[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal":3,"chapter-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-100":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},596473,846,"Chapter 100: Im so disappointed in you","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-100",100,"\u003Cp>The next morning, dawn barely broke over the eastern horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the bedside, only a faint fragrance lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo was long accustomed to waking up to find the \"ice block\" already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silently gauging his training progress, he got up and headed downstairs, where Ying Bing was waiting for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the hot pot shop had no proprietress, but beneath the tree by the entrance stood a graceful figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clad in deep-blue fish-scale brocade that accentuated her delicate frame, she held a longsword in her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the fluttering veil of her bamboo hat, one could almost glimpse her serene gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, those legs are longer than my lifespan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rumor has it the current top disciple of the Qingyuan Sect is a peerless beauty with formidable skills. Could it be...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever she appeared, she effortlessly became the center of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After locking eyes for a few seconds, Li Mo chuckled and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding the morning breeze into the city, Li Mo finally felt the thrill of living in a martial world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ziyang Prefecture City bustled with carriages and crowds, its streets alive like swirling smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing it had been a while since he last visited Princess Xiao Jiang and the kids, Li Mo decided to buy some treats for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Candied hawthorns!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are these white plums sweet? Sweet as can be!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Folks, today’s a special deal! This exotic wine usually costs eighty-eight taels, but for you—just eighty-eight coppers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wrap up all the candied hawthorns for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, Benevolent Li? Hahaha, Benevolent Li is eating my candied hawthorns!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One vendor nearly lost his mind with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He promptly fetched a wooden sign and scribbled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Candied Hawthorns—Highly Recommended by Benevolent Li!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was instantaneous. A crowd gathered, curious and eager to buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benevolent Li, try mine next!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you like roasted yams?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benevolent Li, need new clothes? Our women’s wear is stunning!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait—where’d he go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaos briefly ensued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took Li Mo a while to squeeze out of the throng, bamboo pole of candied hawthorns in hand—even resorting to his Windshadow Steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benevolent Li?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing turned her head, puzzled by Li Mo’s inexplicable fame in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, this is your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing the full story, Ying Bing paused, then turned away, her lips behind the veil curling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the two arrived at Mud Corner Alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-messy courtyard was now tidy, cluttered yet orderly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roof of the rundown house had been patched, and a makeshift stove stood in the yard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother Li!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"St-stutter Sister, look! Big Brother Li’s here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ooh, who’s that lady with him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow! I’ve wanted candied hawthorns forever!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kids swarmed around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After greetings, they grew curious—why wasn’t Stutter Sister, who usually talked about Li Mo nonstop, coming out today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo glanced up and spotted a figure peeking from behind the door, only half her face visible, cheeks flushed with shyness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image reminded him of the socially anxious kitten he’d raised in his past life—one that hid whenever strangers visited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo shot Ying Bing a questioning look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You told me to find her, but you two... aren’t even close?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing observed Jiang Chulong—her breathing steady, her thin frame now healthier—and her expression softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo waved encouragingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chulong, I brought you snacks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Chulong finally stepped forward, nervous but reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her eyes were covered, she could sense it:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sister... wasn’t a bad person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mud Corner Alley’s little yard welcomed its head chef.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo tied on an apron and started cooking for the kids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Jiang Chulong stole a glance at Ying Bing, flustered when she realized the other was watching her, and quickly lowered her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sister... is even more elegant than First Aunt, Second Aunt, Third Aunt... back in the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her presence is so intimidating...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother Li, I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s up?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-nothing... I’ll help... cook...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She deftly drew her Chixiao Sword and began assisting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing took half a step forward, then hesitated and retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, as the meal was nearly ready—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you all doing here?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice thick with frustration rang from the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man in fine silk stood there, two candied hawthorn skewers in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plop—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The left skewer fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Luo Yu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo leaned back slightly. What’s this attention-seeker doing here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I waited for you at the magistrate’s office for hours! Why didn’t you show up?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re clearly already in the city!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu demanded, righteous indignation in his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... forgot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo finally remembered what he’d overlooked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that he’d ever planned to team up with Luo Yu anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You forgot something this important?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu’s brows knitted into a frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What have you been doing in the city, then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Running a hot pot shop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo answered matter-of-factly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu’s blood pressure spiked at his nonchalance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So irresponsible!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned a hopeful gaze to Ying Bing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Counting money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t even glance his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t even know this hyperactive guy’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who are you? Never met you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counting money? So, the proprietress?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu saw black. He was ready to spit blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The candied hawthorn in his right hand also dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ziyang Prefecture City sits at the foot of Qingyuan Mountain! How can you two laze around with a hot pot shop while people’s safety is at stake?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you here on vacation?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph! I thought you were someone worth respecting. Now, I’m thoroughly disappointed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you, Miss Ying Bing—to stoop so low!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a furious flick of his sleeve, Luo Yu stormed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo rubbed his temples. \"What’s his problem?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing shook her head slightly—unfazed and uninterested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they picked up their bowls to eat—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu, who’d just left in a huff, reappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo: \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... lend me two candied hawthorns.\" Luo Yu’s face cycled through shades of pale and red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones he’d dropped were his last two—hard-won prizes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re into these?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo couldn’t help laughing. \"Take them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph... my sister wants some...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yu plucked two skewers from the bamboo pole by the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he turned back, emphasizing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t think this fixes anything. I’m still disappointed in you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He jabbed the air with a skewer for emphasis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the gate, he paused again, his eyes lingering on Li Mo and the kids at the table before muttering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lately... children have been going missing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he hurried off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t come just for candied hawthorns—he’d been investigating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, no leads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo: \".....?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Missing children...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing repeated the words, pensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo looked at the little kids and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have any of you seen suspicious people around here lately?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Brother Li.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're way too clever to be tricked by kidnappers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm! Stutter Sister is super strong—she even beat up that vicious dog at the alley entrance. She protects us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little ones quickly reassured him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo, however, wondered if he should just take them to his shop. They could even help out with small tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm... would that count as child labor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahem!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cough came from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Xiao Qin, disguised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was grave as he scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Mo approached, his first words were:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smiling Arhat sent a message.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Happy Dragon Boat Festival, everyone! Did you eat any zongzi today?\u003C\u002Fp>",1244,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.269Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","4e90704055056c7bb115e1a1d8ea964001dfa7a7b4266073a38547482eeb84c0","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-501","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-99",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]