Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

The last time Chen Yuan knocked on the door, Shen Qingci had her completely under her thumb with just one sentence.

Now she's talking nonsense again. Is she that greedy?

"I..."

Just as Chen Shao was about to explain, the Empress Dowager suddenly turned over.

He choked up as he said:

"However, the Buddha said, 'Do not force anything. If you cannot resist it, it is better to let nature take its course.'"

"If you really force yourself on me, I... I am a weak woman, and I cannot resist..."

To be honest, the Empress Dowager was exceptionally beautiful and had a voluptuous figure.

At the prime of life, with the added advantage of being a widow.

But Chen Shao didn't have the energy; he was preoccupied with a lot of other things.

The Yellow Turban Rebellion, the regional military governors, the Northern Barbarians, and even the imperial court itself were not purged.

I don't have the time.

Moreover, he only sleeps when it's beneficial.

Whether it was Han Qingwan or Yuwen Mingzhu, it was all necessary for the situation.

Now I wanted to ask her for money, but she wants her body first.

Ok?

Chen Shao's eyes suddenly lit up.

Is it possible to make a money-for-sex deal?

Thinking of this, he stared intently at the Empress Dowager.

The other person had their eyes closed, their eyelashes trembling nervously.

Two small fists were clenched tightly in front of her chest.

She deliberately or unintentionally accentuates her cleavage.

Who could resist such temptation?

Chen Shao held firm.

He sighed:

"The Empress Dowager is truly a beauty."

"I knew it was you... Come on, I can't resist your tyranny anyway."

"I would like to, but now is not the time."

"With the nation embroiled in affairs of state and the Great Yan in dire need of rebuilding, the Northern Mang could launch a counterattack at any time."

"Whether it's recruiting soldiers or rebuilding the North after the war, people's livelihood, infrastructure, military pay, food supplies, city walls, and irrigation canals are all troublesome matters."

"I'm so worried about how much this will cost that I can't concentrate on anything else."

The implication is quite clear.

Cash on delivery.

The Empress Dowager understood.

money!

Chen Shao wants money!

What does he mean?

Do you think you're a ladybug?

Logically speaking, he should be giving himself money, so why is he giving himself money instead?

To lower one's own value for no reason is an insult, especially for a naturally beautiful woman who is also aware of her own worth.

Besides... money is the most important thing.

Those were all hard-earned money, and I haven't even had a chance to enjoy them yet.

The nascent desire that had just begun to burn within him was instantly extinguished.

I'm after your body, and now you want my money?

"Your Majesty, please take care. We will not see you off."

"no..."

Chen Shao was speechless. "The atmosphere has reached this point..."

"Who's angry with you? I was just testing you, and it's obvious you didn't pass my test."

"Fine, fine," Chen Shao said, not annoyed.

He secretly activated the "Word Slingshot" in his mind and shot the "Become a Monk" word at the Empress Dowager.

Once you have attained a state of purity, I will inherit your legacy.

...

After Chen Shao left, the Empress Dowager summoned her trusted confidant, Yuwen Hualong.

Tears came suddenly, and she cried until her face was streaked with tears.

"Brother, that bastard Chen Shao... He came to see me in the middle of the night. I thought he was there to pay his respects, but who knew he... he was after my body."

Yuwen Hualong was stunned for a moment, then blurted out instinctively:

"Then just give it to him. Chen Shao is young and strong, and he hasn't suffered any loss. Empress Dowager, you're not exactly..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw the murderous intent in the Empress Dowager's eyes almost solidify into a tangible form.

Startled, he quickly shut his mouth.

"It seems Eunuch Wei has betrayed us. He hasn't informed me at all these days. Could you have betrayed us too?"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Hualong shuddered.

"How is that possible!"

"Your Majesty, you know me well. I have no worldly desires. I don't care about money, power, or lust. I don't even have a taste for food. What makes Chen Shao want me to betray him? I will only listen to Your Majesty for the rest of my life."

"That's good."

Yuwen Xingye nodded. This younger brother was indeed like that; he had been a freak since childhood.

Not only do they lack the sense of pain, but they also lack the sense of taste and smell.

If you blindfold him and make him swallow feces, he'll think it's porridge.

She felt relieved and beckoned Yu Wenhualong to come closer.

"Go and get me some aphrodisiacs, the strongest kind, the kind that can drive men crazy."

Yuwen Hualong's eyes widened, his face full of confusion:

"Your Majesty, you don't need this. With your figure and looks, just standing there is the best aphrodisiac."

"Nonsense! How could I possibly do something so seductive?"

"Chen Shao humiliated me today, and I will retaliate!"

......

The next day.

Mooncake Festival.

The entire capital city was bustling with activity from early morning.

This time, the imperial court allocated funds to invite top lantern masters from all over the country.

They started working at midnight.

As soon as it gets light, the teahouses and taverns along the street are filled with lanterns and signs.

The city was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, filled with a joyous atmosphere.

With the imperial examinations approaching, students from all over the country gathered in teahouses in small groups to discuss their studies.

For a more upscale event, literary gatherings or elegant conversations or banquets with flowing water were held at the residence.

The Mid-Autumn literary gathering held by Luming Academy became famous throughout the capital, attracting a large number of scholars.

This is what you see.

Beneath the surface of the bustling activity, undercurrents were surging.

At the closest point to the Emperor's Lantern Platform, in front of a lotus lantern blooming in layers, craftsmen occasionally exchanged glances and gestured.

"Let's make our move tonight. Once the signal is given, light the fire immediately and burn the tyrant to the ground."

Inside the restaurant, a window seat.

Helian Xiong was tasting wine, his eyes darting around on the street.

Beside him were several Northern Mang soldiers, also dressed in disguise.

"General, why are we here? His Majesty repeatedly warned us not to act rashly. What if something goes wrong?"

Helian Xiong disagreed.

There's an old saying in the Central Plains that goes...

He suddenly got stuck, wondering what the thing outside was again?

There's an old saying in the Central Plains.

"I'm just taking a stroll, what could possibly happen? Besides, with my intelligence..."

The bodyguard whispered:

"General, it is because of your wisdom that His Majesty forbade any unauthorized movement."

Helian Xiong was furious and slammed his hand on the table:

"After being stuck in the mountains for almost half a month, even the birds are practically rusting from boredom. Tonight, I'll catch a few handsome men and have some fun with them; it'll be a way to bring glory to the country!"

The group continued to try to persuade them.

"If you try to persuade me again, I'll mess with you all!"

The group immediately fell silent, looked out the window, and pointed at each other.

......

Today is a day off for all officials, and Chen Shao could have slept in.

But the Empress Dowager made him get up very early.

They couldn't wait to see him first thing in the morning.

Has she finally figured it out?

Are you ready to donate?

Just as they were about to head towards Kunning Palace, Bai Bingbing came to greet them.

"Your Majesty, I have ascertained the whereabouts of the five thousand elite troops of Northern Mang."

"Um?"

Chen Shao's eyes lit up. Helian Xiong had been leading five thousand elite soldiers, who had been roaming north of the city.

This greatly troubled Chen Shao.

It's like there's a spiky fly right in front of you, but you can't catch it—that's incredibly annoying.

"Where?"

Bai Bingbing presented a map.

"Inside Wohu Mountain, ten miles north of the city."

Chen Shao glanced at it briefly and then put the map into his pocket.

"Alright, we'll pick them up after the Mid-Autumn Festival."

"The cavalry hiding in the mountains is tantamount to cutting off their own arm."

Bai Bingbing nodded, "But this will also help us keep our distance."

"Your Majesty, it seems that quite a few people with ulterior motives have arrived this time."

"They're hiding in the shadows..."

Chen Shao waved his hand to interrupt:

"I intend to lure them here."

"You can only be a thief for a thousand days, but you can't guard against thieves for a thousand days. Yu Qi'an has made preparations. This time, we will eliminate as many as we can."

"Always remember, I can conquer the shadows where the sun cannot reach!"