The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Congratulations are in order.

This was a congratulatory phrase, but given here, its schadenfreude intention couldn't be more apparent.

Zhao Douan wore a cold expression as he looked at the young man who had encroached on his territory in the hall, information about the other party surfacing in his mind:

Zhang Changshuo, also a White Horse Governor, his arch enemy.

From a scholarly family, he was a famous talent in the Capital, renowned for his reputation, but in the original host's memory, this man was a hypocritical pretender.

The reason for their enmity was that Zhang Changshuo had long lusted after the Empress, who, upon her ascension, he readily praised in grand poetry and songs.

Gifted with both talent and looks, he had also been admired by the Empress for his literary work, which led many to believe that he could become the Empress's "guest within the curtains." Yet unexpectedly, Zhao Douan, who originated from the lowly ranks of the imperial guard, had snatched his love away.

Zhang Changshuo, however, didn't give up and always regarded the original host as his enemy, attempting to replace him.

In two words, their relationship could be vividly summarized as:

Rivals!

"My Lord, Lord Zhang just barged in, claiming he wanted to wait for your return, so I could only..."

Inside the hall, Zhu Kui, with his dark complexion and robust face full of horizontal scars, hurriedly explained.

Zhang Changshuo showed a regretful face:

"I heard Brother Zhao was capturing rebels and accidentally let the big catch escape, even getting injured in the process. Out of concern, I rushed to visit, but seeing that you are unharmed relieves me."

He's enjoying the show... Zhao Douan nonchalantly took his seat at the head of the table and said indifferently,

"Serving the Saint may accrue some injuries, hardly worth mentioning."

Zhang Changshuo let out an 'oh' and said,

"However, Brother, the mishap you've caused might not be so easily overlooked by those sword-carrying fiends from the Imperial Court."

Zhao Douan accepted a cup of tea from a subordinate and replied with a calm demeanor,

"Indeed, I caught a glimpse of that group from afar when I was leaving the palace; they are likely attempting to file a complaint."

Shortly after, he added sarcastically,

"However, the Saint is physically weary and is probably not inclined to see them."

The triumphant look on Zhang Changshuo's face stiffened:

"You were granted an audience with Her Majesty? What did she say?"

Zhao Douan sipped his tea before implying,

"Her Majesty became physically weary after seeing me."

The cleverest lies were those where each statement was true, but when strung together, they conveyed a false reality.

Damn it, what did you do to her?!

Zhang Changshuo's breathing tightened, his eyes greened, his joy replaced by anger.

But soon, his expression softened, and he sneered,

"Enjoy your moment of verbal advantage, but let's see how you handle the endgame."

With those words, he stood up, brushed off his sleeves, and hastily departed.

He suspected Zhao Douan was deceiving him but had no evidence, thus planning to immediately send someone to investigate.

Watching his rival leave, Zhu Kui, clad in official attire, squeezed out a flattering smile and extolled,

"I've long known that with your relationship with Her Majesty, you naturally wouldn't face any trouble. It's laughable that this petty person surnamed Zhang even came to humiliate himself."

Ah, showing loyalty now? If I fall, you'd likely sway with the wind… Zhao Douan internally criticized, doubting that with the original host's vile nature, he'd possess truly loyal subordinates.

He chuckled and deliberately sighed,

"Her Majesty is magnanimous, but those at court who wish to doom me are also not simple; I must give an explanation eventually."

Zhu Kui was startled, then pondering for a moment, he suddenly said,

"Find a scapegoat?"

His face then took on a sinister expression:

"Rest assured, My Lord, leave this matter to me, and I shall handle it flawlessly."

…Zhao Douan couldn't stand this type of villainous behavior, and he spoke sternly,

"Foolish! Do you think the people at the Imperial Court are blind? Or is the whole court devoid of intelligence? Her Majesty must have her plans."

He was bluffing, using powerful backing as his shield.

To seek life within death, he still needed to rely on these subordinates.

Thus, it was crucial first to secure the loyalty of people like Zhu Kui, making them believe he wouldn't fall from power, only then would they sincerely work for him.

But it wouldn't be long; the ambiguous attitude of the Empress might soon become widespread.

Thus, Zhao Douan's words were a preemptive warning shot.

This way, even if there were any accidents, Zhu Kui and the others would only think that this was the "Empress's plan" and wouldn't think too deeply about it.

"How is that rebel thief named 'Yun Niang' doing now?" Zhao Douan asked.

When the old Grand Tutor Zhuang Xiaocheng had fled, he had not been able to take his unconscious female disciple with him; before Zhao Douan entered the palace, he had ordered Zhu Kui to imprison her.

Zhu Kui said,

"I have locked her up in the government office, but her Divine Soul suffered from the impact of Magic and has not awakened yet; does Your Excellency wish to see her?"

Zhao Douan waved his hand,

"No rush. But remember, do not let anyone take her away."

Zhu Kui confidently said,

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, the government office imprisonment is directly managed; those folks from the Imperial Court wouldn't even think about overstepping their bounds and snatching people from us."

He originally worked in the government office and was a seasoned officer, well aware of the authority of each office.

Zhao Douan grunted in approval, his mind conjuring the image of the righteous girl in the broken temple, wielding a sword and determined to die alongside him, the evil villain.

This was a clue he was following to track down the rebels, which he had to keep firmly in his grasp.

But judging from her performance, she was likely a tough nut to crack; it would be difficult to obtain any substantial results in a short period of time, especially since she was still unconscious.

He needed a more solid opportunity to make a mark.

"By the way," Zhu Kui suddenly remembered something, pulling a letter from his bosom:

"I almost forgot, after returning to the office, I received a letter from a servant in the Viscount's mansion of Ning'an County, delivered for you."

Ning'an County Viscount?

In Zhao Douan's mind, a memory belonging to the former host surfaced:

The former host had been rumored to be the Empress's male favorite,... and after his status skyrocketed, all the government offices in the Capital showed him deference out of fear of offending the Empress's confidant.

Opportunists began to approach him one after another to bribe him, asking the former host to help them with their affairs.

Initially cautious, the former host nevertheless began to sell his power and amass wealth as the bribes piled up...

Ning'an County Viscount, a hereditary "Viscount" of Yu Country, worked as a "middleman" in the Capital, brokering "business" deals and taking cuts.

Not long ago, Ning'an County Viscount approached the former host.

He mentioned that someone was willing to pay to have the former host help save a local official, now imprisoned, who had caused trouble but came from a scholarly family from Jiangnan.

The arrogant former host readily agreed, but since he was focused on capturing the rebels,... some days had passed since, which might mean...

"Shhh." Zhao Douan effortlessly tore open the wax seal, unfolded the letter, and glanced over it.

As expected, it was Ning'an County Viscount getting anxious, inviting him to dinner tonight to urge him in person.

Another from the Jiangnan scholarly family... It's like being handed a pillow when sleepy... Zhao Douan's lips curled up.

It seemed that the mess the former host left wasn't entirely a pitfall; here a chance to make his mark came knocking.

Being righteous and striving to achieve accomplishments is fraught with great difficulties, but for the villain, seeking achievements is as easy as stabbing a teammate in the back.

"Prepare the carriage; I need to go out later."

Zhao Douan looked at the sunset, stained with the hues of foliage outside the hall, resembling blood.

After a moment, he added, "Find two reliable subordinates for tonight..."

...

...

Later in the evening.

In another office within the government quarters, Zhang Changshuo sat on a large sandalwood chair with a folding fan in hand, listening to the reports of a clerk.

"So, is it that the Prime Minister and the Saint are discussing state affairs? And Zhao has been waiting for a long while? Barely managed a brief audience? The officers of the Imperial Court of Supervision are already rubbing their hands, preparing their petitions to collectively attack Zhao Gou?"

Zhang Changshuo was overjoyed, flipping his fan with a chuckle,

"It's just a bluff, indeed!"

While the Empress hadn't immediately sent someone to arrest Zhao Douan, it was clear she hadn't shown any intention to protect him.

"It must be that Zhao Gou is groveling for mercy, and thus Her Majesty hesitated from making a decision, but with this scandal, his favor with the Saint must have greatly diminished, combined with the impeachment by the court..."

Zhang Changshuo paced excitedly, his eyes sparkling, realizing this was a godsend opportunity to dispose of Zhao Douan.

"What's happening with Ning'an County Viscount?" he asked.

The clerk below reported, "Zhao Douan has ordered the carriage be prepared, most likely heading to the dinner."

"Good!" Zhang Changshuo was delighted.

In his eagerness to bring down Zhao Douan, he had been keen on collecting the opponent's dirty secrets; unfortunately, while Zhao Douan was infamous for his debauchery, the offenses were not severe enough...

To deliver a fatal blow.

Recently learning that Ning'an County Viscount was possibly in touch with Zhao Douan, he had people monitor them.

Unfortunately, they couldn't get any solid proof of their transactions; if today's meeting can yield solid evidence of Zhao Douan's corruption and lawlessness for the Imperial Court of Supervision, it would be tantamount to severing Zhao Gou's last straw.

Zhang Changshuo: "Pass my command, find two reliable subordinates for tonight..."