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

Chapter 187 In what way am I inferior to Lin Moyin?

In the Lizheng Hall, the Empress dismissed the female officials, palace maids, and eunuchs.

Then he handed Su Mo's poem to An Wu: "An Banban, take a look at this poem."

An Wu knew the Empress's intentions.

He respectfully accepted the paper with both hands, examined it carefully for a long time, and finally shook his head: "Your Majesty, this old servant is foolish and cannot see the profound meaning of this poem."

The Empress narrowed her phoenix eyes, staring intently at An Wu for a long time before finally saying slowly, "Even An Banban gained nothing?"

An Wu hesitated for a moment: "Two lines in this poem, 'The toes break the dew on the pavilion, reflecting the millions of lanterns in the capital,' show that it was created by Su Mo on the spot."

"Such impromptu works are usually related to the creator's past experiences."

He paused slightly, a look of suspicion appearing on his old face: "In my opinion, the most crucial points mentioned in the poem should be Kunlun Ruins, the borderlands, and the shark scabbard!"

"Among them, Kunlun Ruins is the most important, while the possibility of the border region is small."

"But I have never heard of the name Kunlun Ruins before."

A cold glint flashed in the Empress's eyes: "Continue!"

An Wu asserted without hesitation, "Su Mo is exceptionally knowledgeable about matters of the sea, even more so than this old servant!"

"Without having truly entered the sea, one would never have such an understanding of it!"

"This old servant believes that Su Mo must have lived in, or visited, the Kunlun Ruins."

"Kunlun Ruins is very likely located in that vast ocean, which is why the people in the ruins use the skin of sharks as sheaths, and they also know a great deal about the giant Kun!"

The Empress frowned slightly: "According to the investigation by the Phoenix Cry Division..."

“Su Mo grew up in Changping County and never even went to Taihe County, which is near the sea.”

"Does An Banban think that Fengming Division's intelligence is wrong?"

An Wu shook his head: "It's unlikely that the Phoenix Cry Division would make a mistake on such crucial intelligence."

“Su Mo’s experiences in his youth are easy to find out.”

"certainly……"

An Wu then changed the subject: "There are ways to deceive others."

He was the Empress's mentor, and with a lifespan of over two hundred years, his cultivation was not only unfathomable, but decades ago he had traveled all over the country, and his rich knowledge and experience were comparable to that of others.

The Empress nodded slightly: "Please tell me, An Banban!"

An Wu said in a deep voice, "Find someone whose build and appearance are similar to Su Mo's, and have them grow up in Changping County in Su Mo's place!"

"As long as one keeps a low profile, the people of Changping County will naturally find it difficult to detect anything amiss."

"Once Su Mo returns from Kunlun Ruins or Baiyujing after completing his studies, he can replace this person!"

"in addition……"

As he spoke, An Wu's expression suddenly turned solemn: "This old servant has heard that terrestrial immortals possess great supernatural powers, which can help others travel thousands of miles in their spirits!"

He took a deep breath: "The white-bearded old man that Su Mo mentioned might actually exist!"

Leng Liuxi immediately became serious and asked in a deep voice, "An Banban, are you saying that the old man with the white beard is a terrestrial immortal?"

"Are there really immortals on earth?"

An Wu gave a wry smile: "This old servant doesn't know!"

"However, the world is vast and boundless. Perhaps this old servant, who thinks he has attained profound immortality, is just a frog in a well, unaware of the immensity of the earth."

"How dare I say that there are no truly great beings like this in the world!"

"That old man with the white beard is truly a terrestrial immortal, possessing unfathomable abilities, assisting Su Mo's soul, allowing him to spend his days in Changping and his nights in Kunlun..."

He suddenly stopped.

Leng Liuxi also fell silent.

After a long pause, she slowly asked, "An Banban, what do you think of Su Mo?"

Upon hearing this, An Wu's expression changed slightly, and he remained silent for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

The Empress did not urge Anwu.

Finally, An Wu sighed and said with a wry smile, "This old servant can't see through him!"

"Su Mo... he is truly unfathomable. I have seen countless people, but I have never met anyone like Commander Su!"

The Empress narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly: "What makes you say that?"

An Wu slowly said, "He gives me the feeling that he is not from this world."

"In his eyes, it seemed that the concepts of status and hierarchy did not exist! He had no reverence for heaven and earth!"

"It was as if the mysteries of heaven and earth were all contained within his heart."

Even an old monster like An Wu, who has lived for over two hundred years, would find it difficult to find suitable words to describe Su Mo.

"How can I possibly explain this to this old servant..."

"In his eyes, this old servant sees only two words: equality!"

"Whether they are high-ranking officials, powerful families, or commoners, or even people of low social status, or even..."

Leng Liuxi's pretty face suddenly showed a helpless expression: "He treats even me, the Emperor of Great Wu, the same!"

An Wu quickly replied, "That's simply because he doesn't know His Majesty's identity!"

"If they knew that Leng Xixi was His Majesty, they would certainly not dare to be presumptuous in front of His Majesty!"

Leng Liuxi waved her hand: "I don't think so!"

After a pause, she suddenly changed the subject and asked casually, "Does An Banban think that Su Mo, or rather the person behind him, harbors any ill will towards Da Wu?"

An Wu's body trembled slightly: "I dare not say who is behind him."

"But General Su..."

As he spoke, An Wu gave a bitter smile: "Commander Su is such a lazy and indulgent person, I really can't see any ambition he has for His Majesty's empire."

Leng Liuxi looked helpless: "That's what I think too!"

"However, he really infuriated me!"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh in anger, letting out a heavy snort: "I have never seen anyone as unambitious as him!"

"He even tried to outsmart me, making me deal with the emperor's brother-in-law!"

"You really think I can't see through it?"

Matters concerning the imperial family.

An Wu naturally dared not express his opinion!

Leng Liuxi's face suddenly darkened, and she snorted: "This brother-in-law of the emperor, knowing my difficulties, still acts so... ostentatiously, not afraid of ruining my reputation, which truly infuriates me!"

"Furthermore, this mere restaurant dares to call itself Tianyi!"

"Is my imperial palace only second to none in the world?"

She paused, her pretty face regaining its composure, and then said calmly, "Go and summon Nangong Sheyue to an audience!"

An Wu respectfully withdrew!
Not long after leaving the Lizheng Hall, they saw Ning Jing, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was known as the Inner Minister, standing respectfully in the corridor outside the hall.

Beside him followed two middle-aged and elderly eunuchs with serious expressions, carrying several memorials in their hands.

In addition, Nangong Sheyue stood solemnly not far from Ning Jinghou.

"Greetings, Eunuch An!" Ning Jing greeted An Wu proactively.

An Wu didn't presume to be arrogant: "An Wu greets the Headmaster!"

"Does Chief Seal Ning request an audience with His Majesty?"

Ning Jing nodded: "These memorials have been drafted by the cabinet and need to be submitted to the Emperor for approval."

"The Grand Secretaries are pressing us hard, so I can only wait outside the Hall of State Affairs."

He paused, then asked, "May I ask, Eunuch An, does His Majesty have any free time at the moment?"

The palace maids and female officials were all banished from the palace by the Empress, so Ning Jing naturally dared not let anyone inform His Majesty.

An Wu shook his head: "His Majesty has ordered that Commander Nangong be summoned. I'm afraid Commander Ning will have to wait a little while."

Ning Jing quickly replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch An!"

An Wu smiled and said, "I have some trivial matters to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer, Lord Chief."

He bid farewell to Ning Jing, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

An Wu walked towards Nangong Sheyue to inform her of the Emperor's summons. They then proceeded to the outside of the palace gardens.

He waved his hand and summoned several strong and powerful eunuchs from the Imperial Horse Administration: "You will come with me for a trip out of the palace."

"Let's go to Tianyi Building!"

"Bring the hammer!"

……

Nangong Sheyue immediately entered the hall, and when she passed Ning Jing, she paused and said, "I have offended the Lord of the Seal."

Ning Jing smiled and said, "Lord Nangong, there's no need to be so polite."

"Hurry up and go! His Majesty must have something important to discuss with Lord Nangong. Don't delay."

After Nangong Sheyue left.

Ning Jing immediately regained his solemn expression, his hands hanging down, his eyes fixed straight ahead, standing as still as a stone statue!

Nangong Sheyue entered the Lizheng Hall and knelt before the Empress: "Your subject greets Your Majesty!"

The Empress seemed to be in a good mood, and smiled, saying, "Rise, my dear subject."

He paused, then continued, "I ordered you to send a silver hairpin to my uncle. What was his reaction?"

Nangong Sheyue replied without hesitation, "Zhang Guojiu seems quite displeased."

"Furthermore, I saw Lu Wenxuan and Zhang Guojiu appreciating poetry together on the Xiaolanting Pavilion boat."

The Empress, who had been in a good mood, suddenly turned pale: "Lu Wenxuan?"

"What is the meaning behind his private meeting with my uncle?"

Nangong Sheyue said in a deep voice, "Your subject does not know!"

The Empress immediately snorted: "Is it that you don't know, or that you dare not say?"

Nangong Sheyue's delicate body trembled, and she gritted her teeth and said, "I believe that Zhang Guojiu has not yet let go of his resentment towards Su Mo."

"Meeting with Lu Wenxuan is probably related to Commander Su."

The Empress remained silent for a moment, then suddenly waved her hand: "You may leave now."

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment: "I have another matter to report to Your Majesty."

The Empress paused for a moment, then said, "Speak!"

Nangong Sheyue took a slight breath and said, "I just received a secret report from my subordinates that there is a salt smuggler named Chen Bao who is selling smuggled salt in the three counties of Changping, Taihe and Tieshan. His crime is heinous."

"Your Majesty, should we capture him?"

The Empress's eyebrows furrowed instantly.

She naturally knew what Nangong Sheyue meant.

This is to help Su Mo clean up the mess.

If Lu Wenxuan wants to deal with Su Mo, he will most likely start from Changping County!

After much deliberation, the Empress finally said helplessly, "These lawless individuals have harmed the salt administration and should be severely punished as a warning to others."

"But Commander Su is a man of deep feelings; if we take down Chen Bao..."

The Empress frowned and looked at Nangong Sheyue: "In your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

A strange light flashed in Nangong Sheyue's eyes, but she did not answer the Empress's question directly: "Your Majesty, I have a question. What about Chen Bao, besides selling coarse salt to the people of the three counties?"

"The salt shops in the county also sell refined salt, the quality of which is almost on par with that of raw salt, and the quantity is...extremely large!"

The Empress looked at Nangong Sheyue suspiciously: "How old?"

Nangong Sheyue took a slight breath, her face showing shock, a testament to the staggering number: "More than 8,000 shi of refined salt produced in three months!"

Upon hearing the figure of eight thousand shi (a unit of grain), the Empress suddenly stood up from her dragon throne.

His eyes flashed with a fierce light as he stared intently at Nangong Sheyue!

His tone was icy and stern: "How much?"

Nangong Sheyue quickly replied, "Eight thousand shi, no less!"

The Empress coldly replied, "Changping has only a few hundred thousand people; how could it possibly sell eight thousand shi of refined salt?"

"Where did Chen Bao, this smuggler, get eight thousand shi of refined salt!"

Salt tax was the largest source of revenue for the imperial court besides the two main taxes!

The Empress certainly knew the price of refined salt.

One pound of salt in Shenjing is equivalent to thirty pounds of rice and costs two hundred coins!
Even though Changping County is located by the sea, the price of salt is calculated in hundreds of coins.

Eight thousand shi (a unit of dry measure), that's eighty thousand taels of silver!

Nangong Sheyue immediately said, "The people of Changping County certainly cannot consume eight thousand shi of refined salt."

"But the price of refined salt in the salt shops was extremely low, only fifty coins per catty."

“Salt merchants from surrounding prefectures secretly sent people to Changping to buy salt and resell it elsewhere!”

"According to my information, this salt is produced from salt wells in the mountains, but the mountains where the salt wells are located are heavily guarded, and no further information has been obtained."

"However, that salt well, which dried up during the drought, shouldn't have been able to produce so much refined salt!"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "I suspect it is because of Commander Su."

The Empress's expression changed slightly: "You mean, Young Master Su... Su Mo has a secret method for making refined salt?"

Nangong Sheyue nodded slightly: "I have this suspicion, but I cannot be certain!"

The Empress took a deep breath and slowly sat back on the dragon throne.

A mere salt shop sold 40,000 taels of silver worth of refined salt in just three months!
No one can live without salt!

The enormous profits from salt production are beyond doubt!
What if the Great Wu Dynasty obtained the method to manufacture refined salt?
This not only allows them to obtain huge sums of money from powerful and influential families and clans.

They can even be sold outside of Dawu!

Seize the wealth of other empires!

The Empress remained silent for a long time before finally taking a deep breath and speaking in an extremely cold tone: "This matter is top secret. No one is allowed to access the relevant case files!"

"Capture Lu Wenxuan...and imprison him in the Phoenix Cry Division Prison!"

"Immediately issue an order to the Changping County Hundred-Household Office: arrest any suspicious outsiders and interrogate them thoroughly!"

After a series of orders were issued.

The Empress's already pale face turned even paler, and she couldn't help but snort, saying irritably, "This Su Mo... he really can... drive people crazy!"

"It seems I'll have to make another trip tonight!"

"If he dares to conceal the matter of refined salt, I... I will never forgive him!"

The Empress gritted her teeth in anger: "Just how many things is this guy hiding from me?!"

"Do you think I'm heartless and ruthless, that I'll discard you like a dog after the hunt is over?"

"Is that how he sees me?"

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Your Majesty, this is probably because Commander Su is unaware of Your Majesty's identity and has some concerns."

"In my observation, General Su is most loyal and devoted to loyalty."

"If he knew of His Majesty's affection for him, he would do everything in his power to serve His Majesty."

The Empress couldn't help but snort, "I don't think so!"

As he spoke, his tone turned slightly sour: "That guy would rather confide in Lin Moyin than reveal a single word to me!"

She looked at Nangong Sheyue and suddenly asked, "Tell me, in what way am I inferior to Lin Moyin?"

Nangong Shoots the Moon...

How was she supposed to answer that?
After hesitating for a long time, Lord Nangong smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty!"

"Doesn't this just prove that Commander Su is a man of deep feelings?"

"Commander Lin met Lord Su when he was still a nobody, and was grateful for his recognition and promotion. He was even more devoted to him."

She took a deep breath and said slowly, "If Commander Su is not honest with Commander Lin, then we should remember his kindness!"

"How can Your Majesty feel at ease employing such a heartless and ungrateful person?"

The Empress snorted, but said nothing more.

(End of this chapter)