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

Chapter 321 Su Qing's flattery of me is quite satisfying.

The jet-black homing pigeon flew swiftly into Yongxingfang, into a grand mansion with vermilion gates and green tiles covering nearly ten acres.

Yongxingfang is located west of the Imperial City and east of Xingqing Palace, making it one of the most central areas of the inner city.

To own a ten-acre mansion in Yongxingfang is certainly not something an ordinary prominent family or high-ranking official could achieve.

The official residence of Wang Hao, the Second Grand Secretary.

It is also the location of the Wang family's ancestral home in the capital.

I saw the message sent back by the black carrier pigeon.

Wang Hao's expression shifted dramatically in an instant!

Although the Wang family found it difficult to place people in the innermost part of Lone Peak Mountain, sending spies into Lone Peak Mountain was quite simple.

Such a major event as Su Mo's assassination attempt could not be kept secret from those who were interested.

After reading the message, Wang Hao gently pinched the silk strip between his two fingers, and it instantly turned into ashes.

At the same time, the steward of the inner palace suddenly came to report respectfully: "Reporting to the master!"

"Grand Secretary Xiao has sent a messenger with a visiting card to Your Excellency, inviting you to his residence for a gathering. There are important matters to discuss with you."

Wang Hao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Prepare the sedan chair!"

……

The official residence of Grand Secretary Xiao Yuan was not far from the Wang family's residence.

The time for a cup of tea is up in no time.

Upon arriving at the Xiao residence, an old servant of the Xiao family led Wang Hao to Xiao Yuan's study.

As the residence of the Grand Secretary, Xiao Yuan's three-courtyard mansion was far less grand than that of the Wang family.

The number of family members and servants in the house was also much smaller, and even during the Lunar New Year, it didn't look very lively.

There weren't many lanterns or other festive decorations hanging inside the mansion.

Xiao Yuan's study was furnished with unusual simplicity.

Apart from a few bookshelves, calligraphy and paintings on the walls, a few tables and chairs, tea sets and incense burners.

There was only one charcoal stove for heating.

Xiao Yuan instructed the old servant to serve Wang Hao tea, then told him to stand guard outside, his expression suddenly becoming serious.

He didn't bother with formalities with Wang Hao and went straight to the point: "Brother Jingchong, are you aware of the assassination attempt on Su Mo at Lonely Peak Mountain?"

Jing Chong was the courtesy name of Wang Hao.

Although many people have names but no courtesy names, especially the common people, there is no custom of giving courtesy names.

However, as one of the five prominent families and seven distinguished clans, Wang Hao naturally adopted a courtesy name to distinguish himself from the common people.

Xiao Yuan usually addresses him as Vice Minister Wang, Lord Wang, or Brother Wang.

Now that he is calling Jingchong "brother," Wang Hao naturally understands the meaning behind it.

He smiled wryly and said, "To be honest, Your Excellency, I do know about this matter."

Wang Hao gave Xiao Yuan a deep look: "Brother Wenzhi, do you think this was my doing?"

Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes: "Really not?"

Wang Hao shook his head: "No!"

He then added, "I wouldn't need to resort to such underhanded tactics to deal with that kid."

Xiao Yuan pondered for a moment, then said, "That's fine then!"

As he spoke, his tone became slightly serious: "According to what I've learned, Lord Ye was also in Lonely Peak Mountain at the time, which shows that Lord Ye has a very close relationship with this boy!"

"in addition!"

"His Majesty learned of this matter and immediately traveled to Lone Peak Mountain!"

Wang Hao sighed: "This boy's position in His Majesty's heart is indeed far beyond what I expected!"

Xiao Yuan nodded: "But this young man is indeed remarkable. He has done many practical things for Da Wu and the court. It is normal for him to be valued by His Majesty."

He paused slightly: "I just sent someone to the Su residence to invite this young man to come over for a meeting on the third day of the month, but who would have thought that such a change would happen."

Wang Hao picked up his teacup and took a small sip: "If you know that you've come looking for me because of this matter, I can assure you that it has absolutely nothing to do with me!"

"Many of the younger generation in the clan have returned at the end of the year, and there are many things to attend to at home, so I'll take my leave now, Brother Wenzhi!"

They are all pillars of their respective tribes.

Although it was called a day off, it was actually busier than being on duty at the imperial court.

Xiao Yuan suddenly said, "Although this boy has the reputation of being a treacherous minister, he is not really a treacherous minister, nor is he particularly evil. Moreover, His Majesty values ​​him and has appointed him as the Imperial Tutor."

"If anything were to happen, His Majesty would surely be furious."

He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Brother Jingchong, are you really unwilling to make peace with him?"

Wang Hao shook his head, put the teacup back, and said slowly, "It's not that I'm unwilling, but that I can't!"

Xiao Yuan sighed inwardly.

Wang Hao added, "Although this boy has some talent, he is arrogant and domineering because of the emperor's favor, and has repeatedly embarrassed our family."

"If I avoid it, how will the world view my family?"

He paused briefly, then sneered dismissively, "So what if he's the Imperial Tutor?"

"Our aristocratic families have endured for thousands of years without declining and survived hundreds of dynasties without falling!"

"Those who are granted titles and positions of high rank are as numerous as carp crossing a river!"

"How ridiculous that a mere commoner and insignificant official, relying on the Emperor's favor, thinks he can make the royal family give way?"

Then, Wang Hao changed the subject again: "However, I actually admire this young man quite a bit."

"This young man rose from humble beginnings in the countryside, a commoner, yet in a short time his fame resounded throughout the court and the country, which is truly remarkable."

"If I hear that you can persuade this boy not to be an enemy of the Wang family."

"I will not bother with him; I will simply consider him young and impetuous, and ignorant of the ways of the world!"

Xiao Yuan fell silent.

For Wang Hao, given his status, to have come this far is already the biggest concession he could make.

It is simply impossible for aristocratic families who have always considered themselves superior to others to voluntarily submit to commoners.

In fact.

Even he himself, as the chief minister, came from a prestigious family.

In the hearts of the five surnames and seven clans, they probably didn't even look at them much!

Let alone ordinary prominent families!

The royal family is the same in their eyes!
After the founding of the Great Wu Kingdom, Emperor Wu Taizu originally intended to find a legitimate daughter from one of the five prominent families and seven prestigious clans to be the Crown Prince's consort.

The five surnames and seven prominent families refused without hesitation!

He even stated bluntly that the legitimate daughters of the five prominent families and seven noble clans would not marry outside the family!
This shows how arrogant, even conceited, the five surnames and seven clans were!

Xiao Yuan could only nod: "In that case, I will say no more."

"but!"

His tone turned slightly serious as he looked solemnly at Wang Hao: "Assassination is an evil act, and this trend must not be allowed to continue. Otherwise, civil and military officials will live in constant fear and anxiety, and how can they be at ease serving the court and the people of the world!"

"Although this matter has nothing to do with you, I still suggest that you explain it clearly to His Majesty, so as not to cause any resentment."

"I will also submit a memorial to His Majesty, demanding a thorough investigation of this matter, and that whoever is involved be severely punished!"

Wang Hao nodded, picked up his teacup again, drank it all in one gulp, and said calmly, "That's how it should be!"

Xiao Yuan said no more.

He personally got up and saw Wang Hao out the door.

After Wang Hao got into the carriage and left, the old servant who had led Wang Hao in earlier suddenly appeared.

"Sir, you knew that seeking Lord Wang would be fruitless, so why did you still invite him to your residence?"

The fact that the old servant could speak to Xiao Yuan like that clearly indicates that his identity is far more than just a servant of the Xiao family.

Xiao Yuan withdrew his gaze, shook his head, and sighed: "We have to give it a try eventually."

"If His Majesty were to take action against the powerful clans, the political situation would be out of control, and the world would inevitably be thrown into turmoil!"

He paused, his expression growing increasingly bitter: "I fear that, regardless of whether this matter is related to Wang Hao or not, His Majesty will hold the Wang family responsible!"

"Forget it... let's not talk about this anymore."

Xiao Yuan frowned, then suddenly said in a deep voice, "Keep an eye on this matter."

"If there is any news, inform me immediately!"

The old servant nodded: "This old servant understands!"

……

After working for a long time, Su Mo finally managed to make two cream cakes, one large and one small.

In terms of their past lives, one weighed five pounds and the other about two pounds.

He originally intended to make just one, so that everyone could try it out.

As a result, Princess Baicheng, who was assisting with the task, insisted that he make another one after the cream was whipped up, intending to take it back to the Prince of Qi's fiefdom.

The reason is both quite assertive and reasonable.

The cake-making process is too complicated; Your Highness cannot learn it!
After all, she had never cooked before. Su Mo was speechless.

Herding one duck is herding, herding a flock of ducks is also herding.

Making one more won't waste much time.

As she carried the cake out of the kitchen and into the hall, she saw Lu Su and a petite, masked woman in black reporting something to the Empress.

There were only three people present in the huge hall.

Su Mo subconsciously turned her gaze to the woman in black.

Clearly, this is Gou Nu, the legendary and incredibly mysterious Right Commander, who was also a commander of the Fengming Division alongside Nangong Sheyue.

When the Empress saw Su Mo and Princess Baicheng come out, Jiang Lan, who was following behind to help, came out.

He waved his hand, signaling Lu Su and Gou Nu to leave.

Then, their eyes curiously scanned the cakes in Su Mo's and Princess Baicheng's hands.

"Is this the cake Su Qing mentioned, the one used for her birthday celebration?"

The large cake looked rather simple.

It is round and covered with a layer of white, viscous substance.

There are also many slices of fresh fruit that are rarely seen in winter.

Only in the hot springs of Gufeng Mountain, where spring reigns all year round, can fruit be harvested even in the cold winter.

The small cakes are much more delicate.

The side is decorated with patterns, and above it is a pale red, lifelike peach with two green leaves on top. The character "寿" (longevity) is also written next to it, which has a very auspicious meaning.

Su Mo smiled and said, "It took quite a bit of effort to finish it."

"Let me help Princess Leng pack the cake first."

Since the Empress didn't bring up the matter reported by Lu Su and Gou Nu, Su Mo naturally wouldn't ask.

Hearing Su Mo say this, the Empress was slightly taken aback, and her gaze fell on Princess Baicheng.

"General Leng is sending the cake back to Qi County?"

From the capital to Qi County, it is more than a thousand li.

Even riding a flying tiger, it would take three or four hours of full-force flight.

Moreover, it was not yet the birthday of the Princess Consort of Qi.

How can a cake be stored for such a long time?
Su Mo explained, "Cakes are cold desserts, so they can be refrigerated for three or four days without any problem."

"The temperature is already extremely low now, so just put the food in a food container and add ice to keep it fresh."

"but……"

Su Mo turned to Princess Baicheng: "The cake is fragile, so please be careful on your journey. Don't blame me if it gets damaged!"

Princess Baicheng nodded lightly: "Of course."

Su Mo packed the cake into two wooden boxes, one large and one small, and then asked Jiang Lan to find some clean ice cubes outside and place them as a partition between the two wooden boxes.

He then asked, "Your Majesty, where are Commander Lin and the others?"

The Empress nodded and said, "She and Yin Rou will go to the artisan camp to distribute the New Year's goods."

"They should have returned by now."

Su Mo thought to himself, no wonder the incense and prayer power absorbed by the Demon-Subduing Pestle seemed to have increased considerably.

It seems that even when the woman in his family does good deeds, he can claim credit for them.

The artisans in the artisan camp probably all know that these women are their own!

As the Empress was speaking, a commotion came from outside.

Su Mo looked outside.

But it wasn't just his own woman who came back.

An Wu, the pale-faced, beardless old eunuch, also returned with Lin Moyin and the others with a serious expression.

Yin Rou was carrying a large brocade box.

An Wu first greeted the Empress.

He then smiled at Su Mo and said, "Lord Su, for the next few days, I will be responsible for your guard duties!"

Su Mo cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch An!"

An Wu nodded: "Your Majesty! Lord Su!"

"This old servant will go and check on Lord Su's residence and the surrounding area!"

Su Mo quickly replied, "I just made a cake. It's not too late for Eunuch An to eat it before you go."

An Wu waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "We must prioritize His Majesty's decree. How can we indulge in our appetites and ruin such an important matter?"

"Lord Su, please wait! I'm off!"

After saying this, he bowed to the Empress and strode away.

After An Wu left, Yin Rou looked at the Empress with some fear.

Then, he timidly said, "Teacher, Officer Ding said that the glass you asked him to make is finished, and he asked me to bring it to you."

Su Mo laughed and scolded, "You're quite fast."

"Humph!"

"This fellow is incredibly good at flattering his superiors, but he is also quite capable."

As he spoke, Su Mo took the brocade box handed to him by Yin Rou, opened it, and took a look.

It is divided into three triangular grids.

He had the three statues of Fu, Lu, and Shou made by a glass workshop on his own.

Seeing the three lifelike glass statues of Fu, Lu, and Shou, each in a different color, Su Mo couldn't help but sigh.

The world's master craftsmen are indeed highly skilled.

He only studied glass technology for less than a month, yet he was able to create such a lifelike glass statue.

In terms of shaping techniques alone, he was not much different from glassmakers of later generations.

Of course, this could also be due to the master craftsman possessing secret techniques that are not passed on to others.

After all, this is a world of cultivation, and many craftsmen know some magic techniques to better improve their skills.

In Su Mo's opinion, the three statues of Fu Lu Shou (representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity) were quite good.

The only drawback is that the purity and transparency of the glass are slightly lacking.

Upon closer inspection, some impurities and small air bubbles can still be found.

The three colors, red, blue, and purple, are not exactly pure.

However, in Su Mo's eyes, the three statues of Fu, Lu, and Shou, though flawed, were still far superior to the so-called glass sold by those foreign merchants!

The three glass statues were stunning to Su Mo, let alone the Empress and the others.

The Empress stared wide-eyed in surprise at the glass statue in the box, unconsciously swallowing slightly. Then, her tone became slightly strange: "Is this a congratulatory gift that Su Qing prepared for Princess Qi?"

He himself only sent Princess Qi a longevity character.

Isn't it a bit much for Su Mo to give this as a gift?
Su Mo smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I have finally lived up to your expectations and managed to create the Fu Lu Shou (福禄寿) characters before Princess Qi's birthday celebration."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Princess Baicheng: "His Majesty knew of Princess Qi's birthday and specifically instructed me to make these three statues of Fu, Lu, and Shou, wishing Princess Qi continuous blessings and long life. Princess, you should thank His Majesty properly!"

Empress...

This guy!
I just said that Ding Bashi liked to flatter his superiors; it turns out he learned it all from him!
When did I ever tell him to make a glass statue of the auspicious stars of Fu Lu Shou for Princess Qi?

If we're going to build one, we should build it for ourselves!

Damn it, these three glass statues are over a foot tall, exquisitely crafted, how much silver must they be worth!
Those aristocratic families and wealthy merchants whose cellars are filled with coins and silver probably wouldn't be willing to spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to purchase such items!
Princess Baicheng stared dumbfounded at the three glass statues.

The glass statue carries a very auspicious meaning.

The three elders of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, holding peaches of immortality and deer in their hands, with bats on their staffs, are truly the most exquisite treasures in the world!
The treasure trove of the Prince of Qi's mansion is filled with many treasures, but Princess Baicheng had never seen such an exquisite and pure glass statue before!

She had assumed that Su Mo's "Three Gifts of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity" were similar to the sika deer from Su's Department Store, and had specially prepared five thousand taels of silver as flying money.

It seems that five thousand taels of silver is probably not enough.

She hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly, "On behalf of my mother, I thank Your Majesty for your generous gift!"

"However, these three glass statues are far too valuable for me to accept!"

The Empress felt a pang of pain in her heart. She glared at Su Mo in secret, then chuckled and said, "This was made by me at Su Qing's request to be given to Princess Qi as a birthday gift, not to General Leng."

"General Leng, you cannot refuse!"

After speaking, the Empress couldn't help but look at Su Mo again.

Once this guy's Yellow Spring Poison is cured, I'll have him create three more statues!
Do not!
Thirty statues!
I'm so angry!

However, thinking of the dressing box in the Ziwei Palace...

There was also a tiny, transparent glass figure that looked eight or nine parts like himself, capable of rotating and emitting melodic sounds.

The Empress's mood improved considerably in an instant.

snort!
I'll forgive you one more time!
Uh?
Strange.

Why do I say "again"?

(End of this chapter)