The First Lackey Under The Empress

Chapter 154 Zhao Du'an: Your Majesty, I wish to enter…

At noon, as the various government offices in the capital dismissed their duties and the academies ended their classes,

explosive news about the "Three Departments Joint Trial" of the day began to spread like wildfire in official circles and among scholars.

“Everyone, you absolutely won’t believe what happened at today’s trial!”

An official who had witnessed the entire process from outside the hall, upon sitting down, began to splatter saliva as he recounted his experiences to his colleagues and friends.

Unsurprisingly, almost everyone was greatly shocked.

“What? Zhao Du'an presented evidence in court of Zhou Tingwei plotting to harm him? And was acquitted?”

“So, he really didn’t touch that courtesan? This…”

This result obviously far exceeded people’s preconceived notions of Zhao Du'an.

In the Great Yu, officials and literary circles were fond of visiting prostitutes.

Unlike the "personal conduct issues" of later generations, in the Great Yu, this was considered a romantic affair.

But Zhao Du'an actually maintained his "innocence"… Unbelievable.

And if the above news was only considered gossip,

then the news that Zhao Du'an had accused Zhou Cheng in court and overturned the old case from thirteen years ago was like a bomb exploding in deep water.

“Bang!” A scholar slammed the table and stood up, his expression agitated:

“The death of Vice Minister Xue back then was already suspicious, but who would have thought that this Zhou, a traitor to the country, would deceive the emperor and wrongly kill an important official! Alas, today his injustice has finally been redressed!”

As he spoke, his eyes were faintly red. Someone recognized that this person was a scholar who had been close to Xue Lin back then.

Xue Lin had initially studied under Grand Preceptor Dong, and was quite famous among scholars.

Now that the case was overturned, it immediately aroused the voices of many "old-timers" who had experienced the events of that year.

“That Zhou Cheng is insatiably greedy and has long had a bad reputation. I’ve always said, people are watching what you do, and Heaven is watching.” Someone spoke with hindsight.

“That Zhao theif actually vindicated Vice Minister Xue…”

Some people also couldn’t accept that Zhao Du'an, whom they usually cursed and despised, had actually done such a righteous thing.

However, as more details were revealed, everyone understood that Zhao Du'an was not doing it for "justice" at all. The Xue Lin case was purely a tool he used for revenge.

“Truly terrifying. I heard long ago that this Envoy Zhao is extremely vengeful. Anyone who has offended him will have a hard time escaping his reckoning… The Zhang brothers, the Pei family in-laws, and even princesses and marquises…

Now, Zhou Tingwei only impeached him once in court a few days ago, and he has already suffered such retaliation…”

The crowd looked at each other and closed their mouths, cursing in their hearts:

As expected, he is a petty man who holds grudges!

There was much discussion in the restaurant.

…

In a certain private room, a group of young scholars were also gathering in the restaurant, listening to the discussions outside, and couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Is this really Zhao Du'an’s doing? Does a mere military man have such strategies?” One person doubted.

Another shook his head and said:

“Who knows? Didn’t you hear that Duke Yuan also intervened in this case? Maybe it was a collective effort, and he was just pushed to the front.”

“Brother Li is right. A cruel official from a military background may indeed have some abilities. But to say that he has such strategies is too incredible.” Someone echoed.

At this moment, a gentle voice suddenly spoke up from the group:

“Gentlemen, do not underestimate the people of the world. I have also heard a little about this Envoy Zhao. It is true that his reputation is terrible, but with His Majesty’s wisdom, if he only had a good appearance, he would definitely not be given such important responsibilities.

In my opinion, even if others did help with this plan to deal with Zhou Cheng, it may indeed have been led by this person.”

As soon as this person spoke, the scholars in the group immediately changed their tune and said:

“Brother Banshan is right.”

“Brother Banshan is still noble and upright. We are just petty people.”

The one nicknamed “Banshan” was a scholar of about thirty years old, wearing a Confucian robe, slightly weak, with his hair neatly combed behind his head, clear eyes, and a very scholarly aura.

Among the scholars in the capital, he was a first-class celebrity, named “Han Zhou”.

He was also recognized as the leading talent of the younger generation in the current capital.

Born into poverty, he studied the books of hundreds of schools since childhood, and later became the top scorer in the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy as an editor.

At this moment, being praised by the scholars, he just smiled indifferently, as if he was used to this kind of scene.

“Speaking of which, although that Zhao Du'an has been gaining momentum recently, he is ultimately just a military officer. So what if he has some abilities?

At most, he is just the next Yama Ma.

And Brother Banshan is said to have been included in the Literary Institute by the Grand Preceptor. In a few days, it will be the opening of the institute, and his future achievements will be limitless.” A man in the seat loudly praised.

Literary Institute?

In an instant, some scholars outside the private room turned their heads to look, unable to hide their shock.

These days, the hottest topic in literary circles was that the Empress was going to recruit young talents to enter the new government office, the Literary Institute, to assist the sage in governing the country.

It is said that the selection of the first batch of scholars to enter the institute is extremely strict.

There are even rumors in the market that the Literary Institute is the prototype of the future “New Cabinet”.

Anyone who can squeeze in and become a close minister by the Emperor’s side, one can imagine what kind of achievements they will have in the future.

Han Banshan has entered the institute?

This news was still spreading on a small scale, but now that it was publicized, it immediately overshadowed the topic of Zhao Du'an eliminating Zhou Cheng in this area of scholars’ seats.

Han Zhou frowned slightly, somewhat disliking this behavior of praising one and stepping on the other.

But he couldn’t say anything, so he could only exchange a few polite words and bid farewell.

This scene aroused envy, jealousy, and hatred in many people.

“It’s Han Zhou, Han Banshan,”

In the same restaurant, at a table in the lobby, an official looked at the departing green-robed Hanlin, unable to hide his envy:

“Another young talent who will rise to prominence.”

After speaking, he turned his head to look at Lu Zhi across the seat and joked:

“Look at him, after a few years in the Hanlin Academy, he is directly entering the Literary Institute.

You also stayed in the Hanlin Academy, didn’t you? What about now? You have wasted nearly ten years in a small position as a reviewer. If you had been more smooth and flattering earlier, would you be like this?”

Lu Zhi buried his head in drinking and eating, and said calmly upon hearing this:

“If I were smooth and flattering, I would have been implicated with Zhou Cheng, He Zheng, and that group of people today.”

The friend at the same table was speechless and smiled bitterly:

“What you said… is also true.”

Today, the Dali Temple was shaken. After the joint trial by the three departments, although Zhou Cheng and He Zheng’s faction were only temporarily “banned” because they had not yet reported to the Emperor,

everyone knew that the Saint’s decree would come down in an hour or two, and then the storm would be even greater.

Lu Zhi was lucky because his official position was low and he was not close to Zhou Cheng, so he was not implicated for the time being.

The friend sighed and said:

“But who would have thought that such a thing would happen? That Zhao Du'an is really ruthless. Last time you were taken away by him, but he released you alone, which led to you being even more isolated, and therefore disliked by Zhou Cheng and that group of people.

But unexpectedly, you also escaped a disaster because of this. It can only be said that fortune and misfortune depend on each other. However, you should really change your temper.”

Lu Zhi said unhappily:

“I enforce the law impartially and have a clear conscience. I am not as greedy as them, and my current salary is enough to support my family. At worst, I will live like this for the rest of my life, which is also good.”

The friend stared at him: “Are you really willing to be a small reviewer for the rest of your life? Back then, you and I had lofty ambitions…”

Lu Zhi was silent.

The friend sighed and didn’t say anything more.

The two of them had their fill of wine and food, and walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. They were greeted by a middle-level official from the Dali Temple, leading a team of Imperial Guards, who saw him and his eyes lit up:

“Lord Lu!”

Lu Zhi was stunned, witnessing this group of people walking over, not knowing why.

Moreover… the other party actually addressed him as "Lord," and not "Appraiser," or "Old Lu…"

"Lord Wang, this is…" He frowned.

The superior who used to dislike him greatly stepped forward enthusiastically, grasped his hand, and said with a smile:

"I've found you! Quickly, receive the decree."

"Receive the decree?" Lu Zhi was even more confused.

At this moment, a eunuch from the Imperial Guard walked over, smiling:

"Lord Lu need not panic. It's not a decree. This humble one is only here to convey His Majesty's oral instructions.

His Majesty says that the Great Court of Revision is currently in turmoil, and many officials are unable to perform their duties. However, the affairs of the government are numerous and cannot be without people.

Having heard that Appraiser Lu is very fair in enforcing the law, he has specially ordered you to temporarily act as Vice Minister of the Great Court of Revision. Arrangements will be made after the case is over."

Lu Zhi felt like he was in a dream. His friend next to him also sobered up from the wine, his face showing astonishment:

"Brother Lu…"

Lu Zhi's eyes suddenly reddened, and tears vaguely slid down.

Because he was unwilling to collude with others, he had been stuck in this position for nearly ten years. Was he finally going to be re-appointed?

However, how did His Majesty know about a nobody like himself?

He couldn't understand it.

…

…

Inside the Imperial Palace.

Zhao Du'an was unaware of the outside turmoil and didn't care about it.

After Xu Zhenguan left to attend to business, he strolled around the Imperial Garden and was then led by a female official to rest.

At noon, he freeloaded a meal from the Imperial Kitchen and then waited until dark.

During this time, he heard that important officials of the court had entered the palace and held a small court meeting to discuss the aftermath of Xue Lin's case.

This small court meeting lasted until evening before it ended.

He originally thought he could see the Empress quickly, but his wish was in vain, and he ate dinner alone again.

After it was completely dark, he waited bitterly in the palace, almost thinking he had been forgotten, before he received the Empress's summons.

"Your Majesty, Lord Zhao has arrived."

At the entrance of the Imperial Study, the senior female official who led the way said respectfully.

Accompanied by a "Please" from inside the room, Zhao Du'an finally saw the woman he had been thinking about, the Empress, again after half a day.

The room was brightly lit.

Xu Zhenguan was working at the desk, as always. She raised her head, smiled at him, and gestured to the chair in the room:

"Sit down, it'll be just a moment."

Zhao Du'an was initially unwilling, but he reluctantly sat down after the Empress ordered him a second time.

Suddenly, he had the anxious feeling of waiting for a leader on the sofa when going to do errands in his previous life… Zhao Du'an complained in his heart, looking around boredly.

On the antique shelves in the Imperial Study, there were many valuable objects, and the rockery bonsai were also masterpieces.

But after looking around, his gaze eventually returned to the Empress.

If ordinary people were so hardworking, they would definitely not care about their image.

But Xu Zhenguan, as a cultivator in the Celestial Realm, seemed to maintain her beauty at all times and in all places.

Even under the dim lights, the candlelight reflected a hint of fatigue on her profile, only adding to her charm.

Her white robe hung loosely, and her shoes and socks under her skirt were vaguely visible. He sniffed, a faint rose fragrance… Huh, did she spray the perfume she made herself?

"Alright."

After a long time, Xu Zhenguan finally put down her pen, closed the scroll, and stretched her waist lazily.

Then she looked at the only man in the palace who was distracted in the room, with a hint of apology in her eyes:

"You've been waiting for a long time, haven't you?"

"Not long," Zhao Du'an came back to his senses and lied:

"Your Majesty is busy with everything, compared to that, this subject is really too relaxed."

Xu Zhenguan smiled and shook her head, too lazy to expose his lie, and suddenly stood up, taking light steps:

"I've been busy all day, let's go for a walk with me."

…

The so-called walk of the Emperor is naturally different in pomp.

Under the night, the palace was brightly lit.

Xu Zhenguan and Zhao Du'an walked almost side by side. Leaving the bedroom, there was a spacious and large square, enough to accommodate thousands of people for martial arts performances.

Behind them, there were two long lines of palace attendants, each holding a lantern in one hand and various objects in the other, in case the Empress needed them.

At the same time, they didn't follow too closely, it was just the right distance.

"This subject saw the lords entering the palace this afternoon."

The night wind blew, and Zhao Du'an seemed to be surrounded by the woman's fragrance. After walking in silence for a while, he took the initiative to start the topic.

Xu Zhenguan became much lazier after leaving the study. Hearing this, she gently "En" and smiled:

"I know what you want to ask. Prime Minister Zhou and his cronies have been formally arrested and thrown into the Terrace Prison.

Regarding Xue Lin's case back then, it was judged by Princess Yuan. The evidence you sent is already very solid. Wang Shan has also confessed and revealed a lot of evidence about Zhou Cheng…

These are all the handles left by Wang Zhen when he was in power. Haha, it's a surprise.

With so much, it doesn't matter whether Zhou Cheng admits his guilt or not. At the small court meeting this afternoon, he was sentenced to be beheaded, his family exiled, and his property confiscated.

Marquis Xiajiang said in prison that he alone had given Zhou Cheng a lot of benefits. Accumulated over the years, it is probably an astonishing number. In this way, the national treasury can have a large sum of money coming in."

It was sentenced so quickly? Didn't he struggle?… Zhao Du'an was surprised.

But after thinking about it, with so much ironclad evidence, it seemed that there was no need.

Not long ago, he was going to put him to death, and the high-ranking Nine Ministers cooled down in just one day…

Even as the "instigator," he couldn't help but sigh.

"Then congratulations to Your Majesty for getting what you wanted," Zhao Du'an complimented:

"With Zhou Cheng falling, the resistance to Your Majesty's preparation for the new cabinet must be greatly reduced."

Xu Zhenguan glanced at him, surprised:

"Did Yuan Li tell you?"

Zhao Du'an decisively sold out his teammate:

"Lord Yuan said that Zhou Cheng opposed the new cabinet the most. I heard that the new cabinet is being handled by Grand Preceptor Dong?"

Xu Zhenguan's beautiful eyes flickered, examining the loyal dog beside her, and said with a smile:

"One moment it's the cabinet, another moment it's the cabinet, you're a military officer, why are you interested in this?"

Zhao Du'an pretended to be embarrassed and smiled sheepishly:

"This subject heard from Lord Yuan that the new cabinet prohibits ministers from entering, and is mainly composed of young scholars… Of course, this subject doesn't mean anything else, just wants to share Your Majesty's worries."

He really wanted to improve!

Although he was praised and belittled by Grand Preceptor Dong when he entered the palace in the morning, Zhao Du'an really had no interest in being an official.

But it doesn't mean that he has no thoughts about this "new cabinet."

First, the new cabinet means greater power, which can obtain a higher status, so as to exchange for more powerful protection of imperial power.

How long will it take to become stronger through hard cultivation?

Resist the threat of great cultivators?

A few years? Or more than ten years?

If he can obtain a higher status and directly arrange for a great cultivator to be a bodyguard, he will be one step ahead.

Those who labor with their minds govern others, those who labor with their strength are governed by others… He understood this principle very early on.

Secondly… if he could enter the "new cabinet," wouldn't he have a legitimate reason to be with the Empress all day long?

If you want to become the leader's confidant, you can't just run business outside all day long, you have to increase your presence!

Under the night.

Xu Zhenguan listened, but smiled, shook her head, and looked at him helplessly:

"You also know that those who enter the cabinet to assist in government are young scholars. You only occupy the word 'young'. What does it have to do with scholars?"

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