The First Lackey Under The Empress

What a sword dance…

Inside the hall, Zhao Du'an and Yu Xiu were both stunned when they suddenly heard this voice.

They turned their heads to look outside the hall and were shocked to see the Empress, dressed in white, standing in the courtyard outside the hall.

Xu Zhenguan's pale face was expressionless.

Her black hair hung down behind her head, and her right hand was raised in front of her chest, her slender fingers holding the jade flying sword.

The originally explosive and devastating flying sword was as docile as a quail in the Empress's hand, motionless, as if it were dead.

Behind the Empress, the servants of the Zhao family and You Jinhua and her daughter also came out, but they dared not approach.

“Your… Your Majesty?” Zhao Du'an's mind buzzed.

His male intuition told him:

Something was wrong!

Fortunately, Zhao, the governor, was a man of adaptability.

After a brief moment of astonishment, a bright smile instantly bloomed on his face, and he got up and eagerly greeted her:

“Your Majesty, why are you here?

I didn't notify the palace servants to inform me in advance, so I could prepare a welcome for you.”

Xu Zhenguan sneered, not answering.

“Yu Xiu greets Your Majesty.” At this time, the female Taoist also stood up, walked out gracefully, and saluted the Empress calmly.

Xu Zhenguan's phoenix eyes flashed with cold light, and her gaze swept back and forth over the man and woman in front of her.

She looked at Yu Xiu with a fake smile:

“It's you.

When did you return to the capital?

I didn't know you came here.”

As she spoke, she casually tossed the dead-like jade flying sword in her hand, and it flew back into the female Taoist's waist like a游鱼fish.

After a pause, she looked at Zhao Du'an and said lightly, “Minister Zhao, aren't you going to explain?”

Danger… Danger… Danger!

Although Zhao Du'an lacked experience in love, he realized that something was wrong, so he quickly said:

“Divine Official Yu Xiu's visit was sudden.

I didn't know about it before.”

As he spoke, he cast a pleading look at Yu Xiu.

Although the two of them were innocent, Zhenbao was unhappy because of Xiao Dong'er, and now another woman had come to his house… The key was that he didn't expect the Empress to come to his house after he took a short break.

“I have long admired Lord Zhao's reputation, and I am curious, so I came back to the capital to ask for advice.” Yu Xiu explained calmly.

The Empress said “Oh”:

“Ask for advice.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Zhao Du'an summoned the Golden Crow Flying Knife and smiled, cupping his hands at Yu Xiu:

“Thank you for your guidance, Divine Official.”

Yu Xiu glanced at him with a complex expression, then suddenly shook her head:

“Now that Your Majesty has arrived, there must be something important.

I won't bother you any longer, I'll take my leave now.”

After speaking, she nodded to the Empress again and turned to leave.

The shock in her heart was slowly spreading.

Just now, although she suppressed her cultivation, she was slightly inferior to Zhao Du'an in the competition… This result was unacceptable to the proud Yu Xiu.

Combining her previous comments on Zhao Du'an's strength, her face could not help but burn.

“The Son of Heaven and Earth… Is his talent and progress as inhuman as the rumors say?”

Walking out of the Zhao residence, Yu Xiu turned her head to look back at the plaque on the gate, not discouraged, but her eyes became brighter.

The divine revelation in the altar of the Liao people was more accurate than she had expected.

And thinking of some of the words in the secret information she had obtained from Southern Xinjiang before, she pursed her lips, determined to win Zhao Du'an even more.

— Obviously, what she had said to Zhao Du'an just now was still reserved and not all of it.

… …

… …

Yu Xiu waved her sleeves and left, just as she had come gently.

Leaving Zhao Du'an alone to face the angry Empress.

“Your Majesty, there are many people outside, shall we go inside and talk?” Zhao Du'an squeezed out a smile.

Xu Zhenguan's expression was indifferent.

Feeling the gazes of You Jinhua and her daughter, she turned her head and showed a kind and amiable smile to the mother and daughter:

“The mistress of the Zhao family can go and busy herself.

I have some court matters to discuss with Minister Zhao.”

The main point was a differentiated attitude.

After that, in the surprised expressions of the mother and daughter, she followed Zhao Du'an to the study in the mansion.

Inside the study.

With a “creak”, the door was closed tightly.

Zhao Du'an turned around and looked at the Empress's back:

“Why is Your Majesty here?”

Xu Zhenguan stopped pretending after entering the room.

Her face turned cold, and she walked angrily to the main seat of the desk, posing as an official interrogating a criminal.

Her phoenix eyes looked down at the scumbag Zhao, and she opened her mouth with a punch:

“I can't come?

Am I disturbing your meeting with Yu Xiu?”

Zhao Du'an broke out in a cold sweat, swearing that he had nothing to do with her.

Xu Zhenguan didn't really think that the two of them had any relationship, but she was just a little uncomfortable, so she just listened with a straight face and didn't comment.

Seeing this, Zhao Du'an gritted his teeth and boldly walked to the Empress's side, looking for something to say:

“Your Majesty hasn't been here for a long time.

Speaking of which, Your Majesty taught me painting skills last time.

I have been practicing hard these days, and I have made some progress.

Why don't I paint another picture for Your Majesty?”

Last time, the two of them did teach painting in this study.

At this moment, a ink-wash portrait of the Empress was still hanging on the wall.

Xu Zhenguan snorted:

“I have been reviewing memorials for most of the day, and you still want me to be your 'model'?”

The word “model” was a “new word” invented by Zhao Du'an, and she remembered it last time.

Zhao Du'an's eyes rolled:

“Your Majesty is working hard for the country, and your body must be sore.

I just learned a set of massage techniques that can relieve fatigue.”

As he spoke, he placed his dirty hands on the Empress's soft shoulders and gently kneaded them.

Xu Zhenguan twisted at first, symbolically “struggling” for a while, then snorted softly and let him do as he pleased.

Zhao Du'an smiled slightly, his ten fingers skillfully changing techniques, wrapping around the beauty's jade neck, and using force on both shoulder sockets.

This was also what he had learned from the blind masseur near the work department in his previous life in order to get ahead.

“Hmm…” The Empress didn't care at first, but gradually, she only felt a tingling sensation surging, and she couldn't help but squint her eyes comfortably, exhaling a light hum from her nose, and her tense skin also relaxed.

She wasn't really angry, and she wouldn't really think that there was any relationship between Zhao Du'an and Yu Xiu.

The reason why she pretended to be angry was more of a woman's whim—as an emperor, her possessiveness was only higher than others.

Now that she had a step down, she also took the opportunity to step down and her tone softened:

“What did she ask you for?”

Zhao Du'an didn't hide anything and told her about it, anyway, it couldn't be hidden.

“The missing imperial guards of the previous dynasty?

That batch of national treasures?”

Xu Zhenguan frowned slightly:

“Is she chasing those things?”

Zhao Du'an skillfully kneaded her shoulders, and his mind inexplicably reminded him of a short video he had watched in his previous life—the customer who was getting a foot massage asked the technician to sit down, and he rolled up his sleeves to massage the technician's feet…

His gaze also moved down, looking at the embroidered shoes with gold thread under Zhenbao's skirt.

He asked, “Does Your Majesty know what's in that batch of national treasures?”

Xu Zhenguan said, “I know some, but they are all things that are extremely tempting to cultivators.

However, how many people have tried to investigate for hundreds of years, but have gained nothing.

She is likely to be empty-handed.

As for the divine revelation of the Great Laba… it may not be true.

If you are tempted, you must at least reach the pinnacle of the world, have enough confidence, and bring enough experts before you go.”

As the emperor and a “Celestial Being”, Xu Zhenguan was not very interested in finding the treasures of the former dynasty six hundred years ago.

“That's what I thought too, so I didn't agree to her.” Zhao Du'an said with a look of agreement.

Xu Zhenguan “Hmm”ed with satisfaction, then suddenly said:

“I have seen that Xiao Dong'er.

According to your suggestion, the court will appoint officials next, and the Five Army Camp will send an army, and the Xiao family will assist in quelling the remnants of Qingzhou Road.”

Zhao Du'an quickly said, “I have absolutely nothing to do with that widow…”

Xu Zhenguan's lips curled up, interrupting him:

“I know.”

Hmph… You understand everything, but you're still inexplicably jealous… Zhao Du'an rubbed her shoulders while saying:

“Your Majesty is wise and discerning, I knew that those rumors in the streets would not catch Your Majesty's eye… After all, my love for Your Majesty is known to everyone in the Great Yu…”

Xu Zhenguan enjoyed the sweet words of the loyal dog, and her mood improved, but she suddenly opened her eyes, her eyes filled with anger:

“Where are you putting your hands?!”

“…Hehe, slip of the hand, slip of the hand.” Zhao Du'an sheepishly pulled back the Lushan's claws from the Empress's collar, only feeling the fingertips were smooth and captivating.

The Empress chuckled, too lazy to expose the dog thief's vile thoughts, and instead said:

“During the day, before you came back, Ma Yan sent some memorials to me, which were about the interrogation of Li Yanfu and those officials has come to an end.”

Zhao Du'an tentatively, gently kneading her fair neck with fine fluff, said:

“What is Your Majesty going to do?”

Xu Zhenguan said calmly and firmly:

“Beheading.

The Li faction, those who participated in the rebellion, will be publicly beheaded at the vegetable market in the next few days.

Exterminate the three clans.”

Well, the latter part cannot be implemented for the time being because most of the families behind the Li faction are in the Huai River, which is a “enemy-occupied area”.

It is conceivable that once the news comes out, this group of local powerful families will completely stand on the side of the Eight Kings.

“What about the Heng Prince and his son?” Zhao Du'an tentatively asked, “Lock them up?

Strip them of their titles?

Reduce them to commoners?”

This time, the Empress was silent for a longer time before she said calmly:

“After the interrogation is over, behead them along with the Li faction rebels.”

“It's good that Your Majesty has decided.” Zhao Du'an sighed softly, not too surprised by this result.

No matter how much the Empress cherished familial affection, from the moment the feudal lords rebelled, there was no room for compromise.

Moreover, everyone was concerned about the fate of Prince Heng, the first prince to be captured, as it represented the court's attitude towards the rebellion.

Xu Zhenguan continued:

"Beheading Li Yanfu and Prince Heng's son is both a deterrent and a show of strength, and also a 'sacrifice flag' for the court's upcoming counterattack."

The news of the Empress's return to the capital had already spread, and it was conceivable that the rebellious feudal lords in various places had now shifted to a strategy of secession, occupation, and assimilation of territory.

As for the imperial court, the top priority was to launch a counterattack before those territories were completely controlled by the feudal lords.

Once this window of opportunity was missed, it would be difficult to eradicate the feudal lords once they had taken root.

"Currently, the King of Yanshan of Tieguan Dao is blocked by Luo Kedi's army at Jubei City; the King of Hejian is restrained by Duke Tang, confined to Xiping Dao… The most threatening are the two rebel armies of King Jing and King Mu.

The former devoured Jiancheng Dao, and the latter devoured Yunfu Dao, and the two armies each occupy half of the Huai River waterway, with Xue Shence leading troops to block them at Linfeng Dao.

Now that the crisis in the capital has been resolved, the Divine Machine Battalion, the Five Armies Battalion, and some of the Imperial Guards should be transferred to Linfeng Dao to cooperate with Xue Shence to recover the lost territory," Xu Zhenguan analyzed calmly.

"I was just about to discuss this with Your Majesty," Zhao Du'an also said seriously:

"This time, the Divine Machine Battalion defeated the Qingzhou army, and their morale is high. Now is the time to go south, and I intend to lead the army as the vanguard."

Xu Zhenguan was silent for a moment, her body still, her beautiful head turned, and her dark eyes stared at him:

"King Jing and King Mu are different from Prince Heng, who is just a paper tiger. Your firearms are indeed powerful, but as the Grand Tutor said, they are only effective unexpectedly. Now that Prince Heng has been defeated and the news has spread, they will naturally be wary and prepared. It is impossible to replicate the victory."

Zhao Du'an grinned:

"I know. Therefore, I don't plan to rely on these firearms to become a general leading troops to fight. I am an amateur when it comes to marching and formation. I can talk the talk, but I can't walk the walk."

Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment: "Then why…"

"Because Your Majesty needs it," Zhao Du'an said seriously:

"At present, the most urgent need at the front line in Linfeng is neither troops nor firearms, but confidence and trust. Your Majesty's return and the news of the defeat of the Qingzhou soldiers can provide confidence to the front line, but Your Majesty finds it difficult to give enough trust to those front-line generals, including Xue Shence.

Similarly, the soldiers at the front also have to consider the views of the capital. In order to avoid discord between the monarch and his subjects, many decisions must be requested from the capital in writing… By the time the reply comes back, the opportunity will have been lost. Therefore, Your Majesty needs a trustworthy and influential person to sit in the front line and supervise the army."

As a "white-collar worker" for two lifetimes, Zhao Du'an knew nothing about fighting, but he had never seen a pig run.

In his previous life, he had read some historical materials about "civil wars", and he was particularly touched by the issue of trust between commanders and front-line soldiers within the system.

Especially against the backdrop of the rebellions of Zhao Shixiong, Wei Xianzong, and the two Imperial Guard commanders in the imperial city, the Empress… and the entire imperial court, inevitably questioned the loyalty of those generals leading troops outside.

Under the general trend of feudal lords seceding and joining forces to besiege, how can we ensure that the generals at the front line will not defect to the enemy?

Sending "supervisors" and "inspectors" is the only way to think of.

And after thinking about it, the most suitable candidate is Zhao Du'an.

Absolutely impossible to betray, and he also has the record of destroying the Qingzhou rebel army, proving that he can do a good job as a supervisor.

He also has the title of "Imperial Husband" and reputation, which to a certain extent can flexibly "execute first and report later" on the front line, so that the battle will not be constrained by the capital's rear.

"For me…"

Xu Zhenguan was stunned, her heart seemed to be hit, her eyes softened, and comparing herself to her previous angry actions… she felt a sense of guilt in her heart.

Zhao Du'an smiled and continued:

"I have already thought about it. After leading the Beijing camp to support, I will first meet Xue Shence to stabilize the morale of the army. And then… since the two feudal lords have torn apart the Huai River and each occupy half, artificially forming two battlefields of the 'East-West Line', then I can cooperate with Xue Privy Envoy separately to confront the two rebel kings.

Heh… I am very familiar with that dog thing, King Jing, but I am still unfamiliar with King Mu of Yunfu. And that Southwest Border Army General, Zhao Shixiong, who has the same surname as me, I am so tired of hearing his name, and I am also curious about whether this person has three heads or six arms."

Xu Zhenguan smiled softly, she raised her head slightly, looked at the high-spirited "Little Imperial Guard", and gently "En"ed, her eyes faintly revealing a trace of admiration:

"Since you have made a decision, then what do you need, just say it."

Zhao Du'an pondered for a moment, his eyes hotly staring at the Empress, his gaze drilling inward from the open collar.

Xu Zhenguan just said lightly: "You can't break my defense."

"…"

So Zhao Du'an's defense was broken, and he recklessly said: "I need manpower, such as that Wei Xianzong."

Xu Zhenguan's eyes moved, she already knew about the meeting between Zhao Du'an and Yuan Li in the afternoon—Mo Chou had reported it to her in its entirety.

Understanding that this was Zhao Du'an looking for a way out for herself, she nodded happily:

"Okay, I'll give it to you. What else do you want?"

Zhao Du'an: "I want a sufficient title, a title that can be equal to Xue Shence's status."

The Empress said: "I can appoint you as 'Grand Commander of Pacification', one level higher than the Governor, with the power of supervision and restraint. What else do you want?"

Zhao Du'an fell into contemplation again, and immediately, he suddenly lifted the chair and turned the Empress sitting on it ninety degrees.

Then, under the latter's blank gaze, he squatted down, ready to move:

"Your Majesty, after massaging your shoulders for so long, would you like a foot massage too?"

Xu Zhenguan's expression was sluggish, her eyes filled with three parts shock, three parts bewilderment, three parts daze, and one part disgust…

The next second.

A palm-sized embroidered shoe that could be held in one hand kicked over: "Get out!"

Zhao Du'an dodged in advance, retreated to the door, and muttered:

"You're throwing a temper again, I haven't even charged you…"

After saying that, without waiting for the Empress to lose her temper, he oiled his feet and pushed the door to go out.

Behind him, there was no expected beheading of the Tai'a sword, only a displeased voice floated over:

"What is the name of your massage technique?"

She thought it was good and was preparing to wait until she returned to the palace to let the female officials under her learn it and massage her from time to time.

Zhao Du'an did not look back and blurted out: "Eighteen Touches."

… …

… …

The setting sun sank into the ground, and the sky light died out.

After the Empress had a simple dinner at Zhao's residence, she set off to return to the palace.

Zhao Du'an did not go to the palace to join in the fun. After eating and drinking his fill, he turned around and returned to his bedroom.

He lit the candle stand.

Waiting for the orange-yellow fire to permeate the room.

He stood on the empty floor, took out the silver scroll, and with a gentle shake, the crimson half-body armor fell with a "bang".

Along with it, there was also a pile of strange and various weapons and magical artifacts.

Piled up into a small mountain.

Not only that, Zhao Du'an also dragged out two large boxes from under the bed, which were also full of similar things.

These were all spoils of war from the Battle of Baihua Village and the treasures of the "Bewitching True Man's" treasure house.

"If all these things are fed to the Crimson Flame Sacred Armor, it should be able to restore it to its peak state, right?"

Zhao Du'an held the book "The Church of Fire Worship" that Zhenbao gave him, and opened the page corresponding to the "refining" formation.

He dipped a writing brush in specially prepared cinnabar and drew a complex six-pointed star formation on the floor.

After the work was completed, he placed the Crimson Flame Sacred Armor in the center of the formation.

Then, he stood in the "casting position" of the formation, pressed his palm against the cinnabar on the floor, and poured in majestic energy.

"Chih chih—"

The scarlet cinnabar suddenly burned up, and the entire formation rippled with mysterious halos, and a illusory raging flame burned up.

The "Crimson Flame Sacred Armor" in the center of the formation lit up, and gradually, the armor floated up on its own, as if it was being worn by a illusory fire god.

"Rumble…"

The black human face mark on the front of the armor suddenly twisted and deformed, opening its "bloody mouth", revealing a black "hole".

The crimson armor also turned into a furnace.

Waiting to be fed and refined.

"Is this how it works?" Zhao Du'an swallowed, turned his head to look at the mountain of messy magical artifacts and weapons beside him, and a strong premonition arose in his heart:

"Perhaps, the Sacred Armor I feed will be more powerful than the one in Prince Heng's hands."