The current Helian Jue may have lost the willfulness and ruthlessness he once possessed.
But his inherent madness hasn't changed at all.
His vindictiveness and clear-cut likes and dislikes remain unchanged.
Even because of the past exile, abandonment, and betrayal.
He became more paranoid.
He will remember if someone is kind to him.
But if anyone dares to scheme against or betray him, he will repay them tenfold or a hundredfold!
"Oh, these places are quite lively!"
Back at the palace, Helian Jue had just sat down when Duofu rushed over to report.
He's now a top intelligence officer, specializing in gathering information.
His Imperial Guards had entered the capital ahead of time, extending their reach into every corner.
Well, okay, it's not that amazing.
But Duofu learned a trick from his mistress: never underestimate the seemingly insignificant people at the bottom of society.
For example, beggars.
Back when Xie Yuan defeated Cui Boyong, he employed a large number of beggars and orphans.
They are young, so their goals are small, and they don't get much attention.
But at crucial moments, they can play an unexpected role.
When Duofu arranged for the Imperial Guards to return to the capital, he instructed them to start from the bottom.
Beggars on the streets and alleys, and idle scoundrels who mingle in the city.
There are also teahouses, taverns, and other similar places.
Even just going for tea or a meal might yield intelligence.
There were also low-level servants like coachmen and night watchmen who could get a lot of information.
Duofu also selected those who performed well from among these lowly individuals and promoted them to the rank of Imperial Guard.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard is not yet a formal government agency, but with Helian Jue's ascension to the throne, it will surely become an important force in the future.
All personnel will also have official ranks and status.
This is equivalent to entering the "scholar" class.
Many ordinary people at the bottom of society yearn for the idea that, from ancient times to the present, the ends of the earth are filled with government jobs!
Knowing they had become members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and could potentially become officials, those people worked even harder.
The role they played was also astonishing.
Sure enough, the Wang, Cui, and Zheng families, along with some other prominent families in the capital, had just made some unusual moves when they were spotted by the "beggars" lying in wait on the street.
Then, in less than an hour, the message was delivered to Helian Jue's desk.
"Your Majesty, in addition to the Wang, Cui, and Zheng families, the Yang, Wei, and Li families also have members who are secretly contacting people outside the city."
"Furthermore, a message came from the Western Camp that Mu Jialan also seems to be acting strangely!"
"...The men below also discovered traces of Fang Dafu outside the city—"
As he spoke his last words, Duofu's voice grew softer and softer.
As a fellow eunuch, Duofu naturally recognized the most favored person by Empress Dowager Ashina.
That person was second only to the Grand Eunuch in the harem.
At the height of Empress Dowager Ashina's power, Fang Dafu was arguably the most prominent eunuch in the imperial harem.
Even the chief steward who served the late emperor had to give way to him.
Especially since Helian Jue was Empress Dowager Ashina's adopted son, many of the eunuchs and palace maids in the Eastern Palace were selected by Empress Dowager Ashina's orders.
The person personally overseeing this matter was Fang Dafu.
Of course, those who wish for abundant blessings and longevity are not included in this category.
Helian Jue had only met them by chance, and either felt sorry for them or found them interesting, so he kept them.
Helian Jue may have acted on a whim, but for the lonely eunuch in the palace, it was a life-saving act of kindness.
Therefore, when Helian Jue was deposed, all the eunuchs and maids in the Eastern Palace ran away, except for Duofu and Duoshou who remained.
But we've strayed from the topic; let's get back to Fang Dafu.
Although Duofu was not chosen by Fang Dafu to enter the Eastern Palace, he was very familiar with this chief eunuch.
Upon hearing the descriptions given by his subordinates, Duofu immediately guessed that it was Fang Dafu!
Fang Dafu was a confidant of Empress Dowager Ashina.
What was he doing running out of the city?
Considering Ashina's status as a Turkic princess and her efforts to persuade Helian Jue to marry into the Turkic tribe, the situation is quite clear.
Duofu was Helian Jue's confidant and his only master.
I feel so sorry for Duofu!
There's an inexplicable sense of sorrow—
What a good person my master is, why is he so devoid of parental affection?
Empress Dowager Ashina appeared kind and loving, but secretly she stabbed her master in the back.
If our master finds out, he will definitely be sad!
Helian Jue: ...I'm not really that sad.
I'm used to it!
Furthermore, he now has A-Yuan and the four little ones, and his heart is already completely filled.
He didn't pay much attention to those who weren't important.
"Fang Dafu?"
Helian Jue muttered softly, "I guess my good mother has given Ashina He some good idea again."
For example, helping Ashina He find "reinforcements".
Is it Dugu Ba from the North Camp or Mu Jialan from the West Camp?
The two main camps were the main forces protecting the capital, totaling 60,000 men.
However, Ashina He was able to roam freely around the capital with only five thousand men.
"I knew things weren't peaceful in the capital, but I never imagined these people would be so selfish and neglect public duty."
They only cared about their own interests and disregarded the safety of the imperial court.
Despite having a large army at his command, he remained inactive!
how?
He really wanted to see the capital city fall and Helian Jue, the newly enthroned emperor, be driven out of the palace.
"Since you all enjoy sitting on the sidelines and watching the show so much, then I'll let you watch to your heart's content!"
A fierce glint flashed in Helian Jue's eyes.
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