The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 991 - 560: Farewell to Dong Da Debuts!

The new Arresting Officer of Lihua Hall?

On Gancao Platform, upon hearing this, many ministers’ gazes deepened, and some subtly assessed Yuann Li, observing the expression changes of this Big Qingyi.

Recently, the affairs in the Capital, besides Xue Shence’s victory on the Eastern Front, involve the cleansing of the Qingliu Party.

And the "White-faced Arresting Officer" as the executor is undoubtedly viewed by the entire officialdom as the Empress’s knife.

However, the seasoned officials are tactful and won’t openly define the White-faced Arresting Officer as representing the Empress’s will.

But discussing the person’s connection to Zhao Douan is possible.

The White-faced Arresting Officer is Zhao Douan’s subordinate. The rumor’s origin is unclear, but it is detailed and acknowledged by many.

After all, this person is said to come from the Shadow Guard, currently under Zhao Douan’s jurisdiction and command.

A group of rebellious ones in Lihua Hall are cooperating respectfully with the "new leader," clearly following Zhao Douan’s directive.

"I heard many have sent invitations, but this new Arresting Officer seldom shows face lately. Does Lord Ma know their whereabouts?" The Deputy Secretariat Envoy questioned again seeing Ma Yan’s silence.

Ma Yan’s lean face showed no smile, first glanced at Xu Zhenguan, then retorted, "You are all not concerned with state affairs, but are so attentive to a mere Arresting Officer, isn’t it inappropriate?"

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

The Minister of Rites hurriedly mediated, "Today’s Golden Autumn Gathering, Your Majesty shares joy with the people, let’s not talk of heavy matters."

The Empress picked up a goblet, sipped it lightly, and said flatly, "Indeed."

Your Majesty spoke.

Thus, the atmosphere quickly relaxed.

...

Down the hillside from Gancao Platform is the largest complex in Le You Garden.

Broadly divided into two parts, one side is the gathering place for well-placed women, ladies, and children in the Capital, enjoying the scenery.

The other side mainly consists of literati, interspersed with many lower-ranking officials from various government offices, gathered here in small groups.

This is the literary society of the Golden Autumn Gathering.

The officials are also in casual attire, sitting down to drink wine, compose poems and essays, enjoying a light and harmonious atmosphere, quite different from the solemnity on Gancao Platform.

As a literary society, scholars from Xiuwen Pavilion are naturally the mainstay.

Han Zhou, known by the elegant title "Ban Shan," sat among them, acting with many renowned seniors as judges, commenting on poetry and prose sent from various pavilions.

During the comments, politics could not help but be mentioned.

"Speaking of which, have any of you seen that White-faced Arresting Officer from Lihua Hall?" Suddenly, a lanky middle-aged man from the Imperial College stood up, looked around, and asked the surrounding people.

He was Dean Chen, who some days ago had "visited" Bai Jisi from the Privy Council in a tavern with one of its Chief Stewards.

It resulted in some unpleasantness, and on his way home, Chen was intercepted by unknown people, ensnared, and beaten up, leaving him bruised though not severely.

He hid at home for half a month before coming out to see others.

He still had visible bruises on his face.

"That White-faced Arresting Officer from Lihua Hall?"

"Wasn’t he the ruthless one who arrested many officials of the Qingliu Party?"

The people present all looked over, their interest piqued by this mysterious Arresting Officer wearing a mask.

Everyone knew that due to the Qingliu Party case, this person had offended many scholars both overtly and covertly, and the enmity was compounded by rumors of being Zhao Douan’s subordinate.

Yet this person wore a mask, never revealing his true appearance, and without a name, others simply referred to him as the "White-faced" Arresting Officer, or "Bai Jisi."

"I sent an invitation, but this person has rarely appeared. I’m afraid he won’t come back," someone remarked.

"I invited him three times, but after offering the invitation, there was no response. His posture is even grander than Lord Ma," another voice expressed dissatisfaction.

They dare not offend Zhao Douan.

But they have no fear of a hidden Shadow Guard.

Since the cleansing of the Qingliu Party, the White-faced Arresting Officer has scarcely appeared, leading some to suspect he has resigned and left the Capital.

Many rumors abound.

"Hmph! I say, this person relies on Junior Guardian Zhao’s reputation, looks down on everyone, so naturally won’t grace us with his presence."

From afar, a round-faced, narrow-eyed military officer with a high chin and visible bruises approached.

It was the fifth-rank Chief Steward of the Privy Council who had been attacked and beaten alongside Dean Chen.

He walked over, said sarcastically, "Perhaps he’s long gone from the Capital and joined Junior Guardian Zhao in assassinating rebels in Linfeng. Isn’t that a hundred times better than meeting with us?"

Dean Chen agreed:

"Eh, maybe not. Perhaps he’s lurking in the Capital, secretly scouting rebel traitors. To be honest with you all, I’ve stayed indoors fearing encountering some acquaintance and being accused of treason by Bai Jisi, ending up in prison."

"Hahaha..."

The two bantered, full of resentment.

They both suspected those who ambushed them that day were sent by the White-faced Arresting Officer.

With the two leading, several scholars and military officers quickly joined the mockery, openly and covertly slandering.

Yet most remained silent, unwilling to get involved.

Fearing trouble.

Haitang also came in casual attire for autumn pleasure, hearing the commotion, his earlobe twitched, absorbing all talk of Bai Jisi, and discontentedly said, "Who gave them the courage? To dare criticize our people in the Imperial Court?"

Zhang Han walked over from the side, even in casual attire maintaining a straight back, meticulous in his demeanor:

"It’s naturally Xue Shence. The court’s military officer faction has been suppressed for too long; everyone seeks to raise its status. This is the whole faction’s trend, unstoppable.