Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

Time slowly passed by, and the martial examination became a topic of discussion among the commoners, gradually spreading.

”Have you heard? The martial champion this time is named Chen Mo.”

”Yes, I’ve heard. He’s under twenty, and already a First Grade Martial Artist. His Majesty appointed him as the Head of the Cavalry Department on the spot.”

”I found out that he became a First Grade Martial Artist at sixteen.”

”Indeed, my sister-in-law’s friend’s cousin is Chen Mo’s neighbor, and I’ve heard they’re quite close.”

”It’s said that Young Master Chen is as handsome as a celestial being, and His Majesty plans to grant him a marriage.”

”...”

At this moment, the sky had already darkened.

On the street on the west side of the city, a carriage drawn by four horses passed by, accompanied by Imperial Guard escorts.

Gao Zheng knocked on the carriage window and spoke in a low voice, ”Sir, some troublemakers are discussing you. Should I have them...”

Previously, Chen Mo had disclosed his identity to Gao Zheng.

”No need, let them talk,” Chen Mo replied, then asked, ”Did you complete the task I asked you to do?”

”Sir, it’s all done. We’ve also booked Hongfu Restaurant and have our men guarding outside. Additionally, we’ve found the death row prisoners you wanted, just waiting for Prince De Ning to arrive,” Gao Zheng replied.

Chen Mo nodded, ”Don’t make the defense too tight, or they’ll get scared away.”

”Yes, I’ll withdraw some of the men in a moment.”

”No need to withdraw them; someone might be already watching by the restaurant. Just leave an opening as if by accident,” Chen Mo said.

”Understood.”

...

Because of the martial examination, the curfew was lifted for the past few days. After being under curfew for a while, some patrons were bursting with pent-up energy, so the entertainment houses and taverns had booming business these days.

Walking down the street, one could constantly hear the lively sounds coming from the taverns and houses of pleasure, even discussions about Chen Mo.

Judging by the situation, Chen Mo’s performance during the martial examination had clearly captured the hearts of many ladies.

Chen Mo dismounted in front of the Hongfu Restaurant in the west of the city, but he didn’t go inside. He waited at the entrance.

The Hongfu Restaurant was part of the Chen Mansion’s properties, so it was easy to clear out. The two streets outside were entirely patrolled by Imperial Guards, so no one dared to approach the area.

As Chen Mo walked into the restaurant,

A head ducked back into a window of a distant high building, ”Quick, report that Chen Hong has arrived.”

”Yes.” A shadow quickly descended the building and ran into the distance.

Not long after, a luxurious carriage slowly approached from the end of the street.

Accompanying the carriage were several burly men and attendant maids.

Upon seeing the carriage, Chen Mo led his people to greet it.

”Minister Chen Hong welcomes Prince De Ning.” Chen Mo bowed deeply.

The curtain of the carriage was lifted by the attendant maid, and Zhao Jiangning descended from the carriage.

In Chen Mo’s sight appeared the hem of a black dress which rippled as she got off the carriage, with the grey palace shoes beneath it accentuating the whiteness of her ankles.

Chen Mo slightly raised his head, his eyes showing a hint of fervor, and spoke somewhat playfully, ”Your Highness, you look truly beautiful tonight?”

Zhao Jiangning snorted coldly a few times, ”General Chen Hong, are you sure you came to express remorse tonight?”

”I apologize; it was presumptuous of me. Please, Your Highness, this way.” Chen Mo bowed and invited Zhao Jiangning inside.

Zhao Jiangning walked past Chen Mo straight inside, with the burly men following her.

However, Chen Mo suddenly said, ”Your Highness, your guards seem unfamiliar to me.”

Zhao Jiangning turned around with a cold expression, ”They were sent by His Majesty to protect me, to prevent last time’s incident from happening again.”

”Your Highness, I already explained it was a misunderstanding.” Chen Mo offered a sycophantic smile and didn’t pursue the matter further.

Inside the restaurant, it was brightly lit, and besides the restaurant staff, it was filled with Imperial Guards brought by Chen Mo.

The restaurant had three floors.

Chen Mo led Zhao Jiangning straight to the top floor.

On reaching the second floor, Gao Zheng stopped the people following Zhao Jiangning.

”You are not allowed to go up.” Gao Zheng said sternly.

Zhao Jiangning turned around, her gaze as sharp as two blades, ”General Chen Hong, what do you mean by this?”

”Please don’t misunderstand, Your Highness, it’s just that Bianliang has been quite unsafe recently, with assassins running rampant. They are concerned for my safety, so...”

”So you think my guards are assassins? General Chen Hong, you are quite bold to even suspect those sent by His Majesty,” Zhao Jiangning said, having mentioned earlier that the burly men were sent by His Majesty.

”I wouldn’t dare.” Chen Mo kicked Gao Zheng and reprimanded, ”What gall you have, didn’t you hear Her Highness? Who told you to act on your own? Daring to stop Her Highness’s people...”

Gao Zheng didn’t dare utter a word after the kick and let Zhao Jiangning’s people pass.

However, upon reaching the top floor’s private room, Gao Zheng stopped Zhao Jiangning’s people again.

This time, before Zhao Jiangning could speak, Chen Mo said, ”Let’s not let the juniors disturb during the meal?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jiangning narrowed her eyes and told the leading man, ”Yang Cheng, you can wait outside.”

”Your Highness, but you...” The five burly men exchanged glances and then all turned their gaze to Zhao Jiangning.

”Rest assured, it’s just a simple banquet to make amends, General Chen Hong won’t harm me.” Saying this, Zhao Jiangning looked at Chen Mo, ”General Chen Hong, correct?”

”Your Highness jests, it’s just a meal,” Chen Mo smiled, ”Your Highness, please.”

Zhao Jiangning and Chen Mo walked into the private room one after the other.

As the door to the private room closed.

Zhao Jiangning felt utterly exhausted, her legs went weak, and she nearly fell to the ground.

Chen Mo quickly caught her, preventing Zhao Jiangning from hitting the floor.

Leaning on Chen Mo, Zhao Jiangning anxiously said, ”That... that scared me to death. Did I... make any mistakes?”

Performing to this point, under immense concentration and pressure, Zhao Jiangning was nearly worn out.

”Your Highness, I shall first punish myself with three cups of wine, hoping Your Highness can forgive my subordinate’s previous offense...” Chen Mo deliberately raised his voice, while his hand brazenly slid to Zhao Jiangning’s peach-like backside, whispering, ”An actress indeed?”

Wearing a black dress, Zhao Jiangning appeared dignified while also exuding an indescribable allure to Chen Mo.

”Hmm?” Feeling Chen Mo’s actions, Zhao Jiangning’s face flushed, not understanding what Chen Mo meant.

”Perfect.” Chen Mo helped Zhao Jiangning to the seat behind a long table in the private room, and asked, ”Did you find out their backgrounds?”

Zhao Jiangning shook her head, ”They are very cautious, always claiming to be sent by Royal Father.”

”Do you believe it?” Chen Mo chuckled, doubting the statement.

”I... I don’t know...”