Chapter 525: Chapter 525: Chen Mo’s True Intentions Laid Bare

The Second Year of Yong’an, January 17th.

Luonan.

In the study of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Lu Sheng’s core advisors were all gathered there, their eyes on the reports being passed around, their expressions ambiguous and complex.

The content of this report was Chen Mo’s request to restore the imperial examination.

Logically, restoring the imperial examination is beneficial for both the country and the people.

However, upon seeing this report, Lu Sheng’s advisors discerned Chen Mo’s ulterior motives behind it.

Lu Sheng’s most trusted advisor, Luo Qingyang, stated, “Prime Minister, Chen Mo’s ambition is blatantly obvious.

Having just eliminated the Jin Xia Barbarians in the North and recovered the lost northern territories, now he hastily requests the restoration of the imperial examination. Once successful, all the scholars under heaven will owe him allegiance; then, in the people’s eyes, there would be no Emperor, no Court—only Chen Mo. What he says at that time would be regarded by the people as law.”

Now, aside from the stable situation up north.

The court, led by Lu Sheng, is still at war with Xiliang.

Prince Huai is already a buried skeleton.

King Chong is too busy to attend to other matters.

King Anping is too insignificant in size.

Yang Xian is isolated, plus the path to the Shu Residence is difficult.

Once the imperial examination is restored, only Chen Mo can truly take charge of it.

Then scholars from across the land will likely rush to Linzhou.

“Indeed, Prime Minister. Chen Mo’s request to restore the imperial examination clearly aims to recruit talent through the examination to manage the North. Once that time comes, the people in the North will be well acquainted with his name. Who could possibly match him?” another advisor of Lu Sheng commented.

“Prime Minister, you must not agree. Otherwise, a tiger might be nurtured to become a danger.”

“…”

Lu Sheng’s advisors were all urging Lu Sheng not to agree to Chen Mo’s request.

However, Xiliang is an ally of Chen Mo, and Lu Sheng’s war against Xiliang had not elicited any complaint from Chen Mo.

Should Lu Sheng refuse Chen Mo’s request now, Chen Mo would certainly be displeased.

Furthermore, restoring the imperial examination is only disadvantageous to “ambitious individuals” like Lu Sheng, but it is indeed a good thing for everyone else under heaven.

If Lu Sheng declines Chen Mo’s request, Chen Mo might expose this matter.

Scholars across the land would surely see Lu Sheng as an enemy.

Lu Sheng was naturally concerned about these issues. He looked at Luo Qingyang, seeking his opinion.

Earlier, Luo Qingyang only remarked on Chen Mo’s ambitions but didn’t give a definitive answer as to whether Lu Sheng should agree to Chen Mo’s request.

Luo Qingyang deliberated for a moment and said, “The court should agree to Chen Mo’s request.”

“Why?” asked Lu Sheng.

Luo Qingyang first outlined Lu Sheng’s concerns, then continued, “At that time, the Prime Minister can have Your Majesty decree that the final imperial examination be held in Luonan, and grandly announce to the world that under heaven, it is still the Great Song Dynasty’s world. Scholars across the land, upon hearing of the restoration of the imperial examinations, will only head to Luonan.

Besides, with Your Majesty in Luonan, even though the restoration of the imperial exam is at Chen Mo’s request, he is not qualified to conduct it. If he dares to hold it in Linzhou, we can accuse him of it.”

The intent of Luo Qingyang was clear: to snatch Chen Mo’s reward.

Finally, Luo Qingyang added, “Even if Chen Mo dares to hold the examination in Linzhou, how would he announce the names of the successful candidates? Moreover, after the imperial examination, there’s the palace examination, and only His Majesty is qualified to personally question the successful candidates from the imperial examination. Would he really dare invoke the wrath of the world and act on behalf of the Heavens?”

Luo Qingyang’s words made sense.

The other advisors of Lu Sheng, after hearing this, pondered and found Luo Qingyang’s plan feasible.

Eventually, Lu Sheng nodded, deciding to enter the palace the next day to have the Emperor issue a decree to restore the imperial examination.

…

Linzhou, Xiangyang.

Chen Mo was unaware of Lu Sheng’s plot for now, as he was busy with preparation for his approaching wedding.

Taking a concubine did not require a bride price; instead, the Yue Family had to provide a substantial dowry.

In the afternoon, after finishing the fitting of the groom’s wedding attire at the tailor shop, Chen Mo saw a pretty young girl quickly approaching from a corner by the walls. Sun Meng quickly moved to intercept her.

The girl claimed to be the personal maid of Madam Xiao and said Madam Xiao wanted to meet Chen Mo.

Madam Xiao was indeed impatient, feeling neglected since Chen Mo had returned to Xiangyang ten days ago without visiting Copper Sparrow Garden even once. She feared that he had forgotten her.

After all, considering her age in the Great Song Dynasty, she could very well be called a spinster.

She worried that Chen Mo had only taken her in because of a fleeting novelty, and now that it’s gone, he would discard her like an old shoe.

Additionally, the Xiao Family continuously urged her to be more proactive, leaving her no choice but to send a maid to look for Chen Mo, saying she wished to see him.

But it wasn’t that Chen Mo didn’t want to see her.

He truly hadn’t had time; days were spent busy with official duties before.

Recently, his daylight hours were occupied with wedding preparations.

As for evenings, Xiaolu, Zhiqing, and Zhi Ning visited in turns, leaving Chen Mo no time to think about other women.

However, this afternoon, he did seem to have some time.

Chen Mo glanced at Madam Xiao’s maid and softly said, “I understand, you may go back. I’ll come over later.”

Overjoyed, the maid left.

After giving Sun Meng some instructions, Chen Mo headed towards Copper Sparrow Garden.

…

In Madam Xiao’s room at Copper Sparrow Garden.

After the maid hurried back to inform Madam Xiao that Duke An would be coming over soon, Madam Xiao immediately sat in front of her dressing table and began to dress up.

Once her makeup was nearly done, another maidservant attending to her entered the room and playfully said, “Madam, Duke An has arrived.”

“So fast…”

Madam Xiao’s jade-like face turned crimson with a rosy glow. Upon hearing this, her heart fluttered from shyness to urgency, and she rose to greet him with her maid.

Meanwhile, Chen Mo had also entered the room, greeted by a rich and fragrant scent like that of orchids and musk.

Madam Xiao met Chen Mo face to face.

Madam Xiao had invited Chen Mo with seduction in mind, so even in the depths of winter, she wore a light purple, violet gown, a beautiful woman with cloud-like hair, a jade-like face, and radiant features. Under her willow eyebrows, a pair of long eyes with faint eyeshadow enhanced her allure. Her figure was graceful, and she bent her waist slightly, her red lips parting gently, “Greetings to Duke An.”

The blush on her face hadn’t faded, and her gaze lowered after she spoke.

Noticing this, the maids tactfully withdrew, closing the room door behind them.

As the door shut, Madam Xiao’s heart inexplicably began to race.

“Madam Xiao, we meet again,” Chen Mo beamed, his smile as warm as a spring breeze.

“It’s been over a year… since we last saw each other.” At the sound of the familiar voice, Madam Xiao became increasingly tense, and her voice trembled a little.

Chen Mo stepped forward, gazing at the picturesque brows and voluptuous figure of the beautiful woman, then embraced her, leaning close to her ear adorned with pearl earrings, and whispered, “So long apart, have you missed me, Madam?”

As he spoke, he lightly patted her on her waist, stirring waves of passion.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep