The sky was dark.

This wasn't due to rain affecting the sky, but because it truly had turned dark, as the time had reached the You hour.

The rain had been falling for more than half a day but had yet to stop; it was just a bit lighter now.

Howling winds swept through, with rainwater washing the streets, unable to disperse or cleanse the bloody scent lingering over Luonan City.

The earth tremors had stopped, leaving Luonan in ruins, but the slaughter had not ceased.

After Lu Sheng's death, Yue Ruyan sent people to inform the Chen Army stationed at the four city gates to advance into the city, surrounding the Lu Army within. Those who refused to surrender were executed on the spot.

The Soul Devouring Array provided Chen Mo with tens of thousands of cultivation technique experience, eventually halting at Purple Sun Transformation Skill (Perfection 122,356.4/300,000).

The pallor and exhaustion on Chen Mo's face vanished entirely.

Seeing the Innate Spiritual Qi of the world completely depleted, Chen Mo stood up, saying, "Let's go, it's time to enter the palace to meet His Majesty."

Yue Ruyan, having closely guarded by Chen Mo's side, was now assured of Chen Mo's well-being. She nodded and followed behind Chen Mo.

The Prime Minister's Mansion had been surrounded threefold by the Chen Army.

As they left the study area, a Personal Guard Battalion officer approached.

This man was Luo Yong, who had once, as a soldier of the Divine Brave Guard, earned the Xian Deng merit, was promoted to Centurion, and granted a court title. He was later transferred to the Personal Guard Battalion, becoming one of the Deputy Generals of the battalion and a subordinate to Sun Meng.

With Sun Meng left at the South Gate, the Personal Guard Battalion was commanded by Luo Yong.

"Duke An, I've discovered dozens of corpses in the dungeon of the Prime Minister's Mansion. Upon confirmation, these bodies are all ministers from the court, people under Lu Sheng, yet they fell victim to his wrath for reasons unknown," Luo Yong reported to Chen Mo after performing a salute, gesturing toward a line of corpses laid in the corridor.

Chen Mo stepped forward to inspect them, sensing no Spiritual Qi present from these bodies.

"Find someone who knows the details, ask what happened," Chen Mo instructed, too occupied to handle this matter himself.

Nodding, Luo Yong continued, "Duke An, upon investigation, Lu Sheng had five wives and concubines, one son, and three daughters—all under the age of ten—but none of his family was found in the mansion. According to surviving maids in the mansion, Lu Sheng had long since moved his family elsewhere, though the location remains unknown."

Chen Mo furrowed his brows, though he wasn't surprised. Having fought to Lu Sheng's doorstep, it was only natural for him to ensure his family's safety by relocating them as a precaution.

Nevertheless, this loose end needed addressing.

"Investigate, I want to know their whereabouts. Also, do not bury these corpses yet; they serve as evidence of the rebel Lu Sheng's crimes," Chen Mo ordered.

"Duke An, what about the maids from the mansion?" Luo Yong hesitated for a moment before asking.

Chen Mo frowned; such trivial matters should not be brought to him. However, seeing the unusual expression on Luo Yong's face, he asked, "Did you lay hands on them?"

"No," Luo Yong quickly replied. The Chen Army maintained strict military discipline, especially within the Personal Guard Battalion, so he dared not undertake such actions.

"Then confine them for now, investigate how deeply they were involved with Lu Sheng…" As he spoke, Chen Mo noted Luo Yong's evading gaze, having seemingly guessed something: "Is there someone you fancy?"

These words caused Luo Yong, whose skin was slightly darkened by constant outdoor exposure, to awkwardly grin and then sheepishly scratch the back of his head, gathering the courage to admit softly.

"Not bad," Chen Mo praised, patting Luo Yong's shoulder before saying, "I'll remember this. Later, report to the Military Merit Office to deduct it from your merit."

"Thank you, Duke An," Luo Yong exclaimed excitedly.

Observing the envious soldiers nearby, Chen Mo declared, "Don't get green-eyed, any of you. If your merits are sufficient and there's someone you fancy, you can inform either me or your superior. However, privately fighting over them is strictly forbidden."

Although these enemy servants were rudely equated to commodities, Chen Mo could indeed consider them rewards based on merit.

Admittedly, this was somewhat cruel to the servants, yet it had always been so throughout history.

Then again, putting oneself in their shoes, a servant becoming the wife of a meritorious soldier was certainly preferable to remaining a servant.

Moreover, as their leader, Chen Mo understood they risked their lives following him for certain rewards; now, the victory allowed them to savor a bit of sweetness.

Upon hearing this, the enviously eyed soldiers restrained some of their admiration. Although they had also fought bravely, their accomplishments were clearly insufficient to request beautiful rewards from above.

Yet they were not disheartened.

They all comprehended the position Duke An would ascend to in the Great Song once Lu Sheng perished.

Generous towards subordinates, Duke An would surely not mistreat his personal soldiers.

Exiting the Prime Minister's Mansion, Chen Mo encountered soldiers lined up along both sides of the street, proudly bearing battle scars. Behind them knelt defectors with hands clasped behind their heads, like troops at attention before their general, as Chen Mo passed by.

Outside the mansion, Wu Yanqing, Xia Zhining, Jiang Li, Nalan Yiren, and others awaited, with Nalan Yiren having snuck out upon learning of Chen Mo's safety, waiting outside the mansion.

As Chen Mo emerged, all except Nalan Yiren, including Wu Yanqing, approached to greet him. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Chen Mo immediately asked, "Where's King Chong?"

Wu Yanqing and the others shook their heads, "Since entering the city, there's been no sign of King Chong."