The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 1213 - 649: Tonight, One Person Guards the Border

Chapter 1213: Chapter 649: Tonight, One Person Guards the Border

As dawn just faded away and the morning light had yet to rise, the courtyard behind the government office was dimly lit.

Yet, it was sufficient to illuminate Zhao Douan’s face, which bore a smile.

Long time no see... General Zhao...

Zhao Shixiong was stunned; for a fleeting moment, he doubted whether he had not yet awakened from a dream. How could the other party suddenly appear here without any hint of warning?

But as a martial arts expert, how could he be unable to discern whether he was awake?

"General Zhao, won’t you invite us in for a sit?" Zhao Douan quipped with a grin.

Zhao Shixiong was startled awake, incredulously saying:

"Governor, how could you..."

Smiling beside him, Gongsun said:

"I came back from night patrol and heard my subordinate’s report that they discovered the Liao Clan’s flying boat outside the Border City. I rushed over, unexpectedly running into the governor."

Flying boat?

Zhao Shixiong grew increasingly perplexed, but knowing that standing was not conducive to conversation, he hurriedly invited Zhao Douan into the hall.

During the process, several other "cloaked figures" revealed their faces, revealing themselves to be three priests from the Heavenly Master Mansion. The "Southwest Skinny Tiger" grew even more startled, yet showed considerably more respect.

As for Tuoba Weizhi... he had never seen her, unable to discern her identity. However, his instincts as a strong individual warned him that this mysterious, long-haired girl was extremely dangerous.

"Forgive us for this unexpected visit, unable to notify in advance," Zhao Douan said with a smile after sitting down in the hall, "The last time we met was at Jingchuan City. In the blink of an eye, so much has happened. First, congratulations to the general for pacifying Yunfu."

Zhao Shixiong dared not be arrogant; this border army general, who was as prestigious as the day is long, shook his head with a bitter smile:

"Governor is jesting; I merely redeemed myself with these accomplishments, and in terms of merit, how could I compare to the governor? If any congratulations are to be given, it should be to congratulate the governor."

These words were heartfelt.

The tone was sincere and genuine.

It was a stark contrast to when they first met Zhao Douan.

Their first meeting was in Yongjia, where Zhao Shixiong, then towering and spirited, disregarded Zhao Douan.

The second was in Taicang Prefecture, where Zhao Douan employed a strategy of sowing discord, which forced Zhao Shixiong to truly acknowledge him.

Yet at that time, there was mostly apprehension, admiration?

There was none.

A true change in attitude came after Zhao Douan successfully assassinated Xu Jingtang.

This action genuinely won a degree of admiration from this esteemed general.

Yet, even then, his heart did not fully submit, merely acknowledging Zhao Douan’s skill and courage.

But nowadays, the continuous reports have reshaped Zhao Shixiong’s view of this "kinsman."

Especially upon hearing Zhao Douan barged into the Golden Throne Hall, fervently advocated for war, imprisoned the delegation.

After risking life in military pledges.

Far away in Yunfu, Zhao Shixiong unusually called for a night banquet with his brothers in the army, where he publicly raised a bowl of wine, setting his gaze on the Capital, openly expressing recognition and admiration for "Commander Zhao" for the first time.

Subsequent news of Zhao Douan battling with a coffin, first at Lower Lake Pavilion, before assassinating Prince Jing transform this admiration to astonishment and awe.

Zhao Shixiong questioned his heart, realizing he could not achieve such feats.

From that moment, this border army general truly respected this gigolo of the young Empress who was decades younger than him.

These emotional shifts were evident during their reunion, manifested in respectfully spoken words.

"Unfortunately, with formidable enemies on the horizon, the Alien Race harbors undying intentions to destroy us, how could one speak of joy?" Zhao Douan sighed.

Zhao Shixiong and his wife fell silent, and Gongsun proactively said:

"My husband, a few days ago, sent messages with Flying Eagles, reporting the Liao Clan mobilizing its forces to the Capital."

Zhao Douan nodded and said:

"Her Majesty is aware; however, she must focus on handling the turmoil in Xiping. Not long ago, she personally led an expedition to the west. I have come to assist the general in stabilizing the situation; relevant military documents will be delivered later."

Her Majesty went west? The couple was utterly astonished.

Being far away in Yunfu, they had not yet received this news.

Zhao Douan did not allow them time to ponder, asking with narrowed eyes:

"I have just arrived at the Border City, unfamiliar with the situation. Can the general explain?"

"...Alright." Zhao Shixiong regained composure, swallowing the question of how Zhao Douan arrived so swiftly, and began reporting the current situation.

Most of the reports matched Zhao Douan’s knowledge, only adding further details.

Upon hearing Zhao Shixiong’s plan to stand against the Liao Clan’s army at the Border City, thwarting their northern advance, Zhao Douan gently nodded, expressing approval.

"By the way, there is another crucial matter," Zhao Shixiong said:

"Last night, we received scout reports of a Heavenly Human Level conflict at the core of the Liao Clan’s Great Territory. They are pursuing an ’intruder’ within, though details are still unclear."

He worriedly said:

"I am concerned that this unexpected development could affect the overall situation."

Zhao Douan casually remarked:

"Indeed, this matter involved me and several disciples of the Heavenly Master. As for the conflict, it was the Heavenly Master Zhang combating against the Evil God Great La Ba."

The indifferent tone seemed to trivialize the matter, yet to the couple’s ears, it was like thunder.

The explosion narrowed their pupils, leaving them astounded.

Zhao Douan pointed to Tuoba Weizhi:

"This is the High Priest from La Garden. No need to worry; now she acknowledges me as her Lord."

The couple was once again shocked; as border army mainstays, how could they not have heard of the High Priest from La Garden?

But they had never seen her.