The First Lackey Under The Empress

The Capital.

Early in the morning, the entire capital of the Yu Kingdom was plunged into a grand atmosphere.

Before dawn, the Imperial Guards marched in formation through the streets.

Soldiers personally carried buckets, sweeping and watering the main road leading from the Imperial Palace to the South City Gate.

Notices were posted by various government offices, and officials were dispatched to warn and restrain the populace, preventing any disturbances.

All this activity was solely because Her Majesty the Empress would be heading south today for the Fengshan ceremony.

Inside the Imperial Palace's sleeping quarters.

Xu Zhenguan spread her arms, standing in front of the room's large dressing mirror, as two palace maids helped her put on the dragon robe and the crown adorned with pearl tassels.

"Your Majesty, it is done," a palace maid announced.

Xu Zhenguan's eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes, scrutinizing her reflection.

The magnificent dragon robe's hem trailed on the ground, stretching far behind her, and her fair skin framed her majestic eyes.

"Your Majesty, the sword," another palace maid stepped forward, respectfully holding up the Tai'a Sword, a relic left by their ancestors.

The Tai'a Sword remained securely locked in its scabbard, unusually quiet.

This divine weapon, representing the Yu Kingdom's royal family, had been taken from the ancestral temple the night before and would accompany the Empress on her journey south to Mount Luo.

Xu Zhenguan reached out, grasped the scabbard, personally hung it at her waist, and turned to walk out of the palace, her footsteps echoing on the gleaming marble floor.

At the entrance, Mo Chou, the head of the Six Bureaus, and Sun Lianying, the supervisor of the White Horse Bureau, stood on either side, heads bowed: "The imperial carriage is ready, welcoming Your Majesty to leave the palace!"

"Let's go," Xu Zhenguan said calmly, stepping over the threshold.

Mo Chou and Sun Lianying personally replaced the palace maids, lifting the extremely long hem of the dragon robe on either side, ensuring it did not touch the dust.

The dragon carriage was already waiting in the Meridian Gate Square.

Xu Zhenguan boarded the dragon carriage, and surrounded by a retinue of hundreds, left the Imperial City.

Consequently, the accompanying procession expanded to several hundred people.

The grand procession proceeded south along the main thoroughfare of Zhuque Avenue.

Along the way, the Imperial Guards had cleared the streets, allowing the common people to watch from a distance.

On both sides of the road, officials from various government departments stood solemnly to greet her at intervals, joining the procession as the carriage passed.

Palace maids also scattered flower petals from flower baskets from time to time.

Amidst the ceremonial music, the Empress exited the city gate and arrived at the South City Wharf, which had also been placed under strict security.

Li Yanfu, Yuan Li, Dong Xuan, Xue Shence, and other important ministers were waiting there.

Only one ship was present in the harbor that day, and it was none other than the largest warship in the Yu Kingdom, almost as tall as a city gate tower, freshly painted, with the bow adorned with a dragon head.

Its solemn majesty inspired awe in the common people who had come to see it off from outside the wharf.

"Mom, what a huge ship!" Zhao Pan stood in the crowd, gazing at it with longing.

"Is Her Majesty going to Mount Luo?

Is that the place my elder brother went to in advance?

It would be wonderful if we could go together to witness the ceremony."

You Jinhua sternly pinched her daughter's bottom, her face fierce, and said: "How can you say such things?

Do you think you're worthy of riding the dragon ship?"

Zhao Pan was displeased: "Maybe after the Fengshan ceremony, my elder brother will return with Her Majesty on this ship.

When that time comes, I'll ask my elder brother to help me get on board to take a look."

You Jinhua kept a straight face, but she also felt a little tempted.

"Esteemed ministers, please stop here.

During my absence to the south, I rely on you to manage the affairs of the court.

If there are any matters that cannot be decided, consult Grand Tutor Dong," Xu Zhenguan said to the assembled ministers.

"Your subjects will certainly not fail in our sacred duty and will do our utmost."

Xu Zhenguan nodded, stepped onto the first-class warship-level dragon boat.

The journey south for the Fengshan ceremony was long, passing through various places along the way, each of which would offer its welcome.

Before her departure, she had made many arrangements to ensure the stability of the court in the capital.

Besides the officials from the Ministry of Rites, only Mo Chou and Sun Lianying, two trusted aides from her time as the Third Imperial Princess, accompanied her on this trip.

After ascending the gangplank, Xu Zhenguan walked to the dragon head position on the spacious deck, feeling the gentle vibrations of the massive dragon boat warship as it slowly departed from the capital.

She gazed south into the distance, pondering: "By now, you should have arrived in Jianning Prefecture."

"The powerful clans of the South have been deeply entrenched for centuries.

You are alone and isolated; how can you possibly compete with them?"

"However, it doesn't matter.

I will come to your aid."

… …

… …

"A letter from He Xiaolou?"

Ning Zechen, the Transport Commissioner, was stunned.

This pragmatic minister of the Yu Kingdom frowned, walked over, handed the sword in his hand to Wen Shiye, and grabbed the letter.

As the Grand Coordinator of Water Transport, Ning Zechen was no stranger to He Xiaolou, the leader of the Water Transport Gang.

He knew that this man was generous and righteous, of humble origins.

In his youth, he joined the Water Transport Gang and distributed all the gold and silver he obtained to his subordinates, keeping none for himself, saying: "Others save money; I save favors."

At that time, he already showed the potential of a hidden dragon.

Later, he successfully replaced the previous gang leader and took control of the Water Transport Gang, using his skillful diplomacy to maneuver between the government, local powerful clans, and even the forces of Prince Jing's mansion.

Ning Zechen did not dare to underestimate him.

"He's seeking me out without personally visiting; let's see what he's up to."

Ning Zechen tore open the envelope, unfolded the letter, and after a quick glance, he was struck by lightning.

His face suddenly turned pale, followed by a surge of anger: "How dare he!"

Wen Shiye was startled: "My Lord, what is this…"

Ning Zechen's breathing became heavy, his eyes reddened, and he handed the letter to him.

Wen Shiye's expression also changed after reading it.

The letter's contents were simple, stating that He Xiaolou had heard that the Commissioner's wife had been kidnapped by "bandits" on her way back to the city and was now missing.

The letter included an address, specially inviting the Commissioner to grace the occasion tonight and personally discuss the matter.

He immediately drove the reporting clerk out, then said in a panic: "My Lord, this matter…"

Ning Zechen's face was ashen, his lips white, but his eyes were like lightning: "He Xiaolou did it."

What bandits kidnapping… He wasn't a fool.

Where would bandits come from in Jiancheng Road who had the ability and courage to kidnap his wife and daughter?

He Xiaolou's attitude made it clear.

Wen Shiye said: "He Xiaolou has no reason to do this; he must be acting for someone else."

Ning Zechen bit his lip, his eyes turning red, and suddenly laughed:

"It seems that some people think I, this Commissioner, am blocking their way and finally can't help but take the risk of losing their heads to force me to yield."

Wen Shiye hesitated: "Should we first send someone to confirm the truth…"

Ning Zechen shook his head.

Such matters were not to be taken lightly.

He pondered for a moment and said: "Do not reveal this news to anyone.

Tonight, I will go to the banquet alone."

As he spoke, he raised his hand, grabbed the sword from the clerk's hand, and suppressed his anger: "A rogue from the Water Transport Gang, a group of demons and monsters, my sword is not dull either!"

… …

At the same time that the Transport Commissioner and He Xiaolou were preparing to meet and negotiate.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a group of people from the North had changed their appearance and quietly entered Jianning Prefecture City under the guise of a merchant caravan.

Zhao Du'an sat in the carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked at the bustling streets, filled with people coming and going, sighing:

"No wonder it's a prosperous place; just looking at the city's atmosphere, it's no less than the capital."

Damn it, Prince Jing has been painstakingly managing this territory for many years; it's indeed not simple.

Just from the appearance, there's a faint aura of a python swallowing a dragon.

While pondering, he saw that many shops on the street were actually hanging white lanterns and white silk, in a funeral style.

But these weren't shops selling coffins or paper money; they were all kinds of shops, operating as usual, but exuding a mournful air.

"What's the meaning of this?

Is funeral decoration popular in Jianning Prefecture?

Isn't that depressing?

Surely not everyone has died?

Then why are they still open?"

Zhao Du'an was a bit confused.

"My Lord, you jest.

Although Jianning Prefecture is far from the capital, its local customs wouldn't regard funerals as something auspicious."

The Commissioner's wife, sitting in the same carriage with her daughter, couldn't help but laugh, glancing out the window and saying:

"These shops are all owned by the Shen family.

If I'm not mistaken, it must be that the seriously ill Second Master Shen has died."

Second Master Shen?

Zhao Du'an was taken aback: "The local first powerful clan with hundreds of years of history?

The Shen family that has produced three Grand Secretaries and two Generals?"

Madam Ning nodded: "Exactly."

Zhao Du'an's expression became subtle.

Of course, he remembered this Shen family.

Back then, in the case of the Taicang silver mine, it was people from this Shen family who stirred up trouble in the capital, provoking Zhenbao and the "Li faction" to widen the rift.

The Second Master Shen, who killed the Taicang magistrate in prison, was the second son of the family head.

Later, after Zhao Du'an entered prison and killed Gao Lian, Zhenbao sent people to clean up the aftermath, and he learned some inside information from Mo Chou.

Hearing Madam Ning mention that the Second Master Shen had returned from the capital and was in critical condition… Zhao Du'an understood that this man's death was clearly Zhenbao's move to suppress the Shen family's idle chess piece.

It's just… to have his life bridge severed and still be able to last this long before dying… one can only marvel at the deep foundation of a large family.

"So, Madam Ning means that when someone from the Shen family dies, all subordinate shops must wear mourning?

What a grand display… tsk tsk, but is it such a coincidence that he died just these few days after I arrived?" Zhao Du'an joked.

Madam Ning shook her head: "It seems he has been dead for some time, but the burial rules for powerful clans here are grand, so the time will be drawn out."

After her explanation, Zhao Du'an finally understood.

In ancient times, it was generally required that burial not take place for the first three days after death, or even the first seven days, which was called "First Seven," roughly meaning that the soul would return home once seven days after death to say goodbye…

However, this saying was just a popular rumor.

The truth was that the common people didn't have the technology to perfectly preserve corpses; they could only keep them for a maximum of seven days, and if they weren't buried by then, they would rot…

Similarly, when the old emperor died, his body was kept for a full one or two months.

During that time, one aspect was to calm the aftermath of the coup, another was to prepare a series of rituals for burial in the imperial mausoleum, and then there was giving the palace embalmers enough time to process the body, disinfect it, marinate the corpse with precious materials to keep its body fragrant after death… as well as various preservation methods.

The Shen family, as a powerful clan, although not comparable to the emperor, also had a large set of burial procedures.

"However, even ordinary Shen family members wouldn't go this far.

The Second Master Shen was very much loved by the Shen family's Old Madam, so it's not surprising to have this extravagant treatment," Madam Ning analyzed calmly.

Old Madam… the Shen family's "grandmother" in the files?

The actual family controller?

Hmm, roughly similar to the role of Grandmother Jia in Dream of the Red Chamber?

Zhao Du'an's mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts, and seeing the expressions of the mother and daughter, he smiled:

"Thank you for informing me.

Heh, I know that Madam is eager to return home, but Madam's attack shows that the situation in the city is complex.

It would be inappropriate to show your face rashly, so please be patient for a little while longer."

He was smiling as he said these words.

What Zhao Du'an didn't tell the mother and daughter before him was that, while on the ship, he had ordered the Grand Inner Court Guardians to use harsh methods to "persuade" a portion of the surviving members of the Cao Gang to surrender.

And from that Zuo Rong's mouth, he learned the means of contacting He Xiaolou.

He simply ordered the Cao Gang assassins to send a message back, notifying He Xiaolou of the false news that the "kidnapping was successful," and simultaneously contacted the hidden royal "Shadow Guards" within Jianning Prefecture.

He wanted to see what would happen.

At this moment, the convoy arrived at the designated inn, and the group entered the inn without encountering any unexpected ambushes like the one on Binhai Road.

Zhao Du'an met with the unfamiliar Shadow Guard waiting there in the inn room.

"So, He Xiaolou has arranged to meet the Grand Canal Governor at a restaurant called 'Vermilion Pavilion' in the city tonight?"

Zhao Du'an sat cross-legged, looking at the unremarkable Shadow Guard in surprise:

"Are you sure?"

The Shadow Guard cupped his fist and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, it is absolutely true. Ning Zechen has ordered the news to be blocked, preparing to attend the banquet alone."

Zhao Du'an was intrigued: "Your intelligence work is quite impressive; even a regional governor can't block it?"

The Shadow Guard slowly raised his head, revealing Wen Shiye's face, and said calmly:

"Your Excellency is too kind. It is my humble duty."

Back then, the old emperor dared to heavily rely on Ning Zechen, appointing him as the Grand Canal Governor with significant responsibilities. Later, the Empress Dowager was also exceptionally trusting of him. How could it be merely based on simple "trusting the person you employ, not doubting the person you trust"?

Only the capital's Shadow Guard roster recorded the true identity of this person who had been with Ning Zechen for ten years, both a close friend and a capable subordinate.

Name: Wen Liang

Codename: "Advisor"

A "gold medal" Shadow Guard in the imperial espionage system built by Daocheng, with far more seniority than "Scholar."

"Not bad." Zhao Du'an nodded with satisfaction, pondered for a moment, and asked:

"Do you think that He Xiaolou might be backed by the Jing Prince's Mansion?"

Wen Shiye was caught off guard by this question, stunned for a moment, and then said after hesitating:

"The Jing Prince's Mansion does cultivate its own secret agents."

The implication was: Although the Jing Prince had the motive to do such a thing, it seemed unnecessary to use the Cao Gang as a front.

Zhao Du'an nodded, thought for a long while, and said:

"I understand. You can go back now."

Wen Shiye lowered his head and bowed, requesting instructions: "Is Your Excellency not curious about how the Governor will choose in the face of this threat?"

Zhao Du'an glanced at him, a smile spreading across his face:

"A long time ago, someone taught me a principle: Don't test human nature."

He waved his hand: "Go."

Wen Liang had no choice but to leave.

After the person left.

The door was pushed open again, and Song Jinxi, whose appearance resembled a monkey, asked:

"Your Excellency, Grand Eunuch Hai asked if you have any instructions."

Zhao Du'an was sitting cross-legged in front of a short table characteristic of Jianning Prefecture, in a posture of closing his eyes to rest. Hearing this, he said:

"Tonight, please have Grand Eunuch Hai bring a few people to accompany me to 'Vermilion Pavilion'."

"Yes." Song Jinxi responded and was about to close the door and leave when he was suddenly stopped by Zhao Du'an:

"Wait. Let me ask you something. Second Master Shen, back in the capital…"

This Grand Inner Court Guardian, the best at assassination, stood with his back to the room, stopped when he heard this, and turned his head to reveal a harmless smile: "This humble servant did it."

"Mm, well done, go ahead."

… …

… …

In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun scattered, and the verdant willows in Jianning Prefecture were bathed in a layer of red.

Ning Zechen, who was over fifty years old, with a strong physique and thick black hair, sat upright in the carriage, closing his eyes to rest.

Accompanying the shaking of the carriage, the long sword lying across his knees also swayed slightly, and a slight sound came from the gap between the blade and the scabbard.

"We're here."

The carriage stopped, and Ning Zechen, who was only wearing plain clothes, opened his eyes, grasped the scabbard, stepped out of the carriage, and looked up, just in time to see half of the sun being blocked by a vermilion-colored restaurant.

On the signboard, the words "Vermilion Pavilion" were prominently written.

At this moment, the entire restaurant had been reserved, and Cao Gang thugs were stationed downstairs.

Ning Zechen walked straight in alone: "Where is He Xiaolou?"

The leader of the Cao Gang thugs' eyes flashed, and he smiled:

"The Governor has come in person; we were remiss in not welcoming you from afar. Our gang leader is upstairs with fine wine, waiting for you for a long time."

Ning Zechen stared at him expressionlessly, walking inside with his sword.

The thug leader raised his hand to stop him, squeezing out a smile: "Why need a sword to eat? How about the Governor's precious sword be kept by this humble servant?"

Ning Zechen stared at him with a sneer, without saying a word.

The two sides were temporarily deadlocked. Suddenly, the window of the red-painted building upstairs was pushed open, and He Xiaolou's voice came out:

"Don't be rude; why not invite the honored guest up?"

The Cao Gang thugs then humbly made way.

Ning Zechen glared coldly, strode into the building, went up the stairs, and soon saw He Xiaolou standing next to a large table of lavish dishes, with a kind smile on his face.

Only the two of them were on this entire floor.

This Cao Gang leader had the air of a Confucian scholar, wearing a cyan robe, holding an antique folding fan in his hand, almost gentle and refined, cupping his fist to greet him:

"The Governor has come in person. Why didn't you inform us in advance so that I could come downstairs to welcome you?"

Ning Zechen strode to the table, a look of sarcasm on his lips:

"Gang Leader He is quite imposing. This official doesn't even remove his armor when entering the capital, yet your subordinates dare to disarm this official's sword."

He Xiaolou smiled apologetically and said solemnly: "If the Governor is unhappy, how about I send him an arm to drink with?"

He looked serious, as if he would really give the order as long as Ning Zechen said "Okay."

Ning Zechen stared at him expressionlessly and said: "This official underestimated you in the past."

He Xiaolou smiled slightly, raised his hand to make a "please" gesture:

"Knowing that the Governor likes Linfeng cuisine, the chef at this Vermilion Pavilion is best at Linfeng cuisine. If you have anything to say, please sit down and discuss it?"

Ning Zechen stared at him, and actually smiled, pulled out a chair, and sat down with a golden sword, the sword placed beside him, in a position where it could be drawn at any time.

However, He Xiaolou seemed to turn a blind eye to this fierce weapon, gently shaking his paper fan, and personally picked up the wine pot to pour wine for each other.

Half of Ning Zechen's face was covered by the red light coming in from the window: "Where are my wife and daughter now?"

He Xiaolou said in surprise:

"Didn't the Governor read my letter? My Cao Gang subordinates only found out that they were robbed by bandits and do not know their whereabouts. However, please rest assured, Governor. Although my Cao Gang brothers are far inferior to government yamen runners, they are better at understanding both sides of the Grand Canal, and the martial world is also considered well-informed.

Upon learning that the Governor's wife was in danger, I immediately ordered everyone in the Cao Gang to search. I believe that it won't be long before the Governor's wife and daughter can be rescued."

Ning Zechen stared at him with a pair of tiger eyes, and said:

"You chose this place. This official came alone. Is there still a need to say these deceiving lies?"

He Xiaolou smiled, not taking the bait.

Ning Zechen suddenly sighed, not only hating, but also admiring: "Gang Leader He is very cautious."

He Xiaolou sighed softly, put down the wine pot, sat down slowly, and said somewhat sadly:

"Your Excellency was originally a carp, cultivated for five hundred years, jumped the dragon gate, entered the son-in-law's home, and became a dragon.

As for me, I was originally just a loach, first cultivated for a thousand years to become a carp, and then cultivated for five hundred years to barely jump over the dragon gate… No, where can it be considered a dragon gate? At most, it is from the river into the sea… But at least it can be considered to have some wealth.

If Your Excellency falls down, you are still a carp, but I will become a loach. You tell me, how can this humble person not be cautious in doing things?"

Ning Zechen was silent for a moment, and sighed:

"I don't like beating around the bush. Tell me, what are your conditions? What conditions are needed to help me… find my wife and daughter."

He Xiaolou laughed loudly and said: "Why does the Governor need to ask the obvious?"

Ning Zechen stared at him: "The New Policies are not my New Policies alone, they are the court's New Policies!"

He Xiaolou said seriously: "But the person doing the things is Governor Your Excellency."

The two looked at each other, not giving way to each other. The light coming in from the red carved windows of the Vermilion Pavilion also seemed to be stained red, shining on the banquet in the center of the two, so all the dishes also became bloody.

Ning Zechen suddenly grabbed the hilt of his sword, stood up without warning, and the sword was unsheathed, the cold blade against He Xiaolou's brow!

"As long as my sword pushes forward an inch, you will die!" He said word by word.

He Xiaolou sat quietly in the chair, with a smile on his face. He slowly raised the folding fan in his hand and gently pushed away the bloodthirsty sword with the extremely precious fan bone.

He said slowly:

"The Governor is a smart man and should know that killing me will not bring back Madam Ning. The person who was kidnapped is also impossible to be in my hands."

Ning Zechen slumped back into the chair, and the sword fell on the table with a clang, overturning the bowls and chopsticks.

Yes, how could he not know? After the person was kidnapped, they would definitely not be brought back to the city, but sent directly to some other hands.

It was impossible to stay in the hands of this gang leader.

He Xiaolou had a strange smile on his face, seemingly very interested in a dignified Governor, a second-rank official, losing his composure so much in front of him.

He smiled and stood up, holding chopsticks, personally picking up vegetables for Ning Zechen, and said:

"The Governor is also a person, after all, not an emotionless sword in the hands of the emperor. Why bother to work for people thousands of miles away, causing your family to be destroyed?

In fact, this matter is very simple, not that difficult. The Governor does not even need to do too much. The New Policies are still being promoted, but the Governor only needs to relax a little and slowly plan for it, and everyone will be happy. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Ning Zechen was silent.

Seeing his appearance, He Xiaolou's smile grew even stronger, and he was about to persuade him again when he suddenly heard a commotion downstairs, as if his subordinates were questioning someone.

Immediately, short exclamations and screams erupted downstairs, accompanied by the sound of bones cracking, and all the sounds only lasted for a few breaths before disappearing.

As if it had never happened.

Then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Accompanying Zhao Du'an slowly walking up to this floor, his eyes calmly swept across the scene, his lazy, casual voice also sounded in the ears of the two:

"Tsk, how lively. Do you mind if I join in?"

… …

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