Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 830: Chapter 836, 837: Emperor Yong’an Deposes the Empress, Xiao Yunxi Gives Birth to a Daughter

After a brief entanglement with Liang Ji in Shoukang Palace, Chen Mo did not linger in the palace for long. He donned his robes and walked along the imposing palace path towards Han Yuan Hall.

Besides comforting Liang Ji, Chen Mo also wanted to understand the recent rumors circulating in the Capital.

To get from the harem to Han Yuan Hall, one must pass through the rear gardens.

Not far along, Chen Mo paused involuntarily.

By the lakeside pavilion, a dignified woman with an air of nobility and elegance was sitting quietly on a stone bench, dazed, without any palace maid or eunuch around.

This graceful and delicate figure was none other than Empress Zhao, Zhao Yushu.

Empress Zhao’s attire was lavish—a pearly white Ni Chang embroidered with fine gold threads. Below her straight nose was a small cherry mouth, her gaze fixed on the calm lake surface, her heart forlorn.

"Empress." Chen Mo spoke softly as he approached.

After all, passing by her without greeting seemed impolite.

However, Empress Zhao seemed not to hear, her gaze still resting on the lake.

After observing her for a while and seeing her lost in thought, Chen Mo called again.

It was then that Empress Zhao seemed to come to her senses. Hearing the familiar voice behind her, she abruptly turned her head, revealing skin white as snow under the sunlight, though she appeared haggard, much thinner and fragile compared to their last meeting.

Recognizing Chen Mo, Empress Zhao immediately stood up, though his position was that of a minister, she dared not underestimate his power and said, "King Wei."

Then casually asked why he was here.

Chen Mo replied, "The Empress Dowager summoned me; I’m on my way to Han Yuan Hall, just passing by. What is the Empress doing here?"

His words gave Empress Zhao a vague sense of annoyance. This is the palace’s rear garden, and as the Empress, isn’t it normal to be here? Moreover, his familiar inquiry felt like an assertion that she must explain.

Empress Zhao lowered her eyes, biting her pink lips gently, saying, "Just wandering around here."

In fact, Empress Zhao was there to relieve her mind.

Her heart felt heavy.

After accidentally falling into the lake and being rescued, during her recovery in the royal bedchamber, the Emperor initially came to visit briefly and after that not once until she was fully recovered and out of bed. He grew colder towards her.

Empress Zhao couldn’t understand why the Emperor treated her this way.

She truly harbored genuine feelings for Emperor Yong’an, not a mere marriage alliance or familial ambition to forcibly bind her to the Royal Family.

Emperor Yong’an’s current attitude made Empress Zhao deeply saddened.

Chen Mo nodded, gazing warmly at the suddenly lowered woman, casually remarking, "Has the Empress recovered from the cold you caught after the fall?"

"Thank you for your concern, King Wei. I have already recovered."

Chen Mo looked at Empress Zhao closely once more, saying, "I think the Empress should rest more, or perhaps have the Imperial Physician check you again. Your complexion is too haggard, and you’ve lost significant weight."

Empress Zhao was unsure how to respond.

Chen Mo did not wait for her answer, continuing, "While the weather is warming, it’s still chilly, and the wind is strong here. The Empress should return early."

After speaking, Chen Mo departed.

Once Chen Mo left, Empress Zhao lifted her gaze, her cherry lips clamped tighter, murmuring in her heart, "King Wei shows concern for me, but why don’t you..."

Thinking of this, Empress Zhao’s eyes reddened further, sinking deeper into sorrow.

...

Han Yuan Hall.

Chen Mo found Geng Songfu and discussed the recent rumors in the Capital, to which Geng Songfu admitted ignorance, saying he would send someone to investigate.

Chen Mo wanted to inquire further, but Geng Songfu shifted the topic to the Linhuai Money Shop.

With investments from several Noble Families, the Linhuai Money Shop, although not nationwide, had branches in Qing, Yu, Lin, Huai, Feng, Yang, Chong states, and Tianchuan City. Over a year, they expanded into more than a hundred shops.

Thanks to public deposits in the shop, the treasury was mostly solvent. The condition to avoid a panic run was critical, as the outbound fleets had not returned, rendering us unable to cover the shop’s accounts...

After discussing the money shop, Geng Songfu pulled Chen Mo into a conversation about political reform.

It was currently the optimal time for implementing reforms, with minimal resistance, given the current environment resembling a major restructuring.

Chen Mo had this idea as well, and they entered a lengthy discussion.

They conversed for a long time.

After Chen Mo left, Geng Songfu murmured to himself, "Progress must be accelerated; reforms surely should be enacted with the establishment of the Xin Dynasty."

...

That evening, he met with Wu Yanqing and shared his thoughts.

Wu Yanqing agreed.

A day later, at Prince Wei’s Mansion.

Wu Mi approached Chen Mo, saying, "Husband, father just spoke with my humble self, saying sixth uncle plans to send his granddaughter into the palace as a consort."

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow slightly, "Your sixth uncle’s granddaughter? What is father-in-law planning?"

Currently, in the Capital, it was obvious to any discerning person that the Chu Clan’s Imperial Family’s influence was waning. Wu Yanqing sending a Wu Family Girl into the palace now, what could be the intent?

"I don’t know. However, that line of us is in Wu Family’s collateral branch, and father told me it’s uncle’s own decision," Wu Mi replied.

Chen Mo furrowed his brows slightly. In matters of plotting and internal affairs, he wasn’t strong. After pondering briefly, he said, "The Emperor does indeed have few consorts; if so, let your sixth uncle send her in."