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

Chapter 364 Does this mean I should apologize to him?

Outside the Ziwei Palace.

Anwu saw palace maids carrying porcelain and inkstone fragments walking out of the palace.

A chill ran through me!
He immediately recognized it as the Empress's most beloved large jar with a double phoenix and floral dragon design, along with a fragment of the green jade inkstone!
An Wu composed himself, then solemnly stepped into the Ziwei Palace.

Sure enough, as soon as they entered, they saw the Empress sitting behind the dragon throne with a dark expression.

The furnishings on the dragon table have clearly been changed!
"Your Majesty, the demoness of the Heavenly Mother Cult has been imprisoned in the Northern Garrison Prison. Should we torture her severely to obtain information about the Heavenly Mother Cult?"

The Empress gave An Wu a cold look, snorted, and asked, "Has that guy returned to Lonely Peak Mountain?"

An Wu quickly replied, "Lord Su has returned to his fief."

"This old servant followed him secretly all the way and saw Lord Su return with my own eyes."

The Empress took a deep breath, unable to hide her anger: "Are you saying I haven't been good enough to him?"

"He actually treated me like this for the sake of a heretical witch from a cult!"

"Does he really think I can't live without him?"

Leng Liuxi grew increasingly agitated as she spoke, her chest heaving and her face turning even paler and bloodless: "You're truly infuriating me!"

An Wu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. You must know that Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance!"

He paused, then said, "This old servant believes that it is simply because Lord Su is young and unaware of the wickedness of people. That vixen probably knew Lord Su's weakness, so she deliberately flattered him to induce him to make a mistake."

"Once Marquis Su has thought it through, he will understand His Majesty's good intentions."

Leng Liuxi snorted coldly again, her face dark!
An Wu sighed and looked at the Empress with some helplessness.

He had watched the Empress grow up since she was a child; no one had spent more time with her than him.

Although it was said in a somewhat presumptuous manner.

But An Wu truly regarded the Empress as his own daughter.

In An Wu's eyes, although Su Mo was not a perfect match, the problem was that the Empress was getting old and only had eyes for Su Mo!
No one knows a daughter better than her father!
He hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help but say, "This old servant believes that Your Majesty need not be angry with Marquis Su."

"Doesn't this just prove that Marquis Su is a man of great loyalty and righteousness?"

After a pause, seeing that the Empress did not say anything, An Wu advised again: "If today, Marquis Su were to kill that witch without hesitation under Her Majesty's decree."

"Will you be able to betray His Majesty without hesitation in the future?"

"If that's really the case, how can Your Majesty trust such heartless and ungrateful people again!"

He took a deep breath, his face suddenly darkening: "Even if this old servant disobeys the imperial decree, I will take his life!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression finally softened, but she still said in a muffled voice, "That won't do! Uh... taking his life is also unacceptable! Don't mention it again!"

"That's a demoness from the Heavenly Mother Cult!"

"Didn't he consider my feelings before he...did that with her?"

An Wu smiled wryly: "Perhaps Marquis Su has his own unavoidable difficulties."

"This old servant will try to find out the truth, lest Marquis Su be deceived by the people of the Heavenly Mother Sect."

The Empress sneered, "Does An Banban really think I'm afraid of the Heavenly Mother Cult? What's so important about a mere demoness from the Heavenly Mother Cult!"

"What kind of trouble can a bunch of ditch rats, who are always running around in fear, cause!"

"Now that my new army is well-trained and I have the miraculous sweet potato seed, the people are won over..."

She paused slightly, then changed the subject and suddenly asked, "Does An Banban know the origin of the Heavenly Mother Cult's Heavenly Infant?"

An Wu frowned immediately and muttered, "This old servant has never heard of such a Heavenly Infant in the Heavenly Mother Sect."

"This person's magical power doesn't seem particularly strong, yet he managed to escape from the combined attack of His Majesty and this old servant. His methods are truly remarkable!"

He paused briefly, then continued, "In the Heavenly Mother Sect, there is a eunuch named Chen Hai, who is somewhat similar to this person, but the dossier says that Chen Hai is only at the Golden Core stage."

Upon hearing the name Chen Hai, the Empress frowned slightly and repeated suspiciously, "Chen Hai?"

An Wu nodded: "It is said that this person was originally an unknown person. Later, he joined the Heavenly Mother Sect. Because of his excellent cultivation aptitude, he was taken in as a follower by the Nine Dragons Demon Path and taught magic. In just thirty years, he advanced to the Golden Core realm."

The Empress's suspicion deepened: "Judging from what you're saying, the Heavenly Infant from before could very well be this Chen Hai?"

"Why did he kidnap Su Mo?"

An Wu pondered for a moment: "Judging from the intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Phoenix Cry Division regarding the Heavenly Mother Sect, this person is indeed very likely Chen Hai."

"Now that the Heavenly Mother Sect has fled overseas, the Imperial Guards who have infiltrated it are unable to send messages due to the isolation of the great formation, and they do not know much about the specific situation inside Heavenly Mother Island."

"As for kidnapping Lord Su instead of killing him on the spot."

An Wu stated his judgment: "They probably know of Su Hou's abilities and knowledge, and want to kidnap Su Hou back to Tianmu Island to be used by the remnants of that violent regime."

The Empress snorted coldly: "Once Su Mo's ship is built, we will wipe out Tianmu Island sooner or later!"

An Wu smiled bitterly: "The sea route to Tianmu Island is unpredictable. The island is protected by a large formation, and Bao Qian burned the ship blueprints and a number of nautical charts. Now that Da Wu's warships are insufficient, it is indeed difficult to wipe them out."

"That remnant of the Phoenix Clan, with its golden-eyed black tortoise demon, is said to not only possess the power to overturn rivers and seas, but also have immense strength, capable of easily capsizing giant ships. It is not easy to deal with!"

A sharp glint flashed in the Empress's eyes. She changed the subject and asked, "Has Su Mo harbored any resentment after I dismissed him from his official post and stripped him of his bestowed robes?"

An Wu quickly replied, "Lord Su knows he has made a mistake. His Majesty's minor punishment will be met with no complaints."

The Empress was silent for a moment, then looked at An Wu with some hesitation: "An Wu, do you think I... went a bit too far?"

"Upon careful consideration, Su Qing has indeed done a great deal for me and made numerous contributions. The sweet potato seed can further help me stabilize the world..."

"In a moment of confusion, I would strip him of his official position and his official robes... Wouldn't that be too hurtful to Minister Su?"

An Wu smiled and said, "Thunder and rain are both the Emperor's grace. I'm sure Marquis Su understands this principle."

The Empress nodded, but finally couldn't help but snort: "Let him stay on Lonely Peak Mountain and not come out for a month!"

"Humph!"

"He's clearly in the wrong, so do you expect me to apologize to him?"

Upon hearing this, An Wu hesitated for a moment: "If we confine Marquis Su, what about the matter of issuing national bonds?"

The Empress said irritably, "I refuse to believe that I can't accomplish anything without him!"

She paused briefly, frowned in thought, and then said calmly, "The matter of the national debt will be handled by Wang Hao... no, by Cui Xuan!"

"He comes from a powerful and influential family. If he succeeds, great; if he fails, at least we can curb the arrogance of these powerful families!"

"Go and summon Cui Xian. He is to come to the Lizheng Hall to see me at Chenshi (7-9 AM)!"

An Wu nodded and replied, "This old servant understands."

He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Then the demoness of the Heavenly Mother Cult?"

The Empress's face suddenly turned cold, and she snorted heavily: "Severe torture is the way to go... Never mind... Keep her locked up for now, just in case she dies!"

……

Su Mo returned to Lonely Peak Mountain with mixed feelings.

The eldest uncle's escape technique was truly astonishing. In an instant, he carried him and Bai Susu away for hundreds of miles. In the end, they had to ask someone for directions before they returned to Lonely Peak Mountain.

My uncle didn't show up at all along the way.

It's unclear whether they fled directly or were too badly injured to show themselves.

Su Mo certainly didn't dare to ask the Empress about his uncle's situation.

One Bai Susu caused him to lose his official position and bestowed robes.

If another uncle were added, he might lose both his title and his life.

However, it's unclear whether the Empress has forgotten. That golden plaque, which seemed to signify the Empress's personal presence, didn't mention returning it!
Upon returning to Lonely Peak Mountain, Su Mo discovered that the number of Dragon Guards at the foot of the mountain had increased considerably. They were all armed, clad in armor, and carrying torches, guarding the various checkpoints and intersections at the foot of the mountain with extremely solemn expressions.

Upon seeing Su Mo return, the Longxiang Guard soldiers did not dare to lower their guard.

They were unaware that the sudden increase in patrols was due to Su Mo, as news of Su Mo's abduction was being strictly suppressed.

The same applies to the guards of Lone Peak Mountain.

All factories have ceased operations, and villagers and their employees are prohibited from leaving their homes.

The guards then began searching and questioning each household.

Nangong Sheyue also arrived at Gufeng Mountain, bringing with her more than two hundred people from the Fengming Division to investigate clues overnight.

Seeing Su Mo suddenly appear, Liu Siyun and the others breathed a long sigh of relief.

"My lord is finally back! I was so worried about you!"

"My lord, if you're alright..."

Before Liu Siyun could finish speaking, Su Mo frowned and interrupted her: "Let's talk inside the hall."

"Hmm... Tell the guards not to disturb the residents of the fiefdom, and production will proceed as usual tomorrow."

Back in the villa's hall, Su Mo asked in a deep voice, "How are Mo Yin and the White Snake Spirit doing?"

Liu Siyun quickly said, "Sister Lin and Xiaobai are fine, they just suffered some minor injuries. They are currently leading people outside the mountain to search for the young master with Mr. Wang."

Su Mo breathed a sigh of relief: "It's good that you're alright."

"Tell her to come back."

Then, Su Mo turned to look at Nangong Sheyue, who had a look of urgency on his face, and after a moment of silence, said in a deep voice, "I have troubled you with my matter, sir."

"Since His Majesty has withdrawn the tiger-patterned robe and flying-fish-patterned robe that were bestowed upon me, I cannot leave Lonely Peak Mountain. I would like to ask you, sir, to deliver them to the palace on my behalf."

Nangong Sheyue keenly noticed Su Mo's self-address and immediately frowned as she stared at Su Mo: "What exactly happened?"

"Your Majesty...why do you want to take back the robes bestowed upon my son?"

When His Majesty learned of Su Mo's abduction, he was extremely anxious and personally took action, even urgently sending him to Gufeng Mountain to investigate the situation.

Now that Su Mo has returned, why does His Majesty want to strip Su Mo of the bestowed robes?

Judging from Su Mo's self-proclaimed title, it seems he has even lost his official position?

Nangong Sheyue racked his brains but still couldn't figure out what had happened!
Su Mo sighed: "I will discuss this matter with you in detail later."

"Now that I have been dismissed by His Majesty and confined to Lonely Peak Mountain, I ask that you take care of many matters outside."

He has numerous businesses outside, all of which bring in a fortune daily, attracting the envy of many who are secretly eyeing him covetously.

Previously, Su Mo was deeply favored by the Empress, so they dared not plot against him.

Once they learn that Su Mo has been stripped of his post and confined to his quarters by the Empress, and that he has lost the Emperor's favor, they will surely be eager to make their move.

Without Nangong Sheyue and others watching over things, there would definitely be endless trouble.

Upon hearing Su Mo's words, Liu Siyun and the other women's expressions changed drastically, filled with surprise and doubt.

Nangong Sheyue's eyebrows furrowed even more, forming a deep frown, as she had many questions for Su Mo.

Su Mo had just presented the sweet potato immortal seed, a feat of unparalleled merit, yet he was still punished so severely by the Empress. What he had done to incur the wrath of both heaven and man that could anger the Empress so much!

However, this is not the time to ask why.

Nangong Sheyue let out a soft sigh: "In that case, I will go to the capital to report to His Majesty. My lord, you must be careful."

Su Mo nodded and told Xue Yishu to go back to her room to fetch the bestowed clothes, jade belt, and other items, which were then given to Nangong Sheyue to take away.

Seeing the women's worried expressions and hesitant demeanor, Su Mo smiled and said, "There's no need to worry. It's just not the end of the world; it's not like the sky is falling."

"It's better to be free of official position. At least I can finally have some free time and do my own things."

Su Mo didn't actually have any great ambitions.

Living a peaceful life, spending leisure time planting flowers and raising fish, and teasing one's wives and concubines—life is wonderful.

The pearl mussels in Wulongtan have been there for several months, but it's unknown whether they have produced any pearls yet.

I dug one up last time, and it seems to grow much faster than pearl oysters on Earth. I wonder if it's because of the influence of spiritual energy.

Hmm, let's get some more fish fry in, and go fishing whenever we have a spare moment.

Of course, it would be even better if his own wife could give birth to several children for him, allowing him to experience the thrill of being a stay-at-home dad.

Unfortunately, Su Mo always went all out in the fight, sparing no effort and his output was definitely enough, but Lin Moyin, Chen Qianyu, Liu Siyun, Jiang Lan and everyone else's stomachs remained empty.

Su Mo didn't know the reason either!
It's hard to say about others, but Qin Bier is definitely fine.

The soil is absolutely fertile, but if the seeds planted don't sprout, it's almost certainly because of the seeds themselves.

When Xiao Lizhuang returns, I need to have her check up my health. I can't avoid seeking medical help, otherwise who will inherit my business?

We can't just adopt a son to carry on the family line like a eunuch, can we?
All three uncles were waiting for them to have children and continue the bloodline of the Su and Chen families!

Despite Su Mo's words of comfort, Liu Siyun and the others still looked worried.

Everyone knows that dismissal is not a good thing, let alone taking away the bestowed clothing.

Perhaps next time she'll send her own husband straight to jail.

However, they naturally wouldn't add to Su Mo's worries or pressure, and all forced a smile.

"What you say is true, my lord. I don't really care about official positions or anything like that. As long as you are well, that's all that matters!" Xue Yishu, the only concubine with a title but not yet married into the family, said with a light laugh.

Su Mo nodded and smiled, "It's alright now."

"There shouldn't be anyone else coming here to assassinate me!"

"You all go and do what you're supposed to do. If anyone outside causes trouble, you must inform your husband!"

He paused slightly, then sneered, "Although I do not hold an official position, I am still a second-rank marquis in the imperial court, and I will certainly not let anyone bully me!"

"I will go back to my study to rest for a while. If Mo'er returns, I will ask her to come to my study to see me."

He had finally been promoted to the position of Jinyiwei pilot commander, and he was also in charge of the affairs of the Qinghefang centurion office, which gave him immense power.

Now that they've decided to waive it, Su Mo would be lying if she said she wasn't upset.

Of course, Su Mo could understand Leng Liuxi.

As she said, Bai Susu was not only a follower of the Heavenly Mother Sect, but also tried to excavate the imperial tomb of Emperor Wu Taizu. It was only because the Empress did not kill her on the spot that the Empress had a good temper.

He even had to plead for Bai Susu; no wonder the Empress was furious.

But Su Mo really couldn't get over her own hurdle!
I wonder how Bai Susu is doing now. The Imperial Prison of the Zhenfu Division is not a place for ordinary people.

Su Mo let out a long sigh.

Let's leave the matter of the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office alone.

But that mission involving ten million taels of silver...

Su Mo opened the task panel and looked at it; there were no changes whatsoever.

He then gave a wry smile.

The Empress herself didn't even know how she would be dealt with in the end, yet she was still thinking about this mission—it's ridiculous!
Forget it.

If it can't be finished, then it can't be finished!
Just like playing a game, you can't expect to complete all the tasks, let alone the extremely difficult hidden tasks!
However, it's a real shame that such a generous reward was wasted.

If this task is completed, the power of the Heavenly Net Demon Spider Dharma Form will be enhanced, and it will be able to defend against even the methods of my uncle, or at least it won't be torn apart in a few moves!

(End of this chapter)