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

Chapter 326 Move against Su Mo! Make his whole family pay the price!

Xiao Yuan is going to find Ye Wenshan, and he will naturally discover the secret of the sweet potato.

However, the Empress had already planned to announce the news about sweet potatoes. After the officials finished their holiday, she would offer sweet potatoes as a sacrifice at the Imperial Ancestral Temple at the beginning of the year and issue a proclamation to the heavens.

At the same time, Su Mo is granted the title of Marquis!
It wouldn't make a difference if someone knew about this beforehand.

Xiao Yuan's intentions are unclear, and it's still uncertain whether he's a friend or foe. There's no need to offend him over this matter.

Therefore, Su Mo said in a deep voice, "If Chief Minister Xiao wants to go, then let him go."

"He can go wherever he wants, except for degreasing plants, spinning mills, paper mills, and cement plants!"

Among the four factories and workshops, the yarn removal factory and the spinning machine of Su's spinning machine, plus a garment factory, can be regarded as one, which are the three major industries of Gufeng Mountain.

Including the restaurant industry in the capital, these are the four pillars under Su Mo's command.

It brings Su Mo thousands of silver coins every day.

Even if the other party is the Grand Secretary of the Imperial Court, Su Mo will not easily allow him to get involved.

As for the Gufeng Mountain Artisan Battalion, it is now mainly focused on research and development, spending more money than it earns.

……

At this moment, Xiao Yuan was standing by the Five Dragon Pool, outside the wall of Shenma Rock.

He squinted at the fully armored guards of Lone Peak Mountain standing outside the wall.

Without a doubt, these guards were elite soldiers, and it was unknown where Su Mo had found them.

The fact that such a well-guarded wall could be protected by such elite troops clearly indicates that Su Mo's greatest secret is hidden within.

As he approached the wall.

That man named Chen Hu stopped him, the current chief minister, without hesitation!

Until a guard came over, whispered a few words to Chen Hu, and then produced another token.

Chen Hu's expression returned to normal, and he said to Xiao Yuan in a deep voice, "Lord Xiao, you may go in now."

After saying that, he waved to the guards watching over the sweet potato field to make way.

And they opened the tightly closed gate in the wall.

Xiao Yuan didn't bother arguing with this stubborn man.

After all, they were eating Su Mo's food, not government officials.

As the Grand Secretary, he has no authority over other people.

When Xiao Yuan walked into the walled area, he was surprised to find that outside the wall, there were many strange vines, covering an area of ​​three or four acres.

Ye Wenshan, who had just agreed to return to officialdom as the deputy director of the Imperial Observatory, sat on a small stool, his eyes fixed intently on the vines.

Xiao Yuan frowned, just about to step forward and greet Ye Wenshan.

Suddenly a bird flapped its wings and flew towards them.

With a flick of his sleeve, Ye Wenshan sent the bird instantly turning into a bloody mist!
Having dealt with the birds that might damage the sweet potato vines, Ye Wenshan turned to look at Xiao Yuan, a slight look of surprise on his face.

"Why has Scholar Xiao come to Lonely Peak Mountain?"

Xiao Yuan gave a wry smile: "The magistrate of Gufeng Mountain has caused so many troubles, each one enough to shake the court. How could I not come here in person to see what's going on?"

In front of Ip Man Shan, whose seniority was beyond compare.

Xiao Yuan dared not refer to himself as "this old man".

As he spoke, he curiously looked at the potato field again: "Did Deputy Supervisor Ye spend the night on Lonely Peak Mountain to guard these vines?"

What is the origin of this vine?

Xiao Yuan could tell that Ye Wenshan killed the birds to protect the vines from being eaten by them.

He wondered if it was a rare spiritual root of heaven and earth, but he couldn't sense any spiritual energy from the vines, so he secretly became suspicious.

Ye Wenshan did not answer Xiao Yuan's question, but his expression suddenly became serious: "Scholar Xiao has come for the sake of Su County, so he must also be related to the Wang family!"

"I have no interest in, nor can I interfere, the feud between Su and the Wang family."

"However, since Scholar Xiao has come, I should let him know that no matter what the Wang family is like, he must not be harmed."

His expression grew increasingly serious as he spoke, and he said, enunciating each word clearly, "If this boy dies, I will make the Wang family pay with their lives!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan's usually composed face couldn't help but show shock. He took a deep breath and stared intently at Ye Wenshan!
Judging from his expression, he was definitely not joking!

Ip Man Shan was a veteran of three dynasties and a founding hero. He previously held one of the Three Dukes and rose through the ranks to become Grand Tutor, Director of the Imperial Observatory, Military Advisor, and Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince.
Any title represents the ultimate goal pursued by all officials!
Even though he was naturally aloof and had few allies in the court, the network of connections he had built up over decades should not be underestimated.

In addition, Ye Wenshan was formerly a Tianying Zhenren, and had considerable power in the cultivation world!

Now that he has been pardoned by the Empress and returned to the Imperial Observatory, he doesn't seem to be thinking about vying for power with Yuan Xingdao. Instead, he has come to this Lonely Peak Mountain and is not leaving, which really puzzles Xiao Yuan.

What puzzled Xiao Yuan even more was...

Ye Wenshan made no reservations in expressing his stance and strongly supported Su Mo, which was completely unlike a veteran who had been in officialdom for many years!

He said he would make the Wang family pay with their lives for Su Mo, and he really meant it—he would make the Wang family pay with their lives, including Wang Hao!

Don't say Xiao Yuan wouldn't dare disbelieve!

Even the Wang family dared not disbelieve it!

Ye Wenshan dared to say that the Empress's ascension to the throne was illegitimate, so what else wouldn't he do?

When the former Tianying Zhenren really got ruthless, only half of the direct descendants of the Wang family died, which can be attributed to the blessings of the Wang family's ancestors!

Xiao Yuan remained silent for a long time, then narrowed his eyes and slowly uttered two words: "Why?"

He really couldn't understand Ip Man Shan's attitude!

It's impossible for him to become a so-called "friends despite the age gap" just because he took a liking to Su Mo!
Even if I told Xiao Yuan, he wouldn't believe me!
They're all old foxes in the imperial court; no one can fool anyone else!

Zhong Yin was like this, and Ip Man Shan was even more so.

With such influential figures from the imperial court supporting Su Mo one after another, Xiao Yuan really couldn't afford to be careless!

Ye Wenshan pointed to the potato field and slowly said, "This is the reason!"

Xiao Yuan frowned again.

However, he didn't rush to speak, because he knew that Ye Wenshan would definitely continue.

Sure enough, Ye Wenshan then said in a solemn tone, "This is grain!"

"A yield of tens of bushels of grain per mu!"

Upon hearing this, even Xiao Yuan, who was usually as composed as a mountain, couldn't help but change his expression drastically and exclaimed in disbelief, "What?"

"A yield of several bushels of grain per mu?"

Ye Wenshan corrected him in a deep voice: "The yield is several dozen shi per mu!"

He understood how shocked Xiao Yuan was.

He also understood why Xiao Yuan had misheard.

It was truly unbelievable that dozens of bushels of grain were produced, increasing grain production by twenty or thirty times!
Let alone dozens of bushels!
Even a few bushels of grain could double the grain production of Da Wu and increase the population of Da Wu by tens of millions!

For Xiao Yuan...

As long as he remains the Grand Secretary, this matter will inevitably involve him.

His name will be etched in history!
At their level, profit is no longer a significant pursuit.

The only thing they pursue is fame.

His name during his lifetime!
For the sake of posthumous fame!
This is what scholars and officials pursue throughout their lives!
One after another, they sacrificed themselves!

When Ye Wenshan corrected him, saying that the yield was several dozen shi per mu, Xiao Yuan was completely speechless.

When I saw with my own eyes a sweet potato plant that had been dug up earlier, still intact, with its roots and stems intact.

Xiao Yuan remained silent for the duration of a cup of tea.

Now I finally understand why Ye Wenshan, a righteous official known for his integrity, would defend Su Mo, this "treacherous minister," to the death.

Normally speaking, "treacherous ministers" who bewitch the emperor are irreconcilable enemies in the eyes of upright officials and must be eliminated!

Xiao Yuan remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh: "I never imagined that there would be such a high-yield grain in the world!"

"I'm truly a frog in a well, with a limited view of the sky!"

"Su Xianzi's actions have rendered a great service to Dawu and to the world!"

He looked solemnly at Ye Wenshan: "Lord Ye, rest assured, I will definitely not allow anyone to harm this boy's life!"

As he spoke, he suddenly frowned and said in a deep voice, "However, while the introduction of sweet potatoes has brought blessings to all people and made countless families live in peace, it has also offended people all over the world."

"There might be some unscrupulous individuals who would take the risk, so we must be on guard!" There's a prior record of assassinating Su Mo!
Xiao Yuan frowned as he looked at Ye Wenshan: "Vice Supervisor Ye, what do you think we should do?"

Ye Wenshan naturally understood Xiao Yuan's meaning.

They wanted to be remembered in history and to see sweet potatoes planted all over the world, especially in barren mountainous areas where grain crops could not be grown before, so that there would be an extra abundance of food and the people of Dawu would never suffer from famine again.

But not everyone is like them.

Grain was the powerful tool used by gentry and landlords to exploit the common people!

In years of famine, the gentry and landlords could easily seize the meager wealth accumulated over many years from the common people with just the inflow and outflow of grain!

They even seized the land of the common people by trickery and force.

If the common people no longer lack food, how will the gentry and landlords harvest it?

Ye Wenshan snorted: "Whoever used such despicable means against this boy, I will make him know what the word 'regret' means!"

After a slight pause, he continued, "His Majesty also foresaw this, and bestowed upon him the Sea-Suppressing Golden Bell for protection long ago!"

Xiao Yuan shook his head: "The Zhenhai Golden Bell has already been revealed, there is nothing we cannot rely on!"

"If there are truly evil people who intend to harm Su Xianzi, they will naturally consider this point!"

Ye Wenshan said calmly, "This boy's talent for cultivation is extremely terrifying. It will probably take him several years to advance to the Golden Core realm!"

“We will secretly protect him and help him improve his cultivation, so that he will not be afraid of evil and crooked methods.”

He paused, then continued, "Once sweet potatoes are promoted nationwide, those greedy people will know that even if they kill Su Mo, it will be of no use. They will not dare to take the risk; they will only harbor resentment in secret!"

"An assassination attempt is unlikely to happen again. The real fear is that they will use their power and cunning to harm Su Mo."

Xiao Yuan nodded slightly, but after thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said, "Protecting this boy in secret is feasible."

“I think it is inappropriate for the deputy supervisor to act this way.”

Ye Wenshan's face immediately darkened: "What's wrong with it?"

Xiao Yuan patiently explained, "Jade that is not carved will never become a great vessel."

"The county magistrate is young and his mind is not yet stable. He needs more training and tempering before he can be of great use in the future!"

"He is not yet eighteen, but he is already the Imperial Tutor and has won the Emperor's favor. He can be said to have achieved success at a young age. If we continue to protect him too much, we may cause him to become arrogant."

Xiao Yuan knew he was thinking of Su Mo's best interests.

Unexpectedly, Ye Wenshan sneered: "Lord Xiao, you are mistaken!"

"We practitioners should act according to our hearts and follow our nature!"

"Just support me, why all the twists and turns, why all the trials and tribulations!"

He paused, then said coldly, "I don't care about the backstabbing and scheming in officialdom. Whether someone is promoted or dismissed is their fate."

"But anyone who dares to harm him in the slightest will be my enemy!"

Xiao Yuan was both amused and exasperated.

He was practically pointing his finger at himself and cursing him, calling himself, the current Grand Secretary, a scheming, treacherous, and despicable person!
However, having served in the same court as Ip Man-shan for many years, he also knew Ip Man-shan's personality.

If I continue arguing with him, he might actually start cursing at me.

Hmm... I wouldn't be surprised if they just took action.

After all, he has a criminal record.

During the reign of Emperor Wu Taizu, he directly killed officials in the court. In the end, Emperor Wu Taizu punished him with a year's salary and confined him to his residence for three months.

Xiao Yuan could only smile wryly and say, "Lord Ye, rest assured, I will not allow anyone to harm him!"

He paused, then sighed, "This magistrate Su has brought such a divine seed to the world; it is a monumental achievement, a blessing to all families. Anyone who dares to harm him will be condemned to eternal infamy!"

Seeing that Ye Wenshan remained silent, he frowned and said again, "Vice Minister Wang knows about this matter and should be able to distinguish the importance of it."

Ye Wenshan snorted with a dark expression.

They didn't mention having the Wang family members buried with them.

Xiao Yuan stopped pursuing the question and suddenly asked, "It is said that Vice Supervisor Ye stopped the assassin when Su County Magistrate was attacked."

"Does the deputy warden know the origins of the assassin?"

Ye Wenshan said expressionlessly, "Judging from their methods, they seem to be sorcerers from beyond the realm, but such people who hide their true nature may not be genuine."

He paused slightly, his voice turning cold: "There are no more than twenty Golden Elixir cultivators in the world."

"This beast was injured by Princess Baicheng. Princess Baicheng possesses the Celestial Longevity Technique, whose magical power is inexhaustible. Healing it will not be so simple."

"I have also sent a message to my friends in the cultivation world, asking them to keep a close eye on this matter and that we will surely be able to find the culprit!"

As he spoke, Ye Wenshan secretly regretted his actions.

If I had known earlier that Su Mo possessed the Sweet Potato Immortal Seed, I would never have let him leave so easily!
Xiao Yuan nodded: "With Vice Supervisor Ye's connections in the immortal realm, this person will definitely find it difficult to hide his whereabouts!"

As Ip Man Shan said, there are only a handful of alchemists in the world.

It is extremely difficult to hide the fact that someone has been seriously injured.

It just takes more time to check each one individually.

First, remove those who regularly appear in public, and focus on those whose whereabouts are unknown, or those who are in seclusion for cultivation.

As long as the other party remains within the territory of Dawu, it is virtually impossible for them to escape the notice of the Jinyiwei, whose eyes and ears are spread throughout the land.

Never doubt the Great Wu Dynasty's ability to act.

As long as the court reaches a consensus, even the Nine Dragons Demon Path, a half-step terrestrial immortal, will be like a rat in a ditch, too afraid to show its face and forced to flee overseas!

Not to mention just one Golden Core cultivator!

Thinking of this, Xiao Yuan cupped his hands in greeting to Ye Wenshan and said solemnly, "I hope Vice Supervisor Ye will take good care of this matter!"

"These lawless individuals who attempt to assassinate officials of the imperial court, even if they are alchemists, must be apprehended and severely punished to serve as a warning to others!"

"The immortal seed here must also be well looked after by the deputy supervisor."

"I'm leaving!"

Having discovered the immortal seed, Xiao Yuan had no more interest in looking around. He immediately went to Chen Hu, who was waiting outside, and said that he wanted to meet Su Mo!

……

As the chief minister, Xiao Yuan understood the terror of the Embroidered Uniform Guard better than anyone else.

Although the Empress is now focusing on supporting the Fengming Division, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has become much more low-key in the capital, as if the Fengming Division has stolen the limelight.

In fact, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was truly terrifying in the local areas!
It spanned the reigns of Emperor Wu Taizu and Emperor Wu Taizong.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, established for forty years, has consumed an immeasurable amount of the imperial court's taxes.

Tens of thousands, or even millions, of Imperial Guards have long since infiltrated every corner of the Great Wu!
Whether they are servants in the household of high-ranking officials, trusted generals of powerful regional governors, or disciples of martial arts sects or immortal sects...

Even local beggars and market vendors!
They could all be spies from the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
If not activated, these spies may remain in the public eye their entire lives, and no one will know until their death that they were actually secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
Those with higher cultivation levels were seen as more unstable elements by the imperial court.

Especially those martial arts masters and Taoist sorcerers with profound cultivation who are not employed by the imperial court are the most important targets of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's surveillance.

In her rage, the Empress even uttered the threat of offering her head. While she may not have meant it, if the assassin's origins could not be uncovered, severe punishment would be inevitable.

Lu Su naturally dared not take this lightly.

One after another, falcons flew into the headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Countless messages from various places were collected, organized, and finally delivered to Lu Su's desk!

Lu Su glanced at the case file that was brought to him, then suddenly his eyes narrowed!
He examined the scroll in his hand again carefully.

Finally, he accurately pulled out a file from a thick stack of dusty archives on the shelf.

After reviewing the case file, Lu Su breathed a sigh of relief.

It must be right!

"Somebody come!"

"Go and invite the Left and Right Commanders of the Fengming Division!"

Although they reported to the Empress alone, all the credit went to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, the matter was so important that Lu Su was also worried about the possibility of something going wrong, so he decided it was best to exchange intelligence information with the Fengming Division first.

This mistake led to Su Mo being assassinated a second time.

Even if Lu Su had ten heads, it wouldn't be enough for the Empress to chop them off!

(End of this chapter)