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

Chapter 170 Imperial Tutor
Su Mo was exceptionally talented and learned, far surpassing any so-called great Confucian scholar or academic in the Empress's eyes.

Such talent! Although young, he is absolutely qualified to be my teacher!

Of course, becoming Su Mo's disciple does not mean that Su Mo will be pushed out to face the pressure from the court officials right now!
The teacher of emperors is the tutor of emperors.

He is destined to become a high-ranking official in the imperial court, wielding immense power!

The court officials would never allow a boy not even twenty years old to become the emperor's tutor!

Once these old ministers and important officials die, and Su Mo's faction rises up, won't Su Mo rule the world all by himself?
Becoming the Imperial Tutor is out of the question for the time being.

But a "cold" teacher is not a big problem.

Once Su Mo accepts Leng Xixi, he will naturally teach her everything he knows.

He will find out his imperial identity in the future.

As a "cold and aloof" teacher, Su Mo naturally had no other choice but to fully support him!
The Empress possessed formidable martial prowess, slaughtering her brothers and forcing her father to abdicate; she was undoubtedly a ruthless and decisive person.

With that thought in mind, I no longer hesitated.

He chuckled lightly at Su Mo: "Young Master Su, your strategies are truly brilliant!"

"Those merchants were secretly delighted, unaware that they were being manipulated by the young master."

Su Mo became wary after being praised by Leng Liuxi.

Is this guy up to something again, trying to trick me into a trap?
He quickly said in a deep voice, "Lord Leng, you flatter me!"

"I only have a little knowledge of business and understand the mentality of merchants, which is why I came up with this plan!"

Leng Liuxi smiled and said, "My lord, there's no need to belittle yourself!"

"Now that the court is in financial distress, it needs ministers like you who are good at managing finances to serve."

"I also wish to share Your Majesty's burdens, but alas, I am unfamiliar with the ways of business. As for the rickshaw business, I have no clue what to do. Would you be willing to teach me, Young Master Su?"

Su Mo breathed a sigh of relief.

So that's how it is.

Even if he doesn't say it coldly, he will still teach you.

After all, he himself contributed 50% of it.

Once Leng Xixi gets the passenger transport business up and running, she won't have to work hard; she can just lie there and collect money. How great would that be!
He smiled and said, "You're too kind, sir. If you ever have any questions in the future, just ask me."

Leng Liuxi smiled sweetly and bowed slightly to Su Mo, saying, "This disciple thanks you, teacher!"

Upon hearing this, Nangong Sheyue suddenly turned her head, her pretty face filled with shock as she looked at the Empress!

The Empress calls Su Mo... teacher?

The emperor's words are law; the word "teacher" cannot be used carelessly!
The Empress's teacher was the Imperial Tutor!
Su Mo was also startled by Leng Liuxi.

Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher—the teacher is considered half a father, second only to the father in status.

In officialdom, the strongest relationship is that between teachers and students!

A teacher can be either a mentor or a guiding teacher.

They impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts, serving as mentors and teachers.

Those who betray their teachers and ancestors will be despised by the world and will never be able to survive in ancient times!

Even the master is extraordinary!

It was common to see countless officials openly and secretly fighting and turning against each other for the position of chief examiner in the imperial examinations.

All for the title of mentor!
All recent graduates can be considered the examiners' students or disciples!
Once you become the chief examiner, countless disciples will fight for you in the future imperial court!
This shows how important the master-disciple relationship is!
Su Mo quickly stood up and said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency is mistaken!"

"How could I, a humble servant, be worthy of being called your teacher!"

Leng Liuxi's pretty face darkened, and she said softly, "Could it be that in your eyes, my husband, I, a centurion of the Phoenix Cry Division, am not as good as that officer Yin Qi?"

"If my lord can accept Yin Rou as his disciple, why can't he accept me?"

Su Mo felt bewildered and couldn't help but ask, "When did this humble servant take Officer Yin as his apprentice?"

Leng Liuxi blinked: "Isn't that right?"

"My lord imparted to Yin Qiguan the ways of mathematics and the art of managing subordinates. He shared all his knowledge with me, and I witnessed it with my own eyes."

"If one were not a direct disciple, how could one receive the true teachings of the young master!"

She paused slightly, her pretty face becoming even more resentful: "That official Yin also claims to be the disciple of my lord."

Su Mo said in a deep voice, "That was just a suggestion from your subordinate so that Officer Yin could take charge of the artisan battalion and better serve His Majesty. It shouldn't be taken seriously."

Leng Liuxi suddenly smiled: "I am also serving Your Majesty, hoping to make money and replenish the imperial treasury."

"Why can't you give me some pointers, Mr. Su?"

Su Mo shook his head decisively: "If you have any questions, my lord, I will answer them without hesitation. Please do not mention the words 'become an apprentice' again!"

Leng Liuxi was unwilling.

Seeing Su Mo's resolute expression and wary look in his eyes, he sighed inwardly and could only give up for the time being.

A nation's greatest talent is indeed not easy to subdue!

Nangong Sheyue gave Su Mo a strange look.

If he knew that he had refused the position of Imperial Tutor, I wonder if he would regret it!
Every scholar in the world, even the great Confucian scholars and sages, would want to be the emperor's tutor!

Su Mo secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Leng Liuxi did not mention the matter.

This cold demeanor suggests a deep connection with the Empress.

If we were to take her as a disciple, that would be terrible.

The court is now rife with intrigue and power struggles, with fierce battles between the emperor and his ministers, and the presence of powerful Taoist sorcerers who cannot be underestimated.

With my small arms and legs, once I get involved, I'll be torn to pieces.

Thinking of this, Su Mo looked at Leng Xixi with a serious expression: "The regulation of merchants is now on the right track."

"Next, the imperial court only needs to issue decrees and send people to Tianchang County to consolidate this law."

"It is time for this humble servant to retire after accomplishing his mission."

Leng Liuxi frowned and looked at Su Mo suspiciously, "What do you mean by this, my lord?"

Su Mo bowed to Nangong Sheyue and Leng Liuxi, saying, "This humble servant humbly requests that you two speak to His Majesty and allow me to resign from my post as the registrar of Tianchang County."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Leng Liuxi said emphatically without hesitation, "This is unacceptable!"

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "If my lord wishes to be promoted to the position of Registrar of Tianchang County... or even Assistant Magistrate, I can speak to His Majesty on his behalf and do my best to fulfill your request."

"But I do not agree to resign from my post as a clerk!"

Su Mo took a deep breath: "Lord Leng, please listen to me!"

Leng Liuxi glared at Su Mo and snorted, "Tell me!"

No matter how eloquently he speaks, I would never agree!

Having finally managed to transfer him from the Embroidered Uniform Guard system to the civil service system, how could they possibly let Su Mo escape so easily?

Su Mo said in a deep voice: "The implementation of regulations is, in the final analysis, about seizing money from the gentry and powerful clans."

“Now that I have become a villain, the gentry, wealthy merchants and clans of Tianchang County hate me to the bone. If I were to take up the post of clerk again, it would only make the implementation of this law extremely difficult.”

Leng Liuxi's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

I feel that what Su Mo said actually makes a lot of sense.

But we still can't let him resign!
Su Mo then added, "I believe that we should now adopt the 'good cop' approach and the 'bad cop' approach, which is the best way to appease the merchants."

"No matter how much the merchants object, as long as they insist that this is the law of the imperial court, the merchants are helpless."

Although Leng Liuxi was determined not to let Su Mo run away, she still couldn't help but ask, "What is the difference between a good cop and a bad cop?"

Su Mo was stunned.

The red-faced and white-faced jokes are just a theatrical joke.

Does Da Wu have any drama? Or does it lack the "good cop/bad cop" dynamic?

He had to explain, "White face refers to a wicked person, like myself."

"A red face means someone who pretends to be a good person but is actually in cahoots with me."

"On the surface, he seems to be thinking of those merchants and confiding in them, but in reality, he is His Majesty's confidant and is just deceiving the merchants."

"By taking turns playing the good cop and the bad cop, we can manipulate merchants at will."

As soon as Su Mo finished speaking, Leng Liuxi's expression suddenly changed!

Why does this sound so...familiar?

Two Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, Yang Ji and Wang Hua.

After Leng Liuxi seized the throne, she actively sought refuge with the Imperial Party!
Leng Liuxi seized the throne by force and lacked the support of the Crown Prince's faction, so she naturally took in two important ministers immediately!

Yang Ji and Wang Hua also unequivocally sided with the Empress!
Upon hearing Su Mo's words, the Empress finally came to her senses.

The two high-ranking officials of the Emperor's faction did indeed fully support him on minor matters, but it seems they never played a role in crucial moments.
Is it...

On the surface, they are our people.

In secret, however, he was in cahoots with Xiao Yuan, Wang Hao, and others, just as Su Mo said, playing him like a puppet.
Leng Liuxi's pretty face darkened.

Seeing Leng Liuxi deep in thought with a dark expression, Su Mo assumed she was considering whether or not to let him return to Tianchang County.

He quickly added, "Lord Leng, these are indeed my heartfelt words."

“It is not that I am neglecting my duties, but it is truly unsuitable for me to continue serving as the official of Tianchang County.”

"Those merchants seem shrewd, but in reality they are foolish."

"If Your Majesty dismisses this wicked official and sends a capable minister to appease the merchants, they will surely hand over their money obediently and be extremely grateful to Your Majesty."

"Hmm... They were sold out, and they even helped His Majesty count the silver!"

Leng Liuxi grew increasingly annoyed as she listened!
My teeth are itchy!

What do you mean by selling someone and then helping them count the money?

This guy is absolutely infuriating!
Doesn't he know that he himself is the one helping the person count the money?

How could she, a dignified empress, be so easily fooled by Wang Hua and Yang Ji?
Su Mo, oh Su Mo!
Do you know that the more you act this way, the less I can let you go?
Such a talented and capable ruler, if I were to let you go, wouldn't I truly become a foolish emperor?
Leng Liuxi took a deep breath and slowly said, "Since you are determined to leave, my lord..."

Su Mo was immediately overjoyed: "My lord agrees to my resignation?"

Leng Liuxi shook her head: "Resigning from my post is impossible!"

Su Mo...

Leng Liuxi then added, "This concubine may speak to His Majesty to grant my husband an indefinite leave of absence..."

"He shall retain the duties of a registrar, but he need not go to Tianchang County to perform his duties."

Su Mo was dumbfounded.

Does holding the position of Registrar mean you don't have to go to work?

Isn't this just holding a position without working and receiving a salary?
Leng Liuxi smiled and said, "In this way, my lord can accumulate seniority in the official records, and it will be much easier for him to be promoted in the future."

Su Mo frowned and thought for a moment, then finally nodded: "This humble servant will do as you say, sir." He originally intended to be transferred back to the capital and serve as a county magistrate in Wannian County or Changzhi County.

After all, Tianchang County has offended many people, and if those people go crazy and take risks, his life will be in danger.

I can accept being only given a nominal position in Tianchang County, without having to return to work.

Leng Liuxi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Su Mo had agreed.

Then, his eyes darted around, and he suddenly said, "Does Your Highness know that His Majesty has discussed with the senior ministers of the cabinet that the silver obtained from the liberalization of regulations will be divided equally between the Imperial Treasury and the Ministry of Revenue?"

"But I think that the Ministry of Revenue has obtained a huge amount of silver without exerting any effort. Isn't that taking advantage of Your Majesty?"

Su Mo immediately understood.

I'm so reluctant to leave!
He casually replied, "His Majesty's words are law, and what he says cannot be disregarded."

"but……"

Leng Liuxi was overjoyed, knowing that Su Mo had a solution, and quickly asked, "Please tell me, my lord, I am listening."

Su Mo blinked: "This subordinate believes that fines and profits from selling regulations are two different things!"

"What do you think, sir?"

Leng Liuxi's eyes lit up instantly: "Yes!"

"A fine is not a sale!"

"The proceeds from the sale of silver must be split equally with the Ministry of Revenue, while all fines will naturally be sent to the Imperial Treasury!"

Su Mo smiled and said, "We still need to inform the Ministry of Revenue how much silver was fined."

"Seeing the enormous profits that would result from opening up regulations, the Ministry of Revenue, which is desperate for money, will naturally give its full support to His Majesty in implementing this policy."

"However, the Ministry of Revenue probably won't easily let go of the fines imposed on other prefectures and counties."

Leng Liuxi snorted: "That depends on how much the Ministry of Revenue can support His Majesty!"

With just one sentence, Su Mo saved himself tens of thousands of taels of silver and made the Ministry of Revenue envious, forcing them to fully support him.

The Empress was in high spirits and smiled at Su Mo: "If my lord is unwilling to go to Tianchang County, may I ask if you have a suitable successor? I would like to recommend him to Your Majesty."

Su Mo shook his head and smiled wryly: "I don't know many officials in the capital, so how could I recommend anyone!"

Don't say no.

Even if there were such a thing, Su Mo would not recommend it.

We finally escaped from Tianchang County, and now we're back in trouble again?

Leng Liuxi chuckled inwardly.

If it were anyone else, they would definitely try every means to have their own people take over. This Su Mo is really quite adorable!
It's no good to be so unambitious.

We need to find a way to arouse his ambition in the future, otherwise how can we fight against those old foxes in the court?

She smiled and said, "In that case, my lord and I will escort the silver back to the capital and report back to His Majesty."

"If there are any questions, then seek my husband's guidance."

Su Mo suddenly remembered something.

Forget it, while Leng Xixi is in a good mood, let's take care of Zhong Dingfang's matter at the same time.

"My lords, the merits of Zhong Dingfang, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Tianchang County, and others in the matter of establishing regulations are indispensable!"

"Lord Zhong is accompanying me to escort silver to the capital and is currently at his residence. Would you two gentlemen like to see him?"

Leng Liuxi shook her head: "My status and that of Lord Nangong are special, so it is not appropriate for us to meet."

Su Mo was immediately taken aback.

Why didn't I think of this connection?
Although both the Phoenix Cry Division and the Embroidered Uniform Guard are the Empress's henchmen, they check and balance each other, so it is indeed inappropriate for them to meet in private.

It seems that I am special, not only as the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but also as the head of the Phoenix Cry Division.

Just as Su Mo was about to admit his mistake, Leng Liuxi suddenly said, "Since I've helped you a lot, it wouldn't be right not to reward you for your contributions."

"Hmm... Let him choose one of the centurions from the Sixth and Right Offices. Just let me know when the time comes, my lord."

Su Mo gasped sharply.

The six subordinate offices and the right office of the centurion, could they make a decision with a single, cold word?

This is absolutely not something that Fengming Division can decide!

Even Nangong's attempt to shoot the moon failed!
Didn't you see that most of the thousand households remained silent?
We need to reassess the cold and aloof person's position in the Empress's heart.

Seeing Su Mo's shocked expression, the Empress couldn't help but feel a little smug.

I'll make sure you don't accept me as your disciple!

Now that you know my power, you regret it, don't you!
snort!
After returning to the palace, Zhong Dingfang was transferred back to the capital!

Once Su Mo realizes his own power, next time he'll come with six gifts and a formal introduction, and if he dares to ask to become my disciple again, I'll show him no mercy!

Nangong Sheyue and the Empress left, leaving Su Mo still in a daze.

His brows were furrowed so deeply they looked like a mountain!

When Nangong Sheyue and Leng Xixi appeared at the same time, it was as if they had no presence at all!
This further demonstrates Leng Xixi's high status!

But no matter how hard Su Mo tried, he couldn't figure out what Leng Xixi's true identity was.

It wasn't that Su Mo was foolish; he didn't attribute the coldness to the Empress.

In fact, who would dare to think that way!
The supreme empress could leave the capital at any time, and then still address him as "my concubine" and "my lord" all the time?
No one would associate the seemingly gentle but actually cunning Fengming Division Commander with the supreme Empress!
Su Mo thought and thought, but came up with nothing.

So they stopped researching the issue.

However, there was nothing that Leng Xixi couldn't do, so he composed himself and went to the main hall.

The Su family was small, and Liu Siyun, who was considered half the mistress of the house, also worked at the restaurant.

It was Ding Yu, the advisor, who entertained Zhong Dingfang on Su Mo's behalf.

Su Mo cupped his hands in greeting to Zhong Dingfang and said with a smile, "Thank you for waiting so long, Lord Zhong!"

Zhong Dingfang quickly stood up and said with a smile, "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!"

As he spoke, he asked suspiciously, "I heard some commotion in the courtyard just now, the silver carriage... it's gone?"

Su Mo nodded, glanced at Ding Yu, and didn't ask Ding Yu to step aside: "I have already mentioned Lord Zhong's matter to the higher-ups..."

Zhong Dingfang was immediately startled, his heart leaped into his throat, and he nervously stared at Su Mo, not daring to utter a word.

Su Mo didn't keep them in suspense and said calmly, "He is a centurion of the Right Office, which is subordinate to the Six Offices and is one of the five core offices."

"What is Lord Zhong's intention?"

As soon as these words came out.

Zhong Dingfang was dumbfounded.

Ding Yu, standing to the side, stared intently at Su Mo with an expression of disbelief!

A roar of excitement surged within me!

The bet was right!

I was right after all!

The real backer of my master is definitely not the commander of the Left Guard!

Ding Yu was unaware that Lin Moyin had been transferred to the position of Right Commander of the Thousand Households.

However, neither the Right Commander nor the Upper Left Commander could determine the affiliation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard centurions.

Not to mention, Su Mo actually let Zhong Dingfang choose for himself!

This demonstrates that Su Mo's relationship with the institutes far exceeds that of being subordinate to the Sixth Institute and the Five Core Institutes!

Ding Yu was increasingly shocked as he thought about it, his heart filled with turbulent emotions! Lightning flashed and thunder roared!

Who is the true god standing behind my master, who can decide the fate of a hundred-household commander of the Imperial Guard in the capital?
Could it be the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Ding Yu couldn't help but have this unbelievable thought pop into his head!
If my master's backer is a high-ranking official, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, wouldn't it be easy to avenge my loss of office?

Zhong Dingfang was stunned for a long time before finally coming to his senses. He swallowed hard, his voice stammering with nervousness: "Lord Su...you...you mean I can go to the Sixth Subordinate Office, or...the Right Office?"

Su Mo nodded: "Not bad!"

"These seven households are up to you, sir, to decide."

He paused, then added, "Of course, the specifics depend on how the higher-ups handle it."

"However, in my opinion, this matter is almost certainly true."

Zhong Dingfang hurriedly said, "This official wishes to go to the Right Office!"

"Um……"

"If the right garrison cannot be established, then the sixth garrison is also acceptable!"

As he spoke, he quickly untied his money pouch and handed it to Su Mo with both hands: "Lord Su, please take this! This is a small token of my appreciation!"

Su Mo frowned: "What does Lord Zhong mean by this?"

"The reason why the higher-ups helped Lord Zhong with his transfer is because of his merits, which have been recognized by the higher-ups."

Zhong Dingfang chuckled: "It is merit, but without Lord Su's help, this merit would not have fallen on my head. Lord Su, don't you agree?"

"Hmm! I suddenly remembered that I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb Lord Su any longer!"

"Lord Su, there's no need for you to see me off!"

After saying that, he placed the money bag on the table and left quickly without looking back!

Su Mo was speechless.

It seems that Zhong Dingfang can't feel at ease if he doesn't accept the money himself.

He picked up the money bag; it was heavy, probably weighing at least fifty or sixty taels.

Upon opening it, one was astonished to find ingots of gold inside, along with more than a dozen pearls the size of longan fruits!
Ding Yu leaned closer for a look and exclaimed in amazement, "What a grand gesture!"

"These pearls, though slightly smaller in size, are pure white and round, making them top-grade. Each one is worth no less than fifty taels!"

Su Mo was slightly taken aback: "Are Eastern pearls that valuable?"

Ding Yu nodded: "Of course!"

"Pearls have been a luxury item since ancient times, and Eastern pearls are the finest among pearls."

"Pearls are rare, especially Eastern pearls, which need to be collected from the deep sea. It's no exaggeration to say that one Eastern pearl is worth a life!"

He paused, then sighed, "It is said that there are also top-grade pearls brimming with spiritual energy, which can be used to refine magical artifacts and aid cultivators in their practice!"

"There was once a bead the size of a fist that sold for tens of thousands of taels of silver!"

Su Mo secretly swallowed.

It seems like we've found another super lucrative way to make money!

Pearls can be cultured!
(End of this chapter)