The First Lackey Under The Empress

Duke Anguo, Cao Mao, retired from his military post and returned to his hometown.

This news spread like a whirlwind throughout the Yu Kingdom's officialdom that afternoon, attracting the attention of countless people.

Many details were scrutinized by those interested. Unfortunately, with the parties involved tacitly keeping it secret, outsiders found it difficult to know the specifics. This matter has become another bizarre chapter in the unofficial histories and official records of the "Secret History of the Empress."

A particularly prominent detail was that someone witnessed a lone rider entering the palace amidst the heavy snow in Zhao Capital.

In the following days, Zhao Capital manipulated public opinion to conclude the matter. The Lang Shiba case progressed smoothly according to the planned script.

Luo Kedi, carrying Cao Mao's personal letter of handover of military power, returned to Jubei City to complete the transfer of power.

At the same time, the time finally came to the end of the year.

… …

Early morning, inside the Zhao family's wing room.

Zhao Du'an was awakened by the sound of firecrackers.

He opened his eyes, stared blankly at the top of the window curtain for a few seconds, then turned over and sat on the edge of the bed, yawning and rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Knock knock knock, D郎 (Dàláng, term of endearment for the eldest son), are you awake?"

Footsteps approached outside the door, followed by the stepmother's eager call.

"Come in."

Zhao Du'an glanced at his pajamas, which were intact, and said casually.

The door was pushed open, and the bright, dazzling sunlight shone into the room. You Jinhua, dressed in a new dress, stepped into the room with a smile, followed by three maids.

Each person was holding clothes, pants, or a washbasin. After entering the door, without being told, they skillfully served the family's "Master" to wash up.

Well, because Zhao's father died early, Zhao Du'an, as the only male head of the family, was automatically promoted to "Master" in the servants' mouths.

"I can do it myself…"

Zhao Du'an resisted, but ultimately couldn't withstand the pulling and tugging of the four women. The dignified "King Yama Zhao" was dressed up like a doll in turn.

A moment later, Zhao Du'an in the mirror had finished washing up, looking refreshed. He had changed into brand-new, well-fitting bright clothes from head to toe.

Today is New Year's Eve. Ordinary people are usually too poor to change into new clothes until the first day of the New Year.

But the Zhao family, which has already joined the ranks of the new nobles in the capital, doesn't lack a few clothes.

According to You Jinhua's words:

"During the Spring Festival, D郎 (Dàláng) will have to welcome and send off officials in the officialdom these days, so new robes must be prepared every day to be in accordance with etiquette."

Alright then…

Zhao Du'an pretended to refuse, but he had been successfully assimilated by feudal society in less than a year.

In front of the room's mirror, You Jinhua stood beside him, carefully tidying up the corners of his clothes, and said happily:

"The Grand Banquet Ceremony is in the evening, right?"

"I have to go early in the afternoon." Zhao Du'an explained casually.

On New Year's Eve, the Empress holds a grand banquet for her ministers in the palace, called the "Grand Banquet Ceremony," and Zhao Du'an was invited to attend.

You Jinhua admired her handsome and tall stepson, and said sweetly: "I heard that you can't eat and drink freely at the palace banquet. You must eat more at home for lunch."

"I know." Zhao Du'an said perfunctorily.

After walking out of the room, the entire Zhao mansion in front of him was decorated with a festive atmosphere. Large red lanterns hung from every corner of the eaves, and the window lattices were all covered with paper-cut decorations of various shapes.

The servants in the mansion also changed into new clothes, received rewards, and were busy moving New Year's goods or repeatedly cleaning the clean courtyard.

"Pitter-patter…"

Outside the mansion's gate, Zhao Pan led the maids to personally set off firecrackers under the tense watch of the servants.

The firecrackers exploded one after another, continuously. The red, shattered paper skin fell on the snow on the street outside, looking particularly beautiful.

The Pekingese dog was so frightened by the sound of the firecrackers that it lay trembling under the table in the inner hall.

"Brother!"

Zhao Pan looked at Zhao Du'an walking over and raised a smiling face.

The girl was wearing brightly colored clothes today, with a circle of white fluff around the edge of her jacket, her neck tightened, setting off her fair face like a jade carving, as if the money-giving girl in the New Year's picture had grown up.

She was also holding a stick of yellow incense with a scarlet end in her hand, and handed it to him cheerfully:

"Are you coming too?"

"No, you are now a famous 'Miss Zhao' in the capital, so pay more attention to your image," Zhao Du'an couldn't help but sigh.

Zhao Pan puffed up her cheeks and acted cute: "I can't learn to be a proper lady…"

"Alright, alright, do as you please."

Zhao Du'an waved his hand, but he felt comfortable in his heart.

Although the women of this era are good, they all pursue gentleness and virtue, and it's tiring to see too much of it.

Zhao Pan, a girl who grew up in a martial arts family, doesn't have many rules and regulations, and instead seems more like a "modern person."

Zhao Du'an reluctantly set off a string of firecrackers, and then Zhao Pan dragged him into the house to write Spring Festival couplets.

The girl eagerly spread red paper on the desk in the study and personally grinded the ink, mainly to add fragrance to the study.

Zhao Du'an held a yellow pear wood brush, dipped it in ink, thought for a moment, and wrote a couplet.

"Spring breeze, spring rain, spring colors; New Year, new scenery, new home."

Zhao Pan looked at the couplet, unable to tell whether it was good or bad, and said with a smile:

"It's quite appropriate, it's New Year and a new home… But our family has moved for several months, so this word is a bit late."

"What do you know? This is Wang Xizhi's couplet."

Zhao Du'an put the brush on the white porcelain brush holder, but smiled, with a complex look in his eyes.

In this world, he is probably the only one who knows the true meaning of the word "new home."

It's been a year, and unknowingly, he has taken root in this world and has new family and identity.

"Who is Wang Xizhi? Never heard of him…" Zhao Pan muttered, but quickly put this doubt aside and personally brought out a bowl of hot paste.

While walking, she also used her scallion-like little finger to dig out a glob of paste from the bowl, put it in her lips to taste it, and her eyes curved into crescents.

Zhao Du'an couldn't help but smile, remembering that he had done similar things when he was a child.

After the brother and sister finished pasting the Spring Festival couplets, officials and wealthy families from nearby came to visit. This was not a New Year's greeting, and Zhao Du'an greeted them with a good mood.

At noon, the family had a hearty meal, Zhao Du'an changed into his official robes, and set off to the palace.

You Jinhua and Zhao Pan also had arrangements, and they made an appointment with many noble ladies in the capital to watch the lanterns.

… …

… …

After Zhao Du'an went out, he first went to the Zhao Yamen to join the main force.

During the Grand Banquet Ceremony, the Zhao Yamen Jinyi, as the Imperial Guards, also needed to enter the palace to maintain order—in fact, they served as a ceremonial guard.

"Come here." Ma Yan waved him over when he saw him coming, inviting him to ride in the same car.

Zhao Du'an was a little surprised. He stepped into the carriage and sat down, and then curiously said: "Does Senior Brother have something to say in private?"

Ma Yan's thin face looked calm. He glanced at him and said:

"Li Yanfu will also be present at today's Grand Banquet Ceremony."

Isn't that nonsense? He is the Prime Minister, of course he will be there… Zhao Du'an was stunned for a moment, and then reacted:

"Are you saying that Li Yanfu is going to cause trouble? That's unlikely, today is New Year's Eve. And hasn't the Li faction been very low-key recently? They pretended to be dead throughout the entire fight against Cao Mao."

Ma Yan said: "There is news from below that several important ministers of the Li faction met privately yesterday, ostensibly to visit before the New Year, but in reality, it was Li Yanfu who summoned them."

"Because of me?" Zhao Du'an took it blankly, unable to understand the logic.

Ma Yan shook his head and said:

"No. It should be because of the latest memorial sent back from Huting the day before yesterday that alarmed them.

Well, you may not have paid attention. Feng Ju, who is in charge of the New Deal Chamber of Commerce in Huting, sent back a message. I don't know the specifics, but it's a good thing. It should be that the new market you set up has improved. Feng Ju probably also wanted to take this opportunity to give a gift to His Majesty for the New Year."

Zhao Du'an suddenly realized and smiled:

"It seems that this group of southern gentry saw that the court's opening of the market was very effective and became anxious."

He wasn't surprised.

Although Li Yanfu has been particularly quiet these days, Zhao Du'an knows that this is just the calm before the storm.

The contradiction between the group of gentry behind the "Li Faction" and the New Deal is fundamentally irreconcilable.

Before the New Deal had exploded in power, Li Yanfu's pressure was not too great, but as the New Deal took effect, the pressure from the entire Li faction would force Li Yanfu to take action.

"It shouldn't be so urgent. Even if the Li faction wants to take action, it will at least wait until after the spring of next year." Zhao Du'an said calmly, "Does Senior Brother have any inside information? What might these people do?"

Ma Yan said:

"Some time ago, the Southern Canal Transport Governor urged the capital to dispatch new officials as soon as possible to take office in Jiancheng Road to fill the vacancy.

Not only Jiancheng Road, but as far as I know, the court will determine a list of officials after the New Year to transfer to the South to assist the Canal Transport Governor in promoting the local New Deal official governance reform. The final list of personnel has not yet been determined."

Zhao Du'an curiously said: "So, the Li faction may try to make a fuss about this matter?"

Ma Yan shook his head and said: "I don't know. I'm just informing you in advance."

Zhao Du'an laughed and cried:

"The appointment and removal of Southern officials is not my responsibility. It has nothing to do with me even if Li Yanfu wants to cause trouble." Ma Yan had an expression of "You are too young":

"Not to mention your influence on the development of the New Deal, if I were Li Yanfu, facing the pressure of the entire faction, I would have to express my position and do something to stabilize the 'morale' of the Jiangnan gentry. Sometimes, expressing a position is necessary in itself."

Zhao Du'an grinned:

"So Senior Brother, you suspect that Li Yanfu might find fault with me to express his position to the entire Li faction?"

He thought about it, and it was really possible. After all, Zhao Du'an finalized the opening of the Huting market, and he was full of symbolic significance.

However, what trouble can Li Yanfu find with him?

Ma Yan remained noncommittal and said, "You understand the intricacies of those backstabbing affairs better than I do."

"… …"

Hey, Little Ma, what's with your attitude? When did you learn to be so subtly sarcastic? Where did the ruthless persona of the aloof, domineering man who'd draw his sword at the slightest provocation go?

Zhao Du'an wore a look of regret.

… …

… …

While the two were exchanging witty banter, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's procession arrived at the Imperial Palace.

The grand banquet was being held in the "Hall of Supreme Harmony." Outside the Meridian Gate, a massive New Year's lantern had already been constructed, its height almost comparable to the Imperial Palace's city walls.

At this moment, a large group of artisans were busily working under the "protection" of the Imperial Guards.

Outside the Imperial City, along the main thoroughfares, countless lanterns had been hung, creating a strong festive atmosphere.

The grand banquet was organized by the Ministry of Rites and prepared by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

According to regulations,

the personnel from the Court of State Ceremonial would set up the imperial throne inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was responsible for planting yellow flags on both the east and west sides outside the hall.

The Golden Guard and other guards would dispatch twenty-four escort officers on both the east and west sides inside the hall.

The Court of Educational Affairs, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, was responsible for setting up nine instrumental and vocal performances inside the hall, grand music outside the hall, and a three-dance troupe below the hall.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices was responsible for setting up a wine pavilion to the west and a food pavilion to the east below the imperial throne, with delicacy pavilions and relish pavilions set up to the east and west of the wine and food pavilions, respectively.

Imperial banquets were set up on the east and west sides of the imperial throne, with the Crown Prince's seat set to the east of the imperial throne, facing west—however, because the Crown Prince had passed away, this position was removed.

The various princes were arranged on both sides of the imperial banquets, facing each other from east to west, arranged from north to south—well, this year, no princes had entered the capital, so this section was also removed.

Ministers of the fourth rank and above were inside the hall, while those of the fifth rank and below were in the corridors on the east and west sides outside the hall. Officials from departments such as the Wine Pourer, Wine Server, and Food Server were on standby nearby…

Everything was orderly and clearly defined.

When Zhao Du'an arrived, he found that the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony had already been decorated.

Adopting a leisurely posture, he strolled around, occasionally joking with familiar female officials. As officials began to enter the palace one after another, Zhao Du'an greeted them with a smile, acting like the "male host."

He showed no restraint as a subject in the palace, acting as if he were returning home, causing the officials to exchange glances, wondering if the rumors of him being the Empress's gigolo were true.

Speaking of which, although it was widely rumored in the capital and even throughout the world that Zhao Gou was the Empress's gigolo, this matter had always remained in the "rumor" stage.

It had never been officially confirmed.

High-ranking officials had never completely believed this claim, treating him only as a "favored minister."

As dusk approached, important ministers arrived one after another.

"Lord Yuan… you've finally arrived. I've been here for a long time."

"Grand Tutor, please take it easy, haha… Scholar Han, you've come too? Please, have a seat."

"Commissioner Xue, your complexion is truly delightful today. Sit here, the seat has been prepared for you."

"Duke Tang, why aren't your daughter and young duke here? Oh, they're outside."

Zhao Du'an exchanged greetings with each person who arrived.

When Li Yanfu, wearing a scarlet official robe, with temples like an inverted hedgehog, eyebrows close to purple jade, and a beard almost connecting to his temples along both sides of his cheeks, arrived with his son, Zhao Du'an stood up and said with a smile:

"Prime Minister, you've finally arrived. Oh, Little Senior Secretary, how have you been lately?"

Li Yanfu narrowed his eyes and slowly walked into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, his expression calm and composed.

Li Yinglong, who followed behind him, had a displeased expression, snorted coldly, and brushed his sleeves as he walked towards a seat on the side.

Tsk, you're not even acknowledging me? This guy has become steady… Zhao Du'an immediately felt bored, smiled, and said nothing.

At this time, night had fallen, and the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony was brightly lit with red lanterns. The hall was filled with singing and dancing, all of which were courtly music and rituals.

Suddenly, the music in the hall changed, turning into "Grand Music." The ministers stood up and looked towards the outside of the hall, only to see a carriage arriving like a cluster of stars surrounding the moon.

The Grand Yu Empress, wearing a dragon robe, majestic and graceful, slowly stepped down from the carriage and entered the hall amidst the music, accompanied by Mo Chou and other female officials.

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Du'an stood among the ministers. Due to his rank, his position was close to the hall door, allowing him to be the first to see the Empress walk past him.

Today, Xu Zhenguan was dressed in full regalia, her beauty surpassing that of previous days, almost dazzling.

However, the ministers in the hall lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at her.

When the imperial throne was raised, Xu Zhenguan took her seat and said, "Esteemed officials, be at ease."

The music stopped, and the ministers took their seats.

The people from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices began to serve dishes one after another, accompanied by flowers and a series of performances.

Zhao Du'an watched as the ministers sat upright, not touching the dishes on the table. His lips twitched, thinking that his stepmother was right, this banquet didn't give people a chance to eat at all.

It was not easy to endure until a large number of rituals ended.

Xu Zhenguan surveyed the ministers with a smile on her face:

"Tonight is New Year's Eve. I am delighted to gather with all of you in the palace. In the past year, there have been many storms in the court. Fortunately, relying on the collective efforts of all of you, we have protected the Jiangshan of my Grand Yu and the people of the world…"

After a speech, the ministers expressed their views one after another. They were all old actors, familiar with the process.

However, just when everyone thought that the banquet would end according to the procedure,

suddenly, Li Yanfu, whose seat was extremely close to the front, only below the Empress, slowly stood up and cupped his hands in full view:

"Your Majesty, on this auspicious occasion, this old minister has something to report."

The music in the hall became much quieter, and the Empress sat on the imperial throne, squinting down at Li Yanfu:

"Oh? What matter does the Prime Minister have that requires him to report it at this banquet?"

Li Yanfu seemed not to hear the displeasure in the Empress's words. His expression was calm, his face as usual, and he said exceptionally calmly:

"In early summer of this year, Zhao Du'an, the White Horse Bureau Envoy at the time, overstepped his authority and arbitrarily arrested the rebel leader Zhuang Xiaocheng, causing him to escape…

At that time, it caused a stir throughout the city. Although Your Majesty later clarified that it was not Zhao Du'an's intention, a deadline was set for him to recapture the rebel leader… Now, it is the end of the year, but I wonder if the promise made at the beginning still counts?"

Silence.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping. Even the musicians stopped playing in tacit agreement, sensing the atmosphere in the hall changing instantly.

The originally festive and peaceful atmosphere changed in the blink of an eye, with a hint of solemnity.

Zhao Du'an raised an eyebrow, thinking that Little Ma was really a jinx, he actually guessed it right.

The other ministers, on the other hand, showed different expressions, and many people looked blank, wondering what madness the Prime Minister had gone into, insisting on reporting this matter today, at this moment?

Even if you want to make a fuss, can't you wait until tomorrow?

Wait until the next court session to impeach him?

"Lord Li! These words are inappropriate!" The first to break the silence was none other than Sun Lianying, the White Horse Bureau Director.

This old eunuch acted in a low-key manner and was inconspicuous in the hall, but at this moment, he was the first to speak, attracting everyone's attention.

Sun Lianying sat behind the long table, his face full of the traces of years, with no expression to be seen:

"As the White Horse Bureau Director, the matter that Zhao Du'an committed at that time is also a matter of my White Horse Bureau. His escape of Zhuang Xiaocheng that day was later clarified to be due to the trap set by the Kuangfu Society.

Okay, even if we take a step back, one thing is one thing, but in the past six months, how many rebels has Zhao Du'an arrested?

The entire Kuangfu Society branch in the capital was uprooted by him, and the internal spies in the Zhao Yamen were also found by him… If we talk about redeeming oneself through meritorious service, aren't these achievements alone? This does not even mention the merits he has made in the past six months, one by one…"

Li Yanfu said calmly, interrupting the former:

"Director Sun, the merits you mentioned, not to mention that they are not his sole achievement, with the help of many others, even if they were his sole achievement, the country has national laws, how can merits and demerits be offset at will?

Moreover, how can a mere branch be compared to Zhuang Xiaocheng's head? Which is more important, can you not distinguish? Not to mention one branch, even two or three, how can they be worth one Zhuang Xiaocheng?"

After a pause, he added:

"Of course, if Your Majesty believes that Zhao Du'an's merits are enough to offset his demerits, this old minister naturally dares not have any objections. Therefore, I boldly ask, can the promise made at the beginning still count?"

"Are you questioning me?"

Xu Zhenguan calmly looked down at Li Yanfu, her bright eyes behind the beaded curtain hanging from her head emitted a cold light.

Zhao Du'an couldn't sit still anymore. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty… I…"

"You shut up." Xu Zhenguan blocked the words at his lips with a look, and then, in Zhao Du'an's stunned gaze, the Empress turned her head and stared at Li Yanfu:

"Prime Minister, are you questioning me?"

Li Yanfu slowly lowered his head, but did not sit down, only cupped his hands: "This old minister dares not."

"Dare not?" Xu Zhenguan chuckled and said quietly:

"I see that you mean exactly that."

Without waiting for Li Yanfu to answer, Xu Zhenguan suddenly swept her gaze across the audience and said faintly:

"Let's put this matter aside for now. I have something to announce."

"Mo Chou." She called out.

The "female prime minister" not far away slowly walked over, took out a few memorials from her sleeves, and a draft of the imperial decree.

Zhao Du'an was stunned, and the ministers in the hall were also at a loss, not knowing what medicine the Empress was selling in her gourd.

—

Misspelled words will be corrected after the update.