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

Chapter 279 The Imperial Tutor Interferes in Court Politics! Empress's Intimacy Quest!

Upon hearing the Empress say that she would come to become her disciple tonight, Su Mo frowned.

"My lord, is it necessary to be in such a hurry?" Su Mo looked at Leng Liuxi with a frustrated expression. "I just returned from Wanghai County. I didn't even get to drink a few sips of tea after returning home before I was imprisoned in the Dali Temple!"

As he spoke, he felt thirsty again, so he picked up the Empress's teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing Su Mo's eager expression, the Empress covered her mouth and chuckled, "This concubine needs to hurry!"

"What if Su Lang reneges on his promise later and refuses to accept me as his disciple?"

Su Mo was speechless.

However, he also understood that the Empress was looking for a protective charm for herself!

If he wants to fight the Wang family, he can't rely on his own strength alone, but without a powerful enough identity, it won't be easy to win over allies.

Despite his numerous titles, none of them were actually intimidating to the high-ranking officials in the imperial court!

After all, Su Mo's official rank was low, only a ninth-rank clerk!

No matter how high an official in the Embroidered Uniform Guard rises, they are still considered lowly in the eyes of the court officials.

Promotion of court officials is not something the Empress can decide. Just because she wants Su Mo to work in the cabinet doesn't mean the court officials will agree to let Su Mo become a Grand Secretary.

In this situation, the Imperial Tutor is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.

Since ancient times, the status of the Imperial Tutor has been undeniably noble, comparable to that of the royal family, and was enough to rival that of the royal family.

The key point is that even a commoner can become an imperial tutor. For example, when Wu Taizong was the crown prince, he studied under many great scholars who were not commoners.

With this identity, even though Su Mo is only a ninth-rank official now, his future career is bound to be limitless, and he will naturally have enough confidence to fight against the Wang family.

His status as the Imperial Tutor also made the Wang family wary, and they dared not easily use methods outside the rules to deal with Su Mo!
Thinking of this, Su Mo nodded: "Tonight it is!"

"If there is nothing else for you, sir, I will go back and make some preparations."

After speaking, Su Mo hesitated for a moment, but still couldn't help asking, "May I ask, sir, is it Leng Xixi who is to become your disciple, or His Majesty?"

The Empress said to bring six gifts, which meant a formal apprenticeship, unlike Yin Rou who had the title but no real apprenticeship. Su Mo naturally had to treat this seriously as well.

The Empress blinked: "How about Leng Liuxi?"

Su Mo nodded: "Then I will await Your Majesty's arrival!"

It's good that Leng Liuxi became an apprentice.

In this way, he probably won't be forced to marry her in the future, and he can also give Lin Moyin and the others an explanation.

In fact, even if Su Mo were to marry someone, he would only marry Leng Xixi, not Leng Liuxi.

She can take it or leave it!
There's absolutely no way I'd marry into the royal family!

Just as Su Mo was about to take his leave, the Empress suddenly frowned and asked without warning, "What does Su Lang think of Ye Wenshan?"

Su Mo was taken aback by the Empress's sudden question.

The matter of Ip Man Shan is naturally very sensitive.

As a veteran of three reigns, he followed Emperor Wu Taizu in conquering the Great Wu Empire, making countless contributions and achieving remarkable feats. He was once considered to be at the pinnacle of officialdom, in charge of such an important department as the Imperial Observatory.

Such a veteran who served three dynasties made a mistake on the most crucial issue!

Using the stars to imply that the Empress's ascension to the throne was illegitimate, from the Empress's perspective, killing his entire clan would not be an exaggeration. Naturally, he should be immediately stripped of all his official titles and imprisoned in the Northern Garrison!

In the end, the Empress only transferred him from the Northern Garrison Prison to the Dali Temple Prison.

Su Mo dared not answer questions involving imperial power and the throne casually!

The idea of ​​releasing Ye Wenshan was something I never even dared to consider!
Does this indirectly agree with Ip Man Shan's view that the Empress's throne was illegitimate?

Su Mo pondered for a moment, then frowned and looked at the Empress: "Why did you suddenly ask about Ye Wenshan, my lady?"

The Empress rubbed her forehead and snorted, "This Ye Wenshan really annoys me!"

Her pretty face darkened slightly: "I entrusted him with important responsibilities because of his merits in the Great Wu Dynasty. After I ascended the throne, I did not remove him from his position as Director of the Imperial Observatory!"

With that, the Empress snorted coldly again: "He disregards the Emperor's grace and uses celestial phenomena to imply that my ascension to the throne was illegitimate. He truly infuriates me!"

Su Mo casually said, "Your Majesty need not be angry."

"So-called celestial phenomena are nothing but troubles caused by mortals!"

"The celestial phenomena are naturally like this, just like sunrise and sunset, alternating with the four seasons, unchanging throughout the ages. The occasional appearance of a meteor is also a normal astronomical phenomenon..."

The Empress paused, her beautiful eyes fixed on Su Mo: "Is Su Lang truly knowledgeable in astronomy and geography?"

"How does this celestial phenomenon follow the cycle of the four seasons?"

Su Mo...

I'm being a jerk again!

Why can't keyboard warriors change their habits?

Seeing the Empress staring intently at him, Su Mo hesitated.

This world has a sun and a moon, so it should be similar to Earth.

However, it's hard to say whether there will still be eight planets.

“Uh… as far as I know, the world we live in is a sphere…” Su Mo said, then paused, unsure how to continue.

After all, explaining planetary rotation and other such issues to someone who has no knowledge of celestial bodies is a considerable undertaking.

The Empress immediately pressed on, asking, "Why doesn't the teacher continue?"

"I'm listening!"

She seized the opportunity to change Su Mo's way of addressing him.

Su Mo sighed and said with a wry smile, "I'm afraid I can't explain it clearly in a short time. After I return, I will consult relevant documents and the charts of the four seasons' constellations, and then I will explain it to you, sir."

Although the Empress was somewhat disappointed, she still nodded: "This concubine awaits the teacher's guidance!"

After pausing, he couldn't help but ask again, "Does the teacher understand... the reasons for earth dragons turning over, and floods and droughts?"

Su Mo understood the Empress's urgent feelings.

It's similar to the ancient times I remember.

It was nothing more than the ministers using the pretext of natural disasters to force the emperor to admit his own moral failings, and even to compel him to issue an edict of self-reproach.

Ultimately, it's still a struggle between the power of the monarch and the power of the ministers!

The emperor called himself the Son of Heaven, claiming that he was ordained by Heaven and that his reign would be long and prosperous. He ruled the people with this title, and it was not unreasonable for his subjects to use this as a reason to oppose the emperor and vie for power.

Su Mo was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "These are all normal natural phenomena and have nothing to do with human morality."

The Empress gazed at Su Mo quietly for a moment, then exclaimed, "Teacher, you are indeed learned! It was the right decision for me to take you as my teacher!"

He paused, then continued, "Although Ip Man-shan annoys me, he is an upright and honest man, highly respected in court, and truly capable."

"Qin Yi, the current Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory, is old and has submitted a memorial requesting to retire and return to his hometown..."

"If I were to release Ye Wenshan and appoint him as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory, would you, Teacher, think it would be appropriate?"

He paused slightly, then frowned and added, "I'm also worried that if I release him, Ye Wenshan will still not repent. Wouldn't that be like slapping myself in the face?"

Su Mo smiled wryly and said, "Such important matters of the court are naturally decided by His Majesty and the elders of the cabinet. How dare I speak presumptuously!"

The Empress's pretty face suddenly darkened, and her bright, beautiful eyes seemed to redden slightly as she looked at Su Mo with a wronged expression: "Although I have a court full of civil and military officials, there are very few who are of one mind with me..."

"Master Su is my teacher, and only Master Su is worthy of my trust. If I don't consult my teacher, who else can I consult?"

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated.

The Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory was a third-rank official.
As an important department comparable to the Ministry of Personnel, which ranks first among the Six Ministries, the two deputy directors of the Imperial Observatory were equivalent to the left and right vice ministers of the Ministry of Personnel!

He hadn't even become the Supreme Master yet, but he was already interfering in the appointment of important court officials?
They're tired of living!
Su Mo isn't out of his mind!
Just as he was about to refuse this thankless task, his expression suddenly changed slightly!
Suddenly, an exclamation mark appeared above the Empress's head!
Leng Liuxi hasn't issued any missions in a long time!

She is undoubtedly the number one NPC, and the rewards for each mission she undertakes are extraordinary!

The previous hidden quest even rewarded the supernatural power of summoning wind and rain and the Yang Soul Dao Heart!

Su Mo clicked on the yellow exclamation mark without hesitation!

The system has indeed been upgraded, and the Empress's full introduction is now available!

……

[Leng Liuxi]: Emperor of the Great Wu Dynasty (53%) [Task]: Veteran of Three Dynasties

[Requirement]: Help Leng Liuxi subdue Ye Wenshan and be appointed as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory!

[Hint]: Ip Man Shan is obsessed with the way of astrology.

[Hint]: Ye Wenshan was not actually targeting the Empress, but his interpretation of the stars did indeed indicate that Leng Liuxi's ascension to the throne was illegitimate!
[Reward]: Intimacy +1!

……

Upon seeing the mission reward, Su Mo was dumbfounded!

Intimacy level again!
The last and only person to reward intimacy was Lin Moyin.

Two levels of intimacy!

This is also why Su Mo trusts Lin Moyin the most!

Who would have thought the Empress would reward intimacy!
If completing the mission increases your intimacy level with the Empress by 1, then...

Thinking about my relationship with Lin Moyin, which will soon allow us to officially cultivate and sleep together...

Su Mo took a deep breath, but his words changed immediately. He said solemnly, "In that case, I will go and test Ye Wenshan."

"If he shows remorse, Your Majesty may make a decision. I dare not speak presumptuously about state affairs."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's pretty face instantly relaxed, and she covered her mouth with a smile: "I knew that my teacher loved and cared for me the most!"

Su Mo...

With acting skills like that, it's a shame he doesn't win an Oscar.

"Your humble servant takes his leave!"

The Empress was in a good mood and waved her hand, saying with a smile, "Teacher, there's no need to rush to leave Dali Temple. We'll bring the people from Su Nu Palace back later."

Su Mo was stunned.

I was thinking of visiting Zhang Yu sometime, and then using my connection with Princess Baicheng to ask her to speak to Princess Jinling and settle the case of the Su Nu Palace disciple.

Unexpectedly, the Empress took the initiative to bring it up.

He looked at the Empress with suspicion: "The disciples of the Su Nu Palace have cases against them. Is it appropriate for me to take them away?"

The Empress snorted: "For such a trivial matter, even the Commander of the Thousand Households of Su Lang dares not return to the capital to reunite with Su Lang during the New Year. My lord must hate me to death!"

Su Mo's forehead was covered in black lines again.

It must be said that the Empress is indeed quite considerate.

Why do people say she's ruthless?
He bowed respectfully to the Empress and said solemnly, "In that case, on behalf of all the disciples of the Su Nu Palace, I thank Your Majesty!"

The Empress waved her hand: "Su Lang, you can wait here!"

"I must return to the palace."

"The memorials that have been piling up for days are really annoying. Tomorrow there will definitely be many more impeachments against you. I am also very troubled."

Su Mo could only nod: "Your Majesty, I will see you off!"

After the Empress and An Wu left, Su Mo's brows suddenly furrowed.

Open the system panel and carefully examine the system prompts!
As can be seen from the system prompt, Ye Wenshan was not actually targeting the Empress, nor was he dissatisfied with Leng Liuxi's ascension to the throne.

He was just telling the truth!

That makes things much easier!

As long as Ye Wenshan doesn't object to the Empress taking control of the Great Wu's national artifact, that's fine!
Of course, in Su Mo's opinion, the theory of astrology was utter nonsense!

If Ye Wenshan were to know that his interpretation of the stars was inaccurate, would he be able to admit his mistake and take up the position of Director of the Imperial Observatory?

Su Mo pondered for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up.

I've vaguely found the key to breaking the deadlock!
Before Su Mo could carefully consider whether it was feasible, Yang San'an, the head constable of Dali Temple, respectfully arrived at the back hall and told him that he could go to the prison to take the people from Su Nu Palace away!

Su Mo...

May I ask that you release the person without even holding a court hearing?
The law is indeed inseparable from human sentiment.

The Empress has enough influence that even the law has to take a backseat.

He followed Yang San'an to the Dali Temple prison.

Su Mo didn't rush to take away the disciples of Su Nu Palace. He paused, closed his eyes, and pondered for a moment before heading towards the cell where Ye Wenshan was imprisoned.

Upon approaching the cell, Su Mo was both amused and exasperated.

At this moment, Ip Man Shan managed to get his hands on a small pot of wine, which turned out to be Chen Family Brew. He was drinking the wine while writing furiously.

Upon seeing Su Mo return, Ye Wenshan's eyes lit up immediately. He put down his brush and stared intently at Su Mo: "You're back, kid?"

"That poem about limestone, was it really written by you, you brat?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "Of course I would not deceive Elder Nanming!"

"This is just a mere ode to limestone, nothing special. I have no reason to claim it as my own."

Ye Wenshan snorted coldly: "What arrogance!"

"However, this poem only excels in expressing one's aspirations through poetry; in terms of literary style alone, it is just average."

He paused, looked Su Mo up and down for a moment, and asked, "Where is the woman who was with you in court earlier?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "They have been released without charge, so naturally they will not return to the Dali Temple prison."

Ye Wenshan was stunned: "You have offended the Wang family, yet Zhang Yu dares to release them without charge?"

Su Mo's expression instantly turned serious, and he said solemnly, "Lord Zhang, Lord Hu, and Lord Tian are all upright and honest. The matter is on my side, and I will naturally enforce the law impartially!"

"They are loyal to the current saint!"

"No matter how powerful the Wang family is, can it be greater than the imperial laws? Greater than the emperor himself?"

Ye Wenshan snorted coldly: "Do you think I'm some kind of ignorant fool?"

"However, you lad actually have some skill; I truly misjudged you!"

Su Mo didn't argue with Ye Wenshan, but said to the jailer, "Open the cell door!"

The jailer hesitated for a moment, but having received the news and knowing how formidable Su Mo was, he then took out a key and unlocked the cell.

Upon seeing this, Ye Wenshan looked at Su Mo in surprise.

He was a serious criminal of the imperial court, and the emperor had ordered him to be imprisoned in the Dali Temple prison.

Normally, it's not a big problem for him to order around the jailers and ask for some paper, pens, wine, and food for his own amusement.

Who dares to unlock this prison?
Seeing Su Mo enter the cell, he told the jailer to bring a stool, and then waved for the jailer and Yang San'an to leave.

Ye Wenshan narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Su Mo: "You actually dared to let the jailer unlock my cell?"

If Su Mo didn't know his background, Ye Wenshan wouldn't be so surprised and suspicious.

The problem is that Su Mo knows why he offended the Empress and was imprisoned here!

Without the Empress's orders, who would dare to unlock it?
However, Ip Man Shan was genuinely surprised.

He accused the Empress of immoral conduct, a grave crime. Even his former acquaintances and close friends in the court feared him like the plague. For several years, apart from his own descendants, very few people came to visit him in prison!
This guy is pretty bold; he actually went straight into his own cell!

Su Mo sat down opposite Ye Wenshan and smiled, saying, "I have something to ask of you, so I naturally have to come in and discuss it with you in detail, sir."

Ye Wenshan snorted: "Don't try to fool this old man!"

As he spoke, his expression suddenly turned strange. "Did His Majesty send you?"

Su Mo nodded honestly: "I have something to ask of you, sir. Please allow me to come in and speak with you face to face."

Ip Man Mountain...

The way he's talking makes it sound like if he asked the Empress to see him, she would grant his request!
Who does he think he is?

Grand Secretary Xiao Yuan?

The problem is, he actually got in!

　A huge thank you to the generous 50-yuan donation from the user "但但是人心难测"! You all say I owe you one, so how about two chapters tomorrow?
　　
　
(End of this chapter)