### Chapter 65: Summoned by the Empress, Where Did You Find Such a Lovely Lady? - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 65: Summoned by the Empress, Where Did You Find Such a Lovely Lady? Su Mo was somewhat taken aback by the Empress's reaction as he watched the scene unfold. Well, this is unexpected. He had been curious about how Empress Xiao Huang would intersect with his simulated self. Now, it seemed their fates were somehow intertwined. And in such an odd manner. Su Mo continued to watch the rest of the scene. ... "You didn't lay down much in Gu Lan County; just a few essentials and eight sets of clothes for different seasons." "After packing up your belongings, you accompanied the Empress's entourage as you left Gu Lan County." "As for Zheng Bo Yuan, it seemed fortune was on his side. Before your departure, the Empress had promoted him to the magistrate of Gu Lan County." "But without the assistance of Jade Luo Niang, he was now nothing more than a toothless dog." "After your departure, Jade Luo Niang transformed into a thumb-sized spider and hid in your headpiece." "As for the five ghosts, they were formless, able to grow large or shrink small, attaching themselves to a single strand of your hair." "Jade Luo Niang was thrilled by the prospect of heading to the capital, scurrying excitedly on your scalp." "To her, if you were to become the emperor, then she could become the national teacher." "As the national teacher, she would be entitled to collect the vital spirits of the people throughout the entire Great Zhou Dynasty." "With enough cultivation, even becoming an immortal wouldn't be out of the question." "You couldn't help but feel that Jade Luo Niang was a bit fanciful, especially given that you held no military power. Even if you were later taken into Xiao Huang's harem, power would still elude you." "During the journey back to the capital, you wondered if Xiao Huang was purposely avoiding you, as you hadn't seen her for over ten days." "You only saw the female guards around the imperial carriage coming and going." "Jade Luo Niang kept urging you to create opportunities to be alone with Xiao Huang." "Her words irritated you." 'I have unsealed fifty percent of your demon power, haven't I?' 'Why don't you lend a hand?' 'How am I supposed to approach her?' "Jade Luo Niang's voice turned a bit sulky." 'Master, it's not that I don't want to help. I simply can't get near the Empress right now.' 'Even if you unsealed all my power, I still wouldn't stand a chance.' 'The only option now is for you to touch her more. She'll soon fall for you this way.' "With no better option, you could only nod reluctantly." 'Fine, I'll follow your advice.' "Jade Luo Niang fell silent afterward, settling onto your scalp to nap." "By around the fifteenth day, you arrived in the capital along with the Empress's entourage." "Some ministers had already heard in advance of your return with the Empress." "They were quite puzzled by the situation." "They couldn't understand why the Empress hadn't had you killed, but instead had promoted you." "No one knew what had occurred in between." "The Xiao clan responded with the greatest uproar." "Before entering the capital, a group of Xiao clan elders kneeled at the city gates." "Each wore a solemn expression, seemingly as if Xiao Huang had committed a grave mistake." "The carriage was stopped, marking the first time in over ten days that Xiao Huang emerged, her fair and graceful face full of authority." "She furrowed her eyebrows, clearly displeased by the actions of the royal kin." 'Uncles and Grandfathers, what matter requires stopping the carriage here?' "The leader among them, a grey-haired yet robust elder, stood up upon hearing Xiao Huang's question." "He was Xiao Huang's second uncle, Xiao Zhan, a man known for his strategic prowess and unparalleled martial arts skills." "It's said that he was responsible for conquering half of the Great Zhou." "Despite not bearing the title of king, he bore the nickname, 'Equal of Kings,' and was always dissatisfied with Xiao Huang." 'Your Majesty, we heard you recently went to Gu Lan County, and not only did you promote Su Mo, but you also rewarded him with a hundred taels of gold. Is this true?' "Xiao Huang fixed a frosty gaze upon the elder, her jade-like face icy. 'Second Uncle, do I need you to instruct me on what I should do?' 'Su Mo is credited with saving my life. Were it not for him, I might have died in Gu Lan County. Isn't that a great service?' "What Xiao Huang said, implying she nearly died there, made a flicker of regret cross her second uncle's eyes." 'Your Majesty, that's not what I meant.' 'It's just that...' "At this point, Xiao Zhan suddenly fell silent." "He realized that such matters weren't suitable for discussion in front of an audience." 'I apologize, Your Majesty. It was reckless of this old servant!' "Suppressing his anger, Xiao Zhan led the other clan members aside." "Seeing her second uncle's reaction left Xiao Huang slightly troubled." "She understood that he was more suitable to ascend the throne than herself, yet given that her father passed the throne to her, she couldn't easily hand it over." "With nothing more obstructing the path, Xiao Huang turned to her surroundings." 'Let's go.' "In her cool, calm voice, the entourage promptly continued back to the palace." "You had witnessed the entire exchange, and couldn't help but worry about your forthcoming situation." "Fortunately, your former residence hadn't been seized. After expressing gratitude, you returned there with your hundred taels of gold and some personal belongings." "Your mother had returned to her family, and with all former servants dismissed, standing in the empty courtyard gave you a poignant sense of solitude." "Jade Luo Niang, reverting to her human form, nestled into your embrace, her charming eyes gazing lovingly at you." 'Master, why so unhappy?' 'How about I cheer you up?' "With her playful offer, Jade Luo Niang leapt toward you, wrapping her arms around your neck and entwining her long, slender legs around your waist." "Feeling despondent, you didn't react to her provocations." 'Get down, Jade Niang.' "Upon hearing your stern tone, Jade Luo Niang reluctantly released you." "Despite her efforts, around you, there was always a sense of inadequacy, as if her allure had no effect on you." "Summoning the five ghosts." "Jade Luo Niang, slightly indignant, instructed them." 'Quickly, help the master tidy up the place. This courtyard is a mess!' "Spurred by her words, the five ghosts sprang into action." "Each possessing their unique abilities, they swiftly refreshed the courtyard." "Leaves, moss — all disappeared, not a trace of dust remained even between the stone path slabs." "Seeing the restored cleanliness uplifted your spirits." "Now, you just awaited the order for your new assignment at the Hanlin Academy." "Days passed, and still no orders came." "Undeterred, you continued to immerse yourself in books and writing, nurturing your character." "Unexpectedly, the strength within you grew a little stronger." "Jade Luo Niang took on the role of a diligent housewife during this time, shopping and cooking for you. Word spread that the deposed Third Prince had acquired a stunning beauty." "Before long, the Empress's personal attendant arrived at your courtyard with two eunuchs in tow." "Seeing the imperial envoys, you immediately knelt to receive the decree." "However, there was no written decree, only a verbal command." "'By the command of His Majesty, summon Su Mo to the imperial study.'" "Surprised by the summons, you were also uneasy, unsure of the Empress's intentions." "With no choice, you accepted the command, changed your attire, and followed the servant out." "Feeling nervous, you discreetly pulled out a golden leaf." 'Honored one, might you know the reason Her Majesty has called for me?' "Head held high, the attendant ignored your attempted bribe." "You quietly put the gold leaf away, but caught the lustful glances of the two eunuchs." "Seizing the opportunity, while the attendant was distracted, you handed each eunuch a golden leaf." "Delighted, the eunuchs remained silent." "Understanding it wasn't the time to speak, you patiently awaited your entry into the palace." "As you reached the study's entrance, with the attendant going in to announce your presence, the two eunuchs approached you eagerly." "The Empress wanted to see you because she heard you've taken a beautiful lady as your wife." "As for the specifics, we know nothing else." The two eunuchs, having spoken their piece, stood aside as if they hadn't uttered a word. This snippet of information was all you could gather on the matter. Hearing it was for this reason made your mind race with various conjectures, primarily because Jade Luo Niang had once abducted Xiao Huang. Should Xiao Huang have met Jade Luo Niang before, things could get complicated. Amidst your anxious thoughts, the female attendant emerged from the study. "Master Su, Her Majesty wishes to see you now." "Please proceed." Acknowledging her words with a nod, you stepped into the imperial study. At this moment, the study was devoid of any other eunuchs or maids. Xiao Huang stood behind the desk in a white robe embroidered with golden dragons, her dark hair elegantly styled, her gaze serene. Her alabaster hands, smooth as mutton-fat jade, were busy writing. Hearing your entrance, she showed no visible reaction but continued to swiftly pen characters on the desk. Seeing this, you could only stand quietly aside, waiting for her to finish her task. "Master Su, what do you think of my calligraphy?" With that, Xiao Huang gestured for you to examine her freshly written script. On the parchment, the characters for "A True Intimate is Rare" flowed with elegance and strength. "Your Majesty's calligraphy is remarkably spirited; I am wholly unworthy of comparison." Upon hearing your praise, Xiao Huang gently set down the brush. "Really?" Faced with Xiao Huang's enigmatic response, you could only return her sentiment. "Absolutely, Your Majesty, I speak truthfully without exaggeration." "No exaggeration?" Xiao Huang's gaze grew complex as she pursed her thin lips. "If that's the case, perhaps you'd care to explain where your enchanting lady truly comes from?" (Chapter ends)