The First Lackey Under The Empress

Inside the Imperial Study.

When Yuan Li spoke these words, Xu Zhenguan was stunned, a momentary daze in her eyes.

She wondered if she had misheard.

Delivering the first blow? Zhao Du'an?

This book is first published on the entire network by 𝕥 𝕨 𝕜 𝕒 𝕟 . 𝕔 𝕠 𝕞

Each of these words was understandable, but when put together, they became obscure and difficult to comprehend.

How could he be involved in the "Slaying Pei" case? And why did Yuan Li know and tell her?

A barrage of mysteries confused the Empress.

"Lord Yuan, please speak more clearly." Xu Zhenguan's red lips slightly parted, her smile briefly disappearing:

"朕 doesn't recall him being involved in this matter."

Yuan Li smiled:

"This matter is a long story, and in fact, it greatly exceeded this subject's expectations. It must begin with that day when Envoy Zhao came to the Imperial Garden to report the 'Firearm Craftsman' case."

Then, Yuan Li slowly and deliberately recounted the events.

From how he had a sudden whim and became curious about Zhao Du'an, inviting him to ride together, how they encountered Lü Liang trying to raid his home, and how he laid out a seemingly unimportant move.

To Zhao Du'an binding Lü Liang and bringing him to his door in the middle of the night, explaining the details of the plan.

Yuan Li had a talent for storytelling.

Although he had not personally experienced it, his words were vivid and lively, creating a palpable sense of immersion.

The Empress listened quietly throughout, without saying a word, as if immersed in the story.

"When Envoy Zhao explained the process to this subject, this subject was also greatly surprised, still harboring doubts until later, when meeting with Lü Liang, was this subject convinced."

Yuan Li said with emotion:

"Then, we used this as a breakthrough to tear open Pei Kai's golden armor and defeat him in one fell swoop. Your Majesty is aware of all of this."

Inside the Imperial Study, the story ended.

But the Empress was still unable to regain her senses for a moment, as if lost in thought.

"Your Majesty?" After a long while, Yuan Li tentatively called out.

"Oh." Xu Zhenguan suddenly came back to her senses, realizing that she had been momentarily distracted, even though it was not a big deal.

But it really was…

"Unexpected." The Great Yu Empress spoke with a complex tone, uttering these four words.

If Yuan Li hadn't told her, she would never have believed it, thinking it was a novelist's fabrication.

But such an unbelievable thing had actually happened right under her nose, the fuse that ignited the massive factional strife was actually Zhao Du'an.

How could she not be astonished?

At this moment, she suddenly remembered her conversation with Mo Chou last time, when she jokingly asked what would happen if Zhao Du'an were to do it.

Unexpectedly, her words came true.

The small figure who had been making minor troubles had inadvertently caused a major event.

So, there was an explanation for Pei Kai's vomiting blood and fainting—upon his defeat, seeing the enemy who had personally led him into the trap, and one whom he had previously looked down upon for being ostentatious, how could he not be enraged?

"Where is he now?" Xu Zhenguan suddenly asked, already understanding that Zhao Du'an's entry into the palace today must be Yuan Li's doing.

Speaking of which, even at this moment, the Empress still found it unbelievable that Zhao Du'an could actually be involved with Yuan Li.

They were clearly two very different types of people.

"He is waiting outside, does Your Majesty wish to see him?" Yuan Li asked.

Xu Zhenguan nodded, her eyebrows raised, regaining her sage-like demeanor:

"Summon him."

She wanted to personally examine this little palace guard who had repeatedly surprised her.

… …

… …

At the same time as the Empress was receiving Zhao Du'an.

Along with the dispersal of the officials after the morning court, the final result of this protracted factional struggle spread throughout the entire capital.

Pei Kai had fallen!

To be executed in the autumn, personally decreed by the Emperor, the "Li Party" lost a pillar, although not wounded to the root, but already injured to the bone.

And another "interesting incident" that happened outside the Meridian Gate also spread with the gossip of the crowd.

"Pei Kai was blocked by Zhao Du'an and coughed up blood?"

"Zhao Du'an is suspected of using internal energy to injure the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, causing him to be seriously injured on the spot? Was this authorized by the Emperor?"

"I once heard that Lü Liang's ex-wife, Pei Old Dog's fourth daughter, has an unusual relationship with Zhao Du'an. The reason why Pei Old Dog was betrayed by his former son-in-law is due to the complex emotions of Lü, Pei, and Zhao!"

"Yes, I also heard that the reason why Lü Liang impeached Zhao the Thief was because the Emperor stole his love…"

In taverns and teahouses, low-level officials and scholars speculated, and the story versions became increasingly outrageous and sensational.

But in the real circles of power, the rumors that spread were closer to the "truth."

"It is said that the reason why Lord Yuan was able to turn Lü Liang against his father-in-law was because he used Zhao Du'an to handle affairs and execute the plan… Perhaps he valued his reputation, making it easier to gain Pei Kai's trust… This is what provoked the scolding at the Meridian Gate…"

Behind the yamen of the White Horse Office.

Sun Lianying, who had woken up from a hangover, wrapped in a loose robe, listened to the report from his subordinates.

Because they did not understand the inside story, except for a few people, the vast majority of people were catching shadows, thinking that the disunity scheme against the "father-in-law and son-in-law" was Yuan Li's plan.

Zhao Du'an was only responsible for execution.

This guess fit their understanding, after all, a pretty boy with some cleverness was understandable, but how could he have such wisdom? To plot against Pei Kai alone?

In the courtyard, the sunlight cut through the branches and leaves of the old pagoda tree, falling on the surface of the stone table, mottled with spots.

"Master?" The messenger who reported softly called out.

Sun Lianying said displeased: "This old one's ears work well, I'm listening."

After scolding him, he asked as if to confirm: "So, Zhao Du'an has been working for Yuan Li these days?"

"It seems so."

"So that's how it is…" Sun Lianying suddenly understood something and asked again: "He entered the palace with Ma Yan?"

"It is said so."

The old eunuch "En"ed and waved his hand to dismiss him. After a moment, he called for a carriage and went to the Zhao Yamen.

Before long, two old friends met in the back hall of the Zhao Yamen. Ma Yan was slightly surprised by Sun Lianying's arrival and sneered at him:

"I was just about to look for you, but you came to my door."

Sun Lianying, with graying temples and looking like an old man in his twilight years, was stunned:

"What are you looking for me for?"

Ma Yan said expressionlessly: "You taught that Zhao Du'an to climb my relationship, and you're asking me?"

?

Sun Lianying couldn't help but laugh after learning the inside story:

"This old one gave that slippery fellow a pound of ecstasy soup last night and said some drunken words, but they were not important matters. How could I have imagined…"

He sighed and said quietly:

"This old one has also been deceived by him for a long time. Only today did I know that he was working for Yuan Li, executing the scheme of discord…"

Ma Yan's thin, cold face, with rough eyebrows raised, suddenly said:

"It seems that you have indeed been deceived by him."

"What do you mean?"

"The scheme of discord has nothing to do with Lord Yuan. He did it all alone. Otherwise, how could Pei Kai have been so ashamed and angry?" Ma Yan revealed the truth.

Sun Lianying was stunned.

… …

… …

Tianshi Mansion.

Outside the deepest courtyard, Jin Jian's clothes fluttered, drifting like a ghost, and the officials along the way turned a blind eye to her.

"Master, this disciple just watched an interesting play, it's that Zhao Du'an again…"

The mysterious and ethereal-voiced girl did not knock on the door.

She walked straight through the wooden door and stepped into the small courtyard.

But she found that the deck chair under the banyan tree was empty.

"Master is not here? Where did he go?"

Jin Jian's eyebrows and eyes were stagnant for a moment, and it took her a few breaths to react, looking up at the green branches and extraordinary origin of the banyan tree.

The branches and leaves of the banyan tree rustled, and the wind passed through them, as if whispering.

"Master is out?" Jin Jian tilted her head, thinking that this was a rare thing.

… …

Palace, outside the Imperial Study.

Zhao Du'an drank too much water in the morning, and his bladder was swollen while waiting. He was wondering if he should go to the toilet first when he saw Yuan Qingyi drifting over:

"His Majesty wants to see you."

I'm not convenient right now… Zhao Du'an opened his mouth, and under the other party's encouraging gaze, he bit the bullet and came to the outside of the Imperial Study:

"Your Majesty, Zhao Du'an of the White Horse Office requests an audience."

Inside the room, a clear and dignified female voice came: "Enter."

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