Sweet Water.

This is neither a county seat nor a river, but rather a term the common people use for a body of water.

And Sweet Water is the only path to Jiangnan from Huai State.

Since receiving his father Wu Yanqing's suggestion, Wu Changlin took five thousand troops, traveled a long way, and arrived here early to set an ambush.

Of course, he also fed the mosquitoes here for many days.

The mosquito bites, combined with the sweltering weather, had long made his men complain incessantly. Wu Changlin was also extremely irritable and somewhat unwilling to wait any longer.

In his opinion, even if Chen Mo was an Upper Third-Grade Martial Artist, capturing Huai State was a fool's dream.

Huai State was defended by Liang Xuan, a renowned master who had guarded Wuguan, with tens of thousands of troops under his command. For Chen Mo to seize Huai State from him would be incredibly difficult.

Therefore, Wu Changlin felt that waiting here was a waste of effort.

He had secretly decided that if nothing happened in three days, he would withdraw.

But at the end of those three days, he indeed encountered something.

It wasn't the family of Prince Huai, but rather a fleet from a noble family.

From their mouths, Wu Changlin learned that Chen Mo had taken Huainan County, Wuguan, and killed Liang Xuan. After the news reached Huainan City, those who could escape fled to Jiangnan.

Upon hearing this news, Wu Changlin was completely stunned.

Chen Mo really conquered Huai State.

Consequently, instead of sticking to his three-day plan, he continued to wait further.

The result was tremendous; he captured three of Prince Huai's consorts alive, as well as several of Prince Huai's other children.

After waiting another two days, the Princess Consort of Huai, the Crown Prince, and Prince Huai's eldest son were also captured by Wu Changlin.

Thus, it could truly be said that the entire family of Prince Huai was captured in one sweep.

Especially Princess Consort Huai Xiao Yunxi, she even made him glance with desire.

Her stunning beauty, voluptuous figure, noble aura brought by her status, and a touch of inherent fear after falling into his hands—all combined were enough to awaken the lust in any man.

If it weren't for the deputy, also the Wu family steward, sent by Wu Yanqing to assist him, Wu Changlin nearly acted on impulse.

Because by capturing Prince Huai's family, he actually held a huge thorny problem in his hand.

Just think about it, capturing all of Prince Huai's family, even disgracing the Princess Consort, if you were Prince Huai, wouldn't you fight him to the death?

Wu's family couldn't withstand Prince Huai's revenge.

Wu Changlin couldn't help but complain, "Then why did Father have me lead troops to ambush on this crucial path?"

"The master's intention is for the young lord to present Prince Huai's family to Chen Mo as a gesture of goodwill in exchange for merit. How Chen Mo deals with them is not Wu family's concern," said the deputy.

Wu Changlin felt somewhat unwilling and aggrieved, thinking that if Chen Mo dared to take Liang family's legitimate daughter as a concubine and attack Huai State, why couldn't he just have a conflict with Princess Consort Huai?

Though he grumbled internally, Wu Changlin did not dare and had the deputy personally deliver them to Wuguan to Chen Mo.

...

Wuguan, Chen Mo was thrilled upon hearing Lv Tong report that Wu Changlin had captured the family of Prince Huai and was on the way to Wuguan with them.

It wasn't out of any Wei Wu descendant sentiment, but because he could use them as leverage against Prince Huai.

This was going to be immediately useful.

He just received the news that Prince Huai had indeed attacked his Qingzhou, currently Prince Huai's navy was already returning to aid Huai State, with his Grand General Chu Ce leading the forces. The reinforcements were unknown, but it wouldn't be long before they reached Huainan County.

However, for now, he had to deal with the recent rumors rising in Huai State.

Though rumors couldn't shake Chen Mo, their influence was rather significant, and left unchecked, they could tarnish his reputation.

The most severe accusation against Chen Mo currently was his lack of faith and integrity.

He had clearly signed a non-aggression pact with Prince Huai, yet he broke it, shamelessly attacking Huai State while Prince Huai's forces were occupied in Fengzhou.

Even some literati wrote articles and poems condemning Chen Mo.

Though the text contained no vulgar words, it was more cutting than coarse insults, even involving Chen Mo's ancestors.

Someone even authored a proclamation to denounce Chen Mo.

What Chen Mo found most intolerable was someone bringing up the issue with his sister-in-law, Han Anniang.

As Chen Mo became famous, his information naturally got thoroughly exposed; his affair with Han Anniang couldn't remain hidden from the public.

If they stated the facts impartially about him and Han Anniang, it would be fine; which celebrity doesn't have some "negative news," right?

After all, mistakes should be admitted; punishment needs to be faced.

This was something he did, and he didn't deny it.

But these people fabricated all sorts of rumors, as absurd as pseudo-historical tales of some emperors and various women.

"Marquis, it's been found out."

At this moment, Su Wen hurriedly entered.

Since establishing the Inspector Guard, Chen Mo had transferred him there.

Aside from overseeing military discipline, the Inspector Guard also had the duty of gathering information.

Su Wen came before Chen Mo and said, "Marquis, the article accusing you of being untrustworthy was written by a scholar named Chen Ming. His grandfather is a renowned great scholar in the court with many reputable students, including Lord Zuo Lianglun.

The rumor about you and the... lady was casually fabricated by a scholar named Liu Sheng in a brothel; somehow, it got spread. Both have been apprehended, awaiting the Marquis's disposal."

Chen Mo pondered for a moment, then said, "Release the one named Chen Ming, not only release him, but let it be known that I plan to put him in an important position. As for Liu Sheng..."

Chen Mo's expression turned cold, "Skin him, chop him up, and sink him in the river for me."

Su Wen was startled by Chen Mo's last words. After a hasty acknowledgment, he quickly withdrew.

As the news of Chen Ming being released and the Pingting County Marquis intending to place him in a significant role spread, it stirred considerable reaction in Huai State.

Many were amazed, especially at Chen Mo's vastness of heart.

Chen Ming had insulted his ancestors, yet Chen Mo not only let him go but intended to employ him.

Chen Ming's grandfather was a prominent scholar in the court. His capture sparked significant discussion, so his release was under intense scrutiny by countless people.

In contrast, Liu Sheng's death happened almost in silence, with only a few brothel courtesans occasionally mentioning his absence.

Seeing the effect, Chen Mo then had people spread the news of Prince Huai attacking Qingzhou throughout Huai State.

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