The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 348 - 296. Break through the Song family’s estate

Capital, Imperial Palace.

Today there were no morning court sessions, and Xu Zhenguan unusually lingered in bed. By the time she woke from the sleeping chambers, daylight had already brightened considerably.

When having breakfast, the Empress distinctly felt the dense aura of autumn, making even the royal garden seem somewhat withered.

"Whoosh—"

The wind swept through, sending a surge of crimson maple leaves fluttering down, caught by the delicate and slender hands of the Empress. Her fingers closed gently, slowly clenching them in her palm.

"The maple leaves are thoroughly red now. I remember, Linfeng Taicang has the most maple trees around. Every deep autumn, the scenery is at its best. To enjoy chrysanthemums, though, one must head further south to the borders of the Huai River. Hmm, I wonder how the market preparations are going there now."

Xu Zhenguan spoke softly, the sun was high, yet the warmth of summer had faded.

Behind the Empress, Mo Chou, dressed as a neutral female official, had just arrived and upon hearing this, she said,

"The Shipping Governor is overseeing that area, and Your Majesty, you have discussed it with the Commandery Princess; I imagine that with her return to the Huai River, informing the Prince might shake up their inclinations as well."

The new policy in Great Yu had selected Linfeng, near the Huai River, as the location for "market" initiation.

Linfeng Road is close to the Capital, hence under stronger control by the court.

The Huai River has a rich merchant culture, and being the central hub, choosing this area was the result of careful consideration.

Xu Zhenguan, however, was not optimistic, but merely sighed,

"Beyond reach, beyond reach… The Chronicles of the Great-Ancestor once stated that the power of an emperor is actually very limited, even if one's cultivation is formidable. An emperor's authority still only extends about ten steps around them; beyond that, anything done relies on others…"

Saying this, she shook her head and changed the subject:

"Junling's return trip, by now, must also likely be delayed in Taicang with Zhao Douan."

You're worried about that very topic, aren't you… Mo Chou inwardly muttered, reluctantly saying,

"Counting the days, Mr. Zhao and the others should indeed have arrived."

She did not delve further into the topic of the Commandery Princess.

Xu Junling joined the imperial envoy midway, unknown to the officials of Taicang, but the Shadow Guard, who are affiliated with the Tributor, had long relayed the intelligence.

Hmm… It was information actively sent back by Zhao Douan.

However, even though this was a good opportunity to strike at a rival, Mo Chou was more aware that discussing the Imperial Family as a minister is a great taboo.

In her words, she intentionally mentioned only Zhao Douan.

"Taicang… I always feel that this matter won't be minor. Mr. Zhao traveling alone across the river, might be targeted by local officials like Gao Lian, but his progress is unknown." Xu Zhenguan showed a worried expression.

Mo Chou pinched her nose and said,

"With Mr. Zhao's clever abilities, I expect in a few days, he will triumphantly return to the Capital."

"Hopefully."

Xu Zhenguan's corners of her mouth slowly curled, and she glanced at her,

"Did you come to report anything?"

Mo Chou took out two letters from her sleeve and handed them over:

"Confidential reports from the Shadow Guard, one concerning Mr. Zhengyang. Apparently, the Mu Prince visited him personally a few days ago, staying for a long talk. Upon leaving, according to a disciple of Mr. Zhengyang, it seems he might consider leaving Yunfu and there's also a rumor that he's contemplating coming to the Capital to lecture, though it's unclear if it's true."

Coming to the Capital to lecture?

Xu Zhenguan slowly furrowed her brows, not commenting:

"And the other?"

Mo Chou said,

"The other is about the current Family Head of the Xiao family at East Lake, who is quietly maneuvering and showing great interest in the new policy's market. She might also soon come to the Capital."

The widow from the Xiao family?

Xu Zhenguan showed considerable interest, pondering briefly before smiling:

"We can spread this news. I am curious to see if Prince Huaian, upon learning of it, will be in a rush."

"Yes." Mo Chou acknowledged the command, prepared to withdraw.

"Oh, and," the Empress added softly,

"Have the Shadow Guard intensively investigate recent movements in Jianghu, especially the Magic God Sect. If there are disturbances, it would be good for Zhao Douan to be prepared."

Mo Chou was startled, "Your Majesty is worried..."

Xu Zhenguan's sleeve, light as gossamer, gently waved, causing the whole garden's maple leaves to ripple like a sea of fire:

"Be cautious, and make no big mistake, Zhuang Xiaocheng isn't someone who easily admits defeat."

"Great Yu's number one hidden scholar?"

At the Song family estate.

Zhao Douan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered that when he first entered Xiuwen Pavilion, Mo Chou had personally seen him off.

On the way there, the female chancellor had once mentioned that the Xiuwen Pavilion wanted to invite a distinguished person, but it was not successful.

At that time, Big Ice Chunk didn't explain, but thinking about it now, it must have been Mr. Zhengyang.

"I've heard of him, but he shouldn't be a figure in the official scene," he curiously said.

Xu Junling gave a look that said "you also have things you don't know," and smiled,

"As a recluse, he naturally isn't in the official scene.

This man enjoys a great reputation in the literary world... Well, you don't mingle in literary circles, so it's reasonable you don't know.

In short, Mr. Zhengyang is a greatly talented man who has been guarding a tomb in the mountains of Yunfu Road and interpreting the Saint's texts for thirty years. His analysis of the sages' wisdom is unparalleled in this age, and even Grandmaster Dong admits his inferiority. Even the answers to the imperial examination require his annotations.

Therefore, although he does not leave the mountain, scholars who go there to pay homage and study are continuously arriving.

Since this Mr. Song claims to be a disciple, he has established a teaching lineage among the literati, and coupled with his scholar's status, it's not surprising that he can uphold a minor noble family in the locality."

I've learned...

So, he is essentially Great Yu Dynasty's big V, an opinion leader... Zhao Douan nodded.

Xu Junling laughed,

"You coming here like this is likely to displease this disciple of Zhengyang Sect. Aren't you afraid he won't cooperate?"

Zhao Douan grinned:

"What this young master wants, if he dares not to give, I'll fight until he does."

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At that moment, a large group of people swarmed out from the front estate, evidently the estate's protectors.

All were broad and muscular, wielding swords and knives, with killing intent on their faces.

Indeed, as the Commandery Princess had said, the Song family really had kept a group of martial artists as guards.

The leader of the newcomers, unexpectedly "thin," was a middle-aged man wearing only a short blue shirt.

A sword hung at his waist, and his thick black eyebrows accentuated a commanding presence that seemed to move fluidly with an invisible aura.

"Ah, there are some 'experts' here after all," Zhao Douan joked.

"Master Xie... Master... save me..."

On the ground, a strong young man was pinned down by a single foot in the mud, unable to move.

His eyes full of tears could hardly see people.

But hearing the commotion, he somehow mustered the courage to cry loudly for help.

"Little Wu!"

The middle-aged instructor, who had a bit of a reputation in Jianghu, darkened his face, his eyes flaring with anger.

However, upon spotting this group of people, the martial artist's instinct made him sense danger.

But thinking of the skilled hands behind him, Coach Xie felt somewhat reassured.

He raised his hand, and the crowd halted, yet the sounds of drawing blades continued non-stop.

"This young master, may I inquire about your identity? Why do you barge into the Song family estate and attack our young men?"

Coach Xie's face remained expressionless, his hand on the hilt of his sword, staring at Zhao Douan, and demanded coldly.

For a moment, tension built like drawn swords ready to strike.

It seemed that at any moment, they would attack.

But Zhao Douan ignored them, not bothering to reply.

Instead, he just scanned the dozens of faces filled with hidden anger.

He yawned lightly, displeasedly glanced at the Commandery Princess's guard standing beside him, and said indifferently:

"What are you still standing around for? Waiting for this young master to take action myself?"

Lv Qingfeng, the man with the knife, and the sword-wielding woman all hesitated for a moment.

Then, the latter two let out a fierce laugh and leapt forward.