Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

Quan Qiyang’s pupils slightly contracted, still feeling a lingering fear from the recent events.

Chen Mo ignored him and chased after Han Zhong.

However, during the pursuit, Chen Mo was blocked by a large number of Han Zhong’s personal soldiers, and could only watch as Han Zhong escaped.

The battle lasted for more than an hour.

Aside from the main general of the rebel army escaping, the rest were almost completely annihilated.

The Song Army fought an ambush battle, so their casualties were not significant.

Huangfu Hao brought Quan Qiyang to Chen Mo. The former patted Chen Mo on the shoulder, feeling somewhat enthusiastic, and said, ”Apart from the rebel army’s main commander escaping, this rebel force has been nearly wiped out. It’s safe to say we achieved a splendid victory. For this battle, you deserve the first credit. When we return to the Capital, I will personally recommend you for merit.”

”This humble general is terrified. Without the bravery and courage of the commanders and soldiers, we couldn’t have achieved such a remarkable victory,” Chen Mo said.

”No need to be modest. For this battle, you deserve the first credit.” Huangfu Hao lightly punched Chen Mo’s chest and then said, ”You, young man, suit my temperament. If you don’t mind, we could become sworn brothers with different family names. Since I’m older, I’ll call you Brother Hong.”

”What are you saying, General? This humble general’s status is lowly. The General shouldn’t disdain me,” Chen Mo cupped his hands as a salute.

”Then it’s settled.” Huangfu Hao cupped his hands to Chen Mo and said, ”Brother Hong.”

”Elder Brother.” Chen Mo cupped his hands again.

After their conversation ended, Quan Qiyang interjected, ”Thank you, Brother Chen Hong, for saving my life. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, just let me know.”

Chen Mo smiled gently and then said, ”May I know who this General is...?”

”He is Quan Qiyang, the Emperor’s relative by marriage, his sister is Consort Yu,” Huangfu Hao introduced to Chen Mo.

Upon hearing, Chen Mo hurriedly cupped his hands, as this was Zhao Ji’s brother-in-law, and respectfully said, ”I’ve met General Quan.”

”Brother Chen Hong, no need to be so polite. If it weren’t for my position, just your life-saving grace would make me want to become your sworn brother,” Quan Qiyang said with a smile.

”I couldn’t dare,” said Chen Mo hurriedly.

”What are you all talking about? Having so much fun,” Xiao Teng joined in cheerfully.

Quan Qiyang recounted how Chen Mo saved him, along with the story of him and Huangfu Hao becoming sworn brothers.

Xiao Teng raised his eyebrows and immediately patted Chen Mo on the shoulder to express his congratulations.

A eunuch being able to become sworn brothers with Huangfu Family’s legitimate son is indeed an honor.

Not far away, Wei Xian observed all these events.

...

After all, the Capital had issued the decree to return the troops.

Therefore, it was impossible for Huangfu Hao to divert to Western Shu due to the matter at Huayang Slope.

After a brief rest, once the hidden steeds arrived, they continued on their journey.

Two days later.

When they were less than a hundred miles from the Capital, everyone knew they had reached the jurisdiction of the Capital’s control, an area less likely to have an ambush.

Hence, Huangfu Hao led the cavalry ahead, and Chen Mo, along with Gao Zheng and others, was also in the cavalry’s ranks.

By around nightfall, they would arrive at Bianliang.

...

As night descended, the vast Bianliang City had already lit up with countless lights.

Outside Bianliang City, there were many carriages and horses, with citizens lining the road for ten miles, retreating to the sides, extending to where Huangfu Hao and the other generals were located. They were all curious about this marching troop.

The guards on both sides saw Huangfu Hao leading and respectfully saluted.

Soon, various remarks and discussions emerged from the citizens on both sides.

”It’s General Huangfu Hao, they are returning triumphant.”

”Is that Chen Hong? So young. I wonder if he is married?”

”...”

A group of officials stood at the city gate, led by Grand Commandant Xiao Yunqi, to welcome back Huangfu Hao and the others.

Huangfu Hao and the group of generals dismounted.

”This humble general greets the Grand Commandant.”

”This humble general greets the Imperial Father-in-law.”

”This humble general...”

Various sounds of salutation filled the air incessantly.

Xiao Yunqi responded to them one by one, and then said, ”His Majesty has specially tasked this old minister to host a banquet for you generals to wash away the dust. Once the infantry generals arrive, you will enter the palace to see the Emperor tomorrow.”

Huangfu Hao nodded.

Then Xiao Yunqi’s gaze fell on Chen Mo, smiling as he approached, ”You must be General Chen Hong?”

”This humble general pays respect to the Grand Commandant,” Chen Mo bowed and cupped his hands.

”No need for formalities. I’ve heard of General Chen Hong’s reputation while in the Capital. Now seeing you, indeed, you are extraordinarily valiant.”

”The Grand Commandant flatters me.”

Xiao Yunqi seemed very satisfied with Chen Mo, and after having a polite exchange, he led the group of generals to the banquet venue.

On the way, Xiao Teng squeezed over, ”Brother Chen Hong, Father has already prepared a residence for you. Later, I’ll personally take you to have a look.”

”Thank you, General Xiao.”

At the banquet to wash away the dust, Chen Mo met with numerous officials, almost all of whom were from Xiao Yunqi’s faction.

Among them were some military personnel.

This was the first time Chen Mo realized the formidable power of the Xiao Family.

In the court, they were almost at the point where they could cover the sky with one hand.

No wonder Zhao Ji later made a move against the Xiao Family.

When the maternal relatives wield such power, which Emperor could tolerate it?

Moreover, from the way Xiao Yunqi arranged this matter for him, it’s not low-key at all.

After the banquet, it was already late at night.

Xiao Teng took Chen Mo and others to the residence Xiao Yunqi had arranged for him.

Xiao Yunqi was wealthy and generous, giving Chen Mo a residence that was grand and majestic, even larger than the Luo Mansion.

Furthermore, according to what Xiao Teng said, even the residence Zhao Ji granted him wasn’t as large as the one Xiao Yunqi arranged.

This made Quan Qiyang and others who came to visit take a deep breath.

Quan Qiyang’s eyes were filled with a hint of envy.

Even though he was a royal relative by marriage, his estate wasn’t even half the size of ”Chen Mansion.”

Additionally, Xiao Yunqi arranged for four beautiful maids in Chen Mansion for Chen Mo, named Chun Lan, Xia Lan, Qiu Lan, and Dong Lan.

Xiao Teng specifically mentioned that these four maids were trained by the Imperial Music Office, previously being high-born ladies skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Most importantly, these four maids were still virgins.

”How is it?” Xiao Teng wrapped an arm around Chen Mo’s neck and smiled.

Chen Mo respectfully said, ”The Grand Commandant’s great kindness and virtue towards this humble general are unforgettable for life. I swear, from now on, I will be at the Xiao Family’s disposal, even unto death.”

”Hey, no need to exaggerate, we’re all serving His Majesty.” Xiao Teng coughed but seemed pleased with Chen Mo’s attitude.

”Yes, serving His Majesty,” Chen Mo maintained a simple smile outwardly, while inwardly not believing it at all.

”The rewards His Majesty granted you and what Father gave are all in the residence’s warehouse. You can ask Chun Lan about it. As for Yaoyao, Father will select an auspicious day to send her here in a couple of days,” Xiao Teng said with a smile.

”Thank you, General Xiao!”