I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon-Chapter 1016 - 377: The Princess’s Surprise! Empress Baby, I Miss You So Much! (Part 3)
Certainly, here’s the translation:
"Hiss!"
"It’s truly the Barbarian Tribe!"
The scene was filled with the sound of gasps.
The state government officials felt their scalps tingle, a chill running from the Heavenly Spirit Platform straight to their tailbones!
"Lord Jiao is right. That performer really doesn’t have such great ability, but others do." Chen Mo crossed his arms and said, "These Barbarian Slaves are currently on the Li family’s merchant ship, which is still docked at Jinsha Port, and this is not the first batch..."
Everyone instantly understood.
Behind the Li family is the Maritime Trade Bureau, and Ming Yuchun is merely a pawn used to bind Hua Yinglan!
"Tang, Xing, Bang!"
Jiao Yu gritted his teeth, his eyes almost spewing fire! 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
Tang Xingbang, as the Cao Shi of the Maritime Trade Bureau, oversees maritime trade; all Cao Merchants have to cater to his whims.
And the rapid rise of the Li family is backed by Tang Xingbang’s support. This is no secret within the state government, some interactions between officials and merchants are quite normal. For an official term, who can guarantee they won’t be greedy at all?
But he didn’t expect Tang’s guts were so huge, daring to transport Barbarian Slaves via private ships?!
"I will take my men and arrest him now, leaving him to your disposal, Your Highness!" Jiao Yu spoke angrily as he marched towards the door.
"Stop."
Chu Yanli said calmly.
An invisible pressure permeated, causing Jiao Yu to freeze in his tracks.
"Convey my command, until this matter is fully investigated, no one is allowed to leave the state government by half a step!"
Clang——
The two Black Armor Guards responded, blocking the exit solidly like gate gods!
The faces of those present showed slight changes.
Does the Princess suspect their collusion with the Barbarian Tribe?
"If it’s only for Silver, Tang Xingbang wouldn’t take such risks. Obviously, someone else is orchestrating behind him, and that person is likely within the city." Chu Yanli quickly grasped the situation.
Chen Mo secretly nodded.
Talking to clever people saves effort.
"There are countless ties between the Barbarian Tribe and the Gu God Sect. Just yesterday, I discovered..." He whispered to the other, sharing the recent findings.
Chu Yanli’s eyes slightly darkened; if it’s as Chen Mo suspected, then it’s not just mere collusion with the Barbarian Tribe!
"So, what do you think should be done now?" Chu Yanli asked.
"No rush to act, I’ve sent someone to keep an eye on Purple Cloud Temple. What’s needed now is to catch them all." A hint of coldness flashed in Chen Mo’s eyes.
The hearts of several state officials were in their throats.
Especially Jiao Yu, whose regret was palpable.
He was transferred from Jinyang to Nantu, promoted in rank, and was quite pleased.
According to the Great Yuan system, officials of Prefect level and above receive full pensions upon retirement, otherwise, it’s half-pay, and they are exempt from duty and taxes, with ten qing of land guaranteed.
Anyway, he couldn’t work for many years; coming here to muddle through ensures future comfort, so why not?
Unexpectedly, he received a hot potato!
Just three months into his post, he received such a "great gift"!
"The Gu God Sect aside, now even the Barbarian Tribe is dragged in; after such a major overhaul, how dark was it before?"
"Truly outrageous!"
At this moment, Chu Yanli spoke: "Lord Jiao."
"Present!"
Jiao Yu shivered, "What is Your Highness’s command?"
Chu Yanli and Chen Mo exchanged glances, lightly chuckling, said: "Didn’t you say you prepared a feast to welcome me? Well, let’s set up a banquet at the government office tonight, inviting all officials from the Six Departments and Three Canals to drink wine."
"Remember, everyone, no one should be missing."
Jiao Yu: ?
Looking at those deep eyes, for no reason, a bad premonition arose in his heart.
...
...
Chen Mo left the public hall, passed through the Chuihua Gate, heading towards the inner residence.
"Strange, Chu Yanli insisted I come inside, saying there’s a big surprise waiting. What’s she up to?" He was puzzled, feeling that the woman had something planned.
The inner residence of the state government is quite large; there are three courtyards, with layered rocks and flowing springs, surrounded by mountains and waters, creating a rather elegant environment.
Since Chu Yanli had already notified in advance, the Royal Guards standing around did not obstruct him.
He arrived at the deepest courtyard and saw a figure sitting by the flower bed, presumably a Female Officer, idly plucking petals and muttering to herself.
...
"Where is the little thief..."
"Zhong Lihe kept saying he would come to Bailu City, but there’s been no news; did something happen on the way?"
Worry clouded Her Majesty the Empress’s brow, looking distressed.
Crack——
The sound of breaking branches came from nearby.
She turned her head and was dumbfounded, seeing the person she longed for standing right in front of her.
"The Princess asked me to come, saying there’s a ’precious treasure’ to give me. Do you know where it is?" Chen Mo politely asked.
But the "Female Officer" before him looked dazed, first rubbing her eyes forcefully, then pinching his cheek, "Warm, not dreaming..."
?
Before Chen Mo could respond, the other person dove into his arms like a fledgling returning to the woods.
"Oh, little thief, I missed you so much~"
Hearing this familiar nickname and feeling the collision, Chen Mo froze like a statue, his mind going blank.
"Your, Her Majesty the Empress?!"
Squeak——
At this moment, Sun Senior Palace Lady pushed open the door and came out.
"Your Highness, Tributor Zhong..."
Seeing the scene unfold, her words abruptly stopped.
Her expression stiffened slightly, then she quietly closed the door.
Following her, Li He looked confused, "What happened?"
"Nothing." Sun Senior Palace Lady raised the East Palace Token, seriously stating, "I order you, start disabling all your senses now and pretend to be dead. If you dare open them privately, it’ll be considered a grave disrespect."
Li He: ???
