Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 758: Chapter 752, Chapter 753: Emperor Yong’an’s Deepening Misunderstandings and His Arrangements for the Newly Appointed Advanced Scholars

But Empress Zhao’s reply made Emperor Yong’an’s heart grow even colder, and he felt more certain that his suspicions were correct.

In his deep eyes, a trace of redness appeared. He then looked at Empress Zhao and said, "Yu Shu, do you think I’m unfit to be this emperor."

Empress Zhao was taken aback and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, you mustn’t say such things rashly. You are of the Grand Ancestor’s bloodline and undoubtedly the Emperor of the Great Song."

Emperor Yong’an laughed, "There are many in this world with the Grand Ancestor’s bloodline, does that mean they are all emperors? I think back, my throne was initially supported by Lu Sheng, and it was never legitimate nor righteous."

"Your Majesty, what’s wrong?"

"I feel that it’s time to give up this throne." Emperor Yong’an’s voice was low.

Chen Mo’s warnings made Emperor Yong’an worry that if he continued, his life might be in danger. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Empress Zhao: "..."

She slightly shifted her gaze, originally intending to persuade Emperor Yong’an, but when she thought about it, giving up the throne might be a good idea.

In this imperial palace, living in constant fear, being an empress without enjoying the prestige of one, it was far less free and leisurely than when she was Princess Consort Yue.

And now there’s already a buzz in the court that King Wei is bound to take another step forward sooner or later.

Thus, His Majesty is an obstacle to King Wei.

If the throne is given up now, it won’t result in such a dilemma later.

"Your Majesty, no matter what decision you make, I will support you," said Empress Zhao.

Seeing that Empress Zhao hadn’t even said a word in dissuasion, Emperor Yong’an’s heart sunk completely.

It seems Yu Shu’s heart is no longer with me.

Afterward, Emperor Yong’an made an excuse and took his leave.

However, Empress Zhao felt a bit guilty about having pushed away the drunken Emperor Yong’an before, but now that he’s sober...

She stepped forward, holding Emperor Yong’an’s hand, softly saying, "Does Your Majesty wish to bathe here with me and wash away the scent of alcohol?"

Empress Zhao blinked at Emperor Yong’an.

But since Emperor Yong’an learned of the "affair" between Empress Zhao and Chen Mo, and was previously warned by Chen Mo, he no longer dared to touch Empress Zhao, saying, "No need, my head is still a bit dizzy, I need to rest well."

"Then you can rest here with me."

"No need."

...

Han Yuan Hall.

Chen Mo was discussing with Geng Songfu, Zuo Lianglun, and Chen Cultivator about the arrangement of this year’s advanced scholars.

According to custom, first-class scholars, namely the top three graduates— the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua— usually have the Zhuangyuan appointed as a Xiu Zuan of the Hanlin Academy, while the Bangyan and Tanhua are appointed as compilers at the Hanlin Academy.

Geng Songfu and the others agreed with continuing as usual.

Second-class scholars are typically assigned roles in various ministries, embarking on the path of civil service, with a few being sent to local positions as county magistrates.

Third-class scholars usually either join the Six Ministries or other institutions for practical experience, or are assigned as county magistrates.

Previously, these arrangements were made based on their backgrounds and performances.

Those without background and unwilling to join factions were destined to be sent away.

First-class scholars need no speculation, for they are certainly entering the Hanlin Academy; they are the seedlings for the prime ministership.

Chen Cultivator directly requested Chen Mo for people to join his Ministry of Rites.

He had his sights on the third-class scholars Liu Taoshu and Jiang Quyang.

Seeing Chen Cultivator directly asking for people, Geng Songfu and Zuo Lianglun also stopped being courteous and began to request their picks; these individuals were ones they had already chosen in mind.

Geng Songfu and the others could discern their general abilities from the new scholars’ examinations, while Chen Mo was lacking in this area, and following the principle of making the best use of everyone’s talents, he mostly refrained from meddling in this aspect.

Chen Mo mentioned Zhang River to Geng Songfu.

Chen Mo still cherished old ties, and the issue of "Guo Xian" had a significant impact on Zhang River, especially on his daughter Zhang Zhu.

This time, Zhang River managed to uphold his principles and did not indulge in favoritism despite being well aware of the "Guo Xian" matter, which prompted Chen Mo to contemplate transferring Zhang River to the Capital City for a promotion.

Chen Mo asked Geng Songfu if there was any position that wasn’t particularly important but carried some authority.

Geng Songfu thought for a bit, then said, "King Wei, there’s the position of Captain of the North City Gate, which oversees the security of the city gates, or the Inspector General responsible for the security of the Capital City and surrounding counties that can be arranged."

There are four captains of the city gates, responsible for the east, south, west, and north gates respectively. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Currently, the Captain of the North City Gate is vacant, overseeing six hundred men.

The Inspector General wields more power than the Captain of the North City Gate.

Chen Mo pondered for a while and said, "Let him take the position of Captain of the North City Gate, and have your Secretariat issue the decree to summon him to the capital."

"As you command."

...

After dealing with matters in Han Yuan Hall, the sky had already darkened, and Chen Mo left the Imperial Palace, heading towards Prince Wei’s Mansion.

At this time in Prince Wei’s Mansion, the back hall of the residence.

Beauty abounded, gathered in the hall, like a hundred flowers in bloom, competing in splendor, exuding dazzling beauty in every corner.

Wu Mi, in a steady pale blue dress, her brows and eyes gentle, was teasing a child along with Han Anniang, Xia Zhiqing, and Yi Shiyin.

Below, on either side, sat Xia Zhining, Yue Ruyan, Song Min, and Xiao Yunxi, engrossed in their conversations.

Nalan Yiren was also seated on the pear blossom wood chair, but she remained silent.

Having just moved to the Capital City, all the ladies were gathered in the hall.

At this moment, a maid entered the hall from outside, announcing, "Princess Consort, His Highness has returned."

The hall quickly quieted, all eyes turning towards the voice.

A tall, upright young man entered from outside into the hall.

"Husband." The melodious voices of the ladies echoed intermittently, mingled with a few childish voices calling "Father."

"Husband, why did you return so late?" Wu Mi asked with a smile.

Chen Mo replied, "I was dealing with some state affairs with Lord Geng and others at Han Yuan Hall, so it got a bit late. Have you all had dinner yet?"

"Not yet, we were waiting for you, husband," Wu Mi said softly.

"Was it really only state affairs? How come your python robe is missing after just one trip to the palace?"

A gentle voice chimed in, it was Xia Zhining.

Upon hearing this, the ladies’ eyes flickered a little.

"It got stained, so I had it sent to the Laundry Bureau to be cleaned."

Chen Mo originally intended to tell the truth, but worried that Xia Zhining might overthink, he simply made an excuse, then his eyes flickered as he playfully looked at his daughter, scooping her up, "Youyou, your father will carry you."

Xia Zhining pouted at this.

Chen Mo looked towards Nalan Yiren, saying, "Miss Nalan, since you’ve just arrived in the capital, the trip to the Western Regions will take a few days to arrange, please be patient."

"Okay." Nalan Yiren had stayed in the hall precisely to hear Chen Mo’s words on this, and now having his answer, she felt somewhat relieved.

Wu Mi’s eyes glinted beneath her elegant brows, and she said, "I’ve arranged for Princess Zhaoqing and the others in a house across the street. It used to be Xu Guozhong’s residence."

Chen Mo nodded, not saying much else, instead turning his gaze to the beautiful faces before him, smiling, "Which do you find better, this house in the Capital City or Prince Wei’s Mansion in Xiangyang?"

Wu Mi pondered for a moment, gently saying, "I haven’t noticed much difference yet; we’ll have to live here for some time to see. But this house is larger than the one in Xiangyang."

"It doesn’t seem as hot as Xiangyang, and Nu’er and Youyou quite like it here," Xia Zhiqing said with a smile.

"As long as they like it. They’re still young. I was initially worried they might not adapt to a new place," remarked Chen Mo.

"Alright, since husband is back and it’s getting late, let’s prepare some food and have dinner," proposed Xiao Yunxi.

If they continued chatting, it could go on indefinitely.

Chen Mo said, "Let’s talk as we eat."

...

After dinner, Wu Mi sought a private moment to speak with Chen Mo.

"Husband, is it true what Ru Yan said?" Wu Mi inquired.

Chen Mo nodded slightly.

"Then can you be certain that the child in the Empress Dowager’s womb is yours?" asked Wu Mi earnestly, as this was crucial.

Chen Mo solemnly nodded.