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

Chapter 186 Su Mo Makes His Move! Ruthless as a Feather

Upon seeing the wicked servant of the Imperial Uncle's mansion, he drew his sword and slashed at Su Mo.

You Li and Wei Zhengguang, the two high-ranking officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, were also dumbfounded, as if they had seen a ghost.

Su Mo wasn't wearing the Jinyiwei robes, but he was wearing the tiger-patterned robes bestowed by the emperor!
Killing him is not the same as killing the Emperor.

You Li and Wei Zhengguang were speechless.

Are the wicked servants of the Imperial Uncle's mansion so audacious that they don't even respect His Majesty, or so foolish that they can't even recognize the tiger-patterned robes?
Su Mo's face suddenly darkened, and he let out a heavy snort.

"How dare you attack an official of the imperial court!"

With that, he pushed with one hand, sending the steward of the Imperial Uncle's mansion flying three or four zhang away.

Then, with a sweep of his hand, a flash of green light appeared in his palm. With the blessing of the Green Wood Technique, he ignored the sharpness of the longsword and caught all the blades that were slashing at him.

He clenched his other fist and swung it out.

Several deep thuds were heard.

The four wicked servants were sent flying as if struck in the chest and abdomen by a thousand-pound bronze hammer!

The master had already made his move, and the White Tiger Pill, which had been waiting in the wings, immediately pounced without hesitation, striking the two wicked servants with lightning speed and biting at their throats!
These two ferocious dogs, with their sharp fangs, could tear through even the thick armor of wild boars, let alone the throats of a few wicked servants!
Fortunately, Su Mo stopped the two dogs in time!

You Li and Wei Zhengguang exchanged a glance.

"What a ruthless fellow! He even dared to kill someone from the Imperial Uncle's residence!"

You Li's sinister face showed a hint of suspicion as he looked at Wei Zhengguang: "Lord Wei, what exactly is going on?"

"Isn't he afraid of offending Zhang Shouning?"

Zhang Shouning is the Empress's maternal uncle and was granted the title of Duke of Anguo. The Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Empress's henchmen, fears nothing more than imperial relatives.

You Li was naturally extremely wary of Zhang Shouning.

The reason is simple.

If your own dog bites your uncle, you'd definitely kill the dog, not your uncle!
Wei Zhengguang shook his head and lowered his voice, saying, "This humble official also does not know the reason!"

He frowned and said, "Although Su Mo is young, he is incredibly experienced in his work and can take care of everything. He shouldn't be so reckless!"

Wei Zhengguang thought and thought, but he couldn't figure out why Su Mo did this.

It can't really be because of two dogs, right?
Zhang Xuzu and the others stared at Su Mo in disbelief, swallowing hard.

Zhang Xuzu was a little better; he knew about Su Mo's relationship with the Empress.

Han Yu, Cao Feng, Wen Bi, and Li You all stared at Su Mo in utter shock, their hearts filled with turbulent waves that they could not calm down for a long time!

Who would have thought that Su Mo, who seemed so refined and polite, would be so ruthless once he took action!
So brave!

Despite Su Mo's repeated claims that they were impersonating members of the Imperial Uncle's Mansion and tarnishing its reputation.

But everyone knows what's going on.

Zhang Shouning is His Majesty's maternal uncle!
Can he swallow this insult?
Han Yu, Cao Feng, and the others could naturally see that Su Mo was not a reckless person. Since he dared to make a move, he must have something to rely on, and he dared not give face to Zhang Shouning, the emperor's brother-in-law!

No wonder even a noble son like Zhang Xuzu from a ducal family had to get his consent before giving up his share of the soap!
The way the nobles looked at Su Mo changed.

Xue Yishu and Meng Danying's pretty faces also changed, in disbelief!

Hearing the commotion, Shi Xuan and the other guards on the ship came over, swallowed hard, and then silently retreated.

We can't afford to mess with them!
Su Mo withdrew his fist, threw the long sword to the ground, and glanced expressionlessly at the seriously injured and unconscious servant of the Imperial Uncle's mansion.

He glanced at Nangong Sheyue without making a sound.

His gaze then turned to Leng Liuxi, and he said in a deep voice, "Lord Leng, I acted impulsively!"

"Such a villain dared to tarnish the reputation of the Imperial Brother-in-Law in full view of everyone. This humble servant had no choice but to intervene and stop him!"

Leng Liuxi rolled her eyes at Su Mo helplessly, and finally could only say, "What does my lord think is the best way to deal with this villain who has tarnished the reputation of the Imperial Uncle's Mansion?"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo felt immediately relieved!
Leng Xixi has made up her mind!

Actually, he only took action because he had no other choice.

Nangong Sheyue had secretly warned him that Zhang Shouning would not give up and that he should be careful in everything he did.

Being targeted by the Empress's uncle, Su Mo's claim of not being afraid is a lie!
Since the people from the Imperial Uncle's Mansion had come to their doorstep, and coincidentally Leng Xixi, the Empress's trusted and beloved general, was present, Su Mo decided without hesitation to implicate Leng Xixi in the matter!
Of all his powerful backers, only Leng Xixi was qualified to challenge Zhang Guojiu.

Su Mo didn't expect to bring down Zhang Guojiu.

But at least it should make him wary and not dare to easily touch him!
Only when you are fully capable and have a backup plan can you feel at ease!

He thought for a moment and then said, "This humble servant will naturally obey the orders of the two lords."

Leng Liuxi frowned and said calmly, "Those villains who tarnish the reputation of the Imperial Uncle should naturally be taken back to the Phoenix Cry Division for strict interrogation!"

She paused, then reached out her delicate hand, removed the phoenix-headed silver hairpin from her hair, and handed it to Nangong Sheyue: "Although Commander Su meant well, his rash actions may have offended the Imperial Uncle."

"Give this silver hairpin to Zhang Guojiu and apologize on behalf of Commander Su."

Su Mo was completely dumbfounded.

What does "冷兮兮" mean?
Should Nangong Sheyue use the silver hairpin to atone for her sins?
Does she think this is just children playing house?
Do you still think that a silver hairpin is enough to make Zhang Shouning submit?
Just as he was about to speak, the Empress sighed and said, "Tell him that although a silver hairpin is not as valuable as a gold hairpin, it is still worth some money. Tell him not to look down on it!"

Cao Feng, Han Yu, and others couldn't help but focus their gazes on Leng Liuxi!
Su Mo grew increasingly suspicious.

Leng Liuxi paused slightly, her pretty face showing apology, and said slowly, "I am feeling a little unwell, so I will take my leave first."

Nangong Sheyue nodded: "Lord Leng is not feeling well, please go back and rest well."

After Leng Liuxi left, they disembarked from the ship and boarded the black carriage.

Nangong Sheyue suddenly waved his hand.

Several women in black armor appeared out of nowhere, expressionless, and dragged the unconscious servant of the Imperial Uncle's mansion away!

Nangong Sheyue gave Su Mo a deep look, her cherry lips parted slightly, but she didn't say anything in the end. She turned and left!

Nangong Sheyue and Leng Liuxi have both left.

Su Mo also lost interest in listening to music in the brothel.

Just as he was about to retrieve his poems and leave, he glanced at the desk and realized that the paper on which he had written his poems had been taken away by Leng Xi.

Su Mo remained silent and bid farewell to Zhang Xuzu and the others.

He then went over to You Li's side, greeted the two superiors' superiors, and then left with Xue Yishu and Meng Danying.

After Su Mo left.

Han Yu swallowed hard, finally unable to hold back any longer, and asked in a low voice, "Brother Xu Zu, this... Lord Su, just who is he?"

Cao Feng always considered himself a ruthless person. Not to mention Hanping County, even in Shenjing, he was not afraid of offending anyone.

But this absolutely does not include the head of the imperial relatives, such as Zhang Guojiu!
He couldn't help but ask in astonishment, "Lord Su is incredibly brave!"

"They even dared to offend Zhang Guojiu!"

The rest of the people all turned their attention to Zhang Xuzu.

Zhang Xuzu hesitated for a moment, then glanced at You Li and Wei Zhengguang not far away.

Finally, lowering his voice, he said, "I also do not know Lord Su's specific background!"

"but……"

Han Yu and the others immediately perked up their ears.

"However, last time Zhang Guojiu set his sights on Lord Su's Baiyujing and Yanyulou, he also returned empty-handed!"

Han Yu and the others gasped in shock!
No wonder Su Mo didn't hesitate to severely injure the people from the Imperial Uncle's Mansion.

It turns out he had a long-standing feud with the Imperial Brother-in-law's family!
How could they possibly give up such a lucrative business so easily!
Cao Feng exclaimed in disbelief, "The Baiyujing and Yanyulou are actually owned by Lord Su?"

"I had just arrived in the capital when I heard that these two restaurants each earn several thousand taels of silver a month!"

Seeing his shock, Zhang Xuzu became slightly smug: "Lord Su's two restaurants are truly making a fortune every day, even the luxury boats on the Xima River can't compare!"

"What you and I consider a soap business is nothing in Lord Su's eyes!"

Han Yu nodded and sighed, "Brother Xu is right!"

"These two restaurants earn hundreds of taels of silver a day. In particular, the red menu of Baiyujing is said to be full of the finest dishes. Unfortunately, even officials of the fourth or fifth rank in the imperial court cannot taste them."

Cao Feng was immediately taken aback: "Even high-ranking officials of the fourth or fifth rank can't taste it? What's going on?"

The other noble sons from other regions were also taken aback, looking at Han Yu with confusion. Han Yu smiled wryly and said, "Because only the Bai Yu family in Jingdong knows how to cook that supreme delicacy, yet they rarely cook themselves."

Cao Feng instinctively asked, "Isn't the boss afraid of offending the imperial officials?"

Han Yu's expression was somewhat strange: "I thought so too before."

"Now I understand the reason behind it."

"I've heard that Bai Yujing's mistress is... a favorite maid of a certain lord!"

Cao Feng was speechless for a moment.

Baiyujing and Yanyulou are Su Mo's...owners, aren't they Su Mo's favorite maids?
They dare to fight even the people from Su Mo's uncle's mansion; they're incredibly fierce. Who would dare to force Bai Yu Jingdong's family to cook?
Cao Feng swallowed hard: "Isn't that red menu just a waste of space? Who can eat all that? Brother Han, have you ever tried it?"

Han Yu shook his head with a wry smile: "I've never actually tried this before!"

"I heard that only those who possess that gold..."

Zhang Xuzu suddenly interjected: "Golden Only Love Card approved!"

Han Yu was stunned for a moment, looked at Zhang Xuzu and the other two in astonishment, and then suddenly realized: "That's right!"

"Brother Xuzu, Brother Wenbi, and Brother Liyou are acquainted with Lord Su, so they must have tasted the delicacies on the red menu!"

Zhang Xuzu smiled smugly: "Of course!"

He pulled out a gold card and waved it: "This is Bai Yujing's Gold Love Card!"

"I heard from Lord Su that one must spend more than three thousand taels of silver in Baiyujing, or be of the highest rank, to obtain it!"

Seeing the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, Zhang Xuzu became even more smug: "Tomorrow I'll take you to Baiyujing to see for yourselves!"

"Then you will know what true delicacies are!"

Cao Feng couldn't help but ask, "Is it better than Tianyi Tower?"

Zhang Xuzu sneered and said disdainfully, "Tianyi Tower is nothing!"

"You just wait and see!"

"Tianyi Tower has offended Lord Su; it will have to close down sooner or later!"

He knew perfectly well the real powerful backer behind Bai Yujing and Yanyu Tower!
Let alone Tianyi Building.

Even Zhang Guojiu, who lives behind Tianyi Tower, blocked the Empress's path to wealth, so don't expect to have a good life!

Zhang Xuzu paused, then said, "Prepare the money for your shareholdings and the funds for shipbuilding, and send them to Lord Su tomorrow!"

Cao Feng hesitated for a moment: "So fast?"

"We've prepared the money for investing in the soap business, but the money for shipbuilding..."

"Would the imperial court really agree to let us build large ships?"

Han Yu also realized: "Also, Brother Xu, do you know the identity of that woman in green?"

"They seem to have quite a background!"

Zhang Xuzu's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly lowered his voice, warning everyone in a deep voice: "Remember, you can do anything, but you must never find out her identity!"

"Anyway, that ship is definitely fine!"

Everyone instantly tensed up!

It seems that woman's background is truly unfathomable!
Zhang Xuzu, the eldest son of the Duke's mansion and one of the highest-ranking nobles in the capital, was so terrified!
……

The most distinguished guest on the small orchid pavilion-shaped ship was naturally Zhang Shouning, the Duke of Anguo and the head of the imperial relatives.

Lu Wenxuan, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, could only serve as a guest.

Zhang Shouning watched Nangong Sheyue's tall figure leave with an uncertain expression, then her gaze fell on the phoenix-headed silver hairpin on the table.

Last time it was a hairpin, sent by An Wu.

This time it was a silver hairpin, but the one delivered was replaced by the commander of the Fengming Division!
Next time?
A copper hairpin?

Wooden hairpin?

And there won't be a next time?
Lu Wenxuan, tall and thin with a pale face, looking as if he had indulged in excessive sexual activity, couldn't help but sneer: "A mere thousand households, yet they dare to be so arrogant in front of the Duke of Anguo!"

"They're courting death!"

Zhang Shouning, with a gloomy face, waved away the courtesans and maids who were serving him.

He then squinted at Lu Wenxuan and asked, "Lord Lu, do you know Lin Moyin... and Su Mo, what are their backgrounds?"

Lu Wenxuan sneered: "Lin Moyin, a disciple of Su Nu Palace, is not weak in cultivation. She was the runner-up in the Immortal Martial Arts Tournament."

"Su Mo was originally a clerk in Changping County. He first became a minor official in Changping County, and was later transferred to the capital by Lin Moyin."

He paused, then added in a sinister tone, "But this kid does have some business acumen, which is why he's managed to get on good terms with that scoundrel Wei Zhengguang and Nangong Sheyue!"

Zhang Shouning gave Lu Wenxuan a cold look: "Lord Lu, do you think I'm senile?"

"Are Baiyujing and Yanyu Tower truly just properties owned by Wei Zhengguang and Nangong Sheyue?"

Lu Wenxuan's voice froze for a moment.

Zhang Shouning snorted: "Baiyujing and Yanyulou are definitely not to be touched!"

"To deal with Lin Moyin and Su Mo, we can't start with these two restaurants!"

Lu Wenxuan thought for a moment: "Would this humble official like to hear the Duke's insightful opinion?"

A sharp glint flashed in Zhang Shouning's eyes: "It should be this old man who listens to Lord Lu's brilliant opinion!"

"Lord Lu, as a deputy commander, surely you can't even handle a mere squad leader?"

Lu Wenxuan hesitated for a moment and looked around.

There were only the two of them in the flower hall, and there was a soundproof array, so they didn't have to worry about being eavesdropped on.

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "To be honest, Duke Anguo, I do have a way to get rid of Su Mo!"

Zhang Shouning replied without hesitation, "Tell me about it!"

Lu Wenxuan slowly said, "His Majesty is protecting that boy simply because his two restaurants can replenish the imperial treasury!"

"Since we can't touch the restaurant, we can start with Changping County!"

Zhang Shouning's expression changed slightly: "How should we proceed?"

Lu Wenxuan smiled and said, "His Majesty hates corrupt people the most!"

"This kid is incredibly greedy. He's got his hands on everything in Changping County, even the smuggled salt business!"

"As long as we obtain evidence of his corruption and smuggling of salt in Changping County and hand it over to those censors and officials..."

He paused slightly, then his tone suddenly turned icy: "Once the censors submit their impeachment memorials, His Majesty will be unable to protect Su Mo even if he wanted to!"

"Duke Anguo, you should acquire two more restaurants and hand over the money to His Majesty according to the original share."

"Does Your Majesty really want to make things difficult for the Imperial Brother-in-law for the sake of an outsider?"

Zhang Shouning stared at Lu Wenxuan for a long time: "Lord Lu, do you really think so highly of me?"

"Such enormous profits, Lord Lu is not tempted at all?"

Lu Wenxuan smiled: "This humble official knows what can be taken and what cannot be taken!"

"Of course, Lin Moyin, as well as that boy's beautiful maids and concubines, will naturally be handed over to me for disposal."

He paused, a hint of jealousy flashing across his face, and couldn't help but mutter resentfully, "That kid is certainly lucky with women!"

"I've heard that there are quite a few beauties being kept in Changping County!"

Zhang Shouning finally nodded: "Don't worry, Lord Lu, I have plenty of women, I won't compete with you for them!"

"After the deed is done, a generous gift will be presented!"

As he spoke, hatred surfaced on his wrinkled old face, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "This brat has insulted me time and time again. If I don't get rid of him, how can I save face as the Imperial Uncle!"

Lu Wenxuan said in a deep voice, "Duke Anguo, please be patient for a while."

"Once I send someone to Changping County to collect evidence of this brat's corruption, we'll skin him alive and tear him apart. It'll be a piece of cake for the Duke of Anguo to do it with a single word!"

(End of this chapter)