I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 213 Jiang Hongyue's dying words: The Red Moon Legacy!!!

Jiang Yan glanced at Qingluo beside her, and Qingluo immediately curtsied and left the ancestral hall to guard the courtyard gate.

In the vast hall of the Jiang Clan Ancestral Hall, only the Empress, Nangong Ye, and Chen Mo remained.

The candlelight flickered, swaying the sash of Jiang Yan's phoenix robe, her long hair flying in the wind, adding a touch of coldness to her appearance.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Yan finally spoke: "It's a tragic fate, I never expected... that the pregnant woman that Young Master Chen Mo met at the Baiyue Sect's outpost that day was actually my own sister... Jiang Li."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo was taken aback.

The noblewoman who gave birth to a child in the servant's room at the Moon Worship Sect's outpost that day turned out to be the wife of the Duke of Wei.

Chen Mo initially thought she was a concubine or daughter of the Duke of Wei.

In no mood……

Jiang Yan continued, "Regarding the person behind this... I suspect it is Zhang Honglu, the chief eunuch by His Majesty's side. After all, the Duke of Wei and Zhang Honglu are very close and have a good personal relationship."

Grand Eunuch Zhang Honglu?

Chen Mo was very surprised when he heard this.

It all seems so abrupt.

However, Jiang Yan did not give Chen Mo any room to ask questions, and said directly: "Although this matter is a scandal of my Jiang family, Jiang Li has made a mistake after all. In addition, arresting the Baiyue Cult has been the long-cherished wish of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty for many years. This matter must be handled officially."

"Sister Nangong, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty have entrusted the entire task of searching for the Moon Worship Cult to the Demon Suppression Division. They've also granted them the highest privileges."

Nangong Ye said, "Yes. His Majesty and the Empress Dowager have personally given instructions. Whenever a member of the Moon Worship Cult is discovered, regardless of the time, place, or who is involved, they can be arrested directly. If they resist, they should be killed."

Jiang Yan: "That's settled then. Sister Nangong, just follow the rules. You take men to surround the Duke of Wei's mansion and openly arrest Jiang Li. Also, you send another group of men to accompany me into the palace to arrest Zhang Honglu. Go and do it quickly; I'll wait here for your men to arrive."

"it is good."

Nangong Ye readily agreed, and then hurriedly pulled Chen Mo away from the ancestral hall.

Jiang Yan stood in the center of the ancestral hall, a resolute look in her beautiful eyes. A special glint flashed in her eyes, especially when she saw Chen Mo's departing figure.

"Our great god from the Jiang family is likely to suffer tonight. The Jiang family's space for survival is shrinking. I have no choice but to make a decision sooner rather than later."

After muttering something to herself, Jiang Yan called Qingluo, who was outside the door, in.

As Qingluo entered the gate, she bowed and asked, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

Jiang Yan asked, "Is Jiang Shuihan in the manor?"

Jiang Shuihan is the current head of the Jiang family. He is also Jiang Yan's cousin. Although he does not hold an official position in the imperial court, his status is extraordinary, and his cultivation is profound. Looking at the entire capital, and even the Great Qian Dynasty... he is a top-tier figure.

Qingluo said, "Patriarch Jiang is in the manor. But he's playing with a child and is getting quite a bit of a nuisance."

Jiang Yan nodded: "Take me to see him."

"Yes, Your Highness, please." Qingluo led the way, with Jiang Yan following behind. Before long, they left the ancestral hall, passed through a series of corridors, turned through several spacious courtyards, and finally arrived at the central courtyard.

The central courtyard is the core area of ​​the entire Jiang residence, and also where the patriarch Jiang Shuihan resides.

Before she even entered the house, Jiang Yan heard a child's cheerful voice coming from the courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, one sees a child riding on the shoulders of an old man in black, making the old man crawl on the ground. The child occasionally whips the old man's back with a rope, shouting, "Giddy up, giddy up, faster, faster!"

The old man didn't seem angry at all; instead, he cooperated with a smile.

Qingluo stared wide-eyed at the sight, covering her mouth in disbelief.

Others may not know who this old man is.

But Qingluo knew it.

This old man was none other than Jiang Shuihan, the current head of the Jiang clan, and Jiang Yan's cousin. However, he had never practiced any methods to preserve his youth, and looked much older than Jiang Yan.

Qingluo couldn't imagine what kind of background this child had, that he could ride on Jiang Shuihan's neck like this and even whip Jiang Shuihan's buttocks with a rope.

You should know that even His Majesty would show Jiang Shuihan some deference.

Does Jiang Shuihan... dote on his grandson so much?
Jiang Yan seemed used to this situation. She slowly walked up to Jiang Shuihan and said to the child, "Xiao Bei, let him go today. I have something to discuss with him."

The boy named Xiao Bei listened to Jiang Yan and immediately jumped off Jiang Shui Han's neck, then threw the rope on the ground: "Brother Shui Han, Xiao Bei will let you go today. Xiao Bei will listen to his sister. We'll ride horses again tomorrow. Oh ho, Xiao Bei is going to play."

Xiao Bei shouted and ran away, then found a maid nearby, made her lie down, and rode on the maid's neck. This time, he didn't use a whip, but just patted the maid's bottom with his hands, shouting, "Giddy up, giddy up, horse, hurry up!"

The maid was in great distress, but dared not resist.

Although the maid didn't know Xiao Bei's identity, seeing the Jiang family head being treated like a beast of burden by Xiao Bei, how could she, a mere maid, dare to say no? She could only play along with Xiao Bei.

Eh.

Jiang Shuihan slowly stood up and stretched her waist. "Sister, I'm such a lowly head of the family. I'm so glamorous outside, but so miserable at home. Why did you bring him back? It's just making things difficult for me."

Jiang Yan smiled and said, "I think Xiao Bei is quite good. He keeps you on your toes at all times, so you know that there are always people more capable than you. Don't think that just because you've become the head of the Jiang family, you can look down on everyone and think you're something special."

Humph.

Jiang Shuihan snorted, "I think my sister just can't stand to see me doing well. She's deliberately trying to cause me trouble."

Jiang Yan laughed and said, "I didn't force you to do anything. When you can beat Xiao Bei, you can also beat him to a pulp. In the end, it's just that you're not as skilled as him."

Jiang Shuihan blushed, deeply ashamed, after her secret was exposed: "I even fought with Xiao Bei today. Ugh, I was pinned to the ground and whipped before I could even last ten moves. But I have something to say..."

As Jiang Yan walked towards the central living room, she asked, "What do you want to say?"

Jiang Shuihan: "Sister, it's fine if you want to push me. After all, I know our family is in a bad situation right now. But could you please try a different way of pushing me? This Xiao Bei is just too terrifying. He's some kind of monster who popped out of nowhere. I could never be his match in this lifetime."

Jiang Yan sat down in the living room, took the teacup Jiang Shuihan offered, and took a sip. "You should serve him well. This Xiao Bei is a talisman I invited to protect the Jiang family. Compared to how terrifying Xiao Bei is, I care more about the person behind him. This is also a matter of networking. Otherwise, how can I protect the Jiang family?"

Jiang Shuihan sat down to the side, looking dejected: "My sister has already used the moral high ground to pressure me, what can I say? At worst, I'll just sacrifice a few more years for the Jiang family and suffer some injustice."

Jiang Yan did not answer, but instead dismissed Qingluo.

After Qingluo left the living room, Jiang Yan and Jiang Shuihan both composed themselves and became much more serious.

Jiang Shuihan also lost her previous joking demeanor and said very seriously, "Compared to the grievances my sister has suffered for the Jiang family over the years, my grievances are nothing. Just now, someone was just taking the opportunity to complain a few words."

Jiang Yan said, "It's good that you know. You also saw the streaks of light above the palace just now?"

Jiang Shuihan's expression was solemn: "I saw it. Four martial arts grandmasters are attacking my aunt at the same time. Judging from the situation, I'm afraid my aunt is in grave danger. But our Jiang family has spies arranged by the royal family, and I just couldn't show it."

Jiang Yan said, "It's good that you know."

Jiang Shuihan asked, "Should we activate the worst-case scenario plan?"

Jiang Yan shook her head: "It's not that bad. I don't think Auntie will die so soon. Fortunately, Nangong Ye and Chen Mo brought some good news tonight. I can use this news to try to rescue Auntie. If Auntie isn't dead."

Jiang Shuihan was taken aback: "What news?"

Jiang Yan recounted what had just happened between Chen Mo and Nangong Ye.

Jiang Shuihan was taken aback: "Sister, do you want to use the excuse of the Demon Suppression Division arresting the mastermind behind the Moon Worship Cult to sneak into the palace at night to arrest people? The method is not bad, but if you do that, I'm afraid the Empress Dowager will suspect you."

Jiang Yan said, "I have been hiding in the palace for seventy years, just so that I can make a move when the Jiang family needs me. Now is the most critical moment. If I don't make a move now, when will I? Even if the Empress Dowager suspects me, there's nothing I can do. Besides, that old hag has been suspicious of me for a long time."

Jiang Shuihan still hesitated: "If this leads to a conflict between the royal family and our Jiang family, and the two sides start fighting..."

Jiang Yan looked at Xiao Bei, who was shouting in the yard, and said, "With Xiao Bei here, there's nothing to fear."

Jiang Shuihan: "What if Xiao Bei is also beaten to death by the Empress Dowager?"

Jiang Yan: "Then the Empress Dowager is finished."

hiss.

Jiang Shuihan took a deep breath and nodded secretly: "Sister has great courage. Since you've said so, I, as your younger brother, will naturally give my full support."

Ok.

Jiang Yan nodded: "What's meant to happen will happen. My aunt said that if the royal family doesn't respect us, the Jiang family will cease to exist."

……

After leaving the Jiang residence, Chen Mo and Nangong Ye headed directly towards the Nantian Tower in the capital.

The two traveled quickly, and Chen Mo had many questions in his mind. "Xiao Ye, is the leader of the Moon Worship Cult a eunuch serving the emperor? I feel that's unlikely."

What is the identity of the leader of the Moon Worship Cult?
How could he be a eunuch?

Throughout history, there have indeed been many examples of eunuchs wielding power. But the current Qianlong Emperor clearly has not yet fallen to that level.

Could a mere eunuch stir up such a storm? Could he really make the Duke of Wei serve as his dog?

Chen Mo didn't believe it.

Nangong Ye said, "If he's not the Grand Eunuch, then he can only be the Grand Eunuch. Do you think he's the Emperor?"

Having lived two lives, Chen Mo was familiar with the power struggles within the imperial palace. After a moment's thought, he understood: "So, the Empress knows that the Emperor is the mastermind behind the Duke of Wei, but she can't say it openly. She can only make the Grand Eunuch Zhang Honglu take the blame?"

Nangong Ye said, "That's right. The Empress ordered me to seal off the Duke of Wei's mansion, and she went to arrest Zhang Honglu. That makes sense."

Chen Mo understood: "The Empress even arrested her own sister. Seeing this, the Emperor had no choice but to abandon Zhang Honglu. It's quite a gamble. But why did the Empress arrest Zhang Honglu?"

Nangong Ye: "Zhang Honglu is His Majesty's right-hand man, his henchman. It was Zhang Honglu who secretly monitored the Jiang family. Over the years, the Jiang family has been extremely cautious, precisely to guard against Zhang Honglu. Now, the Empress seems to have decided to take action. She's using her own sister to replace Zhang Honglu, this henchman. And incidentally, she'll also take down the Duke of Wei, a first-class military marquis."

Chen Mo was slightly surprised, thinking to himself that Jiang Yan seemed amiable on the surface, but in reality she was shrewd and calculating, and definitely not a simple person.

"Does the Empress, who belongs to the inner palace, really have such great power?"

Nangong Ye: "An empress alone does not have this right, but adding the Jiang family does."

Chen Mo: "Even so, by doing this, the Empress is essentially standing against the royal family. This is unreasonable."

Nangong Ye: "How did you know about the Jiang family's plans, young master? The Jiang family still has trump cards up their sleeves."

Chen Mo didn't say anything more.

One of the four great families that suppress demons, and once the leader of demon suppression.

Chen Mo dared not speculate on just how terrifying the hidden force was.

Nangong Ye suddenly said, "I suspect that the Empress has other intentions behind her arrangements tonight."

Chen Mo immediately realized something: "Rescue Jiang Hongyue? And check the situation while we're at it?"

"Ah."

Hearing this, Chen Mo breathed a sigh of relief, and his impression of Jiang Yan improved somewhat. As long as it was for his godmother's good, Chen Mo felt that she could be a friend.

As for the Jiang family's trump cards... Chen Mo also had a preliminary guess.

I'm afraid it's related to that new deity.

ship.

Before long, Chen Mo and his companion arrived at the main gate of the Demon Suppression Division.

This was Chen Mo's first time visiting the Demon Suppression Division in the capital. He saw the magnificent buildings, especially the 36-story tower at the top, which stretched out like a small mountain, majestic and unapproachable.

Is this the Demon Suppression Division of the capital?
Nantian Tower.

What a grand name!

Nangong Ye suddenly stopped, as if realizing something, and turned around: "By the way, young master, would you like to come with me to the Duke of Wei's mansion? Or... would you like to go and see your family for now?"

Chen Mo felt that Nangong Ye's way of speaking was a bit strange.

Judging from what we've just experienced, wasn't it inevitable that he would take me to the Duke of Wei's mansion?
Why ask such a redundant question?
Is there something inconvenient about it?
Chen Mo wasn't one to force people, so he said, "If it's inconvenient for Xiao Ye, I won't go. I'll come back to you later to ask about the details. If it's convenient for Xiao Ye, I'd still like to go and see her."

After all, Chen Mo really wanted to find out the whereabouts of the Undying Bone.

It's best to go with them.

If Xiaoye really doesn't want to play with me, then there's nothing I can do.

Nangong Ye turned around and carefully examined Chen Mo. Then he thought of Chen Mo's adventures at the Moon Worship Sect's base, which had brought him such good news. It would be a little disheartening to suddenly stop including him.

Nangong Ye was unaware that Chen Mo had a demonic fetus inside him, nor did he know that Chen Mo was going through so much trouble to find the Undying Bone. But considering how hard Chen Mo had worked, he guessed that Chen Mo had a reason to go.

In the end, she couldn't bear it and agreed, "It is convenient, but... never mind, I'll just be frank with you directly, young master."

Click.

Nangong Ye gritted her teeth and forced herself to say, "Actually, I am not a young lady from a powerful family in the capital. I am a member of the Demon Suppression Division."

Hearing this, Chen Mo felt somewhat relieved. "I realized something was wrong a long time ago. Chen Kun's evasiveness and repeated concealment of Xiao Ye's identity must be suspicious. I suspect that Xiao Ye is a high-ranking member of the Demon Suppression Division."

Nangong Ye was a little embarrassed: "If I were to tell you, would you think I'm a female liar?"

Chen Mo said, "Titles and titles are just empty names. I know Xiao Ye is sincere towards me and won't care about such trivial matters."

Chen Mo's words gave Nangong Ye courage, and she spoke up, "Actually, I am Nangong Ye, the head of the Demon Suppression Division in the capital. I have been hiding this from you, young master, partly because I didn't want my identity to be exposed, lest some petty people in the capital think I had left and cause trouble. Also, I was afraid that if you knew my identity, you would become hesitant and timid, always adhering to etiquette, which would only create distance. But tonight, with such an important matter before me, I can no longer hide it..."

As Nangong Ye was talking, he suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked up and found Chen Mo staring at him with wide eyes and an incredulous expression on his face.

At this moment, Chen Mo's heart was indeed pounding wildly.

Although Chen Mo had long suspected that Xiao Ye's identity was unusual, possibly that she was a high-ranking member of the Demon Suppression Division, he never expected that Xiao Ye's identity would be so extraordinary.

Chief of the Great Qian Demon Suppression Division.

He commands the Demon Suppression Bureau of the entire realm and governs the Demon Suppression Families of the entire realm.

What an incredible identity!
Even though the four great demon-suppressing families in the capital are all incredibly powerful and influential, Xiao Ye is still nominally on par with them.

Terrifying!
It turns out that the woman he met outside Honghe County was actually the head of the Great Qian Demon Suppression Division.

What's even more outrageous is that he himself kept calling people "little night" and bossing them around.

Thinking of this, Chen Mo felt a chill run down his spine.

It's too ridiculous.

"Young Master?" Nangong Ye saw Chen Mo was in a daze, so he waved his hand in front of Chen Mo's eyes and called Chen Mo's name.

Chen Mo finally came to his senses, and thinking about how he used to boss Xiao Ye around, he couldn't help but blush. But then he thought, "Damn, I hit the jackpot!"

Under heaven, except for the emperor.

Who can boss Nangong Ye around?

Who else gets this kind of treatment?

Chen Mo wanted to speak, but didn't know how. Looking at the woman in purple before him, he immediately felt her aura had risen a level significantly. He now needed to think twice before speaking, no longer as casual as before, and dared not order her around arbitrarily.

Sure enough, Nangong Ye became somewhat nervous upon seeing Chen Mo's expression: "What's wrong? Now that you know my identity, you dare not speak? Are you going to change your address to Lord Nangong and fawn over me at every turn?"
If that's the case, then you've truly let me down, sir. There are too many people in the world who flatter me; I always thought you were different.

Chen Mo understood.

Nangong Ye is a rather eccentric person.

Having always been in a high position and seen too much flattery, coupled with my somewhat progressive mindset, I dislike being fawned over and subjected to empty platitudes. I want to find someone I can speak the truth to.

Since they've already put it this way, what else is there for Chen Mo to think about?
Click.

Chen Mo, being a transmigrator from the modern era, didn't hold the court or imperial power in such high regard. He immediately pulled Nangong Yelou into his arms, laughing heartily, "Whatever kind of person Little Yelou wishes me to be, that's what I'll be. Come on, let's go to the Demon Suppression Division. Let me see Little Yelou's might. Don't worry, when we're in a crowded place, I'll still respect your feelings and call you Lord Nangong."

Nangong Ye was a little embarrassed by Chen Mo's sudden embrace. She was secretly pleased, knowing Chen Mo hadn't changed. But… this was the main entrance.

really……

The demon-suppressing guards at the gate immediately bowed and greeted Nangong Ye upon his return. Then they noticed a strange man embracing their chief, Nangong Ye.
I……

Good heavens. Several demon-suppressing guards stared wide-eyed at Chen Mo, their eyes practically popping out of their sockets.

Who the hell is this kid?

How could you hug your own Lord Nangong?
You must understand... in the hearts of these Demon-Suppressing Guards, Nangong Ye is a god-like figure, high above and unapproachable.

actually……

Although the Demon Suppression Guards were somewhat displeased with Chen Mo, feeling that he had defiled their lofty and pure leader, they dared not show it openly. Instead, they addressed him respectfully as Lord Nangong.

Nangong Ye awkwardly entered the room, and only when they were alone did she push Chen Mo aside: "I said a few words to you, and you're already taking advantage of me. That's enough. There are too many people here."

Chen Mo then stopped: "I understand. It doesn't matter if we wait until we're in a secluded place."

Nangong Ye: "..."

She gave a soft hum and said nothing more. She just glared fiercely at Chen Mo, seemingly very concerned and menacing.

In fact, Chen Mo knew that if the other party didn't object, it meant they agreed.

Finally, Nangong Ye spoke up, "Come with me."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement and followed closely behind Nangong Ye. He appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil.

Chief of the Great Qian Demon Suppression Division...

The depth of his cultivation is perhaps unfathomable.

Chen Mo even suspected that Nangong Ye might be hiding some terrifying trump card. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to hold onto his position as the head of the Great Qian Demon Suppression Division.

For example, tonight, when Jiang Yan suggested arresting Jiang Li from the Duke of Wei's mansion, Nangong Ye agreed without hesitation.

They weren't afraid of offending the royal family.

This alone is enough to show that this woman is far more complex than she appears on the surface.

As they continued their journey, Nangong Ye arrived at a square and rang an ancient bell.

The ancient bell rang with a clear and melodious sound, and soon the entire silent Demon Suppression Division began to operate, with countless Demon Suppression Guards, officers, and high-ranking officials all mobilized.

Before long, thousands of people had gathered in the square.

Each one of them is incredibly powerful.

Most of the Demon-Suppressing Guards wore ordinary armor, while the more powerful ones wore bronze armor; these were all experts at the Celestial Realm. There were also those wearing silver armor, who were all experts at the True Spirit Realm.

In addition, there were more than a dozen high-ranking members of the Demon Suppression Division, clad in golden armor, whose strength surpassed even the True Spirit Realm, reaching the Bright King Realm.

Seeing this, Chen Mo couldn't help but gasp.

The Great Qian Demon Suppression Division is truly remarkable.

There were more than ten experts at the Ming King Realm. And they were all subordinates of Nangong Ye?

With more people, the aura becomes stronger. Chen Mo also retreated to the edge of the square.

Nangong Ye walked to the front of the crowd, accepted everyone's greetings, and then spoke: "I have received a secret report that Lady Jiang Li, wife of the Duke of Wei, is having an affair with a high-ranking member of the Moon Worship Cult. Immediately come with me to the Duke of Wei's residence to arrest her. In addition, Ren Qianxing, you will take the other Golden Armored Commanders to the Jiang residence and receive orders from Her Majesty the Empress. Enter the palace to arrest the Grand Eunuch Zhang Honglu."

The man named Ren Qianxing was a tall, imposing figure clad in golden armor, exuding an exceptionally powerful aura. Upon hearing Nangong Ye's words, he was taken aback: "Has the Chief made a mistake? Go and arrest the Grand Eunuch Zhang Honglu?"

Nangong Ye said coldly, "There's no mistake. Let's go."

Ren Qianxing reluctantly agreed, "Yes."

In an instant, the Demon Suppression Division's forces split into two groups and filed out of the Demon Suppression Division's gate.

One group, comprising more than ten experts at the Golden Armor Bright King Realm, headed towards the Jiang Clan's residence. Another group, personally led by Nangong Ye, went to the Duke of Wei's residence.

Tonight will be a sleepless night.

Jiang Li of the Duke of Wei's mansion was arrested, as was the servant of the Moon Worship Cult. They were taken to the South Heaven Tower and imprisoned.

The Empress herself led the people of the Demon Suppression Bureau to the palace to arrest the Grand Eunuch.

……

It was already dawn.

The entire capital city remained quiet.

Chen Mo returned from his outing with Nangong Ye and temporarily settled on the thirty-sixth floor of Nantian Tower. He stood alone outside the railing, gazing at the vast capital city below, watching the myriad lights of the city.

Suddenly, my whole state of mind seemed to change.

Climbing to a high place and looking into the distance, one's mind becomes much more open and expansive.

While Nangong Ye was still handling personal matters at the Demon Suppression Division, Chen Mo sat alone on the railing, enjoying the cool night breeze, and muttered to himself, "This is truly a wonderful place. I never imagined that Xiao Ye's identity would be so terrifying. Moreover, the Demon Suppression Division's actions are awe-inspiring. Even the Duke of Wei didn't dare to object and directly agreed to let the Demon Suppression Division take his wife away. Logically speaking, a Demon Suppression Division shouldn't possess such great power. I wonder if there's some even more terrifying background behind the Demon Suppression Division."

It's colder at higher altitudes; the wind is strong in the capital.

Having just entered the levels of the Azure Ghost and Flying Zombie, Chen Mo was well aware that he was nothing on such a grand stage. From now on, he needed to be cautious in everything he did.

You never know who might kill you.

After a moment of reflection, Chen Mo withdrew his thoughts and felt the pea-sized demonic fetus in his abdomen begin to move and thrash, causing him great pain.

"This demonic fetus is moving again."

Chen Mo pressed his hand against his abdomen, and it took quite a while for his condition to improve.

Hu Hu Hu.

Chen Mo gasped for breath.

"I must find the Unmelting Bone as soon as possible to alleviate the symptoms of the Demonic Embryo. I also need to obtain enough Primal Essence to modify the Demonic Embryo and see what happens."

"According to the Empress, the leader of the Moon Worship Cult is the Emperor?"

"In that case, things will be difficult. Let's see if the Empress can really capture the Grand Eunuch. Perhaps we can find out a lot of information by asking him. Also, I wonder how my godmother is doing."

Thinking of this, Chen Mo looked up at the distant palace, feeling uneasy.

Just then, footsteps sounded behind them.

But it was Nangong Ye who returned.

Chen Mo turned around and smiled, "Xiao Ye is back. How's it going with the Empress? Did they arrest the Grand Eunuch Zhang Honglu?"

Nangong Ye nodded: "He's been captured. Zhang Honglu is currently imprisoned in the Demon Suppression Division's jail. Do you want to go see him?"

Chen Mo didn't rush to visit her, but instead asked, "Is there any news from your godmother?"

Nangong Ye shook his head: "The Empress did not send a message."

"Then let's go see the Grand Eunuch." Chen Mo followed Nangong Ye out of the main building and down the stairs.

In ancient times, there were no elevators, so building such a tall building would have been very inconvenient to go up and down. Fortunately, everyone there was skilled in Taoist arts, so they didn't find it a problem.

Soon they arrived at the prison, where Chen Mo saw the eunuch.

He looked to be in his eighties, with a face full of wrinkles, and was dressed in eunuch's clothes. However, there were several conspicuous bloodstains on his face, indicating that he had been beaten by the Empress.

It seems this empress is quite a ruthless character.

The emperor's favorite, he could be attacked or arrested at will. It was as if he was going to challenge the emperor's authority.

Chen Mo just didn't quite understand why the Jiang family would do this.

The risks clearly outweigh the rewards.

Throughout history, powerful families that opposed the emperor have rarely met a good end. The Jiang family was like that in the past, and the Jiang family today... will likely not have a good end either.

Nangong Ye said, "His cultivation has been sealed; he's just an ordinary person now. If you have any questions, just go in and ask."

Chen Mo took the key, opened the prison door, and went inside.

The old eunuch stared intently at him, filled with rage.

Chen Mo didn't waste any words and asked directly, "Did the Duchess of Wei's unborn child go to you?"

Humph.

The old eunuch snorted but remained silent.

Knowing that this was a favorite of the emperor and that he might be released in a few days, Chen Mo didn't resort to violence against him. Instead, he raised his hand and pressed it against the old eunuch's forehead, trying to summon his memories.

However, as soon as he made his move, he immediately sensed that the old eunuch's spirit was as solid as iron, resisting Chen Mo's mental invasion even without his cultivation.

Ok?
Such strong mental strength?

I tried several times, but it was all in vain.

Nangong Ye walked in at this moment. "He is a master of the Mingwang realm. Young Master's cultivation is insufficient, so naturally he cannot read it. I will do it."

After saying that, Nangong Ye raised his hand and pressed it on the old eunuch's forehead.

The old eunuch immediately panicked. "Nangong Ye, you can't do this! This old servant has many of His Majesty's secrets in his head. If you dare to read this old servant's memories, His Majesty will not let you off."

Nangong Ye, however, was unimpressed. "You can scare others with your words, but don't try to put on airs in front of me."

hum!
An extremely powerful spiritual force was instantly injected into the old eunuch's head, and the old eunuch immediately let out a heart-wrenching scream, "Nangong Ye, His Majesty will not let you go... Ah!"

Not long after, the old eunuch fainted.

Nangong Ye stopped.

Chen Mo quickly asked, "How is it? Do you have any information about the baby?"

Nangong Ye shook his head: "No. It seems the Empress just wanted to get rid of this thorn in her side. Zhang Honglu was just a scapegoat."

Chen Mo felt very disappointed, and his spirits dimmed considerably.

At this moment, Nangong Ye spoke up, "However, I saw in his memory that there were indeed unidentified babies in the palace. But we don't know where they came from. Later, the old eunuch investigated all the palace maids and concubines, but he didn't find any woman who had given birth. It is clear that there were indeed babies from outside the palace sent into the palace. That Moon Worship Cult Leader must be hiding in the palace."

Chen Mo: "Could it really be the emperor?"

Nangong Ye shook his head: "This old eunuch is by the emperor's side day and night, so he is unlikely to be the emperor. Moreover, I saw in his memory that this old eunuch secretly took a godfather named Xu Fu."

Chen Mo was taken aback. "Xu Fu?"

Nangong Ye: "The Empress Dowager's personal eunuch."

Chen Mo understood: "So, Zhang Honglu was a spy planted by the Empress Dowager next to the Emperor. No wonder the Emperor let go so quickly this time, allowing the Empress to deal with Zhang Honglu. It's clear that the Emperor was using the Empress to get rid of Zhang Honglu, this spy."

As he said this, Chen Mo clearly felt a strong wind blowing through the palace, which was quite dangerous.

Various forms of surveillance and backstabbing.

Empress Dowager Xiao didn't even trust her own son.

Nangong Ye: "That should be it. In that case, although the Empress's actions this time removed the Jiang family's threat, she also offended the Empress Dowager. Compared to His Majesty, the Empress Dowager is the most terrifying person. I wonder what the Empress's situation will be like next."

Chen Mo said, "Given the Empress's shrewdness, she probably already knew Zhang Honglu's identity. But she still chose to take action, either because something happened to the Jiang family and she couldn't wait to remove this thorn in her side, or because the Empress is very confident that she can go toe-to-toe with the Empress Dowager."

After just one incident, Chen Mo deeply felt the complexity of the imperial court.

This water is too deep.

Eh.

Nangong Ye sighed: "Palace affairs are mostly complicated, and I'm not really willing to get involved. It's just that I have a good relationship with the Empress. I don't want anything to happen to the Empress."

Chen Mo said no more and followed Nangong Ye out of the prison.

The two strolled side by side in the courtyard of Nantianlou.

Seeing that Chen Mo was in low spirits, Nangong Ye said, "Young Master, there's no need to be so discouraged. At least we know that the Moon Worship Cult Leader is hiding in the palace. Go back and ask the Empress, and ask her to pay more attention. Who knows, she might find out something. As long as he's in the palace, he can't escape."

Chen Mo agreed wholeheartedly and didn't think about it any further.

Nangong Ye has a separate courtyard in Nantian Tower, where he usually stays. At this moment, he brought Chen Mo to the courtyard and arranged for Chen Mo to stay.

Although Chen Mo didn't say it outright, he knew what Nangong Ye was thinking: with so many Demon-Suppressing Guards and high-ranking members in Nantian Tower, everyone's eyes were sharp. Nangong Ye made no attempt to hide it, taking Chen Mo to her own courtyard.

Everyone knows what Nangong Ye means.

To be honest, Chen Mo actually admired Nangong Ye's style.

No, I won't pretend.

I go my own way.

Let others say what they want.

This is not quite like the shy and reserved style of women in this world.

But considering that he is the head of the household, it is reasonable for him to behave differently.

It was almost dawn.

Chen Kun arrived in a hurry with a group of people.

She was a maidservant in the Jiang family mansion.

Upon seeing Chen Mo, Xiao Yuan asked, "Are you Young Master Chen Mo?"

Chen Mo said, "Yes. What's wrong?"

Xiao Yuan said, "My master has a deep affection for you, young master, please come to the mansion immediately."

Nangong Ye, who was standing nearby, also came over and asked curiously, "Jiang Shuihan?"

Xiao Yuan nodded: "Yes. By the way, my master also summoned Lord Nangong. It's urgent, so please come with me immediately."

Chen Mo, unaware of what was going on, looked at Nangong Ye.

Nangong Ye nodded.

Chen Mo agreed, "Then let's set off."

The two followed Xiao Yuan and set off overnight. By the time they arrived at the Jiang family mansion, it was already dawn.

The place we were heading to was the Jiang family's ancestral hall.

The ancestral hall was brightly lit.

Jiang Shuihan was here with a young man, and Jiang Yan was also there.

However, apart from the young master playing in the courtyard, Jiang Shuihan and Jiang Yan were kneeling on the red carpet of the ancestral hall. In front of them, on a grand chair, sat a middle-aged woman dressed in a Xiuhe dress.

Red Xiuhe dress.

A middle-aged woman.

Although she wasn't wearing a red veil, Chen Mo had a strong intuition: Jiang Hongyue.

The only person who could make Jiang Shuihan and Jiang Yan kneel down is Jiang Hongyue.

Chen Mo stood at the entrance of the ancestral hall for a moment, then saw the woman in red beckoning to him: "Little Mo, long time no see. Come quickly to your godmother's side. Your godmother doesn't have much time left, and there are some important things to pass on to you."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: I'll correct the typos later. I originally wanted to write 10,000 words, but I ran out of time. So, 9,500 words it is.

(End of this chapter)