Chapter 575: 661 Audacious Beyond Limits
Cao Benyuan is Chen Mo’s future father-in-law. If his son-in-law is already Prince Zhen Nan, yet the father-in-law remains a local county magistrate, it would clearly disgrace the Prince’s Mansion. Wu Xin’Er arranging for him to be transferred to the Capital is indeed appropriate.
Seeing Xin’Er being so considerate, having arranged everything, Chen Mo couldn’t help but feel warm-hearted. As expected of a direct daughter from a large family, everything was arranged meticulously, leaving Chen Mo not the least bit worried. He casually asked, "What position?"
"Left Censor-in-chief," Wu Xin’Er replied.
"Which grade?" There are many positions in the Imperial Court, and Chen Mo wasn’t clear about the specifics.
"Senior Fourth Grade." This position is quite high already. Above that are officials at Huangfu Hao’s level, but with no real power.
"What do they do?" Chen Mo asked.
"Critique the strengths and weaknesses of politics, counsel Your Majesty on achievements and faults, offer advice to the emperor."
"This... can he handle it?" Currently, during a period of reform, it’s essential to select capable officials, and Chen Mo is the proposer of this reform. Wouldn’t this draw criticism for favoring connections?
"Husband, what do you mean?"
"Fifth Grade would be sufficient; find him a sinecure. If he does well, he can be promoted," Chen Mo pondered for a moment and said.
Wu Xin’Er nodded slightly, pondering which position would suit Cao Benyuan.
After discussing recent matrimonial matters, Chen Mo embraced the graceful Han Jingyun, Princess Hui Xian, tenderly, and then said, "This time, you and Xiyue should enter together."
Han Jingyun was already flustered by Wu Xin’Er’s earlier words, and now hearing this, all her lingering worries dissipated completely. It seems what Miss Xin’Er said is true; he truly loves me.
However, Han Jingyun did not immediately agree but, blushing, said, "Marriage is a big affair, involving the orders of parents and the words of a matchmaker. My father, the Emperor, and my mother, the Empress, are far away in the Wan Kingdom and not yet informed of this."
Marriage is no trivial matter. Although she knew her parents would agree once they knew, it would be unfilial not to inform them in advance.
"Indeed, it’s presumptuous of me. How about this: you first enter the house, and we will hold another ceremony later. I’ll send a letter along with the betrothal gifts now."
Chen Mo decided to act first and manage the rest later. If she learned about the Wan Kingdom’s real situation, it would be harder to deceive her.
Han Jingyun thought for a moment and then nodded her agreement, her face blushing.
...
After handling family matters, Chen Mo went to the palace to discuss non-aggression between the two states with Xiao Yunxi.
To his surprise, Jiang Ning was also at Weiyang Palace.
Zhao Jiangning was equally surprised to see Chen Mo and happily said, "Master, why are you here?"
Chen Mo instinctively glanced at Xiao Yunxi, noticing a fleeting panic in her eyes. He quickly composed himself and said seriously, "I came to discuss the peace negotiations between the two countries with the Empress Dowager. What brings Your Highness here?"
After all, they were in a public setting, so Chen Mo addressed Jiang Ning formally.
"The Empress Dowager hadn’t seen me for a long time and especially called me to the palace to chat," Zhao Jiangning said, "Master, when did you return from the borders?"
"Last night," Chen Mo replied casually and then stopped not far from the two women, respectfully saluting Xiao Yunxi, "Your servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."
If Zhao Jiangning weren’t present, he certainly wouldn’t be so formal; he might have already taken Yunxi to the Phoenix Bed to discuss the matter.
"No need for formalities. Prince Zhen Nan need not be so courteous," Xiao Yunxi raised her hand slightly, then stood up and went to the desk, taking out the letter from Loulan concerning the non-aggression pact between the two countries.
Xiao Yunxi, an elegant and mature woman, exuded charm with every movement. Facing Zhen’Er and Xin’Er, Chen Mo still had some resistance, but in front of her, he just wanted to embrace her.
When she handed the letter to him and turned aside, Chen Mo couldn’t resist reaching out and pinching her peach-like behind.
Xiao Yunxi froze on the spot, her cheeks turning visibly red. She glanced at Zhao Jiangning secretly, noticed she wasn’t looking their way, and realized her body was blocking Jiangning’s view, so this scene couldn’t be seen.
Yet he dared to tease her in front of Jiangning; wasn’t he afraid of being discovered?
Amidst her shame and anger, Xiao Yunxi oddly felt a certain thrill.
She glared back at Chen Mo, but he was already seriously reading the letter, and asked, "Empress Dowager, what do you think?"
Xiao Yunxi suppressed her embarrassment and annoyance, shooting Chen Mo a glance, and said, "Jizhou has the Yellow Turban rebels, Western Shu is in rebellion, and the Five Pecks of Rice cult is causing trouble. King Yan of Youzhou might rise again at any time. The country’s situation is so unstable that it’s unwise to wage wars abroad, whether for the people’s sake or for stabilizing domestic affairs..."
Xiao Yunxi’s meaning was to agree with Loulan and sign the non-aggression treaty between the two countries. At least, in the short term, there would be no worries of foreign invasion, allowing focus on domestic issues.
Chen Mo nodded, his thoughts aligning with hers.
The Great Song truly couldn’t afford to be distracted by a confrontation with Loulan, as they were not a small country like the Wan Kingdom.
As for the recent invasion by Loulan, that would have to be accounted for later.
The so-called treaties could always be torn up in the face of interests.
Zhao Jiangning, sipping her tea, noticed that the two were genuinely discussing peace between the countries. Her suspicion subsided somewhat, but she still felt something was odd.
Even if it was a serious discussion, did it have to take place in the harem, in this particular bedchamber?
If she weren’t present, would the scene rumored in town happen?
While Zhao Jiangning wasn’t paying attention, Chen Mo leaned over and pecked Xiao Yunxi’s red lips.
The latter was stunned, biting her lip, whispered, "You’re insane. What if Jiangning sees us?"
"If she sees, she sees. You’re both my women, anyway."
"Don’t you know the relationship between Jiangning and me?" After Zhao Jiangning’s mother consort passed away, it was Xiao Yunxi who practically raised her, being even closer than a birth mother.
"It doesn’t matter since you’re not blood-related." At this remark, Chen Mo couldn’t help but think of his senior sister and muttered a silent apology in his heart.
"No way. If you... if you fool around again, don’t even think about getting on my bed," Xiao Yunxi softly warned.
That threat was serious enough to frighten Chen Mo.
Truth be told, if it weren’t for Xiao Yunxi’s threat, Chen Mo would have indeed tried his luck today.
After some casual chatting, Chen Mo raised his voice a bit, "Empress Dowager, this servant takes his leave."
"Master, wait for me," Zhao Jiangning said, getting up swiftly and coming over when she saw Chen Mo leaving. She didn’t avoid being seen and directly linked arms with Chen Mo, saying, "Empress Dowager, I shall take my leave as well."
Xiao Yunxi turned her face aside to avoid letting Zhao Jiangning see anything out of place, and said, "Jiangning, come over to play again sometime."
...
After leaving Weiyang Palace, Zhao Jiangning couldn’t hold back and asked, "Master, what were you and the Empress Dowager secretly talking about just now?"
