The Empress's No.1 Lackey

"All who meet a good end, are just like me."

In the Imperial Garden.

When Xu Zhenguan heard these words, a complex expression emerged on her impeccably beautiful face, marked by a brief moment of surprise.

She then looked at the "Little Forbidden Army" before her with a gentler gaze.

Indeed, as an emperor, she could easily question why he was so slick.

But as a subject, he inevitably faced the majesty of heaven and felt a shared sense of unease.

Earlier, when she had issued her edict, a few light words had been enough to destroy a doctor official and his entire family behind him.

Although the "instigator" was right in front of her, he too must be feeling fearful, right?

It was human nature.

Rather than questioning him, it would be better to ask why the court, this large dyeing vat, could so quickly taint a "simple" soldier.

Especially the phrase "Third Imperial Princess reading history books at night" strangely made Xu Zhenguan feel a peculiar sense of closeness to him.

How odd.

Indeed, before this, the topics she discussed with Zhao Douan were all about official matters.

This kind of casual conversation was a first for them.

It is said that the reason humans invented "chatting" was to foster closeness with each other.

Zhao Douan took a risk in saying that phrase, attempting to lighten the gravity of the conversation.

At this moment, noticing the subtle change in the Empress's demeanor, he quickly apologized:

"This subject has spoken out of line..."

Xu Zhenguan shook her head to interrupt him, saying, "No matter."

After a pause, the Empress turned her head back around and continued walking forward, saying:

"But I do not wish to talk about Prince Jing."

Her pace visibly slowed.

"As you command."

Zhao Douan did not want to provoke her further, but he couldn't help but imagine:

During the years the Empress had laid low in the palace, having witnessed the cruel struggles among her brothers and relatives, she must have felt sorrow and distress.

And it was this that likely caused her intense reaction to the acts of her relative, "Prince Jing."

"Tell me the details of your case," Xu Zhenguan asked, revealing her curiosity, "I want to hear."

Zhao Douan had earlier summarized the narrative too briefly, and he had anticipated that the Empress would inquire further.

He immediately elaborated on the incident in detail.

Upon hearing that Zhang family's second son had forcibly entered the Zhao Residence to take liberties with You Jinhua and her daughter, which prompted Zhao Douan to decide to trouble the other party,

The Empress did not show anger but instead nodded slightly, thinking to herself:

There was still the vigor of manhood, not yet overly slick and unprincipled, nor had he been blinded by anger to act foolishly. He first meted out punishment with martial force, then followed it up within the rules.

This approach was one she appreciated and agreed with.

When she heard that Zhao Douan had traced the clues to Qinglian Small House and obtained information from Little Ya, the Empress's fine eyebrows, dark as distant mountains, slightly raised:

"So you visited a prostitute at night?"

Zhao Douan with righteous indignation:

"After questioning her, I immediately reported to Supervisor Sun, not daring to linger for even a moment!"

With such a topic, the stance had to be quick, precise, and fierce!

The Empress's smile hinted at disbelief, thinking he wouldn't dare sleep with anyone.

Though the scandal between them was false, at least as of now, Xu Zhenguan had not seriously considered getting involved with this Little Forbidden Army.

Logically, Zhao Douan could spend his time among flowers and willows, and she should not intervene.

But for some reason, seeing his sincere attitude, her irritability eased somewhat.

"Continue."

"Yes." Zhao Douan let out a silent breath and carried on with his account, revealing almost everything except for the episode where "Little Ya cosplayed the Empress."

After hearing the full details, Xu Zhenguan's impression of him subtly changed.

If one could argue that his past action of forcing Feng Ju to bite at the Prime Minister, handing her a dagger, could have been a stroke of genius born of desperation,

This time, Zhao Douan's series of delicate maneuvers could not be explained away as mere coincidence.

Especially his clever use of his persona as a "spoiled wastrel" to deceive the cautious Zhang Changshuo mentally.

Even with Xu Zhenguan's discerning eye, she found much to commend.

The people she tried to promote had performed even better than she had anticipated… Although there were corrupt elements like the Zhang family in the court, there were also outstanding talents joining her ranks… The Empress's mood had lightened somewhat.

"So, the Magician's strength exceeded expectations, but fortunately, Priest Jin Jian accompanied them?"

Zhao Douan sighed with a nod:

"Yes, it seems I was lucky."

His mind stirred, and he added:

"It's just that Priest Jin Jian's temperament seems…"

"That girl is indeed somewhat reclusive, not one to seek the limelight, and rarely mingles with outsiders," Xu Zhenguan was not surprised, "but her character is quite admirable."

Zhao Douan was curious, "Your Majesty knows her well?"

He sought to indirectly obtain some information.

After all, Jin Jian had simply said "I'll come back to you" last night, but come dawn, she was nowhere to be seen.

Zhao Douan even wondered if she might be "Invisible," making even using the toilet uncomfortable for him.

Xu Zhenguan nodded and said:

"In earlier years, I too had a brief stay at the Heavenly Master Mansion, learning from Heavenly Master Zhang.

To this day, he has taken only six disciples. The first four have already 'graduated,' and among his current disciples, Zhu Dian is the newest. Jin Jian is the youngest, the last in line, and also the most favored."

He absorbed the information… Zhao Douan listened attentively and, seizing the moment, pressed on:

"From my childhood, I've heard of the great name of Heavenly Master Zhang but have never had the chance to behold his true form. I wonder what kind of transcendent being he is?"

Each Heavenly Master had a long life, and Zhang Yan was active before Zhao Douan's birth.

Treated as a "legendary" figure, even the powerful courtiers bowed down to him, and very few had actually seen him.

Xu Zhenguan said with a sense of admiration:

"Heavenly Master Zhang… His appearance is nothing extraordinary. He's a profound and inscrutable person. Your spiritual knowledge is too shallow; even if he were standing right in front of you, you wouldn't be able to recognize anything remarkable."

Not that… You've decided I can't recognize him without ever seeing him? Zhao Douan was a bit indignant.

Just as he was about to inquire further, Xu Zhenguan stopped her lotus steps and turned to him:

"That's enough for today. Your accomplishment this time has truly pleased me. What reward would you like?"

The conversation was ending.

Joyful times are always fleeting… Zhao Douan was reluctant to leave but perked up at the word "reward":

"During the fight with the Magician, the blade I borrowed from the Imperial Court Jinyi broke instantly under stress. Considering I might face formidable enemies in the future while serving Your Majesty, I would like to request a Magic Artifact."

He boldly asked for a Magic Artifact!

This was a request he had thought through carefully. Compared to wealth and other external possessions, his life came first.

Having power and money was worthless without life. The recent battle had given him a hard lesson.

"A Magic Artifact as a weapon?" The Empress nodded graciously:

"You may take one from the armory. Don't think me stingy; the treasures in the Imperial Palace's armory are incomparable to what's outside. Each one's value may not be immeasurable, but they far exceed mere gold and silver."

Zhao Douan was aware of the value of Magic Artifacts.

He knew they were incredibly expensive, and while lower-tier Magic Artifacts could be found, the higher-grade ones were priceless and simply not available for purchase.

In Jianghu, tales of Martial Artists fighting over a Divine Weapon for decades were not uncommon.

And the Imperial Palace's armory held just such Divine Weapons.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Douan was overjoyed.

Xu Zhenguan's lips curved slightly, and after a moment of contemplation, she added:

"Additionally, the women in your family were frightened, which reflects poorly on my governance... Summon someone."

An attendant, always ready nearby, approached with quick, small steps.

Xu Zhenguan commanded:

"Bring two hundred bolts of Shu brocade from the palace to Lord Zhao's residence, to make clothes for the women in his family."

"Yes!"

The palace attendant obeyed and departed.

Palace Shu brocade… the finest silk tribute from the Great Yu Dynasty…exorbitantly valuable… Zhao Douan had not expected this pleasant surprise, thinking:

Now, my stepmother and sister can have new clothes. They should be quite pleased.

...

Due to family matters, updates in the next few days may not be timely.