The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 93 - 90, Standing behind him was the Empress (Seeking the first subscription!)

"I had not entered sooner. Were you about to beat him to death?"

The female official, lauded as a female chancellor, spoke coldly.

Ah, ice block, do you see me as such a vengeful and mindless petty person? You don’t understand me... Zhao Douan felt heartbroken.

At that moment, with Li Lang shouting "Mo Zhaorong," the attending Jinyi guards suddenly realized and understood the identity of the newcomer.

They bowed their heads in respect, hardly daring to breathe.

Mo Chou resided in the palace and mainly visited the residences of prominent figures when outside, so most people had heard her name but never seen her.

Who would’ve thought that the "first female official" alongside the Empress would appear here,

Witnessing their new superior savagely assaulting the Saint’s brother...

This is bad... Qian Kerou’s small face changed, worrying for Zhao Douan and wondering if the new master would just step down right after assuming office.

Such thoughts were not uncommon.

In this world, there existed an information gap known as the "Emperor’s Golden Hoe."

The notion that officials at lower levels, for their entire lives, could never comprehend the complex interpersonal relationships of those in higher power.

They assumed with stereotypes that the Emperor’s brother, even under the surname of the Royal Son-in-law, shouldn’t be bullied by a gigolo.

Like how a concubine, no matter how favored, dared not offend the main family’s relatives; this was the rigid hierarchy under the system of ritual and law.

But there were some, like the seasoned Zheng, who keenly sensed something was off.

Mo Zhaorong, busy with official business, how could she appear here coincidentally?

Even if she came to see the Lord in person, it should have been in the "Governor Hall."

Why would she show up at the Lihua Hall?

Her conversation with the new master was quite strange as well, with the master showing no sign of surprise.

The brief exchange seemed to suggest an equal standing between them.

As for the "royal relative" kneeling on the ground undergoing punishment, he was ignored.

"Mo Zhaorong! It’s me, Li Lang!"

Then, the ignored playboy began to wail:

"That Zhao guy is defiant and lawless, using private penalties to break my leg!"

Tsk tsk, impressive, finally realizing how to label me; why weren’t you this clever and smart just before? The reflex arc is quite long… I wonder if it’s as long as your mother’s legs...

Zhao Douan was amazed but only smiled silently, bothering not to explain.

Mo Chou remained expressionless, giving a sidelong glance at the snot and tears-covered Li Lang, a flicker of disgust crossing her eyes.

She harbored an equal distaste for all wastrels.

She felt the same for Zhao Douan as she did for the progeny of the Princess.

If forced to compare, she even "admired" Zhao Douan slightly more; at least he was a shrewd, competent scoundrel.

Unlike the one on the ground, a complete waste.

"Master Zhao, aren’t you going to say something?" she asked.

"Him? He insulted and mocked his superior; I punished my subordinate. Is there a problem?" Zhao Douan chuckled.

Li Lang furiously shouted:

"See, see how arrogant he is? Mo Zhaorong, hurry and report to the Saint. I want him dead, his family property confiscated, and exiled! And these government officers, ignoring me and watching this bastard overrule superiors without stopping, I want them all in the Imperial Prison!"

The playboy babbled incoherently, his face contorting in rage, still unaware of the severity of his situation.

Inside and outside the hall, the Jinyi guards’ faces changed.

The castle doors on fire, even the pond fish would suffer; they remained silent as chilled cicadas.

The obstinate Hou Renmeng narrowed his eyes, grasping the hilt of his sword, while the lying second-generation glanced at him.

What are you doing?

Qian Kerou was puzzled, the new female government officer among them was the least privileged. Though she usually detested Li Lang’s conduct, she always endured it.

Yet, she didn’t expect the other to want to throw everyone into the Imperial Prison over this. Her anger surged, and she loudly said:

"Clearly you said before that you would give the new superior a taste of your power, which was why you dragged us to the back to play cards… Eh, Zheng, why are you pulling me?"

Zhao Douan glanced at her and smiled.

That’s right; this is the kind of courage a martial artist should have.

So, this seemingly obedient novice actually had a thorny nature, simply hidden by a group of seasoned thorns.

He turned to Mo Chou, noticing the androgynous beauty’s frost-covered face staring at Li Lang, her disdain for him unmasked.

A wastrel is one thing; being brainless is hopeless.

Mo Zhaorong retracted her gaze and said calmly:

"Since it’s Master Zhao’s ’domestic affair,’ it should be handled without issue."

What?

Li Lang’s tirade abruptly ceased, as if hearing wrong.

The remaining Jinyi guards were also stunned; this was entirely unlike the script they envisioned.

What followed next was even more baffling. Mo Zhaorong’s gaze gradually swept over everyone present, her voice commanding:

"Master Zhao is the chief official of the Lihua Hall, appointed by His Majesty. You are all under him and should follow his lead and strive diligently to relieve His Majesty’s burdens."

After finishing this seemingly inconclusive sentence, she looked at Zhao Douan and said:

"Master Zhao, then I won’t disturb your work any longer. Once you’re done, come out and talk."

Zhao Douan smiled:

"Okay. However, I have an unpleasant request."

"…Speak."

Zhao Douan nudged the dumbfounded Li Lang on the ground with his foot and said:

"By law, this man defied his superior and harangued in public court. He deserves severe punishment. But I’ve just arrived and don’t recognize everyone. So, if my colleagues in the imperial guard don’t mind, could you escort him to the Imperial Prison?"

Mo Zhaorong took a deep breath, turned to her attendants, and said:

"Go."

Several accompanying guards responded, dragging the now lifeless Li Lang away toward the Imperial Prison.

Only at this moment did the playboy snap back to reality, his eyes wide in disbelief.

He continued to shout and curse, but no one cared anymore.

Everyone present realized that the sudden appearance of this "female chancellor" was not to rescue Li Lang but indeed… to support Zhao Douan specifically.

Her previous pointed words frequently invoking His Majesty implied:

She was there as a human loudspeaker, conveying the Empress’s intentions.

The Empress personally sent the female official to bolster and back her superior.

Realizing this, the government officers in Lihua Hall collectively fell silent.

They understood that their leisurely days might be coming to an end.

…

…

With Li Lang’s cries fading and Mo Chou departing, Zhao Douan waved his hand to disperse the audience of lower-level officials, picked up the blood-stained ironwood stick, and strolled back to the head of the "meeting table."

He returned the stick to the dust-laden weapon rack and sat down, folding his hands with a smile:

"Is there anyone else who wants to leave?"

The remaining four arrest officers sat upright, eyes facing forward.

Zhao Douan nodded in satisfaction, smiling:

"Very good, I don’t like long-winded speeches, so let me put it simply. Don’t interrupt."

"First, I’ve come to the Imperial Court to do only three things: acquire merit, acquire merit, and acquire more damned merit.

So, tomorrow morning, I want to see all the dossiers and documents that should be present on my desk. Zheng, you’ve been around a long time and handle paperwork; this will be your responsibility."

"Second, I don’t shortchange my people, but the premise is ’my people.’ If anyone disobeys, don’t blame me for being uncompromising.

Today’s events, I can pretend they didn’t happen, but from now on, at daily roll call, unless in exceptional circumstances, I want all of you present."

"Third, I’m busy and won’t be stationed at the hall all day, and Lihua Hall has been lax for too long, so there needs to be someone in charge.

Qian Kerou? In the future, when I’m not here, you’ll stand in for me, understood? From now on, you’re my ’confidential secretary.’"

Upon saying "secretary," Zhao Douan spoke with a certain mischievous undertone.

From being a secretary, serving at every beck and call in his past life, today it was time to enjoy the perks.

The new female officer appeared bewildered, hesitantly raising her hand and pointing at herself:

"Me? I’m not capable; I’m new."

"What’s wrong with being new? I’m new as well," Zhao Douan’s face turned stern. "Or are you going to defy orders?"

Qian Kerou suddenly fell silent.

"Alright, pass these words along to the clerks below. I’ll come back tomorrow morning, hoping to see a refreshed hall."

Zhao Douan rose and started walking outside.

He truly made his statement brief, just in two or three sentences.

Once he left, the hall’s four remaining officers glanced at each other.

"Old Zheng, you have keen eyes. What kind of person do you think our new master is?"

Shen Juan yawned, rubbing his dark-circled eyes, with a playful smile:

"Is he a new broom that sweeps cleaner, or here to truly work? Ah, if he’s like that madman from Peony Hall, we’d really be in for it; laborious, you know, why not just muddle through?"

Beside him, arms crossed, with burly brow and eye, Hou Renmeng laughed mischievously, saying:

"I find it somewhat interesting. Being pushovers is boring; I’m getting moldy here in Lihua Hall; it’s good to have something to do."

Zheng held a large tea mug, blowing away steam, speaking softly:

"You young folks are so impatient. Assess people slowly and carefully. But I do think he’s quite unlike the rumors. Arrogant, yet brainy; he’s not necessarily here only for decor."

Qian Kerou, wearing a distressed expression, joined the discussion:

"No, seriously, what advice can you give me?"

The three exchanged smiles and spoke in unison:

"Confidential Secretary, impressive!"

Qian Kerou: ...

…

…

"Lord! The person has been delivered."

Back in the Governor Hall, Zhou Cang had just returned to report.

Wearing deep black flying fish clothes, slim, imposing, with a stern face and disarrayed white brows, Ma Yan nodded and asked from behind the "office" desk: "How is it?"

"Not too well, that troublesome group is quite uncooperative."

Zhou Cang, worried, recounted the card-playing incident involving the group.

Ma Yan, unsurprised, scoffed:

"If they cooperated, they wouldn’t be from Lihua Hall."

Zhou Cang asked in confusion:

"Lord, with Master Zhao’s character pursuing impulsively, I fear an incident might occur. Shouldn’t you check on things personally?"

He couldn’t understand.

Logically, since it was an appointment by the Empress, Ma Yan should have personally intervened both out of emotion and rationale.

Yet he only excused himself due to busyness, sending Zhou instead, which seemed inappropriate.

The great eunuch, dubbed King Yan, was known for not acting purely simple-mindedly; those close to him knew the nickname hid a person of depth and nuance.

But, had he known the Empress privately sent Mo Chou to deliver the message, he might have handled it differently.

According to Ma Yan’s assumption, Zhao Douan was clever and likely wouldn’t offend Li Lang; he’d either make an example of the softest target or bide his time.

However, conflict seemed inevitable; when it erupted, it would be his time to mitigate it. If he’d intervened at the start,

He’d truly be letting down the Empress’s carefully considered intentions.

Nevertheless, he didn’t bother explaining all this to Zhou Cang, only saying:

"Keep an eye on the movements at Lihua Hall and report when things escalate."

Zhou Cang obliged and left, Ma Yan returned to addressing the paperwork on his desk.

Moments later, Zhou Cang hurried back, his face full of urgency:

"My lord, something has happened!"

So soon... Ma Yan furrowed his brows, asking:

"Has Lihua Hall erupted? How is the situation currently? Did the Zhao guy suffer any losses?"

He was well aware of Li Lang’s rampant arrogance, fearing Zhao Douan might exhibit weakness and end up humiliated.

If on the first day as chief official he were to lose face, it would be nearly impossible to establish authority thereafter.

However, Zhou Cang responded with an odd expression, smiling wryly:

"No… my lord, please check it out. Li Lang has been imprisoned in the Imperial Prison!"

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Ma Yan’s expression froze suddenly: "You said... what?!"