Chapter 616: 699 Southern Tour
Three months later, the world gradually stabilized, and everywhere was harmonious, with the people living in peace.
During these three months, Chen Mo was handling the matters needed to leave the Canglan Continent.
In addition, both Jiang Ruoqing and Zhao Qianyi had reached the late stage of First Grade.
These two were definitely going to accompany me to the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
Perhaps knowing that Chen Mo would soon leave the Canglan Continent, Luo Zhen and Yi Yao clung to him every day, and at night, Chen Mo couldn’t hope for a solitary sleep.
The power in Chen Mo’s hands was being gradually delegated; since Xiao Yunxi was going to be crowned as Empress, she certainly needed to hold military power, so Chen Mo gave her a portion of it.
The most elite Fire Qilin Army and the Gunpowder Workshop were entrusted to Xin’Er by Chen Mo.
With military power in hand, Xiao Yunxi’s authority grew increasingly powerful, and seeing Chen Mo’s intention to step back, many ministers began aligning themselves with Xiao Yunxi.
A new change was about to unfold.
Three days later.
At the court meeting, Xiao Yunxi announced a south tour, specifying that Prince Zhen Nan and others would accompany her.
The purpose of going down to Jiangnan was because she knew Chen Mo was leaving, so she wanted to accompany him during this time, treating it as a leisure trip.
Besides, it was to investigate the public sentiment, strengthen the political ties with Jiangnan gentry, and prepare for her forthcoming coronation as Empress.
Secondly, there was the matter of river works.
To save the expenses of the National Treasury, Xiao Yunxi emphasized traveling light and simple style for the south tour, and all palace visits would not indulge in decoration, trying to save each place to around ten to twenty thousand gold.
In April, the chill of winter still lingered. Due to the recovery of livelihoods, the once desolate official road now had occasional passersby and traveling merchants.
Aline of riders was advancing rapidly from the distant horizon, and upon closer inspection, nearly all were mounted on robust horses, wearing imposing black armor. Only the locals of Bianliang could recognize them as the elite troops of Prince Zhen Nan, the Fire Qilin Army.
In the center of this escort, apart from Chen Mo’s carriage, there was also Xiao Yunxi’s Phoenix Chariot and carriages of some accompanying officials. The Empress Dowager and Prince Zhen Nan’s south tour inevitably became a topic of discussion among the people of Bianliang, with rumors about them circulating for a while. This south tour led many to speculate that it was for both business and personal matters.
Inside the Phoenix Chariot, a warm flow was present, with a small exquisite incense burner emitting strands of unknown fragrance.
Chen Mo lay on a couch with his chest half-bared, lightly snoring.
Beside him, a voluptuous woman with striking beauty, resembling a ripe peach, was sitting barefoot, wearing a red palace dress that outlined her gourd-shaped figure, her chest forming two exquisite and delicate curves. A blood jade hairpin gifted by Chen Mo was in her hair, and her jade hands were gently massaging Chen Mo’s shoulders, with water-like tenderness in her eyes.
At his feet, Xiao Qing’Er, with absolutely stunning looks but a somewhat flat figure, was kneeling as her delicate hands massaged Chen Mo’s calves.
Chen Mo was immersed in their company, reluctant to rise.
As the carriage jolted, Chen Mo finally opened his eyes and pulled Xiao Yunxi, who was massaging his shoulders, into his arms. His large hand ventured into her palace dress: "Where are we now?"
Xiao Qing’Er replied, "We’re almost at Qingshan Town."
His big hand gave a squeeze, and Xiao Yunxi let out a soft moan. Chen Mo bent down to taste her lipstick before tightening his robe, saying, "We should be going back; we’ve stayed here too long."
Xiao Yunxi rose from Chen Mo’s embrace, maintaining her posture: "I thought you weren’t afraid."
"I’m not afraid; I’m just concerned about your reputation, Yunxi."
"After being with you, what reputation do I have left? It’s all been ruined by you."
"What are you talking about? I need to go back and get a good sleep. If I stay with you any longer, I won’t be able to stop myself from devouring you both."
Xiao Yunxi sat down, nestling in his arms, "I’m not afraid of being devoured by you, but of you leaving me. Once you leave this time, who knows when we’ll meet again."
Xiao Yunxi raised her hand to stroke Chen Mo’s chest.
The girl in his arms, like the spring breeze outside or the gentle streams in a hot spring, made one effortlessly feel captivated, indescribably comfortable.
"Master said that upon reaching the Golden Core Realm, one can cross that Sea of Nothingness. I’m now in the Late Stage Foundation Establishment, so it won’t be long. Once I’m settled over there, I’ll find a way to bring you all over," Chen Mo pinched Xiao Yunxi’s charming nose.
Xiao Yunxi nestled in Chen Mo’s embrace, unwilling to part.
"Qing’Er will stay with you here."
Chen Mo left the cozy nest, returning to his carriage.
Just as he returned, Gao Zheng came to tell him that Wu Lu had come to see him but was sent away with the excuse that he was resting.
"Well done." Patting Gao Zheng on the shoulder, Chen Mo went back to his carriage to lie down.
...
At the port of Qingshan Town.
A relatively luxurious building ship was docked at the pier, and a group of elite guards disembarked from it, surrounding the area on alert.
On the ship, Wu Xin’Er played a nine-bamboo tile.
Nearby, Luo Zhen took it, saying, "They’ve all disembarked, why hasn’t the Prince arrived yet?"
"Don’t worry, according to the calculation, he should arrive today. Their carriages are slow, they’ll rest in Qingshan Town tonight," Wu Xin’Er replied.
This south tour, Chen Mo’s wives and concubines also accompanied him.
But they didn’t travel the same road; instead, they took the building ship down the canal to Jiangnan.
Traveling the same road would be too conspicuous.
After all, the Empress Dowager’s south tour was for official matters. What would it look like if all the young ladies went along for sightseeing? It would invite gossip.
However, taking the building ship wouldn’t.
Even if discovered, it wouldn’t matter, because their expenses weren’t funded by the Imperial Court.
...
By the time Chen Mo arrived in Qingshan Town, it was already dark. The County Magistrate, having learned of the Empress Dowager and Prince Zhen Nan’s arrival, hurriedly set up a banquet to welcome them, but Xiao Yunxi declined. She only intended to rest for the night, without unnecessary extravagance.
After bidding farewell to the ministers, Chen Mo headed to the port.
On the deck of the building ship, Wu Xin’Er, Yi Yao, and others gazed longingly at the pier, like wives awaiting their husband’s return. Though they had been apart for just three days, they missed him intensely, scanning the pier until they spotted a familiar figure approaching on a white horse, and their eyes lit up with joy.
"The Prince is here. Tell Chun Lan to reheat the dishes she’s cooked," Wu Xin’Er instructed the attending maid.
After that, she led a group of Chen Mo’s wives and concubines to disembark and greet him.
Xiao Jiu suddenly leapt off the ship, almost tipping it over.
"Xiao Jiu, be gentle," Chen Mo said as he patted its head.
"Prince."
"Husband."
"Master."
"..."
The ladies gracefully approached.
