Three months later, the world gradually stabilized, and everywhere was harmonious, with the people living in peace.
During these three months, Chen Mo was handling the matters needed to leave the Canglan Continent.
In addition, both Jiang Ruoqing and Zhao Qianyi had reached the late stage of First Grade.
These two were definitely going to accompany me to the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
Perhaps knowing that Chen Mo would soon leave the Canglan Continent, Luo Zhen and Yi Yao clung to him every day, and at night, Chen Mo couldnât hope for a solitary sleep.
The power in Chen Moâs hands was being gradually delegated; since Xiao Yunxi was going to be crowned as Empress, she certainly needed to hold military power, so Chen Mo gave her a portion of it.
The most elite Fire Qilin Army and the Gunpowder Workshop were entrusted to XinâEr by Chen Mo.
With military power in hand, Xiao Yunxiâs authority grew increasingly powerful, and seeing Chen Moâs intention to step back, many ministers began aligning themselves with Xiao Yunxi.
A new change was about to unfold.
Three days later.
At the court meeting, Xiao Yunxi announced a south tour, specifying that Prince Zhen Nan and others would accompany her.
The purpose of going down to Jiangnan was because she knew Chen Mo was leaving, so she wanted to accompany him during this time, treating it as a leisure trip.
Besides, it was to investigate the public sentiment, strengthen the political ties with Jiangnan gentry, and prepare for her forthcoming coronation as Empress.
Secondly, there was the matter of river works.
To save the expenses of the National Treasury, Xiao Yunxi emphasized traveling light and simple style for the south tour, and all palace visits would not indulge in decoration, trying to save each place to around ten to twenty thousand gold.
In April, the chill of winter still lingered. Due to the recovery of livelihoods, the once desolate official road now had occasional passersby and traveling merchants.
Aline of riders was advancing rapidly from the distant horizon, and upon closer inspection, nearly all were mounted on robust horses, wearing imposing black armor. Only the locals of Bianliang could recognize them as the elite troops of Prince Zhen Nan, the Fire Qilin Army.
In the center of this escort, apart from Chen Moâs carriage, there was also Xiao Yunxiâs Phoenix Chariot and carriages of some accompanying officials. The Empress Dowager and Prince Zhen Nanâs south tour inevitably became a topic of discussion among the people of Bianliang, with rumors about them circulating for a while. This south tour led many to speculate that it was for both business and personal matters.
Inside the Phoenix Chariot, a warm flow was present, with a small exquisite incense burner emitting strands of unknown fragrance.
Chen Mo lay on a couch with his chest half-bared, lightly snoring.
Beside him, a voluptuous woman with striking beauty, resembling a ripe peach, was sitting barefoot, wearing a red palace dress that outlined her gourd-shaped figure, her chest forming two exquisite and delicate curves. A blood jade hairpin gifted by Chen Mo was in her hair, and her jade hands were gently massaging Chen Moâs shoulders, with water-like tenderness in her eyes.
At his feet, Xiao QingâEr, with absolutely stunning looks but a somewhat flat figure, was kneeling as her delicate hands massaged Chen Moâs calves.
Chen Mo was immersed in their company, reluctant to rise.
As the carriage jolted, Chen Mo finally opened his eyes and pulled Xiao Yunxi, who was massaging his shoulders, into his arms. His large hand ventured into her palace dress: "Where are we now?"
Xiao QingâEr replied, "Weâre almost at Qingshan Town."
His big hand gave a squeeze, and Xiao Yunxi let out a soft moan. Chen Mo bent down to taste her lipstick before tightening his robe, saying, "We should be going back; weâve stayed here too long."
Xiao Yunxi rose from Chen Moâs embrace, maintaining her posture: "I thought you werenât afraid."
"Iâm not afraid; Iâm just concerned about your reputation, Yunxi."
"After being with you, what reputation do I have left? Itâs all been ruined by you."
"What are you talking about? I need to go back and get a good sleep. If I stay with you any longer, I wonât be able to stop myself from devouring you both."
Xiao Yunxi sat down, nestling in his arms, "Iâm not afraid of being devoured by you, but of you leaving me. Once you leave this time, who knows when weâll meet again."
Xiao Yunxi raised her hand to stroke Chen Moâs chest.
The girl in his arms, like the spring breeze outside or the gentle streams in a hot spring, made one effortlessly feel captivated, indescribably comfortable.
"Master said that upon reaching the Golden Core Realm, one can cross that Sea of Nothingness. Iâm now in the Late Stage Foundation Establishment, so it wonât be long. Once Iâm settled over there, Iâll find a way to bring you all over," Chen Mo pinched Xiao Yunxiâs charming nose.
Xiao Yunxi nestled in Chen Moâs embrace, unwilling to part.
"QingâEr will stay with you here."
Chen Mo left the cozy nest, returning to his carriage.
Just as he returned, Gao Zheng came to tell him that Wu Lu had come to see him but was sent away with the excuse that he was resting.
"Well done." Patting Gao Zheng on the shoulder, Chen Mo went back to his carriage to lie down.
...
At the port of Qingshan Town.
A relatively luxurious building ship was docked at the pier, and a group of elite guards disembarked from it, surrounding the area on alert.
On the ship, Wu XinâEr played a nine-bamboo tile.
Nearby, Luo Zhen took it, saying, "Theyâve all disembarked, why hasnât the Prince arrived yet?"
"Donât worry, according to the calculation, he should arrive today. Their carriages are slow, theyâll rest in Qingshan Town tonight," Wu XinâEr replied.
This south tour, Chen Moâs wives and concubines also accompanied him.
But they didnât travel the same road; instead, they took the building ship down the canal to Jiangnan.
Traveling the same road would be too conspicuous.
After all, the Empress Dowagerâs south tour was for official matters. What would it look like if all the young ladies went along for sightseeing? It would invite gossip.
However, taking the building ship wouldnât.
Even if discovered, it wouldnât matter, because their expenses werenât funded by the Imperial Court.
...
By the time Chen Mo arrived in Qingshan Town, it was already dark. The County Magistrate, having learned of the Empress Dowager and Prince Zhen Nanâs arrival, hurriedly set up a banquet to welcome them, but Xiao Yunxi declined. She only intended to rest for the night, without unnecessary extravagance.
After bidding farewell to the ministers, Chen Mo headed to the port.
On the deck of the building ship, Wu XinâEr, Yi Yao, and others gazed longingly at the pier, like wives awaiting their husbandâs return. Though they had been apart for just three days, they missed him intensely, scanning the pier until they spotted a familiar figure approaching on a white horse, and their eyes lit up with joy.
"The Prince is here. Tell Chun Lan to reheat the dishes sheâs cooked," Wu XinâEr instructed the attending maid.
After that, she led a group of Chen Moâs wives and concubines to disembark and greet him.
Xiao Jiu suddenly leapt off the ship, almost tipping it over.
"Xiao Jiu, be gentle," Chen Mo said as he patted its head.
"Prince."
"Husband."
"Master."
"..."
The ladies gracefully approached.