Chapter 562: Presenting the Empress with "Song of Water Melody"
The door closed, and the empress, who maintained her majestic posture, also took off her "outer clothes". On her fair face, her slender eyebrows and eyes were curved like a moon.
The corners of his mouth rose and he jokingly asked, "How long have you been waiting?"
Actually, I just arrived... Zhao Duan forced a nonchalant smile: "It's okay to wait a while."
Well, appropriately reveal your own hardship—it’s an instinctive habit to play the victim.
Xu Zhenguan waved his hand and asked him to sit down, then walked to the antique display cabinet and picked up a green jade box with his bare hands.
When she opened the lid of the box, she saw golden dried chrysanthemums inside. The empress grasped a handful of them in her palm, then turned around and opened the teapot on the table, and poured the chrysanthemum tea, a specialty of the Yu State, into it.
After a while, the empress personally brewed tea and filled Zhao Duan's cup.
"Your Majesty..." Zhao Duan was flattered.
But she was held back by the Empress's gaze. She slowly and methodically placed the dragon-patterned chrysanthemum tea in front of him and said softly:
"You are a meritorious official today, and I should serve you."
What kind of service? Can we change it to another one... Zhao Duan was distracted and pondered:
"How about I come back in the evening?"
"Huh?" Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment, unable to react for a moment. When he met his malicious gaze, he suddenly understood. His jade face flushed and he habitually retorted:
"I don't have the habit of playing with puppets."
That's right... Although this body looks just like an ordinary person, it lacks the necessary internal organs... Zhao Duan felt like he was poured a basin of cold water. He extinguished his dirty thoughts and acted like a gentleman, frowning and saying:
"Your Majesty, what are you thinking about? The moon is full during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I just want to accompany Your Majesty to enjoy the scenery."
You see, I believe it or not… Xu Zhenguan chuckled, looking at him with a playful look as he talked nonsense. The emperor and his ministers had a good time, and finally got to the point:
"Alright, tell me the details of Zhao Shixiong's surrender."
Zhao Duan took a sip of the yellow tea and slowly recounted the whole story.
The focus is on rescuing Zhao Ke'er and recruiting Zhao Shixiong.
Xu Zhenguan listened to the details, just like when he was a child listening to the palace maids telling stories.
The letter was the first step to sow discord, and using Zhao Ke'er to force Xu Jingtang to take action was the second step.
The most exciting thing is the operation of the three forces transporting goods over thousands of miles.
Even the most famous storyteller in the capital couldn't come up with such a plot.
"So, Zhao Shixiong knew that you were the one behind all this, but he still surrendered?" Xu Zhenguan couldn't help but ask after hearing this.
Zhao Duan nodded and said:
"My trick is actually to play the card of the different intelligence and mutual distrust among all parties. After reviewing the situation, it is not difficult to see through it.
But after all this trouble, these two people no longer dared to gamble. In the final analysis, it was not because of the success of my plan, but because there was already a crisis of trust within the Yunfu rebels, and I just took advantage of the opportunity.
Of course, helping the society to resolve misunderstandings is also an important factor.
If it weren't for Yun Xi from the Kuangfu Society, Zhao Shixiong might not have been so easy to keep the appointment. If that happened, it would have been more likely to cause a split within the Yunfu Group, which would not be as severe as it is now."
After a pause, he took the initiative to plead guilty:
"In order to win over Zhao Shixiong, I rashly promised on behalf of Your Majesty, in the name of the Governor, that he would not be held accountable for rebellion..."
Xu Zhenguan said nonchalantly, "Since I have granted you the title of Grand Commander, I should make decisions on the battlefield as I wish... Behave yourself!"
Her eyes widened.
Zhao Duan withdrew his hand from caressing the empress's legs, thinking to himself, why be so stingy... It's not like I haven't touched it before...
Without waiting for the empress to lose her temper, he said sternly:
"What arrangements are being made in the court?"
Xu Zhenguan's chest heaved. He looked away, looking at the map of Yu State on the wall, and said softly:
"I have ordered the flying eagles to spread the news of Zhao Shixiong's rebellion to all the roads.
Once the news spreads, it will definitely shake the situation in Xiping and Tieguan. Another imperial edict has been sent to the eastern front. I order Xue Shence to do his best to contain the Jiancheng rebels. The original plan has to change. Previously, I wanted you to contain the western front, and Xue Shence would lead the attack.
Now it's time to turn around and let him contain the enemy. We should take this opportunity to pacify the western front."
Zhao Duan nodded, silently extended his hand again, and said righteously:
"As it should be. Back in Yongjia City, Yuan Feng is now in control of the situation. To make his stance clear, Zhao Shixiong personally killed the new batch of military supervisors sent by Xu Jingtang, as well as the generals in Yongjia City who belonged to the royal palace.
Next, Zhao Shixiong and Yuan Feng will head south to try to annihilate another group of rebels led by Xu Jingtang."
Xu Zhenguan's eyes were dim.
I don't understand how this guy can do this. He can be dishonest with his hands and feet while discussing the situation with righteous words.
Next, the emperor and his minister had in-depth consultations on the detailed preparations for the follow-up.
Finally, the empress said with a dangerous look in her eyes, "Is that enough?"
Feeling that if he continued to tease the other party, he would get angry, Zhao Duan withdrew his hand, stood up and said:
"Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. I have to go home to reunite with my family. I will take my leave first."
After saying this, he walked out, but heard a cold voice behind him:
"Come to the palace tonight and I'll treat you...to a drink."
"As you wish."
Watching Zhao Duan leave, Xu Zhenguan silently straightened her skirt, sat there blankly for a while, and suddenly covered her face with her hands, gritting her teeth.
This guy... is so outrageous.
But who made him achieve such great success?
She was a little worried about how to reward him.
…
Zhao Duan put on his mask, left the palace in a good mood, and quietly returned to the Zhao Mansion.
Eugene Hua and Zhao Pan had returned home and sent the servants away. The three of them gathered together secretly for a rare occasion.
During the meal, the mother and daughter were inevitably chattering and asking questions.
Zhao Duan also picked out what he could say and told them a few things, and explained that he would have to go to the palace in the evening.
The mother and daughter were a little disappointed, but at least they were together during the day.
Eugene Hua understood the big picture and thought it was necessary to let her stepson and His Majesty be alone together during the Mid-Autumn Festival to foster their relationship.
After chatting.
Zhao Duan returned to his bedroom at home, threw himself on the bed, put his hands behind his head, and began to think about his next plan.
"Well, after today's incident, once the news spreads, the comparisons between me and Xue Shence in the capital should come to an end."
"Those military officers in the Privy Council are restless and eager to gain power. They need to put a stop to it."
"As for those scholars in the Imperial College... well, once the storm is over, let Old Hou and the others visit each of them and have a heart-to-heart talk with them... We can't lose our vindictive persona. Sometimes, a bad persona can save a lot of trouble.
However, those people are probably still studying the poems of 'General Zhao'..."
Zhao Duan felt very relieved. After learning about Dong Da's identity, he had wanted to copy this poem... Finally, his wish came true...
As for what comes next…
"Subduing Zhao Shixiong is just the beginning. According to Zhenbao, the court officials' expectation for this matter is to at least beat Xu Jingtang back to Yunfu Road and recapture half of the Huai River."
"After that, we can cooperate with Xue Shence to force Prince Jing Xu Wen to retreat..."
"But is simply repelling Xu Jingtang enough? Such a good opportunity won't come around again... If we can eliminate Xu Jingtang in one fell swoop, we'll truly resolve the hidden danger."
Zhao Duan's eyes were sharp and his thoughts were wandering.
However, it is not easy to kill Xu Jingtang.
In order to control Zhao Shixiong, Xu Jingtang made great efforts to split up, divide and bribe the southwestern border troops.
Therefore, even if Zhao Shixiong and Yuan Feng worked together, they might not be able to wipe out the Yunfu rebels in one fell swoop.
"But killing doesn't necessarily have to happen on the battlefield... Can we organize an elite team of cultivators to flank us and attack Zhao Shixiong from the front?"
"However, although Xu Jingtang's public cultivation level is not high, he should definitely not be underestimated. Not to mention the masters kept in the palace, we must be wary of the White Sect's sorcerers and the possible assistance from the Shenlong Temple."
"To ensure the success of this operation, relying on just a few of my men isn't enough... Perhaps I should find some help."
While Zhao Duan was thinking, the sun was setting outside the window, and then night fell.
When it was completely dark, he quietly slipped out of the house.
He avoided the servants and maids in the mansion, left the Zhao Mansion, and went to the palace alone to keep the appointment.
…
There is no curfew in Beijing tonight on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Because of the victory, the city was unusually cheerful.
On the bustling streets, every shop is open for business, lanterns of all kinds decorate the streets, and there are crowds of people.
There is no banquet for the ministers in the palace tonight, and the empress allows all officials to reunite with their families.
However, Xu Zhenguan himself brought the palace servants and came to the "Emperor's Tower" again.
When Zhao Duan stepped on the wooden stairs, he once again reached the top floor of this tallest "watchtower".
On the wide platform, a long table was placed with delicacies, and jars of old wine had been opened, and the air was filled with the aroma of wine.
The empress was wearing a cool long dress and stood by the railing in a somewhat heroic manner, holding a glass wine jar that was a circle larger than her fist in one hand and raising it.
The snow-white goose neck is raised, and the clear wine falls between the lips and teeth, and sprinkles down the neck bit by bit.
"Your Majesty." Zhao Duan walked over and saluted.
Xu Zhenguan turned her head, the cool autumn wind blowing her white dress. Her bright and elegant face was filled with drunken eyes. She exhaled a breath of alcohol and said with a smile:
"You've come just in time. Come drink with me."
Zhao Duan looked at her, nodded, opened a small jar, and clinked glasses with her.
The empress had a little personal habit. Whenever something happy happened, she would hide away and have a drink or two.
This was a little habit that Zhao Duan learned about when he first arrived at the Tianzi Tower.
Since the Fengshan ceremony at Daluo Mountain, Xu Zhenguan never drank alcohol again and never felt truly happy.
Until today.
“Ton ton ton…”
Zhao Duan drank a jar of wine with her, and leaned on the railing with the empress. Standing on this high place, they looked out at the prosperous and lively festive night scene on Zhuque Street in the capital city below.
At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the capital city, which was shrouded in the shadow of war, seemed to have returned to its former peaceful era.
"I am very happy today," the empress said softly, looking at the lights of thousands of homes.
Zhao Duan said somewhat disappointedly:
"Prince Jing is still here, Prince Mu is still here, but only Zhao Shixiong has rebelled. It's not time to be happy yet."
He is a little reluctant to open champagne at halftime.
The empress shook her head:
"It's already very good. Next, we just need to drive Xu Jingtang back to Yunfu, and then drive Xuwen back to Jiancheng. If the court can retake the Huai River, we can breathe a sigh of relief, at least to survive this year. Ancient books say that within three years of the emperor's reign, good times will come."
Are you just hoping to drive Xu Jingtang back?
Zhao Duan took a sip of wine, hesitated for a moment, and did not tell his plan to hunt down Xu Jingtang.
Of course, it was not because of distrust, but because of the precedent of assassinating Zhao Shixiong, he believed that the empress would not agree with his risky plan.
However, when a general is away from home, he may not be able to obey the orders of the king.
As the commander-in-chief of the rebellion suppression, he can decide on his own how to fight on the front line.
"Then... I wish you good luck after bad luck." Zhao Duan said, and together with the empress, he looked up at the full moon behind the thin clouds in the night sky.
The cold light of the full moon shines down, and the lights in the city are not as bright as the moon.
As the two men drank, more and more wine jars were placed on the floor above the building. Finally, only one jar was left, so they took turns taking a sip.
The empress deliberately blocked her pores to lock in the smell of alcohol and enjoy a moment of intoxication. Only here could she temporarily relieve herself of her responsibilities and gain a moment of relaxation and freedom.
Suddenly, Xu Zhenguan turned his head, stared at him with a smell of alcohol on his lips and teeth, and said:
"I saw the poem you wrote for Dong Jia Dalang. It's very good."
Zhao Duan looked at her doubtfully: "Huh?"
Because he is a puppet, he will not get drunk even if he drinks a lot.
Xu Zhenguan puffed out his cheeks and said sadly, "You haven't even written a single poem for me."
In those drunken eyes, there seemed to be two words written: I want it!
Zhao Duan smiled, thought for a moment, and nodded, "Okay."
After saying that, he immediately walked over to the long table, sat down cross-legged, and pushed the cups and plates on the table away, leaving a small area of the table empty.
Then, he looked around and said helplessly, "Your Majesty, there is no pen and ink..."
Xu Zhenguan was drunk and leaning on the railing. Hearing this, he swung his sleeves and a set of four treasures of the study fell down. He smiled foolishly and said:
"You...write..."
He was really drunk... Zhao Duan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He spread out the rice paper, ground the brush, and watched the empress dancing gently among the jade towers like a fairy under the bright moon.
Slightly absent-minded.
The wrist hangs low and the pen moves like a dragon.
…
Xu Zhenguan forgot when Zhao Duan left. He only vaguely remembered that before this guy left, he used the excuse of helping him sit down, and his dirty hands wandered around dishonestly for a while before leaving with satisfaction.
"kindness……"
It wasn't until the midnight curfew bell rang that the drunken Xu Zhenguan woke up from his light sleep. His closed pores opened and the strong smell of alcohol was forced out of his body...
In the blink of an eye, Xu Zhenguan's eyes became clear again, and there was no trace of drunkenness anymore.
She sat in a daze on the Emperor's Tower. The people in the city had already dispersed and returned home, but the bright moon in the sky was still cold and clear.
"call--"
She took a deep breath and muttered:
"This guy runs really fast. Is he afraid that I will teach him a lesson..."
Xu Zhenguan was about to get up and return to the palace when she saw a crumpled piece of white paper on the table. She reached out to pick it up, unfolded it with both hands, and saw the words on it. She opened her red lips and read softly:
"When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky...
...I want to ride the wind and go back, but I am afraid that the jade buildings...are too high and cold.
Dancing with my shadow, it feels like I am not in the human world..."
Xu Zhenguan was stunned. In a trance, he felt that the world was as cold and quiet as the heavenly palace, and he himself was hanging high in the sky, with all sounds silent.
She continued to look down.
"Turning around the red pavilion, lowering the beautiful window, shining on the sleepless..."
"...May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart."
"Thousands of miles apart... we share the beauty of the moon..."
Xu Zhenguan clutched the paper, with some emotion surging in his eyes. His gaze seemed to cross thousands of miles and was cast on the western front of Linfeng and the real body of Zhao Duan.
…
…
at the same time.
Zhao Duan cursed as he fled from the Tianzi Tower as if he was escaping for his life.
"Even though I know my puppet body is useless..."
"There's nothing underneath the skirt..."
"Vile, so vicious! Nothing is more vicious than a woman's heart!"
Zhao Duan only felt a ball of fire flickering, but he knew it was just an illusion and there was no corresponding organ in his body at all.
The brain reaction belongs to...
On the quiet streets of the capital, Zhao Duan walked like a ghost, the cold wind blowing on his face, gradually calming his inner restlessness.
After an unknown amount of time, he stopped and saw the majestic buildings of Tianshi Mansion in front of him. The huge bell tower in the depths was extremely eye-catching in the moonlight.
Lights were still lit in the Tianshi Mansion.
There are fiery red lanterns hanging above the heads of the two stone lions at the entrance.
Zhao Duan stepped onto the steps, raised his hand, grabbed the door knocker and knocked.
"Is anyone there..."
Soon, the small door creaked open, and a neatly dressed Taoist night watchman came out. He saluted Zhao Duan, who was wearing a mask, and said, "Then, I will come to you."
"The Heavenly Master invites you."
(End of this chapter)
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