"Su Mu?" Quan Qiyang was taken aback, the name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t recall it.

"She was from the Cai Mansion. After Cai Si’s home was confiscated, she became a maid in my residence," Chen Mo said.

"Oh." With Chen Mo’s reminder, Quan Qiyang remembered that back then, Su Mu was the one whom Gao Zheng took away right in front of him.

"Do you think there’s something wrong with her?"

"Hmm, she’s disappeared now, but based on my speculation, she must still be in the Capital. Help me track her down. By the way, she’s an Innate Martial Artist, so be careful not to alert her."

"Innate Martial Artist??" Quan Qiyang was shocked. Back in the Cai Mansion, Su Mu was just an ordinary girl; how did she become an Innate Martial Artist?

Chen Mo nodded again and speculated, "I’ve confirmed the Innate Martial Artist part. She should have used some secret technique to conceal her aura."

Even though Quan Qiyang wondered how Chen Mo discerned this, he respectfully nodded instead of questioning.

"Anything else?" Seeing that Quan Qiyang hadn’t left the study after agreeing, Chen Mo, who was about to go through some files, looked up.

"That... it’s a personal matter..." Quan Qiyang rubbed his hands, a bit embarrassed.

"Oh." Seeing him like this, Chen Mo laughed, assuming Quan Qiyang had an embarrassing favor to ask, and teased, "Did you fancy a minister’s daughter but feel shy about proposing? Don’t worry, tell me, and I’ll help you."

As he spoke, Chen Mo walked up to Quan Qiyang, patted his shoulder, and said, "You’re not young anymore, and still alone. It’s time to find a marriage."

From what he knew, Quan Qiyang was already in his thirties and unmarried, which was quite late for marriage in this era.

Quan Qiyang’s face turned beet red. He originally wanted to discuss his sister, but seeing the playful smile on Chen Mo’s face, he left the study saying, "I just hope you won’t start chaos and then abandon me."

"Start chaos and then abandon?" Chen Mo murmured, puzzled, "To whom did I start chaos and then abandon?"

...

In today’s chaotic world, whoever holds military power stands firm. Due to Chen Mo’s assertiveness, the military power of the Imperial Guard Department is almost entirely in Chen Mo’s hands.

In court, Chen Mo’s words were almost unchallenged.

But he didn’t hold onto everything like Xiao Yunqi.

Apart from assigning important departmental positions to his confidants, Chen Mo left other appointments to Xiao Yunxi, letting her make arrangements.

Since he intended to make Xiao Yunxi the Empress, building her influence and authority in court was essential.

The appointment and dismissal of officials were undoubtedly the best ways to enhance influence and authority.

Meanwhile, in private, Chen Mo also handed over the Dragon Guard created by Xiao Yunqi to Xiao Yunxi.

This move made Zhao Chong’s eyes light up. Chen Mo ceding power to the Empress Dowager essentially meant ceding power to himself.

This way, restoring the authority of the royal power also held hope.

Additionally, Chen Mo promoted Shi Si through Xiao Yunxi, granting him the title of Grandmaster, one of the Three Ministries, thereby completely transferring him out of the Personal Guard Department.

The position of Commander of the Personal Guard Department was taken over by Huangfu Hao.

As a result, Shi Si’s face turned dark.

Although the Grandmaster is one of the three highest-ranking officials, it lacks real authority. In the current weakened royal power, it is useless, far inferior to the Commander of the Personal Guard Department.

But Shi Si didn’t lash out at the scene.

Because he was indeed promoted.

The Grandmaster is a First Grade official.

While the Commander of the Personal Guard Department is only Third Grade.

He was directly promoted two levels.

Moreover, as a Military Officer, to secure a First Grade position, unless one is of royal blood, it’s almost impossible for others.

The position of Grandmaster, Chen Mo gave him enough respect.

Wu Lu glanced at Shi Si and laughed, "Grandmaster, aren’t you going to express gratitude? Or do you have some dissatisfaction with the Empress Dowager..."

Shi Si’s face crinkled slightly. After glancing at the Prime Minister Hu Sheng, and seeing him nod, he expressed gratitude respectfully, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace..."

After the court meeting ended, despite Shi Si’s composure, he left the Imperial City cursing under his breath.

After transferring Shi Si, Chen Mo sent someone to Youzhou to contact King Yan and discuss cooperation.

During this time, Chen Mo didn’t delay and began preparing provisions, waiting for King Yan’s agreement to march northward.

While preparing the provisions, Wu Lu approached him again to discuss the marriage with Wu Xin’Er.

Forced with no choice, Chen Mo spoke plainly. He could marry Xin’Er, but could not give her the status of the first wife. If the Wu Family agreed, the marriage would happen; if not, it would be called off, and it was never to be mentioned again to avoid damaging relations between the families.

By this point, Chen Mo expected the Wu Family to break off the idea.

But Wu Lu said he’d consider it.

"..."

...

The night was silent, the north wind howled.

In the dimly lit hall, the steam rose around the bathing barrel behind the screen, where Xiao Yunxi sat in the hot water, scooping up water and pouring it on her neck. Water droplets slipped down her glistening collarbones and followed her curves downward.

Xiao Qing’Er stood by the wooden barrel, scrubbing Xiao Yunxi, attending to her carefully.

As Xiao Yunxi’s guard, Xiao Qing’Er wasn’t supposed to do such chores, which were typically Cai’Er’s responsibility. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

But after their frank exchange that night, Xiao Yunxi grew accustomed to having Xiao Qing’Er by her side to serve.

"Qing’Er, massage my shoulders," Xiao Yunxi requested, closing her eyes and resting her arms on the edge of the barrel, enjoying the moment.

As the massage continued, Xiao Yunxi furrowed her brows, sensing something amiss. The massage was getting rougher, and the hands began sliding downward, as if seeking dominion.

Alarmed, Xiao Yunxi opened her eyes and looked back, only to find that the person serving her had become Chen Mo.

"When... when did you get here?" Xiao Yunxi gritted her teeth, but after a token protest, she turned back and continued enjoying Chen Mo’s care.

"Just a moment ago." Chen Mo, with his hands mastering the situation, heard the momentary subdued sound Xiao Yunxi made and chuckled, "Did you miss me?"

"No," Xiao Yunxi replied contrary to her feelings, then said, "Your visits are getting more frequent. If others see, there will be gossip."

"Whatever I do, no one dares to comment. Besides, inside and outside this palace, I have people everywhere. Who would dare to gossip?"

Chen Mo lifted Xiao Yunxi out of the barrel, took the towel hanging on the screen, and wiped the water off her body.

The silhouette cast on the screen was hazy but detailed, enchanting beyond words.

Chen Mo was no novice involved as before, he took his time, skillfully drying her while appreciating the view.