The First Lackey Under The Empress

“Clop, clop, clop.”

The sound of hooves echoed on the wide bluestone road as Zhao Du'an, full of vigor, arrived at the foot of the imperial city.

The gate-guarding soldiers subconsciously stepped forward to stop him, but upon seeing the person on horseback, their faces turned ghostly:

“Zhao… Envoy Zhao? Shouldn't you be…”

He wanted to say, shouldn't you be in jail?

Or being tried in court, how could you suddenly appear here, looking perfectly fine, not at all like a prisoner?

Escaped from prison? An absurd thought arose…

“Heh heh, enough nonsense, this official has important matters to report to His Majesty, quickly make way.”

Zhao Du'an was too lazy to explain, giving them a horse's rear view as he used his face to gain entry into the city.

Unfortunately, while the imperial city was easy to enter, he was stopped at the gate of the palace city.

He had to patiently wait for someone to announce his arrival. Zhao Du'an was not in a hurry, leading his horse and waiting. The palace guards at the gate frequently looked at him, wondering what they were thinking.

At this moment, from the open gate, a carriage slowly emerged. Zhao Du'an was taken aback and curiously asked:

“Who is that coming out?”

Within the palace city, no outside officials were allowed to ride in carriages.

But if it were the old emperor's concubines or female officials traveling, the style of the carriage didn't seem right.

The gate guard explained:

“This morning, Grand Preceptor Dong entered the palace to have an audience, and is now leaving. His Majesty, considering the Grand Preceptor's old age and difficulty in walking, has specially permitted him to ride in a carriage within the palace.”

Grand Preceptor Dong?

One of the 'Three Dukes,' the Grand Scholar in charge of the Hanlin Academy?

The contemporary Confucian scholar who almost became related to Xue Lin's family through marriage?

Zhao Du'an was slightly surprised.

The Hanlin Academy was a place for cultivating talent. In the past, the Grand Scholar who received imperial orders was almost a reserve for the position of 'Prime Minister.'

However, it later evolved, and now it is disconnected from the Inner Cabinet, but the position of this Grand Preceptor Dong is still not to be underestimated.

Although the power is not great, the reputation is extremely high, and he is the leading figure in the literary world of the Great Yu Dynasty. His interpretation of the Confucian classics is required reading for students taking the imperial examination, and many of his articles and poems are well-known to every household.

It can be said that he is the number one person in the world today, guarding the 'literary heritage' of the Great Yu Dynasty.

Some even say that Grand Preceptor Dong has the potential to be conferred the title of 'Second Sage' in the way of literature…

However, after the Xuanmen coup, because he sided with and supported the Empress's ascension to the throne, his reputation was greatly damaged.

He was criticized by many literati, which was still fine in the capital, but in the territory of the 'Eight Kings,' far from the center of the court, he was subjected to a great deal of abuse.

But even though he was both praised and criticized, his achievements in the way of literature were acknowledged and admired even by those who cursed him.

At this moment, the carriage had already entered the gate. Zhao Du'an obediently led his horse to the side, bowing his head in respect.

—It was best not to provoke such a famous Confucian scholar.

However, the carriage suddenly stopped, and a servant from the Dong family came over:

“Are you Envoy Zhao? The Grand Preceptor invites you.”

Huh? Me?

Zhao Du'an was stunned.

In his memory, he had never had any contact with the other party.

Even, Zhao Du'an had little contact with the entire circle of scholars in the Great Yu Dynasty…

What does this Grand Confucian scholar want from me…? Zhao Du'an stepped forward blankly and came to the side of the carriage, only to see that the curtain had been lifted.

A white-haired, senile old man sat upright, possessing the aura of a Confucian master. He wore a scarlet academic robe, his face was square, and his old eyes were sharp and piercing.

He seemed to be scrutinizing this rising favorite of the Empress.

“This humble official Zhao Du'an, greets the Grand Preceptor.” Zhao Du'an saluted.

Grand Preceptor Dong's expression showed no joy or anger, his demeanor was calm and composed, and he slowly said:

“No need for formalities, this old man came to have an audience today and heard His Majesty speak of you, praising you highly. I happened to meet you, so I wanted to take a look at you.”

Zhao Du'an was cautious:

“A little bit of insignificant merit, yet it has earned His Majesty's praise, this humble official is terrified.”

Grand Preceptor Dong “En”ed, seemingly satisfied with his attitude, and said:

“No need to be modest, this old man has also heard about what you have been doing these days. Although the methods are somewhat unconventional, at such a young age, you can be called a 'capable official.' ”

Zhao Du'an remained silent, waiting for what he would say next.

From his experience, he knew that when big figures started like this, they often suppressed before praising.

Next, there would probably be a “But.”

Sure enough, Grand Preceptor Dong first praised him a few words, then changed the subject:

“But… Relying solely on power and disregarding reputation may be suitable for a general, but not for a commander.

Since you are from the military and now work in the Imperial Court, you should know that all famous generals throughout history have possessed both literary and martial skills…

If you wholeheartedly pursue the path of martial arts and focus on cultivation, this old man would not say anything.

The path of martial arts, when walked to the extreme, can lead to grandmasters and even the Great Dao. You can either go to the army to fight and train, or go to the martial world to cultivate and travel.

But… since you have chosen the path of officialdom, you should know how to advance and retreat, and read more books.

Although swords are good, for the path of officialdom, governing the country and securing the people, swords are indispensable, but what you truly need to rely on is the way of literature. That's all I have to say, think about it yourself.”

After saying that, the Grand Scholar closed his eyes, the servant lowered the curtain, and the carriage rumbled towards the outside of the palace.

Leaving Zhao Du'an standing in place, first in confusion, and then in contemplation.

This nonsensical speech, at first glance, seemed like an elder's advice to a younger generation, telling him to read more books so that he could go higher.

But upon careful consideration, the true meaning revealed between the lines seemed like a warning.

Warning him:

In the court, most of those who truly reach high positions are still literati.

Although this world has mysterious and great power, governing a country is ultimately not what martial force is good at. Governing the people, laws, etiquette, enlightenment, agriculture, commerce…

From strategies for governing a country to dividing the interests of a village or county, all rely on literati.

Zhao Du'an came from a martial background and does not intend to join the army, so he cannot take the route of the Privy Council or the Ministry of War.

Then, reaching the pinnacle would be nothing more than Ma Yan's position.

“Is it reminding me not to become a treacherous court official like the eunuch Wang Zhen, simply because I am appreciated by His Majesty and start having delusional thoughts?

Well, to put it in a familiar way, it's warning me to know my place…”

Zhao Du'an's expression was strange.

He wanted to say that Grand Tutor Dong might have misunderstood something.

I never thought about pursuing an official career… What kind of powerful minister would I be…

The achievements and promotions now are just to accumulate strength to protect myself while I am still weak.

It doesn't mean that he really wants to become a famous official, shining in some position.

If he had to state a goal, one would be martial arts cultivation, to see a different kind of scenery.

Like becoming a "Martial God" or something…

The other is to conquer the Empress… Cough, from this perspective, it's not surprising that Grand Tutor Dong misunderstood him.

After all, Zhao Du'an's current performance is indeed heading in the direction of becoming the Empress's favored subject.

And historically, examples of people like him evolving from favored subjects to treacherous officials are not uncommon.

As for the other thing he wanted to say:

“I've read a lot of books, okay? Why does everyone think I have no knowledge and don't understand the ways of scholars…”

Zhao Du'an was helpless.

Yuan Li was like this, and so is this Grand Tutor Dong.

“Forget it, think what you want.” Zhao Du'an was too lazy to explain.

…

…

Imperial Garden, inside a pavilion.

“Your Majesty, Lord Zhao has arrived.”

Following the female official's announcement, Xu Zhenguan greeted him with a smile.

Soon, Zhao Du'an, tall, handsome, and extraordinary, arrived in his Jisi official robes:

“Your subject has come to report.”

Immediately, he heard the Empress's clear voice, tinged with a smile:

“Come and sit.”

Her voice was very distinctive.

It was neither the gentleness of a Jiangnan woman, nor the robustness of a northern woman. When she spoke in a deep voice, her majesty made people unable to harbor any blasphemous thoughts.

At this moment, when she was in a good mood, simple sentences seemed like a pair of invisible hands, drilling into people's ears and eyes, caressing their hearts.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Zhao Du'an bowed and sat down.

He sat down in the position where Grand Tutor Dong had just been, and then raised his head, seeing clearly once again at close range the flawless face of the white-robed Empress.

Xu Zhenguan's head of black hair hung down casually, and she wore no jewelry.

Beneath her delicate nose, her lips were full and moist, and above, her eyes were like stars in the night sky.

At this moment, she was smiling, and even though he was staring at her, she didn't show the shyness of an ordinary woman, but pointed to the chessboard:

“Shall We play a game of Go?”

Zhao Du'an came back to his senses, realizing that he had been slightly rude just now, and said respectfully:

“As you command.”

Thus, in the pavilion in midsummer, the monarch and her subject began to quietly place their pieces.

It was just that both of them were obviously not focused on the chessboard. Their moves were also conventional and unremarkable, and only a dozen steps were taken.

Xu Zhenguan then smiled and teased:

“When the eunuch returned to the palace to report, We knew that you would probably come.”

Zhao Du'an pretended not to hear the teasing and said seriously:

“Although others may relay the message, the case of Zhou Cheng was a task assigned by Your Majesty. Your subject, having received the order from the Son of Heaven, should come to report.”

Xu Zhenguan was quite satisfied with this. Because she already knew the process, she only asked:

“We originally thought that if everything went smoothly, you should be able to clear your name from the slander. Now it seems that you have been released in court?”

Zhao Du'an looked serious:

“Lord Yuan and the Minister of the Ministry of Justice enforced the law impartially, and with Your Majesty watching, naturally, loyal officials would not be wronged.”

Xu Zhenguan smiled. Even though she had already experienced his glib tongue, he brazenly called himself a “loyal official,” and yet in one sentence, he praised everyone… Still…

She asked knowingly:

“Oh? So, Zhou Cheng tried to obstruct it?”

This part of the follow-up was not in the little eunuch's report.

Zhao Du'an nodded and then shook his head:

“He tried, but he failed.”

At this time, the Empress did not know the true meaning of the word “failed.”

She said while placing a piece:

“It's good that he failed.

However, We are very satisfied with your methods. You entered the game yourself, using the feud between you two to lure Zhou Cheng to plot against you… Even if the painting was not sufficient as evidence, it could still be used to make a case.

It's just that We don't understand how you came up with this method. Did you secretly reveal this handle to him? Luring him to take the bait?

But with Zhou Cheng's caution, he was actually deceived by you?

Heh, We will have to ask him later to understand.”

She was somewhat puzzled.

After all, with Pei Kaizhi's example, it was unexpected that Zhou Cheng did not have enough precautions against Zhao Du'an.

Zhao Du'an said calmly:

“I'm afraid he can't come to see Your Majesty anymore.”

“Oh? Why?” Xu Zhenguan's beautiful eyes showed surprise, and she frowned her beautiful eyebrows.

Zhao Du'an picked up a black piece and placed it on the chessboard, saying:

“Because, your subject used an old case from thirteen years ago to obtain evidence of Zhou Cheng's embezzlement and perversion of the law, enough for him to die ten times over, and announced it in court. Lord Yuan and the Minister of the Ministry of Justice accepted the case.

Because the case is of great importance, Zhou Cheng and many officials from the Court of Judicial Review have been arrested…

Your subject has come to report this matter to Your Majesty. That Zhou Cheng is doomed to die.”

The white piece that Xu Zhenguan had picked up suddenly slipped from her hand and fell back into the chess box, making a soft "pa" sound.

The smile on her lips froze, and she stared blankly at Zhao Du'an opposite her:

“You… say that again?!”

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