Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

What’s the quickest way to deepen emotions?

Eat, live, and play together.

It’s more or less the same with pets.

In the corner of his room, Chen Mo made a nest for the White Fox, so it would live there from now on.

He even gave it a name.

When it comes to naming, Chen Mo isn’t very good at it, so he simply called it ”Little Jiu”.

It, on the other hand, seemed quite satisfied with the name Little Jiu.

Oh, and one shouldn’t treat it like a pet, but rather like a family member.

So during lunch, Chen Mo let Little Jiu have a seat at the table.

What was most surprising was that it sat upright on the chair like a person, while Chen Mo sat next to it, personally serving it meat.

When he wasn’t serving food, he would stroke its head while eating.

This surprised Yi Yao, Chun Lan... and the others.

”Yaoyao, Chun Lan, Xia Lan, Fei’Er, Qian’Er, from now on, Little Jiu is a member of our family. You need to treat it as you would a family member.” Chen Mo said solemnly.

The girls raised their eyebrows; Yi Yao put down her chopsticks, looked at the White Fox, and asked, ”It’s called Little Jiu?”

”Yes.” Chen Mo nodded, ”I gave it the name. Otherwise, calling it ’Little Thing’ every day might be inappropriate.”

Although Yi Yao didn’t quite understand why such a fuss over a fox, as a woman and a wife, she had to agree with her husband, so she smiled and nodded, ”I listen to my lord.”

Little Jiu’s eyes curved happily, showing a satisfied expression.

...

After lunch, Chen Mo received a letter back from Luo Zhen, which had just arrived, clearly delayed on the way.

But given the chaotic times, it was a remarkable feat to even receive it.

In the letter, Luo Zhen talked about her current situation and her longing for Chen Mo, urging him to take care of himself and stay safe, and finally mentioned the matter of the Fire Bottle Bomb.

After several improvements, the power of the Fire Bottle Bomb has significantly increased, and the probability of explosion also increased, with the clay jar replaced by iron.

Learning of this, Chen Mo immediately sent someone to summon Gao Zheng while he himself began drafting a letter.

...

Nobody knows when this rain will stop; from last night till now, the incessant drizzle seemed to show no sign of stopping.

Gao Zheng rode his horse to a stop outside the Chen Mansion’s gate. Without any delay, he dismounted and hurried inside with an umbrella.

Upon seeing Chen Mo, he immediately bowed and respectfully said, ”Subordinate pay respects to my lord.”

”Rise, between us, no need for such formality.” Chen Mo gestured for him to take a seat. Once Gao Zheng sat down, Chen Mo said, ”Gao Zheng, I need you to take a regiment to Celestial River City; what do you think?”

Gao Zheng, having long considered Chen Mo’s words as orders, responded without a moment’s hesitation, ”Subordinate obeys.”

”Good.” Chen Mo picked up a letter beside him, which Gao Zheng quickly stood up to receive.

”Be sure to deliver this letter to Zhen’Er and bring back some of the newly developed Fire Bottle Bombs, I have great use for them,” Chen Mo said, patting Gao Zheng’s shoulder gently.

Understanding the gravity of the task from his lord’s emphasis, Gao Zheng’s expression grew solemn, and he pounded his chest in assurance, ”Subordinate will not fail.”

”Then set out immediately. When you return, I will personally hold a banquet to welcome you,” Chen Mo said.

”Understood.”

Carefully placing the letter inside his clothing, Gao Zheng bowed and withdrew.

...

In the afternoon, with tasks delegated, Chen Mo was leisurely enjoying cherries with his beloved when Chun Lan hurriedly announced that Prince De Ning had arrived.

Xia Lan quickly covered herself, her face flushed, and hurriedly retreated, disheveled.

Seeing this, Chun Lan’s mind darted back to possible events earlier, making her blush furiously. After a mental sigh, she said to Chen Mo, ”My lord, it seems Prince De Ning has been crying; her eyes are red. You must comfort her well.”

Chen Mo shot her a glance, ”Didn’t I tell you not to let your imagination run wild?”

Chun Lan giggled, ”I understand, my lord.”

”Smack.” Chen Mo gave Chun Lan a firm pat on her behind, then got up to head to the hall, ”I’ll deal with you thoroughly later tonight.”

...

When Chen Mo entered the hall, he saw a beautiful woman pacing back and forth.

She looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, exuding charm and unparalleled beauty.

With a delicate face, fair skin, she wore a green brocade dress. Perhaps due to the recent cold weather, she had a white silk scarf draped over her shoulders. Her skirt wasn’t long, and as she moved, you could see her enchanting calves.

Upon seeing Chen Mo enter, Zhao Jiangning stopped, her crimson lips moving slightly, her whole demeanor like a ripe peach, enticingly tempting:

”You’re here, let’s begin quickly.”

Today, she had not brought her maid, coming alone.

Perhaps due to yesterday’s events, her tone bore a hint of coldness.

Seeing Zhao Jiangning’s reddened eyes, Chen Mo parted his lips but said nothing in the end, nodding instead.

Today’s treatment was the same as yesterday’s, standard and without misbehavior.

Even treating the thigh didn’t involve sliding his hand up the inside of her leg.

After finishing, Chen Mo wiped his hands with a towel as usual, ”Prince De Ning, with one more treatment tomorrow, your ailment should be cured.”

Zhao Jiangning hummed an acknowledgment, then got off the bed. Her health had improved significantly, so she still had strength after the treatment.

Leaving the room, Zhao Jiangning picked up the umbrella placed in the hall and began to head outside.

Unexpectedly, Chen Mo grasped her hand as she shuddered, taking the umbrella from her and saying, ”Your Highness, let me escort you.”

”No need.” Zhao Jiangning tried to reclaim it, but Chen Mo stopped her.

”It’s the right thing to do,” Chen Mo smiled.

Zhao Jiangning walked ahead, feeling unsettled, while Chen Mo followed with the umbrella.

The scene of Chen Mo holding an umbrella for Zhao Jiangning was coincidentally seen by Chun Lan, confirming her suspicions and prompting her to give an encouraging gesture towards Chen Mo.

Chen Mo didn’t see it.

As they neared the mansion’s exit, Zhao Jiangning paused and stretched her hand towards Chen Mo, ”Now, may I have the umbrella back?”

Smiling, Chen Mo nodded and handed it over.

Taking the umbrella, Zhao Jiangning said nothing more, opening it and walking out into the rain.

Watching Zhao Jiangning’s departing figure, Chen Mo thought and said, ”If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask. I will certainly assist you.”

Zhao Jiangning paused slightly, a droplet of water fell from her face—whether it was a tear or rain remained unclear—and then she left without looking back.