The First Lackey Under The Empress

Flames licked at the paper detailing the intelligence, quickly reducing it to ash.

Sun Lianying, draped in a loose cotton robe, warmed her hands over the brazier and said calmly:

“Although Cao Mao is not often in the capital, he is still a noble with military power, and his status is extraordinary. Once he notices the shift in public opinion, he will surely use his connections to suppress and block it. Have you thought about how to deal with it?”

Zhao Du’an’s tone was light and breezy. He didn’t answer immediately but turned to look at the Jinyi from Pear Blossom Hall who had come to report, asking:

“Have the arrangements I asked you to make been taken care of?”

The Jinyi cupped his fist and said:

“It’s all done. Rest assured, my lord, the capital is not Jubei City. This is our territory. With your word, we’ll see who in the capital has the nerve to work for Duke Cao?”

Zhao Du’an waved his hand in satisfaction, dismissing the man, then turned to look at his old leader with a smile:

“Is this way acceptable?”

“You.” The old eunuch shook his head, seemingly helpless, gently placed a chess piece, and revealed a look of gratification.

Who could have imagined that Zhao Du’an would have such power today, just a year ago?

… …

… …

Kyoto Prefecture Yamen.

On this day, the Prefectural Governor learned that Cao Kedi, the Vice General of Jubei City, was visiting and immediately welcomed him into the back hall with courtesy.

After exchanging pleasantries, Cao Kedi stated his purpose:

“Today, someone in the city fabricated rumors and spread them in the marketplace, attacking the court's laws. The Duke was greatly angered upon learning of this, so he urged me to come and ask the Prefectural Governor to stop the rumors, prevent them from spreading, and investigate who is so audacious.”

“Is that so?” The Kyoto Prefectural Governor was shocked and slammed the table in anger:

“Under the Emperor’s feet, how can Duke Cao be slandered? Please tell the Duke that this official will order the Yamen and several county offices in Kyoto to handle this matter.”

Cao Kedi smiled and said, “Thank you, Prefectural Governor.”

“Haha, it’s just my duty.” The Kyoto Prefectural Governor smiled and personally escorted Cao Kedi out of the Yamen.

Once the man left, the smile on his face faded. He turned around and dragged his somewhat obese body against the cold wind back to the warm back hall.

The Yamen Constable carefully walked over and asked for instructions: “Sir, should I go handle it now?”

The Prefectural Governor glanced at him and said in a cold tone: “Handle what?”

The Constable was stunned for a moment and said: “What Duke Cao entrusted…”

The Prefectural Governor snorted and waved his hand with a look of annoyance, saying:

“Drag it out for now. In a day or two, just find a few hooligans to take the blame and give the Duke's mansion an explanation, and that will be enough.”

He was unwilling to offend Cao Mao. If it were something else, he would have done it as a favor, but Zhao Yanwang had sent someone to make arrangements beforehand.

“A commander in the northern border region, how many days out of the year can he stay in the capital? Cao Mao actually thought that a light thank you would be enough to make this official offend that Zhao fellow. He is really something.”

The Prefectural Governor cursed inwardly, while secretly pondering this matter, faintly sensing an undercurrent surging and the feeling that a good show was about to begin.

“This matter cannot be interfered with. Meddling without seeing the situation clearly will only lead to self-immolation.”

… …

Zhaoyu, Peony Hall.

“Duke Cao wants to entrust us with helping him investigate the source of the rumors? And stop them?”

Zhang Han, with his poker face, looked at the Northern Border officer in front of him with a strange expression.

The officer nodded and said seriously:

“Director Zhang is the best of the nine halls. In terms of investigating cases and handling affairs in the capital, Peony Hall is second to none. As long as this matter is handled properly, the Duke will certainly not forget Director Zhang’s hard work.”

Zhang Han stared at the man expressionlessly for a moment, then shook his head and said: “Zhaoyu serves His Majesty. This matter does not involve rebellious parties, nor is it an order from the Director-General. I am afraid this official cannot interfere.”

“This…” The Northern Border officer was stunned. He didn’t expect the other party to be so unaccommodating, not even bothering with pleasantries. Couldn’t you be a little more tactful…

He lowered his face: “Duke Cao is…”

Zhang Han interrupted the man, picked up his tea, and said: “This official is busy and cannot see you out.”

The Northern Border officer opened his mouth, took a deep breath, stood up, and left in anger.

After the man left, Haitang, who had been standing outside the door with her arms folded, watching the show, walked in with great interest and said:

“This Duke is quite interesting. Is he used to wielding power and acting arbitrarily in the border region, or is he just old and senile? He actually ran over here to issue orders.”

Zhang Han shook his head and said calmly:

“They didn’t go to Zhao Du’an but came to me instead, which means they are not too stupid. Perhaps they heard that the nine halls are fighting each other and thought I would be happy to climb onto Duke Cao’s connections.”

Hearing that there was a show to watch, Haitang, who had specially come to watch, clicked her tongue in wonder and said:

“Although I don’t know what happened, based on my understanding of Zhao Du’an, this Duke is going to be in trouble.”

… …

Red Flower Society Headquarters.

The “White Paper Fan,” the number one gang in the capital, personally came out to welcome the arrival of the Cao Duke’s mansion’s steward.

The so-called White Paper Fan is not a name but a title, a position similar to the gang’s “military advisor,” and its status within the Red Flower Society is second only to the leader.

“Oh, what bad luck. Our leader is not at home right now. I wonder what you have to say? I can pass it on for you?” The tall and thin White Paper Fan was very polite.

A seventh-rank official in front of the Prime Minister’s gate. To this group of gangsters, the Duke's mansion’s chief steward was already a big shot.

“Your Red Flower Society is well-informed about the marketplace and should have heard the rumors targeting the Duke, right? I’ll give you one day to find out where the rumors started.”

The chief steward gave the order with an arrogant expression and got up to leave.

The White Paper Fan sent the man off with a smile, watching him leave, and spat lightly.

He turned around and ordered several gang thugs to guard outside. He returned to the residence, went to a room in the back house, and pushed open the door with both hands.

He looked at the bald-headed middle-aged man pacing in the room.

“Leader, the man has been sent away. Just as expected, he wants us to handle it within a day.”

The Red Flower Society leader had a sinister expression and sneered:

“That’s why people say we seem glamorous, but in reality, we are just chamber pots for the big shots. They only pick us up when they think of it…”

The White Paper Fan hesitated and said: “Then we…”

The Red Flower Society leader said with a straight face: “Do I need to tell you how to deal with it?”

“Yes. As for spreading the news…”

“Send more people to make the matter bigger. If Zhao Yanwang is not satisfied, neither of us will live to see next year. Think of Lord Meng!”

Lord Meng was the previous leader of the Red Flower Society, who was guilty of offending Zhao Du’an and died tragically in Zhaoyu Prison.

In a sense, Zhao Du’an’s deterrence to underground gangs was much stronger than that of the Emperor in the palace.

… …

At the same time, similar scenes were taking place in every corner of the capital.

The network of a Duke was enough to extend to the large and small Yamen throughout the capital, but compared to Cao Mao’s orders, no official dared to defy Zhao Du’an’s “arrangements.”

Even the “Li Party,” which was at odds with Zhao Du’an, maintained an attitude of indifference and non-involvement in this matter.

“It seems that this Zhao Du’an is more capable than Father expected.”

Somewhere in the capital, inside a carriage, Duke Tang looked at the two groups of people belonging to Zhao Du’an and Cao Mao, respectively, who entered a certain Yamen almost one after the other, and sighed softly.

Inside the carriage, Tang Zhao looked worried.

What she was good at was fighting. She really didn’t understand this kind of scheming.

Even now, she didn’t know what Zhao Du’an and her father had talked about in the study last night.

“Alright, let’s go.” Duke Tang looked at his brave but unresourceful daughter and shook his head helplessly. “Don’t be late.”

Today, Duke Tang had sent invitations to the imperial relatives and nobles with higher seniority in the city and would go to visit them.

This was not abrupt for a general returning to the capital to guard the border.

But only a few people knew the purpose of Duke Tang’s trip, which was to remove Cao Mao’s arm in this deadly game.

According to what that Zhao Du’an said last night: “This is part of the plan.”

… …

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

In the streets and alleys of the capital, the news about Cao Mao not only did not decrease but intensified.

Criticizing a Duke was inherently a very risky thing, but when more people said it, it would embolden people.

Especially with the news of a case involving Duke Cao spreading from Dali Temple, even people in officialdom had a reason to openly discuss the matter.

Since the censor Chen Hong was refused entry to the palace that day, more than a dozen censors had successively entered the palace to impeach him in the past two days, and the momentum was growing.

Duke Cao’s Mansion.

“Why are the rumors still spreading?! Two days! Two whole days! The rumors outside are getting bigger and bigger. I can hear them even in my own home. What have you all been doing?! Huh? Are you all mute? Speak!”

Cao Mao roared angrily at the several subordinates standing side by side in the room, venting his anger.

The atmosphere in the room was stagnant and solidified, and everyone was as silent as cicadas in winter. Cao Kedi stood with his hands down, ashamed:

“Godfather, it's not that we're not trying hard enough, it's just that those people in the city are superficially cooperative, but in reality, they're not putting in any effort, just going through the motions. After all, the capital isn't the Northern Territory, and we…” The others also lamented endlessly.

After venting, Cao Mao leaned back and heavily slumped into his grand master's chair, his hand supporting his forehead:

“Forget it, forget it. As the saying goes, a mighty dragon can't suppress a local snake. In the end, it's because I've been away from the capital for too long, and unexpectedly, in just a year, a venomous snake has grown.”

Cao Kedi asked in surprise: "Godfather, are you saying…"

“Zhao Du'an,” Cao Mao gritted his teeth, spitting out the name:

“I was wondering before why this person insisted on being in the Ministry of Justice and clashing with you, just because that Northern Territory Blood Saber was his guard for a while? It's ridiculous. Now it seems he's coming for me.”

Cao Kedi frowned and said, “Godfather, are you saying that those yamen are unwilling to exert themselves because Zhao Du'an gave them instructions?”

Cao Mao was about to say something, but suddenly he drove the others out of the room. Only when the two of them were left did his face turn gloomy:

“I have no dealings with that Zhao Du'an, why would he go against us for such a trivial matter for no reason? I'm afraid this person is just a lackey following orders.”

Cao Kedi tentatively asked:

“Then could it be Tang Daren? This person has always been at odds with Godfather…”

Cao Mao shook his head, his eyes gleaming faintly:

“It's His Majesty. Spreading rumors among the people could be said to be the work of my political enemies, but the case at the Dali Temple came too abruptly. The most crucial thing is that group of censors in the Censorate… Heh heh, I'm afraid His Majesty is dissatisfied with us and wants to give us a warning.”

Cao Kedi looked anxious:

“Godfather, if it's really His Majesty's doing, then what should we do…”

Cao Mao glanced at him with displeasure, and said unhappily:

“Why lose your composure? I have many allied dignitaries on the inside, and 100,000 border troops in Jubei City on the outside. How many years has our Majesty been on the throne? It's just a warning.”

Although the momentum is great now, Cao Mao is only shocked and angry, not panicked.

Because in his view, the Empress would definitely not dare to turn the tables and truly make a move against him.

At this moment, the voice of the butler suddenly came from outside the room: “Lord Duke, someone from the palace is here!”

The father and son exchanged glances, both seeing the meaning in each other's eyes: They're here!

Shortly after.

A eunuch holding a duster came to the door with a smile, and after paying his respects, he said:

“In recent days, public opinion in the city has been turbulent, with rumors circulating about the Lord Duke. His Majesty naturally doesn't believe them, but can't withstand the repeated impeachments from the censors of the Censorate, and can't just ignore them.

Therefore, His Majesty hopes that the Lord Duke will attend the early court tomorrow to explain in person, so as to quell the disputes.”

Cao Mao was not surprised at all, even a little proud that his prediction had come true, and casually said:

“Report back to His Majesty, I will attend the court tomorrow.”

According to his expectation, it would be nothing more than confronting the censors in court. As long as he slightly expressed his respect for the Empress, giving her face, and then giving him a painless warning, the matter would be over.

“A woman claiming the throne, what kind of courage can she have? It's nothing more than applying the methods of palace infighting to the court.”

Cao Mao used mental victory, but he inexplicably felt a sense of unease.

— Is that Majesty really only using these methods?

However, thinking of the Northern Border Army firmly in his grasp, his heart steadied again.

… …

… …

That night, a cold wave swept through the capital, and the temperature plummeted.

Since the departure of the Western Regions envoy, the clear sky that had lasted for a while was once again covered by dark clouds. In the second half of the night, goose feather snow began to fall slowly.

Early morning.

When Zhao Du'an opened the door, what came into view was the white sky and the fluttering snowflakes like paper scraps.

In the courtyard, the servants were already sweeping with brooms.

Zhao Pan had surprisingly gotten up, but judging from her shivering appearance, she must have been woken up by the cold.

At this moment, she and her Pekingese dog were squatting by the stove, warming their hands (paws).

Her autumn-like bright eyes were still looking forward to the outside. Seeing Zhao Du'an coming, the girl happily said:

“Brother, this snow is so heavy! We should be able to make snowmen in the afternoon.”

Well, this little girl is already thinking about what kind of snowman to make… Well, although the last snowfall was sparse for a long time, it wasn't thick.

Zhao Du'an remembered those online masters he had seen in his previous life, who made snowmen in various cool shapes, such as sculpting a dragon or something, which was so cool…

“Close the door quickly, aren't you afraid of catching a cold?”

You Jinhua led a few maids in with a tray, spoiling the fun.

Goose feather snowflakes fell on the beautiful woman's coiled hair, with a clear contrast between black and white.

“Okay.” The girl closed the door disappointedly, and the temperature in the room slowly rose. Zhao Du'an shook his head and smiled, chatting with his family at the dining table.

You Jinhua excitedly reported to him how many New Year goods the family had purchased.

“The New Year is coming soon, I wonder how the Lantern Festival will be this year.” The beautiful stepmother's eyes were full of longing.

In the Great Yu Dynasty, New Year's Eve was a major festival, and people would brave the cold wind to participate in the Lantern Festival.

Of course, New Year's Eve would not be cold. Even if the weather was bad, the great priests of the Tianshi Mansion would join forces to change the weather.

— This was also one of the very few times that the priests would intervene in the weather, except for major natural disasters.

It was a pity that the Xuanmen coup d'état in the past two years had led to a solemn and turbulent atmosphere in the capital, greatly reducing the New Year's flavor, and the New Year's Eve Lantern Festival was even more of a formality.

This year, the Empress's regime gradually stabilized, and there were signs of recovery.

Zhao Du'an was a little distracted.

After the meal.

He changed into his official uniform, picked up the Frost Sword and left the yamen. The coachman Xiao Wang was already waiting outside.

“Brother seems to be preoccupied today, and went to the yamen exceptionally early.” Zhao Pan muttered curiously, holding the Pekingese dog.

You Jinhua wrapped herself in a thick fur coat, covering her plump figure, and said:

“Men always have important things to do. Women only need to take care of the family.”

Zhao Pan twitched the corner of her mouth, understanding but not accepting her mother's feudal remarks.

… …

The early court time in winter was delayed a lot. When Zhao Du'an left the house, it was not yet time for the court.

But he estimated that the courtiers had already rushed to the Meridian Gate one after another.

He didn't plan to go to the Golden Luan Hall today, because he had more important things to do, or rather, in his and Yuan Li's plan, the impeachment in the Golden Luan Hall was the first half.

Yuan Li was responsible for that.

And what Zhao Du'an had to handle was the second half.

“Sir, are we waiting here?”

Xiao Wang stopped the carriage at an intersection and asked.

Zhao Du'an opened the car curtain and nodded. He didn't put down the curtain, but quietly watched the goose feather snow falling outside.

At this time, the entire street was already covered with a layer of white, and there were far fewer pedestrians on the street than usual.

Yesterday, the Qintian Supervisor posted a notice that there would be a blizzard today, but the time was in the afternoon, and it was not very heavy yet.

How should I put it, in a world with gods and magic, the weather forecast is indeed more accurate than in the previous life…

“Drive!”

Suddenly, a carriage came from the opposite street at the intersection and stopped when passing the intersection. The curtain was lifted, revealing the faces of Tang Ping and Tang Zhao, the siblings.

“Lord Zhao!” Tang Ping jumped out of the carriage, walked to the outside of the carriage, cupped his hands, and performed the etiquette of a subordinate seeing a superior.

Tang Zhao was reluctant and followed over, only nodding.

Zhao Du'an did not get out of the car, smiled through the window, and said:

“How is the preparation?”

Young Master Tang Ping patted his chest hard, indicating that the thing was inside. His eyes seemed to hide a beating flame, which was a kind of excitement and excitement of participating in a major event:

“It's all ready. My father also wants me to tell you that the nobles have also been negotiated.”

Zhao Du'an nodded and smiled:

“Thank you for your hard work. The court is about to begin, you should go to the palace quickly, don't miss the time.”

Rouge Horse Tang Zhao blinked her eyes. She didn't carry her horse lance today, but wore a thick red cloak, curiously saying:

“Aren't you going together?”

Zhao Du'an waved his hand and said with a smile: “I'm outside, waiting for you.”

Weird… Tang Zhao, with her wheat-colored skin, muttered, turned around and got into the car with her brother, heading straight to the palace.

Zhao Du'an watched the siblings go away, put down the curtain, leaned against the soft car cushion, closed his eyes, and said calmly:

“Let's go, let's go to the next stop.”

… …

Misspelled words will be corrected later.