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

Chapter 324 The Real Culprit Who Assassinated Su Mo (8,000-word long chapter)
Upon hearing the question from Empress Danyang, the Nine Dragons Taoist, who had been half-asleep as if he were in a daze, finally opened his eyes.

A sharp glint, as keen as a blade, flashed from the slit of his eye!
Bai Ruxue's long eyebrows, which drooped down to her cheekbones, trembled slightly as she looked at Bai Susu and Chen Hai.

He then said calmly, "This part of the demon-subduing pestle is extremely important to my master!"

"Retrieve the parts, and kill the man wielding the pestle!"

"If you can't retrieve the Demon-Subduing Pestle, don't come back."

Although his voice was calm, no one doubted the murderous intent it contained; countless people had died at his hands!

Bai Susu felt a chill run down her spine.

Beside him, Chen Hai's sinister face was expressionless, and he looked somewhat similar to the Nine Dragons Taoist.

Empress Danyang frowned slightly again: "Is this demon-subduing pestle really that important to the Imperial Preceptor?"

The Nine Dragons Taoist slowly said, "Important!"

After a slight pause, he looked solemnly at the Empress: "This not only concerns the supreme immortal path of my national teacher, but also the fate of Your Majesty's Great Qian Dynasty!"

"With this component, my master will be able to retrieve the Demon-Subduing Pestle that has been lost in various places and return to his peak cultivation!"

At this point, Daoist Jiulong's voice suddenly turned gloomy, and his originally dignified face suddenly became ferocious, with deep hatred and terrifying killing intent seemingly overflowing from the depths of his eyes!

"At that time, I, your humble advisor, will surely storm into the capital and avenge our past humiliation!"

"Humph!"

"As long as that false emperor is killed and the Leng family is slaughtered, who in the world would dare to disobey His Majesty?"

"Your Majesty will naturally be able to regain control of this empire!"

After speaking, he closed his eyes again and entered a state of semi-sleep once more.

Empress Danyang, however, did not seem particularly excited and said nothing more.

His gaze fell on Chen Hai and Bai Susu, and he said calmly, "Go!"

"We must be extra careful on this trip, lest we disappoint the Imperial Advisor!"

Chen Hai and Bai Susu knelt down simultaneously: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty! Your humble servant/old slave accepts the decree!"

After bidding farewell to Empress Danyang and the Nine Dragons National Preceptor, the two left the main hall.

Bai Susu looked at Chen Hai and said in a deep voice, "What are your plans for going to the capital, Eunuch Chen?"

Chen Hai smiled.

However, this forced smile, combined with his sinister appearance and chilling expression, always gives people a feeling of dread.

Even their voices revealed a sinister and ruthless nature!
"I have never been to the capital, and I will obey Lord Bai in everything."

He paused, then said calmly, "My family is poorly educated and knows little. Apart from serving others, all we do is kill people."

Bai Susu frowned and thought for a moment: "Although our dynasty has been at sea for a long time, the people of the false Wu are still searching for our dynasty's whereabouts everywhere!"

"Tianmu Island is hundreds of miles from the coast. If we cross the sea by boat, it will definitely attract the attention of the puppet regime."

She paused slightly: "Does Eunuch Chen have a way to cross the sea?"

Chen Hai nodded and smiled, "Of course, our family has the means to cross the sea."

"I heard that Lord Bai obtained a female locust last time. Although this insect is of low rank, it has many uses. It can be ridden across the sea."

Bai Susu nodded: "The Imperial Advisor's mission is of utmost importance."

"If Eunuch Chen has nothing else to do, we should set off as soon as possible."

Chen Hai smiled sinisterly and said, "I have nothing of value and nothing to hold me back, so I can leave at any time."

Without further hesitation, Bai Susu let out a clear whistle.

After a while.

A gigantic locust, shrouded in demonic energy, took flight from the lush forest and swiftly approached Bai Susu.

Bai Susu leaped onto the back of the demon locust and gently patted its neck: "Let's go!"

In the blink of an eye, the demon locust carried Bai Susu and flew more than a hundred feet away.

With a wave of his sleeve, Chen Hai unleashed a burst of bloody light, transforming into a cloud of blood mist that sped off after Bai Susu at incredible speed.

Bai Susu turned around and couldn't help but be secretly surprised!
Having cultivated for only thirty years, Chen Hai has already advanced to the Heavenly Infant Realm. His cultivation talent is truly terrifying!

The exquisite skill of his Blood Escape Technique is probably beyond even His Majesty's ability to match!
Although His Majesty also praised his own amazing talent, he broke through his realm and advanced to the Returning Aperture Realm with only two True Void Pills.

But ultimately, he's not as good as Chen Hai!
However, while Blood Escape is powerful, it consumes a great deal of magical power.

Not long after leaving the island, Chen Hai revealed himself, raising his hand to release something that grew in the wind, transforming into a giant gourd that floated above the waves.

Chen Hai landed on the gourd with his toes.

Driven by magic, the gourd swayed with the waves, its speed almost as fast as Bai Susu's demonic locusts!
The two of them, riding on flying locusts and treasure gourds respectively, traversed a sea area of ​​four or five hundred miles in just one hour!

……

Lonely Peak Mountain.

Lin Moyin happily led Xiao Lizhuang to choose a suitable room.

Su Mo returned to his study, locked the door, took out the demon-subduing pestle, and placed it on the golden thread book containing the secret techniques of the Yellow Springs.

Unsurprisingly.

The demon-subduing pestle is as powerful as ever.

The text of the Yellow Springs Secret Technique was easily transformed into golden runes, which flowed into Su Mo's brow.

In the blink of an eye, Su Mo had completely mastered this cultivation technique.

He finally understood why he had removed the cold and malevolent energy from Lin Moyin and Ning Xiaoxiao, and why Xiao Lizhuang had given him this secret technique to practice herself.

The Yellow Springs Secret Technique is actually quite similar to the Sword Embryo Technique that I obtained from the Azure Dragon Demon.

This is not a method for cultivating magical power or improving one's cultivation level.

Strictly speaking, the Yellow Springs Secret Technique is actually a weapon-refining art.

It's just much more sinister than the Sword Embryo Technique.

The Sword Embryo Technique requires a sword embryo, while the Yellow Spring Secret Technique requires the Yellow Spring Guide as a medicinal ingredient!

In fact, what Huangquan absorbs is not just essence and blood, but also magical power.

In addition to refining the essence, blood, magic power, and even the soul power of living beings.

The Yellow Spring Guide can absorb and devour spiritual energy from incense offerings, elixirs, and other spiritual substances, ultimately refining an external elixir!
Like the sword embryo, the external elixir is considered a natal magic weapon.

To unsuspecting cultivators, the outer elixir refined from the Yellow Springs was considered the golden elixir of a Golden Core cultivator.

In fact, the difference is not significant.

It is a technique used by cultivators who have no hope of achieving the Golden Core stage, which allows them to possess the same methods and magical power as Golden Core cultivators!
No wonder Ip Man-shan, Bu Ba-zhi, and others all said this was a heretical cultivation method!

In the eyes of many sorcerers, the Yellow Springs Secret Technique is an evil cultivation method.

But Su Mo had to admit that this method was indeed exquisite and surpassed the Yang Tian Technique by several levels!

No wonder the world has so few scientific inventions, and its various technologies for people's livelihoods, and even military technology, are extremely backward.

All their creativity was put into researching cultivation techniques!

The Yellow Spring Guide can only produce an external elixir, granting the user the skills of a Golden Core cultivator, but it has little effect on extending lifespan.

But Su Mo was still extremely excited!
Others had no hope of achieving the Golden Elixir, so they had no choice but to do this.

I'm different!
He can continue to cultivate the Yangtian Technique, thereby refining a pure Yang Golden Core and reaching the Golden Core realm!

Cultivating the Yellow Springs Guide will greatly deplete one's essence, blood, and magical power, thus preventing one from glimpsing the Golden Elixir Dao.

What a joke!
I have plenty of money to buy all sorts of elixirs for the Yellow Springs to devour!

Even if we can't buy it, don't we still have Empress Wu as a strong support?

How about trying Jiuling Guiyi Soup?
Say.

Even without the Empress's help, he would not need to feed Huang Quan Yin with his own or others' blood and essence.

Don't have too much incense and prayers for the Demon-Subduing Pestle!

External core! Internal core! Su Mo wants them both!
It is most reasonable for a male sorcerer to have two golden cores; having one more or one less would be abnormal.

Two golden pills, double the happiness!
Su Mo happily put away the Yellow Spring Secret Technique and the Demon-Subduing Pestle.

If Xiao Lizhuang were here, she would give her a kiss, high or low, to thank her for giving her such a high-end secret technique!
The Tao Te Ching can be used in this way!

Even if reading the Tao Te Ching is useless to me, it's enough if it's useful to others!

We really shouldn't easily pass on the Tao Te Ching anymore; we have to save it for crucial moments!

At this moment, Xiao Lizhuang was naturally unaware of Su Mo's overwhelming joy, nor did she know that Su Mo had already mastered the Yellow Springs Secret Technique.

As Lin Moyin introduced the various facilities in the suite to her one by one, Xiao Lizhuang's mood became increasingly complicated.

It's unbelievable that Su Mo would invent so many novel gadgets just for fun.

The problem is, for some people, sudden enlightenment is as easy as eating.

He advanced to the Divine Realm in less than a year of cultivation!

Isn't that infuriating?!
If I had that kid's comprehension and talent, no, even if it was only half of his comprehension, I would definitely train like crazy!

Perhaps he is already at the Heavenly Infant Realm or even the Divine Travel Realm!
In the legendary realm of divine travel, one can travel thousands of miles without leaving home.

The thought alone filled Xiao Lizhuang with longing.

Seeing her master's complicated expression, Lin Moyin was slightly puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "Master, is there anything else you need? Just tell me."

Xiao Lizhuang snapped out of her daze and waved her hand, saying, "No need, the facilities here are already extremely complete."

"These are all external things; having them or not makes no difference."

“In the past, I only had a clean room, but I could still meditate and cultivate in peace.”

After a slight pause, her expression suddenly turned serious, and she said in a deep voice, "Although Lord Su is a bit impetuous, it is only because he is young and inexperienced and not very steady."

"You have already decided to become his Daoist partner, to cultivate together and share a bed. There is no use in me saying anything more. Remember, you must not betray him in the future, or I will not forgive you!"

Lin Moyin's pretty face immediately blushed slightly.

Master's words were too blunt; it was practically an open admission that he and Mo Lang had already consummated their relationship.

However, she was also surprised.

She knew that her master was actually very harsh, had extremely poor interpersonal relationships, had almost no close friends in the cultivation world, and rarely praised others.

Unexpectedly.

Master actually spoke well of Mo Lang.

Lin Moyin certainly didn't dare to directly say that her master was harsh, so she quickly replied softly, "This disciple knows."

Xiao Lizhuang nodded and said, "I will stay here to comprehend the Great Dao of the Heavenly Infant."

"Your fellow disciples and nieces..."

Lin Moyin quickly said, "With Uncle Mo and others watching over Liqin Island, nothing should go wrong."

"My junior sisters can live in the mountains too."

Xiao Lizhuang wrinkled her delicate nose slightly and hesitated for a moment: "Is it alright to disturb Su Mo like this?"

Lin Moyin smiled and said, "I won't disturb you."

"Master, you may not know this, but Mo Lang loves excitement the most, and Dao Ren is good at creating excitement."

"This house has many rooms, with annexes on both sides, and it can be expanded at any time. It is common for it to house two or three hundred people."

Xiao Lizhuang hesitated for a moment, then didn't continue.

Anyway, I already owe Su Mo a lot, so this little bit won't make a difference.

It's not too late to repay the other party when you've achieved complete enlightenment.

Lin Moyin was just about to suggest that her master should go into seclusion as soon as possible to deepen his understanding of the Dao, and then she went to prepare rooms for her fellow disciples and nephews.

Suddenly, a red figure flew swiftly from outside the wall into the house.

Lin Moyin's pretty face darkened slightly, and she raised her hand to let the Blood Eagle land on her forearm.

He took a thin piece of silk from the copper tube under Blood Eagle's feet, glanced at the characters, and then put it away.

Seeing this, Xiao Lizhuang said calmly, "If you have something to do, then go ahead and do it."

"As your teacher, I must also go into seclusion to contemplate and comprehend this knowledge."

Lin Moyin nodded: "Then this disciple will take his leave."

"If Master needs anything, just send someone to give the order."

Then, Lin Moyin walked quickly towards Su Mo's study.

Just as Su Mo put away the Demon-Subduing Pestle and placed the Yellow Spring Secret Technique and Yangtian Technique into the brocade box, he suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Who?"

"It is I!"

Su Mo opened the door and let Lin Moyin in, then smiled and said, "Mo'er, why are you back so soon?"

"Has Palace Master Xiao settled in?"

Lin Moyin hummed in agreement: "I have settled Master into a room on the second floor."

After saying that, she changed the subject: "Second Uncle Mo and Third Uncle just sent a message back."

"So fast?" Su Mo was slightly surprised.

I had only recently written to my second and third uncles.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Blood Eagle Messenger is highly efficient, and the best part is it's free.

Using public resources for private gain can be considered as taking advantage of the Empress.

He took the silk cloth from Lin Moyin, glanced at it briefly, and then smiled, "Good! Good! Good!"

"Third Uncle certainly didn't disappoint his nephew!"

Lin Moyin asked instinctively, "What did Third Uncle say?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "It's nothing."

"My third uncle can't come back here for the New Year, and my second uncle won't be able to return to the capital until after the New Year."

He casually put the silk cloth away and said, "Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng are reliable this time, sending more than three hundred shipbuilding craftsmen to Wanghai County."

"The shipyard has started construction, and there's a lot to do. My third uncle is very busy."

"The ships have caught over a million kilograms of fish, all of which have been preserved in salt."

"Unfortunately, the quantity was too large to be transported back to Shenjing, so it could only be sold cheaply on the spot or sold to merchants. They still made a lot of money, which was barely enough to meet the shipyard's initial needs."

"More than 200,000 catties of whale oil were refined, and my second uncle transported them back to the capital by sea."

More than 200,000 catties of whale oil, more than 100 tons.

The system rewarded us with a 600-ton warship, so transporting whale oil back would be no problem.

Lin Moyin was startled upon hearing this: "So much whale oil has been refined?"

Su Mo laughed and said, "It looks like a lot, but there isn't actually that much. I estimate that it would take about ten whales to refine it."

Lin Moyin sighed in admiration!
Although she had heard Su Mo say that whales are so big that they can't be cooked in one pot.

But it's hard to imagine that a fish could weigh 100,000 or even 200,000 jin!
Isn't that as big as a small mountain?
If it's not the legendary Kun, then what is it?
When whale oil was mentioned, Su Mo suddenly thought of soap trading.

During this period, although Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were busy setting up the Qinghe Hundred Household Office, they also implemented Su Mo's plan and continuously pushed up the price of Shenjing Oils.

The price of gasoline in Beijing has now increased more than threefold, even becoming more expensive than mutton, causing widespread discontent among the people.

People can go without eating mutton, but they cannot go without oily foods!

Although the Empress did not say anything, she was clearly under immense pressure.

With this batch of whale oil, the Empress's stress can be greatly relieved.

Su Mo has more options now.

The capital city has a population of over two million on the surface, not counting those unregistered households, Su Mo estimates that it could easily exceed three million.

Two hundred thousand catties of whale oil, when divided among the three million people of Shenjing, would amount to only a little over one tael per person.

But this is an additional supply of oil.

More importantly, everyone understands one principle.

Once you do it the first time, you can do it again!
Once the whale oil arrives, a little hype will surely cause oil prices in the market to plummet!

snort!
Just look at the Rongwang and Han families who bought up oils at high prices; they'll be all miserable by then!

He'll use his own business tactics and see if he doesn't lose everything!

Thinking of Prince Rong, Su Mo's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

He subconsciously turned his gaze to Lin Moyin's pretty face.

"Mo'er, do you think the assassins who tried to kill me and Siyun weren't from the Wang family, but were instigated by Prince Rong?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Moyin's expression changed drastically.

Despite the soundproofing in the study, Lin Moyin immediately set up a soundproofing array.

Then, lowering his voice, he asked, "Why do you think so, my lord?"

Prince Rong was the Empress's cousin, a true member of the royal family, so Lin Moyin, a commander of the Imperial Guard, naturally feared him greatly.

Su Mo frowned: "Wang Hao wouldn't be so foolish!" "In fact, even if he were to assassinate my husband, it wouldn't benefit the Wang family much!"

“The cold Su paper has already been made. Even if I die, the paper mill will only fall into His Majesty’s hands and will never be controlled by the Wang family.”

"This move will only anger His Majesty. If anything goes wrong, the royal family will be buried with him."

Su Mo frowned even more deeply and muttered, "The reason why such aristocratic families can be passed down for thousands of years is because of their prudence. They will never take risks unless absolutely necessary!"

"Clearly, this is not a matter of life and death, where we need to fight to the death!"

Lin Moyin's face darkened, and her voice turned icy: "So..."

"Is the most likely person to assassinate Mo Lang, Prince Nairong?"

Su Mo nodded: "It's almost certainly him!"

"Kill me, frame the royal family, and it would be best if we could incite a conflict between His Majesty and the powerful clans! Even if that doesn't work, we can still completely seize the soap business!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Moyin's expression changed again.

The implication is that Prince Rong intends to rebel.

Is this something we can just discuss casually?

Even uttering half a sentence will result in being torn to pieces!
Lin Moyin's face turned slightly pale: "My lord, please be careful with your words!"

Su Mo hummed in agreement and stopped talking about it: "The assassin failed to assassinate my husband and then went to assassinate Si Yun instead."

"If it's not to confuse the issue, then it's to get my business!"

"If Prince Rong weren't so stupid as to be beyond redemption, knowing that Zhang Xuzu was driving up the price of oil but not actually buying much, he would have guessed that there must be a conspiracy involved."

As Su Mo spoke, his face slowly darkened: "However, by the time he finds out, he'll probably be in a difficult situation."

"In his view, directly addressing the issues with her husband and Siyun, who is primarily responsible for buying and selling, would solve the problem at its root!"

Lin Moyin's face was extremely pale.

“King Rong does indeed have the ability to use Golden Core cultivators and Martial Sect assassins to assassinate the young master!”

She gritted her teeth: "If it really was the work of Prince Rong, how should my lord respond?"

"How about... I think of a way to secretly inform Lu Su and the people of Fengming Division?"

Su Mo replied without hesitation, "No way!"

"Even if we had evidence, we couldn't produce it!"

Lin Moyin's tone suddenly turned sinister, and she said coldly, "Then kill him!"

Su Mo glared at her, annoyed: "Don't take the risk!"

"Let alone whether we can kill him, even if we do, how can we easily hide it!"

"Mo'er is a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and knows the methods of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. How can you still be so reckless!"

Lin Moyin snorted in annoyance.

She knew she was just being overly concerned, but she couldn't help it. After learning that it was Rong Wang who had assassinated Su Mo, her murderous intent became uncontrollable.

Unlike the Heavenly Mother Cult's deacon, Rong Wang was not someone who could be killed casually, such as when he helped Su Mo conceal his acquaintance with the Heavenly Mother Cult's demoness.

She said indignantly, "Are we just supposed to wait for him to assassinate my husband?"

"Since it threatens your life, regardless of whether he did it or not, we must strike first!"

Su Mo sneered: "We'll get rid of this menace sooner or later!"

"However, the time is not yet ripe!"

He actually shared the same thoughts as Lin Moyin.

His third uncle also taught him that to cut weeds, you must pull them out by the roots.

If you're going to do something, do it properly!
However, killing Rong Wang was too difficult and would have too great a consequence, so Su Mo disagreed with Lin Moyin's idea.

As he spoke, Su Mo's eyes suddenly narrowed, a cold glint hidden within: "He's planning a rebellion, and he'll eventually slip up. Mo'er should keep an eye on him secretly."

"Your Majesty is decisive and ruthless. Once you have concrete evidence, how can you allow Prince Rong to act so recklessly!"

"He tried to assassinate me once, it was because I was careless. If he tries again, he'll be in for a world of hurt!"

He had already tricked Xiao Lizhuang, this Golden Core cultivator, into coming to his fiefdom to take charge!

After pausing, seeing that Lin Moyin still looked hesitant, Su Mo had no choice but to say again: "If nothing unexpected happens, I will be able to get another general after the New Year. When the army is trained, we will be able to protect the fiefdom without any loss."

Lin Moyin was taken aback upon hearing this: "What kind of general?"

"Could he be a general under the command of the Grand Pillar of State?"

Su Mo chuckled: "It's easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general. How could Princess Leng be willing to give up her top general to her husband!"

"She was a female salt smuggler that I met when I went to Wanghai County last time."

Lin Moyin's expression suddenly turned strange.

"Salt smuggler? A woman?"

Su Mo glared at her, annoyed: "Don't overthink it!"

"However, I think this woman is quite capable, and she is well-suited to my training methods. Once she is subdued, she will surely be able to train a truly elite force for Lone Peak Mountain."

Lin Moyin asked instinctively, "How elite are they?"

Su Mo thought for a moment and said, "It's hard to say right now, but it won't be much worse than the Imperial Guards."

Lin Moyin was dumbfounded.

The Imperial Guards are one of the most elite armies in the Great Wu!

However, my husband never talks much.

Lin Moyin couldn't help but say urgently, "Then why don't we quickly subdue it?"

Su Mo nodded: "It's already being done!"

"My third uncle said in his letter that the Prefect of Wanghai County has made all the necessary preparations."

"We'll just wait for those salt merchants to return to their hometowns for the New Year, then we'll send troops to take them down in one fell swoop."

"If we can capture her, we'll escort her to Lone Peak Mountain. If we can't, the female salt smuggler will likely come to Lone Peak Mountain to seek my help!"

Lin Moyin suddenly became melancholy and sighed, "Since that's the case, my lord can make the arrangements himself."

"I am useless and have nothing to do to help my lord."

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated: "How could I not help!"

"Can't Mo'er cultivate alongside me and help me improve my cultivation?"

"Relying on others is never as good as relying on yourself. Mo'er is my true virtuous helpmate!"

Lin Moyin's pretty face suddenly turned red.

Clearly, he was thinking about Su Mo's earlier thoughts about that thing during the day.

Su Mo suddenly remembered something: "Although it's unlikely that the assassination attempt on my husband was orchestrated by the Wang family, we must be prepared for them to resort to desperate measures in the future!"

Lin Moyin couldn't help but laugh when Su Mo described the Wang family, one of the five prominent clans and seven prestigious families, as a cornered dog.

But he just scolded me, which is really infuriating. I can't forgive him so quickly.

She snorted, "The Wang family has an incredibly deep foundation. What ability do you have to drive someone to such a desperate point?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "Who can say for sure what will happen in the future?"

"correct!"

"Does Mo'er know if the Wang family has any powerful immortal cultivators?"

Upon hearing Su Mo's question, Lin Moyin's expression instantly turned serious. She frowned and thought for a moment: "The Wang family's power is mainly in the imperial court, but they also have a lot of private soldiers. Their estates in various places have tenant farmers who have taken off their jobs, making them elite troops in reality."

"If we were to truly gather them, we would certainly have three to five thousand elite troops."

"As for Taoist sorcerers..."

She paused slightly, then lowered her voice and said, "The Wang family isn't a cultivation family, but they secretly support quite a few cultivation sects!"

"Within the Hundred Immortals Alliance, the Nanming Palace on Wanjian Peak of Nanming Mountain has a very deep connection with the Wang family!"

"Furthermore, it is rumored that the Shangqing Sect of the Southern Canglang Alliance is the same!"

After speaking, Lin Moyin frowned and pondered for a moment: "Including Hua Ru Gai Zong, the Wang family should have no fewer than three Golden Core cultivators at their disposal!"

"As for whether or not there is a relationship with the Heavenly Infant True Person, it is probably a top secret even within the Wang family, and I have no way of knowing."

Su Mo's face immediately darkened.

The historical and cultural heritage of these powerful families is indeed not to be underestimated.

Its depth far exceeded his own expectations.

Not only is the imperial court extremely powerful, but it also has enough money to support and nurture cultivation sects!
But that's normal.

Even he, a nouveau riche, was thinking about supporting the Su Nu Palace to enhance his own strength.

They have no reason not to do it!
Just as the two were discussing countermeasures.

Suddenly, Liu Siyun knocked on the door and entered: "The guards report that two people have arrived outside the fiefdom and want to see the young master!"

Su Mo was slightly taken aback: "Someone wants to see me?"

"Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng?"

Liu Siyun shook her head with a strange expression: "It wasn't them."

Su Mo was stunned.

The Empress and the others had just left, and apart from Zhang Xuzu and others, it seemed that no one had contacted him.

Liu Siyun didn't dare to keep anyone in suspense and immediately added, "One of them called himself Xiao Yuan."

Su Mo...

Lin Moyin...

The Grand Secretary of the court took the initiative to come to his fief to meet him?
That's really beneath me!

"The other person claims to be Princess Jinling..."

"The guards stopped them at the foot of the mountain."

Su Mo and Lin Moyin looked at each other in bewilderment.

Xiao Yuan's arrival here was unexpected for the two, but they could roughly understand it.

After all, the consequences of being assassinated could be minor or severe, depending on one's own attitude.

Xiao Yuan, the chief minister, had originally invited him to meet on the third day of the month. Now that this incident has occurred, it's perfectly normal for him to meet him earlier to test his opinion.

But what's with Princess Jinling?

To come knocking on their door and demand an explanation?

The disciples of Su Nu Palace were imprisoned in Dali Temple prison because they fought with Princess Jinling's husband and Zhang Shouning's nephew.

If Princess Jinling knew that Xiao Lizhuang had arrived at Gufeng Mountain, it was possible that she would send someone to question her.

But does she need to come in person?

It would be more reasonable to send a maid from the Princess's residence.

However, these two heavyweight figures, being blocked at the foot of Lonely Peak, are likely to become furious.

Su Mo couldn't help but feel that this was a tricky situation.

Hopefully, nothing more trouble will happen!
Su Mo took a deep breath: "Mo'er, come with me to welcome Chief Minister Xiao and Princess Jinling!"

But Lin Moyin shook her head: "Go, my lord."

"Given my status, it is not appropriate for me to meet with them."

As long as it doesn't threaten his lover's life, Lord Chito's intelligence kicks in again.

It's common knowledge that being in love lowers your IQ!

Since Lin Moyin wasn't going, Liu Siyun naturally wouldn't follow either.

Su Mo finally called Chen Hu, and together with a few guards, they quickly headed down the mountain.

Upon reaching the outside of Fengyi Mountain Road, a sedan chair and a four-wheeled carriage made in Gufeng Mountain could be seen in the distance, parked at the pass.

The entourage consisted of only about twenty sedan chair bearers, attendants, and guards.

Given their status, this was definitely a low-key trip.

A tall, slightly overweight old man dressed in purple casual clothes, with an ordinary-looking face but an imposing presence, stood outside the checkpoint, curiously looking around.

Although the old man looked old, his hair was thick and black, and his short beard was neatly trimmed.

Su Mo had seen this person's portrait in a picture book.

He was naturally the head of all officials, the Grand Secretary Xiao Yuan!
The four-wheeled carriage, the highest-end carriage sold by the artisan camp, cost two thousand taels of silver, and was not something ordinary families could afford.

Inside the car.

Naturally, it is the Princess Jinling, whom Liu Siyun mentioned, the eldest daughter of Emperor Wu Taizong and the current emperor's elder sister!
Su Mo breathed a sigh of relief and quickly walked towards Xiao Yuan.

"This humble official, Su Mo, greets Elder Xiao!"

Xiao Yuan looked Su Mo up and down for a moment, then said indifferently, "No need for such formalities, County Magistrate Su."

"I have heard of Su County's son for a long time, but I have never had the chance to meet him."

"Having met him today, I can confirm that Su Xianzi is indeed as rumored, exceptionally handsome and a promising young talent!"

Su Mo hurriedly replied, "This humble official is humbled and does not deserve the praise of the Grand Secretary."

Xiao Yuan waved his hand: "I'm qualified to be the County Magistrate of Su!"

"If he were not so learned and talented, why would His Majesty appoint Su Xianzi as his imperial tutor!"

Su Mo frowned slightly.

Don't listen to Xiao Yuan's polite words.

In reality, their intentions were not good!
Xiao Yuan then added, "I originally intended to visit the fiefdom of Su County, but I did not expect that my guards would be so loyal to their duty and stop me, which has forced me to disturb the county magistrate."

Seeing that Xiao Yuan didn't seem angry, Su Mo became suspicious again.

It's unclear whether the other party was genuinely not angry, or if they were simply hiding it well.

It's indeed very difficult to see through a seasoned cunning old fox like him who has been in officialdom for many years!
Su Mo could only say, "These guards of mine are all uncouth country bumpkins from Changping. They do not recognize the Grand Secretary and have offended him. I hope the Grand Secretary will not hold it against them."

"Your Excellency's presence in my fiefdom is truly awe-inspiring, for I fear I may have slighted you."

"May I ask Your Excellency to come to my residence for a seat, Your Excellency?"

Xiao Yuan waved his hand and said, "I just came out for a walk because I had nothing to do."

As he spoke, he suddenly sighed and said, "Last year, I also visited this Lonely Peak Mountain."

"I never imagined that such a huge change would occur in just one year. The new look is completely different from the old one, which really surprises me."

After sighing, he added, "Furthermore, I never expected to encounter Her Highness the Princess here."

"I can walk alone; Su Xianzi, you don't need to pay any attention to me."

"Her Highness the Princess must have business to discuss with County Magistrate Su. We must not delay Her Highness's business."

Su Mo's heart stirred.

Wasn't Xiao Yuan on the same side as Princess Jinling?

Just as he was thinking, Xiao Yuan suddenly laughed and said meaningfully, "I have heard that the fiefdom of the County Magistrate of Su has many places where one must stay at home."

"May I ask Su Xianzi to explain this clearly, so that I won't be stopped again? I really can't bear to lose face like this."

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat.

What does this mean?
Seeing Xiao Yuan waiting for her reply with a half-smile.

He could only manage an awkward smile: "You flatter me, Your Excellency."

"This humble official dares not deceive the Grand Secretary. There are indeed some places in this fiefdom that are inconvenient to enter, and even this humble official cannot enter them at will."

Believe it or not, it's up to you.

Who knows what this prime minister is here to do?

It's unacceptable for a high-ranking official to be able to move freely within his own fiefdom!
Last time, Zhong Yin had to ask me for his token to see the artisan camp.

They're just blaming the Empress! If they're so capable, they should go and verify it with her!

Xiao Yuan was slightly taken aback by Su Mo's words.

Unexpectedly, Su Mo answered in this way, and he couldn't help but think to himself, "What a cunning little fox."

After a moment's thought, he said, "In that case, Magistrate Su, please send a guard to accompany me on a tour."

"If there are places you cannot easily go, just say so."

Su Mo nodded in agreement.

He then instructed Chen Hu behind him to follow Xiao Yuan.

Chen Hu knew that those places on Lonely Peak Mountain were inaccessible to outsiders.

The key point is that this guy is single-minded, unlike Ding Bashi, who would fawn over any high-ranking official he saw!
After Xiao Yuan left.

Su Mo straightened his appearance before walking up to the four-wheeled carriage and solemnly asked, "May I ask if the person inside is Her Highness the Eldest Princess?"

(End of this chapter)