The First Lackey Under The Empress

The wind rustled the white paper lanterns hanging in the mourning hall.

At that moment, the light in the courtyard dimmed, as if in accompaniment to the words "Congratulations Gift."

A congratulatory gift is naturally meant to celebrate and congratulate, but to give it to a family holding a funeral, wouldn't that be like saying, "Good riddance"?

"Zhao Du'an! You are going too far!" From the crowd, a member of the Shen family's third branch suddenly roared in anger, pointing at him, trembling with rage.

"You ungrateful whelp, how dare you..." An elder of the clan with a trembling beard spoke.

"You are not welcome here!" Someone echoed loudly.

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The Shen family, as the head of the prominent clans, although local emperors, still harbored some fear and awe for the rising star Zhao Shaobao.

But Zhao Du'an pointing at them and cursing immediately infuriated this group of clansmen with a strong sense of honor.

The old matriarch, with a stern and harsh face and gray eyes, also darkened her expression, forcefully striking the ground with her dragon-headed cane, making a "thud" sound, silencing the shouting clansmen.

Immediately, they heard this old woman, almost like an "Empress Dowager," say in a deep voice:

"Zhao Shaobao, has my Shen family offended you in any way?"

Zhao Du'an said calmly:

"Old Matriarch, why ask what you already know? Yesterday, this official had the Governor-General send a letter, inviting the Shen family to meet, but this official waited all night and didn't see a single person. Today, I personally came to the door, and was even hindered by a servant. Tell me, wouldn't you say that's an offense?"

The Old Matriarch's expression remained unchanged. She turned her head to her eldest son and said, "Is there such a thing?"

The nominal clan leader also feigned confusion, summoned a servant to inquire in a low voice for a moment, and then walked back, saying:

"Reporting to Mother, the gatekeeper did receive a letter yesterday, but because it was late, it was not presented. As for the steward's obstruction, he was only acting according to the rules."

"Haha, what fine rules," Little Secretary Qian Kerou chimed in again:

"What is the status of my lord? He can enter the imperial palace to meet the Emperor with just a notification. Your Shen family's gate is even higher than the imperial palace."

Eh, Little Rou, you're firing on all cylinders today. Lay on the big accusations... Zhao Du'an nodded in appreciation.

Hearing these words, the Shen Old Matriarch also frowned and said in a cold voice:

"Where is the steward?"

"Dead," Zhao Wuji, holding the偃月刀 (偃月刀 yǎnyuèdāo, a type of Chinese pole weapon) and standing at the edge of the crowd, said.

Zhao Du'an said with a smile:

"My subordinates were a bit rough in handling things and accidentally caused a death. I believe the Old Matriarch won't mind."

"... The servants were ignorant and acted presumptuously. Zhao Shaobao cleaned up the house for this old woman, so naturally, I don't blame you." The Old Matriarch showed no anger, and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner:

"Then, where is the gatekeeper who received the letter but did not present it? Bring him here."

"Yes!"

Not long after, a servant was brought over, knelt on the ground with a thud, and begged for mercy loudly.

The Old Matriarch didn't even look at him and said, "For being negligent in your duties, break both his legs and throw him out to serve as a warning."

"Yes!"

A family guard raised a stick and smashed it down.

"Wait a moment..."

Zhao Du'an raised his hand, wanting to stop him, but heard a "crack" sound, and the servant's legs were completely broken. He screamed miserably and fainted on the spot.

He was quickly carried away, as if they had practiced it before.

Perhaps similar things had happened countless times in large families, and everyone was used to it.

The Old Matriarch suddenly smiled and said:

"This old woman is punishing a family slave. I presume Zhao Shaobao won't mind. Is this disposition satisfactory?"

Zhao Du'an narrowed his eyes, and the gaze he cast on this frail, elderly old woman with a head full of silver hair became much more solemn.

After a moment, he laughed heartily:

"Since the Old Matriarch has expressed herself in this way, it would be my fault if I were to pursue this matter further."

The Old Matriarch's expression was as calm as an ancient well. Suddenly, she said:

"Now that this matter has been put aside, this old woman has another matter to ask Shaobao for help."

"Oh? Ask me for help?" Zhao Du'an revealed a strange expression: "I'm all ears."

The Old Matriarch's eyes were sad, and she pointed the dragon-headed cane at the dark coffin in the mourning hall:

"This grandson of mine, after going to the capital last year to play, fell ill and never recovered after returning home. After being diagnosed by famous doctors, it was found that my grandson had been attacked by a martial arts master, who used cold poison to sever his life bridge. Counting the days, it must have been during the attack in the capital.

Unfortunately, my Shen family is rooted in Jianning Prefecture and doesn't know much about the capital, so I would like to ask Envoy Zhao to help investigate what kind of vicious person harmed my grandson's life?"

Zhao Du'an was "greatly surprised":

"There was actually such a thing? Alas, as an official of the Imperial Secret Service, I should have protected the people of the capital. It was my dereliction of duty. Could it have been done by rebellious elements?"

Then, without waiting for the Shen family to react, he suddenly patted his head, as if remembering something, and turned to look at the offering Song Jinxi behind him:

"Speaking of which, what is this cold poison?"

Song Jinxi understood and explained with a smile:

"My Lord, you don't know, but this cold poison is not something that ordinary martial artists can master. It requires specialized cultivation of a certain type of Yin-Cold palm technique.

Furthermore, severing a person's life bridge doesn't cause immediate death, but rather causes them to fall ill after traveling across several prefectures and returning home. Being able to control the timing of the onset of the disease so precisely, without missing a beat, must be someone who is proficient in assassination and at least at the Divine Chapter level to be able to do so."

Zhao Du'an asked curiously: "Then who in the capital can do this?"

Song Jinxi said seriously:

"Although the capital is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, the only person that this subordinate can think of who has the ability to do this is one person."

"Who?"

"It is precisely this subordinate." The young eunuch smiled and pointed at himself.

Zhao Du'an "ah-ed" and looked at the Old Matriarch with some helplessness:

"Unfortunately, I can't help either. It seems that the assassin is indeed deeply hidden."

Everyone present was not a fool.

The two men's duet performance almost plastered the answer "the person who killed your grandson is right in front of you" on the Shen family's faces.

The Old Matriarch's hand holding the dragon-headed cane turned white from the force. Her qi and blood surged, and her body swayed slightly. The eldest maid, Hong Gu, quickly supported her:

"Old Madam... calm down."

All the Shen family members also flushed red, staring at Zhao Du'an and Song Jinxi with eyes that could devour people.

Insult!

Mockery!

Provocation!

The Shen family has stood tall in Jianning for nearly three hundred years, its glory undiminished. What kind of nobility is that? Saying "as long-lived as the nation" is an exaggeration, but it is an existence that is extremely concerned with face and has a respected position.

How many years has it been since anyone dared to output so frantically close to their faces?

If Zhao Du'an wasn't surrounded by experts and his identity wasn't so sensitive, they would have already attacked.

"I'm fine... I'm fine..."

The Old Matriarch's eyes turned black with anger. She took two breaths and finally stood firm again, looking at Song Jinxi with an icy gaze, and then looked back at a certain Zhao who looked concerned:

"Since it's difficult to find, then... I won't trouble Shaobao to worry about it. Today... this old woman is not feeling well, and the hospitality is lacking. Shaobao has seen what he wanted to see, and the gift has been delivered, so it's time to..."

She was still trying to maintain the situation.

Zhao Du'an said seriously: "Is that so? Then I've disturbed you. In that case, I'll leave after I finish my business."

Business? What other business do you have?

Zhao Du'an sighed and said with grief and indignation:

"Yesterday, when this official entered the city, he ran into Cao Gang's He Xiaolou..."

He briefly explained the kidnapping of the Governor-General's family, and then changed the subject:

"That He Xiaolou confessed that the mastermind behind his kidnapping was the head of the Shen family!"

He raised his hand and pointed at the middle-aged man in mourning clothes, looking astonished.

He said in a deep voice: "Therefore, this official has come here today to invite the head of the Shen family to come to the yamen with this official to investigate thoroughly!

Alas, I took into account the Shen family's reputation and didn't want to come to your door to arrest people like this, but you gave you an opportunity last night, but the Shen family did not seize it...

Kidnapping and threatening a second-rank official of the imperial court is a crime punishable by confiscation of property and execution. As an envoy appointed by the Emperor, how can this official condone it? Someone, take the head of the Shen family for a trip!"

The people from Lihuatang and the Martial Arts Hall were eager to try, ready to arrest people.

This turn of events caught the Shen family off guard and gave rise to a strong sense of absurdity.

"Wait!"

The Old Matriarch stepped forward excitedly, blocking her eldest son, and said in disbelief:

"Zhao Shaobao! Don't go too far! What does the Ning Governor-General's family have to do with my Shen family? What is the status of my Shen family that we would associate with a mere Cao Gang ruffian?"

At this moment, she even suspected that Zhao Du'an was directing and acting himself, looking for an excuse to frame them.

But she also felt that something was wrong...

Zhao Du'an said coldly: "Whether there is a relationship or not will be known after interrogation. Old Matriarch, are you going to openly resist the law?"

After a pause, he stepped forward, walked to the old woman, smiled, bowed, and placed one end of the dragon-headed cane against his forehead with two fingers.

At close range, he smiled and met the Old Matriarch's gray and cloudy eyes, and chuckled:

"Or, you old lady can try to use this cane bestowed by the late Emperor to beat this treacherous official? Maybe you can stop me."

The Old Matriarch gripped the cane with both hands and said in a trembling voice:

"You really think this old woman wouldn't dare hit you?"

Zhao Du'an's smile grew even wider: "I'll take it, go ahead."

The Old Madam trembled with anger, but the cane in her hand felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Just then, a voice suddenly came from the direction of the gate: "The Heir Apparent of Jing Wang has arrived!"

The shout broke the tense atmosphere.

Xu Jinglong is here?

Zhao Du'an was stunned for a moment, turned around and looked back, and saw a young man wearing luxurious clothes, with a falcon perched on his shoulder, followed by a large number of servants, his appearance resembling Jing Wang by six or seven parts, walking arrogantly.

An old acquaintance.

Ignoring ethics, coveting Zhen Bao's body, the "defeated dog", the Heir Apparent of Jing Wang!

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

The Shen family were the first to react and spoke up one after another.

Xu Jinglong strode over, full of vigor, with a smile on his face:

"No need for formalities, this Heir Apparent has come today specifically to pay respects to Brother Shen, and also to visit the Old Madam on behalf of my father… but it seems I've come at an inopportune time, ha, isn't this Lord Zhao, when did you come to Jianning Prefecture? This Heir Apparent was not aware."

Tsk… if you didn't know, I'd eat the coffin in the mourning hall… Zhao Du'an slandered in his heart, and mocked:

"Since our farewell at the lakeside pavilion, I've been missing the Heir Apparent very much. However, coming to pay respects empty-handed? This official even bought a congratulatory gift."

Xu Jinglong's smile froze.

Of course, he didn't arrive by chance, but had been staring at Zhao Du'an since yesterday.

As a result, early in the morning, he learned that Zhao Du'an had left the city, and hurriedly brought people to chase after him, how could he have had time to buy anything?

However, Xu Jinglong reacted quickly, flicked his sleeves and said unhappily:

"This Heir Apparent and Brother Shen were good friends in life, with deep feelings for each other, wouldn't giving gifts tarnish this friendship? Wait, a congratulatory gift from you?"

He was a little stunned.

"Yes, otherwise?" Zhao Du'an said with confidence.

Xu Jinglong: "Isn't it…"

"Your Highness has come at the right time," the Old Madam coughed a few times, interrupting the two of them. The old woman looked sad and immediately recounted Zhao Du'an's arrest.

Xu Jinglong feigned "great shock" and said unhappily:

"Lord Zhao, what you've done is wrong, how many nobles has the Shen family produced throughout the generations? What a prominent family? How can they be slandered and defamed by a mere Cao Gang hooligan with a few words? Even if you want to investigate, you should have solid evidence before arresting people, how can you arrest people based solely on testimony?"

Zhao Du'an looked at this defeated dog for a moment, then suddenly walked a little closer:

"What does the Heir Apparent mean?"

Xu Jinglong was not afraid: "Please, Lord Zhao, go back, this Heir Apparent is here and will not let you arrest people."

A strange smile appeared on the corner of Zhao Du'an's mouth:

"If I insist on arresting them? Can you stop me? Just relying on you, this defeated general? Or are you saying that the Broken Water Style is hidden all around?"

Xu Jinglong's expression changed slightly: "This is Jiancheng Road, not the capital."

"Last time, you said something similar, doesn't the Heir Apparent remember?" Zhao Du'an moved a little closer again.

Xu Jinglong subconsciously took a step back, then realized he had shown weakness, felt annoyed, and simply stepped forward to block the Shen family, sneering:

"Lord Zhao has great official authority, fine, if you want to arrest people, you might as well arrest this Heir Apparent as well."

Zhao Du'an's eyes flickered, and just as he was about to speak, suddenly a voice came from outside the door:

"The Cao Yun Governor-General has arrived!"

Ning Zechen, who was hurriedly putting on his official robes and arrived on horseback with a few close attendants, entered the door, panting.

Seeing the scene of the three parties confronting each other in the mourning hall, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

"Governor-General Ning? Why do you have time to come over?" Zhao Du'an smiled.

Why did I come, don't you have any idea… Ning Zechen didn't want to speak.

He was alone in Jianning Prefecture like a nail, nailed here. The reason why he could stand tall and continue to promote the new policies was all thanks to his courage and flexible response.

As a "pragmatic and capable minister," Governor-General Ning did not have the so-called integrity of the Confucian scholars in the court, nor did he mind "compromising" at the appropriate time in order to achieve his goals, making appropriate concessions.

Only those useless purists who stand idly by and talk emptily would naively think that as long as the force is strong enough, or there is righteousness, the local problems can be solved.

And only pragmatists understand the correct way to deal with complex situations.

"Governor-General Ning has come at the right time," Xu Jinglong's mouth curled up:

"Lord Zhao said that your wife and daughter were kidnapped by He Xiaolou of the Cao Gang, and also said that the Shen family was the mastermind, is this true?"

Ning Zechen was silent for a moment, and said:

"It has not yet been verified, the Shen family may have suspicious points."

The Old Madam squinted her eyes and said:

"So, the Governor-General is also here to arrest my son and interrogate him in prison?"

Ning Zechen shook his head and said: "It has not yet been verified, so we should be cautious, how can we arrest people indiscriminately."

After speaking, he turned to Zhao Du'an and cupped his hands, apologizing:

"When Envoy Zhao first arrived in Jianning Prefecture yesterday, he learned that my wife and daughter were suffering, and was righteous for a time, holding a fair heart, wanting to inquire with the Shen family, it was all out of public interest, but there may be some misunderstandings… after all, this is the Second Young Master's mourning hall, I hope Envoy Zhao will give Ning a face…"

Qian Kerou was unhappy: "You don't know what's good for you, my lord…"

"Xiao Rou."

Zhao Du'an interrupted her, smiled, and looked around at the Shen family and the Jing Wang Mansion, saying:

"Since the Governor-General is pleading, let's just leave it at that for today, but… involving an important case, Governor-General Ning knows the big picture, takes care of the overall situation, or may not want to investigate further. But this official will investigate, during this period, I hope the Shen family will not leave Jianning Prefecture, for summons at any time."

After a pause, he suddenly walked to Xu Jinglong, the two were very close, seemingly dusting off the dust on his shoulder, his lips close to the Heir Apparent's ear, and whispered:

"I know, the one who instructed He Xiaolou was the Jing Wang Mansion, right?"

Xu Jinglong's eyelids twitched, but he remained calm:

"Lord Zhao's imagination is as amazing as ever."

Zhao Du'an laughed and waved his hand: "Let's go!"

Immediately, he led a group of subordinates away in a mighty manner.

The Old Madam closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said calmly:

"You all go and tidy up the house."

"Yes."

The Shen family responded and left, not a single one remained.

Seeing this, Xu Jinglong dismissed his subordinates: "You also go and send Zhao Du'an off."

When only the Old Madam and Xu Jinglong's party were left outside the mourning hall.

The old woman with a head of silver hair stared at the Heir Apparent with gray eyes and said:

"The Jing Wang Mansion did it, right."

Xu Jinglong was surprised: "Why does the Old Madam say that?"

The old woman snorted coldly and said gloomily:

"In the entire Jianning Prefecture, the only ones who can order He Xiaolou to do such a thing, apart from my Shen family, are only the Jing Wang."

Xu Jinglong smiled:

"Let the Old Madam think what she wants, this matter has nothing to do with the Wang Mansion. But… in fact, it doesn't matter who did it at all, does it?

Even without this incident, Zhao Du'an would still find other excuses to make a fuss. You should also see that this person didn't intend to get along well with us this time, it's either him dying or us perishing."

The Old Madam said: "What does the Wang want to say?"

Xu Jinglong said seriously:

"My father means that if the Shen family is unable to deal with the Zhao thief, my Jing Wang Mansion can provide a helping hand."

The Old Madam pondered for a moment, turned around and walked into the mourning hall: "Thank the Wang on behalf of this old woman, my Shen family can solve this matter by ourselves."

The Jing Wang Mansion's help, how can it be taken for free?

Xu Jinglong was not in a hurry, and smiled:

"Alright, but the Wang Mansion's door is always open for the Shen family, send a letter whenever you need help."

After a pause, he added: "That Zhao Du'an is not easy to deal with."

The Old Madam closed her eyes, facing the coffin and incense candles, clasped her hands together, and said calmly: "No need for the Heir Apparent to worry."

Hmph… this old thing won't shed tears until she sees the coffin… Xu Jinglong shook his head and turned to leave.

Only the white lanterns in the mourning hall were left swaying.

… …

… …

Zhao Du'an and his party left the Shen family's residence and returned to the city.

Inside the carriage, the Bodhisattva was squeezed out, Governor-General Ning sat in the carriage, looking at Zhao Du'an who was resting his cheek in his hand and absent-minded, hesitating to speak: "Envoy…"

"Governor-General Ning doesn't need to say more, I understand, you also have good intentions." Zhao Du'an waved his hand, not caring.

"… What is the Envoy thinking about?" Ning Zechen asked.

Zhao Du'an said quietly:

"I'm thinking, when will the Shen family send someone to kill me, how will they kill me."

Ning Zechen was stunned: "No way, the Envoy is a favorite in front of His Majesty, how dare they…"

Zhao Du'an shook his head, looking at the Governor with a smile in his eyes:

"Do you want to make a bet?"

… …

Misspelled words will be corrected later.