"Brother Quan, this is too much, too much." For the first time, Chen Mo saw someone bow so profoundly to him, and he hurriedly helped Quan Qiyang up.

Consort Yu didn’t know what to say, but considering she held the title of royal kin, was it really necessary to be so humble and subservient?

"No, it’s deserved. Brother Chen, to tell you the truth, the Imperial City Department does all the dirty and tiring work and has offended too many people. It’s not a long-term position. If Brother Chen doesn’t mind, I am willing to join you..." Quan Qiyang said bluntly.

This caused Chen Mo to be slightly taken aback.

Even though the Imperial City Department did the dirty work, at its height, it could supervise all officials. Which official wouldn’t fear it?

Moreover, Quan Qiyang’s position as the Director of the Imperial City Department, the highest official there, he was willing to forsake that position to work with him, which showed great resolve.

"Brother Quan, you must be joking. You are the Director of the Imperial City Department, working with me wouldn’t offer you such a high position." Chen Mo wasn’t sure if he was serious, so he didn’t rush to accept.

Of course, if Quan Qiyang genuinely wanted to join him, Chen Mo would definitely welcome him with open arms.

After all, Quan Qiyang is a Third Grade Innate Martial Artist and a military general with battlefield experience, knowledgeable in criminal investigation and intelligence gathering, a rare talent indeed.

Quan Qiyang adopted a very humble attitude, knowing that as long as Chen Mo was willing to take him in, he would eventually be put to good use. Confident, he said, "Brother Chen, just giving me a place to eat is enough."

"And what about Lady Yu Fei?" Chen Mo glanced at Consort Yu.

This glance made Consort Yu feel extremely uneasy.

"My younger sister will come with me. The Capital City is not a place for her to stay long." Quan Qiyang said.

Chen Mo glanced at Consort Yu again, then said, "Since Brother Quan wishes to join, then I will accept you graciously."

"Thank you, my lord." Quan Qiyang knew this meant that Chen Mo had agreed and quickly bowed respectfully.

"No need, no need, you can still call me Brother Chen." Chen Mo said.

"No, from now on, you are my boss, I should call you my lord." Quan Qiyang said, glancing at his sister, "Sister, pour a drink for our lord, your brother wants to toast him."

"That’s inappropriate, that’s inappropriate. Lady Yu Fei is of noble stature, how can she pour wine for us subordinates." Though he verbally protested, Chen Mo made no move to stop the action.

This made Consort Yu bite her red lips, then reluctantly poured a cup of wine for Chen Mo. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

About half an hour later.

The dishes that Quan Qiyang ordered from the kitchen were ready.

Even though it wasn’t yet the Shen hour, Chen Mo had just finished his lunch.

The two began to drink and swap cups.

At the table, Chen Mo said, "Brother Quan, I do have a matter where I may need your help."

"Please speak, my lord."

"Do you know Liu Heitou from the docks?" Chen Mo asked.

"I’ve dealt with him, but he is quite sensible, giving respect to our Imperial City Department every month, and during holidays, delivering lavish gifts, so we do look after him." The docks are one of the sources of oil and water for the Imperial City Department, so Quan Qiyang remembered and continued:

"Did he offend you?"

After saying that, Quan Qiyang frowned and, taking courage from the alcohol, said, "My lord, wait a moment and I will go catch him for you."

Just as he was about to get up and leave, his shoulder was held down by Chen Mo, who then said, "He hasn’t offended me, I just want to ask him something. Send someone to invite him to the Chen Mansion, and I’ll interrogate him alone."

This Liu Heitou was the superior that vendor spoke of earlier, and Chen Mo needed to find out precisely where in Jiangnan those stones were mined.

"I will arrange it now." Quan Qiyang asked no more questions and agreed immediately.

"No hurry, finish the drink first. Come, cheers."

"Cheers."

Their cups clinked together, and the wine splashed from the rim of their cups.

Consort Yu, observing her brother’s respectful behavior towards Chen Mo, couldn’t help but feel worried about her future.

...

After eating and drinking their fill, Chen Mo returned to the Chen Mansion.

The efficiency of Quan Qiyang was swift.

Not even half an hour later, when Chen Mo was resting on Wanqiu’s lap, enjoying a massage, Chun Lan came to inform him that Liu Qi from the docks was here seeking an audience.

Chen Mo was initially surprised, but when he realized that Liu Qi was Liu Heitou, he quickly instructed Chun Lan to bring him in.

...

Ever since Liu Qi was found by Quan Qiyang and told that someone wanted to see him, he had been anxious.

Upon learning he was heading to the Chen Mansion, Liu Qi became even more panicked.

What kind of place is the Chen Mansion?

It’s now known by the public as the War God Mansion.

In Bianliang City, aside from Xiao Mansion, the Chen Mansion was the most esteemed.

Being summoned by the master of the Chen Mansion, Liu Qi could only think that someone under his command had inadvertently offended the Chen Mansion.

After all, he was merely a local bully at the docks, a mere ant compared to the Chen Mansion; how could he not be afraid?

Especially with the guards of the Chen Mansion, each with a robust physique, donned in armor, and with chilling stares, they made him shiver with dread.

Though the maids of the Chen Mansion were all young and beautiful, Liu Qi didn’t dare even steal a glance, fearing that even a second glance might result in his eyes being gouged out.

Soon, the guide stopped.

Liu Qi looked up, and he saw a courtyard.

A mat was laid out on the lawn, and a young man was lying in the arms of a stunning beauty, enjoying her delicate hands massaging his head, while nearby, a beautiful maid stood by with fruit and tea.

Anyone witnessing such a scene would feel a pang of envy.

Liu Qi took just one look and then lowered his head, kneeling down immediately: "Your humble servant, Liu Qi... pays respect to my lord. May I ask my lord... what business do you have with me?"

Chen Mo did not intend to speak much with him and directly asked, "Do you know the vendor selling gambling stones in the West Alley of South Street?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Qi’s heart skipped a beat, thinking his subordinate had indeed offended Chen Mo, he quickly denied, "No... I don’t know."

"Hmm?"

"Know... I know."

"Raise your head," Chen Mo said.

Liu Qi slowly raised his head, meeting a gaze that felt like the king of tigers was watching him.

"Gulp, is this the War God... Chen Mo they’ve talked about?" The thought flashed through Liu Qi’s mind, making his body tremble even more.

"I’ll ask you one more time, do you know him or not?" Chen Mo slightly turned, eyes lifting lightly.

"Know... I know." Liu Qi understood that with someone of this stature, there was no use hiding things, better to admit it and get it over with.

"He told me those stones were transported from Jiangnan by you. Where in Jiangnan did you transport them from?" Chen Mo asked.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qi was stunned; it turned out to be different from what he feared, he quickly said, "From Jiangnan’s Qing City, nearly half of the jade stones in the Great Song come from Qing City."

"Do you still have the batch of stones you previously transported from Jiangnan?"

"...Yes."

"Bring them all to me."