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

Chapter 343 Shocking the Court and the Public! Su Mo is Conferred a Marquisate!
When Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng saw the Empress emerge from the back door of the side hall, they instantly broke out in a cold sweat, realizing that they had discovered something extraordinary!

The two of them had the same thought at the same time.

Will the Empress kill me to silence me?

The Empress was dressed without any makeup, her hair was simply tied up in a bun, and she looked languid.

It's obvious at a glance that he just woke up!

The problem is, this is the Su residence, not the Ziwei Palace in the imperial palace!
She spent the night at the Su residence!
Both of them knew that all the women of the Su family had gone to Lonely Peak Mountain.

In other words.

In the inner courtyard of the Su residence, were only Su Mo and the Empress present last night?
This man and woman alone...

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng's admiration for Lord Su was like a surging river, endless and boundless, like the overflowing Luo River...

As a son of a noble family, it was difficult for him to even see the Empress.

Lord Su could see her whenever he wanted, and it was even the Empress who took the initiative to see him!
They probably slept together last night!

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were completely at a loss for words!

Leng Liuxi was also somewhat surprised.

Despite claiming to be protecting Su Mo, he slept surprisingly soundly last night, and when he opened his eyes, the sun was already high in the sky.

I actually woke up later than that pig!

Since Leng Liuxi couldn't find Su Mo, she came to the side hall to see if Su Mo was having breakfast there, and also to sneak a breakfast out of him.

Unexpectedly, Su Mo was not there, but Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were seen instead!

Seeing that Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were stunned and didn't reply, Leng Liuxi frowned: "Why are you here at Su Qing's residence?"

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were speechless.

The Empress didn't even bother to explain herself; she's been so blatant!
The two dared not speak nonsense, lest the Empress, in her shame and anger, actually kill them to silence them!
Zhang Cao hurriedly knelt down and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I have just arrived at Lord Su's residence!"

"Lord Su has instructed us to wait here."

"I am acting on Lord Su's orders to closely monitor the movements of the merchants in Qinghefang."

“Those merchants disregard the law and intend to stage a market strike to coerce the court. We have come to Lord Su to discuss countermeasures.”

Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi frowned slightly and said, "Get up."

"Are the merchants of Qinghefang attempting a strike?"

Zhang Xuzu quickly replied, "As far as I know, that is indeed the case."

"I have reviewed the case files from previous years and inquired about the situation from people in the community."

“In previous years, although most shops would close on the first day of the Lunar New Year, many small vendors would still operate as usual.”

"The number of businesses closing down this year is significantly higher than in previous years, which must be due to collusion and instigation by merchants in Qinghefang."

The Empress nodded slightly: "On the first day of the Lunar New Year, you are still thinking about matters of the court. I am very pleased. Minister Su has not misjudged you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng immediately became excited.

These sons of noble families, except for the eldest son, had no prospects for officialdom. Most of them were dissolute, arrogant, and even preyed on the common people, earning them a very bad reputation.

In the past, the Empress had never given them a pleasant look.

I never expected to praise them today!
Following Lord Su was definitely the best decision I ever made!

In the blink of an eye, the two had made their decision.

No matter what, we must bring those unscrupulous merchants in Qinghefang to justice and make them obedient, so as to relieve His Majesty's worries and troubles!
The Empress thought for a moment and then asked, "Since you all know that the merchants are trying to strike to coerce the court, do you have any countermeasures?"

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng exchanged a glance.

To truly gain the Empress's favor, loyalty and diligence alone are not enough.

The key is to have the ability.

Clearly, the Empress was considering her own abilities!

Zhang Xuzu thought for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "I believe we should take precautions to prevent it from causing greater turmoil!"

“Send someone to warn those merchants and strictly forbid them from going on strike.”

"If anyone remains obstinate, we request that the Wannian County government arrest them..."

Before he could finish speaking, a voice suddenly came from the back door: "In my opinion, what Zhang Baihu said, that a warning in advance was indeed necessary, so that the Wannian County government could intervene and the Qinghe Baihu Office could also arrest the person!"

Everyone instinctively looked behind them.

Clearly, the one who suddenly interrupted was Commander Su Shi.

Su Mo first bowed to the Empress and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Leng Liuxi nodded gently: "Minister Su, you may rise."

"In your opinion, Su Qing, how should we deal with the merchants' strike?"

A sharp glint flashed in Su Mo's eyes, and he said without hesitation, "Kill! Confiscate the shops!"

Leng Liuxi frowned: "Murder and ransacking the shop?"

Su Mo's tone was filled with murderous intent as he coldly said, "In extraordinary times, severe measures are necessary!"

"Anyone who remains closed after this warning on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year will be executed!"

"Start with the leading big merchants, and fight your way down until all the other merchants obediently open their shops!"

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were immediately dumbfounded!

Isn't Lord Su being a bit too ruthless?

Is this the way to become a cruel official?

A strange light flashed in Leng Liuxi's eyes: "Those merchants have complicated relationships behind them. Their real owners are probably high-ranking officials in the court or powerful families."

"Su Qing, aren't you afraid of offending everyone by killing people and confiscating their property?"

Su Mo said in a deep voice, "I only know the imperial decree, and I do not know what court officials or aristocratic families are!"

Leng Liuxi nodded gently: "Minister Su truly deserves to be my trusted advisor!"

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were at a loss for words and could only look at Lord Su with reverence.

There's a reason why he has earned His Majesty's trust.

That tone and attitude instantly boosted his loyalty to the maximum!
Leng Liuxi thought for a moment, then frowned slightly and said, "However, on the third day, I will summon the Grand Secretaries, the Ministers, and the Nine Ministers to Gufeng Mountain."

"Su Qing cannot be absent."

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were shocked upon hearing this.

What's going on?

Why did Your Majesty go to Dagufeng Mountain and summon the Grand Secretaries, Ministers, and other high-ranking officials?
What could be more important than disaster relief funds and merchants striking from their markets?

Just as the two were completely bewildered.

The Empress suddenly turned her gaze to them, her tone turning icy: "You heard what Su Qing said too."

"If merchants dare to close their shops on the fourth day, then as Su Qing said, kill them and confiscate their goods!"

Zhang Xuzu...

Cao Feng...

The two of them felt as if a million alpacas were stampeding through their hearts!
Such a cruel method was proposed by Lord Su.

But the one who actually carried it out was himself?

Isn't this a little bit unreasonable?

Your Majesty, you're so afraid that Lord Su will offend someone, but aren't you afraid that you'll be hunted down by those powerful court officials and aristocratic families?
Seeing the bewildered expressions on Zhang and Cao's faces, the Empress realized she had gone too far.

After thinking for a moment, he added, "If you do this well..."

"I will not hesitate to bestow upon him the title of baron of a county!"

Zhang and Cao swallowed hard at the same time, and with a whoosh, they both knelt down on the ground again.

Zhang Xuzu said with great excitement, "Your Majesty, rest assured!"

"Your Majesty, I am determined to serve you with my life, even unto death, and I will never let a single unscrupulous merchant escape justice!"

Cao Feng went even further: "I will slaughter those merchants until the gates open!"

The Empress frowned: "Get up!"

"Don't kneel down so easily; you need to learn from Su Qing's composure!"

"What I want to see are concrete actions, not empty words. I hope you will not disappoint me!"

Zhang Cao...

He learned his flattery skills from Lord Su!
Lord Su is using it very well.

Why doesn't it work when it's my turn?

The Empress then dismissed Zhang and Cao, but Su Mo stopped them.

Since I can't take charge here on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, I should give Zhang Xuzu some help.

"After you return, gather more manpower. As for the list of illegal merchants, I will have the Fengming Division of Qinghefang assist in the investigation."

"If there is anything that cannot be resolved, you may send a message to me, and I will take action."

Zhang Xuzu was instantly moved.

Lord Su is still a kind person!

"Your subordinate understands!"

"This subordinate will immediately go back and dispatch servants and guards to bolster the garrison!"

"I will not disturb Your Majesty and Lord Su any longer..."

Empress: "Get out!"

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng were terrified and hurriedly scrambled away from this den of dragons and tigers!
After Zhang and Cao left, Su Mo looked at the Empress with a wry smile: "Your Majesty, wouldn't it be a bit difficult for them to collect commercial taxes?"

Leng Liuxi said calmly, "The title of Great Wu cannot be easily granted to the eldest son of a noble family."

Su Mo fell silent.

He knew that Leng Liuxi was plotting the Edict of Grace.

Once the new army is trained and sent north to the battlefield, riding the wave of a great victory, it can be implemented directly.

At this time, bestowing titles upon the eldest sons of noble families would only further embolden the feudal lords.
If all the feudal lords and nobles were to seek titles for their own sons, the Empress would undoubtedly be making things more difficult for herself!

This is also why the Great Wu Dynasty did not bestow titles of nobility or baronies for many years.

As for the higher ranks of duke, marquis, and earl, they could only be granted such titles if they had made significant contributions to expanding the territory, or if they were the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

Ordinary legitimate sons should not even dream of the three ranks of nobility: duke, marquis, or earl.

Seeing that Su Mo still looked worried, the Empress hesitated for a moment and said calmly, "Don't underestimate their abilities, Su Lang."

"The Ningguo Duke's Mansion has been a duke and marquis for three dynasties, and its power in the court is deeply rooted."

"The Cao family was enfeoffed in Hanping, commanding over ten thousand soldiers and possessing immense wealth and power."

"If Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng receive support from their families, they will surely be safe and sound."

"If they have family support but can't even do this much, Su Lang might be underestimating the Zhang and Cao families!"

Su Mo looked at Leng Liuxi in shock.

What a vicious scheme!

This is clearly an attempt to force Duke Ningguo Zhang Lie and Marquis Hanping Cao Ying to choose sides!
As long as Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng collect the commercial taxes, they will offend the many powerful forces behind those merchants.

Where else could Zhang Lie and Cao Ying stand but on the Empress's side?

Zhang Lie and Cao Ying dared not help their two sons.
Then the Empress will have to ask them what they mean by this.

Su Mo couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Don't be fooled by the Empress's kind and caring nature, like a friendly older sister next door; when she gets serious, she can be truly ruthless!

The Empress didn't continue discussing this issue with Su Mo, but covered her mouth and smiled, saying, "Where is your breakfast, my lord?"

"I am starving."

Su Mo grinned: "This humble servant will personally cook a meal for Your Majesty, and make sure Your Majesty is well-fed!"

Empress: "Go quickly!"

Although the kitchen is now handled by Jiang Lan, or meals are delivered directly from Baiyujing, Su Mo hasn't cooked in a long time.

But he didn't give up his cooking skills.

After dining at the same table with the Empress.

The Empress took out a handkerchief to wipe her lips, then smiled and said, "Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng are watching over Qinghefang, and I will also instruct Nangong Sheyue to keep a close eye on this matter."

"My lord, let us go to Lonely Peak Mountain."

As she spoke, she rolled her eyes at Su Mo and said quietly, "So that Commander Lin doesn't find out and blame me for not letting my husband go back to reunite with her on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and thus harboring resentment."

Su Mo hesitated for a moment: "Won't something go wrong if I'm not in the city to keep an eye on things?"

Leng Liuxi smiled and said, "The plan has been decided, what problems could possibly arise?"

"Besides, it won't take long to get back to the city from Gufeng Mountain."

Su Mo thought about it and agreed.

At his current speed, he could make a round trip of about ten miles without riding a horse, in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Leng Liuxi thought for a moment, her expression turned serious, and she said, "Compared to disaster relief funds, sweet potatoes are the real priority."

"I have decided to send Zhang Zong with the Dragon Guard to Lonely Peak Mountain as a precaution. What do you think, Su Lang?"

Su Mo was taken aback again upon hearing this.

The Vanguard Commander-in-Chief's Office, which commanded the Vanguard, Dragon Cavalry Guard, and Leopard Guard in the capital, was one of the important defensive forces in the capital.

The Longxiang Guard is further divided into three guards: left, center, and right, each commanded by a commander of a thousand men. Xiahou Yi's left guard has already been deployed to the artisan camp at Gufeng Mountain.

The Empress also plans to send the Central and Right Guards there?

Clearly, the Empress had already made a decision, but she asked Su Mo for clarification for fear of arousing his suspicion.

Gufeng Mountain was the fiefdom of Su Mo.

Unlike other enfeoffed marquises, they certainly wouldn't want to see the imperial army standing guard on their side.

Su Mo hadn't thought that far ahead, and immediately said, "Let's do as you say, sir."

He is afraid of death.

Having just been stabbed at Lonely Peak Mountain, he felt it would be better to have more people help guard the mountain.

Leng Liuxi nodded: "I will also have someone send the Nine Spirits Returning to One Soup that Su Lang needs to Lonely Peak Mountain."

After saying that, she looked outside and said, "I'm going back to the palace. There's no need for you to see me off, my lord."

A horse-drawn carriage drove into the Su residence.

The driver was not An Wu, but a woman in black armor.

Su Mo wondered if An Wu was still protecting him in secret.
But when he turned around, he couldn't find An Wu anywhere.

After the Empress departed in her carriage.

Su Mo summoned Jiang Laoshi and gave him a few instructions, also asking him to arrange for servants to hang lanterns and red silk in the mansion to add to the New Year's atmosphere.

Then they led the yellow horse and headed straight for Lonely Peak Mountain.

The yellow horse was originally given to Yin Rou, but now that Yin Rou is living in the Su residence, the yellow horse has naturally returned.

Lord Lin had complained to Su Mo many times about the yellow horse, which kept harassing her beloved ride.

Ok……

Lord Qianhu's beloved horse is currently staying at the Su residence awaiting childbirth.

Lin Moyin and the others were naturally surprised to see Su Mo appear.

After all, Lin Moyin knew that Su Mo had important matters to attend to and that the merchants of Qinghefang were not easy to deal with.

Su Mo didn't explain anything.

I had just asked about the preparations for digging sweet potatoes for the third-year junior high students when a servant suddenly came to report.

Su Mo was stunned after hearing this.

Does Ip Man Shan want to see me?
He could only give Lin Moyin, Liu Siyun and others a few instructions to increase the intensity of patrols during this period, and then went to Shenma Rock.

Upon arriving at Shenma Rock, Ye Wenshan, who was guarding the potato fields, immediately looked at Su Mo with a serious expression: "Lord Su, are you aware that there are ministers in the court who are preparing to use the matter of the Tiannan Dao's earth dragon's resurgence to criticize His Majesty?"

Su Mo's expression suddenly changed: "Is this really true?"

He knew, of course, that what Ye Wenshan said was true!
If court officials want to use natural disasters to launch an attack and undermine His Majesty's prestige, they will inevitably have to rely on the Imperial Observatory.

Although Ye Wenshan returned to the Imperial Observatory as Deputy Director after the New Year.

However, having controlled the Imperial Observatory for many years, it's impossible that he didn't leave behind trusted confidants within the Observatory.

The movements of the Imperial Observatory could not be kept from him.

Ye Wenshan solemnly said, "Such a natural disaster has affected millions of people. How can the imperial court ignore it!"

"In the past, this was a sign of the emperor's moral failings, a warning from Heaven. The sage would immediately issue an edict of self-reproach and reflect on his own conduct!"

Su Mo frowned: "And now?"

Ye Wenshan smiled bitterly and pointed to the potato field, which was mostly withered and yellow: "If the emperor were immoral, how could such an auspicious omen appear!"

Su Mo...

This is a system reward, okay?

What does this have to do with the Empress's character?

Ye Wenshan sighed, his old face showing a look of frustration. He then looked at Su Mo and said, "Furthermore, thanks to Lord Su's guidance, I now know the celestial phenomena. They are the endless cycle of the Heavenly Dao, controlled by the power of the Heavenly Dao itself, and have nothing to do with whether a sage has lost his virtue."

"So-called natural disasters are caused by the power of heaven and earth, no wonder they befall sages."

Su Mo nodded: "His Majesty will surely be pleased to know that Lord Ye thinks this way."

Ye Wenshan shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Although I understand this principle, the court officials and even other star officials of the Imperial Observatory may not think so."

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat.

Is there a hidden meaning in those words?
Ye Wenshan paused slightly: "Fortunately, the Emperor is now overjoyed with the auspicious omen of sweet potatoes. Now that the ministers know this, they will certainly not be able to use the earth-shattering event to condemn the Emperor."

"Sweet potatoes are not only connected to His Majesty's countenance, but also to Lord Su's fortunes."

"This grain benefits all people, but not everyone may want it to be available to everyone!"

Finally, Ye Wenshan suddenly changed his form of address and said earnestly, "You lad, you must not be careless!"

Su Mo quickly replied solemnly, "Lord Ye, rest assured, I am aware of the implications."

Ye Wenshan waved his hand: "Go back!"

……

Su Mo went back and told Lin Moyin about it.

Lin Moyin succinctly revealed Ye Wenshan's intentions: "Ye Wenshan has controlled the Imperial Observatory for decades. Now that he has returned to the court, how could he be willing to be subordinate to Yuan Xingdao!"

"His Majesty may have had this intention in releasing Ye Wenshan!"

“Once Ye Wenshan and Yuan Xingdao start fighting, His Majesty will have an easier time controlling the Imperial Observatory.”

As she spoke, Lin Moyin frowned and said, "Whether it is Ye Wenshan or Yuan Xingdao, they are both true important officials of the court, and Yuan Xingdao is even one of the cabinet ministers."

"My lord, you must not get involved so easily!"

Su Mo gave a wry smile: "Does my wife think that I can remain uninvolved?"

Ip Man-shan has supported him on numerous occasions.

Even though the matter of the Imperial Observatory had nothing to do with him, in Yuan Xingdao's eyes, he was definitely in cahoots with Ye Wenshan!

People in the imperial court are not free to do as they please; you can't simply stay out of it just because you want to!

Lin Moyin remained silent.

Yuan Xingdao is a Grand Secretary and now controls the Imperial Observatory, wielding immense power.

Of course, she wasn't in a good mood because her husband had gotten into such a big mess.

Seeing that Lin Moyin was sullen, Su Mo told her that he had refined the Yellow Spring Guide and condensed the nascent core, so that Lin Moyin could be happy too!

Hearing this, Lin Moyin was pleasantly surprised and amazed!

I never imagined my husband's talent for cultivating immortality was so terrifying!
Once my husband has mastered the Yellow Springs External Elixir and is under His Majesty's protection, it will be difficult for Yuan Xingdao to harm him!

Lin Moyin naturally pressed for details about the process, and then asked Su Mo how he absorbed the Nine Spirits Return to One Soup.

Su Mo had a bad feeling and could only stammer a few words before immediately turning to Xiao Lizhuang.

Lin Moyin's attention was indeed diverted.

Master Yan is currently in seclusion, and even when meals are delivered, he does not appear. He must be gaining profound insights.

Su Mo felt slightly reassured upon hearing this.

Xiao Lizhuang is the number one fighter in Lonely Peak Mountain.

Having insights is the best outcome.

If he could advance to the Heavenly Infant stage, that would be even better!
……

That night, Lin Moyin, contrary to her usual behavior, took the initiative to make love to Su Mo, who was overjoyed and eagerly responded.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, good news kept coming.

Good news one: Zhang Zong personally led the Longxiang Central and Rear Guards to relocate to Gufeng Mountain. However, he was busy with the deployment and did not come to see Su Mo, but only sent someone to inform Su Mo.

With the increased security at Gufeng Mountain, I feel very safe!

Good news two: Zhang Xuzu sent word that Ling Yanyao, the master of Xiaolanting, secretly came to the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office to request an audience with him.

Seeing that Su Mo was not there, she was slightly disappointed, but she still took the initiative to hand over the account book to Zhang Xuzu, indicating that she would pay the commercial tax and fines in full, and stated that the merchants' collusion to strike the market had nothing to do with her.

Su Mo hadn't expected that the other party, though not a hero, would be so pragmatic.

Just like Liu Siyun did back then, he took the initiative to surrender.

It seems that women are more adept at business than men.

Of course, given this historical context, for a woman to be able to support a business and trade was definitely an elite among elites, and it's perfectly reasonable for her to be even more capable than men.

Su Mo became curious about Ling Yanyao.

I'd like to meet this person if I have the chance.

That's not all the good news!

The third piece of good news came from my third uncle.

On the 28th day of the year, Wanghai County took advantage of the salt smugglers returning to their hometowns for the New Year to mobilize troops to attack them, capturing more than 130 salt smugglers in one fell swoop.

Only the salt smuggler Shen Qiniang managed to break through the encirclement.

Ma Wei, the prefect of Wanghai County, sent a sorcerer to secretly follow her, only to find that Shen Qiniang was heading straight for the capital!

Su Mo was overjoyed when the Blood Eagle sent back this message.

He waited for this female salt smuggler until the flowers withered!
The female salt smuggler had trained the salt merchants to be like soldiers of later generations, which made Su Mo drool with envy!

Once Shen Qiniang arrives, the last weakness of Lone Peak Mountain will be addressed!
Even if a Golden Core cultivator attacks, he will be unable to escape once he enters!

Time flies, and it's already the third day of the Lunar New Year!

At the foot of the mountain, the six Grand Secretaries, the six ministries and nine ministers, and Zhu Bi, the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, looked at each other in bewilderment.

They were not only important officials of the court, but also important figures in their respective households. During the New Year, countless family members, relatives, neighbors, students, and old friends would come to visit, so they should have been sitting at home.

However, at the same time, they received an imperial edict, summoning them to Lonely Peak Mountain for important matters to discuss.

Wang Hao's expression looked somewhat strange.

The fourteen people present could be considered the backbone of the imperial civil service system.

These fourteen people, plus the sage, can form a small court assembly of the highest standard!
As everyone knows, the small court assembly is where important matters of the court are decided!
Why did the Empress summon everyone to Lonely Peak Mountain?
Could it be about the earth dragon turning over?
wrong!

Even if this matter were to be discussed, it should certainly be in the Hall of Establishing Government, so why would it be here at Lonely Peak Mountain!
Could it be about Su Mo being assassinated?
But this would require alarming the cabinet, the six ministries and nine ministers, and even summoning Zhu Bi, a candidate for the cabinet.
Wang Hao and the others naturally focused their attention on the silent Xiao Yuan.

Before anyone could ask, Xiao Yuan took the initiative to say, "My lords, I do indeed know why His Majesty summoned you all to Lonely Peak Mountain!"

"However, gentlemen, please do not ask me. When His Majesty arrives, you will all know what has happened."

Wang Hao and the others frowned slightly.

Then, subconsciously, he looked toward the Dragon Guards guarding outside Lonely Peak Mountain!
Just then, An Wu was seen walking down the mountain.

"His Majesty has ordered that all the officials be summoned to an audience at Lonely Peak!"

The ministers could only suppress their emotions and follow An Wu up the mountain.

Among the group, apart from Xiao Yuan, no one had ever been to this Lonely Peak Mountain. Now, they were shocked to discover that the originally barren and desolate Lonely Peak Mountain had become a paradise on earth.

The villagers, craftsmen, and others they saw all had clothes to wear, and their faces were rosy and full of smiles, which surprised everyone.

Such a sight is rarely seen even by the people of the capital!
It is evident that on Lonely Peak Mountain, everyone has clothes to wear, food to eat, and shelter to live in!

Two phrases involuntarily came to mind for Wang Hao: "Peaceful and prosperous life!" and "Thriving and thriving!"

He couldn't help but admire Su Mo's abilities; he could probably govern an entire prefecture!

Everyone was naturally full of doubt, but they couldn't ask questions at this moment. They could only secretly observe the situation and wonder why the Empress had summoned them to Lonely Peak Mountain.

Surely they wouldn't expect these high-ranking officials to come here on the third day of the Lunar New Year to see the local customs of the people of Gufeng Mountain, would they?
The deeper the group went into the mountains, the more shocked they became!
Finally, An Wu passed through the inner city, which resembled a city wall, and arrived outside Su Mo's strange villa.

The Empress stood solemnly in the courtyard of the villa.

Dozens of black-armored guards stood watch around the perimeter.

Su Mo and many beautiful women stood respectfully beside the Empress.

In addition, the expressions of the ministers changed slightly, especially Yuan Xingdao, the Grand Scholar of the Star Gazing Hall, whose gaze fell on Ye Wenshan on the other side of the Empress!
He actually came to this Lonely Peak Mountain?
Upon seeing Xiao Yuan and the others appear.

The Empress nodded slightly to her ministers, then waved her hand gently.

An Wu immediately stepped forward and took out the yellow silk imperial edict from his sleeve.

"Su Mo, the magistrate of Gufeng Mountain County, the probationary commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the centurion of the Phoenix Cry Division, receives the imperial decree!"

Xiao Yuan and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

What is Your Majesty up to?
Su Mo immediately led Lin Moyin and the others to kneel down.

"Your subject, Su Mo, respectfully welcomes the imperial edict!"

An Wu looked at Su Mo with a solemn expression and said in a slightly sharp voice, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!"

Upon hearing the words "Imperial Edict," Wang Hao and the others' expressions immediately changed!
Anwu continued reading the imperial edict!

"I have heard that Heaven, with its virtue of covering and sustaining, nurtures all things without selfishness; and that people, with their sincerity of loyalty and righteousness, repay their country with their aspirations. Thus, Yao and Shun recommended virtuous men, and King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed officials, all to demonstrate merit and encourage loyalty among ministers, setting an example for eternity. Su Mo, the magistrate of Gufeng Mountain County, is intelligent and insightful, with a dignified bearing. Since entering officialdom, he has been dedicated to public service day and night, loyal and diligent without ceasing..."

A group of ministers...

Can this Embroidered Uniform Guard truly deserve such praise?

He is intelligent and has a dignified bearing. Since entering officialdom, he has been dedicated to public service day and night, and has never stopped being loyal and diligent.
Even Zhong Yin and Chu Cheng, two ministers who were relatively close to Su Mo, frowned deeply.

But they were surprised to find that Xiao Yuan, the head of all officials, had no expression at all!

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd.

An Wu finally revealed the most crucial imperial decree!
"I, the Emperor, deem this the bestowal of the title of Marquis of Gufeng Mountain upon Su Mo, granting him a fief of a thousand towns, a gold seal and purple ribbon, and a fiefdom to which he shall inherit in perpetuity... So be it!"

Finished saying this.

The ministers' expressions suddenly changed!
Wang Hao stepped forward without hesitation and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty! I believe that it is absolutely unacceptable to confer a marquisate upon the Viscount of Su!"

(End of this chapter)