Chapter 209

Chapter 209: The Empress Dowager loosening her clothes in front of me, does she think I’m not here? Come on, Empress Dowager, get ready!

“Nonsense!”

Zhao Ji stood up and coldly retorted.

“The position of Prime Minister has existed since the Spring and Autumn period, which of the seven states doesn’t have one?”

“You say to abolish the position; I’m afraid the entire court won’t agree!”

Ying Zheng remained silent.

He thought Li Mo’s suggestion was good.

The Prime Minister could indeed alleviate some pressure.

But the downside was excessive power.

In national matters, the Prime Minister had significant input.

In a way, they were almost like a co-ruler.

Moreover, it directly manages civil and military officials.

However, Li Mo’s cabinet method cleverly circumvented this issue.

It can only make proposals and cannot usurp the executive power to directly appoint officials.

But it can greatly reduce the monarch’s workload.

Ying Zheng carefully pondered and felt that this method was ingenious.

If the power isn’t in the king’s hands, what’s the meaning of being a king?

Li Mo was not surprised by Zhao Ji’s intense reaction.

Calmly, he said, “Do we have to emulate other countries just because they have it? Must we follow their inflexibility without change?”

“The matter with Lu Buwei is a lesson from the past.”

“How long has it been, and the Empress Dowager has forgotten?”

“Must it reach the point where another Wang Buwei or Zhang Buwei appears for you to realize the dangers of executive power?”

This series of sharp questions made Zhao Ji frown deeply.

Of course, she had not forgotten.

Had it not been for Li Mo dealing with Lu Buwei, the current situation of Qin would be uncertain.

Zhao Ji frowned deeply and slowly calmed down.

Staring at Li Mo, she seemed ready to relent.

“So, what positions and offices does this cabinet you propose hold?”

Li Mo spoke eloquently, “The cabinet is not a position but an institution.”

“It would appoint a chief assistant and a secondary assistant.”

“The chief assistant would further appoint two to three officials.”

“They could assist the king in drafting directives and reviewing documents.”

“The cabinet would submit execution recommendations in the documents, which would be effective once the king affixed his approval.”

The cabinet would handle many responsibilities.

In essence, it transfers tasks traditionally managed by the prime minister to the cabinet.

But the key difference is that the prime minister had executive power, while the cabinet only holds the right to propose.

After hearing this, Ying Zheng pondered for a long time before slowly saying, “I think the national master’s proposal is very good.”

More than good, it struck right at his heart.

Someone else handling the tasks, but the real power remains in his hands.

To control all decisions and the power of life and death—this is what it means to be a king.

Zhao Ji’s gaze drifted slightly.

From the perspective of a ruler, this method was indeed suitable.

But for some reason, she just didn’t want to agree.

Not that the method was flawed.

It was just purely unsatisfying.

Since her suggestion was rejected outright, why should she agree to his proposal?

“This is a significant matter; let me consider it further.”

Ying Zheng nodded helplessly.

Indeed, it was a significant matter.

This proposal, once presented, will undoubtedly face opposition from many court officials.

Without staying long with Ying Zheng, Zhao Ji rose and returned to her palace.

Li Mo and Ying Zheng continued to chat for a long time.

He only left after having a meal there.

As he stepped out of the palace, he sensed Li waiting, uncertain for how long.

“The Empress Dowager wants to see me?”

Without Li even speaking, Li Mo guessed it.

That old witch had left in a huff.

Surely she would want to reclaim her stance.

So, he deliberately lingered longer with Ying Zheng to irritate her.

Sure enough.

When he sauntered into Zhao Ji’s palace, Zhao Ji’s pretty face was as dark as if it could rain any minute.

A table full of food and wine awaited, but nothing had been touched.

Apparently, she was too angry to eat.

“Greetings, Empress Dowager.”

Li Mo pretended to salute.

Zhao Ji, with a sullen face, coldly said, “Sit.”

Just as Li Mo was about to sit on a side chair, Zhao Ji instructed the maids, “Serve the national master.”

Li Mo was momentarily stunned.

Serve what?

Soon, several maids orderly brought in dishes identical to Zhao Ji’s and placed them in front of Li Mo.

After setting the table, Zhao Ji coldly said, “Eat.”

Then she also picked up her chopsticks, putting a piece of vegetable into her mouth.

Calm and peaceful, not like she intended to poison him.

Now Li Mo finally understood.

She wasn’t too angry to eat but was waiting for him to eat together.

Sensing the hot, rich dishes in front of him.

For a moment, Li Mo felt an indescribable emotion.

I’ve already eaten.

I’ve already eaten my fill at Ying Zheng’s place!
When Zhao Ji saw that he hadn’t touched his chopsticks for a while, she frowned and asked, “What is it? Doesn’t it suit your taste?”

“If you want something else, I’ll have someone redo it.”

These words were quite polite.

Li Mo forced a smile. “No, it’s very good.”

Zhao Ji looked at him strangely.

“Then eat. If you like it, finish it all.”

Li Mo pursed his lips heavily. “Mm!”

A master at the Tongshen level surely wouldn’t be stuffed to death by a meal!

This time he miscalculated!

The Empress Dowager had kindly asked him to come over for a meal, he couldn’t just tell her he had already eaten.

Despite their disputes and quarrels, her good intentions couldn’t be casually discarded.

Today, what got into her?

Suddenly having a pang of conscience and inviting him for a meal!

After taking a bite, Zhao Ji didn’t continue eating. She propped her chin up with a hand holding chopsticks.

She watched Li Mo gobble down his food with great interest.

Unconsciously, a beautiful curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Gone was her usual arrogance.

Instead, there was a sense of relief.

Seeing Li Mo eating with such relish, it wasn’t hard to guess the hardships he endured when evading pursuers in Han.

Of course, the Empress Dowager couldn’t possibly apologize to him for her stubbornness.

She could only compensate him this way.

She had deeply experienced those days back in the Zhao Empire.

Not only did she have to live in constant fear, but she also had to endure the scorn of others.

Yet in reality?

Li Mo was more carefree than anyone, evading pursuers along the way, enjoying the company of beauties, and sightseeing.

If not for the fear of sparking a war between the two countries, he would probably continue to enjoy himself for a while longer before leaving.

Li Mo felt like crying without tears.

He had to eat quickly before his stomach could react, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to manage it!

After a flurry of eating, he finally finished the food.

Li Mo rubbed his stomach.

A palace maid timely brought a cup of warm tea.

Zhao Ji hardly ate anything from start to finish. The food before her remained almost untouched.

She had been watching him eat the whole time.

“Had enough? There’s more if you need it.”

Seeing Li Mo still looking unsatisfied, Zhao Ji sincerely asked.

Li Mo’s hand holding the tea cup trembled.

He responded repeatedly, “Enough, enough.”

Eating any more might really kill him.

He had already eaten a lot earlier at Ying Zheng’s place to stall for time.

Even a Tongshen level master couldn’t handle eating like this!

Hearing this, Zhao Ji put down her chopsticks and waved at the palace maids.

“Clear everything. Stand outside, the Empress and the Imperial Advisor have important matters to discuss.”

Li sneakily glanced at both of them.

Hmm, I’ll take them further away!

The bedchamber quickly quieted down, leaving the two of them sitting there.

By now it was the afternoon, long past Zhao Ji’s usual nap time.

Normally, she’d be asleep at this hour.

But today, she waited for Li Mo, so only now did she finish her meal.

Feeling full and having drunk enough, she felt a bit drowsy.

Involuntarily, Zhao Ji covered her mouth and yawned.

After glancing at Li Mo, she got up and walked towards her Phoenix bed.

Her mature and voluptuous figure was hidden beneath the luxurious and broad Phoenix robe, exuding charm while maintaining dignity.

One had to admit.

Even though this Empress Dowager was proud and had a bad temper, her demeanor was impeccable.

Every gesture and movement exuded a sense of regal grace.

Li Mo sipped his tea leisurely, pretending “not to see.”

Reaching the Phoenix bed, Zhao Ji turned and glanced at him again.

Her gaze lingered on the black cloth covering his eyes.

Then, she nodded reassuringly.

Li Mo wondered what her nod meant.

Zhao Ji suddenly placed her hands on her waist and started to quietly untie her waistband.

Li Mo almost spat out a mouthful of tea.

Zhao Ji’s undressing stopped abruptly.

She looked at him warily and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Li Mo wiped his mouth.

His expression turned strange. “Nothing, just accidentally choked.”

Alone with a woman in broad daylight, do you

think it’s appropriate to strip?

Zhao Ji gave him a dissatisfied look.

She resumed her actions.

Soon, she untied her waistband.

The two fair jade hands gently pulled at the collar, and the wide phoenix robe slipped off.

Revealing the red silk lining beneath.

Spring had arrived, and the weather was starting to warm up.

Zhao Ji’s undergarment wasn’t thick.

The silk material was soft and light.

Although it wasn’t as sheer as gauze, it traced her voluptuous and alluring curves.

Full and exquisite, resembling a ripe peach.

It looked as if it was full of juice.

Zhao Ji was quite casual, throwing the phoenix robe onto the clothes rack.

Comfortably leaning back on the bed.

A fatal low moan escaped her throat unintentionally.

She figured, after all, Li Mo was blind and couldn’t see.

How could he know if she had taken off her clothes or not?

The phoenix robe was too heavy to lie comfortably in bed.

It’s much more freeing to take it off!

Lying on her side in her undergarment, the undulating curves looked like rolling hills.

Li Mo was somewhat puzzled.

You called me over, not just to have a meal and then make me watch you sleep, right?

What kind of eccentricity is this?

Just as he was considering whether to take his leave, Zhao Ji suddenly spoke.

“How did you come up with this method?”

Her voice was lazy, soft, and weak.

With the unique allure of a mature woman.

Li Mo was confused by her question: “What method?”

Zhao Ji lazily glanced at him.

“The cabinet.”

“How did you think of abolishing the position of prime minister and replacing it with a cabinet?”

After coming back, Zhao Ji pondered for a long time.

This method indeed was excellent.

The entire cabinet would act as the prime minister.

But it eliminated the actual power of the prime minister while retaining its responsibilities.

Li Mo pondered for a moment.

Of course, it was borrowed!

The concept of the cabinet started to take shape during the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty and gradually improved over time.

Ming Emperor Zhu Houcong relied on the cabinet’s existence to control the court’s power firmly without attending court for decades.

His face remained calm, and he spoke without hesitation: “On my way here, I heard a maid say that the Empress Dowager has been working tirelessly day and night dealing with state affairs, even losing a lot of weight.”

“I was thinking of some way to help ease the Empress Dowager’s burden.”

“While walking, this idea came to mind.”

Zhao Ji froze for a moment.

Her gaze turned vacant as she looked at him.

“Was it because…you were concerned about my health that you came up with this method?”

Li Mo responded ambiguously: “It’s also to prevent another powerful minister like Lu Buwei.”

Zhao Ji remained silent for a long time before finally saying slowly: “The National Advisor is considerate.”

She suddenly thought that she might have been too harsh before.

This person had always been thinking from the perspective of the Qin state.

She had rejected his proposal out of personal dissatisfaction.

It was somewhat unreasonable.

Li Mo raised an eyebrow.

Did this mean she agreed?

“I will mention this to the Emperor of Qin later. This matter will be brought up at the court meeting tomorrow.”

Li Mo nodded. She indeed agreed.

Then Zhao Ji changed the subject.

Her tone became more serious: “However, this matter may not be easily accepted by the hundred officials. Do you have any good strategies?”

Li Mo replied decisively: “As long as the Empress Dowager agrees, the Emperor of Qin will have a solution.”

Zhao Ji propped herself up slightly.

Surprised, she asked: “Zheng’er?”

Li Mo nodded: “The Empress Dowager will understand at that time.”

Without the suppression of Lu Buwei and the Empress Dowager, if Ying Zheng were allowed to act freely, he would definitely be able to intimidate those officials into submission.

Zhao Ji, as a mother, didn’t understand Ying Zheng as well as he did.

Zhao Ji pondered for a moment and softly said okay.

Li Mo was a bit surprised.

Why was the Empress Dowager so agreeable now?

It was a significant change from before!

Thinking about it, he decided to strike while the iron was hot.

“There’s also the matter of Princess Hongliang, hoping for the Empress Dowager’s approval.”

Zhao Ji gave him a deep look.

A trace of displeasure flashed in her eyes.

“Why do you care so much for her?”

Li Mo explained: “It’s not about caring, just basic human decency.”

He recounted the story of how Hongliang willingly helped him escape danger.

After listening, Zhao Ji’s face finally eased.

She whispered, “So that’s how it is.”

Then she glanced at him sideways.

“You’re quite loyal.”

Li Mo sensed a bit of sarcasm in her words but didn’t argue.

“If a person forgets kindness and acts ungrateful, how are they different from animals?”

Zhao Ji pondered his words and nodded in satisfaction.

Out of curiosity, she asked, “What do you think of me?”

Li Mo thought for a moment.

To be honest.

Not bad at all!

Not only not bad, but he could even say she valued him greatly.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have granted him a palace she never used and wouldn’t have mobilized a 400,000-strong army when she heard he was in trouble in Han.

Those two points alone speak volumes.

“Quite good.”

Zhao Ji gave him a sidelong glance, clearly not pleased with the answer.

Her eyes held a hint of resentment.

Then her eyes rolled from resentment to cunning.

“Since it’s quite good, then I have a little favor to ask.”

Li Mo raised an eyebrow.

Whoa, she’s being rather polite.

“Please, go ahead, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Ji’s eyes flickered as if struggling internally for a while, then she said, “Come closer.”

Li Mo wasn’t afraid of any tricks and stood up, walking to her bedside.

“What does Your Majesty want me to do?”

Zhao Ji’s expression suddenly became odd, biting her enticing lips.

She glanced at him sideways.

Quickly said, “My legs are sore.”

Li Mo: “What?”

Zhao Ji rolled her eyes: “My legs are sore; rub them for me.”

Li Mo looked at her voluptuous figure lying there and his face became odd.

Is there really such a good thing?

“Then, Your Majesty, could you scoot over a bit?”

Zhao Ji didn’t reply, just adjusted to make room.

Li Mo sat down beside her.

Held out his hands: “Shall I start now?”

Zhao Ji responded with a barely audible “Okay” like a mosquito’s buzz.

Then she suddenly remembered something and sternly reminded, “Don’t touch randomly!”

Li Mo smiled slightly: “Rest assured, Your Majesty.”

His magical hands gently rested on Zhao Ji’s luscious legs.

She instantly relaxed like a tight string loosening.

She softened a bit, leaning back on the bed with eyes closed, exhaling deeply from her nose.

Zhao Ji peeked at Li Mo through squinted eyes.

Her mind also gradually relaxed.

Where did he learn this? It’s so much better than the clumsy palace maids.

She hadn’t felt this relaxed for a month.

“How does it feel?”

After a while, Li Mo suddenly asked.

Lost in thought, Zhao Ji was startled, her thigh muscles tensed up.

She quickly regained composure and said, “Pretty good.”

Li Mo withdrew his hands.

Zhao Ji looked confused: “Continue, you’ve barely started.”

“Long hours of dealing with state affairs hurt not just the legs but the waist.”

Zhao Ji looked at him without saying anything.

Li Mo smiled lightly: “Lie down, let me relax your waist.”