Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

On the eighty-eighth day of the Great Turmoil, Xiao Teng arrived at Qinyang County with fifty thousand troops, where he conducted a handover with Chen Mo.

Li Yang accompanied Xiao Teng.

Chen Mo, meanwhile, with the two thousand personal soldiers left to him, along with Feng Ji, Jiang Ruoqing, and others, returned triumphantly to the royal court.

On the eighty-ninth day of the Great Turmoil, Chen Mo led the army to the Capital.

Before Chen Mo had even arrived, Xiao Yunxi had already organized the civil and military officials, and then went out of the city with Zhao Chong and the officials to greet them. The grandeur of the Emperor’s exit naturally attracted the attention of all the people of Bianliang along the way. Everyone tiptoed, wanting to glance at the countenance of the new Emperor.

Just as they reached the city gate, suddenly a burst of gongs and drums sounded from the crowd, and then someone loudly praised Chen Mo’s great achievements in pacifying the enemy army of a million with an army of one hundred thousand, calling him the War God of Great Song and the pillar of Great Song’s defense.

These words reached the ears of the officials, and they were all shocked, saying nothing, secretly glancing at Xiao Yunqi.

Someone from the Imperial City Department whispered in Xiao Yunqi’s ear: ”Lord Anyang, should we arrest those troublemakers?”

Xiao Yunqi smiled sarcastically and said: ”It seems that General Chen Mo’s military exploits are well known to the common people and that he is much loved by them. This is a good thing, isn’t it?”

The people from the Imperial City Department forced a few stiff smiles on their faces.

Perhaps because of this praise, the news quickly spread, travelling from ten to a hundred, and Bianliang, from top to bottom, was stirred up by this suddenly grand event.

The north of Bianliang City, especially outside the South Gate, was crowded with heads, a sea of people vying to witness Chen Mo’s triumphant return.

Rich youths invited friends, taking servants with them, and occupied elevated positions along the main street from the North Gate to the South Gate, whether it be on restaurant balconies or pavilions, enjoying the welcome ceremony with beauties and fine wine.

Not long after.

Someone shouted: ”Here they come.”

One by one, people craned their necks, looking towards the South Gate, at the head of the column was a young general, riding a black horse, swaggering, obviously returning ahead of the main force.

This young general was none other than Dai Xishan, who had made a name for himself at the martial contest, ranking among the top ten.

”Oh dear, isn’t that Brother Xishan?” Zhang Lie, who had yet to leave the Capital and was on a high tower, exclaimed in amazement at the sight of Dai Xishan on his horse.

”Pfft.” Upon seeing Dai Xishan, Li Weiqiu spat out the wine he had just sipped: ”Why...is it him?”

The limelight was shining brightly.

”It must have been arranged by Chen Mo.” Zhang Lie regretted, realizing he should have accepted Chen Mo’s invitation earlier when he had the chance.

The admiration of thousands is enviable, just to think of it.

Li Weiqiu also deeply regretted, as what he valued most was glory and reputation. Had he gone before, he could have been the one on the horse today.

After entering the city, Dai Xishan immediately dismounted and went to Zhao Chong.

”Subordinate Dai Xishan, pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager...the generals are right behind me, I came to notify Your Majesty first...”

”At ease,” Zhao Chong said.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Dai Xishan stood up.

Xiao Yunxi suppressed the excitement in her heart and asked, ”How long until General Chen Mo arrives...”

”He’s coming, he’s coming.”

Before Xiao Yunxi could finish speaking, someone behind her shouted, looking up to see a troop slowly passing by.

Chen Mo, riding Jiang Ruoqing’s Snow Dragon Steed, clad in a dark golden Celestial Spirit Heart Guard Armor, with the plume on his helmet fluttering in the wind, exuded an air of aloofness and authority that would make anyone witnessing the scene exclaim: ”What a handsome young man.”

”Xin’Er...” Wu Lu, standing at the forefront of the officials, widened his eyes upon seeing the figure on the black horse behind Chen Mo.

Why had Xin’Er ended up in Chen Mo’s army?

But soon, Wu Lu grinned broadly.

No wonder Xin’Er hadn’t entered the Capital for so long; it turns out she went to see him.

Things seem to be going well...

”Master.”

From the top floor of the Hongfu Restaurant, Yi Yao looked at Jiang Ruoqing, who was following Chen Mo, her eyes wide open.

They had also learned of Chen Mo’s triumphant return today, so they had come early to the Hongfu Restaurant in the south of the city to admire Chen Mo’s majestic figure as he entered the city.

”Master?” Lu Zhen and Zhao Jiangning, standing beside her, were taken aback: ”Sister Yaoyao, who is your Master?”

Chun Lan said: ”Madam, didn’t you say your Master went on a journey?”

Yi Yao was extremely surprised; was this the journey her Master spoke of?

However, Yi Yao still pointed it out to the women.

Lu Zhen and the others looked over, immediately startled, and in unison exclaimed: ”Sister Ruoqing is your Master?”

”What Sister Ruoqing?” Yi Yao asked, puzzled.

”The one you pointed to, Jiang Ruoqing, Sister Ruoqing,” Lu Zhen said.

But upon saying this, Lu Zhen suddenly realized, quickly raising her hand to cover her mouth.

Xu Miaozhen, Ye Wanqiu, and the others quickly turned away, feeling as if they had witnessed a shocking revelation.

Sister Yaoyao and Sister Ruoqing are both the noble lord’s women.

And their relationship is that of a master and apprentice...

Subsequently, Yi Yao also understood something, and her face turned pale.

Chen Mo was unaware of this. At this moment, he dismounted and paid respects to Zhao Chong and others.

When Chen Mo’s gaze turned towards her, the piercing look caused Xiao Yunxi’s legs to feel somewhat weak.

Fortunately, Chen Mo was tactful, redirecting his gaze after a quick glance.

Then.

Things proceeded much like the simulation.

After entering the palace, Chen Mo was appointed as the Governor of Nanyang County and Deputy Commander of the Infantry Division.

This meant that from now on, both military and political affairs in Nanyang County would be under Chen Mo’s control.

He was free to recruit soldiers, and as long as he could support them, he could legally recruit tens of thousands of troops in Nanyang County.

Moreover, he could break free from Xiao Yunqi’s control at any time if he wished, as he no longer needed Xiao Yunqi since he was the Governor of Nanyang.

...

Yong’an Palace.

Regarding Hu Mei’Er’s recommendation of Chen Mo as Governor of Nanyang, people below were puzzled, and even Shi Si couldn’t comprehend it, so he sent someone to inquire.

Hu Mei’Er smiled charmingly, saying: ”What does it matter, he’s just a Governor of Nanyang County, not a high position. This palace intends to elevate him high, so the fall will be all the more severe.

Even if he doesn’t fall, this palace will plant a thorn in that old fox’s heart.

Wu Lu wants to marry his niece to Chen Mo, doesn’t he? If we have the chance, we’ll help him, making this fire burn even brighter.”

The subordinate understood Hu Mei’Er’s intention and nodded: ”Understood, I will handle it at once.”

...

Witch Mansion.

Once court was over, Wu Lu enthusiastically found Wu Xin’Er and brought her to the mansion.

However, before he could speak, Wu Xin’Er began to question him: ”Uncle, I need an explanation from you?”