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

Chapter 159 Su Mo Shocks the Empress Once Again (Alliance Leader's Extra Update)

Su Mo took Yin Rou to Lonely Peak Mountain.

They then discovered that the Dragon Guards brought by Xiahou Yi had replaced the Jinyi Warriors who were originally on duty.

The artisan camp's access route was strictly guarded.

Su Mo turned his head and looked around. Even on the steep cliff, he could vaguely see groups of two or three elite soldiers.

In addition, craftsmen from an unknown place are building barracks nearby.

Xiahou Yi was indeed quite capable. He used the map to arrange and deploy his troops, with both overt and covert sentries, to ensure that the artisan battalion was completely well-guarded.

Upon seeing Su Mo appear, Xiahou Yi strode towards Su Mo.

After exchanging greetings, he ordered the soldiers to bring over three large boxes.

"Commander Su, Junior Commander Yin, I have been ordered to escort the funds to Gufeng Mountain. I now entrust them to you two!"

"Of the ten thousand taels of silver, nine thousand five hundred taels have actually been received. All of it is here for Commander Su to sign for."

Su Mo was a little surprised.

It can actually reach 9,500 taels?
Normally, 20% of such an allocation would be lost before it even left the capital!

But Yin Rou's expression changed. She stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, "This ten thousand taels of silver is from the Emperor's private treasury!"

"May I ask, Lord Xiahou, where has the shortfall in funds gone?"

Su Mo was surprised again!

Looking at the petite and delicate Yin Rou, she was surprisingly brave, daring to question the Longxiang Guard Commander like this. She truly deserves to be Nangong Sheyue's subordinate!

Xiahou Yi dared not underestimate Yin Rou.

Don't underestimate her just because she has a low-ranking official position.

But since she is from the Fengming Division, she can speak directly to the higher-ups of the Fengming Division, so there is no need for her to offend Yin Rou easily.

He then said in a deep voice, "I naturally know that this silver is from the Emperor's private treasury."

"But I believe that Yin Xiaoqi understands the principle that the emperor will not starve his soldiers."

"I have not taken a single penny of the five hundred taels of silver that is short, but the five hundred brothers of the Dragon Guard are being moved from the capital to Gufeng Mountain, and the troop transport silver is definitely required."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Su Mo: "If Commander Su feels this is inappropriate..."

"I will give the order immediately to retrieve the disbursed funds for the evacuation."

Yin Rou wanted to say something more.

Su Mo suddenly laughed and said, "General, you are truly righteous!"

He then personally opened the box and counted the silver.

He then added, "I have received all ten thousand taels of silver! I will now have the general sign the receipt."

If the water is clear, there will be no fish.

Despite Nangong Sheyue's suggestion that Yin Rou handle the tasks that might offend people.

But Yin Rou is now considered his subordinate, so there's no need for him to go to such lengths to ruin her for five hundred taels of silver, and offend a probationary commander of the Twenty-Four Guards.

Xiahou Yi's expression softened: "It's good that Commander Su is understanding!"

"Those soldiers down there, they've had it tough!"

He paused for a moment: "I still have to arrange garrison matters, so I won't escort you two into the artisan camp."

Su Mo nodded and directed several Dragon Guard soldiers to carry several hundred catties of silver to the artisan camp.

Hao Jian and several other officers are no longer here.

The eight small flags below, without exception, stood anxiously outside the government hall, waiting for the new official to take office.

This was the first time Su Mo had seen the flag of the Quanjiang Army Battalion.

He didn't try to intimidate them, but went straight to the point: "I believe you all know my background."

"Now that I have been promoted to the rank of General, I have been ordered to take charge of the artisan soldiers' battalion."

His voice suddenly turned cold: "Let me make this clear from the start: past events are no longer relevant. From now on, the artisan battalion must act in accordance with my rules."

"Anyone who violates my rules, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The eight junior officers breathed a sigh of relief and said eagerly, "Rest assured, sir! From now on, we will obey Lord Su's orders without hesitation!"

Su Mo nodded and pointed to Yin Rou: "This is Officer Yin, my deputy."

“I have other duties to attend to. If I were not in this artisan camp, all affairs within the camp would be handled by Officer Yin!”

The junior officers then met Yin Rou one after another.

Su Mo took out a piece of paper and a charcoal pencil from his sleeve and asked the junior officer to take them.

The flag bearers took the paper and looked at it; their faces simultaneously showed suspicion.

Su Mo said calmly, "This form."

"There are five options: literacy, skill, arithmetic ability, management ability, and interpersonal relationships. Each option is worth 1 to 10 points. The higher the ability, the higher the score."

"This form will allow me to better understand your capabilities."

"You all must be literate to have been appointed as junior officers. I will give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to score the remaining seven people."

"You should not treat this perfunctorily."

"I will take into account the overall scores in the form and select two of you to serve as flag bearers."

"I will also rearrange the artisan battalion's main and deputy groups, as well as the A, B, C, and D groups, and only set up four groups: A, B, C, and D!"

"I will personally oversee Group A, Officer Yin will be in charge of Group B, and the leaders of Groups C and D will be junior officers selected from among you!"

As he spoke, Su Mo's expression turned serious: "If you achieve results, I will definitely report the truth to your superiors, and you will be rewarded with promotions and bonuses."

Upon hearing this, the eight junior officers' expressions instantly changed.

I couldn't help but become wary of the way other people looked at me!

We originally agreed to advance and retreat together, so as not to be defeated one by one by the new official. Now what's the point of us working together?
They all began to speculate on it in secret.

As the name suggests, the junior flag leader is subordinate to Su and Yin, and manages the other junior flags.

When rating others, the lower the score, the better.

The problem is, if Lord Su sees that I gave all the others low scores, how will Lord Su view me?
He didn't say that whoever gets the highest score will be the flag leader!
Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the junior officers dared not delay and consciously dispersed, then filled out the forms with furrowed brows.

After a stick of incense had burned for a while, Su Mo asked Yin Rou to collect the forms filled out by everyone, and then she began to review them.

Upon seeing this, he frowned deeply.

The eight junior officers' hearts leaped into their throats!
After reading the junior officer's ratings of the others, Su Mo took out a tinderbox and burned the paper to ashes.

He then said calmly, "I have taken note of the scores you all gave to the other flags."

"I have already decided on the choice of this junior flag leader, and I will inform you of it tomorrow."

"Go down now. Have all the artisans from the artisan battalion assemble on the parade ground. I will give them a briefing later."

"Furthermore, summon Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi, and have them bring the items I ordered them to make to the government office to see me."

The junior officers bowed nervously and left.

After everyone left, Yin Rou couldn't help but ask, "Lord Su, what do you mean by this?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "It doesn't mean anything, it's just to get a better understanding of their abilities."

"Hmm... let's also try to divide them up."

"After all, if they stick together, it's not that we can't deal with them, it's just a waste of precious time."

After pausing, Su Mo smiled and said, "I'm afraid I won't be coming to this artisan camp often in the future. You'll basically be in charge of the camp's affairs."

"You also need to study this kind of knowledge about managing people carefully. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask me directly so that they can be used to your advantage."

Yin Rou was dumbfounded.

He stared at Su Mo in utter shock.

This is……

The art of managing subordinates? The art of maintaining balance?
Was Lord Su imparting to me this most profound and unfathomable knowledge?

Such knowledge should not be taught to anyone other than one's closest confidant!
For a moment, Yin Rou was so excited that she didn't know what to say!

Having received the knowledge and instruction of Master Su, am I now to be Master Su's personal disciple?
Su Mo was unaware that Yin Rou's thoughts were wandering rapidly, and she was already referring to herself as his disciple.

In his view, this was not some profound knowledge.

Now that Yin Rou has become my deputy, I naturally need to give her some pointers so that she can take on important responsibilities in the future and allow me to enjoy a life of comfort!

As Mencius said, "Those who labor with their minds govern others; those who labor with their strength are governed by others."

You can only be lazy if you know how to use people!

……

Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi entered the main hall of the government office with respectful expressions.

After the two bowed and greeted each other, Su Mo waved his hand and said, "You two don't need to be so formal."

"Have you finished making the vernier calipers and other equipment that I ordered you to do?"

Su Mo knew that he would definitely be unable to get rid of the work of the artisan camp in the future, so he drew up the blueprints in advance and instructed the two to make the vernier calipers and other items.

Vernier calipers seem to have existed in ancient times.

Su Mo doesn't know if this world exists.

But it's just a matter of a blueprint, and he doesn't need to do it himself; he can have someone build it first.

Without vernier calipers as a measuring tool, an assembly line cannot be implemented.

Ding Bashi stepped forward and handed over the newly made vernier calipers and protractor with both hands: "Sir, please take a look!"

"This... vernier caliper is measured in feet, inches, fractions, and half a centimeter. The protractor, as the adults say, is divided into one hundred and eighty small divisions."

Su Mo took it and looked at it.

Vernier calipers, protractors, triangles, rulers, and squares are all made of refined iron.

He had to admire Ding Bashi's skill.

The craftsmanship is quite exquisite.

Especially vernier calipers, the smallest graduation line is half a centimeter (about 1.6 millimeters), as fine as a hair.

Such precision should be sufficient as long as one is proficient in these tools and has the experience of a craftsman.

"Not bad!"

Su Mo nodded and smiled, "Let's make ten sets of each according to these markings!"

Ding Bashi nodded hurriedly in agreement, then hesitated for a moment before mustering his courage to ask, "Sir, why are there so many fierce soldiers outside the camp?"

"They won't let us leave this artisan camp. I've seen many artisans who are very resentful because they can't go out to find a way to make a living..."

Su Mo waved her hand: "You don't need to worry."

"I have already obtained the work from the imperial court."

"In the next few months, the artisans in the artisan battalion must mass-produce the Divine Arm Bow and the Eight-Ox Crossbow."

"I will reorganize the workshop, separate the manufacturing processes for components, and have soldiers keep a close watch on them."

"Craftsmen in each process are strictly prohibited from privately inquiring about the processes of others; those who do so will be severely punished!"

"You must not reveal the complete methods for manufacturing the Divine Arm Bow and the Eight Ox Crossbow."

Even when he saw the two generals, Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu, he still looked worried.

Su Mo smiled and said, "Don't worry about not being able to leave the artisan camp in the future."

"It's just that when they go out, soldiers will accompany them."

“Ordinary craftsmen are unaware of the complete process. As long as they travel outside the area reasonably, I will approve it at my discretion.”

"In addition, I will set up a shop in the barracks to provide for your daily needs."

"Goods in the shops can be redeemed with money or points."

Carpenter Zhou was taken aback: "Sir, what are points?"

Su Mo explained, "In addition to paying the craftsmen their full wages, I will also award points based on the number of components produced and the pass rate."

Points can be redeemed for goods or exchanged directly for cash.

"Um……"

"Normally, as long as you put in the effort, the points rewards you receive will be no less than three times your normal wages!"

Ding Bashi and Zhou Dashu were dumbfounded!
Seeing their shocked expressions, Su Mo smiled and said, "Don't worry that I won't keep my promise."

He gestured for Yin Rou to open the three boxes containing silver.

"Ten thousand taels of silver here!"

"I can guarantee that, in addition to the purchase of materials, no less than five thousand taels will be distributed to the artisans!"

Su Mo smiled and looked at the two of them: "This is just the beginning!"

"Once the reputation of the Lone Peak Mountain Craftsmen's Battalion spreads, they'll have more work than they can handle!"

Zhou Dashu and Ding Bashi stared intently at the several large boxes of silver, swallowing hard and unable to look away for a long time!

There are no more than three hundred true artisans in the artisan battalion.

If five thousand taels of silver are all spent on the craftsmen, wouldn't each of them receive... a dozen or so taels of silver?

If each household has three craftsmen, then a family would earn several dozen taels of silver!
Isn't this a sign of development?

……

These days, Su Mo felt as if he had returned to ancient times to be treated like a beast of burden, and couldn't help but curse inwardly.

Forget about skipping work, I almost didn't even have time to go to the bathroom.

Assembly lines sound easy, but in reality, all sorts of problems arise!

The biggest problem is that people are too attached to their own possessions.

It took Su Mo a lot of effort to persuade master craftsmen like Zhou the carpenter and Ding the eighty to pass on their skills to others!

Finally, they took a 10% cut of the apprentices' wages and points as rewards, which went to the master craftsmen. Only after being coerced and bribed did the master craftsmen reluctantly agree.

Secondly, the artisans and their families in the artisan battalion.

Their level of education was simply appalling!
Su Mo had explained many things countless times, and the craftsman said he had learned them, only to forget them as soon as he turned around.

Su Mo had no choice but to get a whiteboard, take a charcoal pencil, and transform into a teacher, tutoring the craftsmen every evening.

They also used salt, cloth, salted fish, and cured meat as bait.

It was only with great difficulty that the craftsmen were barely able to learn how to use measuring tools, understand common words, and read the dimensions on the drawings.

We were busy for seven whole days!
The components produced in each workshop were assembled by Zhou Dashu himself, and the first Divine Arm Bow was successfully assembled, achieving a range of 250 paces.

Su Mo felt a surge of emotion, almost bringing tears to her eyes!

It's not easy!

If anyone makes him do such hard work again, Su Mo will definitely turn against them!

However, once the first Divine Arm Bow is produced, things will be much easier from now on!

After all, Su Mo wasn't the only commander in the artisan battalion.

Yin Rou and the other junior staff members were also forced to attend classes by Su Mo, so they learned roughly how to manage the assembly line and improve the work efficiency and enthusiasm of the craftsmen.

Su Mo can finally get some rest.

As for the Eight-Ox Crossbow, we'll deal with that after we've built a thousand Divine Arm Bows and completed the Nangong Shoots the Moon mission!
In the past few days, Su Mo has lost three pounds and was almost driven to death by the stupid craftsman!
Regardless of whether his cultivation level has improved, his Dao heart level has definitely improved by several levels!
……

In the Imperial City, the Hall of State Affairs stood in the Imperial Palace. The Empress, after the court session, wore a dark expression, clearly in a very bad mood!

The palace maids, female officials, and eunuchs serving nearby dared not utter a sound.

Everyone knows it's all about money!
The autumn taxes have been largely transported to Beijing, but the collection situation is far from ideal.

In the vast Great Wu Dynasty, the autumn tax revenue was only seven million taels of silver and eight million shi of rice!
Reports of disasters have been submitted from various places, indicating that not only is the autumn tax collection difficult, but tax reductions and exemptions are also needed. Two circuits and seven prefectures, totaling twenty-one counties, have petitioned the court to allocate disaster relief funds.

The news sent back by the Embroidered Uniform Guard was indeed true.

This summer and autumn, many areas in Dawu suffered severe drought, and locust plagues also broke out.

The autumn tax that had just been collected was gone in the blink of an eye, amounting to more than a million taels.

In addition, the Ministry of Revenue spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to pay the back salaries owed to officials.

As for the Ministry of War, the military pay for the three armed forces cannot be delayed either.

Every year at this time, the Western Rong and Northern Di tribes would raid southwards. If military pay was not distributed in time, it would shake morale and have unimaginable consequences.

After all the messy calculations...

The Empress discovered that most of the autumn tax she had just collected was gone...

No matter how powerful she is, she can't conjure up silver out of thin air!
An empress who was penniless.

At this moment, he finally remembered Su Mo.

During this period, the imperial court was busy with various matters, including the autumn tax collection, preparations for the year-end celebrations, sacrificial rites, and so on.

The Empress had no time to pay attention to Su Mo.

Calculate the time.

Baiyulou has been open for almost a month, and it's unknown how much silver has been deposited into the imperial treasury.

Furthermore, Su Mo should have gone to Tianchang County to take up his post, where he relaxed regulations for merchants, and I wonder how much silver he has earned.

He dispatched a eunuch to summon Nangong Sheyue to the Lizheng Hall.

The Empress looked at Nangong Sheyue expressionlessly: "How is Su Mo?"

"Has he already taken up a post in Tianchang County?"

Nangong Sheyue's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected that the Empress would summon her and ask Su Mo the first question!
She hesitated slightly before replying, "Your Majesty, Su Mo is currently still at the Gufeng Mountain Artisan Camp, overseeing the manufacture of the Divine Arm Bow."

Leng Liuxi was slightly taken aback, her face darkening: "Haven't you gone to Tianchang County to take up your post yet?"

Nangong Sheyue quickly replied, "His Majesty ordered him to take up his post in Tianchang County within a month, and there are still two days left until the deadline!"

He couldn't help but think to himself that once he left, he would go find Su Mo and warn him to head to Tianchang County immediately!
The imperial edict was no joke.

To disobey the imperial edict is a grave crime of deceiving the emperor!

Leng Liuxi couldn't help but feel annoyed.

She, the empress, was so busy that she wished she had an extra clone.

That bastard is something else! He doesn't even bother to take office, what about my duties!

He couldn't help but snort, "That lazy brat!"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment: "Your Majesty, according to the report from the scouts of the Gufeng Mountain Artisan Battalion..."

"Su Mo supervised the construction of the Divine Arm Bow, working tirelessly with less than two hours of rest each day. He must have been afraid of delaying His Majesty's important affairs, which is why he did not arrive in Tianchang County in time to take up his post."

Leng Liuxi's expression softened slightly: "How much of Baiyujingyue is left?"

Nangong Sheyue immediately replied, "The person I sent to Baiyujing to audit the accounts reported that Baiyujing has a surplus of over 5,300 taels of silver."

"According to the agreement between Fengming Division and Su Mo, Fengming Division will receive 2,700 taels of silver."

"In addition, the Fengming Division of Changping County should receive 1,300 taels of silver this month for the East and West Markets."

"Should we instruct Su Mo to submit the surplus to the Imperial Treasury?"

Leng Liuxi was taken aback: "Really more than five thousand taels of silver in surplus?"

"Can such a small restaurant really earn tens of thousands of taels of silver a year?"

"Can the two markets of Changping County also contribute a surplus of 1,300 taels?"

Leng Liuxi personally went to Baiyujing on its first day of opening.

The initial profit was 180 taels, but the Empress found it somewhat hard to believe.

They felt that Su Mo must have secretly done something to it.

Moreover, a hundred taels of silver doesn't sound too scary.

But when you add up dozens of items worth over a hundred taels of silver, the effect is completely different!

Nangong Sheyue quickly replied, "Your Majesty is unaware of this."

"Baiyujing Restaurant is becoming increasingly popular. More and more literati and scholars are going to Baiyujing to dine."

"In addition, Baiyujing has launched a food delivery service, employing low-ranking Jinyiwei soldiers to deliver meals. Many officials, noble families and wealthy households order meals directly from Baiyujing."

"Just the day before yesterday, Baiyujing made a profit of 320 taels. Next month's profit will probably be a huge 10,000 taels!"

Leng Liuxi was stunned upon hearing this.

The autumn tax of the Great Wu Dynasty this year amounted to 13 million taels of silver.

The price of a single restaurant in Baiyujing is equivalent to one-hundredth of the autumn tax.

Su Mo, that guy, owns two restaurants?
As for the restaurant hiring Imperial Guards to deliver food, this was a taboo matter of using public resources for private purposes, yet the Empress didn't mention it at all, which made Nangong Sheyue, who was secretly observing the Empress's expression, slightly suspicious.

After a moment of silence, the Empress suddenly asked, "How is the situation at Misty Rain Pavilion?"

Nangong Sheyue felt a chill run down her spine and quickly replied, "It's roughly the same as Bai Yujing."

Leng Liuxi was completely speechless.

Suddenly, I had a feeling that Su Mo should replace Wang Hao and become the Minister of Revenue!
She frowned and snorted, "How could one obtain such a huge sum of silver from the Left Bureau? Go and inform Lin Moyin about the profits gained from the Left Bureau..."

"Hmm... Seventy percent shall be handed over to the Phoenix Cry Division!"

"Furthermore, by imperial decree, Lin Moyin is removed from his position as Commander of the Left Garrison and transferred to the position of Commander of the Right Garrison!"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment: "May I ask Your Majesty, what about Su Mo's 50% share?"

Leng Liuxi waved her hand: "Let's not move for now."

Nangong Sheyue nodded and accepted the order, then said, "Your Majesty, Lin Moyin, the commander of the Left Guard, took leave ten days ago to go to the Su Nu Palace."

"Judging by the timeframe, they should be back within ten days."

Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi's phoenix eyes flashed with a cold light, and she waved her hand, saying, "Then we'll talk about it when she gets back!"

He then smiled and said meaningfully, "I am rather curious, I wonder what outstanding juniors the Hundred Immortals Alliance will send to serve in my court this year!"

Nangong Sheyue remained silent.

Leng Liuxi glanced at Nangong Sheyue, then suddenly asked, "Is Su Mo at Lonely Peak Mountain now?"

"Since you have nothing else to do, you may accompany me to Lonely Peak Mountain."

"I'd like to see if this fellow is truly working hard for me, or if he's just trying to shirk his duties and avoid going to Tianchang County!"

The imperial court had just collected the autumn taxes, and there wasn't much left.

But Su Mo finally had some good news.

The two restaurants, along with the two markets in Changping County, together bring in more than five thousand taels of silver a month for the Imperial Treasury.

The Empress's mood improved considerably.

Nangong Sheyue dared not say anything more.

Hopefully, Su Mo is really busy with the Divine Arm Bow.

However, with the imperial court's finances nearly collapsing, His Majesty's tolerance for Su Mo should be extremely high.

As long as it's not something truly reckless, there shouldn't be any major problems.

This time, on a whim, Leng Liuxi made a surprise trip out of the palace incognito. She didn't bring many people with her, just the old eunuch An Wu and Nangong Sheyue.

The three changed into casual clothes and rode off at full gallop.

Before long, the Lone Peak Mountain camp came into view.

Leng Liuxi signaled to the old eunuch and the commander of the Fengming Division to slow down their horses.

They hadn't gone more than a few steps when soldiers appeared and blocked their way.

"Stop whoever comes!"

The leading captain, his expression grim, gripped his sword hilt and shouted sternly, "This is a military camp, a place of great importance. Do you have any entry or exit permits? Documents!"

Nangong Sheyue pulled out the pure gold ivory token of the Fengming Division Commander and said coldly, "Fengming Division Commander!"

"Bring Xiahou Yi out to see me!"

The captain's eyes widened in shock, and he quickly said, "Sir, please wait a moment!"

"This subordinate will immediately send someone to inform General Xiahou!"

Xiahou Yi, soon surrounded by several personal guards, walked out of the barracks and strode towards Nangong Sheyue and the others.

He chuckled and bowed to Nangong Sheyue, about to speak.

Out of the corner of his eye, he inadvertently glanced at the woman in the white cloak behind Nangong Sheyue, and his expression suddenly changed!
"Your Majesty..."

Nangong Sheyue's expression suddenly darkened, and she interrupted him without any politeness: "General Xiahou, let's go to the barracks to talk!"

Xiahou Yi then realized what was happening.

The Empress is traveling incognito!
The Empress's identity must never be revealed in public!
What the hell? Why would the Empress suddenly come to Lonely Peak Mountain?
It almost scared him to death!
The Longxiang Guard was responsible for guarding the palace, and Xiahou Yi, as a probationary commander, had naturally met the Empress!

He also knew that the Lone Peak Mountain Artisan Battalion was manufacturing a new type of crossbow that looked quite powerful, and the Empress valued it highly.

They even went so far as to allocate funds from the imperial treasury to send to Gufeng Mountain, ordering the Longxiang Guard to relocate and garrison there!

But to everyone's surprise, the Empress herself would make a special appearance!
Xiahou Yi quickly took a deep breath, his voice stammering, "Your humble servant... I obey!"

Then, sweat beading on his back, he led the Empress and others to the tent, dismissed his subordinates, and knelt down with a thud: "Your subject Xiahou Yi greets Your Majesty!"

Leng Liuxi waved her hand slightly: "Rise!"

"Have any suspicious individuals been seen in the vicinity these past few days?"

Xiahou Yi hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, everything is normal at the Lone Peak Mountain barracks, and no suspicious activity has been observed."

Leng Liuxi said calmly, "Keep a close eye on this Lone Peak Mountain artisan camp. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible!"

"Remember, I am a centurion of the Phoenix Cry Division. Do not reveal my identity!"

"You will all come with me!"

The Empress left the camp.

Xiahou Yi quickly wiped away his cold sweat and found that his back was completely soaked. He hurriedly chased after him!

I was secretly relieved that I hadn't slacked off!
I wonder if that young Su will have that kind of luck!
Over this period of time, Xiahou Yi was surprised to find that the seemingly immature young man was actually a shrewd and tactful character who knew what was important and how to conduct himself.

When traveling to and from the capital, they never forgot to bring back food from Baiyujing, and the cooperation between the two parties was pleasant.

To be honest, Xiahou Yi really didn't want to see Su Mo suffer.

However, even though he wanted to help Su Mo, he couldn't.

As the group entered the artisan camp, the Empress's pretty face showed a hint of surprise.

But the campsite was completely different from the one they had visited before.

The workshop, which had been somewhat messy, has been completely demolished.

The houses, square and neat, are a mix of new timber and old materials from demolished houses, and are located in four directions, each guarded by the Dragon Guards in full armor.

Apart from the Longxiang Guard on duty, there were hardly any other people in the entire barracks.

Those children who were playing last time, and the families of the craftsmen, are nowhere to be seen!
Occasionally, someone would push a wooden crate cart from one square house to another.

The Empress frowned slightly and turned to look at Xiahou Yi: "What are you doing?"

Xiahou Yi quickly replied, "Reporting to... Commander Leng, this was planned by the Banner Officer Su, and it's called... a factory. The craftsmen are assigned to work there."

"However, I do not know what it looks like inside."

Leng Liuxi was slightly surprised: "You didn't know either?"

Xiahou Yi quickly explained, "The Su Banner official in charge of the artisan battalion has strictly ordered that no one other than an artisan may enter the factory."

He pointed to a young man pushing a wooden crate cart out of the factory: "The only people who can come and go from the factory are these transport workers wearing badges."

"However, they can only go to and from two factories; they cannot go to the other factories."

"Those who can freely enter and leave the workshops in the entire artisan battalion are only Officer Su and Officer Yin!"

Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi was even more surprised. She looked at Nangong Sheyue and said, "Su Qiguan's method of keeping secrets seems quite good. Fengming Division can learn a thing or two from it."

Nangong Sheyue nodded solemnly and said, "What Commander Leng said is absolutely right!"

Leng Liuxi then looked at Xiahou Yi: "Where is Su Qiguan now?"

Xiahou Yi quickly replied, "I don't know, but it should be in the government office."

Leng Liuxi then headed towards the government office.

The gates of the government office were wide open, allowing a clear view inside. In the central hall, a petite woman was seen frowning as she bent over her desk, writing with a brush in hand.

But Su Mo was nowhere to be seen.

Nangong Sheyue was slightly startled, but she could only step into the government office first.

Hearing the commotion, Yin Rou looked up and was immediately startled. She quickly stood up and said, "This humble servant greets Commander Qianhu!"

"Greetings, General Xiahou! Greetings, Commander!"

Nangong Sheyue waved her hand and said coldly, "Why are you the only one in this government office?"

Where is Su Mo?

Yin Rou quickly replied, "Lord Su is currently resting in the back office."

Nangong Sheyue was startled and glanced at the Empress out of the corner of his eye.

As expected, the Empress frowned upon seeing him.

"Now is the time of day, why is Commander Su resting in the back office?"

Leng Liuxi gave a soft snort: "Isn't this neglecting imperial duties?"

Yin Rou immediately became anxious: "Reporting to Your Excellency, Lord Su has not been negligent!"

"These days, Lord Su has not slept well for many days because of... the imperial decree, and he is very tired. He only took a short rest in the back office."

Leng Liuxi glanced at Yin Rou with slight surprise. She hadn't expected that Yin Rou would dare to defy her, her "superior," for Su Mo's sake.

Su Mo is really quite capable; he managed to subdue her so quickly.
Her pretty face darkened: "Are you trying to exonerate President Su?"

"Do you think that by saying this, Lord Commander, you will let Su Mo off the hook?"

Nangong Sheyue gasped inwardly!
The Empress's heart is unpredictable. Su Mo has been caught red-handed by the Empress, and he is sure to suffer a great deal this time!
She was about to speak when Yin Rou, oblivious to her own mortality, retorted to the Empress: "This humble servant did not defend Lord Su!"

She took a deep breath, her face full of indignation and stubbornness: "In just half a month, the artisan battalion has produced 205 qualified divine arm bows!"

"If it weren't for Lord Su's painstaking efforts and dedication to his duties, how could we have achieved such results!"

Yin Rou was indeed unconvinced.

During this time, Su Mo had imparted countless lessons to her, and she had long regarded Su Mo as her teacher.

No one knows better than Yin Rou about Su Mo's dedication to the artisan battalion.

As a result, the cold-blooded commander immediately accused Su Mo of being lazy and negligent, which Yin Rou found unbearable.

Even the commander of a thousand households didn't say a word, so why should she, a mere centurion, have so much to say?
Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi frowned and asked in a deep voice, "The Craftsmen's Battalion has already manufactured 205 Divine Arm Bows?"

(End of this chapter)