The First Lackey Under The Empress

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Whoosh—

On this day, outside the south gate of the capital, a ship returning along the canal finally docked.

Before the ship had fully stopped, the deck was densely packed with figures, led by Mo Chou and Sun Lianying, the 'palace people'.

Mo Chou had lost a lot of weight in the days since they last met. Beside her, the old Supervisor Sun Lianying could not hide his exhaustion—for him, a mortal, this escape was undoubtedly extremely arduous.

On either side of the two empress's trusted aides stood familiar faces to Zhao Du'an:

Eunuch Hai in a bright red python robe.

The Minister of Rites, nominally the highest official in the team, but in reality, acting as a mascot.

Ning Zechen, the Governor-General of the Grand Canal.

Tang Jinzhong, Song Jinxi, and other eunuch worshipers from the Martial Arts Hall.

And the elite of Zhao Du'an's direct line, the Pear Blossom Hall, with Lang Shiba and Ji Yue mixed among them.

"We've finally arrived in the capital," Mo Chou stood at the bow, facing the summer breeze, her expression solemn and serious as she swept her gaze over the crowd:

"If there are no unexpected events, the capital is probably in turmoil at this moment, with everyone from the court to the common people feeling insecure.

We are the fengchan team, and although we failed to welcome back the Holy Presence, our every move will inevitably be watched by countless people.

I hope that you will all remain calm no matter what changes you encounter later. Only in this way can we help His Majesty guard this court in a turbulent situation."

The Minister of Rites was a little agitated, eager to disembark:

"Miss Mo, you've said this eight hundred times. We're not three-year-olds, of course we understand. Let's hurry into the city."

It had been too long since they left the capital. Although they had corresponded through secret agents, the last communication was half a month ago. No one knew the current situation in the city.

Therefore, at this moment, not only did everyone not feel relaxed about returning to the capital, but they were also tense, as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Daddy, is this the capital?"

Behind Ning Zechen, a round-faced girl with a simple and honest voice rolled her big eyes, nervously and excitedly holding Mrs. Ning's hand.

It was none other than the wife and daughter of Governor Ning, whom Zhao Du'an had rescued on the river when he went to Jianning Prefecture.

During the fengchan ceremony at Mount Luo, Ning Zechen arranged for his wife and daughter to watch the ceremony nearby, and then they simply followed the fengchan team all the way north.

"Hush, the capital is not like the outside. The water in the court is very deep. Do not speak too much after entering the city, and do not get lost." Governor Ning, whose skin was much darker and rougher, held the sword at his waist and solemnly warned.

Turning his head to look at the majestic city, his brows were furrowed with heavy sorrow. He did not know whether it was right or wrong for him and the others to enter the city this time.

At this moment, the yamen clerks on the pier had already noticed this special team and rushed to greet them.

Mo Chou directly threw out the token and ordered them to prepare carriages.

When the pier clerk picked up the token, he broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly went to give the order.

"Do you want to ask these people about the situation in the city?"

Qian Kerou, the little secretary of the Pear Blossom Hall team, was about to act, but Shen Juan grabbed her:

"The big shots on the ship haven't spoken, what can we little soldiers do? Besides, what can these clerks outside the city know?"

Qian Kerou said "Oh", stopped her movements, and whispered:

"I was just thinking, maybe the lord has already returned. I wonder how he is now and whether he is safe."

Hou Ren hugged his arms, stepped and followed the team out, patted her shoulder:

"With the lord's talent, he will definitely be safe and sound."

… …

With heavy hearts, the whole team marched into the capital in a mighty manner.

They headed along the main road towards the imperial palace in the north of the city—this was the destination they had discussed before disembarking. First, they would enter the palace, then contact the Xiuwen Pavilion and establish contact with Grand Tutor Dong and other important officials.

In order to prevent the situation in the city from getting out of control, Eunuch Hai deliberately concealed his whereabouts this time and did not report to the court in advance.

Going straight into the imperial palace was also to catch those with ulterior motives off guard and seize the initiative.

However, along the way, everyone was surprised to find that the atmosphere in the city was much better than expected.

Although it was indeed not as lively and prosperous as before, the overall order was still maintained. When passing by teahouses and taverns, there were no scholars gathering to discuss state affairs.

"The city is more stable than we expected. It seems that Grand Tutor Dong still has control over the court." Mo Chou's eyes flickered.

Beside her, the old Supervisor Sun Lianying, with white temples and exhaustion on his face, silently looked at the people coming and going on both sides of the street, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper: "Something's not right."

"What's not right?" Mo Chou turned her head to look at the old eunuch.

Sun Lianying muttered: "It's too peaceful and stable. This is the biggest problem."

The Minister of Rites walked beside them, heard their conversation, and added:

"It's meaningless to make wild guesses. The most urgent task is to enter the palace first."

Mo Chou nodded, and the fengchan team accelerated towards the imperial palace. Not long after, a mighty group of people arrived outside the imperial city gate.

At this moment, three figures also walked out of the imperial city.

The one in the lead had a cold and gloomy face, no beard, large knuckles, and an aura that kept strangers away. He was wearing the official robe of a third-rank Embroidered Uniform Guard commander.

It was Ma Yan.

Behind him, on the left and right, followed Zhang Han and Haitang, two members of the Jisi.

As soon as the two teams met, both sides were stunned.

Haitang, who was overworked for days, had heavy dark circles under her eyes, and was yawning, suddenly stopped and subconsciously rubbed her eyes.

After confirming that she had not seen wrongly, she looked at the bright red python robe in the returning team, and a look of joy bloomed on her face: "Grand…"

Before she could say "Grandpa", she was interrupted by Ma Yan in time:

"Mo Zhaorong? Supervisor Sun? When did you return?!"

"Director Ma?!" Everyone, who had been tense all the way, felt a sudden relief in their hearts when they saw a familiar face.

The Minister of Rites almost cried, only feeling that the Yan King Ma, whom he used to hate, seemed warm and kind today.

The empress's special agent chief was still there, indicating that the capital had not been in chaos.

"Director!"

"Greetings, Director!"

The Embroidered Uniform Guards of Pear Blossom Hall were overjoyed, as if they had found their organization, and saluted one after another.

Eunuch Hai, with his hands behind his back and a calm demeanor, glanced at Ma Yan and nodded slightly as a greeting, and the many worshipers behind him tacitly cupped their fists.

"We haven't been back for long," Mo Chou squeezed out a smile on her face and pointed to the people behind her:

"Most of these people were guarding Mount Luo during the fengchan ceremony. After the rebellion of the Eight Kings, we fought and fled all the way. Unfortunately, many were either lost or died in battle on the way. Fortunately, there are still these left. We hurried north and returned, just to stabilize the court for Your Majesty and prevent the situation from deteriorating."

After a pause, she added:

"However, after observing all the way since entering the city, and meeting you here, I know that the court is still stable. I think it was Grand Tutor who took the trouble to maintain it. I wonder if Grand Tutor is in the palace now?"

Ma Yan met a pair of eyes eager for answers, listening to Mo Chou's words full of loopholes, his brain stalled for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

Seeing his hesitant attitude, everyone's hearts sank!

The smile that Mo Chou had forced on her face froze, and her hands in her sleeves subconsciously clenched:

"What? Could it be that there has been a change in the court?"

Ma Yan pondered for a moment and nodded honestly:

"Indeed, a major change has occurred. Li Yanfu instigated many officials of the Li faction and the commander of the imperial guards to launch a palace coup in an attempt to control the court."

What?!

Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, everyone's faces changed drastically.

Before Mo Chou could ask further, Ma Yan continued:

"However, Li Yanfu's coup failed. Now, those who participated in the rebellion are either dead or imprisoned. I just entered the palace to report on the interrogation of the rebellious officials of the Li faction."

You motherf***er…

The officials of the fengchan team felt that their hearts, which had sunk to the bottom of the valley, floated up again, as if they had been dragged back from an ice cave to the height of summer. Their cold limbs regained warmth, and they cursed in their hearts.

"There is such a thing? This official saw that Li Yanfu had long harbored rebellious intentions, and I was right!"

The Minister of Rites jumped and cursed, cupping his fists to the sky, tears welling up in his eyes:

"Fortunately, God blesses my Yu country, God blesses Your Majesty, and did not allow this traitor to succeed!"

Ma Yan shook his head and seriously corrected:

"It is not God who blesses Your Majesty, nor is it God who blesses Yu country. It is Your Majesty who protects Yu country."

Behind him, Haitang saw that everyone looked confused and explained:

“Before the Li Party coup, His Majesty and Zhao Shaobao had already returned to the capital. Moreover, their cultivation had both reached new heights. His Majesty, with a sword in hand, swept through the enemy ranks, eradicated the rebellious traitors, and has now ascended the throne once more, holding court in the palace for many days. That's why the city is so stable.

A few days ago, Zhao Shaobao even led troops out of the city to quell the Qingzhou rebellion.

Oh, right, before he left the city, His Majesty also sent people to Zhao's residence to propose marriage. Now, this Lord Shaobao is definitely going to be the Emperor's consort. Huh, didn't you guys inquire about this before you came back?”

What? His Majesty returned long ago?

And even improved, single-handedly suppressing the coup?

Zhao Du'an also returned and is now leading troops to fight again?

Mo Chou, Sun Lianying, Ning Zechen, the Minister of Rites, Eunuch Hai, and the others stood dumbfounded, frozen at the city gate, struggling to digest the massive amount of information in these words.

“The Lord has returned…” Qian Kerou murmured softly, her expression shifting from shock to excitement and admiration:

“I knew he could do it.”

Escorting the Emperor from a thousand miles away, returning to the capital to quell the rebellion… Hou Renmeng, Shen Juan, and the other Pear Blossom Hall Embroidered Uniform Guards were filled with excitement and lost in thought:

Their Lord had actually accomplished such an amazing feat?

Propose marriage… propose marriage… Mo Chou stood there blankly, the word echoing in her mind again and again, her lips pale.

This imperial city is too unsteady.

… …

… …

Outside the Imperial Study.

In the small garden, green trees shaded the area, and flower branches were scattered in a colorful array. Sunlight sprinkled on the green tiles and on the red lacquered wooden pillars, as female officials hurried along the path.

“Your Majesty, Consort Mo has arrived.”

Inside the study, Xu Zhenguan, who was bowing her head and using a vermilion brush to review memorials, raised her head upon hearing the report outside the door. Her slender, jade-like hand placed the red-stained brush on the brush rest, and she looked towards the open doorway. Outside the threshold, a slender and somewhat gaunt figure walked in.

Wearing a slightly soiled female official's robe, with a black gauze hat on her head and the makeup on her brow no longer present, Mo Chou bowed respectfully:

“This servant greets Your Majesty!”

“Mo Chou?” Xu Zhenguan put down her brush and stood up, her white casual clothes trailing on the smooth floor. She walked a few steps to the door and affectionately helped up the maidservant she hadn't seen in many days. Her fairy-like jade face was full of concern and joy:

“I was very happy to hear of your return. It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. You've all worked hard along the way.”

“Your Majesty…” Mo Chou was helped up, raised her head, bit her lip, and looked at the familiar smiling face of the Empress. Her nose tingled, her eyes were slightly red, and she choked up for a moment:

“This servant… this servant… thought I would never see Your Majesty again.”

As soon as these words were spoken, tears that had been held back in her eyes could no longer be stopped from rolling down.

On the escape route north, Mo Chou had never shed a tear, but at this moment, the tears burst like a dam, unstoppable.

The Empress smiled, her eyes slightly doting, and helped this female official, who was called a “servant” but had actually been by her side since she was the Third Princess, into the study and sat her in a chair.

The disheveled female official sat weakly in the chair, almost hugging her waist and burying her head in tears, while the white-clothed Empress stood beside the chair, smiling and gently patting her back.

This scene would be a rare sight in any dynasty's court.

After a long while, Mo Chou vented the emotions she had been holding back all the way through tears, and finally realized her gaffe. She quickly broke free and stood up, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes with both hands, and said in panic:

“Your Majesty, this servant has lost her composure before you, please punish me!”

The Empress only smiled, raised her hand, tidied up the scattered hair on her forehead, and said with a smile:

“Alright, then I will punish you to quickly and thoroughly report everything you have experienced along the way.”

“As you command…”

Mo Chou blushed and began to stammer, telling all the key information from her experiences along the way in one breath. The Empress listened quietly, occasionally asking a question in the middle.

Finally, she nodded gently and said:

“Although you were not by my side along the way, you have also contributed to protecting me. Are the others all in the side hall? I should reward them.”

Mo Chou quickly shook her head:

“I dare not take credit. It is only the duty of a subject. If we are talking about protecting Your Majesty, I heard that Zhao Shaobao escorted Your Majesty back to the capital all the way, and the other day, Your Majesty also… proposed marriage to him?”

When she asked this last sentence, Mo Chou's voice changed slightly, and the look in her eyes towards the Empress was somewhat resentful.

Xu Zhenguan smiled and nodded, as if she didn't see the little maidservant's resentment:

“He… is indeed the Emperor's consort I have chosen.”

Mo Chou was speechless for a moment and had countless questions to ask.

For example, she wanted to ask what had happened between Zhao Du'an and the Empress on the escape route, but she felt that she was not qualified to ask. In the end, she could only lower her head dejectedly and say:

“I don't know where Zhao Shaobao is now…”

“He went to the Qingzhou Road border to quell the rebellion.” Xu Zhenguan replied. When she mentioned this topic, she couldn't help but sigh softly:

“He has only been gone for two or three days, but it has caused dissatisfaction among many people in the court.”

“Zhao Shaobao has no experience in leading troops to fight,” Mo Chou was stunned for a moment. She was extremely quick-witted and immediately realized:

“Could it be that the military officers of the樞密院 (Shumi Yuan, Military Council) and the Ministry of War feel it is inappropriate?”

Xu Zhenguan nodded lightly, stood up and paced back and forth:

“That's right, these days, these people have been begging me to replace Zhao Du'an in the battle, and my ears are growing calluses.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a female official walked in from outside the door:

“Your Majesty, the lords of the Military Council and the Ministry of War have come again, requesting to see Your Majesty.”

A few helplessness appeared on Xu Zhenguan's face. She wanted to send them away, but after hesitating for a moment, she still said:

“Bring them over.”

… …

After a while, about three to five people were led over. The leader was the old Minister of War and the highest “Deputy Military Commissioner” of the Military Council.

“Your servants greet Your Majesty!”

Before they even entered the door, the few people bowed familiarly.

“You may dispense with the formalities.” Xu Zhenguan's cold voice came out.

The military officers stood up and looked into the study. When they saw Mo Chou standing quietly beside the Empress, they were stunned at the same time. The old Minister of War took the lead and smiled:

“These old servants just entered the palace and heard that Consort Mo and others have returned. Congratulations.”

Xu Zhenguan sat behind the bright yellow desk, raised her hand to interrupt him, and said with a calm and indifferent expression:

“If you have anything to say, please say it directly.”

She seemed too lazy to exchange pleasantries or beat around the bush.

This… The few military officers looked at each other. The tall and thin Deputy Military Commissioner stepped forward and cupped his hands:

“Your Majesty, these servants are still here to advise you on the matter of replacing Zhao Shaobao to deal with the war in Qingzhou Road.”

He took out a memorial from his sleeve and held it up with both hands:

“This is a joint memorial signed by the generals in the capital's army. We implore Your Majesty to withdraw your order and hand this battle over to the Military Council. These servants will fight to the death to repay Your Majesty's holy grace!”

Xu Zhenguan stared at the group of people quietly. Mo Chou glanced at the memorial, hesitated for a moment, and then walked over, picked it up, and handed it to the Empress.

Xu Zhenguan pinched the thick joint memorial with two slender white fingers, but did not open it, just threw it on the table and said indifferently:

“Li Yanfu's mutiny, two commanders of the Imperial Guards rebelled, the藩王 (fan wang, Prince) unrest, and military officers such as Zhao Shixiong and Wei Xianzong also rebelled against the court. In principle, they all belong to you. Now, you want to fight for military power again. Do you really want to quell the rebellion, or do you have other plans?”

As soon as these words came out, the faces of the few people changed, and they all knelt on the ground:

“Your Majesty, please be aware that these servants are completely loyal, and the Military Council (Ministry of War) has no ulterior motives! It's just that although Zhao Shaobao is not a military general, he has never led troops before. These servants are doing this for the sake of the overall situation…”

Xu Zhenguan said lightly:

“Who said that if he hasn't led troops before, he can't win a battle?”

Mo Chou looked at her sideways, thinking that Your Majesty, you are being too obvious in your favoritism.

“This…” The few military officers were unable to refute for a moment, so they had to stiffen their necks and remain motionless, with a clear attitude.

Just as the monarch and ministers were at a stalemate, suddenly, another eunuch ran in hurriedly from the corridor outside, shouting with joy in his high-pitched voice before he even arrived:

“Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Qingzhou rebels have been wiped out, and the rebellious Prince Heng has been escorted outside the city. Lord Zhao has returned in triumph! Returned in triumph!”

… …

Formatting: First Update, Then Revise