Chapter 17: The Living Yama Chen Mo, the Imperial Consort

The atmosphere inside the hall was deathly silent.

Yan Peizhi’s face was full of astonishment, his eyes filled with bewilderment.

"Barbarians" was a taboo term in the Great Yuan.

Years ago, demons and monsters wreaked havoc, and the world was in turmoil.

The southern barbarians seized the opportunity to invade, the borders collapsed, and the flames of war once burned all the way to Qingzhou!

They wantonly burned, killed, and looted, leaving the common people in misery, with blood and corpses stretching for a thousand miles, like a scene from hell!

At this moment of national crisis, the three great holy sects took action, driving out the demons and restoring peace to the world, thereby completely establishing the unshakable status of the Three Saints.

Afterward, the Eldest Princess proved her Dao through martial arts and, carrying the nation’s great treasure, the "Heavenly Edict Seal," personally led troops to suppress the southern barbarians.

She slaughtered them for a thousand miles, beheading over ten thousand barbarians to build a monument of heads!

To this day, the Eldest Princess remains in the southern frontier, guarding the nation’s territory!

It can be said that the hatred between the Great Yuan and the barbarians is as deep as the sea, an irreconcilable enmity!

"Why does Your Highness say this?"

"This old minister detests the barbarians to the core and wishes I could eat their flesh raw; how could I possibly collude with them?"

Yan Peizhi’s words were earnest, then thinking of something, he realized: "It must be that because this old minister thoroughly investigated the corruption case in the Ministry of Revenue, I touched upon the interests of certain people, which is why they are framing me like this. Your Highness, please do not easily believe the slander of others!"

"Framing?"

Behind the screen, the Empress let out a soft laugh, her tone cold and distant. "But how is it that I heard your nephew was raising barbarian slaves and engaging in secret trades, and was caught red-handed, and is now being held in the Imperial Prison?"

Boom!

As if struck by a thunderbolt, Yan Peizhi’s pupils shook violently!

He knew nothing of this matter, but since the Empress had said it herself, it must not be a joke!

"That scoundrel!"

As members of the Yan family’s collateral branch, Yan Liang and the others often used his name to seek personal gain.

Regarding this, Yan Peizhi had also turned a blind eye; after all, he still needed to rely on them to grasp the movements of the Heavenly Qilin Guard.

But he never expected them to be so bold as to get involved with the barbarians!

And at such a critical juncture!

"This old minister knows nothing of this. I hope Your Highness will investigate clearly!"

Yan Peizhi steadied his mind and said in a deep voice.

"Lord Yan, are you sure you can withstand an investigation?"

The Empress said indifferently.

"Your subject..."

Yan Peizhi was momentarily speechless.

That’s right, could he withstand an investigation?

Having been an official for many years and holding a high position, who could guarantee their hands were clean?

He knew the methods of the Imperial Prison better than anyone... just like the Ministry of Revenue corruption case, those three chief officials could implicate five ministers; how many people could Yan Liang and Yan Xun implicate?

No one cared about the process; the result was what mattered most!

It was foreseeable that if he dared to investigate further, he would definitely face a fierce retaliation from the Imperial Consort’s faction!

But the confession had already been handed to the Empress; he couldn't exactly admit to committing perjury...

Yan Peizhi was now in a dilemma, as if being roasted on a fire, and beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down his forehead.

The Empress seemed to see through his thoughts and said coldly:

"The crime of corruption is supported by conclusive evidence."

"As for the other implicated ministers... I believe this confession is far-fetched and insufficient to convict."

"Why don't you go back, Lord Yan, and interrogate them properly to see if those three deliberately implicated and falsely accused others to reduce their own guilt."

Swish!

The confession was thrown from behind the screen, fluttering as it landed on the ground.

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Yan Peizhi trembled all over and bowed deeply to the ground.

The Empress’s meaning was clear: the big picture comes first!

If he wanted to keep his official hat, this case could only end here!

"I am tired. You may withdraw."

The Empress said in a cold tone.

"Your subject takes his leave."

Yan Peizhi picked up the confession and bowed as he retreated, his figure appearing somewhat disheveled.

It was a good move, but he never expected such a complication; after this, his standing in the Empress’s heart would likely plummet.

He never imagined that the boomerang would return so quickly...

"Yan Peizhi was too impatient, trying to win big with a small stake. In the end, he underestimated Yu Youhan."

The Empress sighed softly.

"Your Highness, the timing is too coincidental, happening just last night... Is Imperial Consort Yu really that lucky?"

Beside her, an old eunuch wearing a python robe asked suspiciously.

"It is not luck, but rather that she has capable people by her side."

"Chen Mo... go and investigate him."

The Empress mused.

"Yes."

The old eunuch replied.

Heavenly Qilin Guard, Imperial Prison.

The cells were hidden deep underground, cold, damp, and devoid of sunlight.

The guards here were extremely strict, and the area was shrouded in an anti-magic array, rendering both true qi and spells completely ineffective.

In the cell, Yan Liang was in prison garb, his shoulder blades pierced by iron chains, hanging high like a piece of bacon drying in the wind.

"Why?"

Yan Liang couldn't figure it out no matter how hard he thought.

He had always been cautious in his actions, even handling the deliveries himself, never letting them pass through others' hands.

Why was he suddenly exposed?

Chen Mo seemed to have known in advance, sitting and waiting for him to walk right into the trap...

"My lord."

At this moment, the voice of a jailer came from outside the cell.

Footsteps approached from afar, and a tall, upright figure walked into the cell.

"Platoon Leader Yan, we meet again."

"Chen Mo!!"

Looking at that handsome face, Yan Liang’s eyes spewed fire, the hatred in his heart reaching an extreme that not even all the waters of the rivers and lakes could wash away!

The jailer brought a chair and placed it six feet in front of Yan Liang.

Chen Mo smoothed his robes and sat down, crossing his legs, enjoying the sight of his twisted expression.

"You plotted against me!"

"From beginning to end, it was you plotting against me!"

Yan Liang said hoarsely.

Chen Mo dug at his ear and said: "Platoon Leader Yan, your voice is too loud; it wouldn't be good to disturb the neighbors..."

As soon as he finished speaking, a jailer nearby grabbed an iron rod and smashed it hard against Yan Liang’s mouth!

Bang!

Bang! Bang!

Yan Liang’s mouth and nose sprayed blood, and his teeth fell all over the floor.

"Don't litter."

Chen Mo frowned.

The jailer understood the hint, grabbed the teeth from the ground, stuffed them back into Yan Liang’s mouth, and rammed them in with the iron rod!

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Yan Liang glared fixedly at Chen Mo, wishing he could swallow him alive.

Chen Mo remained calm and composed.

He knew clearly that if he had fallen into the other party’s hands, his fate would likely be a hundred times more miserable than this.

"Don't be impatient, this is just an appetizer."

Chen Mo snapped his fingers.

Two jailers walked in carrying dozens of types of torture instruments, placing them one by one in front of Yan Liang.

Finger presses, files, branding irons, iron lotus flowers... they were still stained with dried blood, making one’s hair stand on end.

Besides this, there was also a large earthenware jar.

"Platoon Leader Yan, you must be well-acquainted with the methods of our office; I won't go into too much detail about old-fashioned tortures like finger-crushing, tongue-cutting, spine-breaking, or heart-piercing..."

"What I am introducing today is a new project I’ve invented: 'Inviting the Guest into the Jar'."

Chen Mo patted the large jar and said with a smile: "First, set up firewood at the bottom to heat the jar, then stuff the prisoner inside. Once the skin and flesh are cooked through and sizzling with oil, you pull them out while it's still hot... Heh, guess what happens? The person comes out, but the skin stays in the jar."

Hiss!

The jailers exchanged glances, a chill rising in their hearts.

This man is surely a living King of Hell...

Yan Liang’s face turned deathly pale, and cold sweat soaked through his prisoner’s uniform.

Pervert!

Absolute pervert!

In his eyes at this moment, Chen Mo was practically a demon!

"Since Platoon Leader Yan is unwilling to confess, I have no other choice. Someone, invite Platoon Leader Yan into the jar!"

"Yes!"

Two jailers stepped forward.

"Wait!"

Yan Liang swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he said: "You haven't even asked yet, how do you know I'm unwilling to confess?"

Chen Mo paused, looking at the jailers, "Didn't I just ask?"

The jailers shook their heads, "My lord, you didn't ask."

"Look at my brain."

"I was so busy experimenting, I forgot to follow the procedure."

"Ahem, Platoon Leader Yan, whatever you wish to confess, speak for yourself."

Chen Mo sat up straight and asked with composure.

Yan Liang hesitated for a moment.

Keeping barbarian slaves—this matter could be big or small.

If investigated deeply, it would implicate those high-ranking officials and nobles; he feared he wouldn't even know how he died!

But in his current situation, it seemed he had no choice...

Just then, Chen Mo said nonchalantly: "By the way, I almost forgot to tell you, your younger brother has already confessed everything, saying that everything was done by you, and he was only coerced by you, forced into it."

"Impossible!"

"Yan Xun would never do such a thing!"

Yan Liang said decisively.

Chen Mo smiled, stood up, walked to his side, and whispered: "He also said that the master behind you is Prince Yu..."

Upon hearing this, Yan Liang was struck as if by lightning, his entire being appearing as if he had lost his soul.

Chen Mo did not speak, watching him quietly.

After a long while, Yan Liang’s voice was hoarse, "Can you guarantee that I will live?"

Chen Mo shrugged, "That depends on you."

Yan Liang lowered his head powerlessly and said:

"I have an account book that records the contents of all the transactions."

"Besides that, I also secretly recorded the transaction process with a Shadow-Recording Stone, just in case."

"The things are hidden in..."

Half an incense stick later.

Chen Mo walked out of the cell with his hands behind his back.

The jailers looked at him with admiration.

To get a confession without even using torture—what a talent; it would be a pity not to keep him in the Imperial Prison!

"My lord, shall we interrogate the other two?"

"No need."

Chen Mo said indifferently: "Also, untie Yan Liang later."

The jailers scratched their heads.

Is the lord showing mercy?

Immediately after, they heard Chen Mo say: "Then lock him and Yan Xun in the same cell."

"..."

As expected, he is still that living King of Hell!

The jailers could already imagine the scene of the two of them in the same room...

As for that man in the bamboo hat.

Chen Mo had long known who was behind him.

There were only a few people in the entire Ducheng who could order a Rank-6 warlock to run errands.

However, he did not want to wade into these muddy waters.

Quit while you're ahead; too much is as bad as too little. Take the credit that should be taken, and the rest is none of his business.

"Time to go find the Empress and collect my gold coins!"

Hanxiao Palace.

On the terrace, Yu Youhan stood leaning against the railing, gazing at the magnificent Imperial City, her eyes deep and dark.

She had been in a very bad mood lately.

The Empress's faction was pressing step by step, and she had suffered repeated heavy blows in the imperial court.

And she herself was constrained by others, even revealing such an ugly state in front of a man...

"Hoo."

Yu Youhan breathed and exhaled, reciting the Heart-Clearing Mantra to crush her distracting thoughts.

However, when she saw the "red rope" wrapped around her wrist, her just-calmed state of mind stirred once again.

"Damn heart demon..."

"Your Majesty."

At this moment, Xu Qingyi walked over quickly, "Your subordinate has an urgent matter to report!"

Yu Youhan sighed silently.

At a time like this, what urgent matter could there be? It was nothing more than the corruption case in the Ministry of Revenue.

Regarding this, she already had the answer in her heart.

"Yan Peizhi cannot back down; he will definitely bite hard and refuse to let go. In the end, how many people were implicated?"

"No one was implicated."

The female official said firmly: "Not only that, Yan Peizhi also agreed to let the Three Judicial Offices intervene in the case and conduct a joint trial!"

"Hmm?"

Yu Youhan raised her eyebrows, her expression stunned.

With such a good opportunity, the Empress had no reason to let it go... unless there was an unavoidable reason.

"You must have other things to report, right?"

"Your Majesty’s eyes are like torches."

Xu Qingyi smiled and said: "Last night, the Guishui Division of the Heavenly Qilin Guard uncovered a case of 'keeping barbarian slaves,' catching them red-handed; the suspect is none other than Yan Peizhi’s own nephew!"

"Keeping barbarian slaves?"

Yu Youhan was stunned upon hearing this, then the corners of her mouth curled up, "It seems the one with the headache now should be the Empress... The Company Commander of the Guishui Division is Shen Shuchou, right? Well done, he should be rewarded!"

It was truly a timely rain!

Not only did it resolve the crisis, but it also dealt a counter-blow to the Empress!

Xu Qingyi’s expression was a bit strange as she shook her head and said: "This case was led by Platoon Leader Chen Mo of the Guishui Division; he obtained the intelligence and planned the operation entirely on his own."

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere went quiet instantly.

A moment later, Yu Youhan’s slightly surprised voice rang out:

"Chen Mo?!"

Chen Mo stood before the Qianqing Gate.

Possessing the Purple Luan Token, he could enter and exit the Imperial Palace freely.

But to enter the Inner Court, he still needed to report, as hundreds of harem women lived there.

"What a waste of heaven's gifts."

Chen Mo shook his head secretly.

The Emperor was practically on his deathbed, naturally having neither the heart nor the strength, leaving these concubines to guard their empty rooms alone; they were probably covered in spiderwebs by now, right?

But looking at it from another angle, if the Emperor doesn't come to the harem, can't you play however you want?

Maybe they're having silver parties every day...

At this moment, Xu Qingyi, dressed in a white robe with light, delicate features, walked over.

"Director Xu."

Chen Mo waved to greet her.

Xu Qingyi did not speak; she lifted her chin, signaling for him to follow.

The two entered the Qianqing Gate and walked in the direction of the Hanxiao Palace.

On the way, Chen Mo asked, "Director Xu, does the Empress know about last night's events?"

Xu Qingyi remained silent.

Chen Mo asked again, "How is the Empress's mood today?"

Xu Qingyi still did not respond.

Chen Mo frowned and said, "Could it be that Director Xu is still angry about what happened last time?"

Xu Qingyi glanced at him and finally spoke, saying coldly, "Platoon Leader Chen certainly has a wide range of concerns; what does my mood have to do with you?"

"That is not the right way to put it, Director Xu."

Chen Mo stopped in his tracks and said with a straight face, "Although you and I have only met a few times, we are still acquaintances, and as a refined gentleman who respects women, how could I let you sulk all by yourself?"

Just as Xu Qingyi's expression softened slightly, she saw him pull out the Purple Luan Token and thrust it right in front of her.

"I order you not to be angry."

"..."

Xu Qingyi's fair face flushed red instantly, her teeth clenched tight, and she glared fiercely at Chen Mo!

This guy...

Is truly detestable!

Arriving before the gates of Hanxiao Palace, Xu Qingyi turned and walked away quickly without looking back.

She was afraid that if she stayed with this guy for a moment longer, she would be unable to resist slapping him to death!

Looking at the deep, dark palace doors, Chen Mo's heart rate accelerated slightly.

He took a deep breath, lifted his leg, and walked into the main hall.

Passing through the curtains, he saw Yu Youhan reclining on a chaise longue.

Her simple, plain-colored casual attire could not conceal her exquisite, shapely waist.

The hem of her garment was slightly short, revealing snow-white, delicate calves and a pair of jade-like feet that looked as if they were carved from pink jade.

Her ankles were slender and delicate, and her toes were as translucent as pearls, so white and tender that one could not help but want to hold them in their hands and toy with them.

"Have you seen enough?"

A cold, clear voice rang out.

Chen Mo hurriedly withdrew his gaze, lowering his head and daring not to look again.

"Come here."

Yu Youhan said.

Chen Mo walked up close, and Yu Youhan pulled back her legs, making space for him.

"Sit down."

"This subordinate dares not."

"I told you to sit, so sit."

"..."

Chen Mo hesitated for a moment, then sat cautiously on the edge of the chaise longue.

He only dared to perch on half of his seat, his back straight as a board, looking straight ahead.

Watching his nervous appearance, Yu Youhan found it inexplicably amusing; she straightened her legs and rested her jade feet on his thighs.

Her vermilion lips parted slightly:

"Massage my feet."

Chen Mo: "???"