Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

In one of the cells of the Imperial Prison.

On a straw-covered prison bed, Duan Shi was humming a tune, feeling quite at ease.

Even though there was such a commotion last night, he had heard about it even being in the Imperial Prison.

Coupled with the stately and ancient music he heard in the early morning, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he immediately understood something.

Someone must have launched a coup last night and succeeded, otherwise why would the music of Dan Mu Yue, which plays when a new emperor ascends, be heard?

And the only ones capable of launching a coup in the Capital were Xiao Yunqi and Gao Qiu.

Gao Qiu was promoted single-handedly by Your Majesty and had no backing from a prestigious family, so he wouldn’t dare launch a coup.

Therefore, only Xiao Yunqi could have done it.

Imperial Father-in-law.

Grand Commandant.

Patriarch of one of the four prominent noble families, the Xiao Family.

Commander of the Infantry Division.

First Grade Martial Artist.

Each of these titles is astonishingly prestigious.

Now that his coup has succeeded, I, being one of his people, will probably be released soon.

After all, since entering the Imperial Prison, I haven’t confessed his crimes.

As expected, not long afterward.

The cell door opened, and many officials were brought in, and Duan Shi glanced around roughly.

Well, well.

Aren’t these ministers from various departments? They’re all high-ranking officials and all are Cai Si’s people.

Seeing this, Duan Shi further confirmed his suspicions.

It’s definitely the Grand Commandant who has taken power.

Otherwise, how could these high-ranking officials end up in the Imperial Prison?

”Yo, isn’t this Minister Li and Minister Wang? What brings you all to the Imperial Prison?” Duan Shi greeted warmly as if seeing old friends.

As the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and the second-in-command, they naturally knew him.

Hearing Duan Shi’s teasing, they hurriedly covered their faces with their hands, unable to hide their embarrassment.

Duan Shi laughed heartily.

Just a few days ago, when I was thrown into the Imperial Prison, these people laughed at me quite a bit.

What a turn of events.

”Lord Duan, is it really you? Why are you still here? Guards, where are the guards?” barked the officer escorting the officials, shouting when he saw Duan Shi as a clerk walked over, the officer kicked him: ”What are you up to? Why is Lord Duan still here?”

The clerk nodded with a bow, not daring to speak in anger, and quickly said, ”My mistake, I’ll release him immediately, I’ll release him immediately...”

After Duan Shi was released, the officer quickly greeted him, with a fawning expression, ”Lord Duan, I’m sorry you had to endure this.”

Duan Shi paid no mind and brushed off the straw from his clothes, asking, ”What’s been happening outside?”

”Lord Duan, you have no idea...” The officer slowly began to explain.

...

Quan Qiyang was quite busy.

Just after taking over the Imperial City Department, he had to lead people to confiscate properties.

After this coup, too many officials have fallen from power, and many of them are important ministers of the Imperial Court.

The Imperial City Department had collected evidence of the crimes of these officials, but it had only been kept secret and not acted upon. Now that the time has come, confiscating their properties was justified.

Moreover, as an intelligence department, the Imperial City Department knew how wealthy they were. If all their properties were confiscated, even the cash-strapped National Treasury might become abundant.

It’s known that the cost of a single meal for these officials is enough to sustain an average family for a year.

However, there were so many officials to be stripped of their properties that the Imperial City Department was short-staffed.

He thought of Chen Hong, who had saved his life when he returned from Nanyang last time.

And since Chen Hong had deep ties with the Xiao Family, which was now at its zenith, perhaps he could forge a good relationship.

...

The millions of residents in Bianliang City found the sky already bright, yet every household stayed shut, and few doors were open.

The usual bustling and lively atmosphere of Bianliang had vanished.

The streets were cold and deserted, and those daring to step outside dared not wander about, as soldiers still roamed the streets.

Outside a grand mansion, soldiers clad in heavy armor solemnly guarded the perimeter.

Inside a large hall in the back garden of the mansion.

Immaculately cleaned, a god statue was placed on the wooden table above.

Yet now this wooden table was slightly shaking, causing the statue to tumble to the ground.

Ye Wanqiu supported herself against the wooden table, biting her lower lip tightly, her cheeks flushed.

After what seemed like an eternity, she felt a convulsion in her body, rendering her completely powerless.

...

Chen Mo cradled Ye Wanqiu in his arms, using his fingers to wipe away the tears at the corners of her mouth.

After a night of fighting, his temper was somewhat stirred, and he didn’t want to use the Clear Heart Technique, which pained Ye Wanqiu.

He had originally intended for Zhang Ru to take over, but Ye Wanqiu refused, stubbornly.

Ye Wanqiu’s entire body was weak, her voice choking as she said, ”You rogue, I misjudged you.”

Though they had grown close during their time at the palace, she hadn’t fully understood Chen Mo. Yet after leaving the palace and spending just a short while with Zhang Ru and the others, Ye Wanqiu realized another side of Chen Mo.

Of course, she didn’t really mind; her words were merely an expression of her emotions after being bullied.

Chen Mo naturally sensed this, kissed her on the forehead, and said, ”From now on, we can be together forever. Do you know how much manpower and resources I poured into rescuing you from Jingru Palace and how much danger I faced for us to be together?”

Chen Mo recounted his achievements.

”So was it worth it...” Ye Wanqiu asked with rare teasing.

Since leaving the palace, Ye Wanqiu had become more free-spirited, after all, the deep palace didn’t only confine the body; it shackled the mind and character.

”Worth it, worth it, it’s all worth it for you. But for now, you must use the name Wanqiu temporarily. I will take care of your father and the others; you must listen well and stay in this house, don’t wander around.” Chen Mo coaxed as he reminded her.

Hearing this, Ye Wanqiu nestled closer into Chen Mo’s arms, her chest pressed tightly against his: ”I’ll listen to you, but when can I see my father? He must be heartbroken after hearing news of my death.”

Ye Wanqiu hadn’t seen her father and the others properly in years, and now pretending she was dead, her father and others must be devastated.

”We’ll have to wait until the storm from the coup calms down and no one talks about Consort Jing anymore.” Chen Mo lifted Ye Wanqiu’s chin, then smiled: ”But I can visit your father on your behalf.”

”What father-in-law...” Ye Wanqiu gently pushed Chen Mo, but deep down she was delighted.

Chen Mo lowered his head, kissed her red lips, then said, ”Wanqiu, how about I teach you to play an instrument?”

Chen Mo gestured playfully as he spoke.