The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 1015 - 569: Empress Enters the Dream, Temple Guardian Tiger

Capital.

On the same night, as the sunset sank below the horizon, the dark red palace walls were gradually filled with azure twilight.

Inside the palace, the palace maids raised lanterns, following routine to light up urgent spots throughout the Imperial Palace.

In Yangxin Hall, several palace maids, while holding bamboo poles to hang lanterns, gazed towards the brightly lit Imperial Study Room and murmured:

"Your Majesty has been taking meals later and later recently."

"Perhaps worrying about the battlefront, concerned about the Yunfu Rebel Army’s progress along the Huai River."

"I reckon it’s not entirely that. I noticed that since mid-autumn, Your Majesty has occasionally appeared absent-minded. There is even a poem framed in the study room, constantly being examined. Speaking of which, I wonder which great poet composed it. I only caught a glimpse of a few lines, truly remarkable."

"Hah, what do you understand about poetry? Just capable of seeing its greatness?"

Suddenly, a palace maid cleared her throat, frantically signaling to her companions, who upon hearing, turned to see, suddenly startled and broke into a cold sweat, each obedient and fearful like quails, lowering their heads and squatting halfway, still holding lanterns in salute, "Your Majesty..."

Empress Xu Zhenguan of Great Yu had walked along the corridor at some unknown time.

Her face, renowned for its beauty, carried an indifferent expression.

She merely acknowledged with a soft "hm", then stepped forward, moving towards the outside of Yangxin Hall, seemingly unfazed by the palace maids’ discussions.

However, after the Empress had walked past, the elder female official following behind stopped, coldly glancing at the palace maids and said in a chilly voice, "Go punish yourselves later. Miss Mo is not in the palace, don’t think you can slack off."

"The servants acknowledge their mistake."

Xu Zhenguan left Yangxin Hall, without having dinner, instead heading directly to Martial Arts Hall.

"Your Majesty." Eunuch Hai bowed as he went outside to greet the Empress.

"Has he returned?" Xu Zhenguan asked.

Eunuch Hai shook his head and said, "Not yet. At this moment, it’s likely the court army has marched south, key in besieging the Yunfu Rebel Army. During this period, he probably won’t be returning."

Xu Zhenguan acknowledged, eyes reflecting a hint of melancholy.

How could she not understand this rationale? Did she need Hai Chunlin’s reminder?

Even with the Protective Bell installed previously, whether Zhao Douan returned, she had no need to ask in person.

Since the mid-autumn outing to East Mountain, the atmosphere in the capital changed entirely. These days, both inside and outside the court, everyone focused their discussions on the battle at the Huai River Western Front.

Everyone knew, now that Zhao Shixiong had surrendered, the ensuing confrontation with the Yunfu Rebel Army would ensue. Whether reclaiming half of the Huai River smoothly, alleviating the court’s increasingly urgent shortage of supplies, countless eyes were watching.

As for capturing Xu Jingtang and annihilating Yunfu... not many harbored such expectations.

That would be somewhat of a pipe dream.

Zhao Douan’s reputation within the city had also soared, yet with it came danger.

Xu Zhenguan was well aware that as long as Mu Prince dared to revolt, he must have backing. Even if Zhao Shixiong turned coat, there was still danger descending on Jingchuan City.

She had intended to carefully advise Zhao Douan in detail.

Unexpectedly, on the night of mid-autumn at the Emperor Tower, after a drunken episode between the two, the fellow composed a poem worthy of legacy, then fled back to the frontline.

Xu Zhenguan had no methods to swiftly contact Zhao Douan, only able to wait for him to actively report back.

"Understood." The Empress nodded, did not leave, still stepping into the depths of Martial Arts Hall, entering the fourth floor of that small tower.

She pushed open the door.

Within the room, candles on visit racks lit themselves, the orange candle glow spreading, dispelling the darkness.

Revealing beside the Stone Wall, seated cross-legged, unmoving "Zhao Douan".

The Empress glanced at this Puppet Substitute, swiftly shifting her gaze, quietly looking at the Stone Wall, lost in thought.

Moonlight poured in from behind, illuminating the floor, shining upon her dress hem.

Xu Zhenguan gently sighed, "How are you faring nowadays, have you reached Jingchuan City with the army?"

The puppet could not answer.

Xu Zhenguan shook her head, curbing her thoughts, sitting cross-legged on a cushion, preparing to visualize "Human World".

Because Zhao Douan had not entered the Stone Wall, Xu Zhenguan knew during this period, even if entering the scroll, she could not encounter "Zhang Hui".

Yet, today she was uninspired by politics, with an inexplicable uneasiness lingering, intuition leading her here.

Pondering, if unable to find Zhang Hui, then let it be, more exploration of that world could be beneficial during this period.

Especially...

The Empress still remembered the "poetry" she had sought from Zhang Hui upon entering the scroll last time.

"When will the bright moon appear..." Xu Zhenguan softly recited, savoring Zhao Douan’s poem, quietly competitive in spirit.

Contemplating her own intention to venture into that world, seeking a fine piece to surprise him.

Considering that world also had a history and culture similar to Great Yu, it must have some legacy poems as well.

Although she wasn’t very familiar with the language of that world, at worst, she could learn somewhat or have someone recite it for her.

Oh, ideally it would be a mid-autumn themed poem, allowing comparison... the Empress admitted her thoughts were somewhat childish, largely driven by secretly competing with that fellow Zhao Douan. Yet since he could compose such an impressive poem, he was probably fond of poetry... "borrowing" a few pieces, waiting for his return to offer as rewards, was a kind gesture.

Turning to the woman’s unraveled secret whimsical thoughts, Xu Zhenguan once again delved into the world of "Human World".

...

...

In Jingchuan City, moonlight spilled, casting a thin veil over the entire city.

Due to the tense situation of the war, a curfew was implemented at night within the city, leaving the streets desolate, every household with doors shut.