautiful but pale, her body still trembling: "I was eating in the thatched hut when suddenly a sword light pierced through the wall. Fortunately, I dodged in time and was not killed by the sword light!"

"The sword light relentlessly pursued me, and I had nowhere to escape but to flee to the garrison headquarters of the artisans and soldiers, seeking your protection, sir."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo's face immediately darkened.

The White Snake Spirit lives in Lonely Peak Mountain.

Gufeng Mountain was its own fiefdom, and it had long ago erected steles and signs at various points along the mountain path to prohibit outsiders from entering.

Anyone who dares to come to my fiefdom to kill someone... well, killing a demon counts too.

After all, in Su Mo's eyes, the White Snake Spirit was already one of his own, and he would have to make her a guardian beast of the mountain in the future, to protect the fiefdom and drive away rats and insects.

More importantly, the White Snake Spirit is very valuable.

Coming to hunt down the White Snake Demon is tantamount to coming to steal my money, isn't it?
Su Mo inquired about the origin of the sword light.

However, the sword light was sharp and fierce. The White Snake Demon was only concerned with fleeing in panic and could not even see the sword light clearly. She did not know where the sword light came from or who fired it!
Su Mo frowned.

Despite her disheveled appearance, the White Snake Demon's cultivation over hundreds of years meant her strength might not be inferior to his.

With just one sword strike, the opponent forced the White Snake Demon to flee for her life, demonstrating that their strength far surpassed her own!
It seems that only true masters like Nangong Sheyue and the Empress can subdue the enemy.

As for my own commander...

Let's forget about it. If something goes wrong, we'll regret it!
Just as Su Mo was pondering the other party's background, the squad leader who had left suddenly re-entered the hall: "Reporting to Lord Su, General Xiahou Yi has arrived outside the government office and requests an audience with you!"

Su Mo said in a deep voice, "Quickly, invite General Xiahou!"

Xiahou Yiding came for this matter.

Sure enough, not long after, Xiahou Yi, fully armored and holding a bright silver spear, strode into the hall.

Seeing that Su Mo was indeed unharmed as the soldiers had said, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew about Su Mo's relationship with the Empress.

If something were to happen to Su Mo in the artisan camp he was in charge of guarding, how could a mere trial commander like him possibly bear the wrath of the Empress!

After Xiahou Yi breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze naturally fell on the white snake spirit.

Seeing that the white snake spirit was wearing a blue robe that dragged on the ground for a long time, a strange look flashed in his eyes.

She then cupped her hands in greeting to Su Mo and said, "Lord Su, a woman has come from outside the camp. She says that a demonic snake has escaped into the artisan camp and she wants to enter the camp to exorcise it!"

"This general ordered his men to block them outside the camp."

He paused, glanced at the white snake spirit again, and then laughed, "I didn't expect the snake demon to have a past with Lord Su. I was worried for nothing. I'll order someone to drive that woman away right now!"

Su Mo snorted: "This man has some nerve! How dare he trespass into my fiefdom!"

"I will go with General Xiahou to meet this man and see what his background is!"

Xiahou Yi hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "Lord Su, this man seems to be quite powerful. I'm afraid I'm no match for him."

He was naturally worried that something unexpected might happen and didn't want Su Mo to leave the camp.

Su Mo waved his hand: "We are officials of the imperial court, why should we be afraid of a mere woman!"

Xiahou Yi thought about it and agreed.

If that person were truly lawless, why would he obediently wait outside the mountain pass?

It seems he's afraid of the government.

As long as the other party fears the imperial court, Xiahou Yi's courage immediately rises.

He laughed heartily and said, "Lord Su, you have quite the nerve! This general will accompany you to meet that woman!"

After a pause, Xiahou Yi added, "Just in case... Lord Su's clothes are not in order, why don't you get a set of armor to change into?"

Su Mo nodded: "That's how it should be."

Xiahou Yi waved for a guard to enter and ordered him to remove his armor and put it on Su Mo.

Su Mo instructed the white snake spirit to wait at the government office, and then walked out of the government office with Xiahou Yi.

As soon as they stepped out of the gate, they saw Ding Bashi leading Ding Xiaochui and others, holding steel knives and guarding outside the government office.

A little further away, Zhou Dashu was leading seventy or eighty young and strong craftsmen, carrying a jumble of weapons such as sickles, hoes, and picks, rushing over anxiously.

Su Mo glanced at Ding Bashi.

This guy is certainly loyal in protecting her.

The other artisan soldiers were also grateful. Hearing the commotion, they were afraid something might happen to them, so they immediately came to their aid!

Seeing Su Mo looking at him with a hint of approval in his eyes, Ding Bashi trembled with excitement and quickly stepped forward: "Sir, are you alright?"

His gaze fell on Su Mo's armor, and he immediately added, "Your armor doesn't fit you very well!"

"The blacksmith specially made a set of armor for you, sir. Why don't you try it on and see if it fits?"

Su Mo hesitated for a moment: "Is it appropriate?"

Ding Bashi grinned: "Sir, you are tall and mighty, and ordinary armor is uncomfortable to wear, but the armor I made will definitely not have any problems."

As he spoke, he quickly gave Ding Xiaochui, that brat, a wink.

Ding Xiaochui has become much smarter, it seems he has been listening to Old Chui's teachings a lot lately. He quickly ran back to the craftsmen's camp and brought Su Mo a set of black armor that looked unusually heavy.

(End of this chapter)