The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 996 - 561: Reporting to Your Majesty, Commander Zhao Captures Yongjia Prefecture City Without a Single Casualty

If Xue Shence were on the western front, the one surrendering would be the Military God of Yu Country.

The Jinyi of the Imperial Court also heard the news and were greatly excited. Haitang laughed heartily and waved his hand, "Today we must celebrate, let’s go to Dingfeng Building at noon, it’s on me."

The Jinyi cheered in unison, full of joy.

In the crowd, Shen Juan suddenly tugged at Hou Renmeng.

"What?" The tough guy guffawed but frowned and glanced at him.

Shen Juan raised his chin, pointing a short distance away at the despondent Chen Siye and Chief Steward: "Look."

Hou Renmeng’s eyes lit up, he clasped his hands, his wrists flexed with a "crack," and he chuckled sinisterly, "Shall we go?"

"Let’s go."

"Last time wasn’t heavy enough, this time teach them a lasting lesson."

...

"Heard that Commander Zhao has subdued Zhao Shixiong..."

On the other side of Le You Garden, the ladies of the Capital’s high society gathered here.

At this moment, Mrs. Ning, lifting her skirt, hurried back, slightly out of breath, and reported the news she had learned.

You Jinhua still held the recently circulated copy of "Farewell to Dong Da" from the Literary Society, the beautiful lady listening intently, her smile even harder to suppress than the bullet paths in Valorant.

Beside her, Zhao Paner, dressed in a brightly colored ruqun, listened intently, her eyes like autumn waters rippling with admiration, her gaze crossing the crowd, looking to a masked figure in the Empress’s entourage... a certain familiar silhouette.

The mother and daughter naturally knew that this was their Dalang.

"Big brother is truly amazing," Zhao Pan said softly, "Mother, do you think..."

As she turned her head, she saw You Jinhua already swaying her voluptuous hips, dragging Mrs. Ning into the crowd of other noblewomen to bask in their flattery and congratulations.

"Oh my, not at all, Dalang has only written a few pieces, just casually done."

"That Zhao Shixiong? Must not have been easy to win over... pure luck, pure luck."

"..." Zhao Pan withdrew her gaze expressionlessly, stomping her foot, thinking her mother is quite shallow, having developed the habit of enjoying hearing others praise and admire her brother.

She noticed a large group of girls their own age gathered, discussing Zhao Douan with a lovestruck look.

She became even more displeased, turning her head to glance at Miss Ning beside her, raising her chin proudly, "Ningning, let’s go."

...

Dong Family Mansion.

Grandmaster Dong Xuan, due to his old age, did not go out for autumn walks today.

He received the news a bit late.

"Is this true? He subdued Zhao Shixiong?!" Grandmaster Dong was astonished, the face of the elderly three-generation courtier flushing with color. He stood up, leaning on his cane, pacing the room, muttering incessantly, "So it is... so it is... deceived by the Kuangfu Society, I’ve always wondered why the late Emperor favored Zhao Shixiong, but he’s not loyal..."

"Prepare the carriage, I must enter the palace."

...

The news from the Golden Autumn Gathering spread like a whirlwind through the streets and alleys of the Capital that day.

In teahouses and taverns, everyone was talking about the great victory on the western front and how Zhao Douan, using strategy, captured Zhao Shixiong.

Especially because of the perplexing circumstances, it prompted countless people to theorize conspiracies, speculating on the truth.

"Is it true or false? A general of such stature surrendered without a fight?" Someone in the tavern expressed disbelief.

"That’s news from the front lines, highly publicized, could it be false? Such matters, if faked, would bring disgrace to the entire court!" An old Scholar spoke with certainty, pulling out a coin and slapping it on the table, "Waiter, I’m happy today, bring two more taels of meat."

Two students from the Imperial College at the neighboring table scoffed, "It’s just that he struck it lucky, I don’t believe it. I’m afraid that Zhao Shixiong’s apparent surrender might lead to disaster later..."

"Exactly, and I heard it was brought back by that White-faced Arresting Officer, whose identity is questionable. He doesn’t dare show his true face; there must be something fishy."

The volume of their conversation was neither too loud nor too soft.

"Bang!" Inside the tavern, a hulking martial arts man slapped his palm down, standing up angrily and cursing, "What kind of great accomplishments has Commander Zhao achieved, yet you’re here wagging your tongues? I see you’re insiders of the rebels, come with me to see the official!"

Saying this, the straightforward man brandished his sand-sized fists and started punching.

The two students’ faces changed dramatically.

The tavern instantly filled with a lively atmosphere.

...

Imperial Palace.

Zhao Douan returned from Le You Garden, wandered around the palace, idly chatting with Eunuch Hai, then estimated the time and headed to the Imperial Study Room.

With the "Tributor" token, he waited in the Imperial Study Room for a short while.

Then, he heard the female official’s voice from outside: "Your Majesty."

Shortly thereafter, a radiant figure appeared at the doorway, Zhao Douan looked up, seeing the noon sun streaming in through the ornate aged doorway, the autumn’s golden sunlight igniting the floor.

In the light, a figure dressed in white silk, with long black hair, crossed over the light, stepping into the study, walking on the woven carpet.

"Clang."

The door closed.

Zhao Douan stood up, wiped his right hand across his face, removed the white mask, and revealed a smile, "Your Majesty."