Just as Emperor Yong’an was hesitating, the two veteran ministers of the Royalist Faction, Su and Xue, immediately spoke out in opposition.

Much like when Lu Sheng was appointed Prime Minister, they also expressed their opposition.

Chen Mo also declined: "I have been a subject of the Song people for generations, and my family has long received the favor of the state. Although I have meritorious deeds, it is only by the grace of the Grand Ancestor Emperor, and thus, I dare not accept the ennoblement lightly."

Just as Ministers Su and Xue breathed a sigh of relief, Wu Yanqing stood up again to request that Emperor Yong’an confer Chen Mo with the title King Wei.

Chen Mo declined once more.

Minister Su spoke: "Duke An follows the Heavenly Dao, upholds great justice, and has always considered supporting the Song Dynasty as his duty..."

Having praised Chen Mo first, he continued: "Upholding a will of loyalty and a policy of humility, if Duke An is promoted to king, it will surely be criticized by the subjects and people, and it would also make the world think that Duke An is akin to Xu Guozhong and Lu Sheng. As ministers of the Song, we should not push Duke An into an unjust and unrighteous situation."

Such words were quite accusatory, suggesting that if Chen Mo became king, he would be grouped with the likes of Xu Guozhong and Lu Sheng.

Notions of injustice and unrighteousness even emerged.

Chen Mo narrowed his eyes and glanced at Minister Su but did not speak.

Wu Yanqing, upon hearing these words, was so angry that his beard almost went askew, quickly saying: "Your Majesty, conferring Duke An as king is the unanimous wish of the subjects across the lands."

As these words were spoken, Yue Ruyan, Xia Zhining, Jiang Li, and others stepped forward to express their agreement.

Emperor Yong’an glanced at the silent and stern-faced Chen Mo, feeling downcast, realizing that Chen Mo was playing the game of "three refusals and three concessions." How could he dare disagree? Yet he played a small trick, saying: "I... I... I also intend to ennoble Duke An, but Duke An himself refuses."

Wu Yanqing quickly said: "Ennobling Duke An as king is the will of heaven and the will of the people. How can we let Duke An’s modesty prevail? Your Majesty, Duke An’s humility is his noble character, but we must not let it impede the will of heaven and the people."

"We respectfully beseech Your Majesty to confer the title upon Duke An."

This time, not only Yue Ruyan but even the armored warriors outside seemed to have heard the conversation from the bedroom, and they shouted in unison, their voices thunderous.

The palace maids and eunuchs waiting outside were so frightened that they huddled together.

Even Emperor Yong’an was stunned, trembling and unable to speak.

Chen Mo kept a stern face but felt somewhat surprised inside.

Although Yue Ruyan and others had mentioned the matter of a royal title to him, Chen Mo did not expect that they would have prepared so thoroughly.

They had only just entered the city today, having fought until evening; how could they have arranged things so quickly?

Wu Yanqing, true to his reputation as an old fox, even invoked the will of heaven and the people.

What Chen Mo didn’t know was that upon learning of Lu Sheng’s death, Wu Yanqing and others knew the major event was accomplished, and without Chen Mo’s consent, they privately arranged everything.

Frankly, if the world were yet to be settled, they might have even arranged for a dragon robe.

At this moment, even if Ministers Su and Xue continued to oppose, it would be meaningless.

Just when Emperor Yong’an was about to agree.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived." A shrill, duck-like voice rang out.

Outside the emperor’s bedroom, the armored warriors made way.

Empress Dowager Liang Ji, accompanied by palace maids and eunuchs, arrived outside the emperor’s bedroom but did not enter immediately. Instead, she stopped outside and respectfully said: "The Empress Dowager pays her respects to Your Majesty."

"The Empress Dowager is here, quickly invite her in, quickly invite her in..."

Hearing that the Empress Dowager had arrived, Emperor Yong’an was delighted, hoping that Liang Ji’s presence would relieve some of his pressure.

The sidelong glances from the armored warriors swept over Liang Ji’s figure repeatedly until she entered the bedroom, only then did they withdraw.

It was evident they were seeing such a beautiful woman for the first time.

Usually, when they saw General Yue and General Xia, they already thought of them as fairies, but this Empress Dowager is even more beautiful.

"The Empress Dowager greets Your Majesty." Liang Ji entered the bedroom and saluted Emperor Yong’an.

"The Empress Dowager, no need for formalities. Somebody, give the Empress Dowager... a seat." When it came to seating the Empress Dowager, Emperor Yong’an suddenly felt a bit awkward because without Chen Mo’s nod, who inside or outside would dare act?

"Did you not hear His Majesty’s words?" Chen Mo turned and shouted.

A eunuch was pushed into the bedroom, trembling as he brought a chair for Liang Ji.

"Your Majesty, is this Duke An?" Liang Ji sat down, looked at Chen Mo, and sized him up.

"I am Chen Mo and I pay respect to the Empress Dowager." Chen Mo saluted Liang Ji and looked up at her.

Liang Ji wore a purple palace skirt over a white sleeveless jacket, with a phoenix crown on her head. Her figure was plump yet not hefty. Her eyebrows and eyes were like a phoenix’s, possessing the sternness of those in high positions, exuding a grand and noble beauty that even Xiao Yunxi and Former Empress Xu Ying could not compare to.

It was as if, even wearing sackcloth and without any ornaments, people would still perceive her as extraordinary.

She was a woman whose nobility radiated from her bones.

"Indeed, a young hero, bold and remarkable, a loyal subject and pillar of our Great Song." Liang Ji smiled and said, "Duke An should address me as cousin; how is Xue’er lately?"

Liang Xue’s father, Liang Song, and Liang Xue’s father Liang Mu were of the same generation, so it was not incorrect for Chen Mo to call Liang Ji cousin.

Yet, Liang Xue was not Chen Mo’s lawful wife, but rather "taken" by him, and the Liang family had never acknowledged it.

Liang Ji’s words were an acknowledgment of that marriage on behalf of the Liang family.

"Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your concern; the inner woman is well." Chen Mo replied.

The term "inner woman" is often used by men to refer to a wife or concubine, as a humble or self-effacing way of speaking.

Xia Zhining frowned slightly but felt that the current environment was not suitable for showing hostility, so she had to suppress the jealousy rising within her.

"The Empress Dowager arrives just in time; I am about to confer Duke An the title of King Wei. What does the Empress Dowager think?" Emperor Yong’an said.

"I think it is not enough." Liang Ji said.

Emperor Yong’an: "???"

"Duke An has rendered great service and should be given more than just the title of King Wei. He should wear a crown with ten tassels, ride in a golden carriage pulled by six horses, and have the privileges of a monarch, being allowed to wear a sword and sandals in the court, and not be required to bow upon being called." Liang Ji spoke, shockingly.

What she mentioned were treatment akin to that of a monarch.

Emperor Yong’an was somewhat petrified upon hearing it.

Chen Mo looked seriously at Liang Ji, feeling she might be sarcastically ridiculing him, but seeing her earnest expression, it was clear she meant it.

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, wondering if this was a gesture of goodwill from her?

His grudge with the Liang family was not small...

Yue Ruyan, Xia Zhining, and others were initially surprised but quickly realized that Liang Ji’s actions were likely for her father’s sake.

Now, Emperor Yong’an could only helplessly confer Chen Mo the title of King Wei, granting him the treatment of a monarch, to be announced the following morning at court.

Thus, Chen Mo’s audience in the palace that night was finally concluded.

Afterward, Chen Mo stepped out of the bedroom, followed by Yue Ruyan, Xia Zhining, and others.

The armored warriors outside stood respectfully and shouted for the King Wei’s longevity.

Just as they were about to leave the Palace City.

"King Wei, please wait." A gentle female voice sounded behind Chen Mo and his party.

Chen Mo paused, turned around, and saw a palace maid running nervously towards him, respectfully saying: "The servant greets Duke An, the servant comes with a verbal message from the Empress Dowager, inviting Duke An to Shoukang Palace for a private meeting."

Shoukang Palace, that was the Empress Dowager’s bedroom.

Hearing this, Yue Ruyan and Xia Zhining both frowned slightly.

Even Wu Yanqing and Nangong Xian felt the same way.

The night was already deep; inviting a man to her bedroom this late was bound to provoke speculation.

"Does the Empress Dowager wish to meet me alone, tonight?"

The palace maid nodded.

Chen Mo was taken aback: "For what purpose?"

"The servant does not know."

"Please convey to the Empress Dowager that I am tired and do not wish to disturb her tonight; I will certainly visit the palace to apologize to her another day."

Going to the Empress Dowager’s palace that very night; what kind of appearance would that be? If he indeed went, his reputation as a "good wife-taker" would become irreversible.