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

Chapter 340 Empress Dowager Zhang wants to see Su Mo!
Su Mo was naturally unaware that trouble was coming his way again.

Last time, the Demon-Subduing Pestle underwent a strange transformation, mysteriously activating the Heavenly and Earthly Manifestation Divine Power. The Black Spider Dharma Form released spider silk, connecting various places.

Although this greatly increased the power of the Demon-Subduing Pestle, it also allowed one to vaguely sense the actions of the other seven components.

But this also attracted the attention of the Nine Dragons Taoist.

And he sent Chen Hai, a eunuch at the Heavenly Infant Realm, to fight Bai Susu, this demoness, for the treasure and her life!
Fortunately, Su Mo had returned to the capital and was working to raise funds for disaster relief for the Empress, which prevented Chen Hai from sensing her presence.

If they had remained on Lonely Peak Mountain, even with An Wu and Xiao Lizhuang there, they might not have been able to escape the old eunuch's attack.

If a Golden Core cultivator were to assassinate Su Mo, An Wu could easily stop him.

If it's Celestial Infant True Person who's coming, then things are hard to say!

It's not that the eunuch An Wu couldn't beat the eunuch Chen Hai, but protecting people and defeating enemies are two completely different concepts!
Today is Lunar New Year's Eve.

Dawu had already lifted the curfew.

Even through the courtyard wall, you could hear the lively noise on the street outside, with children playing everywhere.

The Su residence was deserted and quiet, with only Su Mo as its master.

Su Mo never imagined that her first year here would be spent like this.

Lin Moyin and the others remained in Lonely Peak Mountain, and Su Mo did not call them back.

On the third day of the month, His Majesty will summon his important ministers to go to Gufeng Mountain to dig sweet potatoes. This is a very important matter and cannot be taken lightly. They must stay in their fiefdoms to prepare for various matters.

Su Mo was too lazy to go back to Lonely Peak Mountain.

The disaster relief mission is time-sensitive and demanding; there's no need to run around to both places.

Those merchants will certainly not be willing to be punished, and they will definitely cause some trouble.

Su Mo had a rough idea of ​​what methods they would use.

All those years of reading time-travel novels weren't for nothing.

It's nothing more than using the power of the imperial court to impeach him!
Another option is a strike.

It happened to be the annual holiday, and the court was on leave. Even if it was impossible for the government to completely shut down, at most it would convene important officials for a small court meeting.

The power of impeaching oneself can only be demonstrated after the Lantern Festival when the grand court assembly resumes.

The problem was, by then the daylilies were already cold, and the commercial taxes had long been collected.

It is obvious that the only measure that merchants can take now is to close the market.

Perhaps, before the strike, they might send someone to put pressure on them.

If they insist on collecting commercial taxes, a market strike will be inevitable.

Su Mo sat in the study, lit a white candle, frowned in thought, and occasionally picked up a pen to jot something down in a small notebook.

As the candlelight flickered, a commotion came from outside the study.

Immediately, there was a gentle knock on the door.

Su Mo quickly got up and opened the study door to take a look.

As expected, it was Nangong Sheyue who arrived.

Su Mo exclaimed with delight, "Lord Nangong, you've arrived!"

"Yes, sir, please come in and we'll talk!"

Nangong Sheyue's pretty face showed displeasure, and she gave a soft humph: "It's New Year's Eve today, and my lord won't even let me rest, he still wants me to keep busy!"

Su Mo said with a forced smile, "This humble servant had no other choice!"

"In the future, whenever you have any requests, I will do my utmost to assist you without hesitation!"

Nangong Sheyue rolled her eyes at Su Mo, said nothing more, and followed Su Mo into the study.

But then Su Mo swiftly picked up a small booklet from the table!
She couldn't help but let out a soft snort inwardly!
They even said they were working tirelessly for themselves!
Why bother collecting this booklet? I've already read it myself!
Her expression grew increasingly displeased, and with a dark face, she pulled out a thick book and handed it to Su Mo: "This is the roster of personnel from the Fengming Division of Qinghefang!"

"They have reorganized the Qinghe Guard and separated it from the Fengming Division. From now on, they will only obey the orders of the young master."

Su Mo took the booklet with a serious expression and flipped through it.

Then he was secretly surprised.

It's a thick booklet, probably containing no more than two hundred people.

It also includes detailed introductions of each person's identity, as well as their special abilities, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities!
This only includes the official staff of Fengming Division, not including those outside the official staff.

If we include those not on the official payroll, there are probably as many as a thousand people.

Qinghefang was extremely large, almost comparable to half of Changping County, and was incredibly prosperous.

But the population recorded in the Yellow Register was only a little over 100,000!

Of course, there must be many families, nobles, servants, private soldiers and hidden households in the neighborhood. The density of houses far exceeds that of Changping County. It wouldn't be surprising to Su Mo that there are at least 200,000 people hiding there.

Based on a population of 200,000.

Almost one in every two hundred people is either a member of the Phoenix Cry Division or an informant!
No wonder even the Embroidered Uniform Guard, in the capital, is not as good as the Phoenix Cry Division, which has only been established for a few years, in terms of intelligence gathering capabilities.

No wonder Lu Su is increasingly wary of Fengming Division!
Nangong Sheyue handed the booklet to Su Mo, which was naturally in accordance with the emperor's order.

The Empress once said that...

Su Mo was in charge of all intelligence agencies within Qinghefang.

In addition to the newly established Jinyiwei Hundred-Household Offices, this also includes the personnel of the Fengming Division in Qinghefang.

Lu Su, Wen Yannian, and others only knew that Su Mo controlled the Qinghefang Guard, which was equivalent to half of the Northern Garrison Command.

Little did they know, Su Mo could even assign and dispatch personnel from the Fengming Division within Qinghefang!
Who can blame them when they enjoy unparalleled favor and trust?

The Empress seemed to have no suspicion or fear of Su Mo at all, and appointed Su Mo to hold the dual positions of Trial Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Commander of the Phoenix Cry Division!

Nangong Sheyue showed no signs of unfamiliarity.

While reading the book, Su Mo poured himself tea and drank it leisurely, acting as if he were one of the masters of the Su family.

Only after Su Mo had glanced through the booklet did she say in a deep voice, "Furthermore!"

"As requested by my lord, I have conducted a special investigation and surveillance of the major merchants in Qinghefang."

Su Mo closed the booklet and asked solemnly, "What's the situation?"

The Qinghefang Hundred Household Office had just been established, and its intelligence system had not yet been set up, so it could only be used as a pawn.

Su Mo had originally planned to entrust the task of gathering intelligence to the people in the Fengming Division system.

Even in the future, there was no intention to let the Jinyiwei Hundred-Household Office get involved.

Only by having two sets of teams, one overt and one covert, can they check and balance each other and maintain control.

Nangong Sheyue's pretty face turned serious: "Just as you predicted, my lord."

"Since these merchants gathered on the Xiaolanting Pavilion ship this morning, they have been contacting the people behind them and the major merchants in the city, especially those dealing in rice, salt, cloth and charcoal."

"His Majesty has received many memorials from court officials, all impeaching Su Lang, but they are mostly low-ranking officials."

Nangong Sheyue paused slightly, then continued, "It is obvious that if His Majesty does not take action to capture the young master within a day or two, those people will definitely use the tactic of striking the market to force His Majesty to do so!"

She exhaled, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Su Mo: "His Majesty has instructed me to inquire of my husband."

"If those merchants really go on strike, does the young master have a plan to deal with it?"

Su Mo gave a wry smile: "What can we do? It all boils down to one word!"

"kill!"

There aren't many ways to deal with this blatant market strike.

If Su Mo were given enough time, he might be able to stockpile some goods for emergencies.

But in reality, it's only better than nothing.

This isn't about how much stock is being supplied; it's about panic!

The common people are most easily swayed.

Once merchants close their shops, especially for necessities like rice, salt, cloth, and charcoal, panic buying can easily occur.

No matter how much goods Su Mo hoarded, it was all in vain.

Upon hearing this, Nangong Sheyue frowned even more deeply: "Kill?"

Su Mo nodded and said in a deep voice, "Not bad!"

"In extraordinary times, we can only do extraordinary things."

"With goods in the hands of merchants, they naturally hold the initiative. If the imperial court were to confront them using commercial means, it would certainly be no match for them!"

"However, the knife is in our hands!"

As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Use coercive administrative measures to strictly prohibit merchants from striking and hoarding goods!"

"Anyone who dares to disobey the law will be severely punished without exception; their goods will be confiscated and they will be beheaded. No mercy will be shown!"

The system notification said that merchants wouldn't be afraid until a knife was held to their throats.

Su Mo truly intended to kill to establish his authority!
Otherwise, killing human rights would be a waste!
Nangong Sheyue pondered for a moment, a worried look on his face: "In this case, after the annual leave, the memorials impeaching the young master will be as numerous as cattle and horses, as heavy as mountains!"

Su Mo sneered: "The profits from commercial taxes are enormous, second only to agricultural taxes. I have long been prepared for this."

"Agricultural tax and commercial tax are the foundation of the nation; neither can be dispensed with!"

"This great calamity in Tiannan Road can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the protection of righteousness, if we can't even manage to collect it now, we can forget about collecting it in the future!" "My lord, please don't forget, this humble servant has sweet potatoes to protect me!"

"After the sweet potatoes are harvested, I doubt many ministers will dare to impeach me!"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and leaned close to Su Mo's ear, whispering, "Even if they dare not make a move, they will certainly harbor resentment..."

"What if my lord falls from power one day..."

Su Mo was deeply moved.

They are reminding me not to offend everyone.

You need to leave yourself a way out!

Nangong Sheyue was indeed good to her, and had even secretly reminded her of her identity as the Empress on several occasions in the past!
59...uh...

How come the favorability rating is already 63%?
Su Mo subconsciously glanced at Nangong Sheyue's high progress bar.

Surprisingly, it has already broken through the 60% mark!

I clearly remember it being 59%!
When was it promoted?

Could it be thanks to the telescope?
Last time, when he received the Empress's order to build a telescope, Nangong Sheyue had to fully cooperate with him.

Later, when transparent glass was made, there was no need for crystal. Su Mo had already sent a telescope to Nangong Sheyue.

Nine out of ten people were promoted because of this.

Oh well, it's a pity there's no extra reward!
The Empress also gave out warships and blueprints as extra rewards.

Does it mean I need 90% like Lin Moyin?

Seeing Nangong Sheyue looking at him with a worried expression, Su Mo waved his hand gently and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your concern, sir."

"We'll deal with this another day."

He paused slightly, a look of disdain on his face: "It's just in its infancy. If it reaches that stage of capital... cough cough... I don't believe that with the knife in my hands, those merchants can make any waves!"

Nangong Sheyue remained silent for a moment, then slightly moved her head away from Su Mo and said indifferently, "Since that's the case, I won't say any more. My lord, please be careful."

Su Mo nodded: "I am confident that I can control the scale of the strike in Qinghefang."

"But outside Qinghefang, I would like to ask you to take the trouble to warn those merchants who are hoping to get away with it."

Nangong Sheyue responded, then said, "It's getting late, so I won't disturb your rest any longer. Tomorrow you'll have to outwit and outmaneuver those merchants..."

Su Mo laughed and said, "What's this about outsmarting or outmaneuvering? It's just a fight of ruthlessness!"

He paused, then couldn't help but ask curiously, "It's New Year's Eve today, why is Lord Nangong still in the capital?"

"Is it possible to return home and reunite with family?"

He had been to Nangong Sheyue's residence, even slept there, and witnessed a breathtakingly beautiful body.

Knowing about the Nangong family, one would know Nangong Sheyue and her somewhat naive personal maid, Xiaoyue.

Nangong Sheyue is different from Lin Moyin.

Lin Moyin was sold by her parents to a cultivation family as a maid when she was young, and had long lost contact with her family.

Su Mo didn't know if she had ever searched for her biological parents.

Lin Moyin followed the young lady who was serving her to the Su Nu Palace, but unexpectedly became Xiao Lizhuang's personal disciple.

However, Nangong Sheyue has her own parents and clansmen.

Su Mo thought she had already taken a day off and left the capital.

They sent someone to ask Nangong Sheyue for help, just in case, but they didn't expect that Nangong Sheyue was still at home.

Nangong Sheyue explained, "My hometown is far away, and His Majesty has many tasks this year. My parents are being taken care of by my elder brother, so I haven't been able to go back."

Su Mo smiled wryly, "His Majesty is too heartless, refusing to grant you your annual leave."

"However, I am also alone at home during the New Year..."

As he spoke, his eyes lit up: "How about this humble servant goes to your residence, sir, and join in the festivities?"

"This humble servant has many matters concerning cultivation that I would like to ask you, sir!"

Not long after he advanced to the Divine Realm, he refined the Yellow Spring Void Pill, and the Demon-Subduing Pestle became even stranger.

Su Mo really wanted to learn a lot from Nangong Sheyue, this great sorcerer at the Returning Aperture Realm.

Nangong Sheyue glared at Su Mo angrily: "My lord, don't talk nonsense!"

"I am all alone in this house, how can this be!"

Su Mo smiled and said, "Isn't there a maid in your residence, sir? Besides, it's not like I haven't been there before..."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Sheyue gritted her teeth: "You still dare to say that!"

Su Mo was not afraid at all!

The favorability rating is still there, it hasn't dropped!
"It's inconvenient for me to go over, but you can stay here with me for the New Year. It's more lively with more people, so let's call Xiaoyue over too!"

Nangong Sheyue glared at him angrily: "My lord is spouting nonsense, I'm not talking to you anymore!"

After saying that, he turned around angrily, pushed open the door, and left.

Su Mo...

Are you angry?
I was just worried she'd be bored spending the New Year alone, so I kindly invited her over to join in the fun. I didn't have any bad intentions!
The next second, Nangong Sheyue's coquettish voice rang in his ears: "Hmph...we'll talk about this another day...we'll talk about it next year!"

……

Imperial City, Xingqing Palace!

On New Year's Eve, Leng Liuxi insisted on going to Xingqing Palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.

After exchanging greetings, Empress Dowager Zhang frowned and looked at Leng Liuxi: "Has His Majesty already ordered the Imperial Guards to search and confiscate the Imperial Uncle's shop?"

Leng Liuxi quickly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, the matter of disaster relief is urgent, and I dare not delay."

Empress Dowager Zhang was silent for a moment, then nodded: "In that case, let it be."

She had originally planned to leave those two shops to Zhang Shouning.

But since the items have already been seized, we can't let Leng Liuxi go back on her word.

Empress Dowager Zhang was in a bad mood and was about to send the Empress back when she suddenly remembered something: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard in charge of collecting commercial taxes in Qinghefang, is he named Su Mo?"

Leng Liuxi's heart skipped a beat.

A feeling of guilt is creeping in!
"Your Majesty, it was indeed Su Mo who was in charge of this matter."

Leng Liuxi glanced at Empress Dowager Zhang's expression without changing her demeanor, and then asked, "Why did you suddenly bring up this person, Mother?"

Empress Dowager Zhang nodded: "The profits from commercial taxes are enormous. Both Emperor Taizu and the late Emperor tried to collect them, but ultimately they were unable to do so."

"This member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard dared to accept this task, which shows he is responsible and truly works for the court."

Although the empress dowager was not supposed to interfere in politics, Empress Zhang, having served three emperors, knew from her experience that commercial taxes were difficult to collect.

She frowned and thought for a moment: "I think there's quite a rift between the Imperial Brother-in-law and Su Mo."

"Since this person is truly dedicated to serving the Emperor, have him come to see me when you have time..."

Leng Liuxi's heart tightened involuntarily.

Could it be the Empress Dowager...?

Found what?
Fortunately, Empress Dowager Zhang added, "I will try to resolve his feud with the Emperor's brother-in-law so that he can work for the Emperor with peace of mind."

Leng Liuxi quickly replied, "Your subject understands!"

Empress Dowager Zhang then waved her hand and said, "Your Majesty should go back and rest early."

Leng Liuxi respectfully withdrew from Xingqing Palace.

But Empress Dowager Zhang's brows furrowed even more!

She wanted to see Su Mo, not just because Su Mo was working for the Emperor.

Empress Dowager Zhang didn't know why.

Even though it's unlikely that the Imperial Guards would have any disputes with the Emperor that go beyond the bounds of propriety, I can't feel at ease without seeing Su Mo with my own eyes.

Furthermore, Empress Dowager Zhang was genuinely afraid!

The Imperial Guard had the trust of his daughter and also had a deep grudge against his own brother.

Who knows if he might whisper slander in his daughter's ear, causing Zhang Shouning to lose his life!

Empress Dowager Zhang didn't believe that her own daughter would dare to kill her own brother!
……

Leng Liuxi returned to the Ziwei Palace. Although there were many palace maids and eunuchs, she felt as if something was missing.

It was deserted and quiet.

Ok……

The Empress Dowager wants to see Su Mo, so I have to go and tell her!
Shouldn't we let Su Mo prepare?
The Empress Dowager's summons of her ministers is a momentous event that must be treated with utmost seriousness and care!

We must discuss this thoroughly with Su Lang, make thorough preparations, and leave a good impression on the Empress Dowager!

The empress acted immediately, changing into casual clothes and leaving the palace!

(End of this chapter)