Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

The responsibility for this major incident at the court assembly was clearly defined, and the punishment was also determined, which was enough to give the emperor an explanation. Everyone was then expelled, and Cao You went to the Chongzheng Hall to explain the inside story of the matter.

A group of officials from the Imperial Gate Guard filed out of their duty room, and the tense and oppressive atmosphere inside eased slightly. However, no one dared to speak loudly, and they only exchanged a few subtle glances with each other.

Zhao Dunwen walked at the front, his back hunched, the arrogance he once displayed as a Xuanzan Sheren (a high-ranking official) commanding the crowd completely gone.

Gao Zhao and the other palace attendants followed behind him, all of them silent. At this moment, silence was more comforting than anything else.

After all, it's too embarrassing to talk about trying to trick someone but ending up getting killed instead!

But Gao Zhao couldn't stand this scene. His superior had been suspended and his salary was reduced. How could his subordinates turn a blind eye to it?

The tea got cold before the person even left?

We need to talk to him and comfort him!

They're saying such heartwarming things!

Are all people with such low emotional intelligence?

Ignoring the surprised looks from the servants beside him, he quickened his pace and caught up with Zhao Dunwen, walking side by side.

"Zhao Sheren, don't be discouraged. A temporary setback is nothing. You must believe in yourself; you can definitely do it! When you go home in March, you must reflect on your actions and strive to turn over a new leaf. The Great Song Dynasty will not abandon you!"

Hearing the sound from beside him, Zhao Dunwen turned around and saw Gao Zhao waving his fist. That hateful face was also making a proud gesture. He was so angry that his eyes turned red, his teeth were grinding, and his fists were clenched tightly.

Everyone else stopped in their tracks, staring at Gao Zhao with expressions of utter disbelief!

This guy isn't satisfied with just killing people, he has to destroy their spirit too!

Zhao Dunwen has fallen to this state because of you!

How do you manage to be so calm and collected, like nothing's wrong?

Gao Zhao, seemingly oblivious to the crowd's reactions, continued to comfort them, "Lord Zhao, although I have only known you for a day, I deeply admire your talent and character. Your abilities and integrity are comparable to Zhou Yu of the Three Kingdoms, enough to bring peace to the world. You are even underutilized in the Imperial Guard!"

The expressions on everyone's faces became even stranger!

Zhou Lang's clever plan brought peace to the world, but he lost his wife and his soldiers!

Is this a case of them abandoning all acting and just launching into a tirade?

"Gao Zhao!" Zhao Dunwen could no longer suppress his anger and roared, "Don't think that just because your treacherous scheme succeeded today, you can be arrogant in front of me. I've only suspended you from your post, not dismissed. When I return, I'll make you pay!"

"Ah!" Gao Zhao's expression changed drastically, and he looked at everyone in panic, saying, "Did you hear that? He's threatening me! He's planning to settle a personal score with me!"

The corridor was silent; no one wanted to get involved in the struggle between the two.

Although Zhao Dunwen held a high official position, he had a shallow background. Normally, it would be acceptable to flatter him a bit, but right now he was facing Gao Zhao, who had a powerful background and capable methods. Gao Zhao had just overthrown Zhao Dunwen and dealt with him. They didn't want to provoke this guy for no reason and cause trouble for themselves!

After Gao Zhao finished his performance, his expression suddenly darkened. He turned to Zhao Dunwen and shouted sternly, "This is the Imperial Palace of the Great Song Dynasty! The people in front of you are officials of the Great Song Dynasty! How dare you openly threaten me here, in front of so many officials! You are truly lawless!"

"You..." Zhao Dunwen was speechless with anger, pointing his finger at him, trembling with rage.

"Get lost!" Gao Zhao roared, his face grim. "A piece of trash dares to oppose me? He truly doesn't know his place. This is just a lesson. If you're not satisfied, come at me. Let's see who's unlucky next time!"

"You... are arrogant!" Zhao Dunwen was furious and annoyed that he would threaten him in public. He felt he had lost all face!

"Ha, if I lose my job at the Gatekeeper's Office, I'll just find another place to continue my slacking off! And you? Once you leave the Gatekeeper's Office, what are you anyway!"

Gao Zhao strode forward, raised his hand and patted his face, saying provocatively, "Once we leave the Gemensi, I have a hundred ways to deal with you!"

Zhao Dunwen's face instantly drained of all color, the veins in his neck throbbed, and he trembled violently with rage.

He also realized this. As a member of the Imperial Palace Guard, he was a close attendant of the emperor. Even high-ranking officials and regional governors would treat him with great respect!

But the glory brought by this respectable and powerful official position was ultimately not due to his own ability!

If he were truly sent to a remote area, he would hold a high-ranking position and be superior to others in the local area. However, if a powerful minister like Gao Qiu really wanted to deal with him, he would have plenty of ways to do so.

Once he understood this, his raging anger was instantly extinguished by a bone-chilling cold.

A surge of anger welled up inside him, unable to be uttered or swallowed, leaving him with bloodshot eyes and knuckles clenched so tightly they turned white, yet he dared not utter another harsh word or offer any further resistance.

He could only stare intently at Gao Zhao, his eyes filled with humiliation and resentment, yet also with a deep sense of powerlessness.

The servants under the eaves were terrified, holding their breath and keeping their heads bowed low, not daring to breathe loudly.

But one thought kept churning in his mind: Gao Zhaozhe is a formidable man!

The Gemensi (a government agency) has never lacked powerful and influential families, and there are countless families with a more illustrious background than Gao Zhao's, but no one has ever dared to confront him so directly!

There's no other reason than that the Gemensi was a prestigious place for military officers, and those who lived there would see nobility and dignitaries every day.

Fast promotions, many opportunities, and the chance to build connections – a bright future awaits!

No one wants to clashed with their superior over such a trivial matter and ruin their future!

But today, a reckless young man came to the Gatekeeper's Office, and he did it! And he succeeded!

Zhao Dunwen gritted his teeth, letting out a very soft snort. He nodded, turned and walked away. Humiliation enveloped his limbs like ice water. His clenched fists slowly loosened and hung at his sides, but he no longer had any strength left to confront him.

Seeing this, everyone wanted to see him off, but Gao Zhao looked up at the sky and said calmly, "Shouldn't you be going to your post now?"

Immediately, all the servants stopped in their tracks and watched Zhao Dunwen's desolate figure depart.

After asking around, Gao Zhao found the attendant who was on duty at Chongzheng Hall that day and went with him and another attendant to perform his duties.

Chongzheng Hall was the place where the Song Dynasty emperors handled state affairs after the morning court session, making it a very important place.

When the emperor issued an imperial edict or when officials came to pay their respects, the Gemensi (a government office) was always needed to run errands and make arrangements.

After the three arrived, they went straight into the palace. The emperor was still having his meal and had not yet gone to the palace to handle state affairs. Gao Zhao followed another attendant to wait outside the East Hall, while the attendant went to the inner hall to wait.

After the man left, the man turned to Gao Zhao, raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Brother, you're pretty fierce! That was quite satisfying."

Gao Zhao smiled demurely: "It's just basic stuff! I'm an upright person and have always hated evil!"

The man said with envy, "It's so much better for you people with your privileged backgrounds. You have no worries about the future, unlike us who dare not offend anyone and can only swallow our anger and spend money like crazy!"

Gao Zhao asked in surprise, "You bought your way in?"

The man nodded and sighed, "I was fooled by Zhu Mian back then. I thought I could rise through the ranks quickly after entering here. Who knew there were so many rules!"

Gao Zhao asked, puzzled, "If you can afford a government post, your family must be well-off. Instead of staying here and putting up with this nonsense, why not go home and have some fun?"

The man looked dejected and said, "At first, I thought I could just bear with it since I'd already spent so much money, but now the cost is only increasing. If I leave, it'll be such a loss!"

"Haha..." Gao Zhao laughed loudly, suppressing his laughter. The sunk costs were too high, he was trapped, and he couldn't bear to cut his losses.

Just as they were about to continue their banter, they suddenly heard the eunuch announce in a drawn-out voice, "His Majesty has arrived—"

The two immediately stood at attention, respectfully welcoming the imperial arrival.