The First Lackey Under The Empress

Transporting firearms to Prince Xiang's manor… The moment Zhao Du'an heard these words, his mind was struck by lightning.

Many of the imperial princes of the Great Yu Dynasty were granted fiefs in outlying regions.

Of course, this wasn't the outdated model of dividing the territory into portions and assigning them to relatives to govern.

Instead, they were only given some industries and land, essentially making them ultra-high-status gentry. The administration and military affairs of their locations were still under the control of the imperial court.

Currently, in the eighteen prefectures of the nine provinces of the Great Yu, there are eight influential princes, known as the "Eight Princes."

Among them, the most recognized powerful figure, located within the prosperous southern region of "Jiancheng Province," is Prince Xiang.

After the Xuanmen Coup, when Xu Zhenguan ascended the throne and became empress, the Eight Princes initially remained silent, and then successively presented congratulatory memorials, acknowledging the Empress's imperial status.

On the surface, everything seemed peaceful.

But in reality, it was not.

The princes had been managing their territories for many years, establishing deep roots. And most importantly, as fellow "members of the imperial clan," they had a nominal possibility of inheriting the throne.

Therefore, the relationship between the Empress and the Eight Princes became "ambiguous…"

The Empress, being their niece, wanted to weaken her uncles' power and consolidate her position.

However, due to her unstable foundation, she couldn't take action for the time being and could only proceed slowly.

Among the Eight Princes, it's unknown whether there were any "ambitious individuals" seeking to usurp the throne, but they were all genuinely worried about the Empress's blade falling on them.

In addition, there were also rumors circulating that the remnants of the Second Prince's faction, the "Revival Society," were active in various places but could not be eradicated because they were supported by the Eight Princes behind the scenes…

Of course, there was no evidence, just rumors.

… …

"Do you know what you're saying?!"

Inside the warm pavilion, Zhao Du'an asked in a deep voice.

Xiao Ya was already crying with tears streaming down her face. At this moment, she shivered and whimpered:

"Everything this servant girl said is true. I wouldn't dare to deceive you…"

Then, she choked back sobs and briefly described the situation.

Zhang Changji did indeed have the habit of talking in his sleep, but each time he only uttered fragmented, vague words.

Originally, even if Xiao Ya heard them, it would have been difficult for her to form a complete picture.

But she couldn't withstand the frequent visits of that soldier…

The more dream talk he uttered, even if it was just one or two words each time, the more information accumulated.

According to Xiao Ya, Zhang Changji was suspected of secretly contacting people from Prince Xiang's manor, helping them discreetly transfer a group of firearm artisans and some finished firearms to the south.

"As far as I know, according to the law, Prince Xiang's manor is allowed to have a private army, but the number is limited to eight hundred people at most, including logistics personnel…"

"Firearms are military supplies controlled by the imperial court. Firearm artisans are hereditary and prohibited from relocating. The Jing Camp is responsible for firearm manufacturing… Zhang Changji holds a position in the Jing Camp, giving him convenient authority."

Zhao Du'an's thoughts raced, his face filled with both excitement and worry.

He was excited that he had caught a big fish right off the bat, but worried that… the level of this matter exceeded expectations.

"If it's true… then what is Prince Xiang's manor planning to do by secretly stealing firearm manufacturing technology? It's terrifying to think about!

Also, is Zhang Changji, a low-ranking lieutenant, capable of completing this task alone?

Behind him, are there higher-level officials lurking in the court?

This kind of vortex between the Empress and the Eight Princes is no less dangerous than the factional struggles in the imperial court!

Ordinary people who get caught up in it face great danger!"

"But… high risk also means high reward!"

Zhao Du'an's heart beat faster, and he quickly made a decision.

Looking at Xiao Ya, who was slumped in front of him, her clothes disheveled and her makeup ruined by tears, he said calmly:

"Very good. The information you provided is very valuable. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's all," Xiao Ya said uneasily, her eyes like those of a frightened deer, biting her lip.

"My lord, this servant girl is truly innocent."

"I believe you," Zhao Du'an said gently:

"This matter will be considered a meritorious service on your part. Remember, keep today's conversation with me, including my visit, a secret. Once this official has Zhang Changji dealt with according to the law, you will certainly receive benefits."

Xiao Ya breathed a sigh of relief and smiled:

"This servant girl's mouth is the tightest. As for the benefits, I wouldn't dare accept them. I only ask that you show mercy."

You just betrayed someone, and you're telling me your mouth is tight… Zhao Du'an couldn't help but complain.

However, he did believe that she wouldn't talk nonsense.

Unless she wanted to die.

"Alright, this official will ensure your safety," Zhao Du'an said.

Xiao Ya was overjoyed and hurriedly crawled to his side, her smooth hands wandering mischievously again:

"Then this servant girl will help you undress, my lord."

Cough… Zhao Du'an bowed slightly and stood up, saying solemnly:

"This case is of great importance, and this official cannot afford to delay. I will leave now."

If the case is true and the court verifies the facts later, tracing it back to here and learning that he, Zhao, spent the night here, who knows how the Empress would view him.

Zhao Du'an was a man with great ambitions and would not make the mistake of losing big for small gains!

Xiao Ya's eyes were resentful, still unwilling to give up. She felt uneasy if she didn't sleep with Zhao Du'an, so she hurriedly said:

"This servant girl has new things here that you're guaranteed to like."

"What?" Zhao Du'an stopped, curiosity killing the cat.

Xiao Ya got up, a smile on her lips, and walked gracefully towards the inner room behind the screen, taking something out from the wardrobe while saying:

"Does my lord know why the Zhang brothers are so fond of this concubine?"

"Why?" Zhao Du'an saw the shadow of a woman changing clothes projected on the screen, and felt the difficulty of suppressing his desires suddenly increase.

"Only because this servant girl understands what they want."

As she spoke, Xiao Ya walked out from behind the screen, having changed her hairstyle and attire:

Dressed in white, her black hair cascading down, wearing a gilded phoenix crown, and holding a blank "memorial" in her hand, she pretended to be dignified and aloof.

A Great Yu Empress Xu Zhenguan-style cosplay!

Xiao Ya said indifferently:

"Minister Zhao, why do you not kowtow upon seeing the Emperor? Could it be that you intend to deceive the Emperor?"

Zhao Du'an was dumbfounded!

… …

… …

Outside the Qinglian Small Courtyard alley.

In the darkness, Zhu Kui leaned against the carriage, waiting bored and restless, his eyes constantly looking towards the alley entrance.

"Why hasn't Master come out yet… Could it be that he really slept with her…"

Not long ago, he had personally witnessed a group of guests leaving one after another, knowing that the literary gathering must have ended, but he had yet to see Zhao Du'an's figure.

Just as Zhu Kui's imagination was running wild, he saw a figure rushing back from the alley.

"Master, you're out?" Zhu Kui's spirits lifted, and he jumped out of the carriage to greet him.

"Almost couldn't get out," Zhao Du'an said with a complicated expression, shaking his head. The heat on his body was gradually soothed by the cold night air.

Zhu Kui was surprised: "Even with your self-control, Master, you almost succumbed?"

Old Zhu had been following Zhao Du'an for a year. Setting aside other things, he admired Zhao Du'an's pure love for the Empress and his determination to not touch other women.

Because you have no idea how fresh the stuff inside is… Zhao Du'an muttered to himself.

He finally understood why even that hypocrite Zhang Changshuo couldn't resist.

She really understood too well!

In his past life, there was a classic question:

Why is it that great figures are never lacking in beautiful women, yet honey traps still work on them?

The top-rated answer said that honey traps are never about pleasing people with beauty, but about capturing their hearts.

The honey trap you imagine: a big star like Liu Yifei seducing you.

The real honey trap: a sixteen-year-old Zhao Ling'er holding your arm and calling out, "Brother Xiaoyao."

"Stop talking nonsense," Zhao Du'an got into the carriage, exhaled deeply, calmed his mind, glanced at the time and saw that there was still enough, and said:

"Go to the yamen."

The incident that the Zhang brothers were involved in was too big, and he had to find someone to share the risk with.

Thanks to Li Shipu for the hundred rewards~