Chapter 16

Party struggles are not just about strength and tactics.

To win people's hearts, intimidation, coercion, bribery, and enticement are all indispensable.

Among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Revenue manages land, taxation, the imperial treasury, and a host of financial affairs—it is truly the empire's purse and one of the Empress's greatest supports.

The Noble Consort's faction spent countless efforts to plant a spy in the Ministry of Revenue, only to have it so easily pulled out.

And it may very well trigger a backlash…

"My Lady, perhaps we should silence them forever…"

Xu Qingyi's eyes flickered with a hint of killing intent.

Now it's clear the man cannot be recovered—only minimize the damage as much as possible.

Otherwise, Yan Peizhi will exploit this incident, pull up the radish and drag up the mud, and no one knows how many others will be dragged in.

"Hah, do you really think the Empress has made no preparations?"

"She's clearly waiting for me to act—this is an open, undeniable strategy."

Yu Youhan tapped her slender fingers against the armrest, paused, then said: "Tomorrow in court, let Chen Zhuo submit a memorial accusing the Vice Minister of Justice of autocratic rule and extracting false confessions through torture, demanding a joint review by the Three Departments and imperial censors to oversee the case!"

"Yes."

Xu Qingyi bowed her head, silently sighing.

The accusation is merely a desperate move—harmless, incapable of changing anything.

My Lady may have no choice but to swallow this bitter pill…

…

That night.

The moon was dark, the wind howled.

At the third watch, all was silent; the night wind swept through with biting cold.

A carriage rolled out of the Yan residence, wheels rumbling as it moved through the alleyways.

After circling several times, it entered a courtyard on South Street in Yicui Fang.

An incense stick later, the back gate opened and the carriage rolled out again.

Before it had gone far, sudden flashes of firelight erupted—dozens of officers clad in dark-scaled black robes surged from the shadows, swords and blades drawn, surrounding the carriage.

The crowd parted as a tall, slender figure walked forward slowly.

"It's deep in the night, curfew has passed—where are you going?"

The black-clad driver remained expressionless, silent.

Liu Mang frowned, grabbed the driver's jaw, pried open his mouth—only a short inch of tongue root remained; he was a mute, punished by tongue-cutting.

He walked to the rear carriage, lifted the curtain—and saw Yan Liang sitting calmly inside.

Aside from him, the carriage was empty.

"It's so late—why isn't General Yan sleeping in his residence? What are you doing in Yicui Fang?"

"I couldn't sleep, came out for a stroll. Do I need to report to you?"

Yan Liang growled: "Why are you from the Gui Shui Si mobilizing so heavily? Are you treating me as a criminal?"

Liu Mang stated plainly: "Someone reported that General Yan is suspected of keeping barbarian slaves…"

Yan Liang narrowed his eyes, voice icy: "You must answer for your words—do you have proof?"

"Whether we do or not—you'll know after we search!"

Liu Mang said no more, waved his hand—and several officers entered the courtyard with torches.

Yan Liang crossed his arms, watched coldly, his eyes filled with mockery.

Soon, the officers emerged one by one.

"No discovery."

"Nothing here either."

Bang!

Yan Liang slammed his fist on the table, jabbed his finger at Liu Mang's nose and roared: "What the hell are you, to dare trouble me?"

"Where's Chen Mo? Tell him to come out! We haven't settled accounts for today's incident—do you really think I'm made of mud?"

"If you don't give me an explanation this time, I'll file a formal complaint against you all for overstepping authority and false accusations!"

Liu Mang wiped the spittle from his face, calmly said: "Elder Chen is busy. He has no time to come."

"Busy with what?"

Yan Liang froze.

At this moment, Chen Mo was not here?

Could it be… a terrible premonition suddenly surged in his heart.

Liu Mang smirked: "Busy catching people!"

Almost simultaneously, a brilliant slash of blade-light flashed across the distant night sky!

Seeing the direction of that blade-light, Yan Liang's expression froze—his eyes filled with terror!

…

In a dark, narrow alley, several figures wrapped in black robes and hooded shadows moved silently, nearly merging with the night.

A few of them moved stiffly; as they walked, their robes swayed, revealing black iron shackles around their ankles.

Yan Xun walked at the front, a smug smile hidden beneath his hood.

"My brother's mind is sharp—he used the trick of hiding in plain sight."

"Yicui Fang was just a decoy—the goods are hidden in West Ancestral Alley. He stayed there to draw attention, while I've already delivered the goods to the buyer!"

"The wind has been too strong lately—this batch can't be held back any longer; it must be sold quickly…"

Arriving at a secluded courtyard, Yan Xun stepped forward and lightly tapped the door ring.

"Who is it?"

A hoarse voice came from inside.

Yan Xun whispered, "Third watch, don't lust."

After the secret password was confirmed, the gate opened silently, and the group hurried into the courtyard.

A burly giant led them into the room.

Inside, the candle flame flickered like a tiny star; the man seated on the chair wore a wide-brimmed hat, black gauze hanging down to obscure his face, and said in a low tone, "You're late… Why are you here? Where's Yan Liang?"

"My brother can't leave for now, but don't worry—the goods are flawless."

Yan Xun said, "We've been spotted. This is the last batch. We're suspending deliveries for now."

"Inspect."

The hat-wearer raised his hand.

The giant stepped forward, yanking off the hoods of several people, revealing faces with sun-kissed skin and exotic beauty.

Their eyes were dull, showing almost no reaction to external stimuli.

"These are all trained barbarian slaves—just hold this beast ring…"

Yan Xun was about to demonstrate the "method of use" when a faint breeze brushed past, making the candle flame sway.

The hat-wearer frowned. "You brought others with you?"

"No?"

Yan Xun shook his head in confusion.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door banged, and a deep, resonant male voice called from outside:

"Open up. Inspection."

The hat-wearer's face changed instantly—he leapt to his feet. "Damn it…"

Before he finished speaking, a blazing blade-light slashed through, shattering the door into splinters!

A handsome, imposing man stepped in slowly; behind him, dozens of Tianlin Guards poured in, surrounding the place completely!

"Chen Mo?!"

Yan Xun's eyes bulged wide, his expression as if he'd seen a ghost.

Shouldn't he be at Yicui Courtyard, being fooled by Yan Liang?

How could he be here?

"An unexpected bonus?"

Chen Mo glanced at the hat-wearer.

He had long known where the barbarian slaves were hidden—he deliberately lured the snake out of its hole to catch them red-handed.

He hadn't expected the other side to be so bold—to still dare trade under these circumstances!

"Stop them!"

The hat-wearer didn't hesitate—he rapidly formed hand seals.

The giant roared, his body swelling violently, tearing his clothes, transforming into a giant nearly three meters tall, his knotted muscles gleaming with ancient bronze luster!

"A sorcerer?"

Chen Mo's brow twitched slightly.

"Resist, and be slain on the spot!"

The officers charged forward.

They were all ranked warriors, formidable in strength—but blades and swords striking the giant left only bloody gashes, incapable of delivering fatal wounds.

The giant's strikes were heavy and powerful; with a single sweep, he sent several men flying!

Seeing this, the group swiftly adjusted tactics—some darted and dodged, wrapping iron chains around the giant's body to pin him in place.

The others targeted his ankles, knee joints, and groin with furious slashes!

Two officers at a distance, holding crossbows, tautened their strings; arrows whistled through the air!

Puff! Puff!

Two arrows pierced both eyes simultaneously!

"Aaaahhhhh!"

The agony drove the giant nearly mad!

He grabbed the iron chains, swung the officers like puppets, broke free, and charged straight ahead—directly toward where Chen Mo stood!

"My lord, beware!"

Qin Shou cried out.

Chen Mo stood firm, his right hand resting on his saber's hilt.

At the instant they collided, a brilliant emerald light tore through the darkness—a dragon-like roar shook the soul!

The giant remained mid-run, his body splitting cleanly from head to toe, sliding past Chen Mo's side; the spraying blood hadn't even fallen before being vaporized by the saber's aura!

Clang!

The saber sheathed, the corpse crashed to the ground.

"Elegant. So elegant!"

Everyone watched, hearts expanded with awe, eyes filled with reverence and admiration!

From strength and defense alone, this giant far surpassed an Ordinary Rank 6 warrior—yet he couldn't even withstand a single slash from the Chief Flag!

Just how strong was this Chief Flag?

【Killed "Bronze Puppet · Juling," True Spirit +30.】

A prompt flashed before his eyes; Chen Mo exhaled steadily.

"Is this the power of a Heaven-Class Upper-Tier Martial Art?"

"Green Dragon in Sleeve… just the beginner stage, yet already this formidable—yet the True Qi consumption is enormous; few Sixth-Rank martialists could unleash this slash."

Moreover, Chen Mo could sense that this slash resonated with some profound principle.

It must be what they call 'Dao Yun.'

"My Bronze Puppet!!"

The hooded man winced in agony.

To forge this puppet, he emptied his entire fortune—used a Sixth-Rank martialist, plus nearly a thousand jin of Crimson Blood Copper!

And this brat cut it down with one slash?

"I'll remember you. We'll settle this another day…"

The hooded man cast a deep glance at Chen Mo; beneath his feet, the blue bricks softened like quicksand, and his body swiftly vanished into the earth.

Five Elements Diving Technique!

As a Sixth-Rank sorcerer, he had his own means—these imperial court hounds couldn't possibly stop him…

At that moment, a deep, resonant voice rang out calmly: "Friend, since you've come, don't rush to leave."

Boom!

A silver spear pierced through the door, striking the ground like a falling star!

Shen Shuqiu stepped forward on moonlight, seized the silver spear, and poured surging qi into it, forcibly tearing open a massive crack several meters long in the ground—and it kept spreading rapidly!

As the constables and barbarian slaves had just retreated to the courtyard, the entire house collapsed with a thunderous crash!

"Fifth-Rank Pure Yang?"

"Are you the Tianlin Guard's Hundred-Man Commander?!"

Shocked cries rang out.

Then came another pained groan.

The night wind brushed past; the dust cleared. Shen Shuqiu stood tall.

The hooded man was impaled by the silver spear, his abdomen pierced, pinned firmly to the wall.

His Divine Sea shattered, no matter how many techniques he possessed, none could be used.

Fallen…

The hooded man racked his brain, utterly baffled.

They were just a few barbarian slaves—how did they draw the attention of a Tianlin Guard Hundred-Man Commander?

…

"Bring them to the Imperial Prison! Await sentencing!"

Shen Shuqiu's voice was icy.

"Yes!"

The constables responded in unison.

Yan Xun's knees buckled; he collapsed to the ground on the spot.

As a member of the Tianlin Guard, he knew exactly what the Imperial Prison meant.

Soul-scouring torment, unspeakably cruel—there, what was terrifying wasn't death, but even death became a luxury…

They escorted the captives out of the courtyard.

Shen Shuqiu shook his silver spear; it dissolved into shimmering light and vanished into his body.

Noticing Chen Mo's puzzled gaze, Shen Shuqiu explained voluntarily: "This spear isn't physical—it's my cultivated Martial Soul, in perfect harmony with my will, as if it were an extension of my own limb."

Martial Soul?

Chen Mo understood.

The gap between the Three Stages of Transcending Mortality is as vast as heaven and earth.

Sixth-Rank Guiyuan Stage: refining Qi into True Qi.

Fifth-Rank Chunyang Stage: merging Divine Awareness with True Qi to condense one's own Martial Soul!

"Each person's Cultivation Technique, talent, and state of mind differ—so their Martial Souls are utterly distinct."

"Since childhood, I trained with my elder brother…."

Here, Shen Shuqiu paused, a flicker of grief and hatred passing through his eyes.

When the barbarians invaded the Southern Frontier, Shen's eldest son died on the battlefield—hence his deep hatred for the barbarians!

After calming himself, Shen Shuqiu patted Chen Mo's shoulder.

"Tonight's raid—your contribution was foremost… but I'm curious: how did you know Yan's family was keeping barbarian slaves, and even knew their exact location?"

…Say too much, and you'll cry.

In his past life, Chen Mo had scrolled through Tieba and seen someone swear that completing a series of prerequisites would trigger the hidden quest "Taming Barbarian Slaves."

So he repeated the quest dozens of times, memorizing every detail…

Damn that Wangzuo Dao!

Chen Mo's lips twitched. "I had a tip."

"A tip?"

"So you've been planning this for a long time?"

Shen Shuqiu was surprised, studying Chen Mo intently.

Previously, his impression of Chen Mo had been mediocre—he'd thought him merely a pampered Young Master, unfit for serious duty.

Yet after only a single day, Chen Mo had made him look at him with new eyes!

Meticulous planning, acting only after the scheme was set—first deliberately provoking the other side, luring the snake from its hole, then catching them red-handed.

Handsome in appearance, gifted in talent, and with such a meticulous mind to boot.

Thinking of that glutton back at his own home, Shen Shuqiu suddenly felt he was "marrying above his station"…

No—this fine brother-in-law had to be held onto!

"Last time we spoke of the matter of bestowing a marriage…"

"Ahem, it's getting late. This humble official will go back and catch some sleep. My lord should rest early as well."

"Since that sorcerer was captured by my lord, let my lord interrogate him personally. This humble official dare not claim the credit."

Having said that, Chen Mo flashed away and made himself scarce.

Shen Shuqiu was stunned for a moment, then laughed despite himself.

"Hmph, this lad is a slippery one. What 'dare not claim the credit'—it's plainly that he's afraid of offending people…"

……

The next day, Zhaohua Palace.

Upturned flying eaves, turquoise tiles and crimson ridges—every line proclaimed the grandeur of the imperial house.

From incense burners carved with auspicious beasts, curls of fragrance rose, filling the air with a faint, sweet scent.

Behind a glazed screen, the vague figure of a person in bright yellow could be seen seated upright.

"How goes the investigation into the Ministry of Revenue corruption case?"

The woman's voice carried authority tinged with a hint of languor.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the suspects have confessed fully to their crimes. After interrogation and investigation, the three are also implicated in bribery, purchasing of offices, dereliction of duty… and numerous other charges."

"Among them, five persons are involved, including a Physician of the Ministry of Personnel, a Secretary, and Supervising Censors."

As he spoke, Yan Peizhi, in a purple official robe, presented the depositions.

His temples were streaked with white, his gaze sharp as a blade—like a lean tiger or a hungry eagle, his bearing extraordinary.

A eunuch took the depositions and handed them to the Empress.

After a moment, a voice tinged with anger rang out: "Wresting power and stealing authority, selling offices and trafficking in titles—my Great Yuan's officialdom has rotted to such a point! Good, very good!"

"May Your Highness calm her wrath."

Yan Peizhi lowered his head, a glint flickering in his eyes.

Whether this deposition was true or false no longer mattered.

What mattered was, through this deposition, what benefits could be obtained?

At that moment, a female official strode quickly in and whispered something beside the Empress.

Behind the screen, silence lingered for a long while.

Just as Yan Peizhi was feeling puzzled, the Empress's words made every hair on his body stand on end!

"Lord Yan, perhaps you should first explain why your Yan family has become entangled with the barbarian tribes?"

……