The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 1048 - 581: Turning a Dead Game Alive, the Tides of Offense and Defense Reversed

Grandmaster Dong was stunned, and Han Zhou beside him was also dumbfounded.

Yuann Li was lost in thought, apparently not expecting such a straightforward result.

Ma Yan looked at Zhao Douan, and besides astonishment, a strong sense of puzzlement arose... How did this news get back?

When did this White-faced Arresting Officer leave the Capital? How could I have no idea?

"Silence!" Sun Lianying swung a long whip, fiercely striking it onto the floor tiles, producing a crisp sound that finally silenced the clamor.

The Empress finally stopped suppressing the corners of her mouth and said with a smile, "Many details are still unclear, but the news of Xu Jingtang’s death is unmistakable."

Before coming here, the monarch and ministers had discussed, deeming it unwise to openly mention the Old Heavenly Master’s interference in this matter.

Moreover, while Xu Jingtang was a rebel, his involvement with the Evil Mage tainted the reputation of the Imperial Family.

So, let’s blur the event details, and as for how Zhao Douan killed Xu Jingtang... does it matter to you? Is it not acceptable to kill by rallying others?

With the Empress’s confirmation, the ministers finally accepted this outcome.

Besides feeling numbed by Zhao Douan once again creating a miracle... yes, the officials were already numb.

There was also a surprise at this unexpected result and deeper contemplation.

"The dynamics of offense and defense have shifted!"

Grandmaster Dong exclaimed nearly out of composure, his stern, reddish-brown face flushing even more with excitement.

It awakened those in a dream.

At this moment, the ministers also realized that a turning point in the war had emerged.

With Xu Jingtang’s death, the Yunfu Rebel Army was left leaderless, coupled with the capable local commander Zhao Shixiong to handle the aftermath, one could say that the precarious situation was suddenly revitalized by Zhao Douan.

Following this, although on the surface, four rebel princes remained: Prince Jing, Prince Hejian, Yanshan King, and Prince Chen.

Yet the court had already carved out a path from the siege like "an ambush on all sides."

Just like a Go board, on the verge of encirclement, all the "breaths" cut off, due to Zhao Douan’s brilliant move, a crucial piece of the opponent was taken away.

Thus, the court, about to lose its "breath," tore open a wide path from the gloom.

Yuann Li murmured, "Now, all parties are watching the situation at the Huai River. Prince Hejian in Xiping stands on shaky ground, and Yanshan King at Iron Pass is stuck in Jubei City, unable to advance or retreat, only hoping for the court’s defeat. But now with Yunfu’s defeat, although Prince Jing’s army and Prince Chen are splitting the Southeast, the court has revived... As soon as the news spreads, the forces of Prince Hejian and Yanshan King may lose their will to fight and negotiate with the court, and according to intelligence, Prince Chen is secluded, locking down the Marine Road, uninterested in vying for power. Even if Prince Jing’s forces are strong, and his ambitions great, losing the support of the Eight Princes’ alliance will significantly reduce the threat to the court... The deadlock is revitalized, the deadlock is revitalized..."

Yuann Li suddenly fixed his gaze on Zhao Douan, sighing profoundly, "The Yu Country has Commander Zhao, the Empress has Commander Zhao, what a blessing for the world!"

Zhao Douan’s face reddened beneath his mask, feeling quite embarrassed by this old fox’s direct praise.

And those ministers who realized the turning point in the game were also overjoyed.

According to Yuann Li’s judgment, if we wait for the situation to change, perhaps the court can truly survive...

Thinking of this, many officials felt a mix of emotions. Although they had no choice but to support the Empress all this time, deep down, they were pessimistic, believing that the court was doomed, and many had already prepared their wills, arranging their affairs.

But who could have thought that in just a few months, the court would survive from such a desperate situation.

And all of this, because of one person...

In the atmosphere of joy, Xu Zhenguan looked tenderly at Zhao Douan.

Then, she immediately issued a series of orders, including arrangements to spread the news to all parties.

The ministers cheerfully dispersed, busy handling the aftermath.

Zhao Douan quietly waited until the ministers had dispersed, then looked at the Empress who was walking down the Golden Throne Hall, and opened his mouth: "Your Majesty..."

Xu Zhenguan smiled slightly, "Let’s go, accompany me to cultivate in ’The Human World.’"