Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

Prince Zhen Nan, Chen Mo, is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of power in the Great Song Court Hall, unparalleled. If he wishes, he could change the dynasty at any time.

Besides power, his strength is unsurpassed, with no rivals within the Great Song’s territory.

And naturally, they are aware of the marriage between Prince Zhen Nan and the young lady.

The three bowed respectfully, ”Prince Zhen Nan.”

Chen Mo smiled and raised his head slightly, ”I’m accompanying Xin’Er on a return visit to her family, no need to be so formal.”

The three nodded and perceptively approached to help Chen Mo and the others with their luggage.

Wu Xin’Er asked them, ”Has my father returned?”

One thought for a moment and said, ”The Third Elder is still busy with family business outside. However, knowing about your wedding, he sent gifts to the clan. You can get them from the Third Madam after you return.”

Wu Xin’Er’s father ranked third in the family hierarchy.

Upon hearing this, Wu Xin’Er looked a bit disheartened, and Chen Mo hurriedly stepped forward to gently embrace her fragrant shoulders, then said, ”Let’s not just stand here, let’s go inside.”

”Prince Zhen Nan, please.” The three led the way for Chen Mo.

But indeed, Wu Xin’Er first took Chen Mo’s arm, stepping forward: ”Husband, let me take you inside.”

Wu Xin’Er and Chen Mo went ahead.

Jiang Ruoqing and Ji Xi’Er followed behind.

Not even a hundred meters forward, Chen Mo noticed a hidden sentry in the forest. From Wu Xin’Er’s explanation, the Wu family has set traps outside the mountain forest. Without a guide, even an Innate Martial Artist would not be able to enter the Wu family’s mountain gate.

Upon reaching the mountain, there was a vast area. First was a massive lake, under the sunlight, it sparkled with glittering ripples. The water was so clear you could see the multicolored fish swimming within.

”This is the Wu Family’s Xuanwu Lake, artificially excavated. The fish inside are spirit fish bred by the clan, eating them aids in the cultivation of martial artists. They’re precious.” Wu Xin’Er introduced to Chen Mo, then turned to Jiang Ruoqing, ”Ruoqing, do you eat fish?”

Jiang Ruoqing paused, before she could speak, Wu Xin’Er instructed one of the three: ”Catch some spirit fish, prepare one each of steamed, braised, and other flavors.”

”Understood.” The person responded respectfully.

Beside Xuanwu Lake were artificially built rockeries and gardens. Passing these, they arrived outside the manor, where black-clad guards patrolled day and night.

Chen Mo noted these patrolling guards were all at the sixth to fifth grade in strength, and upon entering the manor, he sensed several Fourth Grade Martial Artists.

Deeper within the manor, Chen Mo detected a few powerful auras scanning him.

No less than five Innate Martial Artists.

The sound of silk and bamboo music and laughter faintly emanated.

This deep within the manor, all those residing were direct descendants of the Wu family.

The Wu Family Manor exhibited the style of Jiangnan’s water towns, featuring white-washed walls, flying eaves, and two stone lions at the entrance, rather small and almost petty for such a large family like the Wu family.

The inscription on the plaque, Wu Xin’Er mentioned, was personally written by the Grand Ancestor of the Great Song.

After entering the manor, accommodations were arranged, and belongings were put down. Elder He no longer needed to follow and cheerfully left as soon as they entered the manor.

Wu Xin’Er accompanied Chen Mo, Jiang Ruoqing, and Ji Xi’Er for a stroll within the manor.

”See that sealed well? When I was young, it wasn’t sealed, and the water inside was chilly. We would throw all kinds of fruits inside. But a couple of years ago, one of my nieces nearly fell in, and with the increase in children in the manor, for safety, it was sealed.”

The manor was grand; in fact, it could be considered a small private town, exuding magnificence and elegance.

The Wu family wasn’t short of money; the extensive fields beneath the mountain all belonged to them.

In Jiangnan, more than half of the officials were from the Wu family.

This established the Wu family’s influence over Jiangnan.

Following Xin’Er to a courtyard, they saw a noblewoman in her forties standing at the door, her looks vaguely resembling Wu Xin’Er’s, smiling pleasantly, ”Xin’Er has returned. And this is the son-in-law?”

”Mother.”

Wu Xin’Er released Chen Mo’s arm and embraced the noblewoman, then after a moment of affection, introduced the visitors: ”Mother, this is Chen Mo.”

”Husband, she’s my mother.”

Chen Mo sweetly called her ”Mother” and handed over the gifts he had purchased.

The Third Madam of the Wu family was momentarily surprised, then her smile grew even warmer. After all, Chen Mo was a newly inaugurated prince; she was worried he might assume airs. But seeing he was easy to get along with, she joyfully replied and glanced at the two women behind Chen Mo.

Wu Xin’Er whispered a few words to the Third Madam, informing her that one was one of Chen Mo’s consorts and the other was the deposed Empress Dowager of the Western Palace. Her expression momentarily froze but soon returned to its previous state, inviting everyone inside.

The Third Madam instructed the servants to make tea and chatted casually with Chen Mo.

Mostly telling Chen Mo to take good care of her daughter and not let Xin’Er suffer any grievances...

On such matters, mothers everywhere are alike.

Chen Mo patted his chest on the spot, making promises.

Soon, Wu Xin’Er’s aunts and uncles heard of the visit of the son-in-law Prince Zhen Nan—the news reached their ears as well, and they all gathered in the courtyard, eager to catch a glimpse of Chen Mo.

And so, inevitably, they exchanged greetings, inquired about family matters, and showered Chen Mo with praises for his handsome appearance.

The chatter continued, and time passed swiftly.

The fish Wu Xin’Er had prepared were ready. After the meal, as night fell, they left the mother’s courtyard, and Jiang Ruoqing and Ji Xi’Er retired to their quarters. Wu Xin’Er took the gifts from her father, accompanied by Chen Mo, and left the manor for a valley.

Wu Xin’Er said that this was where she usually stayed, and she often spent nights there.

A pavilion was built on the cliffs of the valley.

Wu Xin’Er lightly touched the ground with her toes, leaping up from below to the pavilion with ease while Chen Mo followed closely, flying after her.

The pavilion’s interior was meticulously decorated, with the first floor’s bookshelves filled with her collection, including many rare editions.

The second floor was for rest, with a complete set of furniture and various intriguing gadgets displayed on the tables, looking dazzling without appearing cluttered.

The third floor was an open-air platform, equipped with a lounge chair and a tree table for leisure reading.

From the pavilion’s cleanliness, it was clear that someone tended to it in Wu Xin’Er’s absence.

Having been away for one or two months, as she returned, Wu Xin’Er gazed upon it as if many years had passed.