Chapter 52 Golden Crow Flying Knife

He eliminated two enemies, gained the recognition of the empress, and obtained weapons and Shu brocade... Zhao Duan reaped a great harvest.

He immediately expressed his gratitude with an excited look, which verified the feasibility of the idea of ​​improving one's strength by making meritorious contributions.

"Okay, go away." The empress waved her hand to drive him away, and her smile disappeared.

Digging out a woodworm does not mean the end; it often means there are more woodworms hidden.

Next, it is clear that there will be another bloody storm in the government.

We can chat for a while... Zhao Duan was reluctant to leave and said goodbye respectfully.

This stroll and chat with the empress meant that their relationship had taken a step forward, but everything should be done in moderation... This was an important experience he gained in his previous life.

…

The "female prime minister" Mo Chou went to the Tianshi Mansion, and Zhao Duan went to the Wugong Hall this time, led by a female official.

During the reign of the previous emperor, the female officials were insignificant and only responsible for the internal affairs of the harem. After the empress ascended to the throne, the power structure of the palace underwent a major change.

The group of female officials headed by Mo Chou shared the power of the eunuchs, but when it came to work outside the palace, most of the work was still done by the eunuchs.

"You came faster than we expected."

When Zhao Duan saw Hai Gongfeng for the second time, the old eunuch who had been hiding in the deep palace and serving the royal family for over a hundred years, he said in surprise.

He has a head full of white hair, a slightly hunched body, a white face and no beard, and is wearing a bright red python robe, which makes him extremely eye-catching.

The temperament is no different from last time.

"It was just luck." Zhao Duan said modestly, not daring to look down on the other party.

Eunuch Hai's eyes were meaningful:

"It's better for young people to have some edge. Being too modest is hypocritical."

He did not doubt the empress's vision.

The last time Zhao Duan was recommended as a "sacrificial offering", the empress personally inquired about it, which made the old eunuch more certain that there was a hidden dragon in front of him.

And after he learned that Zhao Duan had a bad reputation in Beijing, this premonition became even stronger.

But even so, he never thought that after just a few days, the other party would have the opportunity to come here again.

In my memory, it is unique.

Haha... You say that, but if I really show my talents, you will be unhappy... Zhao Duan complained in his heart and disagreed.

His face showed an expression of learning, and he said with emotion:

"Many people in the world appreciate humility and low-keyness, and dislike those who show off their talents. As a young man living in the secular world, it is inevitable that I will blend in with the crowd. However, there are very few people like you who dislike hypocrisy and appreciate the talents of the young."

The old eunuch in the dragon robe felt relieved and nodded proudly:

"That's true."

Bah... As expected, he loves flattery... Zhao Duan was too tired to complain and stopped talking nonsense:

"Your Majesty has now allowed me to take a magical weapon from the armory. I'll be grateful to you, eunuch."

Eunuch Hai smacked his lips, still unsatisfied: "Come with us."

Stepping into the "Arsenal" courtyard again, you will see ancient cypresses and green pines, full of ancient charm.

Zhao Duan was led to a house, where he saw the words "Wu Bing" written in large gold characters on a plaque on the door.

"The secrets of the palace's armory are classified into different categories. When choosing weapons, warriors should choose those that suit their own realm, martial arts skills, and temperament." Eunuch Hai walked with his hands behind his back.

"Forcing yourself to accept weapons beyond your realm will only do more harm than good. The weapons here are most suitable for you at this moment."

Is that so? I suspect that the reason you said this is because you don’t want to give me good things... Zhao Duan speculated with a mean heart.

Eunuch Hai took out the key and opened the copper lock. The seemingly ordinary lock was actually alive, with a human face protruding from it, grinning in pain.

"Squeak."

The door opened, and inside was decorated with mahogany display racks, on which were placed swords and wooden boxes. On the walls, there were also spears and bows and arrows hanging.

At first glance, they are all of extraordinary quality and dazzling.

"Pick one."

Zhao Duan was having difficulty making a decision. After a moment of hesitation, he said:

"I've heard that the talismans held by sorcerers are full of spirituality. Do martial arts weapons also have spirituality?"

Eunuch Hai glanced at him and said with a smile:

"You're quite greedy, kid. Yes, there are indeed a very small number of magical instruments that have spirituality. They can be driven by warriors of high realms, but there are not many that are suitable for the mortal realm."

Zhao Duan felt disappointed.

The next moment, Eunuch Hai changed the subject:

"But you are really lucky, there is something here that meets your requirements."

Zhao Duan raised his head suddenly, with the word "greed" written in his eyes.

Eunuch Hai smiled, picked up the dusty treasure box from the shelf, and said jokingly:

"I was planning to give you this one. When His Majesty issued the decree, we knew that this one was the most suitable."

Zhao Duan opened the box and saw a palm-sized, dark golden flying knife lying on the silk cloth. It was luxurious and restrained, with excellent workmanship.

"This thing is called 'Golden Crow'. It is a rare weapon with a shallow spirituality. It is infused with Qi and guided by the mind. It can be manipulated as easily as a finger. It is extremely sharp and indestructible." said Eunuch Hai.

Zhao Duan did as he was told.

"Buzz—"

In the dim room, a thin golden thread cut through the air, and the flying knife left an afterimage, dancing around Zhao Duan on its own, as if leaping for joy.

So fast... perfect for sneak attacks... but it's a pity that the control range is limited. Zhao Duan admired it in his heart, but said with disdain:

"I don't lack hidden weapons, I need handheld weapons."

Eunuch Hai smiled and said, "Just give it a try."

Zhao Duan tried to grasp the golden knife in his palm and infuse it with Qi. The palm-sized flying knife suddenly extended and turned into a long and narrow short knife with a sharp and intimidating edge.

"Two forms?"

Zhao Duan's eyes lit up, and he clenched his hands. The Golden Crow dimmed and returned to its inconspicuous state.

"That's it!"

…

After a while, the old eunuch in the python robe stroked the empty treasure box with his skinny hands, feeling lost, as he watched Zhao Du'an leave.

"This is the magical weapon used by our great ancestor in his early years. I'm giving it to you at a bargain price..."

"Our Majesty is really partial to you. It's interesting."

"Oh, you're flattering me, flattering me. Do you really think I can't hear you? You're just being slick."

Eunuch Hai shook his head and then smiled.

I have been lonely for too long, and it feels good to have a young person to talk to from time to time.

…

The gate of the imperial city.

Zhao Duan hid the "Golden Crow" in his inner pocket, feeling very satisfied. His steps became lighter as he walked.

"I don't need to worry about the follow-up of the case. What happens in the end is the business of Ma Yan and others."

"It's a pity that I couldn't stay for dinner this time. The Empress looked quite elated when eating."

"Well, I don't know if that Golden Sword Priest will show up soon... Never mind. Even if she hides nearby and watches me bathe, I won't suffer any loss."

With a mess of thoughts in his mind, Zhao Duan walked through the doorway.

However, Zhou Cang was not seen. Only a low-key and luxurious four-horse carriage was parked outside the imperial city gate.

According to Dayu etiquette specifications:

The emperor chariots six horses, the princes chariots five, the ministers chariots four, the officials chariots three, the scholars chariots two, and the common people chariots one.

If you exceed this limit, it is a serious sin.

Four horse-drawn carriages... belong to important figures at the level of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers... Zhao Duan looked at them curiously, wondering who was waiting here.

Suddenly, a servant came straight up from outside the carriage and said respectfully:

"Envoy Zhao, my master invites you."

Waiting for me on purpose?

Zhao Duan was stunned, and suddenly an incredible thought came to his mind.

"May I ask what's going on in the car..." He asked cautiously.

Soon, the thick curtains were lifted by a jade ruyi, revealing the Imperial Censor inside the carriage, who was wearing a blue robe with a double-breasted collar, an official hat, and looked elegant and handsome, with a smile on his face.

Yuan Li smiled and said, "We meet again."

Thanks to Xicheng Xueerlang for the 500-coin reward. If you are healthy, it will be a sunny day.

(End of this chapter)