Throughout history, those who attain such status have either usurped power or faced reckoning; almost none have met a peaceful end.

And "chujing rubi" refers to the privilege of having roads cleared and prohibiting passage during imperial travels.

None of the princes with the surname Zhao possess this.

Besides these, there are vast feudal lands, with three counties south of Nanyang County also being incorporated into Chen Mo’s domain.

This means that Chen Mo now governs ten counties.

As Prince Zhen Nan, he exists akin to an emperor in his own lands, holding absolute military and political power, with no interference from the Imperial Court.

After the morning court session ended, various ministers gathered around Chen Mo, their faces filled with obsequious congratulation, offering their regards and seeking his favor.

Chen Mo politely responded.

Dispatching these people away, he planned to return to the Chen Mansion and relax; originally, he intended to visit Xiao Yunxi at Weiyang Palace today, but after last night’s exertions, he hadn’t rested. Although he reclaimed his dignity as a man, his body was indeed weary and needed a good few days of recuperation.

"Congratulations, congratulations, Prince Zhen Nan." Wu Lu was already waiting for Chen Mo in the outer city, and upon seeing him emerge, greeted him warmly, then asked, "Does Prince Zhen Nan have pressing matters ahead?"

Chen Mo knew Wu Lu had urgent matters to discuss, and although he wanted to refuse, Wu Lu had helped him so much. Chen Mo shook his head and said, "No pressing matters."

"Then this humble one invites Prince Zhen Nan to the mansion for a chat," said Wu Lu.

Chen Mo nodded and then boarded Wu Lu’s carriage headed for the Witch Mansion.

Chen Mo was the first vassal prince of a different surname in the recent two reigns of the Great Song Dynasty, historically the most distinguished in battle achievements, youngest in age, yet strongest in prowess among vassal princes of a different surname.

Wu Lu envisioned that once the news of Chen Mo being conferred as a prince spread, it would surely astonish the entire imperial realm, attracting many to pledge allegiance.

The Wu family held considerable affection for Chen Mo, and if they could establish a marital alliance with him, it would greatly amplify the Wu family’s influence.

As the patriarch of the Wu family, Wu Lu was certainly not one to let such an opportunity slip by.

Inside the reception hall of the Wu family.

Wu Lu was engaged in casual conversation with Chen Mo, moving from one topic to another.

Wu Xin’Er entered, carrying tea, and Chen Mo, seated nearby, raised an eyebrow because her attire was rather mature today—a slightly thicker black fitted long dress with her jet-black hair draped down her back, styled like an unmarried maiden. Despite this, her aura carried a touch of aloofness, giving her a uniquely captivating presence after prolonged observation.

She wore black embroidered shoes, concealed by her skirt hem, making them hard to notice.

After entering the reception hall, Wu Xin’Er first poured a cup for Chen Mo, and while pouring for Wu Lu, the latter spoke appropriately: "Xin’Er, you arrived at a perfect moment. I was just discussing your marriage to Prince Zhen Nan."

"I’ve decided to betroth Xin’Er to Prince Zhen Nan as his consort."

Chen Mo was taken aback and quickly said, "Lord Wu, you..."

Before he could finish, Wu Lu said, "Does Prince Zhen Nan wish to renege? You yourself proposed it back then."

Chen Mo was momentarily stunned, suddenly recalling that if Wu Xin’Er could wed him as a concubine, he had agreed to this marriage.

Consort sounds appealing, but the status is far below that of a Chief Consort. According to Song law, in strict terms, it is equivalent to a concubine.

"This..." Chen Mo looked at Wu Xin’Er: "I have no objection, but Miss Xin’Er..."

"I am willing." Wu Xin’Er, still pouring tea for Wu Lu, turned to speak, a touch of shyness appearing on her aloof face.

Chen Mo: "..."

Following Wu Lu’s signaling gaze, Wu Xin’Er sat down beside Chen Mo.

Wu Lu laughed heartily: "A prince with both talent and prowess; any family whose daughter learns she can marry Prince Zhen Nan would do whatever it takes to agree. Xin’Er is no exception..."

Wu Xin’Er softly said: "Please care for me moving forward, Prince Zhen Nan."

Since things had reached this point, and Chen Mo wasn’t someone to be pedantic, Wu Xin’Er was beautiful, with top-tier qualities in all respects, a gift not to be refused lightly; he nodded seriously.

Wu Lu’s smile became even more pronounced and began discussing the wedding date with Chen Mo.

Wu Xin’Er didn’t want to be like Yi Yao, Luo Zhen, desiring a grand and dignified wedding ceremony.

Speaking of the wedding, Chen Mo thought again of Yi Yao and Luo Zhen; they had been there first, and marrying Wu Xin’Er would undoubtedly neglect them.

With this thought, Chen Mo felt impulsive; why not arrange it all together with Wu Xin’Er?

After all, he is Prince Zhen Nan. What’s wrong with marrying several?

He thus conveyed this idea to Wu Lu.

Wu Lu was startled, glanced at Wu Xin’Er, contemplated for a moment, then smiled: "As long as Prince Zhen Nan sees no issues, I naturally have no objections."

This notion coincided with Wu Lu’s wishes.

Thinking this way, though the wedding would include several brides on the same day, the main focus would be Xin’Er, and legally speaking, after the ceremony, Xin’Er’s status would be higher than Chen Mo’s other women.

So Wu Lu asked Chen Mo how many were involved.

He knew Chen Mo’s parents were deceased and that there were no elder relatives at home, understanding he would have to oversee the wedding extensively.

Chen Mo began to consider.

Luo Zhen was one.

Zhao Jiangning was another.

The relationship between Yi Yao and Jiang Ruoqing was unknown to outsiders; they could also be included.

Zhao Qianyi and Ye Wanqiu were out of the question; they couldn’t be exposed openly.

Xiao Yunxi was clearly not possible either.

Zhang Ru was once someone else’s concubine, also not feasible.

Yue Yuxi and Moon Slave were Chen Mo’s captives, also not suitable.

Chun Lan and the four others, though freed from slavery, were still maids within the mansion, also not fitting.

Lianyi was a former courtesan, though she was pure when joined with Chen Mo, but marrying her publicly might provoke objections from the Wu family.

He could later arrange a private ceremony with Chun Lan and the others.

Thus, including Miaozhen, there weren’t many, just five, and with Wu Xin’Er, that made six.

"Six?" Hearing the number from Chen Mo, Wu Lu was somewhat surprised. Based on what he knew, Chen Mo’s women numbered more than six, so if he stated six, it indicated others couldn’t be revealed openly.

...

Time flew by, three days passed.

The war with the Desolate Kingdom had just ended not long ago, and currently, the priority was recuperation, unsuitable for commencing further conflicts.

Wu Lu enlisted Li Taishi from the Astronomical Observatory, who found an auspicious day for marriage.

It’s next month’s March 6th.

Currently, it’s already the end of February, about twelve days away from March 6th.

The timeframe is slightly tight.

Wu Lu informed Chen Mo about it, but Chen Mo felt it was rather long, still more than ten days.

Therefore, the wedding ceremony was set for March 6th.

After setting the date for the wedding ceremony, Chen Mo informed the women about it.