The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 166 - 146, Public Opinion Fermentation

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Afternoon.

A piece of news about Zhao Douan being arrested swiftly spread through various government offices, attracting widespread attention. In contrast to the cautious and careful officials, the scholars closely connected to the court were engaged in animated discussions.

"Is it true? Wasn’t that Zhao Douan gaining favor? How did he suddenly end up in jail?"

"Hmph, who told him to offend Master Zhou? If not for that, would there have been an impeachment at this morning’s court?"

"But wasn’t he the gigolo favored by the Saint? The Saint has shown partiality towards him before. Why this time…?"

"Oh, favored? With his affair with the Wang family’s concubine exposed, do you think Your Majesty wouldn’t care? It’s impossible. This is retribution."

"Indeed, he is a notorious villain, arrogant and domineering. As the saying goes, those who commit many injustices are bound to bring disaster upon themselves. He is finally facing downfall. Congratulations, one less flatterer and villain in the Great Yu Dynasty!"

"He is still too young… Once gaining power, he becomes oblivious to the heights of the heavens and depth of the earth…"

Some took pleasure in his misfortune, others clapped their hands in glee, while others offered fatherly comments...

People quickly accepted this outcome, for it aligned well with common sense.

Since ancient times, which emperor would tolerate a concubine secretly taking a lover?

Whenever discovered, they are executed without mercy.

Xu Zhenguan, being the Empress, would be no exception.

Even if it was said that Zhao Douan had some tricks up his sleeve and could be of use.

But if branded with the label of "betrayal," no matter how useful a subordinate, the Empress would show no mercy.

Zhou Cheng’s move not only aimed at creating a rift in their "relationship."

It was more profound, making the Empress realize that Zhao Douan had deceived and betrayed her.

"Brother Lu, this time that Zhao fellow is finished."

Inside the Ministry of Justice office, an official sighed.

Lu Zhi, who had been arrested and released by Zhao Douan and was long suppressed in the "Judge" position due to his personality, shook his head and said:

"Something is fishy about this case. The accuser is obviously manipulated, and the procedures Mr. Zhou followed also don’t comply with the norms..."

"Shush!" A startled colleague beside him advised with a bitter face:

"Watch your mouth. Don’t cause trouble. Weren’t you always criticizing and opposing that Zhao Douan? Isn’t his downfall a good thing?"

Lu Zhi shook his head, stiffly saying:

"One matter should not hinder the other. Zhao Douan’s character is indeed despicable, and as a subordinate, although I hold a low position, I should rightly speak out, holding him accountable by law.

But this case… lacks sufficient evidence to make a conviction. Can we punish him with a confusing case just because we oppose him? Such conduct, I despise..."

The colleagues shook their heads to avoid him:

You deserve not getting promoted... Can’t you see this is Master Zhou’s revenge?

...

...

The Zhao family.

As the sun set in the west, the weather was nice today. You Jinhua and her daughter sat in the bedroom, embroidering scent sachets.

Ultimately, she agreed with her daughter’s proposal that the mother and daughter each made a sachet for Zhao Douan.

As gifts for the Qiqiao Festival.

You Jinhua sat by the table.

With a graceful bow of her head, she skillfully tied a knot with her fingers, biting off the excess thread with silver teeth, and scrutinized the grand and solemn sachet embroidered with a Qingyun pattern, nodding with satisfaction.

She looked at her daughter: "How about yours?"

The slender, elegant, otherworldly young girl whose brows and eyes faintly resembled her mother when she was a maiden, finished her last stitch as well:

"It’s done."

Zhao Pan handed the brightly colored sachet to her mother, somewhat dissatisfied:

"Mother, there are a few places where the stitches aren’t very good."

You Jinhua, however, smiled broadly:

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"No matter, I can fix it for you later. I reckon your brother won’t mind; it’s your heartfelt gesture after all."

Zhao Pan lightly said "Mm," with a hint of expectation.

After all this time together, the mother and daughter finally confirmed that Zhao Douan had indeed changed for the better.

You Jinhua was even more gratified that her daughter gradually accepted the stepson again. The darkest times of the Zhao family were over, and everything was getting better.

These days, her face was always carrying a smile.

Just then, the old housekeeper hurriedly ran in from outside, shouting:

"Madam! Miss!"

The mother and daughter looked at each other, set down the sachets, and walked out the door:

"What’s the matter to make you so flustered?"

The old housekeeper cried loudly:

"It’s not good! Da Lang has been thrown into the big jail, and they say he might not survive!"

Boom...

You Jinhua felt as if struck by lightning, her mind instantly blank, only feeling dizzy, and her legs went weak, collapsing straight to the ground.

Zhao Pan stood there dumbfounded, the words "jailed" and "might not survive" echoing in her mind as if she had lost her soul.

...

...

Imperial Court of Supervision, the back hall.

Yuann Li, at sunset, greeted a group of unexpected guests.

"Ma Yan? What is this about?"

Yuann Li stood with hands behind his back, stepping out from the hall, looking at a group of Jinyi surging in from outside.

Most of them, led by Qian Kerou and three others, were members of the Lihua Hall.

Leading them was a thin, cold-faced man with a sinister and violent temperament, none other than the chief eunuch, Ma Yan.

"Mr. Yuan, apologies for coming uninvited." Ma Yan cupped his hands.

Though his demeanor remained unchanged, those familiar with him could keenly sense hints of anxiety and worry mixed in his expression.

This was very rare for Ma Yan.

"Are you all here for Zhao Douan?" Yuann Li invited Ma Yan into the hall to sit.

Ma Yan placed his hands on knees, sitting upright:

"I know arresting him is Your Majesty’s decree. As the chief officer, I should avoid suspicion, but couldn’t stand the Lihua Hall youngsters’ pleas outside my door, so I had to come once."

"Is that so." Yuann Li maintained an even tone, not pointing it out.

King Ma, known for his strict governance, how could he be pressured by a bunch of lower-level Jinyi?

It was merely an excuse for his own intent to come.

Yuann Li, with a calm tone, said:

"Since you know it’s the Saint’s decree, you should understand that I won’t open any doors of convenience for you."

Ma Yan smiled bitterly:

"I wouldn’t dare to trouble Mr. Yuan, nor dare to seek favoritism. I only hope for Mr. Yuan to remain just and impartial, ensuring no convenience is given to the Ministry of Justice."

Yuann Li understood his meaning, lightly said:

"Be rest assured on that point, Master Zhao is in the Prison Cage, only detained without any punishment."

Ma Yan nodded, cupping his hands in thanks: "With Mr. Yuan’s assurance, I am relieved."

Yuann Li, curious, asked: "I have always heard of your stern impartiality; why are you now running around for that kid?"

In the morning court, Ma Yan speaking up for Zhao Douan could be explained as standing up for a subordinate, his due responsibility.

But to risk irritating Your Majesty by coming at such a critical juncture was beyond the scope of superior and subordinate.

Ma Yan was silent for a moment, then replied:

"Mr. Yuan knows I originate from the Tributor; this boy, though frequently exceeding norms, causing me trouble, but in essence... once addressed me as Senior Brother."

Yuann Li faintly smiled, sipping tea, signaling the end of the discussion.

Qian Kerou and the others from Lihua Hall, learning Zhao Douan wouldn’t be subjected to harsh interrogation, reluctantly withdrew.

Their power was too meager. They could bully minor officials at best, but faced with such major affairs, the only thing they could do was just this.

...

The Prison Cage.

Clad in a buttoned coat of Big Qingyi, with a clear and gentle demeanor, the seasoned-eyed Yuann Li walked through the dark dungeon.

No prison guard accompanied him.

When he reached a solitary cell and peered inside by torchlight, a hint of surprise flickered through his eyes.

He saw Zhao Douan inside the cell, now wearing prison clothes, seated on the ground, engrossed in reading by the light of the torch.

There wasn’t a trace of fear or worry; instead, his eyebrows seemed to hold a sense of peace and contentment.

"Reading in a Prison Cage, instead of a military officer, you seem more like a literati." Yuann Li praised.

"Mr. Yuan!"

Zhao Douan finally looked up, smiling as he rose to salute:

"It’s turmoil outside, with too many trifling matters and worries, but it’s more tranquil to read here."

Yuann Li glanced at the book’s title:

"The Law Book? Reading it while imprisoned, do you think this could help you break the situation?"

Would you believe me if I said I’m studying how many years Zhou Cheng could sentence you for... Zhao Douan shook his head:

"It’s just coincidental."

This was true.

Recently, he had been cramming on the laws and regulations of the Great Yu administrative framework, studying the dynastic policies, economy, military affairs, and miscellaneous aspects, including legal provisions.

He compared them with various dynasties on Earth in his previous life, intending to speed up his understanding of the Great Yu Dynasty.

However, he unexpectedly discovered many areas for improvement.

Of course, Yuann Li did not know that before him, this legitimate Martial Artist from the imperial guard possessed five thousand years’ worth of governance strategies from an Otherworld empire.

Skipping over that topic, Yuann Li stared at him and said:

"Moments ago, Ma Yan came to me… saying your subordinates petitioned for him to request me to ensure you won’t endure punishment while in the Prison Cage.

It was apparent they were very worried about you. Outside, rumors of you falling out of favor and not surviving are rampant, with many wishing for your death."

Zhao Douan remained silent, already having anticipated this.

Yuann Li paused, then suddenly said:

"But seeing you still have the heart to read, I knew they might be disappointed."

Zhao Douan lowered his eyes:

"Mr. Yuan overestimates me; I’m just pretending to be calm."

"Is that so?" Yuann Li smiled:

"The other day, I mentioned that when Zhou Cheng acts, it will be a fatal strike. By now, you must have experienced it. You still have the chance to ask me for help, and I can help you resolve the current crisis; the cost remains unchanged. Once accomplished, most credit goes to the Imperial Court of Supervision."

Zhao Douan respectfully replied:

"I beg forgiveness as I still refuse."

Yuann Li’s smile deepened:

"So, in such a dire situation, you still choose to play this chess game yourself? Know this… once the Three Agencies trial is convened in a few days and Zhou Cheng completes his preparation of evidence, even I won’t be able to save you."

Zhao Douan raised his head, smiling:

"But Mr. Yuan also believes I can overturn Zhou Cheng, doesn’t he? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be giving me another chance now that I’ve fallen out of favor and ended up a prisoner."

Yuann Li chuckled, turning to leave, tossing one last remark:

"I look forward to how you’ll turn the tables. By the way, someone from the Ministry of Justice is here to interrogate you."

He walked as if taking a stroll in the clouds.

Shortly.

Seated in the Prison Cage, Zhao Douan heard the approach of chaotic footsteps.

Then, by torchlight, Hee Zheng’s bruised but arrogant, smug face appeared:

"Zhao Douan, how does it feel to be a prisoner?"

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