Chen Mo followed behind Sun Senior Palace Lady, somewhat curious: "Senior Palace Lady, the person just now was...?"
Sun Senior Palace Lady said: "Heir of Prince Yu Mansion."
Chen Mo’s eyes slightly narrowed.
This Young Master has been quite "interested" in him!
The first thought that sprang to mind upon receiving the Death Exemption Token was to kill Chu Heng...
But he never had the opportunity, nor could he fully grasp the situation, and besides, Chu Heng’s identity was too special. If he got charged with treason, even the Death Exemption Token wouldn’t help.
Upon arriving at the central hall, a bright yellow figure was seated high above.
"Your Highness, Hundred Household Officer Chen has arrived," Sun Senior Palace Lady announced.
"Hmm, you may leave," the Empress said without lifting her head from the memorials.
Sun Senior Palace Lady quickly withdrew.
In the grand hall, only Chen Mo and the Empress remained.
Chen Mo bowed, "This subordinate pays respects to Your Highness the Empress."
The Empress remained silent for a long time, and Chen Mo maintained his bowed posture, as motionless as a statue.
After the time it took for tea to cool, she finally put down the memorial, her voice cold: "I’ve heard Mr. Chen is quite prestigious in the Donghua Region, not only seizing Opportunity Creation but also publicly executing Imperial Officials... truly making me proud!"
Chen Mo knew the Empress was going to hold him accountable, and with his head lowered, he said: "This subordinate has committed a grave error, betraying Your Highness’s trust. I humbly request Your Highness to pass judgment."
The Empress raised her brows slightly, her voice stern: "Are you threatening me? The token may exempt you from death, but not punishment. Do you truly think I can’t deal with you?"
"This subordinate has no such intention."
Chen Mo replied seriously: "This subordinate was arrogant and negligent, causing grave consequences and damaging the dignity of the Heavenly Family. I am willing to accept punishment to atone for past sins, hoping for Your Majesty’s noble judgment!"
The Empress originally intended for Chen Mo to argue endlessly so she could scold him to set her authority, and then issue a light punishment to establish an image of strictness, lest this little thief always try to take advantage of her.
But Chen Mo came forward with a sincere apology, leaving her at a loss for words.
"Very well, then tell me, where exactly did you go wrong?" the Empress asked.
Chen Mo appeared somewhat regretful, sighing: "I should have killed Jian Yinsan in the Secret Realm, doing so silently without leaving any evidence."
"Ultimately, it’s because I wasn’t ruthless enough, and I didn’t expect him to be so bold as to collude with the local Government."
"In the end, I wasted a Death Exemption Token."
The Empress trembled quietly, her chest heaving gently.
So he regretted not the killing, but wasting the token?
Executing a Sixth Rank Imperial Official in front of hundreds, and still claiming you’re not ruthless enough?
"I know you have a vendetta against Jian Yinsan, but don’t forget your status! Publicly murdering a colleague is extremely vile in nature!" the Empress’s tone turned colder.
Chen Mo remained silent for a moment, then said: "It’s true this subordinate acted out of personal motives, but Jian Yinsan indeed deserved death... I willingly accept punishment!"
The Empress was momentarily speechless, feeling somewhat helpless.
This little thief is impervious to reason; could she really demote him? Wouldn’t that just push him towards the Imperial Consort?
The punishment should be neither too light nor too severe; it should serve as a reprimand while making him appreciate the vast magnanimity of imperial grace...
"Since that’s the case, then I’ll punish you..."
"Your Highness, please wait."
Before her sentence was completed, Chen Mo said: "Before Your Highness punishes this subordinate, please allow me to present a gift to Your Highness."
He took out a jade box, opened it to reveal a white Alchemy Pill, from which a rich and delicate fragrance wafted elegantly.
"This subordinate risked life and limb in the Secret Realm, fighting a brutal battle among hundreds, and ultimately obtained a drop of Spring Beauty Jade Dew, personally crafting this rare Youthful Elixir!"
"This elixir can ensure the eternal preservation of beauty, keeping appearances unchanged!"
"Your Highness possesses unparalleled beauty, naturally rendering this unnecessary, yet please consider it a gesture of my sincere feelings. I hope Your Highness smiles upon it."
Chen Mo’s voice was clear and earnest, presenting the Alchemy Pill onto the Imperial Desk.
Then he took a few steps back, pitifully saying: "Well, Your Highness, please punish."