The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 987 - 558: Surrender of the Enemy (Part 2)

Upon seeing this result, Zhao Douan first found it absurd, yet upon careful reflection, he realized this might be the truth.

Because he clearly remembered, long ago, Zhenbao mentioned Zhao Shixiong to him.

He said the late Emperor was muddle-headed in his later years, leaving many hidden troubles, including the employment of trusted eunuchs, and also the lack of restraint on the Southwest Border Army, which led to Zhao Shixiong nurturing his power and breaking away from the court’s checks and balances.

But conversely, what if the truth wasn’t the late Emperor’s muddle-headedness, but rather he trusted Zhao Shixiong enough to delegate power to him, allowing his growth?

Everything would make sense then...

When you further consider, Zhao Shixiong had only one daughter and was unlikely to bear more children.

The Old Emperor’s trust also had a theoretical basis.

In this way, the subsequent resistance of Zhao Shixiong to the court after the Xuanmen Coup, and later following Mu Prince but never gaining his trust... it all made sense.

It was also for this reason that Zhao Douan decided to temporarily change the strategy.

Thus, he sent Yun Xi to escort Zhao Ke.

Or rather, his initial choice to have Yun Xi complete this escort mission was already an early preparation for possibly using Kuangfu Society people in the future.

"General," Zhao Douan sat up straight slowly, smiling: "That old villain Zhuang Xiaocheng solicits and cheats, although I repeatedly clarify, how can I overcome the mountain-like prejudice in people’s hearts. General first believed Zhuang Xiaocheng’s words, no matter how eloquent I speak, you may not believe. But, the words of Yun Xi and her group are much more credible than mine."

Zhao Shixiong was silent for a moment, then sneered: "How do you know those Kuangfu Society people haven’t deviated from their original intention, subdued by you, a treacherous minister?"

Zhao Douan helplessly said: "Why, General, speak in anger? If General really had no doubt about Zhuang Xiaocheng’s lies, you wouldn’t have come here to see me today. In fact, the best way to pierce a lie is time. The Empress has been on the throne for three years, every move of Her Majesty is in the eyes of General, whether treacherous or benevolent ruler, people naturally have a scale in their hearts. If General still distrusts, feeling unclear from afar, why not take a closer look?"

Zhao Shixiong gave a self-deprecating smile: "You want me to betray my lord for glory?"

Zhao Douan waved his hand: "This is incorrect. General is a major general of the court, Xu Jingtang is a treacherous rebel, how is that betraying your lord? Moreover, under the current situation, Xu Jingtang must be fully armed and is coming to battle General soon. Isn’t it?"

Zhao Shixiong remained silent!

At this point, the truth of Zhao Ke’er’s situation mattered little.

Because from the moment Zhao Ke stepped into Yongjia City, Zhao Shixiong was already convicted of "colluding with the court".

The disgusting part of Zhao Douan’s methods was precisely in this.

Even when everything was clearly explained to the party involved, the one being manipulated was already cornered.

Xu Jingtang could no longer trust him.

And the words of Yun Xi from the Kuangfu Society, revealing the lie, shook the very foundation of his position against the Empress.

"If General doesn’t trust, just kill us here, or use our heads to show loyalty to Xu Jingtang."

"If General trusts, Mr. Zhao has instructed me to deliver a message, inviting you to the Taicang government office for a meeting, to meet him alone."

This was what Yun Xi said to Zhao Shixiong.

Zhao Shixiong spent a sleepless night and ultimately chose to attend the meeting solo.

And from the moment he stepped into the Taicang Prefecture, his choice was already set in stone.

"Ha, sounds good, but how can I trust you? Would you dare to use me, a rebel?" Zhao Shixiong looked with disdain, but his tone softened.

Zhao Douan bent over, handed him the brewed tea, and said calmly: "Qingzhou Rebel Commander Wei Xianzong conspired against the law and should be executed along with his clan. But I pardoned him and even allowed him to lead troops; due to his military achievements against Su Dan, he has now been promoted to a little flag officer, fighting on the Eastern Front, probably by next year, he can at least rise to a commander."

He seriously said: "I have always believed, actions speak louder than words. Wei Xianzong conspired against the law, but the Empress could tolerate him, what’s the harm in having General in addition? If General is willing to repent and assist in pacifying the rebellion, I, the governor, can inform the world on behalf of the Empress, not to prosecute the General."

Zhao Shixiong was slightly moved, at this moment, he saw a spirit of greatness swallowing rivers and mountains from the young man before him.

That was not the courage of a commander.

Nor seemed it to be the spirit of a marshal.

After a long silence, Zhao Shixiong suddenly sighed: "If you were a scion of the Xu family, perhaps these princes’ rebellions would not have happened."

Quick, don’t say that... Zhao Douan laughed dryly: "Her Majesty has proposed, just waiting for the world to be at peace, then it will be the time for a grand wedding, the Imperial Consort will also be from the Xu family... I want to be on the Royal family register."

The grandeur quickly dissipated, Zhao Shixiong almost doubted his eyes, was this sneaky person truly the foe who calculated him into a dead end?

How could he, a dignified general, be defeated by such a spineless pretty boy?

"... Farewell!"

Zhao Shixiong stood up to leave.

Zhao Douan quickly called out: "Have some tea before you go."

Zhao Shixiong hesitated, then took the hot tea and drank it in one gulp, immediately tossed the cup aside, step forward, raised a hand, and the Soul-breaking Blade clasped by Lang Shiba slipped his grasp, returning to this Southwest Thin Tiger.

Zhao Shixiong knelt and lowered his waist, the green bricks underfoot cracked with a snap, and he soared into the air, directly into the sky.

Such a commotion finally made those waiting outside unable to hold back.

The courtyard door burst open, Sun Xiaozhun, Yuan Feng, and other local officials, military generals swarmed in, breathed out a sigh of relief when they saw Zhao Douan sitting calmly inside.

Soon, there was intense curiosity: "My lord, what on earth... is going on?!"

Zhao Douan faced the numerous eyes, whether curious or puzzled, and said with a hearty laugh: "The matter is rather complex, but essentially it’s resolved some misunderstandings, Zhao Shixiong has decided to submit to me, the governor, and will assist us in quelling the rebellion."

Silence.

The entire government office courtyard fell quiet for a moment, people doubting their own ears.

Zhao Douan had no choice but to briefly describe the events as they occurred, anyway the matter wouldn’t remain secret.

Everyone was incredulous after hearing it all.

Yuan Feng was momentarily dazed, wanting to slap himself to confirm it wasn’t a dream, "Lord... this... is Zhao Shixiong truly loyal to the late Emperor? Could it be deceit..."

Zhao Douan smiled helplessly: "Why delve so deep?"

Even a step back, if this thing isn’t entirely true, then why unravel it?

Isn’t it enough that we all have an acceptable explanation?

"Yuan Feng, prepare." Zhao Douan said.

The square-faced Five Army Camp Commander was bewildered for a moment: "My Lord... prepare for what?"

Zhao Douan replied: "Prepare to take down the Yunfu Rebel Army!"

Zhao Shixiong’s actions were even quicker than Zhao Douan had expected.

Once he made up his mind, this renowned border army Thin Tiger displayed an extraordinary decisiveness.

That afternoon, from the direction of Yongjia City came three pieces of news.

First: Zhao Shixiong suddenly executed the new batch of "supervisors" sent by the Mu Prince Manor in public.

Second: Zhao Shixiong unexpectedly announced his allegiance to the governor Zhao and disarmed all of Mu Prince Manor’s troops stationed in the city, killing those who needed to be killed and imprisoning those who needed to be imprisoned.

Third: Opened the city gates, let the troops out to surrender their weapons, welcoming the entry of Yuan Feng leading the Five Army Camp.

In just a day, the dominion of Yongjia City changed hands, causing a stir in the surrounding areas.

Zhao Douan did not join in the excitement, staying seated inside the Taicang Prefecture, overseeing things.

Lang Shiba walked to the city wall and said to Zhao Douan, who was sitting there watching the night stars: "Mr. Zhao, we just got news: Yun Xi has returned, bringing with her Zhao Shixiong’s only daughter, Zhao Ke."

Zhao Douan asked with a perplexed expression: "Zhao Ke? Was she sent here as a hostage?"

Lang Shiba replied: "I heard Zhao Ke volunteered to come, seems to be because she trusts you, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Douan was momentarily stunned, turned back with a strange expression and said: "Zhao Ke? Was she sent here as a hostage?"

Lang Shiba said: "I heard that Zhao Ke came willingly, seems she has some trust in you, my lord."

Zhao Douan paused in astonishment, turned his head with a peculiar expression: "Zhao Ke? Is this a hostage sent over?"

Lang Shiba said: "I heard that Zhao Ke volunteered to come over, seems she trusts you somehow, my lord."

Zhao Douan was taken aback and turned his head, his expression was bizarre: "Zhao Ke? Are they sending her over as some kind of token?"

Lang Shiba replied: "I heard Zhao Ke wanted to come on her own, seems she has taken some initiative, perhaps trusting you, my lord."

Zhao Douan hesitated for a moment, then turned, looking bemused: "Zhao Ke? Is she being sent here as a hostage?"

Lang Shiba said: "I hear, Zhao Ke volunteered to come over, seems to have some trust in you, my lord."

"Please, Minister Zhao invited me, requested me to deliver a message to you, ask you to go to Taicang Prefecture Office to meet with him alone."