The First Lackey Under The Empress

The next day, early morning.

Zhao Du'an got up, washed, and after a simple breakfast with his entourage, he ordered the carriage to be prepared, intending to personally go to the Shen family to offer condolences.

Hai Gonggong and the others were not at all surprised by this order. Knowing Zhao Yanwang's style intimately, they knew that after the Shen family abandoned the option of visiting to seek peace last night, only one path remained for them.

The carriage left the inn, and along the way, Zhao Du'an casually bought a flower basket on the street, smiling:

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"One can't go to offer condolences empty-handed."

The Prajna Bodhisattva, who insisted on riding in the same carriage, smiled charmingly:

"This humble monk can perform rites for the deceased Second Young Master Shen."

You're quite proactive… Zhao Du'an raised his eyebrows, thinking that when women take the initiative, they really aren't that hard to pursue… Slow burn doesn't exist.

Ignoring the female Bodhisattva staring straight at him, Zhao Du'an closed his eyes and recalled the Shen family's information he had read last night.

The real person in charge of the Shen family, the old matriarch, was also a legendary woman, somewhat similar to Madam Xiao of Qingzhou, but her power transition was smoother and she lived long enough.

If the Shen family is likened to the local emperor, then the old matriarch is like the Empress Dowager Cixi in her later years.

She has been hiding in the depths of the mansion for many years, secretly manipulating the huge family. It's unknown what her personality is like.

"Last night, I gave them a chance, but no one came to the door. This is clearly not giving me, this official from the capital, any face. Isn't this also a kind of tough stance?"

"Unfortunately, you probably thought that my personality is like that of Governor-General Ning. Congratulations, you guessed wrong."

… …

The Shen family's main residence was not in the crowded and chaotic urban area, the journey taking more than an hour.

When Zhao Du'an arrived, the sun was already high in the sky. The Shen family's main residence was actually a large southern garden, covering a considerable area.

From a distance, the roof ridges were staggered, and the buildings and bungalows were well-arranged.

White lanterns hung at the gate, paper money was scattered on the ground, and white silk was hung. There were many carriages outside, seemingly all here to offer condolences.

With the Shen family's centuries of heritage, holding such a grand funeral, prominent figures from all over, as long as they could come, would come to offer their condolences.

This was also the reason why the funeral had to be extended for so long.

The arrival of Zhao Du'an's large entourage immediately attracted the attention of the gatekeepers:

"Who goes there?"

Zhao Du'an leaned lazily in the carriage, too lazy to get out, and said to Shen Juan outside the carriage window:

"Go and tell them. Speaking of which, this is your family."

Shen Juan, one of the "Four Pear Blossoms" of Pear Blossom Hall, gave a 'heh' and muttered:

"My family has nothing to do with them."

He had already stepped forward and explained his purpose to the gatekeeper: Zhao, the envoy from the capital, heard the news of the death of the Second Master Shen and came to offer condolences.

The gatekeeper did not dare to be negligent and immediately ran inside to report. After a while, the chief steward of the Shen mansion came out.

The so-called "a seventh-rank official before the prime minister's gate," the chief steward was in charge of all affairs within the Shen family's main line. In Jianning Prefecture, his power was more than that of a seventh-rank official? Even the county magistrate had to bow his head.

Moreover, because of his identity as the "chief steward," within the gate, he was a mere household slave, but outside the gate, he was a distinguished guest who could run rampant in Jianning Prefecture, and no one dared to underestimate him. His power and status were much greater than those of many Shen family members.

He often associated with Jiangnan literati, indulging in elegance, and the two mustaches on his lips were so delicate that they seemed to be painted on with a brush.

"The visitor is Zhao, the envoy from the capital's White Horse Bureau?"

The chief steward stood on the steps, condescendingly overlooking Shen Juan. After receiving an affirmative answer, he put his hands behind his back and said lightly:

"To offer condolences, one must submit a name card and a letter of introduction at least three days in advance before entering. Since you are an official from the capital, we can extend it to one day. Submit your name card to me and come back tomorrow."

As soon as the words fell, not only Shen Juan, who led the Pear Blossom Hall's lieutenants,

but also Tang Jinzhong and other Martial Arts Hall's guardians, their expressions all darkened!

What great prestige!

Even when Lord Zhao enters the palace, no one dares to stop him. This Shen family's mansion has more rules than the imperial palace.

Seeing this, the chief steward sneered. He had already received instructions from the head of the family not to give this so-called Envoy Zhao a good look.

This was Jianning Prefecture, where the heavens were high and the emperor was far away. Even Prime Minister Li Yanfu, when he returned to the South, was very polite to his own old matriarch, let alone a favored gigolo?

A dragon crossing the river? So what?

Shen Juan took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and walked back to the carriage: "Sir, what should we do?"

Inside the carriage.

Zhao Du'an smiled and suddenly looked at the female Bodhisattva sitting cross-legged inside the carriage: "According to the Bodhisattva's view, what should this official do?"

The Prajna Bodhisattva's pair of "wisdom eyes" quietly examined him, and a wisp of light flashed across her translucent and strange eyes. She smiled and said:

"Your heart tells me that you want to kill people."

"The Bodhisattva deserves to have a pair of Buddhist wisdom eyes, truly able to see through people's hearts." Zhao Du'an laughed, his expression sarcastic, and ordered outside the carriage window:

"Didn't you hear? The Bodhisattva from Shenlong Temple said to kill people."

Shen Juan's spirit was lifted, he grinned, and with his hand on the hilt of his sword, he turned and rushed towards the gate. He took a few steps up the steps, and the long sword was unsheathed with a "clang"!

He said in a deep voice: "What kind of thing dares to block the way!"

When the chief steward saw the other party drawing his sword and stepping onto the steps, he already realized that something was wrong, but he still held on, guessing that he was just bluffing and wouldn't dare to really draw his sword.

It wasn't until he saw the killing intent in Shen Juan's eyes that his liver and gallbladder suddenly trembled. He turned his head and wanted to run, but his legs were as if they were filled with lead, unable to move!

"Pfft!"

Shen Juan stabbed the chief steward, who was no less than a sixth-rank official, with a knife, piercing him through. He raised his foot and kicked the corpse forward, saying:

"What are you waiting for? Why not break down the gate for the Lord?!"

At an order, the Pear Blossom Hall's Embroidered Uniform Guards were the first to react, drawing their swords in unison. The two gatekeepers were so frightened that they turned their heads and ran, shouting loudly for people.

Hou Ren spat a mouthful of saliva on his hand, and the sword energy smashed out like a training, with a "boom", chopping the heavy door panels to pieces.

The other Embroidered Uniform Guards were not willing to be outdone, and they drew their swords and slashed at the Shen family's middle gate for a while. In the blink of an eye, they almost tore down the entire gate.

The many Inner Court Guardians watched in amazement, thinking that it was great to be on duty outside.

"Bodhisattva, would you like to get out of the carriage with me?" Zhao Du'an invited with a smile.

The Prajna Bodhisattva said seriously: "My Buddha is merciful, Lord Zhao is wantonly creating killings, I'm afraid…"

Zhao Du'an curled his lips and got out of the car first:

"Did you think I didn't check the information? This chief steward has more innocent lives under his command than this official. This is called eliminating harm for the people, which is better than building a seven-level pagoda."

That's called "saving a life is better than…"

The Prajna Bodhisattva wanted to correct him, but when she thought of Zhao Du'an's ability to debate scriptures and suppress the Eastern and Western Buddhist sects, she felt a burst of powerlessness.

… …

… …

Let's pull the timeline forward.

Earlier, the Canal Transportation Yamen.

After spending the night with his wife, Governor-General Ning woke up a little late.

He wore a set of casual clothes and walked into the study in the Yamen. While eating the breakfast sent by the kitchen, which was already a bit cold, he waited for Wen Shiye to come in.

"Governor, you're looking for me." Wen Liang, dressed as a strategist and staff member, walked in and asked with cupped hands.

Ning Zechen was in a good mood, his face flushed, and he smiled while eating a meat bun:

"I came back in a hurry last night and didn't have time to tell you in detail. Have you prepared those dossiers for Envoy Zhao to review?"

Wen Shiye nodded and said: "They have already been prepared."

Ning Zechen nodded in satisfaction. This master and friend who had followed him for ten years had always been meticulous in his work, and he rarely made mistakes in everything he was told to do.

"Very good, I trouble you to go to the inn where Lord Zhao is staying again and invite him over. The confidential documents in the Yamen are really inconvenient to send over for him to see…"

As he spoke, Governor Ning paused and changed his words:

"Like this, I will go over there myself later."

In terms of official rank, he, a second-rank official, was higher than Zhao Shaobao's "third-rank official."

Moreover, he was an official with real power, not an honorary title like Shaobao.

But first, Zhao Du'an saved his wife and daughter, and secondly, he was an envoy working for His Majesty after all, and Governor Ning felt that he had to be polite.

Wen Shiye shook his head and said:

"No need, I have already gone to invite him. Envoy Zhao is not here, saying that he has gone out of the city."

"Out of the city?" Ning Governor was stunned, and a bad premonition arose in his heart: "Where did he go?"

"He said he went to the Shen family to offer condolences to the Second Master Shen." Wen Liang replied in a particularly gentle tone.

!!!

Ning Governor suddenly remembered something and asked in a trembling voice: "By the way, did the Shen family go to see Envoy Zhao last night…"

"The Shen family did not go to see Envoy Zhao."

"That's terrible!" The meat bun in Ning Governor's hand fell. His face changed drastically, and he immediately changed his clothes:

"Prepare the horse!"

Although reason told him that Zhao Du'an would not do anything drastic.

But for some reason, he suddenly panicked a little.

… …

… …

Zhao Du'an and the Bodhisattva got out of the car and led the guards, such as Hai Gonggong, Lang Shiba, and Ji Yue, towards the inside.

The people from Pear Blossom Hall and Martial Arts Hall cleared the way in front. The Shen family's guards who came to resist could not hold out for even a single exchange and were knocked to the ground one after another.

In the antique garden, there were green ancient willows everywhere, and the pond was full of lotus leaves. At the end of the cobblestone path paved with bluestone and cobblestones were pavilions with upturned eaves and corners, and large houses with hollow doors and windows. Rockeries and flower ponds together formed a graceful southern garden.

Zhao Douan walked forward for a while, when he suddenly noticed that his subordinates clearing the way ahead had stopped.

Puzzled, he moved forward, and the crowd dispersed, only to reveal a figure blocking their path. Several guards in brocade uniforms, clutching their chests, retreated in disarray, saying:

“Sir, he’s an expert!”

Zhao Douan raised his eyes and saw a man, about thirty years old, wearing a sky-blue martial artist’s training suit, with a white ribbon wrapped around his head.

He had a tall and straight figure, and handsome features. The dark stubble on his face added a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise slightly delicate and feminine appearance.

He stood there, holding a glaive that was taller than a man in his right hand!

The golden handle of the glaive rested on the ground, and the heavy blade drew a sharp arc.

“The strongest martial artist of the Shen family’s generation, a Worldly Realm martial artist, Shen Wuji.”

Seeing the other party’s posture with the glaive, corresponding information surfaced in Zhao Douan’s mind.

The Jianning Shen family had a foundation of hundreds of years. In addition to a large number of clansmen serving in various official positions in the court every generation, their ability to stand tall naturally also stemmed from a profound cultivation foundation.

Shen Wuji was the strongman nurtured by the family in this generation. He was arrogant and uninhibited in character, but he also had the confidence to be arrogant. He showed extraordinary talent at a young age, and the Shen family spent a lot of money to invite experts from all walks of life to teach him. They invited at least five experts from Qingshan alone.

As a martial artist nurtured by the family, Shen Wuji stubbornly preferred heavy weapons such as the glaive, which were more suitable for military generals.

Whenever he fought with others, he rarely held back, and he had cleaved and killed countless cultivators.

He was one of the martial arts powerhouses in the martial world, distinct from the Qingshan lineage.

“Envoy Zhao relies on force to break into my Shen family’s gate and even commits murder. What are your intentions?” Shen Wuji glared and questioned coldly.

Zhao Douan said lightly: “You are not worthy to speak to me. Go back and call someone who can make decisions.”

A fire of anger flashed in Shen Wuji’s eyes, and he sneered:

“I heard that you defeated Xiao Ran of Qingshan in the palace. However, you can’t block my blade.”

Wait, the news spread so fast? Has this official already become famous in the martial world? Zhao Douan was greatly surprised.

And a little happy…

As for Shen Wuji’s words, he did not refute them. Nonsense, the other party was a major realm higher than him. Unless he cheated, how could he block it?

But… I’m not stupid. I brought so many experts with me, who would duel you one-on-one… Zhao Douan pointed to his left and right with a smile:

“This is Imperial Palace’s Hai, you must have heard of him. This is Prajna Bodhisattva from the Shenlong Temple, you must have also heard of her. So, are you sure you want to stand in my way like a mantis trying to stop a chariot?”

Prajna Bodhisattva glanced at him and said quietly:

“This humble monk is an outsider and does not participate in court affairs.”

After a pause, she added: “However, if Envoy Zhao agrees to a request from this poor nun, I can reluctantly take action.”

“…” Zhao Douan took a deep breath, pointed to Lang Shishi and Ji Yue, and said again:

“Are you sure you want to stand in my way like a mantis trying to stop a chariot?”

Prajna: “…”

Lang Shishi and Ji Yue, who were absentmindedly walking behind, raised their heads blankly, not expecting that they would be needed.

Shen Wuji frowned, not recognizing the two experts who were suppressed in the back lake of the capital and were unknown. Flames jumped in his eyes, and he stared intently at Eunuch Hai, solemnly saying:

“This junior has heard of the name of Hai Chunlin of the Great Inner since childhood, and I have also wanted to ask Eunuch Hai for guidance countless times. I didn’t expect to get my wish today, and I hope Eunuch Hai will give me some pointers.”

The old eunuch in a python robe with a head full of silver hair looked drowsy, raised his eyelids, and said mockingly:

“It seems that this old one has disappeared for too long and is too old. Even a junior dares to challenge me.”

Those who go up the mountain laugh at the gods who go down the mountain…

Zhao Douan suddenly thought of this sentence. In the last century, Hai, at the peak of his power, fought to the death with the previous generation of Qingcheng City Lord, and was forcibly knocked down from the Pseudo-Celestial Realm. Now, due to the decline of his Qi and blood, he has fallen to a level similar to Duan Shui Liu.

And now, even a Shen Wuji dares to claim to challenge him.

“Bold!”

Suddenly, Tang Jinzhong, who was taciturn, took a stride and walked out of the crowd.

This silent and rock-solid guardian took a step, and wisps of Qi rose around him, and a two-meter-tall, heavily armored F屠 General phantom slowly condensed behind him.

Shen Wuji’s pupils shrank, not expecting that this was also a worldly powerhouse. Almost reflexively, he twisted his wrist, and the bluestone bricks under his feet shattered, cracking like a spider web.

Strands of illusory flames swirled around the tip of the glaive.

“Wait!”

Just as the two sides were about to fight, a crisp voice broke the standoff atmosphere.

Zhao Douan curiously saw a maid, whose walking posture was no different from that of a court etiquette attendant, walking out from the depths of the garden, with a calm expression, saying: “The Old Madam said, please invite Lord Zhao into the courtyard.”

Shen Wuji extinguished the flames somewhat unwillingly.

Tang Jinzhong turned his head to look at Zhao Douan.

“Heh, put it away, since people have said so, this official must also respect the elderly, right?” Zhao Douan waved his hand with a smile.

Tang Jinzhong retreated back to the team.

Zhao Douan glanced at the close maid of the Shen family’s Old Madam, named “Hong Gu Niang” in the information, and smiled:

“Lead the way.”

Hong Gu Niang made a “please” gesture, turned around, and led the way gracefully.

…

Deep into the garden, after walking for several minutes, Hong Gu Niang led the group to the courtyard where the mourning hall was located.

This courtyard was extremely spacious, but it was decorated with a desolate and bleak atmosphere. Facing north in the center, there was a mourning hall.

White silk hung down, and the pillars had elegiac couplets with white characters on a black background. In the center of the hall, there was a coffin made of top-quality black material.

Candles were burning on the offering table inside.

In front of the mourning hall, the Shen family members, large and small, crowded together, both men and women, without children, all wearing white silk.

The heads of each branch had all returned for the funeral, showing the Second Master Shen’s position in the Old Madam’s heart.

As Zhao Douan and his party stepped into the courtyard, they saw this group of Shen family members waiting quietly, looking at him.

In the very center of the crowd stood two people, one was a burly, dignified, and refined man in his fifties.

It was the head of the Shen family, the father of the deceased “Second Master Shen.”

And beside this nominal head of the family, the true core of the family was an old woman who was much shorter, only reaching the head of the family’s shoulder.

The old woman’s face was covered with ravines, without kindness, only coldness.

Her head full of silver hair was coiled up, without wearing precious jewelry, only fixed with plain wooden hairpins.

She was wearing a pure black mourning dress of excellent quality, and her right hand was holding a dragon-headed crutch!

The smooth surface of the crutch was coiled with a dragon body, and the top was a soaring dragon head, majestic and awe-inspiring!

According to the etiquette system of Yu Country, non-royal people could not use dragon shapes, except for “Imperial Sealed Weapons”!

Throughout the dynasties, emperors would bestow “Imperial Sealed Weapons” to ministers with outstanding achievements, nominally having the power to “strike昏君above and treacherous officials below.”

The Shen family’s Old Madam had been granted one and could hold a dragon-headed crutch.

“Crown Prince’s Grand Guardian, White Horse Supervisor Envoy, Lord Zhao has arrived!”

Qian Kerou felt that the momentum could not be lost, deliberately cleared her throat, and acted as a human flesh loudspeaker.

With this shout, the Shen family’s Old Madam’s eyes also deepened:

“So it is Lord Zhao who has come in person, I wonder what brings you here?”

Kerou, you really make me proud… Whoever says you don’t understand human relationships, I’ll be upset with them… Zhao Douan looked at his little secretary appreciatively, earning a sweet smile from the latter.

Zhao Douan smiled brightly:

“Old Madam Shen, this official heard that the Second Young Master unfortunately passed away, and I was greatly saddened, so I took the liberty of visiting to offer my condolences. Someone, bring up the humble gift that this official has prepared!”

Little Secretary Qian Kerou obediently picked up the cheapest paper flower basket that Zhao Douan had casually bought on the road for a mere few dozen copper coins.

Under the murderous gazes of the Shen family members, she held it in both hands and presented it to the Old Madam.

This was undoubtedly an insult.

However, the Old Madam with a head full of silver hair just nodded.

The nominal head of the family next to her then accepted the cheap and almost insulting flower basket and placed it on the side of the mourning hall.

The Old Madam, leaning on her dragon-headed crutch, stared at Zhao Douan with her gray eyes:

“Lord Zhao is kind, this old one will accept this gift on behalf of my grandson.”

Zhao Douan smiled kindly and leaned forward slightly, saying:

“Old Madam hasn’t asked yet, what kind of gift did I send.”

What gift? Naturally, a condolence gift… In the mourning hall, dozens of members of the Shen family frowned.

Not knowing what he meant, the Old Madam also narrowed her eyes: “Oh? What kind of gift did Lord Zhao send?”

Zhao Douan smiled brightly and gently uttered two words:

“A congratulatory gift.”

The Shen family members all changed color at once.

…

I will correct the typos later.