The First Lackey Under The Empress

Riverside.

Seeing Zhao Du'an agree so readily, Xu Zhenguan's fair face and lively eyes also showed anticipation.

“Your Majesty, if that's the case, I shall take my leave.”

Zhao Du'an looked eager, wishing he could go through fire and water for the Empress.

But his feet didn't move.

Xu Zhenguan glanced at him and teased:

“Didn't you hear how I dealt with my aunt? Are you willing to leave?”

Zhao Du'an smiled憨厚ly:

“I just don't want Your Majesty to hurt your relationship with the Grand Princess.”

It was laughable that Marquis Xiajiang had already been thrown into prison, with half a foot on the execution ground, yet Princess Yunyang hadn't been implicated at all.

Xu Zhenguan was silent for a moment, then said:

“Ma Yan has already interrogated Marquis Xiajiang. The scheme against you was his doing alone, not my aunt's. However, ultimately, she did instigate Marquis Xiajiang to become your enemy.”

Once a woman understands how to use her own advantages, she often doesn't need to wield a knife to kill.

Zhao Du'an recalled the indifferent eyes that briefly met his in the carriage, and thought that this woman was not simple.

Xu Zhenguan suddenly sighed:

“Actually, the Grand Princess, she… wasn't like this in the beginning… But let's not talk about it.”

Sounds like there's a story there… You should tell me, cutting off mid-sentence is the worst… Zhao Du'an's curiosity exploded.

But if the Emperor didn't say, it would be too insensible for a subject to ask further.

Silently planning to investigate Yunyang's background later, Zhao Du'an said solemnly:

“Your Majesty, please don't be troubled. Presumably, after this incident, the Grand Princess will understand Your Majesty's intentions and will no longer…”

The saying goes, 'One who takes from others is soft-handed'.

The Empress had just bestowed a great treasure, and Princess Yunyang had failed to steal a chicken only to lose rice. Zhao Du'an generously stated that he would no longer pursue the matter.

However, Xu Zhenguan shook her head, interrupting him, saying:

“I have already made a decision. It's good for her to reflect after this incident. Princess Yunyang will be sent to Jizhao Nunnery later to cultivate her mind and character, which will also cut off her connections with those disreputable people.

At that time, she won't be able to trouble you anymore.”

“Jizhao Nunnery? The one next to Shenlong Temple?” Zhao Du'an was taken aback.

He knew this place.

It was a small nunnery built near Shenlong Temple, the Buddhist headquarters.

The nunnery was full of nuns who were devoted to solitary cultivation.

According to convention, if the Emperor died, the concubines who could no longer stay in the palace would be sent to Jizhao Nunnery.

Some royal women who had done wrong would also be ordered to reside in the nunnery for a period of time.

The short term would be several months, the long term would be several years, or even a lifetime without being allowed to go out, accompanied by the green lamp and ancient Buddha.

The Empress was actually going to throw her own aunt into the nunnery for confinement…

Hiss, wouldn't that be considered 'rehabilitation education'?

Well, the key is to cut off her connections with many lovers.

Hmm, a “compulsory celibacy institute”?

Zhao Du'an's mind was filled with all sorts of messy thoughts.

He felt that this punishment was reasonable, after all, she was her own aunt, so she had to save some face.

Xu Zhenguan grabbed in the air, and a scroll of imperial decree appeared out of thin air in her palm.

She casually threw it to Zhao Du'an and said:

“The imperial decree has been drafted, so you can take people to the驸马府to deliver the decree.”

Ah, this… Zhao Du'an glanced at the Empress, vaguely understanding something.

Without refusing, he accepted the imperial decree and responded, turning to leave.

There was a very strict procedure for delivering imperial decrees. The recipient had to bathe and burn incense at home in advance…

However, after the Empress ascended the throne, she simplified the process.

Zhao Du'an held the imperial decree stamped with twenty-four large red seals.

As long as he brought a team of eunuchs, he could come to the door.

External officials were originally unable to undertake this task, but as a “Royal Offering” and “Envoy of the White Horse Bureau”.

In terms of etiquette, he could perform the duty of announcing the imperial decree.

Zhao Du'an walked towards the Meridian Gate, faintly expectant.

“Speaking of which, I haven't seen the true face of this Grand Princess. I wonder what her expression will be when she sees me riding on her face in person?”

This farce has finally come to an end.

“Little Bitch, I'm coming!”

He hurriedly led people out of the Meridian Gate, not noticing that another group of people in the distance passed him by.

… …

On the other side.

Xu Zhenguan waited for her loyal dog to leave, then stood alone by the river and blew in the wind for a while.

When her emotions returned to normal, she returned to the Imperial Study to prepare to handle government affairs.

She had just sat down when she heard a female official report:

“Your Majesty, the eldest grandson of Grand Tutor Dong requests an audience, saying that he is here to present a list on the orders of the Grand Tutor.”

Xu Zhenguan's beautiful eyes lit up: “Summon him in.”

“Yes.”

Soon, outside the Imperial Study, a young man wearing luxurious robes, about twenty-five or six years old, with an ordinary appearance, mediocre temperament, and a slightly restrained expression, saluted:

“Student Dong Da, pays respects to Your Majesty!”

Xu Zhenguan sat upright behind the desk, with the majesty of an emperor, and gave a sound of approval, smiling lightly:

“No need to be polite, the Grand Tutor ordered you to deliver a message?”

Dong Da, the eldest grandson of the current Grand Tutor, who had met Zhao Du'an once in “Qinglian Abode” opened by “Miss Xiaoya”, with an ordinary appearance and mediocre talent, raised his head slightly nervously.

Obviously not used to this kind of occasion.

He first responded, then took out a memorial from his sleeve and said in a measured tone:

“Returning to Your Majesty, Grandpa ordered me to send the list of scholars here, please Your Majesty take a look.”

The female official serving next to her stepped forward and presented the memorial to the Empress.

Xu Zhenguan opened it and read it. The memorial was full of names.

It was also the list of the “New Inner Cabinet” that the Empress intended to form, which was only loyal to her.

However, compared to the “Inner Cabinet” that held power in the imperial court during the old emperor's time, this new “New Inner Cabinet” was extremely young.

Most of the names on the list were talented young scholars, and there were very few who held great power.

However, everyone knew that once the New Inner Cabinet was established, and the Empress could sit firmly on the throne.

Then, in ten years, these people on the list would surely replace the current ministers and become new nobles.

“Very good, what else did the Grand Tutor say?” the Empress asked, closing the list.

Dong Da said nervously:

“Grandpa only said to hand it over to Your Majesty for approval, oh, yes, he also wanted the student to bring a message to Your Majesty.”

“What message?”

Dong Da stammered:

“Please Your Majesty be close to virtuous ministers and keep away from petty people.

Grandpa heard that Zhao Du'an has been favored by Your Majesty recently, so he boldly advises Your Majesty that Zhao Du'an has a very bad reputation, although he has some ability, he is only a cruel official.

Your Majesty can employ him to handle affairs, but you must not reuse him, let alone rely on him, otherwise, once such a cruel official forms a party, it will be a great hidden danger for Your Majesty.”

Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment, somewhat surprised:

“The Grand Tutor also knows him?”

Dong Da honestly said:

“Although Grandpa has not interfered in the court for a long time, he still has many disciples. The Hanlin Academy and the Imperial College have also been denouncing Zhao Du'an recently, so Grandpa has also heard about it, so…”

Xu Zhenguan smiled helplessly, not surprised.

Grand Tutor Dong was highly respected and had read the books of sages all his life, and he never liked people who lacked virtue.

Although Zhao Du'an's ability is gradually becoming known, except for a very few close people, outsiders still have a very bad impression of him.

The main black spots are limited to his bad character.

The name of a “cruel official” gradually spread.

Grand Tutor Dong didn't understand the truth and was misled by rumors, worried that the Empress would rely on the cruel official, so he gave this advice.

It was also a piece of loyalty.

Xu Zhenguan smiled and wanted to explain a few words for Zhao Du'an, but she also understood that she couldn't explain it clearly in a few words.

Pinching the list, and thinking of the contradiction between the Minister of the Supreme Court and the New Inner Cabinet, and the task that Zhao Du'an had just taken over, her heart moved:

Hmm… if he can really bring down Zhou Cheng, it can be used as an opportunity to introduce him to the Grand Tutor and resolve the misunderstanding.

Simply said: “I know, I will weigh it, please rest assured, Grand Tutor.”

Dong Dasong breathed a sigh of relief and took his leave.

After he walked out of the Imperial Study, and even out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he exhaled a long breath, but his heart was filled with difficulty.

He had somewhat discerned the Empress's perfunctory tone.

"Alas, should I truthfully tell Grandpa? Why does Her Majesty favor a cruel official? Could it be that the man is really handsome?"

Dong Shusheng looked troubled.

Little did he know that he had already met Zhao Dou'an and spoke highly of him.

… …

… …

The Consort's Residence.

Princess Yunyang woke up very early today, but she lingered in bed. It was not until the sun rose that she got dressed and washed up with the help of her maids.

When she arrived at the dining hall, the Consort, Li Shuping, was already waiting.

It is worth mentioning that she and her husband had been living separately for many years.

The princess occupied the main room alone, while Li Shuping, as the Consort, could only live in the side room.

"Yunyang, I've ladled out the Eight Treasure Porridge that the cook just made for you."

Li Shuping, with his hair combed meticulously and a hint of dark circles under his eyes, put on a smile and took the initiative to speak.

Wearing a large red gauze skirt and embroidered shoes, Princess Yunyang moved with light steps. Although she had already had children, her skin was still like milk.

Supported by her maids, she sat lazily in the main seat.

Beneath her dark cloud-like hair, her foxy face showed no smile. She glanced at the Eight Treasure Porridge in front of her and said indifferently:

"I have no appetite. Throw it away."

Li Shuping's ingratiating smile froze. He slowly sat down and cautiously probed:

"Why do you have no appetite today?"

Ordering the maid to throw away the bowl of porridge, Princess Yunyang never once looked at her nominal "husband."

At this moment, she seemed not to have heard him, pinching a white porcelain spoon and eating egg custard in small bites.

The servants outside the hall kept their eyes and noses to themselves, not surprised by this scene.

Although this place is called the "Consort's Residence," in reality, the Consort's status is only slightly higher than that of the servants.

Li Shuping's expression changed. He gritted his teeth and asked:

"I heard that yesterday Zhao Dou'an broke into the Great Prison Temple and arrested Marquis Xiajiang… Could it be that you are doing this for Marquis Xiajiang…"

Princess Yunyang paused and finally looked at him. A trace of mockery appeared on her charming face:

"Are you jealous? Do you think this princess is worried about Marquis Xiajiang?"

Being exposed in person, Li Shuping was momentarily speechless.

Princess Yunyang stirred the soup with her spoon and said quietly:

"That's right, I asked Marquis Xiajiang to deal with Zhao Dou'an. I slept with him once, and he was willing to stand up for this princess.

You don't want to? If you have the ability, go find that Zhao and get back the face you lost. Do you have that ability? If you can do it, this princess can sleep with you once too.

Can you… do it?"

"Pa!"

Li Shuping's face turned red, veins bulged on his forehead, and the chopsticks in his hand were snapped in half by him.

The servants were startled, but Princess Yunyang sneered:

"What? Have you grown some guts?"

Li Shuping, perhaps stimulated by the days of humiliation, rarely mustered a bit of courage. He took a deep breath and said:

"Yunyang, I am still your husband…"

"Husband?" Princess Yunyang suddenly smiled, a self-deprecating smile. Her eyes were complicated as she said:

"Don't forget what your status is. If it weren't for… would I have married you, a good-for-nothing?!"

The servants outside the hall silently walked away, pretending not to hear.

It was no secret that Yunyang was forced to marry Li Shuping.

According to the rules, when a princess marries, she should at least marry the children of some local wealthy families.

Or perhaps a newly emerging noble who has made great contributions.

In most cases, it is still a marriage alliance with a wealthy family.

However, Li Shuping was an exception.

When he became the Consort, his family had already declined, and he was just an inconspicuous heir of a small family in the capital.

He had also not obtained any fame or title.

It is said that when the late Emperor was in power, Princess Yunyang offended her imperial brother for some reason.

Therefore, the angry old emperor issued an edict, marrying her out of the palace and betrothing her to Li Shuping.

At that time, Li Shuping was overjoyed, feeling that good fortune had fallen from the sky.

But Yunyang had no kind expression towards him.

Later, perhaps gradually giving up on herself and recognizing her fate, this once incomparably noble Grand Princess gradually achieved her current "promiscuous" reputation, as if she were available to anyone.

"I… said the wrong thing."

Li Shuping lowered his head and slowly exhaled. He had long been accustomed to the role of a coward.

He also did not have the courage to confront the princess.

After all, everything he now possessed was brought to him by this wife.

Li Shuping adjusted his emotions, trying to break the oppressive atmosphere, and smiled proactively:

"I heard that at the early court today, the Chief Justice of the Great Prison Temple, Zhou Cheng, led a group of officials to court in a rage. Zhao Dou'an and those lackeys of the Imperial Overseer will have a hard time this time.

Hmph, the last time he arrested fifty-eight officials in a big way was barely suppressed. Now he dares to break into the Three Law Courts.

The officials of the court will definitely not tolerate it. I think this Imperial Overseer is coming to an end."

Princess Yunyang took a sip of egg custard, but her face showed no relief.

She knew her niece too well.

She knew that her niece, who seemed like a fairy and presented herself as a benevolent ruler, also had a cold and ruthless side in her bones.

"I hope it goes smoothly."

She thought to herself, wondering if the furious Zhou Cheng could take down the Imperial Overseer.

As for Marquis Xiajiang… she didn't care at all.

In fact, Marquis Xiajiang, who was squatting in the prison and being tortured at this moment, did not know.

From the beginning, Princess Yunyang had not counted on him.

From the very beginning, she wanted to shift the blame to Zhou Cheng, who already had conflicts with the Imperial Overseer.

Therefore.

It was because of this that He Zheng, the Vice Minister of the Great Prison Temple, competed with Shen Juan for the person early in the morning, causing a conflict.

Therefore.

When Marquis Xiajiang learned in the restaurant that Zhao Dou'an was coming to arrest him, Princess Yunyang poured cold water on him in time.

She knew that Marquis Xiajiang had few people to rely on, and Zhou Cheng was almost the only one.

However, what surprised her was that Zhao Dou'an was so audacious that he actually dared to break into the Three Law Courts.

And Ma Yan actually came forward to protect him…

In less than a day, the two government offices stood on opposite sides.

This rapid development made her feel uneasy, feeling that she might have overplayed her hand…

At this time, a servant rushed in from outside, reporting:

"Princess, something bad has happened."

Princess Yunyang narrowed her eyes and put down the spoon:

"Has the court session ended? Could it be that Zhou Cheng failed?"

The servant, who was sent out to inquire about the results of the early court session as soon as possible, nodded and recounted the information he had obtained.

When she learned that the Imperial Overseer was unscathed, the people from the Great Prison Temple left the court crestfallen, and Marquis Xiajiang was stripped of his title and sentenced to be executed after the autumn.

The princess in the large red gauze skirt was expressionless.

Her hands, placed on her white python-like long legs, clenched unconsciously.

Marquis Xiajiang is going to die… Consort Li Shuping couldn't control himself and showed a smile.

He couldn't suppress the corners of his mouth at all!

And just at this moment, a second servant rushed in from outside, panting and looking difficult:

"Princess, a major event is not good."

Yunyang was stunned for a moment. She didn't remember sending out a second person.

She only heard the servant say:

"The little one followed the cart to the East Market to buy ice. As a result, on the way, I saw that Zhao Dou'an, riding a horse, was leading a group of eunuchs from the palace towards our residence!"