The First Lackey Under The Empress

As those words were spoken, the barracks fell silent.

The young military officers seemed not to have heard clearly, or dared not believe it.

Dismissal… expulsion from the Capital Garrison… all of them?

Tang Ping, surrounded by the crowd, froze, his expression stiffening: “What did you say?”

“Didn’t hear clearly?” The leader of the Military Law Department, clad in armor and carrying a saber, glanced at him from the doorway, as if not recognizing his identity, and repeated himself.

That’s right.

All of them, dismissed from their posts, immediately, right away.

Boom.

Inside the room, the military officers felt as if struck by lightning, stunned by the sudden bad news, and several of them immediately questioned in disbelief:

“On what grounds?”

The leader of the Military Law Department glanced at them and said:

“We are only acting on orders, do not delay the time, please.”

The words seemed polite with the use of “please,” but in reality, they were devoid of emotion.

The officers had not yet recovered, the only thing they could think of was the scene at the training ground that morning.

But… how could it be possible?

Even if their behavior had not violated any military law, even if they were charged with contempt of superiors, it was impossible for them all to be dismissed.

Moreover.

They might be one thing, but even the “Young Duke” was not spared.

Who would dare to dismiss the future Duke Zhen Guo for such a trivial matter?

“I want to see Commander Shi,” Tang Ping said, his face unsightly, not arguing loudly, but stepping forward.

The leader of the Military Law Department turned a deaf ear, not even looking at him, seemingly too lazy to waste words, and waved his hand, saying:

“Expel this group from the camp!”

“Yes!”

Behind him, a group of soldiers, known for their cold and ruthless demeanor, rushed into the room.

“Wait!”

“We want to see Commander!”

A group of young officers subconsciously tried to resist, but Tang Ping sternly stopped them:

“Do you want to resist the law? Listen to them!”

The Young Duke knew the military regulations well, knowing that no matter what the reason, if they attacked the Military Law Department, even with his status, he could not protect these people.

Only then did the others wake up, gritting their teeth, unwillingly having their official robes stripped off and their waist tokens taken away.

They were not even given time to pack their belongings, and were immediately escorted out of the Divine Mechanism Camp by the soldiers of the Military Law Department.

The commotion here also attracted the attention of many people in the camp, but they were clueless.

Out of awe for the Military Law Department, they only watched from afar.

However, just as the group of military officers was being driven to the gate, Tang Ping’s martial intuition made him pause, turn around, and look back, following the locked gaze behind him.

He saw three figures standing leisurely at the doorway of the commandery adjutant’s camp in the distance.

The one in the lead was Zhao Du’an, with a smile on his face, and behind him were Hou Renmeng and Qian Kerou.

At this moment, as the two looked at each other from afar, Tang Ping clearly saw Zhao Du’an gently wave his hand at him, as if saying goodbye.

The smile on his lips seemed to be mocking.

It really was him!

Tang Ping’s face was ashen, a surge of blood rushing up his spine to his scalp, his eyes bloodshot, his fists clenched in anger.

“What are you looking at!”

A hand suddenly pushed him, shoving the now-jobless man out of the gate.

Tang Ping finally said nothing, turned his head, and strode away, only leaving behind a sentence:

“Let’s go!”

He had lost his official position, but he was still the son of Duke Zhen Guo, he was going home to find someone to ask for an explanation!

At the doorway.

Watching the group disappear, Zhao Du’an lowered his hand, and the smile on his face also faded.

“Sir, I’m afraid the other party will not be willing to give up… Moreover, with such a big commotion, aren’t you worried about what the other military officers will think?” Qian Kerou couldn’t help but ask softly.

Hou Renmeng also looked over.

Even with his courage, he was shocked by his lord’s actions, and even more unable to understand how his lord could have done it.

“Xiao Rou ah,” Zhao Du’an said softly, looking at the distant, high autumn sky:

“You’ve been following me for so long, when have I ever cared about what these petty people think? Alright, I’m going back to my room for a nap, if anyone is looking for me, stop them for me.”

Saying that, he stretched lazily and went straight back to his room.

Leaving the two subordinates looking at each other, thinking that the outside was probably going to explode later, but their lord still had the mind to sleep.

… …

… …

Not long after.

“What did you say?!” Inside the camp of the Divine Mechanism Camp Commander.

As expected, Shi Meng’s face became extremely unsightly after learning about this major event:

“You said that the people from the Military Law Department bypassed everyone and directly stripped the Young Duke and the others of their official robes and drove them out? Who gave them the guts?!”

The military officer who came to report broke out in a cold sweat and presented a public letter stamped with the seals of the Ministry of War and the Empress:

“This is what the people from the Military Law Department left behind.”

Shi Meng snatched it and glanced at it, his expression gradually becoming horrified.

How could he not guess? This was Her Majesty’s intention?

But… why?

Thinking again of the people who had been dismissed, all of whom were on Zhao Du’an’s “list” that didn’t give him face…

The burly, dark-skinned general slowly broke out in fine beads of sweat at his temples, feeling incredulous.

Could it be… just because of this?

Just for not giving that Zhao fellow face, a dozen military officers were dismissed?

“Sir, the news has already spread, I’m afraid there will be trouble,” the reporting officer reminded.

Clutching the public letter, Shi Meng strode out of the camp, heading straight to find Zhao Du’an.

Immediately, as expected, he was stopped by the Pear Blossom Hall duo.

Shi Meng did not force his way in, but turned around and rode straight to the city—involving Her Majesty, it was no longer something he could deal with casually.

… …

A short while later, inside the Privy Council.

Xue Shence listened to Shi Meng’s report, and the top military official of the Great Yu Dynasty, who ostensibly controlled military power, was stunned for a full dozen breaths.

Then, staring at the public letter in his hand, which had not even passed through the Privy Council, staring at the bright red seal.

He fell into silence.

In his mind, he couldn’t help but recall a few hours ago, when he and Wang Zhishi were still playing backgammon here, guessing Zhao Du’an’s possible “retaliation.”

But he never expected it to be such a swift and violent, making a mountain out of a molehill.

“Sir, please say something,”

This time, it was Shi Meng’s turn to play the role of urging:

“If it’s any later, I’m afraid the news will spread throughout the Capital Garrison.”

Xue Shence stood up and paced in the room.

This matter seemed to only be the dismissal of a dozen low-level military officers, affecting the son of Duke Zhen Guo… but in the eyes of high-ranking military officials like Xue Shence, what they really cared about was the turmoil this matter would cause in the military.

If it could not be properly resolved, it would probably breed resentment.

And as the actual superior “department” of the Capital Garrison, the Privy Council would inevitably bear great pressure.

The key was what Her Majesty really meant.

“You go with me to the palace and request an audience with Her Majesty in person,” Xue Shence stopped and said.

Without delay, the two military officials went straight to the palace, and met the Great Yu Empress in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

About half an hour later, the guard at the gate saw Xue Shence walk out of the palace, his face ashen.

In the evening.

In the officialdom of the capital, the news that Zhao Du’an had used his authority on his first day in the Divine Mechanism Camp to dismiss Young Duke Tang Ping and a dozen military officers spread like wildfire.

And some insiders supplemented the story details of Xue Shence entering the palace.

It was said that Xue Shence asked the Empress why she dismissed them, and the Empress replied that they had violated military discipline.

Xue Shence asked again, which military discipline they had violated, and the Empress only replied with the phrase “perhaps it is so.”

This story was of questionable authenticity, but the result was that Xue Shence returned to the Privy Council, pretending that nothing had happened, and Shi Meng also returned to the Divine Mechanism Camp dejectedly, without trying to resist any further.

For a time, the officials were astonished.

… …

White Horse Bureau, rear yamen.

Sun Lianying, with white hair at his temples, sat in a bamboo chair, listening to the report from his subordinates, and couldn’t help but be a little distracted.

Waving his hand to dismiss the man, the old Director only looked at the gradually yellowing leaves above his head and muttered:

“What is this kid up to again?”

Edict Bureau, General Supervision Hall.

Ma Yan sat upright in the hall, looking at the increasingly dark clouds on the horizon outside, and inexplicably remembered the scene when Zhao Du’an first entered the Edict Bureau and caused a stir.

He originally thought that it was crazy enough to beat up the eldest princess’s son and arbitrarily arrest officials.

He didn’t expect that now he would go a step further, removing people from their positions with a single move.

Inexplicably, Ma Yan was a little gloating: “This time, it’s Xue Shence’s turn to have a headache.”

… …

In the evening, Dong Xuan accidentally met Yuan Li again on his way home from the Cultivation Hall.

“Has Grand Tutor heard about the trouble Zhao Du’an caused today?”

Yuan Qingyi smiled, with his sleeves folded.

The octogenarian Grand Tutor Dong glanced at the old schemer and shook his head:

“This old man only knows that a group of reckless men who did not abide by military law were dismissed, Yuan-daren, why don't you tell me, what did Zhao Du’an do again?”

The refined and handsome Censor-in-Chief smiled and laughed:

“Perhaps I misheard, I just often think that Zhao Du’an seems to stir up trouble every time he enters a yamen, making that place restless, and there is always someone who is going to be unlucky, but I don’t know whose turn it will be this time.”

Bah… Zhao kid can get to where he is today, wasn’t it you who instigated his promotion? Why pretend to be innocent… Dong Xuan shook his head and said:

“Let’s see.”

He was actually very curious about what Zhao Du’an wanted to do.

… …

Li Residence.

Under the night, “Young Grand Secretary” Li Yinglong, no longer riding in a sedan chair, jumped off the carriage and walked hurriedly into the residence, and the servants along the way saluted and called him “Young Master.”

Li Yinglong perfunctorily nodded, and only after entering the study did he lighten his steps, his face showing joy, excitedly saying:

“Father, there’s a show to watch!”

Then, the Young Grand Secretary, who had visibly become more low-key since the last incident, repeated the news he had received.

In the study, on the wide and expensive desk, there were stacks of excellent Xuan paper, and the pen rack was like a mountain.

Li Yanfu, whose beard almost connected with his temples and who was wearing loose and luxurious clothes, was practicing calligraphy with a pen.

After An Jing listened to Li Yinglong's account, he slowly guarded the last stroke of the character on the paper. With his other hand, he raised his sleeve and said in a hoarse voice:

“So?”

Li Yinglong's eyebrows danced with excitement:

“Isn't Zhao Du'an's fight with the military officials a good thing for us?

Whether it's His Majesty wanting to move against the group of former Emperor's old officials led by the Privy Council, or that the Zhao fellow is getting carried away and thinks too highly of himself, he has not only offended the Duke Zhenguo, but also disgusted Xue Shence and his gang.

Your son heard that the Jing Camp is already full of discussions, and the imperial guards such as the Feather Forest Guard and the Golden Wu Guard in the city have also received the news... Many military officers share the same hatred.

Hehe, no matter what Zhao Du'an's intentions are, the trouble he has caused now has probably exceeded his expectations. If he doesn't handle it well...

Hehe, even if he is temporarily favored by His Majesty, when His Majesty finishes dealing with the military officials and needs to appease the army, he will inevitably be pushed out...”

As he spoke, the ferocity in his eyes was undisguised.

He remembered the last grudge deeply.

“Are you finished?”

Li Yanfu didn't even lift his head, soaking the brush in the brush-washing pool and turning the penholder:

“But what does this have to do with you?”

Li Yinglong was at a loss for words, realizing that he had made another mistake, and lowered his head in shame.

Li Yanfu didn't blame him, but said leisurely:

“The real competition is never about paying attention to the opponent, but about focusing on yourself... However, paying attention to this matter is not wrong, continue to investigate, and report immediately if there are any changes.

But remember, don't get involved in this matter in any way, and don't think about doing anything.”

Li Yinglong breathed a sigh of relief and showed a smile:

“Father's instructions are correct. Your son will keep a close eye on him.”

… …

Unlike the top ministers in the court, who were curious and concerned about Zhao Du'an's actions.

They speculated and guessed the purpose behind Zhao Du'an's actions, and whether there was any conspiracy.

Most of the ordinary officials, not knowing the inside story, were mostly gloating and watching the show.

And attributed Zhao Du'an's actions to: getting carried away!

Some officials who considered themselves smart privately judged with certainty:

Zhao Du'an was used by the Empress as a pawn to clear the military officials' group.

But compared to the entire military officer group, which is more important, a favored minister or the military, is obvious.

“The Zhao fellow is riding high now, daring to offend anyone, but he will pay it back sooner or later... Those military men are not easy to deal with. Unlike civil officials, if you offend them to the death, he will suffer.”

However, these discussions from the civil officials' group were not taken to heart by the person involved.

… …

A night passed without incident.

The next day.

When Zhao Du'an arrived at the Shenji Camp again, he clearly felt that the atmosphere in the military camp had changed.

The military officers and soldiers he saw along the way all looked at him sideways, their eyes filled with awe, and... a kind of unspeakable resistance.

“Sir, the situation in the camp has been investigated.”

In Zhao Du'an's "office", not long after he sat down, Qian Kerou and Hou Renmeng came to report with anxious expressions.

“Oh? How is it?” Zhao Du'an sat leisurely in the large chair, his hands folded, and asked.

Qian Kerou said worriedly:

“The dismissal of Tang Ping and others initially caused some disturbances, but it was quickly suppressed by Shi Meng's actions.

Now, there is no trouble, the dismissed military officers' positions have been replaced by their deputies, but... the army is spreading rumors that they lost their positions because they offended you.”

Hou Renmeng crossed his arms and said:

“To be precise, it's not just the Shenji Camp, but also other parts of the Jing Camp.

However, in the Shenji Camp, they are still more in awe and fear of you than anything else... Originally, when you drew your bow and shot an arrow in the training field yesterday, sir, many soldiers' impressions of you changed, but... now I'm afraid it's...”

He didn't finish his words, but the meaning was obvious:

The Shenji Camp, from top to bottom, is generally dissatisfied with this newly appointed Vice Commander.

They are just putting on a brave face out of authority.

“Well, I know.”

Zhao Du'an's expression was not surprised, as if all the changes were within his expectations.

After simply inquiring about the situation, he didn't continue the topic, but said:

“Go and get me the information about firearms in the Shenji Camp, I want the specific situation.”

The two looked at each other, responded, and turned to get it.

Soon, a pile of information was sent to Zhao Du'an's desk.

With his position second only to Shi Meng, he could almost review all the information in the Shenji Camp.

Zhao Du'an certainly didn't forget that his task was to investigate the case.

On the first day he entered the Shenji Camp, he eliminated the unstable factors that gave him a hard time, and "killed" to establish his authority, which was considered to have gained a foothold.

Then on the second day, he should start investigating.

Since the core of the case was about the blueprints of firearms and the disappearance of related craftsmen, then... naturally, he should start here.

Zhao Yamen and the Privy Council have investigated it repeatedly, and Zhao Du'an is not so arrogant that he thinks he can find any clues as soon as he takes action.

He wants to see the firearms information just to understand the situation in the camp first.

However, after he roughly read the information, a series of question marks slowly rose above Zhao Du'an's head.

He raised his head and stared at the two subordinates seriously:

“Is there more?”

The confidential secretary was stunned for a moment and shook his head:

“Some key situations in the camp are all here. Does sir want more trivial things?”

“No,” Zhao Du'an pointed to the paper on the table with a serious expression, and said:

“I mean, the firearms in the camp... are just these few?”

The two became more and more confused, and Hou Renmeng nodded and said:

“Yes, I have also seen it, indeed only these, is there any problem?”

Zhao Du'an didn't say anything.

Is there a problem? Of course there is, and it's a big problem!

Previously, his imagination of the Shenji Camp was roughly based on the situation in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in history.

But after reading the information in the camp, he was shocked to find that the firearms of the Dayu Dynasty were so backward that it was appalling!

Are there firearms? Yes.

But it only stays at the level of "rockets" and "cannons"!

Don't get me wrong.

The so-called "rocket" is to tie gunpowder to an arrow and shoot it out to cause damage—this is why the Shenji Camp's military exercises value archery.

And the "cannon", the name is bluffing, but it is actually a trebuchet, except that it throws out not stones, but "explosive packs".

The most advanced firearm in the Shenji Camp is finally close to the edge of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Named "fire lance".

But it is not the prototype of the future firearms that Zhao Du'an thought it was, but a kind of thing that needs to be carried on the shoulder, similar to a cannon tube, with gunpowder filled at the bottom and "bullets" inserted in the front.

The so-called bullets can be arrows, realizing the use of gunpowder thrust to launch ten arrows at the same time.

Or simply iron bullets.

What the Jing Wangfu sent people to steal was the design blueprint of the "fire lance" and the manufacturing craftsmen.

And this "fire lance" is still the "new type of firearm" that Dayu has recently improved and manufactured.

This also finally explains why the soldiers of the Shenji Camp did not see firearms at all during training, but used spears.

Why Shi Meng didn't react immediately when Zhao Du'an said "firearm".

Because this "Shenji Camp" is essentially a Weisuo military camp mainly composed of infantry and cavalry, supplemented by firearms.

It cannot be said that the Dayu Dynasty does not have firearms, but it has not reached the level of "developed" at all, probably equivalent to the level of the Song Dynasty.

The "musket" familiar to Zhao Du'an, that is, the kind of firearm with the prototype of a rifle... did not appear!

The famous Shenhuo Flying Crow... did not appear!

The more famous Red Cannon... did not appear!

As for the reason, it is very simple—too long of peace!

Dayu has been in power for six hundred years. Although there are occasional small-scale battles, there have been almost no large-scale wars.

This has led to the fact that there is no strong demand for the development of firearms at all... resulting in the slow progress of the entire technology tree.

… …

“Sir?”

In the room, Qian Kerou and Hou Renmeng saw that he had been lost in thought for a long time.

I couldn't help but call softly.

Zhao Du'an suddenly came back to his senses, his eyes were a little bright, and his heart was beating like a drum in his chest. He suddenly said:

“Please ask Commander Shi to come over, I have something to say to him.”

The two were puzzled, and Hou Renmeng nodded and went out.

Qian Kerou stayed and couldn't help but ask curiously:

“Sir, have you found any clues from it?”

Zhao Du'an didn't say anything, but his expression was strange.

Clues? No.

But… …

He suddenly found that the clues were no longer important.

Because, he has something more important.

If, the Jing Wangfu went to great lengths to steal only the backward stuff like "fire lance"... then… …

How do you deal with me when I bring out more advanced firearms?

… …

ps: Today, the author Jun went out to do errands and came back late. In addition, there was a bit of a lag, so the update was late. I'm holding my head and scurrying. This chapter has five thousand words.

Thank you for the 500 points from Blue's Most Beautiful Ball and the 100 points from rurudo101 for the reward support!