"Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

In the court, watching Zhao Chong being shakily supported onto the dragon throne by the eunuch, Chen Mo respectfully bowed down. The few generals behind him, upon seeing Chen Mo’s actions, quickly followed suit and bowed.

After Xiao Yunqi’s coup, although a new batch of officials was promoted, they were all people from Xiao Yunqi’s side. Most of them perished during last night’s banquet, making the officials in the hall sparse.

Those officials who survived naturally possessed the skill to adapt to the changing winds, even bowing faster than Chen Mo and his group.

Zhao Chong was at a loss, seeing the ministers subtly siding with Chen Mo, he realized he had to continue being a puppet.

"You... you may rise," Zhao Chong said.

At that moment, Wu Lu stepped forward and proclaimed loudly, "I report to Your Majesty, Lord Anyang Xiao Yunqi, Commander of the Infantry Division Xiao Teng, and the generals of the Imperial Guard including Xiao Xian, Xiao Ge, Liang Wood, Zhou An..."

Wu Lu listed thirty-two names in one breath. These people were all commanders, chiefs of staff, military commanders, and batallion commanders that Xiao Yunqi had placed within the Imperial Guard.

"These individuals conspired to rebel and harm the Supreme Emperor. I petition Your Majesty to execute them all at noon at the front gate."

After speaking, Wu Lu retreated and winked at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo quickly stepped forward and shouted, "No, no! Lord Anyang has toiled hard and achieved great merits, such as commanding success in the Nanyang rebellion and the rebellion of the eighteen lords. I beseech Your Majesty to show leniency."

Wu Lu countered, "Lord Chen, your statement is incorrect. Merits are merits, and faults are faults; how can they offset each other?"

After some debate, the conclusion regarding Xiao Yunqi was: "The death penalty can be avoided, but the living penalty cannot. His title is revoked, his cultivation is abolished, and he is demoted to a commoner."

For Xiao Teng, it was similar; though his cultivation was retained, it was restrained.

The others, except for members of the Xiao Family who were spared, were all beheaded.

Then Wu Lu requested, "Your Majesty, the treacherous ministers of the Imperial Court have been purged, but the Hun invasions from the south must be addressed. Although we are dull-witted, Lord Chen has repeatedly defeated enemies and achieved numerous military successes. We wish to request a Holy Decree for Lord Chen to eradicate the villains and purify the court."

Zhao Chong understood this was to formalize Chen Mo’s authority.

Zhao Chong dared not resist: "According to what both esteemed ministers have said, let all major and minor errors be managed by... Lord Chen. I... I am reassured."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo clasped his hands and chuckled softly, then said loudly, "I, Chen Mo, accept the decree."

After gaining power, Chen Mo began recommending Dai Xishan, Bai Yongtao, Li Weiqiu, Zhang Lie, Quan Qiyang, and others for official positions.

However, the so-called recommendation meant Chen Mo had already arranged positions for Dai Xishan and others, needing only Zhao Chong’s approval.

After everything was arranged, the officials recommended by Chen Mo, along with Wu Lu, Huangfu Hao, and others, all stepped forward, petitioning Your Majesty to promote Chen Mo.

First, the Deputy Commander of the Infantry Division was promoted to Commander.

Then, the seven counties surrounding Nanyang County were placed under Chen Mo’s jurisdiction.

The most important point was that all the Imperial Guard in the Capital came under Chen Mo’s command.

This point was something Chen Mo strongly requested in private.

Shi Si was, of course, dissatisfied.

But Chen Mo was not indulging him, and with the people from Huangfu Hao, he now controlled nearly four hundred thousand troops. If Shi Si did not comply, Chen Mo did not mind using him as an example.

As for Hu Mei’Er’s hold over him, at this stage, Chen Mo no longer cared.

Wu Lu, however, took over the military and political matters in Jiangnan.

After the court assembly, many ministers were actually displeased.

Because Chen Mo was too greedy.

This appetite was even larger than Xiao Yunqi’s back in the day.

He not only interfered with the Infantry Department but also extended into the Cavalry Department and the Personal Guard Department, intending to step into all three divisions of the Imperial Guard.

His power and influence were greater than Xiao Yunqi’s at his peak.

Initially, Xiao Yunqi’s influence was confined to the Capital, but now Chen Mo not only controlled the Capital but also had strong influence in the provinces.

Nanyang County was essentially his territory where he had the people’s support.

Now, both the Wu Family and the Huangfu Family still stood by his side.

The most crucial factor was that he was influential over the entire country’s situation.

Chen Mo had even publicly declared in court that he would soon personally lead the army north to drive out the Desolate Kingdom.

If anyone moved against Chen Mo now, they might not even be able to bring him down.

The public opinion alone would be beyond their control.

...

Outside the Imperial City, Li Weiqiu, Dai Xishan, Gao Zheng, and others could no longer contain their excitement.

In just one night, Chen Mo had become second to none.

No, in this Great Song Dynasty, he was already beneath no one.

Because no one could command him.

Li Weiqiu and the others even wished to robe Chen Mo as an emperor.

But Chen Mo’s ambitions were not confined to this small Canglan Continent.

"They must expedite gaining control over the Capital Camp’s Imperial Guard to prevent anyone from seizing the opportunity to unsettle the troops." Chen Mo instructed them to quickly win over people.

"Yes." Li Weiqiu and the others retreated.

As Zhang Lie was leaving, Chen Mo patted his shoulder and said with some emotion, "I’m sorry."

After all, it cost him a left arm.

Zhang Lie shook his head, "My lord, your words are too heavy. Without you, my life would have ended at the Witch Mansion. From today on, my life is yours."

Chen Mo smiled.

The matter of Gao Zheng was next.

Chen Mo did not assign a particularly high position to Gao Zheng.

Because his capability was evident, and he wasn’t suitable for higher responsibilities.

However, being a long-time associate of his, Chen Mo would not shortchange him in other aspects.

"If someone comes to make matches for you, be sure to look carefully and choose. With your current status, marrying a noblewoman is not out of reach," Chen Mo joked.

"My lord, you’re teasing me again. A noblewoman wouldn’t fancy me, but you on the other hand, might be well-suited," Gao Zheng replied obsequiously.

...

In Yong’an Palace, enveloped by the tranquil aroma of incense and the warmth of the hearth, Hu Mei’Er sat on the soft couch covered with a blanket, feeling utterly desolate.

Seeing Die Wu kneeling below on one knee, Hu Mei’Er was so infuriated that her chest heaved as if about to burst from her clasp.

The hall was a mess, with broken vases scattered around.

"How... how dare he, how dare he deceive me like this..."

This time, the Personal Guard Department had helped him suppress the Imperial Guard. Despite this, Hu Mei’Er and her people gained nothing in court, yet Chen Mo had reached into the Personal Guard Department. Although the military power of the Personal Guard still lay with Shi Si, Chen Mo had the authority to mobilize them.

"Does he not fear total chaos in Bianliang?" Hu Mei’Er gritted her teeth.

Die Wu below remained silent.

Hu Mei’Er asked, "Die Wu, having been in the Chen Mansion for so long, do you know where his weaknesses lie?"