The First Lackey Under The Empress

“So… that’s how it is?”

Xu Zhenguan paused, filled with surprise at this explanation.

But upon careful consideration, it was the most logical answer.

So, it wasn't that Zhao Du'an had become conceited after his meteoric rise, but rather that he had anticipated her thoughts and proactively catered to them.

In this way, the discrepancy between his rumored bad image and her perception of him had a reasonable explanation.

She even considered another layer:

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Why did the White Horse Bureau favor Zhao Du'an in the first place? Perhaps it was because of his outstanding talent.

Xu Zhenguan did not question this explanation.

Both because it was logical and because Zhao Du'an's guess was correct.

The reason she allowed the "scandal" to spread was indeed to use it as bait.

However, this was not deliberate; the rumors had already started circulating, and when she found out, she simply went with the flow, setting up this idle chess piece.

Anyway, with her magnanimity, she wouldn't care about those slanderous rumors.

Compared to the defamation of "killing her brother and father," keeping male concubines was nothing.

And precisely because it was just a casual move, she hadn't paid much attention to it, which was why her impression of Zhao Du'an was vague.

But she never expected…

…

“You have a heart,” Xu Zhenguan said after a long silence, the majesty in her eyes diminishing, her gaze softening:

“In doing so, you've put yourself in a dangerous situation.”

Zhao Du'an acted like a treacherous official pretending to be loyal:

“To share the Emperor's worries, this subject would die a thousand times without regret.”

Xu Zhenguan pondered for a moment, then asked with a hint of doubt:

“If it's as you say, then why did you seize the case from the Imperial Edict Office and arrest Zhuang Xiaocheng? With your wisdom, you shouldn't have done such a stupid thing.”

Zhao Du'an, the drama king, became slightly agitated:

“Because this subject couldn't wait any longer! This subject has been feigning corruption for over a year, yet has achieved nothing, causing me great anxiety! So, I thought, since the thieves won't actively seek me out, then I might as well be more proactive.

Thus, I bribed informants in the Imperial Edict Office to monitor the traces of the rebels, which led to a moment of greed for merit, resulting in a grave mistake!”

Here, he deliberately displayed strong emotions, proactively exposing his shortcomings of "greed for merit" and the flaw of being "rash."

The previous series of actions had successfully created a persona of someone with meticulous thinking and strong execution.

But based on his previous life's experience, he knew that leaders actually didn't dislike subordinates with flaws.

In fact, if a subordinate was too "perfect" and too meticulous, the leader would also be wary and guarded.

At the same time, the flaw of "greed for merit" could also cover up logical problems.

After all, the original owner's actions in arresting people were truly muddled, and Zhao Du'an couldn't justify it.

So, he simply confessed: I just wanted to make a contribution, wanted to grab the credit, so what?

With the groundwork of feigning corruption for a year, being somewhat rash was not abrupt.

Xu Zhenguan did not suspect anything, but sighed in her heart, feeling slightly disappointed.

Standing in her position, she saw countless officials pursuing fame and fortune, vying for credit like carps crossing a river.

This little guard was indeed a vulgar person who coveted power.

“From a mere foot soldier to your current position, are you still not satisfied?” Xu Zhenguan said, shaking her head.

Zhao Du'an shook his head and said, “This subject is already content and does not care about the amount of power.”

Xu Zhenguan asked curiously, “Not for power, then what for?”

Zhao Du'an suddenly raised his head slightly impudently, staring at her with fervent eyes, and said:

“For Your Majesty!”

Heh… flattery… Xu Zhenguan was already immune to her ministers' expressions of loyalty, but Zhao Du'an's next words caught her off guard.

She only heard Zhao Du'an say loudly:

“Three years ago, on the day of the Xuanmen coup, this subject was fortunate enough to witness Your Majesty in the midst of the chaotic army, wearing a large red robe and holding a precious sword, like a celestial being descending to earth. At that moment, Your Majesty's demeanor was deeply imprinted in this subject's heart, unforgettable for countless days and nights…

From that moment on, this subject's heart belonged to Your Majesty… It's just that the identities are too different, so I can only hide my love in my heart… Until later, Your Majesty faced the scandals but did not deny them…

Although this subject guessed a thing or two, it is inevitable that unrealistic fantasies arise in my heart… I fantasize that if I can make great contributions and eliminate treacherous villains for Your Majesty, perhaps I can gain Your Majesty's favor…”

Xu Zhenguan: ???

At this moment, accompanied by Zhao Du'an's abrupt confession, even with the composure of the Great Yu Empress, she couldn't help but be stunned.

Her eyes flickered, and her mind buzzed.

What does this mean?

Wasn't it supposed to be an expression of loyalty, why did he suddenly confess his love?

Of course, she would not have thought that this was the ultimate weapon that Zhao Du'an had racked his brains over last night to prepare for today's defense.

A weapon that could perfectly fill all loopholes.

Zhao Du'an was very clear that even if he was eloquent, some detailed loopholes would still be difficult to explain.

For example, Zhao Du'an's greed for merit and rashness seemed somewhat abrupt.

Feigning corruption for the Emperor for a year, facing countless slanders, and remaining true to his original intention… This was also somewhat stiff.

It couldn't stand careful scrutiny.

But if you add the element of "love," it's different.

First of all, the original owner did indeed covet the Empress's body from the beginning, and the reason he snatched the credit was indeed because he was anxious and wanted to show himself and gain the Empress's favor.

These are all facts! Not afraid of investigation!

Secondly, actions based on "loyalty" seem somewhat unbelievable, but if they are based on the logic of a simp, they are much more believable.

Imagine:

The original owner, as a simp, was given a pie by the Empress and immersed himself in self-admiration, which is why he took a huge risk, used himself as bait, and bore the infamy…

Isn't that much more reasonable?

As for snatching credit, heh, isn't it reasonable for a simp to get carried away, act impulsively, and do some stupid things?

Most importantly, Zhao Du'an had a deep insight into human nature:

No one truly hates a beautiful member of the opposite sex who is deeply devoted and willing to give up their life for them!

Therefore, he felt that as long as he unleashed this ultimate weapon, even if the Empress was angry, she wouldn't kill him.

At this moment, as he loudly expressed his love, the ever-majestic and elegant Great Yu Empress lost her composure for the first time.

She first turned her head to confirm that the door was closed and that no one outside could hear, then she breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately, she looked over with a strange expression, a complex mix of confusion, astonishment, surprise, embarrassment, and amusement…

As a rare female emperor in history and a martial arts expert, Xu Zhenguan would certainly not act like an ordinary woman.

In general, she could still maintain her composure.

But how to say it… such a direct expression was a first for her in her life.

“Ah, Your Majesty, please forgive me, I have lost my composure,” Zhao Du'an said, stopping while he was ahead, and quickly lowered his head to apologize.

…

A long silence ensued.

Xu Zhenguan finally let out a deep breath and said:

“Not again.”

At this point, all the doubts in her heart were dispelled, and she accepted the fact that her “rumored boyfriend” was a loyal talent.

Zhao Du'an restrained the urge to raise the corners of his mouth, and suddenly remembered something, feeling it necessary to consolidate his gains further.

He said, “Thank you, Your Majesty. By the way, I have something else to report.”

“…You may speak,” Xu Zhenguan added, “But do not speak nonsense.”

Zhao Du'an looked serious:

“It's about the rebel party incident this time. I accidentally made a discovery while interrogating the maidservant beside Zhuang Xiaocheng.”

Immediately, he explained in detail how he noticed the loopholes from Yun Xi's words, how he connected the cause and effect, and his speculations.

Xu Zhenguan didn't care at first, but as she listened, her expression became serious. After he finished speaking, she frowned:

“So, you suspect that this is a killing scheme set up by the Kuangfu Society against Ma Yan?”

Zhao Du'an nodded:

“It's just a guess, without evidence. Moreover, if that warlock is really powerful, it's fortunate that I survived.”

His words seemed unremarkable, but in fact, he took the initiative to offer the loophole of his survival to the Empress for her to fill in.

Sure enough, Xu Zhenguan shook her head and said:

“You are not worth the other party's full effort. Just as when you step on an ant, you will only use the strength that you think is enough to crush the ant. Fortunately, you wore a heart-protecting mirror, blocking a disaster.”

“Your Majesty is wise!” Zhao Du'an flattered.

Xu Zhenguan pondered for a moment and said:

“I will consider this matter myself. Let's talk about your punishment first.”

Ah? I have contributed so much, performing so hard, and I still have to be punished?… Zhao Du'an opened his mouth.

Xu Zhenguan seemed to see what he was thinking and said indifferently:

“You did a good job with Feng Ju's matter, but you should also know that if I need a knife, I don't need you to send it. I will have one.”

“The clue you mentioned about the Kuangfu Society, sending Ma Yan to interrogate, would also yield the same results.”

“As for your self-defilement… it is irrelevant to this case.”

Zhao Du'an restrained his expression, knowing that the Empress's words were correct.

These so-called merits, in fact, anyone else could achieve the same results; he was not indispensable.

Therefore, from beginning to end, his purpose was to show that he was “useful.”

Xu Zhenguan continued:

“I can protect you this time, but the officials are all talking about it. As the Son of Heaven, I must give the court an explanation; otherwise, I will once again be accused of being a foolish ruler.”

After a pause, her voice turned majestic:

“Therefore, since this matter was caused by you, you must make amends. If you can capture Zhuang Xiaocheng and bring him to justice by the end of the year, you will not only be acquitted but also rewarded. But if you can't do it… what should be the punishment, according to the 'Great Yu Law'!”

So, the death penalty has been changed to a suspended death sentence?

No, “suspended death sentence” is not interpreted this way…

There are still more than six months… Zhao Du'an's heart sank, knowing that this was the best result he could争取 (zhēngqǔ - strive for) at the moment:

“I will definitely bring the head of the thief to justice!”

Thinking in his heart:

First, get through the current crisis, at least strive for half a year to catch his breath. Maybe the situation will change in half a year.

Xu Zhenguan “hmm”ed, and seeing his heavy expression, she suddenly smiled and said:

“I have clear rewards and punishments. Mistakes made must be punished, but merits established must also be rewarded.”

“Speak, what reward do you want? I can give you anything.”

Zhao Du'an raised his head, his eyes burning:

“Anything is possible?”

The beautiful Xu Zhenguan glanced at him, as if to say, don't be ungrateful.

Zhao Du'an did not hesitate and said loudly:

“Having gone through this incident, I deeply feel that my strength is weak. I implore Your Majesty to grant me a method of cultivation and advancement.”

Xu Zhenguan smiled and said, “Which path of cultivation do you want to take?”

Zhao Du'an hesitated and said, “The Celestial Master's Mansion?”

He was quite interested in warlocks. The Celestial Master's Mansion and the Shenlong Temple were the two great cultivation holy lands of Great Yu. Most high-ranking warlocks came from them, and he did not want to be a monk.

Xu Zhenguan chuckled and shook her head.

Is it not possible… Did I raise the requirements?

That's right, cultivation holy lands (Peking University and Tsinghua University) are not so easy to enter… Besides, I am from a martial arts background… Zhao Du'an felt a burst of disappointment.

“The inheritance of the Celestial Master's Mansion is too poor, it's better not to cultivate it.”

Xu Zhenguan said the most domineering words in the calmest voice:

“Since you are my person, then I will allow you to walk the strongest path of cultivation in this world.”

Thanks to book friend Angel 1998 for the 500 coin support~