The First Lackey Under The Empress

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Arrest Xia Jianghou… Ma Yan's messy eyebrows suddenly twitched, and he asked:

“I need a reason.”

Zhao Du'an didn't hesitate at all. He immediately started from this morning when he was intercepted by the other party on his way out, all the way to Feng Ju's request for help.

The reason for saying this was because he understood that Supervisor Ma wouldn't tolerate any nonsense.

He couldn't hide it anyway, and there was no need to, so he simply confessed everything.

“So, Xia Jianghou is standing up for Princess Yunyang, wanting to use Feng Ju as a breakthrough to deal with you.”

Ma Yan's expression was calm:

“You borrowed manpower from the Nine Halls in order to rescue the kidnapped woman?”

“Yes.” Zhao Du'an admitted frankly.

“You could have just reported to His Majesty; there was no need to make such a big fuss,” Ma Yan said.

“But time is of the essence.” Zhao Du'an said righteously:

“Supervisor, you should know that those who can do such taboo things won't care about a woman's reputation.”

Ma Yan glanced at him and said:

“It's also because you want to seize the other party's weakness and don't want to let them off lightly, right?”

“Senior brother is wise!” Zhao Du'an sighed:

“My little thoughts can't escape your discerning eyes.”

“……” Ma Yan was powerless to resist his flattery, sighed, and said:

“So, do you have solid evidence in your hands now? Although Xia Jianghou provides protection for the Red Flower Society behind the scenes, this is not enough to show that any actions of the Red Flower Society are ordered by him.”

Zhao Du'an said:

“The leader of the Red Flower Society has already been thrown into the imperial prison. I believe a confession will be available soon.”

“Which means you don't have it yet.” Ma Yan stared at him impartially.

“……Not yet for the time being,” Zhao Du'an replied, hardening his scalp.

The room fell into silence.

Just as he sighed in his heart, feeling that the plan might be in vain.

Supervisor Ma, who was sitting upright behind the desk, suddenly raised his hand, took out a “arrest warrant” from a stack of files at hand, and pushed it to him.

On the white paper was stamped the bright red, square seal of the Zhaoya Supervisor.

The name column of the arrest warrant, which conformed to the format, clearly read the three characters “Xia Jianghou”.

The arrest warrant had been prepared in advance!

Zhao Du'an looked up in astonishment.

How did his good senior brother know that he wanted to arrest Xia Jianghou?

That's right, as the person in charge of the Zhaoya, it's not surprising that he received some news before me…

He saw that Ma Yan's stern face still had no expression:

“Since that's the case, then go.”

“But… that Lord Meng hasn't opened his mouth yet…” Zhao Du'an opened his mouth.

“He will open his mouth.” Ma Yan glanced at him, “Won't he?”

Well done… I knew that someone who could reach the position of Supervisor couldn't be an upright person… Zhao Du'an's face showed surprise.

He grabbed the arrest warrant in his hand and hesitated:

“But this subordinate has heard that Xia Jianghou's martial arts cultivation is not bad. Our Pear Blossom Hall is already short of people. If the other party resists arrest…”

Ma Yan said: “Isn't that a good thing?”

Damn… You're also quite dark-hearted, Old Ma… Zhao Du'an clicked his tongue in wonder.

If Xia Jianghou resisted arrest or even attacked, it would be a crime delivered to their doorstep.

However, Zhao Du'an was still a little hesitant, fearing the unexpected.

He still remembered Zhang Yan's warning of "bloody disaster."

If it came true here, he would be finished… Who knew if the "Imperial Talisman" in his arms was reliable.

“Don't worry,” Ma Yan seemed to see through his thoughts and said leisurely:

“He can't hurt you. Do you remember the arrangements you made when you took me to deceive the Nine Halls a few days ago?”

Zhao Du'an was stunned.

……

……

Inside a teahouse private room.

As the last ray of afterglow in the sky gradually dimmed.

Inside the room, the dull and oppressive atmosphere reached its peak.

“The tea is gone again, would you like another pot?” the slightly fat scholar asked, picking up the empty teapot.

The middle-aged man in the turban shook his head. This pot of tea had been refilled repeatedly throughout the afternoon, but it didn't taste like anything.

“It's almost dark,” Feng Ju said, sitting down dejectedly with a gray face and bloodshot eyes.

He tried to fall asleep, but couldn't:

“I can't wait any longer.”

Saying that, he was about to get up, but was stopped by two friends:

“Where can you go at this time?”

“Going anywhere is better than waiting!” Feng Ju's face was slightly contorted:

“At worst, I'll go to the Marquis's mansion to ask, go to the drum and make a big deal out of it.”

He's gone mad… The two looked at each other, knowing that Feng Ju had lost some of his sanity.

Just then, the sound of knocking on the door of the private room was heard.

The slightly fat scholar was stunned and went to open the door, only to see that Feng Ju's coachman was standing outside.

“Sir,” the coachman gasped, clutching an envelope in his hand:

“The Pear Blossom Hall has replied.”

Feng Ju suddenly stood up, took a few steps forward, snatched the envelope, tore it open, and then froze.

Inside the envelope were the three words “Resolved”.

“This…” The two friends also saw it and couldn't help but look at each other.

The slightly fat scholar muttered:

“What does this mean? How was it resolved? Could it be that Xia Jianghou has agreed to release the person? Or is it that Lianlian has already been rescued?”

The middle-aged man in the turban shook his head:

“How long has it been? At most, it hasn't been two hours. Could it be a trick? Or are they just trying to appease us?”

The time was too short.

They instinctively became suspicious of this—of course, this was also due to their distrust of Zhao Du'an.

Feng Ju was apprehensive, not knowing the specific situation. After thinking about it, he said:

“I'll go to the Zhaoya to take a look.”

“Not appropriate…”

As the three were discussing, suddenly, footsteps approached again in the stairwell. It was actually a servant of the Feng family, panting heavily:

“Sir, sir, Miss is back.”

What?!

Feng Ju's breathing suddenly became rapid, staring at him:

“What did you say?”

The servant was startled and explained:

“Just now, a female captain who claimed to be an investigator from the Pear Blossom Hall escorted Miss home.

She said that on the orders of Investigator Zhao, the Nine Halls joined forces to rescue Miss from the robbers in time. She is fine, just locked in the woodshed for a few hours. Now all the kidnappers have been put in prison…”

The Feng family was closer to this place than the Zhaoya, so the two messages arrived almost simultaneously.

The three were all stunned.

The slightly fat scholar and the middle-aged man in the turban looked at each other, not expecting that the vicious and dark-hearted Envoy Zhao would be so reliable.

Moreover, he had such great energy that he could mobilize the entire Zhaoya's manpower…

Is this a power that an investigator can possess?

Feng Ju was even more completely stunned.

Then he almost burst into tears of joy. The pressure accumulated for a day suddenly relaxed, and he was filled with mixed feelings.

He didn't expect that Zhao Du'an, whom he had only met once and who was only using his connections, would be willing to help him so much.

“Prepare the carriage, I want to go to the Zhaoya to thank Master Zhao in person,” Feng Ju said solemnly.

But the servant said:

“That female captain surnamed Qian said that Master Zhao may be busy tonight, and it would be inappropriate for you to go at this time.”

Busy? Busy with what?

The three looked at each other, and the same shocking guess emerged in their hearts.

……

……

At the same time, on the third floor of a restaurant in the capital.

Princess Yunyang and Xia Jianghou were also admiring the sunset glow in the sky.

The two were having dinner, and the entire third floor was chartered, and idlers were not allowed in.

The evening breeze, scattering the scorching heat of the dog days, brought a touch of coolness.

"With such beautiful scenery, one should fully enjoy the wine in their cup."

The Marquis, with a dignified bearing, meticulously groomed beard, and silk robes, held a jade wine cup, laughing heartily as he looked at the woman opposite him.

Across the round table was laden with sumptuous dishes and fine wine.

In the carved armchair.

A woman with outstanding looks sat languidly.

Although Princess Yunyang was the Empress's "aunt," she was, in name, "siblings" with the deceased old Emperor because she was born later, but in reality, there was a significant age difference.

Moreover, having been pampered in a honey pot since childhood, she was well-maintained.

Although her son was already so old, her appearance still appeared youthful, without a single wrinkle.

She especially liked red, light gauze skirts, which set off her fair skin, and her two white python-like long legs seemed capable of crushing a person to death.

At this moment, her legs were crossed, and a beautiful foot was exposed to the air, with only the toe picking at an embroidered shoe, swaying back and forth.

"Marquis, please drink as you wish. Why say these things to me? Could it be that you really want to get me drunk?"

Beneath her cloud-like hair, a foxy face wore a lazy smile.

The Xiajiang Marquis's mind was captivated by the swaying embroidered shoe, and he reached out to grab it:

"The Princess is a hero in wine. I'm afraid it's not the wine that intoxicates, but people intoxicate themselves…"

Princess Yunyang skillfully leaned aside, avoiding the other party's clutches, and said with a chuckle:

"Marquis is indeed drunk. It's getting late, and I have to return to the mansion later."

The Xiajiang Marquis's sneak attack failed, and he said helplessly:

"Princess, grant me one night. Rest assured, this Marquis will definitely teach that Zhao a lesson and vent this anger for the Princess."

Princess Yunyang feigned anger:

"Marquis keeps saying that you want to teach him a lesson, but I haven't seen you take any action. Could it be that stopping his carriage in the morning was all you did? He's still a mere Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."

"Hmph," the Xiajiang Marquis said disdainfully:

"He Zheng is a yes-man. What does he amount to? He's just a dog under the command of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."

Saying this, he smiled:

"Princess, don't be impatient. This Marquis has already arranged for someone to take care of things, and I will definitely give that Zhao Du a lesson he will never forget."

"Oh? Don't keep me in suspense. Tell me about it," Princess Yunyang asked curiously.

The Xiajiang Marquis was indeed somewhat drunk, and since there was no one around, he intended to show off in front of the beauty, so he said:

"This Marquis secretly sent someone to seize evidence and threaten Feng Ju, the Principal of the Ministry of Personnel.

Heh, this person was initially tricked by Zhao Du to falsely accuse Li Yanfu. Now, as long as he is willing to change his statement and overturn the case… that Zhao will not be able to escape involvement."

Princess Yunyang was slightly startled:

"You actually want to make an issue of this matter? In this way, what Zhao Du faces will probably be more than just a lesson. Even if my niece protects him, he will have to give an explanation to the court officials."

The Xiajiang Marquis heard that there was not much joy in her tone, and a sudden displeasure rose in his heart:

"Is the Princess not happy? Could it be that you find that pretty boy handsome and have developed a sense of 'cherishing the fairer sex'?"

Based on his understanding of Princess Yunyang, such speculation was inevitable.

After all, this Princess was known for being indifferent to her husband and son.

Taking revenge on Zhao Du was probably more about maintaining her face.

Princess Yunyang was stunned for a moment, then suddenly laughed so hard that she trembled, and said with some helplessness:

"Marquis, how old are you? Why are you still jealous of a young man? I'm just worried about my niece. If you go too far and really anger my niece, it won't be easy to deal with."

The Xiajiang Marquis did not care much:

"This matter is just a matter of going with the flow for this Marquis. Once it is done, someone will naturally contribute."

Princess Yunyang's eyes flashed, vaguely hearing the implication:

"You mean…"

Suddenly, footsteps came from the stairs, interrupting the conversation between the two.

The Marquis's servant, who was guarding downstairs, reported:

"Marquis, something happened."

The Xiajiang Marquis frowned and glanced at the Princess.

After hesitating for a moment, he still got up and walked to the side, listening to the servant's low voice report:

"People from the Red Flower Society sent news saying that all the branches in the city were swept away by the imperial guards, Feng Lianlian was also rescued, and 'Lord Meng' was also arrested."

Such a thing actually happened… The Xiajiang Marquis's drunkenness immediately sobered up by half.

After carefully inquiring a few more times, his face turned ugly.

"When did it happen?" Princess Yunyang asked curiously.

The Xiajiang Marquis waved his hand, dismissed the servant, and walked back with a sullen face:

"There was a small accident. That Feng Ju probably asked Zhao for help."

After a little thought, he guessed the general idea.

Only this possibility could explain the actions of the imperial guards.

This was beyond his expectations.

Before taking action, he carefully investigated Zhao Du'an's character and his relationship with Feng Ju.

In his opinion, the two had no basis for trust. Even if Feng Ju dared to look for him, with the Red Flower Society's methods, it was impossible for the government to find their whereabouts in a short time.

He could completely silence Feng Lianlian and dispose of her body after receiving the news.

"How did Zhao do it? Even if he guessed that I used the people from the Red Flower Society, how could he command the entire imperial guard?"

The Xiajiang Marquis picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

In his heart, after being surprised, he was not too flustered.

With his caution, he had already made a series of arrangements to escape punishment for kidnapping officials' family members.

Even if "Lord Meng" could not withstand the interrogation, it would at most only bring him a little trouble.

It was not fatal.

The most important thing was that with Zhao Du'an's mere power as an investigator, he could not do anything to him.

At most, he could push the blame onto the Red Flower Society.

Could it be that Zhao dared to defy the law and arrest him without due process?

That would be equivalent to actively handing him the handle.

"So, your method failed?"

Princess Yunyang asked, her tone neither happy nor sad, as if she was simply curious.

The Xiajiang Marquis said lightly:

"It's just a small accident. Let's continue drinking. Princess, rest assured, that Zhao Du can't escape…"

Thump, thump…

Urgent footsteps came from the stairwell again, interrupting the two.

The Xiajiang Marquis looked annoyed and glared at the stairwell:

"What is it again?"

The servant looked ugly, opened his mouth, and signaled "private chat."

The Xiajiang Marquis furiously smashed the wine cup and said:

"Speak directly!"

The servant had no choice but to say:

"Marquis, it's not good. The people we sent to keep watch reported that Zhao Du'an is leading a group of government officials and is heading straight here, seemingly coming for you!"

"Pa!"

The wine cup rolled twice on the table and shattered on the ground, and the remaining wine splashed.

The Xiajiang Marquis suddenly stood up, staring at the other party in disbelief, as if digesting the news.

Opposite him.

Under the red skirt, the swaying embroidered shoes also stopped moving.

Beneath the dark and thick hair, surprise also appeared on Princess Yunyang's noble face.

… …

Wrong words will be corrected later.