"By the way, how are you preparing for the Empress issue I mentioned before?" Chen Mo played with his courage fondly, blowing a breath beside Xiao Yunxi’s ear.

"Can I... can I do it?" Xiao Yunxi knew that with Chen Mo’s current status, he had the power to put her on the Empress’s throne. But now that the time had come, Xiao Yunxi was feeling a bit nervous.

"Of course you can. Even I was defeated by you; what else can’t you do?" Chen Mo chuckled and pecked Xiao Yunxi’s white jade-like fragrant shoulder.

"You’re so annoying." Xiao Yunxi’s jade hand gently pounded Chen Mo’s chest, fully understanding the other meaning in Chen Mo’s words.

However, to be honest, every time he bullied her, Xiao Yunxi felt her cultivation improved significantly.

Now she was a Fourth Grade Martial Artist. At this rate, breaking through to Innate Martial Artist within two months wouldn’t be a problem.

What she didn’t know was that Chen Mo was controlling his cultivation so that during their dual cultivation, the energy generated was entirely given to her.

"By the way, I’ve heard you captured the Queen of Loulan. How do you plan to deal with her?" Xiao Yunxi circled her finger on Chen Mo’s chest.

"Let’s see how Loulan responds. I’ve already demanded one hundred million taels of silver and some cities from Loulan. If Loulan is willing to give them, I’ll send the Loulan Queen back."

Chen Mo had no affection for Yue Yuxi, only primitive desires. In front of her, he dared not let his guard down because he knew that if he was careless, Yue Yuxi would definitely take his life.

Furthermore, he understood that if Yue Yuxi were returned to Loulan, it would definitely cause a turmoil.

"What if Loulan doesn’t agree?"

"Then I’ll keep her as a bed-warmer." Chen Mo did not conceal his intentions from Xiao Yunxi.

"Have you already touched her?"

"Yes."

"Scoundrel." Xiao Yunxi cast a slightly jealous glance at Chen Mo, then said, "After all, she’s a queen of a country, representing Loulan’s dignity. If Loulan finds out you treated her as a bed-warmer, it might spark a war between the two nations..."

As she spoke, Xiao Yunxi thought of a good idea: "Why don’t you leave her a child and send her back..."

Xiao Yunxi slowly recited her idea.

Chen Mo found her alternative statecraft amusing and said, "You aren’t aware of the hatred she harbors for me. Even if she knew she was pregnant, she wouldn’t let the child be born. Even if born, the child wouldn’t have any rights to inheritance."

Xiao Yunxi was a bit disappointed and asked, "Then how does she look?"

"Exquisitely beautiful." Chen Mo truthfully replied, but seeing Xiao Yunxi’s unhappy expression, he quickly added, "But compared to you, Yunxi, she’s still lacking."

"Stop sweet-talking to please me. I know I’m already old and fading." Xiao Yunxi said melancholically, but she still felt pleased hearing Chen Mo’s words.

"I’m not flattering you; it’s the truth." Letting her look into his eyes, Chen Mo spoke tenderly, "In my eyes, Yunxi, you are the most beautiful."

"Humph." Xiao Yunxi proudly snorted softly, "What about Empress Dowager Hu, what do you plan to do with her?"

She knew Chen Mo’s temperament. Hu Mei’er, being so beautiful and grandiose, was unmatched by any woman. Yet Chen Mo didn’t let her slip away.

"I plan to first get information about the Nan Zhou Treasure from her. As for afterward..." Chen Mo lifted Xiao Yunxi’s sharp chin, "Yunxi, you tell me how to deal with her, and I’ll listen to you."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Then have her executed!"

"...Alright, fine."

"Reluctant?"

"Not at all."

"Just kidding you." Xiao Yunxi glared at Chen Mo resentfully, "If I truly had you execute her, you’d surely resent me..."

"No..."

Before Chen Mo could speak, Xiao Yunxi placed a finger on his lips, "I know, I’m not blaming you. It’s just that you got lucky. The Late Emperor’s two Consorts, including Jiang Ning, couldn’t escape your grasp."

Chen Mo felt a bit strange listening to this, feeling as if he weren’t a good person, so he didn’t respond further.

...

Domestic disasters were rampant, chaos never ceased, and wars had persisted for so long that the population within Great Song sharply declined. The Northern Lands, after Loulan’s invasion, caused a large-scale migration southward, leading to disturbances among the refugees.

Robberies, murders, and assaults were frequent.

The Imperial Guard was halved and couldn’t extend its reach effectively. There were only limited areas they could intervene in.

Other areas had been cleaned out by the Yellow Turban Army and various powers, not heeding the court’s command, causing warlord separatism.

Chen Mo could only control the ten counties he held. In such chaotic times, strict bans were implemented. Anyone who committed crimes like arson, looting, or assault in his territory would be executed. Theft, regardless of amount, was also a capital crime if caught.

Under such stringent law enforcement, things were relatively peaceful, and various places gradually began to recover vitality.

In a blink, a week passed.

On the two hundred and thirty-eighth day of the great turmoil, at night.

Zhao Qianyi found Chen Mo, saying everything was prepared.

As for what was prepared, Chen Mo was clear, and his body inexplicably started feeling a bit warm.

"Then... shall we go now?" Chen Mo rubbed his hands awkwardly. Regardless, he was always the one taking advantage.

"Let’s go."

...

Yue Yuxi lay quietly on the bed, turning her head to look at the female warrior standing not far away, feeling somewhat weary.

This warrior had been sent by Chen Mo to prevent her from committing suicide. If she wanted to move around, this female warrior would follow, and when tired, another would take her place. This surveillance-like life made her feel very irritable.

Her cultivation was sealed, leaving her with no recourse. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Moreover, Chen Mo would come every day to fortify the seal, preventing it from weakening and being broken by her.

She thought again of the matter in Loulan. By now, a new king should have ascended the throne...

She had almost exterminated the entire royal lineage. Which those old ones would support now?

Yue Ji or Yue Er’er?

Yue Er’er was strong and had her own forces, making her hard to control.

If they were to choose between these two, it should be the eight-year-old Yue Ji.

Lost in endless thoughts, she didn’t realize how much time had passed until she heard footsteps outside the room.

Yue Yuxi frowned. The footsteps were familiar; they were Chen Mo’s.

Coming over this late, she guessed he wanted to torment her again.

She gritted her teeth for a moment, then skillfully flipped over, lying face down on the bed.

After all, she’d have to lie down there soon anyways. Chen Mo only had that one approach, and she was used to it.

The door opened, someone left, closed, and the familiar footsteps came closer. Wait, there was an extra set of footsteps.

Yue Yuxi immediately turned over and, upon seeing Zhao Qianyi, suddenly sat up straight.

"Princess, have you made up your mind?"