"Don't even think about it." Madam Hui thought Chen Mo lusted after her body and quickly raised her hand to protect her chest in refusal.

After all, she was the dignified consort of Prince Huai, how could she be defiled by others?

"In that case, forget it. I'll go find Madam Xiao or Madam Gan; I'm sure they would agree." Chen Mo rose again and said, "By the way, if Madam Xiao or Madam Gan agrees, they'll definitely ask me to detain the Crown Prince as well. This way, their sons will have no competitors."

Upon hearing this, Madam Hui's beautiful face instantly turned to shock.

In her heart, Shou'Er was her hope and reliance, and he concerned the future of her Li Family. If anything should happen to Shou'Er, the impact on her and the Li Family would be significant.

For a moment, Madam Hui found herself in an overwhelmingly conflicted situation, feeling a boundless sense of shame flooding her, blushing to the roots of her ears, biting her red lips tightly.

Seeing Chen Mo about to open the door and leave, Madam Hui finally spoke up, saying, "Alright, I... I agree."

"That's better... sigh..."

Chen Mo turned around, words still on his lips, and upon seeing the scene before him, he couldn't help but gasp. At that moment, Madam Hui had removed her red dress, exposing her fair shoulders, delicate collarbones, and skin as soft as silk all to his view.

Madam Hui was now wearing only a pink undergarment.

Seeing Chen Mo's gaze, Madam Hui felt her dignity trampled underfoot, her mind a chaotic mess, her mature body involuntarily trembling.

Yet somehow, a suppressed desire deep within was being awakened from her long-dry delicate physique.

However, the restraint cultivated over years and her own rationality continued to warn her not to fall into wicked hands, so even without her dress, she still tried to cover herself.

But Chen Mo's next words made her even more ashamed.

Chen Mo said, "Madam Hui, it seems you misunderstood something. The bargaining chip I'm referring to is the Princess."

Madam Hui: "..."

Her jade face filled with anger, she took two quick steps to the bed, picked up the blanket, and wrapped her graceful body, shouting, "Despicable, shameless, rogue, lowly..."

The golden hairpin in her hand glinted again.

"So, does Madam agree or not?" Chen Mo said.

Madam Hui hesitated, although she loved Chu Juan dearly, she knew in her heart Chu Juan was nothing compared to her son, Chu Shou.

The reason Chu Juan was not yet married was because Madam Hui hadn't found a suitable husband for her. In her mind, the husband's appearance wasn't important; what mattered was his family and connections that could assist Chu Shou.

Now, if Chu Juan could be exchanged for Chu Shou, Madam Hui would be willing.

Seeing Madam Hui remain silent, Chen Mo continued, "I know the Princess isn't yet betrothed because Madam hasn't found a good family, but who among the talents of the world can compare to me? If Madam marries the Princess to me, then we become one family. Since we are family, what reason do I have not to help Madam?"

Madam Hui: "..."

It was the first time she had heard someone boast so openly about themselves.

Though what Chen Mo said was true—a twenty-year-old Third-Grade Martial Artist, County Marquis, with 100,000 troops and a good appearance—Madam Hui couldn't find a reason to argue, but shouldn't one be humble?

"You... are you serious?" Madam Hui said.

"A gentleman's words, hard to chase with four horses." Chen Mo said.

Actually, he didn't need Madam Hui's agreement at all to possess Chu Juan, but something seemed to be missing.

However, if Madam Hui agreed, then with the decree of parents and matchmakers, Chen Mo could openly take Chu Juan as concubine, and no one in the world would fault it.

The key point was that it could seriously provoke Prince Huai.

"Alright, I agree to marry Juan'Er to you as concubine." After speaking, Madam Hui sighed inwardly, hoping Juan'Er wouldn't resent her.

"Refreshing." Chen Mo laughed heartily; he had intended to release Madam Hui and Chu Shou, allowing them to return to their power struggle. Approaching Madam Hui alone was merely to seek more benefits.

...

After leaving Madam Hui, Chen Mo headed to Madam Xiao and Madam Gan.

In front of Madam Xiao and Madam Gan, Chen Mo didn't mention whether they wanted the Crown Prince's position but rather questioned if they wanted to return.

Indeed, Chen Mo aimed for double gains; even if he were to let them go, he wanted to strip them clean, satisfying Prince Huai.

Since Chu Juan remained, it was only right to return Prince Huai a daughter, surely?

Chen Mo spent a spring night together with the two Madams.

...

Diwu Fusheng departed Wuguan without agreeing to Liu Ji's request, but instead reported to Prince Huai.

However, the day after Diwu Fusheng left, Chen Mo dispatched troops to attack Huainan.

Huainan County only had Chu Ce and his subordinate navy stationed, with limited forces. Coupled with the fame of Chen Mo for slaying Liang Xuan, Huainan City's defenses were subdued, and morale was low. Meanwhile, Chen Mo's army had just won a victory and distributed rewards, morale soaring high.

The enemy weary, our morale high; how could Huainan County not be taken?

Chu Ce knew he couldn't defend Huainan with his small force, so he did not hold fast.

When Chen Mo launched his second round of attacks on the city, Chu Ce ordered a retreat from Huainan County.

...

Wuguan.

Upon learning of Diwu Fusheng's departure, Madam Hui went to find Chu Juan, her first words upon entering were, "Juan'Er, Mother is sorry."

Chu Juan, exceptionally intelligent, immediately asked, "Mother, did Chen Mo say something to you?"

Madam Hui nodded, "He took a liking to you, asking Mother to marry you to him in exchange for releasing Mother and your elder brother, and assisting your brother in securing the Crown Prince's position."

"Just as I thought..." Chu Juan darkened, then said, "But... with the Princess Consort and Chu Zheng around, Wang can't claim the Crown Prince's position."

"Chen Mo said he'd detain Xiao Yunxi and Chu Zheng at Wuguan." It was precisely for this reason that Madam Hui agreed to Chen Mo's terms. She explained, "I didn't just sacrifice you for your brother, but because Xiao Yunxi already knows the situation at Fengnan Port. If she's allowed back to meet your father, life would be impossible for us—Mother, your elder brother, and third sister."

"Mother, you didn't just come here to discuss marrying me to Chen Mo, right?" Chu Juan said, pressing her thin lips together.

Madam Hui's expression was somewhat awkward, sheepishly saying, "As expected, I can't hide anything from you, Juan'Er. I hope that once you're with him, you get along well and make him enamored with you, ensuring he never releases Xiao Yunxi."

Although Chen Mo promised her to detain Xiao Yunxi, Madam Hui still feared he might break his promise, so she wanted Chu Juan to foster a good relationship with Chen Mo, subtly expressing her wish for Chu Juan to willingly remain with Chen Mo.

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