The First Lackey Under The Empress

Who is the drunkard? Zhao Du'an was momentarily stunned, then blurted out:

"Are you talking about Lang Shiqi? He was arrested? What's going on?"

Faced with Zhao Du'an's three consecutive questions, the deeply socially anxious female mage opened her mouth, seemingly unsure how to answer for a moment.

Zhao Du'an took a deep breath, noticed brocade-clad soldiers chasing after her outside the door, frowned slightly, got up and pulled her in, and then drove away the pursuers outside the door: "Come in and tell me slowly."

Well, having sprinted out in the freezing winter, her wet dress was frozen stiff, like a layer of armor.

Ji Yue softly said "Oh", her white eyes hidden behind her black hair cautiously glanced at Ma Yan, her body hiding behind Zhao Du'an… …

"… …Just speak freely."

Zhao Du'an felt the urge to rub his forehead: "After returning to Beijing last time, didn't you return to the Hou Lake?"

Ji Yue nodded timidly, briefly describing the matter.

After the Lake Pavilion gathering, she and Lang Shiqi indeed returned to Hou Lake to recuperate.

But today, a team of military experts suddenly visited Hou Lake. Due to the promulgation of the "New Deal," the Yellow Register Repository was gradually abandoned, and the defense of Hou Lake was much more relaxed. In addition, Ji Yue was sleeping at the bottom of the lake in the dead of winter, and her perception was sluggish through the ice.

By the time she heard the sounds of fighting on the lake surface and broke through the ice, she discovered that Lang Shiqi, whose injuries on the island had not yet healed, had been captured.

"Military experts?" Zhao Du'an caught the key word.

Ji Yue nodded weakly, her toes together, explaining softly:

"The other party had a military tiger tally and a waist牌. The warehouse manager on the island called him Duke Anguo, and I didn't dare to act rashly. But I feel like it wasn't sent by His Majesty… …I didn't know who to turn to, so I came to you."

Zhao Du'an and Ma Yan exchanged a look, both seeing the solemnity and suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Are you sure it's Duke Anguo? The one stationed in the north at Jubei City?"

Ma Yan stared at Ji Yue, pressing her for an answer, his tone urgent.

Ji Yue silently shrunk into a ball, hiding behind Zhao, sensing intuitively that she couldn't afford to offend the other party.

"She doesn't recognize him. But she wouldn't have misheard, it must be him." Zhao Du'an defended her.

Ma Yan shook his head, saying:

"Duke Anguo, Cao Mao, is indeed on his way back to Beijing, but according to the reported itinerary, he shouldn't be back for a few more days. How could it be… …"

Zhao Du'an said quietly:

"Duke Tang was also supposed to appear at the West City Gate, but didn't he also take a detour? There may be something fishy about this matter."

He turned his head to look at Ji Yue: "Do you know where those people took Lang Shiqi?"

Ji Yue said softly: "The palace. I secretly followed behind and saw them going in the direction of the palace."

Zhao Du'an pondered slightly, and said:

"Alright, you stay here first. Don't wander around. Senior brother, I'll trouble you to take care of her for now… …Well, just put her in a room by herself and don't let anyone disturb her, and we'll talk when I get back."

This matter was too strange, he had to figure it out, otherwise he wouldn't be at ease.

Ma Yan nodded: "You can go with peace of mind, I will take good care of her."

No, senior brother, your line is a bit off… …Zhao Du'an couldn't suppress the urge to complain, patted his butt and got up to leave.

… …

… …

After leaving the Zhao Yamen, Zhao Du'an rode his horse straight to the palace, proceeding smoothly all the way.

Upon entering the Imperial City, he expressed his desire to see the Empress, and a eunuch went to report.

Shortly after, Zhao Du'an, anxiously waiting in the wind-sheltered area of the palace wall, was surprised to see a familiar figure walking towards him.

A female official's robe, a wingless gauze hat, plum blossom makeup… …It was none other than his old rival, Da Bingtuozi.

"What are you doing here looking for His Majesty?"

Mo Chou walked closer, suspiciously sizing him up and down, filled with vigilance.

Zhao Du'an rolled his eyes, wanting to retort with 'My business with His Majesty is none of your business, you big maidservant,' but he held back:

"It's urgent."

Mo Chou said with a straight face, resembling a female clerk at a service hall window in his previous life, devoid of emotion: "His Majesty is currently meeting with Duke Cao, it is inconvenient."

What Ji Yue said was true… …Zhao Du'an stared at her: "I received news that Duke Anguo, Cao Mao, trespassed into Hou Lake, leading military experts to jointly capture the expert that His Majesty keeps in Hou Lake."

Mo Chou's expression changed slightly. The head maidservant in the palace glanced left and right, suddenly grabbed his sleeve, quickly took a few steps, and went to a more secluded corner under the wall, staring at him:

"You know?"

Zhao Du'an said unhappily: "Stop speaking in riddles, what exactly is going on?"

Mo Chou pursed her lips, explaining:

"Duke Cao suddenly entered the city, he must have separated from the returning team, only bringing a small group of elites to return to Beijing ahead of schedule with fast horses.

He abruptly entered the palace, reporting to His Majesty that he had successfully arrested the 'Northern Blood Saber,' a murderer from Jubei City who had escaped and disappeared years ago… …You are one step too late, Lang Shiqi has already been imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice, preparing for trial, and I'm afraid he will hardly escape death."

Zhao Du'an was stunned, his mind suddenly recalling his duel with the Prince Jing on the official ship.

During that time, Eunuch Hai had told him about Lang Shiqi's origins—

He was an expert from Jubei City, later wanted and fleeing south. He was rescued by the Crown Prince when he was seriously injured and on the verge of death, changed his name and hid in Hou Lake.

And Cao Mao was the commander of the border troops in Jubei City.

Seeing his confusion, Mo Chou said:

"Lang Shiqi's true identity is a wanted fugitive who defected from Jubei City. Duke Cao doesn't know how, but he actually found out that he was hiding in Hou Lake. This sudden attack was probably premeditated, catching Lang Shiqi off guard.

After the arrest, he brought people into the palace in a high-profile manner, not giving His Majesty time to react at all… …Duke Cao repeatedly said that this wanted criminal was hiding in Hou Lake, and now he must be strictly dealt with according to the law… …His Majesty had to nod in agreement due to the national law."

That's not right… …Something's not right. Since Lang Shiqi was hiding in the royal Hou Lake, no matter how stupid Duke Cao was, he would have thought that this person's assumed name was inseparable from the royal family… …

Yet he still chose to attack and arrest him, creating a scene that was almost like forcing the palace… …

It can't be that this Cao Mao is so selfless, that he would rather offend the emperor than enforce justice… …I heard that this Duke's reputation isn't very good… …

Zhao Du'an said seriously: "Why? Why would Duke Cao do this?"

Mo Chou glanced at him, explaining in a low voice:

"Lang Shiqi killed many military comrades in Jubei City back then. It is said that one of Duke Cao's sons was killed by Lang Shiqi while pursuing him."

Ah, this… …Zhao Du'an choked, this was something he hadn't expected.

If that's the case, it perfectly explains why Duke Cao did this… …Knowing that the murderer who killed his son was hiding in the capital, even if he knew that he might have been adopted by the royal family as a thug, he still chose to confront him head-on, pretending not to know.

Anyway, he arrested the person and tried him according to the law… …and the Empress couldn't do anything about it.

But… …

"That's not right, it doesn't make sense. Eunuch Hai personally said that Lang Shiqi was saved by the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince would definitely investigate clearly before saving someone. Knowing that Lang Shiqi killed the Duke's son, even if he sympathized with his situation, would he risk offending Duke Cao just out of sympathy?"

Zhao Du'an's eyebrows furrowed, his mind filled with thoughts:

"Also, Lang Shiqi has been hiding for many years, why was he found by Cao Mao? Unless… …"

Zhao Du'an's eyes narrowed:

"Prince Jing! Could it be Prince Jing? The only time Lang Shiqi showed his face this year was when he followed me to the Lake Pavilion. At that time, he clashed with Prince Jing, and many of Prince Jing's subordinates had military experience, so it's not surprising that they recognized the famous Northern Blood Saber… …

The Eight Princes are in league with each other. If Prince Jing informed Cao Mao, deliberately leaking the news… …to provoke a conflict between Duke Cao and the imperial court… …"

Seeing his sudden silence, Mo Chou couldn't help but nudge him with her elbow: "What are you thinking about?"

"Uh, nothing," Zhao Du'an came back to his senses, asking cautiously:

"What does His Majesty mean?"

Mo Chou shook her head:

"I don't know. But I think His Majesty must be displeased. But the blood crimes committed by Lang Shiqi are real, and Duke Cao's anger is also real… …"

In other words, from the Empress's perspective, sacrificing Lang Shiqi was undoubtedly the most reasonable choice from the overall situation.

Anyway, he was just a death warrior raised by the Crown Prince back then, and it wasn't the Empress who saved him. Lang Shiqi has lived a few extra years in Hou Lake, which is like getting a few extra years of life for nothing.

People who can ascend the throne, even if they have warmth in their hearts for a few people, must be indifferent and ruthless to the outside world.

Moreover, taking a step back, even if the Empress wanted to favor him, the matter has already been brought to light, and she can't openly disregard the law.

"So, Lang Shiqi is going to die?" Zhao Du'an said in a declarative sentence.

Mo Chou nodded lightly, she carefully looked at her rival in love, and her voice inexplicably softened a bit:

"Actually, this matter has nothing to do with you."

Zhao Du'an was silent.

Yes, this matter doesn't seem to have much to do with him. Duke Cao didn't come for him, nor did he come for the Empress.

Lang Shiqi was just an insignificant death warrior. From any point of view, the big figures in the capital don't need to offend Duke Cao for the sake of a death warrior.

Perhaps, except for Ji Yue, no one cares about this matter at all.

No, I'm afraid Ji Yue doesn't even care… …Otherwise, she wouldn't have not acted at all, watching him being arrested. She just felt uneasy, so she came to find him.

As long as this person is beheaded according to the law, the anger of a Duke can be appeased. It seems to be the most correct option no matter how you look at it.

After all, he's just a small character.

"I understand." Zhao Du'an nodded, stepping towards the city gate, "No need to tell His Majesty that I came."

"Eh… …" Mo Chou subconsciously reached out, grabbing in the air, but ultimately didn't touch his sleeve.

The female official watched the lonely figure of the annoying guy leave, an unusual and inexplicable emotion arose in her heart. Shaking her head, she curled her lips and muttered: "Hypocrite."

I thought this guy came for Lang Shiqi, but after hearing the whole story, didn't he still withdraw decisively, unwilling to be contaminated in the slightest?

Heh, politician.

Although… …I am the same… …Hypocritical.

… …

Outside the deep gate of the Imperial City, the dark red door inlaid with large door nails was open.

The armored Imperial Guards stationed on both sides saw Zhao Du'an walking out of the palace.

They hurriedly greeted him with smiles: "Lord, your horse."

"Mm," Zhao Du'an responded casually, then nimbly mounted his horse, shook the reins, and steered it away from the palace along the main road, heading back towards the Zhao Yamen.

However, after traveling halfway, he caught sight of a wine shop by the roadside and suddenly tightened the reins.

Dismounting, he approached the shop, bought two large jars of the strongest wine, and also packed a large bundle of meat dishes wrapped in oiled paper from a nearby stall.

Zhao Du'an then spurred his horse towards the Ministry of Justice's prison.

Before long, the dark gray prison buildings came into view, appearing particularly desolate and cold in the winter.

"Lord Zhao? Oh, what wind has blown you here?"

At the entrance of the Ministry of Justice's prison, a middle-aged man in a scarlet official robe greeted him with a smile. Judging from the pattern embroidered on his chest, he was none other than the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, who had taken over after Pei Kai's downfall.

An official of this rank would not usually appear at the Ministry of Justice's prison.

"Haha, Vice Minister Huang, why aren't you sitting in your office, instead of coming out here to brave the cold wind?" Zhao Du'an dismounted and jokingly greeted him.

The two were not particularly close, but they were both in officialdom. Given Zhao Du'an's current status, they naturally recognized each other.

Vice Minister Huang laughed and cupped his hands in greeting:

"We are serving His Majesty with utmost loyalty; how could we care about a little frost and wind? I didn't know Lord Zhao was coming. This is…"

Zhao Du'an patted the wine jars hanging on either side of his horse's saddle and said with a smile:

"I heard that a guard who followed me south earlier committed a crime and was imprisoned, so I came to take a look."

Vice Minister Huang's face twitched, and he said with a troubled expression: "Lord, you…"

Zhao Du'an smiled:

"Lord Huang, you don't need to be embarrassed. I'm just visiting the prison. The wine and meat can be inspected; they won't kill anyone. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

Because of the deaths of Gao Lian and Magistrate Wang Chusheng in the prison, the Ministry of Justice had been in a state of high alert for the past few months.

Vice Minister Huang quickly waved his hand:

"Lord, you jest. With your influence, not to mention sending some wine and meat, even sending a bed in would not be difficult. It's not that I'm being inflexible, it's just…"

Zhao Du'an raised his eyebrows: "Just?"

Before the latter could speak, the two standing in the prison's front yard heard a strange and deep voice coming from the prison entrance:

"It's just that the Duke of Cao has ordered that the suspect is extremely cunning and also possesses considerable martial prowess. To prevent his escape, this general has been specially ordered to be stationed here, strictly prohibiting anyone from visiting him."

Zhao Du'an's gaze passed over Vice Minister Huang's shoulder and saw a youth slowly walking out of the dark depths of the prison gate.

He was clad in dark armor, with a saber hanging at his waist. His appearance was not particularly outstanding, except for his extremely thick eyebrows, almost as if they had been painted on his face with ink.

The moment he stepped out, Zhao Du'an's muscles tensed, and he felt an instinctive sense of vigilance!

A master! A martial arts master!

Absolutely no less skilled than the female general Tang Zhao!

The two men's gazes collided in the air, as if emitting the sound of clashing metal.

A bead of sweat the size of a soybean quietly rolled down Vice Minister Huang's forehead as he inwardly lamented.

As a high-ranking official in the imperial court, everyone in the capital usually treated him with respect, but he was stuck between Zhao the阎王 and the Duke of Cao.

He had already cursed the Minister of Justice, who had pretended to be ignorant and dumped this mess on him, seven or eight times in his heart.

However, he still forced a smile on his face and introduced the two to each other:

"Haha, this is Lord Zhao, the only one in the capital. I'm sure he needs no further introduction."

"This one is also very famous, the Deputy General of Jubei City, Cao Kedi, the most trusted adopted son of Duke Anguo, Cao Mao."

Deputy General of Jubei City?

According to the information, the rising star in the Jubei City border army under Cao Mao?

Zhao Du'an still wore a smile on his face:

"So it's Deputy General Cao. I've heard of your name for a long time. Just now, you said that the Duke ordered you to guard the prisoner here?"

Cao Kedi, clad in dark armor, carefully sized him up, his gaze rather meaningful, and smiled: "I have also heard of Lord Zhao's reputation in the Northern Territory. I wonder which prisoner Lord wishes to visit? As long as it's not that 'Northern Blood Saber', please, be my guest."

Zhao Du'an smiled:

"That's good then. Deputy General Cao, please be busy. Vice Minister Huang? Please lead the way for me to see the prisoner Lang Shiba."

Cao Kedi took a step sideways, blocking the way, and frowned: "Did Lord Zhao not hear clearly?"

Zhao Du'an said in surprise:

"I heard clearly. You are guarding the 'Northern Blood Saber'. What does that have to do with Lang Shiba, whom I'm visiting?"

"…" Cao Kedi's forehead veins bulged, stunned by Zhao Du'an's shamelessness. He slowly put away his smile: "Lord, please don't make things difficult for me."

Zhao Du'an smiled, meeting his gaze:

"Who in the capital doesn't know that I have always been kind to others? I treat my friends with the warmth of spring?"

After a pause, he smiled: "However, enemies should be treated with the coldness of winter."

Cao Kedi said calmly: "I have no intention of being your enemy. I believe Lord Zhao wouldn't want to disrespect the Duke."

The two men faced off, neither willing to yield.

The wind in the Ministry of Justice's prison also became as cold as blades, as if it could cut people.

"You two… please don't be angry…"

Vice Minister Huang's heart skipped a beat as he tried to smooth things over, but the dignified Vice Minister was ignored by both men.

Zhao Du'an narrowed his eyes, moving his wrists and emitting "crack, crack" sounds from his knuckles, and sneered:

"How much does the Duke of Cao's face weigh on a scale?"

How much does face weigh?!

It's over! Vice Minister Huang's heart sank to the bottom.

Upon hearing this, Cao Kedi's expression suddenly changed as if he had been provoked. His right hand reached for the hilt of his saber, and the blade in its scabbard made a "clang" sound, drawing out an inch!

"Bold! Daring to be disrespectful to the Duke!"

Whistling—a cold wind rose from the ground. In the gray-black courtyard, strands of invisible and intangible energy, as dense as a spiderweb, spread out from the two men as the center, crisscrossing.

The faces of the several jailers in the distance changed. They felt their breathing become labored, and their faces burned painfully, as if they dared to step forward, the energy in the air would tear out bloody wounds.

Vice Minister Huang felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his legs filled with lead, unable to move.

As a mortal, facing the clash of energy from Divine Seal Realm martial artists, he was as weak as if he would be torn to pieces in an instant.

However, just as the two sides were about to clash, suddenly, a hearty laugh broke the atmosphere in the courtyard!

The laughter came from outside the courtyard, without any hint of worldly concerns.

Nor was there the slightest trace of a practitioner.

But Zhao Du'an and Cao Kedi were both startled at the same time, tensing their nerves and looking towards the courtyard gate.

It was because neither of them had noticed anyone arriving outside the courtyard!

No awareness at all!

Who is it?

"Haha, Lord Zhao, this Duke has been searching for you so diligently."

Duke? Another Duke?

In a daze, Zhao Du'an suddenly saw a slightly hunched figure with a limp slowly walking outside the gray-black gate of the Ministry of Justice's prison.

He was wearing an expensive, luxurious robe, without any weapons on his body, dressed as a cultured person. At first glance, he looked like a wealthy man.

But the moment he stepped into the courtyard, the omnipresent and dense energy seemed to be violently torn apart by an iron hand.

So strong!

A martial artist of the Worldly Realm! And not an ordinary Worldly Realm!

Zhao Du'an quickly judged that the newcomer's cultivation was extraordinary, and the rich military aura that he couldn't hide was even more intense than Cao Kedi's.

Considering that he called himself "Duke" and his appearance… Zhao Du'an had a flash of insight and blurted out: "Duke Tang?"

Duke Zhenguo, Tang Daren!

He actually appeared here without warning, and judging from his tone, he was looking for himself.

Duke Tang smiled, like a cultured wealthy man, oblivious to the confrontation in the courtyard. He focused his gaze on Zhao Du'an and walked over, saying:

"After my daughter and son returned to the mansion, they explained the whole story to me. Only then did I realize there was a misunderstanding, which led to my daughter trespassing in Pear Blossom Hall. It was really inappropriate. I also heard that Lord Zhao was in the Divine Mechanism Camp, teaching a lesson to that fool who doesn't know how to recognize people.

This Duke thought that I should invite Lord Zhao to my mansion for a simple meal to apologize in person. I didn't expect to search for you everywhere without finding you. I finally chased you here, but it seems I've come at an inopportune time."

Came to find me for dinner? So approachable?

Isn't it rumored that Duke Zhenguo is very protective of his own…? That's right, it only says he's protective and domineering, but it doesn't say he's difficult to get along with…

Zhao Du'an was extremely surprised. Although he was stunned, he, a master of social interaction, still smiled and cupped his hands: "A trivial matter, not worth mentioning. I didn't expect to trouble the Duke to come in person. I'm ashamed."

Duke Tang smiled, exchanged pleasantries, and then turned his gaze, glancing at Cao Kedi.

With just this glance, Cao Kedi felt the energy in his body surge violently, and his face flushed red, caused by the churning of his blood.

His eyes were horrified. He had never imagined that this Duke Zhenguo was so domineering on the inside?

"Cao Mao's adopted son? Not bad, but unfortunately, you followed the wrong person."

Duke Tang's eyes were indifferent, as if he could see through the dark-armored youth inside and out with just a breath.

His tone carried the unquestionable authority of someone who had been in a high position for a long time:

"Go back and tell Cao Mao that the capital is not his Jubei City, and the Ministry of Justice is not his military prison. This is the foot of the Son of Heaven; we must be reasonable."

After a pause:

"What is reason?"

Duke Tang's smile was devoid of any worldly concerns, but the words he uttered were like a heavy hammer, smashing Cao Kedi until his eyes spun and he retreated step by step.

He pointed to himself and smiled:

"This Duke is stronger than Cao Mao. This Duke is reason."

Thank you to book friend Zhang Xiubiao for the 500 coin reward support.