Chapter 14: Should Cao Ren Dare to Make a Move, She Wouldn’t Hold Back

Chapter 14: Should Cao Ren Dare to Make a Move, She Wouldn't Hold Back

Despite her hatred for Emperor Shunwu, she couldn't neglect the proper etiquette.

Matriarch Old Mo knelt down first.

Seeing this, the eight elder sisters and Mo Hanyue followed suit.

He Zhiran didn't want to kneel, but she also couldn't afford to appear too unconventional.

Fortunately, ancient garments were designed with ample, flowing skirts, which she deftly adjusted to conceal her legs as she crouched behind everyone else.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Having investigated and ascertained, Duke Mo Jiuye, Guardian of the State, is found to have conspired with foreign foes, embezzled supplies, and colluded with numerous officials within the court to perpetrate acts of treason."

The current emperor is benevolent, considering the loyalty of the Mo family's ancestors who served the country with utmost dedication, he has spared the Mo family from the death penalty.

Presently, all possessions of the Mo family are to be seized. All slaves are to be sold, and the Mo family members shall be exiled to the northwest..."

Fortunately, the Mo family had prepared themselves mentally, thus they were not utterly devastated by this unjust imperial edict.

Not even a plea for justice was spared.

For they knew in their hearts that the Emperor was genuinely determined to cleanse the Mo family; any appeals or cries for fairness would be futile.

The mere fact that he had dispatched Cao Ren, a despicable man, to carry out the raid indicated that the Emperor wished nothing but misery for the Mos.

As Old Lady Mo received the imperial decree and led the group of women to stand up, Cao Ren eagerly commanded the search to commence, vowing not to overlook even a mouse hole.

Naturally, these women were to be physically searched.

As he gazed at the beautiful ladies before him, a lecherous glint flickered in Cao Ren's eyes.

"Haha, considering my shared tenure with Mo Jiuye in the court, I, General Cao, will personally inspect each of you women," he declared.

Upon hearing Cao Ren's words, all of them instinctively took a step back.

Though they were widows, they were still chaste. How could they possibly allow a grown man to touch them?

Madam Old Mo was also furious. She said in a stern voice, "It's unjust for you, Sir Cao, to act in such a manner. Although the Mo family has committed a crime, these ladies cannot be humiliated at will."

As she spoke, she had already prepared herself for death.

A woman's honor was more important than anything else. She would rather die than allow anyone to insult her here.

Cao Ren didn't take Madam Old Mo's words to heart.

In his eyes, the Mo family was like a grasshopper in autumn; even if they didn't die now, they would perish during their exile.

"Old lady, don't try to turn a favor into a punishment. It's an honor for you that this general personally conducts the search. If you're unwilling, I won't mind having all the officers join in."

Madam Old Mo had a fiery temper and couldn't tolerate such vulgar words.

"Cao Ren, I'll fight you today," she declared, pulling out the hairpin from her head and charging at Cao Ren.

Cao Ren, after all, was a man of war; how could he be intimidated by a woman?

If he took this chance to eliminate his opponent, he might even receive the Emperor's commendation.

Seeing that Cao Ren was about to retaliate, He Zhiran swiftly stepped forward and pulled Madam Old Mo to safety.

Her action caused Cao Ren's kick to miss its target.

Cao Ren glared at the one who had disrupted his plans.

The girl, with her hair styled in a mature bun, appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old. Her delicate features and exquisite, pale blue dress accentuated her fair complexion.

She was indeed captivating. He never expected to find such a stunning beauty within the Duke of Guardian's residence.

After sizing up He Zhiran for a few seconds, Cao Ren quickly put on a friendly smile.

"Hehe... I wonder which late member of the Mo family you belong to?"

If possible, Cao Ren intended to substitute this breathtaking beauty into his own household.

At the sight of such arrogance, He Zhiran felt a wave of disgust wash over her.

Still, she maintained a cold and stern gaze as she looked at him.

"Cao Ren, how dare you defy imperial law and harass the family of a convicted official?"

"Hmm... You're quite feisty, little lady. I am harassing you, so what can you do to this general?"

He Zhiran's expression remained unchanged.

"Imperial law dictates that officials may not harm the families of those not sentenced to death while on duty, let alone harass the kin of convicted officials. Don't you fear retribution from the Emperor for openly doing so?"

Cao Ren was well aware of this law, but he had always assumed that the Mo family women were ignorant of such matters. He believed that no one would dare challenge him, regardless of his actions.

To his surprise, a young and beautiful maiden was standing before a crowd, reciting imperial law to him. This made him feel somewhat uneasy.

However, Cao Ren remained undeterred, thinking that he only needed to intimidate this young lady to make her cower.

"In front of this general, your quick-witted tongue is useless. I'll make it clear: if you submit to me, we can discuss the body search. Otherwise, don't blame this general for not cherishing beauty."

He Zhiran had lived two lifetimes, but she had never encountered such an audacious person before.

At this moment, she had replaced the dagger in her hand with a compact pistol.

Should Cao Ren dare to make a move, she wouldn't hesitate to retaliate.

Despite being prepared, He Zhiran's first choice was still reason.

After all, there were still many female relatives from the Mo family present. If she shot and killed Cao Ren, they would inevitably be implicated.

"Cao Ren, let me advise you. When the Mo family is exiled, our families will surely come to see us off.

"I believe you understand that secrets can't be kept forever. If any of my sisters-in-law were to meet their families and divulge this incident, do you know what consequences would follow?

"Moreover, despite the Mo family's downfall and exile, our maternal clans have not been implicated."

"My father, however inadequate, holds the position of a Minister. If he sees me missing during his farewell and later hears that I perished at your hands, imagine what actions my father might take?"

Her words resonated with conviction, bolstering the confidence of her eight sisters-in-law.

"Cao Ren, if my elder brother doesn't see me during his send-off, he will surely avenge me."

"My father as well. If you persist in your recklessness, I'll collide with this wall and end my life right here."

Cao Ren, witnessing the indignant expressions of the Mo family's women, suddenly found himself at a loss.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect these ladies to show no fear towards him.

Especially the most beautiful one, who claimed her father was the current Minister.

Though she didn't explicitly name which Minister, he was well aware.

The Mo family had only one wife whose father held such a title.

She was none other than the newlywed bride of Mo Jiuye, the legitimate daughter of He Yuanming, the Minister of Revenue.

He Yuanming is a high-ranking official of the second rank in the imperial court. How could he, a mere fourth-rank military officer, compete against him?

Not to mention the widows from the Mo family, whose maternal families also hold positions in the government, some even with higher ranks than his.

After much contemplation, Cao Ren decided to accept his defeat this time.

However, he was not willing to lose his dignity.

"Hmph! As a general, I shall spare you all today, considering your years of widowhood and your pitiable circumstances."