What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 138 The Power of the Imperial-Bestowed Flying Fish Robe!

Hearing Su Mo say, "Bring me my official flying fish robe."

Jiang Laoshi was immediately dumbfounded and looked at Su Mo in utter shock!
Isn't my master a junior officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard?
What the heck is this flying fish outfit?

Where did the junior officer get the flying fish robe?
Jiang Lan was taken aback, but looked at Su Mo with surprise and doubt.

She naturally knew that Su Mo had a black robe embroidered with gold flying fish, which was usually kept in a brocade box in the closet. She found it when she was tidying up Su Mo's clothes.

It's just that I've never seen my owner wear it!

"My lord... you want to wear the flying fish robe?"

Su Mo snorted coldly: "A minor officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard is only worth a thousand taels."

"His Majesty has bestowed upon us this flying fish robe. I'd like to see what price they can offer!"

Since the other party wants to cause trouble, let's make things bigger!

If we don't teach them a lesson, they'll really think they're made of clay!

Hit a punch, lest a hundred punches come!

Otherwise, if the restaurant becomes popular in the future, all sorts of strange and unsavory characters will come knocking, wanting a bite.

I don't have that much time to deal with them!

……

The first Duke of Ningguo, Zhang Kui, followed Emperor Wu of Han in his conquests of the country from the very beginning of his reign.

After the founding of the Great Wu Kingdom.

Zhang Kui became one of the six founding dukes thanks to his unparalleled achievements, a title passed down through generations of his descendants!
The second Duke of Ningguo, Zhang Lie, was a Grand Master of the Palace, Left Pillar of State, Grand Tutor, and Grand Marshal of the Liaobei Circuit.

Commanding 100,000 loyal soldiers and guarding the northern border of the empire, he can be called the mainstay of the Great Wu Empire!

Zhang Xuzu, as Zhang Lie's youngest son, was pampered from a young age and became very arrogant.

The title of Duke of Ningguo can only be inherited by the eldest son.

Although Zhang Xuzu was arrogant, he was not stupid. He had a clear understanding of this and would not be foolish enough to fight for the title of duke.

Since he couldn't inherit the title, Zhang Xuzu found another way and went to make money.

Despite the Ningguo Duke's mansion's immense prestige, unparalleled power, and the Empress's deep trust, it's no wonder they are so powerful.

In fact, they are very poor!
The more illustrious a king or nobleman is, the less likely they are to be corrupt.

Too many people are watching them.

Even in his later years, Emperor Wu Taizu's ferocity remained. His butcher's knife slaughtered countless corrupt founding nobles and important officials of the empire!
The same was true of the brilliant and ambitious Emperor Taizong!

No sooner had he ascended the throne than he took up arms and waged wars in all directions, expanding his territory and striking fear into the hearts of foreign tribes.

The national treasury's silver flows out naturally, like water.

If any minister or nobleman dares to be corrupt, Emperor Wu Taizong will not hesitate to take action against them, which will be a good way to replenish the national treasury!
In his later years, Emperor Wu Taizong became much more restrained and began to indulge in extravagance and debauchery.

The three princes were no better; they could not inherit the great talents and strategies of their ancestors, which at least gave the ministers and nobles some hope.

As it turned out, things didn't go as planned, and Emperor Wu Taizong fell seriously ill and was on the verge of death.

The three sons fought fiercely for the throne.

Finally, with her terrifying strength, the Empress killed her three brothers at Xuanwu Gate and forcefully ascended to the throne!
After ascending the throne, the empress also deeply abhorred corruption.

Local officials, being far from the emperor's reach, are prone to corruption and are difficult to investigate.

However, within the capital, those high-ranking officials and nobles were kept under close watch by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who were afraid that their performance would be compromised.

Especially ministers from aristocratic families.

If the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to find out anything, it would be like telling the desperate Empress to her face, "We have money, come and move it to the national treasury!"
Unable to engage in corruption, and with the empire's staggeringly meager salary, they could only maintain a semblance of dignity by relying on the estates bestowed upon them by the empire.

The problem is, a dignified Duke has a large family to support.

There are also a large number of servants and slaves, and they have to maintain a certain air of importance when they come and go, so as not to be looked down upon.

The expenses are quite high.

Therefore, most dukes, marquises, earls, and important officials of the empire were truly poor.

Even if you're not really poor, you have to pretend to be!
As long as Zhang Xuzu controls the Duke's mansion's purse strings, he can ensure his own position remains intact even if his elder brother inherits the title of Duke of Ningguo.

There were quite a few sons of noble families who shared the same thoughts as Zhang Xuzu.

They were not the eldest sons and were destined not to inherit the title.

Three emperors in succession, whether intentionally or unintentionally, suppressed the power of noble families and powerful clans.

Of the six founding dukes, only the Duke of Ning and the Duke of Wei still held military power, and the status of military officers gradually declined.

Of course, the sons of noble families want to make money to ensure their luxurious lifestyle in the future!
Chu Jianghe's cloth shop, Zhang Xuzu and others had been plotting for a long time.

They even secretly tried to stop Chu Jianghe from getting a high-ranking position as a centurion, trying to force him to give up the shop.

As a result, Chu Jianghe was promoted to the rank of centurion.

The cloth shop also fell into the hands of a Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) named Su Mo.

How could Zhang Xuzu and the others not be extremely angry!
Zhang Xuzu has already checked.

That Jinyiwei sergeant was originally a sergeant in a local centurion's office, and had some connection with the commander of the Upper Left Office. She was transferred to Shenjing.

As the third son of the Duke of Ningguo, Zhang Xuzu was not really afraid of a commander of six subordinate units.

However, it's always better to avoid offending anyone.

Their goal is money and shops, not making enemies.

Therefore, Zhang Xuzu, after first trying to persuade them with courtesy, then resorting to force, found a merchant and bought Baiyujing from them.

They offered a thousand taels of silver, not because they were unwilling to pay a higher price.

Simply because...

They are poor!
We really can't raise any more money!
Moreover, shouldn't we leave some room for negotiation?

Zhang Xuzu originally thought that they would accept even if the other party offered three thousand taels.

At worst, I'll just write that kid an IOU and pay him back later when I have the money!
As a result, the people they sent were kicked out before they even got to see Su Mo!
I couldn't swallow this insult anymore!

At this moment, Zhang Xuzu, along with Li You, the second son of the Marquis of Dingbian, and Wen Bi, the fifth son of the Marquis of Anyang, were in a private room of a restaurant opposite the Yanyu Tower, observing the movements of the Yanyu Tower.

"Third Brother, what if we send someone to smash up his shop and it gets taken to the Imperial Guard?"

Li You frowned: "The commander of the Left Guard is not someone to be trifled with."

Wen Bi also said with some concern, "That restaurant was taken over by the Left Office and handed over to that kid. If things get out of hand, it will be difficult to handle!"

He paused, then said resentfully, "Where did that guy get the money? He bought such a big brothel just like that."

"Also, if we turn it into a restaurant, I'm afraid we'll have to throw several hundred taels of silver into it!"

"That must be several thousand taels of silver!"

The Marquis of Dingbian and the Marquis of Anyang, in terms of power and authority, are not as powerful as the Duke of Ningguo's mansion.

Zhang Xuzu was not afraid of the commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and they dared not be afraid of him either.

I'm not the eldest son!

Li You hesitated for a moment: "Should we call the servants back?"

"Let others go and smash up that restaurant."

"Even if Commander Shangzuo gets involved, it won't be our fault!"

Ordinary thugs wouldn't dare to vandalize a restaurant of this size.

The people who were dispatched were their own servants and guards; the ones who beat up the thugs under the command of that minor officer were also servants in disguise.

"We said we'd smash his shop at noon. Now we've called him back. If word gets out, how will we save face?"

Zhang Xuzu glared at them and snorted coldly, "What are you afraid of!"

"If you want to make big money, you can't avoid taking some risks!"

"That restaurant was the property of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, which was seized and should have been handed over to the national treasury, but it ended up in the hands of the Left Office!"

"If this matter reaches the Emperor's ears, how can the Left Office possibly fare well!"

"Even if the restaurant is demolished, Shangzuo Suo will have no choice but to obediently endure it!"

He paused, then sneered, "Besides, the silver is already in the hands of the Upper Left Bureau. Why would the Upper Left Bureau make an enemy of us over something unrelated!"

Zhang Xuzu took a deep breath, his expression becoming serious: "It's alright to tell you."

"Even if the commander of the Left Guard personally comes forward, I will not be afraid!"

Li You was taken aback, looked at Zhang Xuzu suspiciously, and couldn't help but ask, "Third Brother, what do you mean by that?"

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Xuzu's eyes as he slowly uttered a few words: "Lu Wenxuan!"

Li You was immediately taken aback: "Lu Wenxuan?"

Fear flashed in his eyes, and his voice unconsciously dropped: "How did this get involved?"

Li You knew that Lu Wenxuan was the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a truly important figure!
Although nobles do not fear the Embroidered Uniform Guard as much as court officials, most of the Embroidered Uniform Guards are themselves nobles.

However, a fourth-rank commander in the Embroidered Uniform Guard system is second only to the commander and deputy commander.

Not counting the commander of the Northern Garrison, he was arguably the fourth most powerful figure in the Embroidered Uniform Guard! They were truly not to be trifled with!
Zhang Xuzu frowned: "I don't know."

Then, lowering her voice, she said, "He contacted me on his own initiative!"

"Watch out, they're extremely hostile towards Su Mo. I guarantee the Embroidered Uniform Guard won't interfere in this matter, so let us go ahead and do it!"

Wen Bi's eyes lit up: "I've heard that the commander of the Left Guard is incredibly beautiful, and there are even rumors that he has a fling with that little flag officer."

He swallowed hard and said, "Could it be that Lu Wenxuan has his eye on the Left Guard Commander and wants to kill that kid?"

Zhang Xuzu snorted: "I don't care what he thinks, as long as he doesn't get in the way of my making money!"

As long as the 100,000 loyal soldiers are still in his father's hands.

As long as the plaque of the Duke of Ningguo's Mansion is still there!

He wasn't afraid even when the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard came.

At worst, I'll just beat myself up. Do you think I'd dare kill the eldest son of the Duke of Ningguo?
Hearing that Lu Wenxuan was backing him up.

Li You and Wen Bi also became bolder and never mentioned calling the servants back again!

Just then, Zhang Xuzu narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly, "That kid is here!"

Li You and Wen Bi both looked out the window at the same time.

Sure enough, the young man dressed in a blue robe and riding a chestnut horse had arrived outside the Misty Rain Pavilion. He dismounted and strode into the restaurant.

Zhang Xuzu shouted in a deep voice, "Guards!"

A burly, middle-aged guard with dark skin and an expressionless face entered the private room.

This middle-aged guard had several knife scars on his face, his right sleeve was empty, and his temples were bulging high, clearly indicating that he was a first-class martial arts master!
Li You and Wen Bi couldn't help but show fear when they saw the one-armed middle-aged guard!

Zhang Xuzu showed considerable respect to the guard: "Uncle Zheng, take your men over there and smash up the shop!"

The one-armed middle-aged guard nodded and silently left the private room.

Li You breathed a sigh of relief, then hesitated for a moment: "Third Brother, if he lets him go, won't someone get killed?"

"Smashing a shop is one thing, but killing Imperial Guards is a completely different matter!"

Zhang Xuzu waved his hand: "Uncle Zheng knows what's important."

He paused, then sneered, "Of course, if that kid doesn't know what's good for him, he'll definitely suffer a beating!"

"Uncle Zheng is my father's personal guard. He is a half-step martial arts grandmaster and has taken more than a hundred lives. Even ordinary immortal cultivators cannot withstand the power of Uncle Zheng's sword!"

"I want to see if that kid dares not hand over Bai Yujing!"

"Bai Yujing!"

"That kid gave the restaurant a good name, but unfortunately, it will belong to us from now on!"

……

Su Mo entered the restaurant and sat down in the main hall with an air of nonchalance!
The beautiful maid Jiang Lan stood behind him, holding a brocade box in her hands!
Su Mo didn't have to wait long.

A dozen or so men dressed in tight-fitting clothes, carrying knives and sticks, stormed into the restaurant with menacing air.

The restaurant, located on the main street, had recently hired a large number of people to renovate the shop, which had attracted a lot of attention.

If it were noon, and the streets were crowded with people, and a large group of menacing men stormed into the restaurant, many people would naturally stop outside and excitedly peer into the restaurant!

No matter the time, there are always plenty of onlookers.

Su Mo looked at the burly man at the head of the group with a blank expression, slightly surprised.

Then, his gaze fell on the other person's empty sleeve.

This middle-aged, burly man exuded a strong aura of bloodlust, and the chilling stench of blood could be smelled even from several meters away.

The opponent was actually able to condense the bloodthirsty energy into magical power!
Su Mo made the judgment instantly.

This one-armed middle-aged man's fighting strength is definitely no less than Ning Xiaoxiao's!
As expected, there are countless experts in Shenjing!
It seems that the eldest son of the Duke of Ningguo values ​​Zhang Xuzu quite a bit.

They actually assigned such a skilled fighter to be his personal bodyguard!
During this period, Su Mo has encountered countless truly powerful individuals!
Even if he were to fight one-on-one with those cold-looking female knights in black armor, Su Mo wouldn't be confident of defeating them without using his sword embryo.

Not to mention the white-faced, beardless old man driving the car!

The one-armed middle-aged man looked at Su Mo expressionlessly, then waved his hand and uttered a single word: "Smash!"

A dozen strong men, without saying a word, brandished knives and clubs and smashed the dining table, bonsai, vases, calligraphy and paintings that had just been set up in the hall to pieces.

A moment of effort.

The main hall, which Su Mo had spent dozens of taels of silver to decorate, was now in a terrible state, with the floor in a mess.

Only the large table where Su Mo was sitting in the main hall remained intact.

Jiang Lan's face paled slightly, but anger also surfaced!
The one-armed middle-aged man waved his hand, signaling the servants and guards to stop, then looked at Su Mo expressionlessly.

He coldly uttered two words: "Get out of the way!"

Su Mo smiled and placed the straight sword on the table: "I am right here!"

"If you've got the guts, smash this very table of mine..."

He hadn't finished his boastful remarks.

The one-armed middle-aged man suddenly struck out with his palm.

An incomparably terrifying killing intent, accompanied by a fierce wind, surged toward Su Mo!
"Fuck!"

This guy has no sportsmanship!
Fortunately, Su Mo was prepared.

With a sudden jolt of his arms, he unleashed two punches through the air!

Su Mo didn't waste these days!
He either cultivates with Lord Qianhu or practices the Green Wood Technique and the Swimming Dragon Step at home, using the power of the Demon-Subduing Pestle to temper his physical body!

He has reached the peak of the early stage of the Immortal Realm.

Even in terms of martial arts cultivation, he has advanced to the level of a first-class master!

The two punches clashed with the palm strike of the one-armed middle-aged man!
The entire dining table instantly shattered into pieces!

The internal energy of both sides exploded like a shockwave, pushing aside the surrounding tables and chairs with an invisible force, and cracking the floor within a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters)!
despite this.

Su Mo took two steps back!

In contrast, the one-armed middle-aged man stood firmly in place with his feet as steady as Mount Tai!

Sit down!

Su Mo sighed inwardly.

I realized I was no match for a true master.

The other party clearly held back.

Of course, Su Mo did not use his trump card.

The one-armed middle-aged man squinted at Su Mo.

Then, he turned around and left!
"and many more!"

Su Mo smiled: "You think you can just smash up my restaurant and leave like that?"

The one-armed middle-aged man stopped in his tracks, his eyes flashing with a fierce light as he stared coldly at Su Mo. His voice was as chilling as a venomous snake's: "Don't force me, or I'll kill you!"

Su Mo sneered: "Jiang Lan, help me put on the flying fish robe!"

As soon as these words came out.

The one-armed middle-aged man suddenly narrowed his eyes!
Those burly men who were smashing up the shops stared at Su Mo in terror!

Jiang Lan stepped forward, her face dark, carrying the brocade box.

Attended by beautiful maids, Su Mo wore the flying fish robe for the first time after arriving in the capital.

It truly lives up to its reputation as a gift from the Emperor.

This needlework is truly a work of art.

It's estimated that they asked Su Mo's measurements before sewing it; the size and length are just right, making Su Mo look even taller, more slender, and majestic!

Upon seeing Su Mo dressed in the flying fish robe, the one-armed middle-aged man's expression finally changed!
The servants and guards turned deathly pale and trembled all over!
The implications of attacking the Imperial Guards who were bestowed with flying fish robes by the Emperor are self-evident!

Gifts bestowed by the Emperor are equivalent to those from His Majesty!
Even a centurion might not receive the reward of a flying fish robe!
Where did this junior officer get his flying fish robe?
After putting on the flying fish robe, Su Mo's expression suddenly darkened, and he squinted at the one-armed middle-aged man.

"You dare attack the Imperial Flying Fish Robe! You are a junior officer of the Left Guard of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

"I suspect you are plotting a rebellion!"

"Now."

"You will all obediently follow me back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard prison for trial. I will have to take action to arrest the traitors!"

But before Su Mo could finish showing off...

Suddenly, shouts and curses came from outside, driving away the onlookers.

Dozens of strongmen in brocade robes, carrying straight swords, stormed into the restaurant with murderous intent and surrounded the one-armed middle-aged man and his group!

Lin Moyin, the commander of the Left Guard, who was also dressed in the imperial flying fish robe, slowly walked into the restaurant and coldly glanced at the one-armed middle-aged man and his companions.

With a wave of her hand, she uttered two words: "Take it down!"

Ahem, I originally said it would be 6,000 words, but it turned out to be 4,060. I said the plot ends here, which is why it's a little short. Do you readers believe me?
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(End of this chapter)