[{"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-182":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},596705,846,"Chapter 182: Husband Ranked Sixth on the Hidden Dragon List","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-182",182,"\u003Cp>Meihua Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an expansive and exquisitely decorated establishment—not ostentatiously lavish, but elegantly furnished. Those without a discerning eye might not even recognize the extravagance hidden within its classical charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering, the soft melodies of string and wind instruments could be heard, faint yet resonant, as if rising from the depths of one’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trio settled in a private room on the second floor—the best seats for viewing the performance, usually reserved for wealthy and devoted theatergoers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Truly refined. Upper-class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo reclined in a grand master chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After surveying the surroundings, he noticed that both the \"ice block\" and Little Jiang Chulong were intently watching the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when did the ice block take an interest in opera?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Um... it seems... it’s about Big Brother Li and Sister Bing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo focused his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A female performer played the role of \"Jiang Chen.\" Her appearance was commendable, though her makeup was slightly exaggerated, making the character instantly recognizable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backdrop depicted a courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even watching further, Li Mo knew exactly which scene this was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Chen facing a broken engagement, with Liu Wuyan stepping in to defend him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Chen, my daughter has now joined the Snow Moon Sect as an inner disciple, while you’ve wasted years as a mere servant. You should know why I’ve come today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The antagonist was a seasoned actor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the clichéd plot, his delivery didn’t feel cringeworthy at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(The Jiang family erupted in outrage.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, \"Jiang Chen\" declared with unwavering resolve:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—never mock the youth for their poverty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bravo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Worthy of reward!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Applause erupted from the audience. In a world where the \"broken engagement trope\" had never been seen, this scene was utterly exhilarating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo silently covered his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the play continued, Liu Wuyan made her entrance, and the entire audience knelt—except for Jiang Chen, who remained standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Liu Wuyan approached him and called him \"husband,\" the crowd froze in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Chen\" smirked, the corner of his mouth quirking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo: \"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He definitely didn’t remember scripting that smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Artistic adaptation wasn’t an excuse for reckless improvisation, damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Li felt like he was being publicly humiliated. Thankfully, his Cloud-Treading Boots were sturdy, or he might’ve dug a hole through the floor with his toes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glance to the side revealed Jiang Chulong listening with rapt attention, as if she could enjoy it a thousand times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the ice block?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hus...band?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing’s serene eyes flickered slightly before she exhaled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was just a play, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the character were truly based on her, how could she ever utter such words?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She found it absurd and turned her gaze away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the performance continued, each line seeping into her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The play condensed many events, focusing only on the highlights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scenes of romantic moments between the two, sharing a bed, even \"baring it all\" to help Jiang Chen cultivate his martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meihua Pavilion’s professionalism was impeccable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immersive storytelling, paired with music and lighting, created an almost tangible experience, stirring endless imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s... focus on cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing turned her head toward the moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet her gaze grew unfocused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seductive melodies kept intruding, and the story’s protagonists in her mind kept morphing into herself and Li Mo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if... these were events she had lived through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this feeling...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know why she suddenly looked at Li Mo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there the young man sat, his handsome face slightly flushed, like a dazed goose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely... she didn’t seem to mind?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bravo! This Liu Wuyan is phenomenal!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A booming voice came from the neighboring room, followed by a shower of golden pearls raining onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience gasped—who was this extravagant patron?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo paid little attention, but Jiang Chulong asked curiously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother Li, what... what’s happening?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re just rewarding the performers when they’re pleased. Too much money, too little sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relieved the play was finally over, Li Mo chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh... I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Chulong rummaged through her pockets but found only a few copper coins, too embarrassed to offer them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand suddenly grew heavy—half a gold brick now rested in her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little princess blinked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo sighed. \"That’s the smallest piece of gold I have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Big Brother Li.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Chulong had little concept of the brick’s value, so she mimicked the neighbor’s gesture and tossed it onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stage shook violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The actors initially thought they’d displeased the audience—until they saw what had been thrown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted in uproar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell brought a gold brick to a theater as a tip?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they trying to kill the performers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The neighbor from earlier also turned to look. After a pause, he exclaimed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang—Li Mo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhong Zhenyue?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo recognized the man—a young marquis clad in a serpent-patterned robe, wielding a spear, and undefeated in the arena like himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a polite exchange, a woman approached—one of the actresses, now without her stage makeup. She stood beside Zhong Zhenyue, appearing demure yet maintaining a calculated distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her looks were merely above average, every glance and smile carried a seductive charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo discreetly activated his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Yin Mianmian]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Age: 23]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Physique: Heavenly Enchantress Demon Body]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cultivation: Observing Divinity, Eight Apertures]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fate: Purple]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Evaluation: Saintess of the Drizzle Pavilion, ranked sixth on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. Has slain multiple prodigies from the ranking. Unaware she’s being groomed as a cauldron by the Drizzle Pavilion’s master. Her hobby? Watching men fight like savage beasts.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Recent Activity: Manipulating Zhong Zhenyue to infiltrate Hengyun Sword City. Now itching to see Li Mo and Zhong Zhenyue battle to the death.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo’s mind sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he deciphered her, his vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music grew louder, mournful and intimate, as if whispering from within his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him materialized a bewitching woman draped in translucent gauze, her sorrowful eyes locked onto him as she swayed closer with an otherworldly grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any man would’ve been spellbound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword light, cold as moonlight and radiant as divinity, slashed through the illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the ice block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, it was the \"ice block\" imprinted in Li Mo’s soul—his mental safeguard against illusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire episode lasted but a heartbeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Zhenyue wasn’t so lucky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already entranced by the woman beside him, his eyes glazed over, lost in lustful stupor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re quite interesting...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Mianmian’s eyes sparkled with surprise—and excitement—at Li Mo’s swift recovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her every movement seemed designed to ensnare the mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She drifted closer, as if to whisper in his ear, to breathe in the scent of his neck—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old hag.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Mianmian's alluring demeanor froze, shattered by a surge of irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden rule of the \"Fight King's Code\" speaks for itself, doesn't it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spring breeze surged, sealing off her retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine lightning descended like celestial punishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Frost Sky Sword slashed down mercilessly, vowing to cleave Yin Mianmian clean in two!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drop some power stones if you're enjoying this, hehe. Mwah!\u003C\u002Fp>",1213,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.270Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","5082faf33562da4f3e3b6642c1379509d3aea2f574fd2f30c7f83d07cf2d535b","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-183","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-181",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]