Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace-Chapter 224 - 223 Accusation

The morning assembly ended.

All the officials gradually exited the Taihe Palace.

Chen Mo originally planned to talk with the Empress after the assembly ended.

However, the Emperor allowed him to establish a residence outside, meaning he no longer had a reason to stay in the Imperial Palace, which left him without any excuse to visit the Empress.

Moreover, what Zhao Ji said in the court always made Chen Mo feel that there were hidden implications.

Additionally, during the previous occasion in Nanyang, when Huangfu Hao told him that Wei Xian was secretly investigating his affairs, rumors spread in Bianliang regarding his "true identity" from the simulation.

This made Chen Mo always feel like Zhao Ji had discovered something.

...

Outside the hall.

Xiao Yunqi and his group came over.

Xiao Yunqi said, "Congratulations, General Chen Hong."

The officials following Xiao Yunqi also cupped their hands in salute to Chen Mo.

Walking alongside Xiao Yunqi, Chen Mo clasped his fists and bowed, "Thanks to the Grand Commandant, that residence on Vermilion Bird Avenue is very comfortable. If it weren't for the Grand Commandant, I wouldn't know when I could live in such a large house..."

"General Chen Hong is jesting. With your current status, isn't it easy to acquire a house in Bianliang City?" Xiao Yunqi laughed heartily.

"I'm humbled." Chen Mo bent his waist slightly and then said, "Everything I have now is thanks to the Grand Commandant. I will never forget it. If the Grand Commandant ever needs me, just a word and I will not hesitate to go through fire and water for you."

After speaking, he bowed to Xiao Yunqi.

Xiao Yunqi supported Chen Mo with a satisfied smile, "No need for such formalities. From now on, we're family. As family, there's no need for such grand gestures about going through fire and water."

He then took an Iron Token from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mo, saying, "This is the Infantry Department Command Token. You can take this token to assemble the remaining troops at the Infantry Department. I have already spoken to my subordinates."

"Thank you, Grand Commandant," Chen Mo cupped his hands again and then asked with concern, "Grand Commandant, did something happen at the Xiao Mansion last night? I saw people from the mansion searching on Vermilion Bird Avenue."

A skilled fighter at the mansion injured the assassin last night, and the culprit managed to escape, not yet found.

If this news spreads, it would be a disgrace to the Xiao Family.

Furthermore, this matter was related to Chen Mo.

Naturally, Xiao Yunqi wouldn't let Chen Mo know about it, so he simply smiled and said, "Just a petty thief; he was caught last night."

"That's good. As always, if the Grand Commandant needs anything from me, just let me know," Chen Mo said.

Xiao Yunqi nodded and continued, "I've calculated that the day after tomorrow is an auspicious day. You and Yaoyao can form a good marriage then."

"The Grand Commandant is generous. I will treat her well," Chen Mo replied.

Chen Mo suddenly sighed.

"What's wrong, General Chen Hong?" Xiao Yunqi asked.

"I've served the Empress for so long. Now that I've returned victoriously, I wished to share this good news with her, but unfortunately, I have no such chance," Chen Mo said regretfully.

Xiao Yunqi did not think much about it and said, "That's easy to arrange. My wife also misses the Empress. We can invite her over to our home, and you two can meet and talk."

Chen Mo nodded.

At that moment, Gao Qiu came over somewhat aggressively, with Cai Si trying hard to stop him but failing.

Noticing the ill-humored Gao Qiu, Xiao Yunqi frowned and immediately stood in front of Chen Mo, smiling, "Grand Commandant Gao, what brings you here?"

Gao Qiu ignored Xiao Yunqi and angrily shouted at Chen Mo behind him, "Chen Hong, give me an explanation. How did Gao Fen die after all?"

The officials who hadn't left yet were curious and gathered around.

After all, the officials liked to watch the excitement too.

"I heard that Gao Fen died in battle, caused by General Chen Hong."

"Shh, don't speak recklessly. It was because Gao Fen disobeyed military orders, was greedy for glory, and advanced recklessly, leading himself into danger, unrelated to General Chen Hong."

"That's what is said, but didn't Chen Hong also not send reinforcements?"

The officials whispered among themselves.

Chen Mo stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully, saying, "Reporting to the Grand Commandant, your son did not act according to the plan, advanced recklessly due to greed for glory, and fell into the Rebel Army's ambush, resulting in his death."

"That's enough, Brother Gao," Cai Si said, grabbing Gao Qiu's hand.

"Let go," Gao Qiu shook off Cai Si's hand and pointed at Chen Mo's nose, shouting, "Why didn't you send reinforcements? Huangfu Hao asked you to join up with Fen'er as soon as possible. Why were you late?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Chen Mo frowned and said, "He was not at the designated place. By the time I arrived, he had already advanced deep into Fu City, and I was powerless."

"What do you mean powerless? You did it on purpose. You wanted to use this to settle personal vendettas between you. I have heard about the Jiangyong Mountain incident," Gao Qiu said, his eyes bloodshot.

Chen Mo shook his head, "Grand Commandant, these are merely your assumptions. In reality, I was powerless."

Having said that, Chen Mo turned to leave.

Gao Qiu wanted to move forward to stop him, but Xiao Yunqi blocked him, shouting, "Enough. Grand Commandant, aren't you tired of losing face already? Your son's death is entirely his fault. If he hadn't been greedy for glory and advanced recklessly, he wouldn't have met such an end. All the soldiers can testify to this."

"Nonsense," said Gao Qiu, in too much pain from losing a son to let it go like this.

However, Xiao Yunqi flung his sleeve and said, "If the Grand Commandant is still not satisfied, you can ask His Majesty to make the decision."

Gao Qiu's face turned somber. He had already gone to find His Majesty, but His Majesty refused to see him.

Only letting Wei Xian relay a message.

Evidence.

...

When Chen Mo returned to the Chen Mansion.

The rumor that he was a eunuch had already spread among the officials.

Spring Lan and the others had also heard a little.

As for Autumn Lan and Winter Lan, if not for the pain that could still be felt from last night, they almost believed it.

Therefore, when Chen Mo returned, Autumn Lan and the others came up to him and said, "Master, there are rumors in the city claiming you are a eunuch. This is utterly ridiculous. How could you be...a eunuch?"

Chen Mo smiled, leaned down, and kissed Autumn Lan on the forehead.

Spring Lan said, "Master, many people came to the mansion to give gifts this morning."

Hearing this, Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, likely gifts from officials aligning with the Xiao Family, and then asked, "Were they accepted?"

"Accepted and placed in the hall, with records kept. If Master is dissatisfied, I will have them returned," Spring Lan said as she handed over a booklet.

"No." Chen Mo waved his hand and smiled, "Since they've been accepted, there's no reason to return them. If anyone else sends gifts in the future, just accept them. Let this trend blow more towards me."

Spring Lan: "..."