The First Lackey Under The Empress

"I am the principle…" When the Duke of Tang said these words, his tone was understated, but to Zhao Du'an's ears, it fully displayed the domineering authority of a border official, forged in the crucible of the battlefield.

So fierce? Not giving any face to Cao Mao, who is also a Duke? Is this because the two have a feud? Zhao Du'an was stunned.

Of course, he wouldn't be arrogant enough to think that a dignified Duke would try to please him at the cost of mortally offending another Duke, just because of his daughter's conflict with him…

Therefore, it can only be said that the two probably already had grievances.

"Duke of Tang…" Cao Kedi's expression changed, but this time he didn't dare to get angry at all, and the hand on the hilt of his saber had long since dropped.

Zhao Du'an's persona was one of arrogance and recklessness, not caring about offending a Duke verbally, as he was taking the 'lone minister' route anyway.

But Cao Kedi didn't have the courage to openly break with the Duke of Tang.

"Envoy Zhao, haha, you may go in and visit the prisoner first. This Duke wants to see who dares to disregard the laws of the country and obstruct you."

The Duke of Tang, resembling a wealthy merchant, said calmly, with a strong confidence in his tone.

Zhao Du'an hesitated for a moment, then nodded, picked up the wine and meat, and strode towards the prison.

This time, Cao Kedi remained silent as a stone, no longer obstructing.

…

Zhao Du'an was no stranger to the Ministry of Justice's prison, having been a frequent visitor several times.

Upon entering, a jailer immediately greeted him personally, leading the way with a smile.

"This way, sir."

Lang Shiba, as a serious offender, was held in solitary confinement deep inside. As Zhao Du'an passed through the deep corridor and arrived outside a secluded cell,

with the help of the pale light piercing through the cell's ventilation opening, he saw a disheveled figure inside the cell, sitting cross-legged on the cold ground, silently staring at the wall in a daze.

Hearing the footsteps, Lang Shiba came back to his senses and stiffly turned his head. Beneath his messy black hair, a weathered face was numb and lifeless.

After seeing who it was, a trace of light appeared in his pupils, extremely surprised: "Lord Zhao?"

"Open the cell. I want to talk to him alone," Zhao Du'an said calmly.

The jailer responded and didn't dare to refuse, quickly unlocking the cell, then bowing and leaving.

Even though this action violated the law, he didn't care at all.

After the person left, Zhao Du'an carried the wine jar and oiled paper package into the cell. He looked around and found there was no bed, so he simply sat on the ground.

The prison was very cold in the dead of winter, especially without sunlight. The cold was bone-chilling and damp.

Fortunately, the physique of a Divine Chapter Realm cultivator was enough to withstand this bit of biting cold.

"Ji Yue came to the yamen to find me, telling me you were captured."

Zhao Du'an put down the wine jar, raised his hand to knock open the mud seal, and the water vapor exhaled from his breath condensed into a wisp of white air:

"This damn place is not for people to stay, it's too cold. Warm yourself up?"

The wine-loving Lang Shiba's eyes lit up, and he didn't stand on ceremony. With his hands, shackled by special magic-restricting chains, he picked up the wine jar, tilted his head back, and took a big gulp, and then a comfortable groan rolled out of his throat:

"Good wine."

Zhao Du'an unwrapped the oiled paper package and said:

"I went to inquire and learned that you were being held in the Ministry of Justice's prison, so I came to see you and understand the situation."

Lang Shiba, who looked ten years older than his actual age, sat cross-legged, holding the wine jar, looking very calm.

He grabbed a piece of half-cold meat with his hand, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed hard, as if smiling:

"I committed some things in the past, and now they have been exposed. I didn't expect that you would come, and even brought wine and meat. I am very grateful."

He was very calm, glossing over what he had done, without intending to explain in detail.

Moreover, he didn't fall into the ugly state of grasping at straws, begging for rescue.

He didn't even show any sign of asking for help, as if he had known this day would come many years ago.

Or he had resigned himself to fate, feeling that begging was futile.

However, Zhao Du'an inexplicably felt that perhaps the most fundamental reason was that the swordsman in front of him had long been determined to die.

Zhao Du'an was silent, watching Lang Shiba grabbing food with one hand and drinking wine from time to time.

After a long while, he suddenly said:

"I heard that the one who arrested you was Duke Anguo, Cao Mao, who accused you of killing many comrades in the army in the past. Do you have anything to defend yourself?"

Lang Shiba's hand, which was grabbing meat again, suddenly paused, and then his movements returned to normal:

"He's right."

Zhao Du'an frowned and said:

"If that's the case, given what you've done, there's no hope of escape. The only result is immediate beheading."

Lang Shiba looked calm and even smiled:

"With this farewell wine sent by you, I will have no regrets even if I die."

Zhao Du'an pursed his lips and said:

"I heard that Duke Cao has been looking for you for many years. This time, he doesn't hesitate to anger His Majesty to kill you, because you caused trouble in the army back then. Duke Cao's son arrested you, but you not only resisted the law, but also killed him. A dignified Duke guarding the border suffered the pain of losing his son…"

"Bang!" The smile on Lang Shiba's face suddenly disappeared, and the wine jar in his hand was heavily pressed on the ground.

At this moment, the Northern swordsman's breathing suddenly became heavy, the veins on his neck bulged, his eyes turned red, and two streams of wine vapor spurted out: "He deserved to die!!"

The intensity of the reaction caught people off guard.

"Why?" Zhao Du'an stared at him, "The Duke's son enforced the law impartially, what's wrong with that?"

At this moment, Lang Shiba seemed to be aroused by a past memory, and he sneered with agitated emotions:

"Enforcing the law impartially? Arresting me? Bullshit! It was clear that I broke into his military tent and directly chopped off his dog's head! That old dog Cao Mao sent troops to kill me, but now he's washing himself clean!"

Zhao Du'an's heart moved and said:

"I heard that your wife was… when you were out…"

Lang Shiba stared at the wine jar without speaking. He suddenly covered his weathered face with his chained hands, sat on the ground, and his back hunched over.

A dignified martial artist of the Worldly Realm, a former military adjutant, helplessly covered his face like this, his shoulders gently shaking.

After a long while, he slowly raised his head and regained his composure:

"That's right, it was Cao Mao's son who did it."

Zhao Du'an was stunned!

So, it was Cao Mao's son who defiled Lang Shiba's wife?

So, Lang Shiba killed Cao in anger, defected from the military camp, and Duke Cao sent troops to hunt him down madly?

"You can't talk nonsense, do you have evidence?" Zhao Du'an stared at him.

Lang Shiba, who had regained his composure, smiled sarcastically:

"Many people know, but they all pretend not to know."

Zhao Du'an shook his head and said: "That's not right, if you really had a mortal feud with Cao Mao, why did the Crown Prince save you in the first place?"

Lang Shiba probably felt that he was going to die, so he simply had no intention of hiding anything. He picked up the wine jar again and said:

"Lord Zhao, you haven't been an official for long, and you don't know many old things, but if you just ask someone to inquire, you will know that the Crown Prince was originally dissatisfied with Cao Mao.

The Crown Prince was willing to save me and secretly raise me, just hoping that after he ascended the throne, when the time was right, he would have me come out to identify Cao Mao.

Heh, Cao Mao has been entrenched in Jubei City for many years, and the dirty things he has done are countless. Letting his son do whatever he wants is just a trivial matter. I knew more when I was in the army.

But even so, the Crown Prince still showed me kindness, but unfortunately, I couldn't repay it."

Identify Cao Mao?

That's right… As the saying goes, a new emperor brings a new court. The Crown Prince's ascension to the throne would inevitably mean a change in the bureaucracy…

If the Crown Prince intended to weaken Cao, then it would make sense… However, things are unpredictable, and no one would have thought that the Crown Prince would be backstabbed by his younger brother before he could ascend the throne…

In a few years, the situation has changed dramatically… Of course, the premise is that this guy is telling the truth, but this is not difficult to verify, it is a lie that will be easily exposed.

But Cao Mao, relying on his status as a Duke, tampered with the facts, and the entire court was willing to turn a blind eye, pretending not to know…

It's still the same sentence, just a death warrior. Compared to a powerful Duke, which is more important, even a three-year-old child can tell the difference.

Silence.

Silence fell in the cell, only the sound of Lang Shiba eating and drinking to himself.

Duke Tang was still waiting outside, and Zhao Du'an couldn't stay for too long. Knowing the cause and effect, he stood up, wanting to say something but hesitating.

Lang Shiba seemed to understand what he wanted to say and smiled:

"Sir, please leave quickly. This matter has nothing to do with you. Don't let Cao Mao take his anger out on you because of this drink."

No… I've already provoked him… Zhao Du'an said:

"Is there anything you want me to take out?"

Lang Shiba was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.

He had no relatives or friends anymore. If he had any acquaintances, there was only Ji Yue, but the two were at most prison friends, and they didn't have any deep friendship.

In this way, after the beheading, I'm afraid there won't even be anyone to collect his body.

Zhao Du'an sighed, called the jailer to come in and close the door, and turned to walk out.

…

When he walked back to the ground, he saw Vice Minister Huang looking forward to his arrival.

"Lord Zhao, have you finished your business?" Vice Minister Huang smiled.

Zhao Du'an nodded: "Where is the Duke?"

Vice Minister Huang said: "Duke Tang said he was waiting for you outside. Deputy General Cao has already left, probably to report to Duke Cao."

Zhao Du'an nodded, not caring.

He was already a lone minister, and he didn't care about having more debts.

With his status, it was just a casual remark. No matter how unhappy Cao Mao was, he wouldn't start a war with him over this matter. Besides, this was the capital, Zhao Yanwang's territory.

Cao Mao, who had soldiers and horses, was a Duke, but Zhao Du'an didn't even bother to pay attention to him if he didn't have soldiers.

"Lord Zhao…" Seeing that he didn't care at all, Vice Minister Huang wanted to say something but hesitated. Finally, he still said:

"You and I are officials in the same court. In theory, we should avoid being too familiar. But I still want to give you a reminder. Even if you are not afraid of Duke Cao, there is no need to make things too stiff."

Zhao Du'an said indifferently:

"Lang Shiba was once my guard. According to the rules in the army, this general should ask for the reason for his arrest. Otherwise, if it spreads out, this general won't even be able to protect his subordinates, how can I convince the public?"

"This…" Vice Minister Huang choked, and after holding back for a long time, he finally said:

"It's just a guard."

Clearly, this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice knew some inside information.

In his eyes, why bother caring about a mere nameless, illegitimate assassin?

Let alone that you, Lord Zhao, only have a "fleeting affair" with this Lang Shiba, even His Majesty, who took this person from the Crown Prince and raised him as a court assassin, didn't say anything, did he?

Why bother?

Zhao Du'an smiled and said:

"I know Lord Vice Minister is doing it out of kindness, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Only then did Vice Minister Huang smile. He was a pro-Emperor official in the capital and belonged to the same faction as Zhao Du'an, so he intended to build a good relationship.

After bidding farewell to Vice Minister Huang, Zhao Du'an walked out of the main gate of the prison and saw a carriage parked by the roadside as expected.

The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Duke Tang, looking like a wealthy merchant, said with a smile:

"Is the matter settled?"

Zhao Du'an walked over, solemnly cupped his hands and thanked him. Duke Tang said casually:

"It's a small matter. This Duke has always been at odds with Cao Mao and disliked each other, so I just did it as a favor. Hehe, but judging from your expression, you still have something to do? I won't delay you."

Zhao Du'an said with shame: "After I finish handling the matter at hand, I will personally visit your door."

Duke Tang laughed loudly: "Very good, I will be waiting for you at home."

The two bid farewell. Zhao Du'an led his horse and stood there, watching Duke Tang's carriage roll away with the cold wind, until it disappeared.

Inside the departing carriage, Duke Tang changed the position of his lame leg, leaned on the soft cushion, and pondered. He suddenly said:

"Later, send someone to find out what Cao Mao is up to."

"Yes." The coachman responded.

"Also, focus on investigating that Cao Kedi. I heard long ago that Cao Mao raised a powerful adopted son. It's indeed a bit interesting."

"Yes." The coachman hesitated for a moment and asked for instructions: "What about the prisoner in the prison?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Okay."

From beginning to end, what could enter the eyes of a big shot like Duke Tang were not nameless people like Lang Shiba.

...

Cao Kedi rode his horse away from the Ministry of Justice prison, heading straight for the Cao Duke's Mansion.

He left in a fit of anger, as if he was eager to report the matter.

But after leaving the sight of the officials, Cao Kedi slowed down and began to walk back leisurely.

The anger on his face before, and the unwillingness caused by being jointly suppressed by Zhao Du'an and Duke Tang, had all disappeared.

Cao Kedi rode on his horse, walking against the pale sunlight. He held the reins, his thick and bushy eyebrows as straight as a line.

It was also like a sword, a straight sword that could be both firm and soft.

A thoughtful look appeared in his eyes. Suddenly, when he turned the corner, a child sliding on an ice sled in the alley rushed out and startled the warhorse.

"Neigh..."

The warhorse neighed, and its hooves rose. Cao Kedi frowned and used his superb horsemanship to subdue the warhorse, which was enough to kill the child with one iron hoof.

When he looked back, the child who had caused the trouble had already run away in a puff of smoke, leaving only a handmade ice sled.

"Kid~" Cao Kedi called out. Seeing that the person had disappeared, he shook his head, dismounted, picked up the ice sled, dusted off the floating snow on it, stood it up, and placed it at the entrance of the alley.

Then he rode away.

After a long time, the reckless boy cautiously walked out of the alley, surprisingly picked up his sled, and breathed a sigh of relief.

He also looked in the direction where Cao Kedi left, thinking that he was lucky to meet a military master with a good temper.

...

...

When Zhao Du'an returned to the yamen, Ma Yan was still waiting for him.

"So, Lang Shiba's identity was exposed? And he was imprisoned by Cao Guogong? To be executed soon?"

Ma Yan was also surprised after hearing the process.

Zhao Du'an took off his coat, swept away the dirt on his boots, and then sat down:

"It shouldn't be that fast. There is always a trial and case handling process to go through. But if Cao Mao pushes it with all his heart, I'm afraid he can finalize the crime before the new year. This Duke will not allow Lang Shiba to live until next year."

In the corner, Ji Yue sat on a small chair with her legs together, her hands on her thighs, holding a cup of hot water, drooping her ears, and gently blowing air with her cheeks puffed out.

She had some indescribable emotions in her heart about Lang Shiba's death. Well, maybe it's called rabbit dies, fox grieves?

The two didn't have much communication in the back lake, and they once restrained each other. If there was any affection, it was really none.

But at any rate, they were companions who had been locked in the same place for a long time. It was false to say that she wasn't sad.

If Lang Shiba died, she would be even more lonely.

Ma Yan frowned and said: "What are you going to do?"

Zhao Du'an smiled playfully:

"What can I do? This matter has nothing to do with me."

Ji Yue glanced at him, then lowered her head and continued to blow air into the cup.

Ma Yan nodded: "It's good that you think so."

Isn't it... am I that untrustworthy? Vice Minister Huang instructed, and Senior Brother you also instructed... It seems that everyone thinks I will mess things up...

Zhao Du'an slandered in his heart.

With this matter settled, Ma Yan left to work with peace of mind. After Ji Yue learned that there was nothing for her to do, she also quietly slipped away.

Zhao Du'an also returned to Lihua Hall and looked through the official documents that Qian Kerou presented to him.

But he couldn't calm down all the time.

On this day, first Tang Zhao came to challenge, and then Lang Shiba was imprisoned. All the things were squeezed together.

"Sir, are you worried about something?"

The round-faced little secretary held the files and looked at him cautiously.

Leaning back in the high-backed chair, Zhao Du'an, who was holding the document, threw the book in his hand on the table and suddenly said:

"Kerou, tell me, if all the civil and military officials in the court are dissected, are they all black-hearted?"

Qian Kerou was stunned. The little secretary was dumbfounded by this question. She pondered the adult's thoughts and tentatively said:

"No, there are always many good officials, such as..."

She got stuck and said after a while: "For example, Lu Zhi from Dali Temple?"

"But a black heart can get promoted faster," Zhao Du'an said:

"Or is there a saying that goes, 'Each sweeps the snow from his own door, and doesn't care about the frost on others' roofs?'"

The little secretary was a little dizzy, not understanding what the relationship between this proverb and blackness was.

The adult is strange today.

Zhao Du'an smiled: "Just take it as if I'm talking nonsense. Yawn, it's getting late, it's time to leave the yamen."

Saying that, he stretched his waist, and stepped out.

Shen Juan and Hou Renmeng in the next duty room looked envious:

"When can I be like the adult, not go to the yamen if I don't want to, and leave whenever I want to."

Zheng Laojiu, who was holding a teacup, curled his lips:

"Don't think too much, it's the end of the year, there are a lot of documents in the hall, none of you want to leave tonight, leave whenever you finish."

...

Zhao Du'an left the yamen and rode his horse home.

It gets dark early in winter. It was still bright when he came out, and it was dark after walking for a while.

When Zhao Du'an came to an intersection, he was suddenly stopped by a low-key and luxurious carriage in front of him.

He was stunned for a moment and recognized this extremely spacious carriage that he had once ridden in.

"Lord Zhao, my master invites you to come over and talk." The coachman walked over and said calmly.

Zhao Du'an dismounted, threw the reins to the other party, and skillfully lifted the curtain and got into the spacious carriage that could accommodate several people's car shock.

In the carriage, the furnishings were as usual, but the surroundings were covered with a thick layer of cotton.

On the short table was placed a round brazier with scarlet charcoal burning inside, which was extremely delicate.

"Lord Yuan, what a coincidence." Zhao Du'an sat down and smiled at the opposite Daqing official.

The brazier illuminated the entire carriage in orange-red, giving people the atmosphere of warming around a bonfire on a winter night.

Yuan Li, the Grand Secretary of the Censorate, with a handsome appearance, deep eyes, and wearing a double-breasted official robe, held a jade Ruyi in his hand, and sat inside.

He smiled and said: "Is the envoy going home from the yamen?"

Zhao Du'an nodded and mocked himself:

"There are many things today, even my lazy nature is busy until now."

Yuan Li looked at him deeply and said:

"I have also heard that there was a misunderstanding with Duke Tang?"

Zhao Du'an smiled: "It has been resolved."

"That's good," Yuan Li said: "But I also heard that you went to the Ministry of Justice prison today."

Zhao Du'an didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Lord Yuan's news is so well-informed, my every move can't escape your eyes."

Yuan Li stared at him and said: "That Lang Shiba who Cao Guogong arrested this time, went to the lake pavilion with you before, right?"

Zhao Du'an sighed softly and said:

"Lord Yuan is also here to remind me to get less involved in things that have nothing to do with me, and to make fewer enemies? Don't worry, I know what's important."

Yuan Li said: "But I heard that you had a conflict with Cao Guogong's adopted son."

Zhao Du'an felt inexplicably angry and said annoyedly:

"Just a few words, I know what I'm doing, Lord Yuan is kind, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."

Saying that, he wanted to leave.

All day long, being reminded by one person after another to sweep the snow from their own doors, he was really annoyed.

Yuan Li was silent, pinching the jade Ruyi in his hand. Seeing Zhao Du'an get up and lift the thick curtain, preparing to go down, he suddenly said:

"Does the envoy still remember when you and I first met in this carriage?"

Zhao Du'an paused.

Yuan Li said softly:

"That time, I talked to the envoy about Pei Kai, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. I remember at that time, I said to you, since you want to make contributions, why not be bolder, bite a big fish? Do something big?"

Zhao Du'an's breathing tightened.

Under the firelight, Yuan Li's eyes were deep, half of his face was hidden in the darkness, and he said quietly:

"Envoy, are you interested in joining hands with me again to do something big and bring someone down?"

Zhao Du'an suddenly turned his head and stared at Yuan Li: "Who?"

"Duke Anguo, Cao Mao."