The First Lackey Under The Empress

“Interrogation? Why an interrogation?”

Zhao Du'an sat upright in a large chair. Above the weapon rack behind him, a splash-ink painting hung on the snow-white wall, its momentum magnificent.

As soon as he said this, all four of his subordinates were stunned.

Qian Kerou said blankly, "Didn't you say, sir…"

Zhao Du'an interrupted her and said seriously:

“With so many people, how tiring would it be for me to interrogate them one by one?

Besides, it's almost time to leave work. Do you want me to work overtime and stay up late to harm my body for a mere fifty-eight officials? Let them be imprisoned for a while. I'm sure they'll understand.”

Understand my ass… the four silently complained. Shen Juan rubbed his forehead and said:

“But sir, if we don't find some evidence of their crimes as soon as possible, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with when public opinion is in an uproar tomorrow.”

One could imagine how wonderful the morning court session would be tomorrow.

The Empress, facing the accusations of the civil and military officials, would probably be at a loss, right?

Zhao Du'an waved his hand and said:

“If the sky falls, there's Her Majesty to hold it up. What are you all in such a hurry for?”

He believed that since the Empress had entrusted him with such an important task and sent Mo Chou to express her stance,

then Xu Zhenguan could definitely withstand the pressure from a mere fifty-eight minor officials for him.

Yes, anyway, according to the plan, as long as the Empress could withstand the pressure for him for three days, it would be enough.

The four subordinates looked at each other, suddenly feeling a bad premonition. Qian Kerou asked uneasily:

“Sir, you don't actually have any evidence of these people's crimes, do you?”

You girl, why do you always speak the truth? No, why do you slander people's innocence out of thin air?

Zhao Du'an said righteously: "Don't say such things that are not conducive to unity in the future."

Ah? The newbie female Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't understand.

Zhao Du'an sighed and said:

“In short, just do as I tell you. Don't ask too many questions.

Your next task is to spread the word that the reason why Pear Blossom Hall is arresting these people on a large scale is because I am retaliating.

But as long as the families of these officials are sensible and come to offer some filial piety, they can be released.”

The four: “……”

Zhao Du'an frowned: "Aren't you going to do it yet?"

“…Yes.”

The four responded and walked out of the hall side by side. Shen Juan muttered:

“So, what kind of medicine is our superior selling in his gourd? Is he just trying to extort money?”

Zheng Laojiu spat out a mouthful of tea leaves. This experienced Embroidered Uniform Guard had sharp eyes:

“Let's wait and see. I have a feeling that this matter has only just begun.”

… …

… …

“These fifty-eight people all impeached him?”

Inside the Peony Hall, a female Investigator named Haitang was stunned for a moment and realized:

“So, the Zhao guy is retaliating?”

The others also looked at each other. They had argued and guessed for a long time, but the truth might be extremely simple.

Zhang Han, the hard-working Investigator, said calmly:

“I have investigated him carefully, and I believe you have too. This person has always been vindictive. In the Zhuang Xiaocheng case, Lu Liang, the main censor who impeached him, has now been exiled to Lingnan. Another, Zhang Changshuo, and his entire Zhang family, have been almost wiped out. This is evident.”

Everyone shuddered.

Yes, these were all publicly available records.

From a certain point of view, what Zhao Du'an had been doing for the past two months had been revenge.

First, the Zhang brothers, then Lu Liang. Now that he had been promoted to Investigator, his power was even greater, and he had finally become impatient and began to liquidate his remaining enemies on a large scale.

“Hiss… given this person's style, it's really possible. If he had more authority, I wouldn't be surprised if he arrested the Prime Minister.” One person sighed.

A petty man who holds grudges - this was Zhao Du'an's public persona.

Tie Chi Guan frowned and said in a loud voice:

“But does this have any meaning? Although our Imperial Prison has the convenience of arresting people, we don't have the power to judge them. Even if he wants to frame them, to take action against fifty-eight people in one go, the officials in the court would have to be completely blind to turn a blind eye.

When the morning court session comes tomorrow, all parties will definitely accuse the Emperor. Even if the Zhao guy is favored, it's impossible for him to be so lawless.”

Everyone agreed with this statement.

Although the power of the Imperial Prison was great, it was also extremely restricted.

Let alone just an Investigator, even the Director could not withstand such pressure.

“By the way, what did the Director say?” Haitang suddenly asked.

Zhang Han shook his head:

“The Director won't interfere. Haven't you noticed? The Director's attitude towards Pear Blossom Hall is completely one of letting things take their course. Because Zhao Du'an is backed by the Emperor, not him, so even if he wants to punish the Zhao guy, only the Emperor can punish him.”

After a pause, he shook his head and said:

“But in my opinion, that Zhao Du'an has already entered the path of death. He thinks that he has made contributions and is favored, and that he can be unscrupulous with the Emperor's support.

How arrogant and reckless. If he doesn't restrain himself within three days, the Emperor will definitely send someone to beat him down. Perhaps, he will become the Investigator with the shortest term in history… We don't need to interfere. We just need to sit back and watch him destroy himself.”

Finally, he summarized it in eight words:

“Virtue is not worthy of the position, there will be disaster.”

Everyone nodded, deeply agreeing, and all looked forward to the day Zhao Du'an fell from power.

… …

… …

That night, two news began to spread wildly in the officialdom of the capital.

The first was that the Emperor's lover was promoted and, after entering the Imperial Prison, arrested dozens of officials from various departments in one day.

The second was that the reason why Zhao Du'an was doing this was to retaliate. All the arrested officials were those who had previously submitted letters of impeachment.

At the same time, it was revealed to the families of the arrested officials that if they wanted Master Zhao to be lenient, they had to be sensible and offer money as filial piety.

Otherwise, even if they were released under pressure in the end, it would be enough to be arrested every few days to make their lives miserable.

No one doubted the authenticity of the news.

This benefited from Zhao Du'an's deeply rooted persona.

In particular, the successive falls of the Zhang brothers and Lu Liang also proved the nature of Zhao Gou, a "petty man who holds grudges."

Unsurprisingly, almost every family member of the arrested officials, after being pointed out the "bright path," began to raise money.

A little bit of gold and silver, compared to the safety of the pillar of their family, which was more important was obvious.

Moreover, if they could resolve their grudges with the Emperor's favorite person by spending some money, it would be the best possible outcome.

The next day, when Zhao Du'an arrived at Pear Blossom Hall.

Qian Kerou immediately reported that there were already many people queuing outside the hall to pay their respects to Master Zhao and talk privately.

“Tsk, they're quick,” Zhao Du'an smiled and said:

“Good, call them over one by one in order of arrival.”

Qian Kerou went to call people with a complicated expression.

What followed was extremely simple. Every time a family member of an offending official came in, Zhao Du'an would put on airs and say that the matter was not easy to handle.

And the family member would offer a varying amount of "tea money."

Claiming that it was hot, a little filial piety, please Master Zhao to drink tea, no respect.

Zhao Du'an would give different reactions depending on the amount of tea money, with a kind smile or a blank expression.

As for the charging standard, it was based on the rank of the offending official, whether they were in a lucrative or a clean department, the size of the family behind them, and other factors to determine the grade.

The final answer given was extremely uniform:

Go home and wait for news.

“A bunch of corrupt officials, each one fat with grease!”

Zhao Du'an looked at the increasingly thick pile of silver notes and land deeds in front of him and couldn't help but curse inwardly.

If they were honest officials, relying only on their salaries, even if they borrowed money, it would be impossible to offer the ransom so quickly.

As a result, each and every one of them paid up so readily, causing Zhao Du'an to feel heartbroken and lamenting what had become of the bureaucracy of Great Yu.

Water that is too clear has no fish, but the water also can't be so murky that you can't see the bottom.

In the meantime, a small interlude occurred:

One of the convicted official's family members was actually a beautiful young woman, who, after meeting him, kept flaunting her charms and pressing herself against him, completely disregarding her husband in prison.

In the end, unable to withstand Zhao Du'an's demands for a bribe, she shyly took out a warm silver note from her bodice and requested that he keep her husband locked up for a few more days.

Simply incredible.

"Next."

Busy until noon, Zhao Du'an took a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

He casually tossed the newly received box of precious snow mountain ginseng, along with the jewelry and jade ornaments, into the box under the table.

He spoke to his confidential secretary.

In just one morning, the value of the bribes he had received had already exceeded ten thousand taels of silver, enough to buy an entire commercial street in the outer city.

Qian Kerou, however, looked apprehensive and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Someone from the驸马府 (Imperial Son-in-Law Residence) is here?" Zhao Du'an was taken aback.

Only then did he remember that Li Lang was still being held in the imperial prison.

But it had been two days since the person had been imprisoned, and they were only coming now; this speed was even slower than those small officials' families.

"Please, let them in," Zhao Du'an said.

Soon, a figure was led into the courtyard, a middle-aged man with a refined appearance.

He wore ornate clothing and a jade belt, his hair was combed meticulously, and his beard was also well-groomed.

It was just a pity that on one side of his face, from the corner of his eye to the temple, there was a faint bruise, accompanied by some wounds, as if he had been struck by a blunt object.

Zhao Du'an had good eyesight and immediately recognized the person as Li Shuping, the husband of Princess Yunyang, the imperial son-in-law.

Li Lang's father in name.

The two were not close, but they could be considered acquaintances, simply because the original owner had mingled in the capital's social circles and had some contact with him.

Zhao Du'an's impression of this person was that he was extremely henpecked, meek at home and aggressive outside.

"Lord Zhao, what a grand manner!"

The imperial son-in-law, Li Shuping, said coldly, with sarcasm:

"People who want to see you even have to queue up. No wonder you're the Emperor's favorite."

Zhao Du'an laughed heartily, his attitude was warm, but he didn't even budge from his seat:

"Why does the imperial son-in-law have time to visit? I'm sorry for not welcoming you properly."

Li Shuping's eyes twitched, and he sat down on his own.

Zhao Du'an waved his hand, ordered Qian Kerou to serve tea, and then told her to wait outside.

The imperial son-in-law did not exchange pleasantries and went straight to the point:

"My son seemed to have offended Inspector Zhao the other day and received a punishment.

His mother was quite angry after learning about it and originally wanted to come in person, but considering the impact, she still sent me to visit. Now that Inspector Zhao has punished him and the person has been locked up for two days to reflect, it's time to release him, right?"

Zhao Du'an pretended to be annoyed, tapped his forehead lightly with his finger, and said with a smile:

"Look at my brain, I really am forgetful, I almost forgot that your son is still in prison, and I've troubled the imperial son-in-law to come in person, I'm really embarrassed."

Li Shuping resisted the urge to correct his wording, and his expression softened slightly:

"Then please order someone to send my son out, so I can take him back and reassure his mother."

Zhao Du'an, however, pretended to be surprised and looked at the other party's empty hands:

"Is the imperial son-in-law perhaps coming empty-handed?"

He curled up the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile:

"Today, so many people have come to visit this official, and those who want me to release people are all showing great sincerity."

Li Shuping was stunned, as if in disbelief.

The other day, after Princess Yunyang learned of the news, she sent a letter to the palace, but Xu Zhenguan tactfully dissuaded her.

Thus, she patiently waited for two days before coming to demand the person.

He originally thought that, based on his status as the Emperor's uncle, Zhao Du'an would give him some face.

But he didn't expect that this treacherous villain would be so bold.

Li Shuping's eyes twitched, and his face showed anger:

"Zhao Du'an, are you perhaps soliciting a bribe from this imperial son-in-law! You have such great胆子 (gall)!"

Upon hearing this, the smile on Zhao Du'an's face gradually disappeared, he slowly stood up, went around the table, and approached Li Shuping.

Startling the refined imperial son-in-law, who subconsciously wanted to get up and retreat, but suddenly his shoulder was held down by an iron hand!

Unable to move!

Zhao Du'an pressed down on the shoulder of this Great Yu imperial son-in-law, and with his other hand, he held a stack of silver notes in his sleeve, gently fanning Li Shuping's injured cheek, and said quietly:

"If I'm not mistaken, the injury on the imperial son-in-law's face was inflicted by the princess, right?"

He sighed softly and said:

"When I was mingling in the capital's social circles, I heard Qin Qiu say that the imperial son-in-law is like a green turtle, used to swallowing his anger. I didn't quite believe it at the time, but I believe it today.

Clearly, you've come to save your son, but you keep saying 'his mother'.

What? Are you afraid that not bringing out Princess Yunyang to pressure people won't be enough to intimidate me?

So, you still have self-awareness, but unfortunately, you're not very smart. This official will give you two choices today."

He held up one finger:

"First, like everyone else, if you want your son, bring money to redeem him."

After a pause, he flicked his sleeve and gently stuffed the palm-sized Golden Crow Flying Knife into the imperial son-in-law's damp palm.

He then used force to help him close his five fingers, and said softly:

"Second, take this knife and stab it here."

He pointed to his heart and said with a smile:

"Stab me, the Emperor's favorite, the favored minister, to death, and then take my head out. Don't worry, no one will dare to stop you from saving people then. But… do you dare?"

Do… you dare?

Zhao Du'an's voice echoed in his ears like a demon.

The imperial son-in-law, who had just been full of anger, loudly scolding, and looking down from above, was stunned.

The veins on his forehead bulged one by one, and his face gradually became ferocious.

But the hand holding the Golden Crow Flying Knife trembled incessantly, and he hesitated to act.

Seeing this, Zhao Du'an simply pressed the other hand on the hilt of the knife, letting him hold the knife with both hands.

He even took the initiative to put the tip of the knife against his heart and said with a smile:

"Come on, don't you want your son, but you're not willing to follow the rules? Then be a real man, kill me, come on!"

A stern shout.

"Clang!"

The Golden Crow Flying Knife fell from his hand to the ground, the dark gold blade more dazzling than the sunlight.

The imperial son-in-law trembled all over, silent.

Zhao Du'an picked up the flying knife in disappointment, returned to his seat, and said coldly:

"Get out! Next time, send someone who can make decisions."

Li Shuping glared at him.

Finally, he still didn't say anything and left with a flick of his sleeves.

After the person left, the villainous expression on Zhao Du'an's face disappeared, he shook his head and closed his eyes:

"Do you think I went a little too far just now?"

Outside the hall.

Qian Kerou bit her lip and walked in, her beautiful face with a complex expression:

"Lord, this subordinate doesn't understand, although Li Lang offended you, he has also received the punishment he deserved, and now the imperial son-in-law has come in person, which can be considered giving you face, so why…"

Zhao Du'an sighed a long sigh and said with emotion:

"Because, that Princess Yunyang of ours, this is deliberately retaliating against me."