Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

It’s unclear what advanced secret technique Mu Xi used, but without activating the Ancient Heavy Pupils, Chen Mo observed her as if she were just an ordinary weak woman.

However, when the Ancient Heavy Pupils were activated, Chen Mo noted her aura was immensely strong, akin to that only Innate Martial Artists possessed, even surpassing Quan Qiyang.

With such concealment, and even being brought to him by Gao Zheng without any resistance, there must be some undisclosed motive.

After pondering it, Chen Mo found it highly likely that she was sent by Hu Mei’Er.

Moreover, the purpose might not be to assassinate him, since arranging an identity and even altering age would be unnecessary if it were for assassination.

Could it be to find something?

Something...

”Red Sun Bell.”

According to Hu Mei’Er, the Red Sun Bell is connected to the Nan Zhou Treasure, which contains a Top Grade Magical Artifact. If her goal is the Red Sun Bell, the effort made by the other party would make sense.

After all, if he were assassinated, the whereabouts of the Red Sun Bell would be lost.

With this thought.

Chen Mo felt increasingly compelled to hide the Red Sun Bell securely.

Currently, he had two Red Sun Bells in his possession, one given to Luo Zhen for self-defense, and the other he carried with him.

Just as Chen Mo was contemplating his strategy, Chun Lan’s voice came from outside: ”My lord, there’s a letter for you.”

...

Night had already descended.

Originally, after dinner, he planned to head to Shenxiao Temple, but Lin Su Ya sent word saying she was no longer at the temple and would inform him once she returned.

It seemed as if she had anticipated the palace coup.

So, upon receiving the letter, Chen Mo went straight to the courtyard.

He had thought that after not seeing each other for so long, meeting again would be like flames meeting dry wood, igniting instantly.

But upon arrival, seeing Luo Zhen, Xu Miaozhen, Jiang Ruoqing, and others gathered together, Chen Mo instead felt a bit awkward.

On the table were lavish dishes, and the ”fruit wine” favored by the nobility was already poured, seemingly waiting for those enduring the cold to arrive.

Luo Zhen had clearly just bathed not long ago, wearing a light white dress, with her fair skin faintly visible. When she saw Chen Mo, an expression of delight appeared on her face. She stood up, hands folded at her waist, and respectfully saluted Chen Mo, addressing him as Lord.

Beside her, Xu Miaozhen also hurriedly stood up. She wore a plain dress, and compared to Luo Zhen’s attire, she looked like a maid compared to a lady, dressed simply.

Yet, even so, she remained eye-catching, her plain dress perfectly outlining her graceful curves, especially her firm ** bosom, which trembled slightly as she stood to salute. Her lovely red lips below a high-bridged nose were particularly alluring.

Jiang Ruoqing, meanwhile, stood quietly by the window, her long black hair cascading down her back, giving off a cool impression. Seeing Chen Mo, she merely glanced at him but did not engage further.

As for Ye Wanqiu, her maid said she was somewhat fatigued and resting.

Zhang Ru brought a basin of warm water for Chen Mo to wash his hands before eating.

Though he had eaten before arriving, could he say he wasn’t hungry?

To foster a warm atmosphere, after washing his hands, Chen Mo smiled and said, ”The food smells delicious! Who did the cooking?”

”It was done by Miaozhen, and I just made a bowl of soup,” Luo Zhen replied with a smile, pulling Chen Mo to sit beside her.

”Not bad, seems like I’m in for a treat,” Chen Mo chuckled.

Xu Miaozhen, feeling a bit shy from the compliment, initially intended to sit on Chen Mo’s other side but, glancing at Jiang Ruoqing, said, ”Ruoqing, sister, why don’t you sit here?”

But Jiang Ruoqing sat across from Chen Mo.

Xu Miaozhen was momentarily surprised, but happily sat by Chen Mo’s left hand.

”You’ve all worked hard on your journey. Fortunately, you’re all safe. Otherwise, I’d blame myself terribly,” Chen Mo said, speaking words of caring like sweet nothings.

Luo Zhen’s expectations weren’t high. Seeing Chen Mo remember her upon returning to the capital and arranging for her to be brought over, hearing these words dissipated any lingering grievances.

She quickly picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, carefully shielding it with her hand, and gently fed it to Chen Mo, her eyes shimmering with affection.

After Chen Mo finished eating, Luo Zhen ladled a bowl of soup, bringing each spoonful to his lips, softly blowing on it to cool it so it wouldn’t burn him.

Chen Mo enjoyed the attention but, feeling an ”unfriendly” gaze, coughed lightly, ”Zhen’er, no need to keep serving me, I’ll manage myself.”

Taking the bowl from Luo Zhen’s hands, Chen Mo stood up and scooped a bowl of soup, handing it to Jiang Ruoqing, saying:

”Ruoqing, I really owe you this time. I heard you encountered bandits on the road. Without you, who knows what might have happened...”

Saying this, Chen Mo winked at Luo Zhen and Xu Miaozhen.

The two women immediately understood, offering thanks and raising a toast.

Following Chen Mo’s suggestion of a good reward tonight.

Jiang Ruoqing’s cool demeanor blushed, and she couldn’t help but chide Chen Mo.

Thus, the atmosphere warmed up.

”Ruoqing, were you injured?” Chen Mo began to show concern for Jiang Ruoqing.

This is the downside of having many women.

Each needs attention, some coaxing, and if handled too harshly, it might be acceptable once or twice, but over time, they might grow distant.

After all, they’re living people, not puppets.

However, Chen Mo claimed he could handle it.

Jiang Ruoqing huffed a little, and Chen Mo knew she was okay.

”There was just a coup at the Imperial Court last night, and with the new emperor ascending, Bianliang is in chaos. Unless it’s necessary, you should avoid going out; it’s not safe. I’ll also send more protection for you,” Chen Mo cautioned.

”My lord, do you mean to say all the rumors outside are true? The Grand Commandant held Your Majesty and let the Crown Prince ascend?” With many rumors spreading in Bianliang City, Luo Zhen was half-believing, but with Chen Mo’s confirmation, she widened her eyes.

Nevertheless, she felt thrilled, knowing her lord had good connections. Now that the Grand Commandant held power, her lord became a more formidable presence in the Capital.

”Held His Majesty? The Grand Commandant was purging traitors, then His Majesty admitted his guilt and ceded the throne to the Crown Prince. How was it a holding?” Chen Mo corrected Luo Zhen’s words.

Though what she said was factual, since he was connected to Xiao Yunqi, if Xiao’s authority wasn’t legitimate, wouldn’t that make him an accomplice?

Chen Mo indeed cared about reputation.

At least, in the eyes of his women, he would not let them view him as a villain.