Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

The young man is the Young Master of Myriad Swords Manor.

In the previous dynasty, Myriad Swords Manor was already a renowned major force. In response to Qin Zheng’s call, it had disbanded once, thus preserving the entire Myriad Swords Manor.

After the collapse of the previous dynasty, Myriad Swords Manor was reestablished and experienced unprecedented development. At that time, almost all the famous swords in the world were forged by Myriad Swords Manor, and the Manor’s Master even consecutively served as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, enjoying unparalleled prestige for a time.

However, when the Great Song realized that Jianghu sects posed a threat to the stability of the Imperial Dynasty, Myriad Swords Manor was among the first to be suppressed.

But even so, Myriad Swords Manor did not oppose the Imperial Court, so its mountain gate was preserved, though its power dwindled over the centuries, becoming weaker with each generation.

Just as everyone thought Myriad Swords Manor would gradually decline.

The young master, Li Weiqiu, emerged out of nowhere, becoming an Innate Martial Artist at the age of thirty, and stepping into the ranks of Second-Grade at thirty-five.

Thus, Li Weiqiu planned to revive the prestige of Myriad Swords Manor.

And to restore its renown, first he had to make a name for himself.

The best way to become famous is to continuously challenge others.

But in such a chaotic and war-torn time, all major Jianghu forces were too busy protecting themselves to bother accepting challenges from Li Weiqiu.

Not only that, even if they accepted.

In these turbulent times, few would come to watch the fights. With fewer people, news wouldn’t spread.

Thus, when the Imperial Court announced the martial arts examination, Li Weiqiu was the first to come to participate, aiming to win the top spot and thereby revive the name of Myriad Swords Manor.

Chen Shi.

The drumbeats gradually stopped.

The east side of the Martial Arts Training Ground, with its elevated terrain, had a grandstand, offering the best viewing position, with a racetrack beside it and the royal hunting grounds in the distant hills.

The stands were gathered with the nobility, and many children of aristocrats were already seated on the platform.

Ancient recreational activities were scarce, so when a martial arts examination came along, these people naturally wouldn’t stay home.

Thus, private rooms for ladies, consorts, and other notable women were born.

”His Majesty arrives.”

”The Empress Dowager arrives.”

”Lord An Yang arrives.”

”...”

At this moment, a sharp, duck-like voice sounded not far away, and the crowd beside it stepped aside, allowing a carriage to enter.

The sitting dignitaries all stood up and bowed slightly: ”We officials greet Your Majesty, Empresses Dowager Xiao and Hu, Lord An Yang...”

”I pay my respects to Your Majesty, the two Empresses Dowager, and the Empress...”

After parting with Thousand Faces, Chen Mo came to pay respects to Zhao Chong, Xiao Yunxi, Hu Mei’Er, Zhao Fujin, and other such figures.

To Chen Mo’s surprise, Zhao Jiangning was also present. Seeing Chen Mo, her face suddenly turned red, her gaze somewhat evasive, her expression slightly awkward.

”Big Sister, what’s wrong?” Zhao Fujin, who was with Zhao Jiangning, had convinced Zhao Jiangning to watch today’s martial arts examination.

”Nothing, just... saw someone annoying.” Zhao Jiangning turned away.

Zhao Fujin’s expression froze, and nearby Zhao Chong and Xiao Yunxi turned their gazes over as if wanting to understand more.

The civil and military officials nearby were also curious.

As they understood, what could make Zhao Jiangning upset with Chen Hong was the matter with Gao Fen and the downfall of the Gao family.

Zhao Chong looked at Xiao Yunqi. Zhao Jiangning, after all, was his imperial sister, so he had to inquire about this matter.

But Chen Hong was Xiao Yunqi’s man, so they had to see his stance.

Xiao Yunqi frowned slightly, as he understood, wasn’t there a close relationship between De Ning and Chen Hong?

Why now was De Ning accusing Chen Mo in front of so many people?

However, before Xiao Yunqi could speak, Chen Mo bowed to Zhao Jiangning, apologizing: ”Yesterday, one of my subordinates accidentally offended His Highness; due to urgent matters, I might not have had time to apologize to His Highness, and today I... hope His Highness will forgive me.”

Chen Mo sincerely apologized to Zhao Jiangning, internally critiquing her acting skills.

Although he had mentioned to her yesterday not to appear close in public, even to seem annoyed.

He didn’t expect Zhao Jiangning to start so soon.

Hearing Chen Mo’s words, although people showed suspicion, they didn’t think much of it; they thought something significant had happened.

Zhao Jiangning snorted coldly, and in this interval, her blush faded significantly.

”How about this, I will host a banquet tonight at Hongfu Restaurant in the west of the city, drink three cups as punishment, and formally apologize to His Highness, hoping for forgiveness.”

Glimpsing at the civil and military officials nearby, Chen Mo devised another plan in his mind.

Xiao Yunxi and Zhao Fujin thought Zhao Jiangning was genuinely upset, so they spoke up for Chen Mo.

”Big Sister, you see, Junior Brother is hosting a feast to apologize to you. You should forgive his recklessness. Besides, it was his subordinates’ fault. If you are willing, let him properly discipline his people,” Zhao Fujin said while holding Zhao Jiangning’s arm and gently shaking it, then she looked at Chen Mo:

”Tonight, you must sincerely apologize to Big Sister.”

”I assure you, I will gain Prince De Ning’s forgiveness.” He said.

Xiao Yunxi couldn’t help but smile seeing Zhao Fujin’s manner.

”Cough cough, let’s discuss inside; the martial arts examination is about to start,” Zhao Chong stated and was the first to walk into the private room belonging to the Imperial Family.

Xiao Yunxi, Zhao Fujin, and the others followed inside.

After entering the private room, the environment became much calmer.

Hu Mei’Er was the first to speak, her gaze sweeping over Chen Mo: ”General Chen Hong, I heard your younger brother lifted a 4,000-pound giant tripod effortlessly a few days ago.

In today’s martial arts examination, what does General Chen Hong think your brother will achieve?”

Hu Mei’Er, with a charming demeanor and a prominently heaving bosom, could quickly capture a man’s attention with just a few words.

”Vixen?!” Zhao Fujin cursed internally, believing that the discord between her mother and father was all caused by Hu Mei’Er, as she had enchanted her father.

Zhao Jiangning also harbored no liking for Hu Mei’Er.

Hu Mei’Er was too ”alluring.”

When her father wanted to appoint her as Noble Consort, many officials opposed it.

Some even claimed she was a demon that would ruin the country according to their omens.

Yet Zhao Ji defied all opposition.

Even Zhao Chong and others pricked their ears in curiosity regarding these words.

”In response to the Empress Dowager, Brother Mo’s talent and strength surpass mine. If nothing unexpected happens, Brother Mo should not have any problem vying for the top spot,” Chen Mo responded calmly.

Hearing this.

The whole audience was shocked, everyone looked at Chen Mo in astonishment.

They initially thought he might say achieving any ranking was good enough.

After all, there were fifty rankings.

But unexpectedly, he directly stated he could contend for the top.

It’s important to know, among those participating in this martial examination, there are no fewer than ten Second-Grade Martial Artists.