The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 277 - 243, listen to Mr. Xue’s words
Great Yu’s Military God!
In the past, Zhao Douan was only aware of this nickname, but in this moment, he finally truly understood the weight of the phrase "Military God" when he saw that all around the gathering, both military officers and the soldiers bearing flags were solemnly welcoming that figure.
He also realized just why such a martial subject of the Imperial Faction was held in such high regard by the Empress.
The next second, amidst the autumn breeze, a procession advanced against the wind, and at the forefront was that familiar yet strange face:
Xue Shence had pale skin and a well-groomed beard, his stern, rigid countenance framed by the iconic lion’s robe characteristic of his station.
As a martial artist, today he wore no armor and carried no weapon.
Yet as he strode forward, Zhao Douan felt a distinct, indescribable pressure.
It was a pressure utterly unlike that exerted by Prime Minister Li Yanfu.
More direct, it felt like a mix of a powerful martial artist’s cultivation aura with that of a battle-hardened general.
Instinctively, it invoked a sense of reverence, as if the very circulation of his energy and blood slowed down.
"Xue Shence..." Zhao Douan silently repeated the name in his heart.
Their last encounter had been but a fleeting glimpse during a minor court session in the Imperial Palace.
And now, unexpectedly, they met again on such an occasion.
He had no particular fondness or dislike for this "Military God," but he did feel a bit stifled by the subtle assertion of superiority that emanated from him.
A strong person can control their aura, it all depends on whether they want to or not.
Xue Shence clearly was not the kind to do so... at least not towards himself.
Zhao Douan’s gaze shifted to those following behind – the key figures of the Privy Council, like Mr. Wang with his portrait included in the files.
However, what surprised him was the figure in the crowd who looked somewhat younger, with an indifferent expression and clad in a white robe.
Tang Ping!
This Young Master whom he had dismissed and expelled was also following behind Xue Shence.
Zhao Douan narrowed his eyes, his expression turning somewhat odd.
"Your humble officer pays respect to the Secretariat Envoy! Chief of the Privy Council!"
At this moment, all of the military officers beneath the awning spoke up in succession.
Xue Shence gave a nod, but he walked straight over, his deep gaze landing on Zhao Douan, and after a flicker in his eyes, he took the initiative to speak:
"Master Zhao, we meet again."
Zhao Douan had already risen to his feet and now returned the greeting with a smile and a cupped-fist salute:
"It is indeed rare for Mr. Xue to remember me, and an even greater honor to personally lead such esteemed figures to visit our Divine Mechanism Camp today."
Beside them.
The dark and stalwart Shi Meng had a complicated expression, thinking that those should have been his words...
The other military generals were also surprised, not because the two had met before.
But because... this Zhao fellow truly lacked any humility!
For a fourth-rank military officer to not show the slightest bit of fear and respect was one thing, but to even expect Minister Xue to speak first... just as the rumors said, relying on the favor of His Majesty, he acted with undue boldness.
Wasn’t he afraid of upsetting the Secretariat Envoy?
Xue Shence’s expression revealed neither happiness nor anger, as if he didn’t mind this subordinate’s "offense," and merely said meaningfully:
"Since assuming his position, Master Zhao’s reputation has traveled far. I, too, have heard of it, and if you are to personally oversee the military drills, it is incumbent upon me to come and observe."
Reputation has traveled far?
It must be infamy that has spread... Zhao Douan sneered internally, but his face bore a brilliant smile.
It was as if he had only just noticed someone, and with feigned surprise, he said:
"Young Master is also here? Could it be you stepped out of Divine Mechanism Camp only to join the Privy Council immediately after?"
Old master of double talk...
In an instant—
All eyes converged on Tang Ping, clearly relishing the spectacle.
Obviously, they were all aware of some history between the two.
Tang Ping wore no official robe, only a white training robe.
At twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, his sharp eyes were piercing like knives beneath a noble brow.
Young Master had not had an easy time of it.
Being discharged and kicked out of the military camp was highly disgraceful for the scion of a "martial family."
Especially when he learned of the baseless accusations against him, Tang Ping’s indignation grew stronger.
To him, it was one thing to be discharged—it was his own affair to face.
But what pained him most were the lower-level military officers implicated and discharged because of him.
"Young Master" couldn’t stand the humiliation, as he cared greatly about his face.
His pride prevented him from seeking assistance from his father or other nobles.
The indignation he couldn’t vent toward the Empress could only be transformed into repeated actions, breaking through the doors of the Privy Council to seek a statement.
Today, upon learning of the Divine Mechanism Camp’s military drill by accident, he immediately requested to follow Xue Shence there.
He couldn’t quite say why he wanted to come.
He just felt the urge to be there.
There’s a particular intensity when rivals meet.
Tang Ping clenched his fists tightly, staring at Zhao Douan, and said coldly,
"You need not use such acerbic words to belittle me. I am here today as the son of a decorated martial artist to observe. Or perhaps, you can try to strip me of my noble status as well!"
As these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the scene suddenly tensed.
But the old guards of the Privy Council tacitly remained silent, making no move to intervene.
Zhao Douan cast a meaningful glance at Xue Shence, thinking to himself who said martial artists lack cunning?
Bringing Tang Ping in was nothing more than using him as a pawn to open their eyes.
It was clear, then, that the Privy Council’s defiance and unmanageable attitude in recent times was due to considerable pent-up frustration.
At this moment, shouts were heard again from outside the camp gate:
"Minister of War is here!"
The already taut atmosphere was instantly shattered.
A group of military officers, including Tang Ping, turned their heads in surprise.
Xue Shence gave Zhao Douan, who was smiling slightly, a profound look... filled with uncertainty.
The Ministry of War was also invited?
What exactly was Zhao planning?
With such a grand display?
"Haha, Mr. Xue is here too. Don’t mind if we from the Ministry of War join in the excitement, right?"
Minister Sun from the Ministry of War, a spirited elderly man in a scarlet robe, led several officials, laughing heartily as they approached.
He then, paying no heed to the others, first greeted Zhao Douan with an eager smile:
"Lord Zhao, we were invited here; I hope we are not late."
The use of the title "Lord" was very telling.
It subtly delineated allegiances.
Zhao Douan’s smile was radiant as he spoke to the elderly man with whom he rarely interacted:
"Having Minister Sun personally present is an honor indeed. Your timing is perfect, now that everyone is assembled, we should commence the exercise."
The sourc𝗲 of this content is frёeωebɳovel.com.
In that moment, Tang Ping, who was about to erupt, had his emotions disrupted.
Seeing the arrival of the people from the Ministry of War, he had no choice but to forcefully suppress them.
In the blink of an eye, the area underneath the awning was packed with people.
The grandeur was intimidating, making Shi Meng’s eyelids twitch.
As the Commander of the Divine Mechanism Camp, he felt an odd sense of exclusion.
Zhao Douan, on the other hand, quietly instructed Qian Kerou to notify Chen Huoshen to prepare for his entrance.
In the awning, the officials had yet to sit down, all because Xue Shence was still standing.
He glanced at the seats and waved his hand,
"As martial artists in training, how can we have commanders sitting comfortably while soldiers stand? Someone, clear them all away."
However, no one moved an inch.
The many military officers of the Divine Mechanism Camp didn’t move.
The soldiers on guard around them didn’t move either.
All of them simultaneously turned their gaze toward Zhao Douan.
Zhao Douan said with a smile,
"Minister Xue speaks wisely, let’s clear them away."
"Yes!"
Following this order, the soldiers nearby sprang into action, quickly clearing away the tables and chairs, leaving behind just the bare awning to block out the sunlight.
The complexion of the officials present appeared somewhat peculiar.
Xue Shence also shot him a deep look.
...
Cavin, it’s a bit short, I’ll make it up tomorrow.
