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

Chapter 106 The Empress summons Su Mo to the capital! (Please subscribe)

Su Mo, who had previously told Yu Younian not to panic.

This time, his eyes widened in surprise, and he involuntarily swallowed hard before taking a deep breath: "What?"

"Imperial decree?"

I was transported to this world and started out as a menial laborer.

Su Mo's initial goal was to become a clerk in the government office, receive a royal salary, and then marry a young widow!

He never even dared to dream of it.

One day, I will have direct contact with the empress who controls the lives and deaths of tens of millions of her subjects and wields the divine weapon of the state!

This is an imperial edict!

A junior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a county yamen runner, suddenly received an imperial edict.

It was as shocking as a village official in later generations receiving an unspeakable handwritten letter!
The imperial gift of the flying fish robe is impressive enough, not to mention the imperial edict!

Su Mo was stunned for a long time!
My lord, what great thing did you do in the capital?
Su Mo took two deep breaths and turned to look at the petrified Du Zhongbai beside her.

"Ahem! Mr. Du, what do you think should be done with this incense table?"

Du Zhongbai's face was bitter, and his voice stammered, "Master... this... I'm just a scholar who passed the imperial examination..."

The old man asked him, but who should he ask?
He didn't even receive the imperial edict!
Not to mention him, in the entire Changping County, with its hundreds of thousands of people, no one has ever heard of anyone with such experience!
The two looked at each other.

Just then, Dong Yangrong hurriedly ran in through the side door.

Seeing that Su Mo and Du Zhongbai were still in the study, he hurriedly said, "Hey! Lord Su, why are you still here!"

"Quickly set up an incense table and kneel to receive the imperial edict!"

He took a deep breath and added, "The Imperial Envoy is waiting outside!"

Su Mo looked at Dong Yangrong and gave a wry smile: "Mr. Dong, I really don't know how to arrange this incense table. Please teach me!"

Dong Yangrong hesitated for a moment before saying, "Hmm...should we put it on an altar and place an incense burner on it?"

It is highly questionable whether anyone in Changping County has ever received an imperial edict throughout its history!

Anyway, Dong Yangrong definitely hadn't seen it.

Including the county magistrate, Dong Weng, who was a top-ranking scholar in the imperial examination!

He really didn't know what the procedure was!
Upon hearing this, Su Mo was speechless.

Is not this nonsensical!

However, Dong Yangrong was more knowledgeable than Su Mo and Du Zhongbai, and stamped his foot, saying, "Never mind!"

"Set up the incense table and incense burner!"

"As long as Your Excellency is sincere, I believe the Imperial Envoy will be able to understand the slight impropriety in the details!"

He paused, then whispered a reminder to Su Mo: "Lord Su, remember to prepare gold and silver to comfort the Imperial Envoy after his arduous journey."

"Just secretly slip the imperial edict to them!"

"Hmm...the people accompanying them also need to be taken care of..."

As he spoke, he slipped a small bag of silver into Su Mo's hand: "This is from the old man for you!"

We cannot lose face for Changping County!

Su Mo nodded.

That's all we can do!

After all, no one has ever received an imperial edict before!

Afterwards, Dong Yangrong gave Su Mo a few more instructions and then hurriedly ran out through the side door to communicate with the county magistrate and the imperial envoy!

Receiving an imperial edict is such a momentous event that it is no child's play; both parties must have discussed it beforehand before it could proceed.

Sure enough, not long after, Dong Yangrong ran back.

He also brought along a young eunuch who was about seventeen or eighteen years old and had delicate features!
The eunuch looked at Su Mo with some surprise and suspicion.

Perhaps he never expected that the person who received the imperial decree would be about the same age as him!
Don't let his young age and shyness fool you; he knows a lot.

Under his guidance, the group worked for about half an hour, tidying up the clutter in the courtyard, and finally completed the preparatory work for receiving the imperial edict.

Su Mo quickly washed up, changed into his official robes, stood respectfully beside the incense table, and then instructed Du Zhongbai to open the main gate of the courtyard!

As the main gate of the Su residence opened.

Two equally young eunuchs, one on the left and one on the right, escorted a middle-aged eunuch with a fair face, no beard, and a slightly effeminate air as he slowly entered through the main gate!

Behind the middle-aged eunuch was a burly middle-aged captain in red robes with a gloomy face!

Seeing this simple setup, Su Mo was slightly suspicious.

Are these the only five people who came to announce the imperial edict?

I've been fooled by those old period dramas again!
But think about it.

The Great Wu Kingdom had a vast territory and tens of millions of subjects.

The Empress issued countless imperial edicts every day.

If every time dozens or hundreds of people are mobilized, with bright flags, loud gongs and drums, and a grand procession, how much money would be wasted!

The Great Wu Dynasty was poor!
The land left behind by the brutal drought was riddled with holes, and the people were living in misery.

Despite having been established for over fifty years, the country was still plagued by constant warfare and conquests in its early years.

The real period of recuperation and recovery lasted only a little over twenty years.

From the Empress to officials and clerks, and even the common people, who doesn't lack money!

Just look at the salary of County Magistrate Xue Shan to know!
That's equivalent to fifty taels of silver a year!

With such a meager salary, how can one maintain the dignity of a county magistrate, support a large family, hire a secretary, and maintain servants and servants?

This forced the county magistrate to secretly open a brothel to earn a living for his family!

Those who followed the angel into the Su residence were, naturally, a group of county officials, including the county magistrate, county assistant, and registrar, all dressed in official robes, wearing black gauze hats, and with solemn expressions.

Standing with Xue Shan and others, who were dressed in official robes with an air of authority, was Chen Qian, whose attire was particularly out of place and who looked completely numb to the world around him!
Finally, there were the three shifts of yamen runners who maintained order.

The county government's entourage was many times larger than that of the imperial envoy!
This is the most glorious event in the history of Changping County!
Based on this alone, when Xue Shan went to Yong'an Prefecture to report on his work, he was able to put on airs and overshadow the county magistrates of the other three counties!
If they're so capable, they should also accept an imperial edict!
Outside the Su residence, the area was densely packed with gentry and commoners from Ping'anfang who had come to watch the spectacle!
Xue Shan looked at Su Mo with an extremely complicated expression!
As a third-class scholar and a local official, I dare not even dream that my name will reach the ears of the Empress, let alone receive her imperial edict.

As a result, Su Mo, a junior officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, became a quick-witted regular officer in the yamen.

But it had already reached the ears of the Emperor, and an imperial edict was issued!
How could he not feel a mix of emotions!
The pale-faced middle-aged eunuch who was delivering the imperial decree glanced at Su Mo, who stood with his hands at his sides, frowned slightly, and snorted coldly: "So you are Su Mo?"

Su Mo hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Your Excellency, this humble official is indeed Su Mo!"

The middle-aged eunuch's face darkened: "Why is only one person receiving the imperial decree?"

Su Mo explained, "Reporting to Your Majesty, my parents died early, and I have never married or taken a concubine. I have no children, so I am here alone to receive Your Majesty's decree."

The middle-aged eunuch nodded, raised the imperial edict high with both hands, and said in a somewhat shrill voice, "Su Mo, a junior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, kneels to receive the imperial edict!"

Su Mo knelt down on both knees, her head on the ground!

The middle-aged eunuch opened the imperial edict and began to read it aloud!
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"I am favored by Heaven and oversee all affairs of the land. I am diligent and cautious day and night, and seek out only the virtuous."

"You, Su Mo, a junior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, have always been loyal and diligent, and have made outstanding contributions in suppressing rebellions and defending against foreign aggression."

"I hereby bestow upon you a flying fish robe, ten taels of silver, and a bolt of brocade."

"Their clothing is adorned with shimmering patterns of scales and dragons, and can be worn for court assemblies and grand ceremonies."

"To commend merit and praise virtue is a fundamental principle of the state; to cultivate integrity and loyalty is a constant duty of a subject. Respectfully obeying my decree, may you forever uphold and refine your virtues..."

"Another minor officer, Su Mo, is to come to the capital to report for duty within the month, without delay..."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo's expression suddenly changed!
What's the matter?

The reward of the flying fish robe was something Su Mo had already anticipated, as he had been reminded of the mission.

But the task wasn't specified; the Empress ordered him to go to the capital to report on his duties within a month!
As a mere junior officer in the Imperial Guard, what duties do I need to report to? And who am I supposed to report to anyway?
Just as Su Mo was filled with doubt.

The eunuch who was delivering the imperial edict had already finished reading it aloud.

He then gestured for Su Mo to stand up.

A eunuch beside him stepped forward with a tray on which was placed a magnificent flying fish robe, a silver ingot, and a bolt of brocade.
The middle-aged eunuch took the tray, walked up to Su Mo, and said coldly, "This is the flying fish robe and brocade bestowed by His Majesty."

"I hope that you will be diligent in your duties in the future, never forget the Emperor's grace, and serve the Emperor well!"

Su Mo quickly took the tray with both hands.

Without making a sound, he slipped a gold ingot under the tray.

He then said solemnly, "This humble official will certainly live up to the Emperor's grace, remember the angel's teachings, and do his utmost to share the Emperor's burdens!" Seeing the eunuch glance at the gold ingot out of the corner of his eye, Su Mo discreetly put the gold ingot into his sleeve. He then said, "My esteemed angels, you must be weary from your journey. If you do not mind the simplicity of my humble abode, why not come inside and rest for a while?"

The eunuch delivering the imperial decree hesitated slightly, then nodded, his expression softening considerably: "We are entrusted with the Emperor's orders, and now that the decree has been delivered, we should immediately return to the capital to report back."

"but……"

"Since Officer Su is so kind, we will rest for a while, have some tea, and then return to the capital."

Su Mo dared not be negligent.

The imperial envoy was only allowed to stay for a cup of tea, not because of any good relationship with him, but entirely because of the gold he offered!

Of course, in the eyes of the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, since Su Mo was capable of handling affairs and had caught the emperor's eye at such a young age, his future was promising, and it would be good to establish a good relationship with him.

After all, it's not easy being a eunuch in the palace these days!

Previously, it was only other eunuchs who competed, but now, women have also gotten involved!
There are more and more female officials in the palace!
The eunuchs were under a lot of pressure too!
The angel was welcomed into the house.

Xue Shan and the others could only look on with envy!

Having served as a background character, he was unwilling to leave, yet he knew now was not the time to get close to Su Mo.

We could only wait in the second hall, guided by Du Zhongbai!
Su Mo invited the imperial eunuch, the three junior eunuchs, and the stern-faced Imperial Guards to enter the main hall.

have nothing to say.

Having grown accustomed to crooked ways and educated by bribery from petty officials, Su Mo immediately served the angel a hearty meal after offering him tea!

One person, one ingot of gold weighing two taels!

Regardless of the status of these eunuchs and imperial guards in the palace and the capital.

Let's bribe them first!

Problems that can be solved with money aren't really problems!
With the foundation laid, he earned over a thousand taels of silver a month!
Once things are on track, the refined salt from Xianyan Mountain will be extracted, and trade routes will be opened to collect tolls, etc.

My monthly income is definitely over two thousand taels!
That's 30,000 taels of silver a year!

Is a matter of one or two hundred taels of silver really a big deal?
Sure enough, Su Mo took out a gold ingot.

The three eunuchs and the middle-aged Imperial Guard immediately showed expressions of shock!
The three eunuchs, in particular, stared intently at the gold ingots, unable to look away!

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict arrived in Changping County, full of resentment.

Delivering imperial edicts is usually a desirable job.

However, delivering imperial edicts to remote counties and towns thousands of miles away from the capital was not a good job, but rather a difficult one!
In particular, the person who received the imperial decree was a junior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
Everyone knows that local Jinyiwei (secret police) officers are mostly miserable.

They look glamorous, but they're actually broke.

How much can I pay for tea and transportation?

Running two or three thousand miles back and forth, exhausted to the point of death, and not even getting any reward, who could be happy!
They held lowly positions in the palace and the Shenjing Guard, which is why they were assigned this arduous task!

Unexpectedly.

This Imperial Guard flag is completely illogical; it's practically a golden god of wealth!
Every move is a gold mine!

The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree had secretly checked it; the one Su Mo had given him earlier was also a gold ingot, weighing at least five taels.

In the blink of an eye, another two-ounce ingot arrived!

The four palace eunuchs only received two or three taels of silver a month, which was less than their annual allowance!
Just as the five were surprised.

Su Mo then took out ten exquisite small porcelain bottles inlaid with gold and silver foil from the cabinet and distributed them to the five people.

He then smiled and said, "The angels have come from afar, sparing no effort."

"Besides these mundane items and some local specialties, I have nothing else to offer to express my gratitude. I hope the envoy will not be offended!"

The eunuch delivering the imperial decree immediately smiled and said, "Officer Su, you're too kind!"

He tucked the gold ingot into his sleeve, his gaze falling on the small porcelain bottle, and couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Officer Su, what is the significance of this small porcelain bottle?"

With no outsiders present, the eunuch delivering the decree naturally wouldn't put on airs and offend this god of wealth for no reason!
Moreover, this small porcelain bottle, inlaid with gold and silver, is exquisitely crafted and clearly not an ordinary object.

The eunuchs and imperial guards were naturally curious.

Su Mo smiled and said, "The contents of the bottle are perfume made according to my family's secret recipe!"

"Just a few drops on the body and robes, and the fragrance will last all day, refreshing the mind and body, perfect for relieving fatigue on the journey of an angel!"

The eunuch delivering the imperial decree was immediately astonished: "Such a strange object exists?"

Su Mo took out another porcelain bottle, removed the cork with wax coating, and gently dripped two drops onto the back of her palm.

A fresh and delicate jasmine fragrance permeates the space.

The eunuch delivering the decree's expression changed drastically; he suddenly stood up and stared intently at the porcelain bottle in Su Mo's hand!

Eunuchs are crippled individuals, and no matter how much they clean their bodies, the smell of urine can never be completely removed!

This perfume...

What an artifact!
Seeing the eunuch's reaction, Su Mo thought to himself, "Just as I thought!"

It is now the season when all flowers are in bloom.

During this time, Su Mo collected a large number of flower petals, extracted aromatic oils, and made many kinds of natural perfumes.

Unfortunately, the perfume market is small in Changping County, a poor county town.

Manually extracting aromatic oils is extremely inefficient; even selling a bottle for ten taels of silver would be a waste of time for Su Mo.

How many people in Changping County can afford to consume this?
Such a product is destined to only target the highest-end market!
Moreover, it's only given away, not sold!

Su Mo had thought that he would eventually go to the capital, the center of imperial power, but he never expected it to happen so suddenly.

This is a good opportunity to let these eunuchs scout out the way.

If the perfume successfully enters the royal palace!
Yes, the Empress did not have any concubines, but she did have quite a few women who were relatives of the emperor.

They used the wives, concubines, and daughters of high-ranking officials and powerful figures; how could they not use them?

Besides, wasn't the Empress a woman too?
Distilled spirits cannot be sold on a large scale; the profit margin is fixed!

The perfume is different!
This has nothing to do with how much profit there is.

The key point is that it's suitable for building connections and getting things done through back channels!
More importantly, in the whole world, only Su Mo can produce perfume!
As long as the manufacturing method is not leaked, who would dare to touch a hair on Su Mo's head?

Never doubt the influence of women!
Regardless of whether this is an old-fashioned method used by time travelers, sometimes the more old-fashioned it seems, the more it proves to be practically proven and useful!
If you've already produced distilled spirits, wouldn't it be idiotic not to also make a few bottles of perfume?
Even if you don't sell it, you can give it to Lord Baihu, Xue Yishu, etc., and it will instantly increase their favorability!
No woman can resist the allure of fragrance.

It would be even better if a shiny glass bottle were added.

Unfortunately, Su Mo doesn't know how to make it!
After presenting the valuable gifts, the relationship between the two parties immediately became much closer.

Su Mo took the opportunity to ask the Emperor why he wanted her to return to the capital to report on her duties.

Unfortunately, even the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree was unaware of the reason.

However, he smiled and reminded Su Mo that there was no need to worry.

The fact that His Majesty bestowed upon him the flying fish robe indicates that this is a good thing, not a bad thing!
Of the hundreds of thousands of Imperial Guards in the country, no more than three hundred were granted the honor of wearing the flying fish robe. Even those who rose to the rank of centurion did not receive this honor, let alone junior officers!
The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree took his leave, satisfied.

To Su Mo's surprise...

Before leaving, the tall, imposing captain in red suddenly took out a letter and handed it to Su Mo with a smile: "This is a letter that Lord Lin asked me to deliver. Please keep it safe, Officer Su."

Su Mo subconsciously took the letter and looked at the sender suspiciously: "Lin Moyin, Commander Lin?"

The red-clad captain smiled and said, "It is indeed Lord Lin!"

"However, before I left the capital, I heard that His Majesty was preparing to meet with Lord Lin."

He paused, his tone tinged with envy: "By now, Commander Lin might have already been promoted to Commander of a Thousand!"

Su Mo was filled with doubt.

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict was sent away.

He immediately went back to his study, just as he was about to open the letter that Lin Moyin had sent.

It was such a coincidence that the task panel suddenly popped up!

[Task: Running for an official position (Completed)]

[Reward: Affection +10% (Already Issued)]

[Reward: 1 permanent intimacy point (already issued)! Current permanent intimacy level: 2 points!]

[Hint! Target's current favorability is 90%!]

You will receive the following rewards...

Su Mo's gaze shifted downwards, landing on the reward.

He gasped sharply, his eyes widening in shock!
Okay, here's a 5,000-word chapter first, and another 5,000-word chapter later, around 11 PM! Begging for monthly votes! Another monthly vote-getter has appeared! As expected, I've fallen out of the top ten on the new book chart!

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(End of this chapter)