The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 551 - 413. Powerless Rage

Morning.

As the first light of dawn broke in the east, Lu Zhi, Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice, had already left his home, heading towards the nearby streets and alleys selling breakfast.

Since Zhao Douan toppled Zhou Cheng, some time had passed. In that previous case, Lu Zhi, who was recommended by Zhao Douan and promoted by the Empress, quickly rose several ranks from an official at the Ministry of Justice to become the dignified Junior Minister in just a few months.

However, despite the drastic change in his status, Lu Zhi's life remained simple. He still lived in the old house, liked to walk to the government office, and even his eating places were small street shops.

"Mr. Lu, you've arrived? The usual three?" The bun shop owner greeted Lu Zhi with a smile upon seeing him.

Lu Zhi nodded, perhaps feeling cold, and added: "Heat up a corner of wine for me."

He then sat at a table in the corner, listening to the idle chatter of the surrounding townsfolk—this was his way of gathering public sentiment.

This shop was frequented by peddlers in the morning; they were always the most informed about the events unfolding among the city's lower levels.

"Did you hear? Yesterday, Duke Cao returned to the Capital from the north, and he had someone tied up as he went straight to the palace."

"Seemed like a wanted criminal?"

"As if a Duke would personally capture a mere fugitive? I heard Duke Cao has a son in the military..."

Such shops are where gossip from all eras converges; people have always loved to hear the juicy stories about celebrities.

Stories like "imperial palace secrets" have never ceased. The Emperor sleeping with which concubine, which concubine being unfaithful—the truth mingling with lies—yet these remain the most delightful topics for the masses.

The tale of Duke Cao's son disgracing a comrade's wife, being counterkilled, followed by concealing the truth, sounded like a scandalous rumor.

Lu Zhi ate while listening, slightly frowning, but didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just some fabricated rumors.

He was only slightly surprised that in such a small shop, several customers were talking about this matter.

Lu Zhi shook his head, finished his breakfast, placed a few copper coins stacked on the edge of the table, and then lifted the thick curtain blocking the wind and entered the Ministry of Justice.

Early in the morning, the government office hadn't "opened" yet, and many officials inside the Ministry of Justice were also chatting about official tales, mentioning the gossip concerning Duke Cao.

Yet these people were much more cautious, referring to the matter in a brief, critical tone, saying things like: "Someone is again fabricating rumors to slander the Duke" and so on.

Showing both apprehension and a love for gossip.

Lu Zhi changed into an official robe, entered the duty room to glance at a group of officials, and fell into silence collectively, quietly busying themselves, afraid of being criticized by this not-easily-served, honest superior.

"Focus on your work, and don't spread rumors." Lu Zhi said casually, then listened as someone suddenly beat the drum outside the government office.

Shortly after, an old official rushed over holding a paper petition from the courtyard: "Junior Minister, please have a look, there's a military family member accusing... well, please see for yourself."

Lu Zhi suspiciously took the paper, his gaze swept over it, and his expression instantly turned serious.

The accuser claimed to be a friend of Prisoner Lang Shiba, accusing past wrongful conviction.

Could it be true? Lu Zhi frowned. The drum of innocence in government office isn't knocked randomly; once struck, regardless of right or wrong, a beating with an execution stick follows, meant to prevent false allegations and disturbances, increasing the cost of filing a complaint. If proven false, severe punishment ensues.

"Open the court, I personally will interrogate." Lu Zhi said.

...

Across from the Ministry of Justice, in a tea shop.

Old Imperial Censor Chen Hong, who once accompanied Zhao Douan on a mission to Taicang Prefecture, ordered a pot of tea and a plate of sunflower seeds early, leisurely eating alone.

"Crunch, crunch." Imperial Censor Chen's two silver teeth stood out as he cracked the sunflower seeds.

When the pile of shells formed a small hill on the table, Chen Hong heard the sound of court adjournment from the Ministry of Justice across the street.

"It's time." Chen Hong sighed softly, clapped his hands to shake off the crumbs, stood up, left the tea shop, and strode into the Ministry of Justice, claiming he heard public talk about Duke Cao, hence came to inquire, and "unexpectedly" discovered the petition.

Chen Hong feigned shock, "filled with indignation," immediately left, and upon returning to the Imperial Court of Supervision, his face was flushed red, wrote a letter of impeachment, then hurried to the Imperial Palace under the puzzled eyes of his colleagues, using the official privilege to criticize Duke An, Cao Mao.

...

Inside the Divine Mechanism Camp.

When Young Master Tang Ping entered the barracks, the other military officers showed startled expressions.

Sturdy, intricate Commander Shi Meng paused and looked at Tang Ping in confusion, saying: "Didn't I give you several days off? The Lord has hardly stayed in the Capital for days this year, why not accompany him at home instead of running here?"

Tang Ping closed the barrack room's door, turned around, and smiled at his comrades, saying: "Other military officers haven't yet reached their vacation period and can't go home to see parents, how come I'm special?"

Shi Meng shook his head in bitter resignation, used to the Young Master's character, thinking if only Zhao Douan had even a fraction of his dedication.

As the Commander, visiting the military camp once a month was considered diligent.

Tang Ping sat in the barrack, quietly ending the morning meeting, and when many colleagues dispersed, Tang Ping got up and returned to his barrack, gathering the young officers led by him inside the Divine Mechanism Camp.

"What's happening?" A group of young military officers, confused like unfazed monks, asked upon entering.

Tang Ping had everyone sit at the table, carrying a heavy heart, told them the true story of the "Northern Blood Saber" murder at Jubei City.

A group of passionate, sharp military officers listened empathetically, feeling blood boiling, instantly relating to Lang Shiba.

Upon learning the Crown Prince rescued Lang Shiba, yet now being captured by Cao Mao, jailed, and prepared for execution, a military officer clenched his fist, pounded the table, standing up with fury: "Too much bullying!"

Another, more composed, frowned and asked: "Brother Tang, is this true?"

Tang Ping, with righteous anger, looked at him: "I learned this from my father, you tell me?"

Everyone knew the feud between Duke Tang and Duke Cao, speaking freely behind closed doors, instantly erupted into furious curses.

Eventually one said: "Brother, what do you want us to do about this? Just say it."

Tang Ping surveyed the group of juniors, serious and resolute: "I have no personal connection with the Northern Blood Saber, but I cannot stand this injustice, cannot endure, I need you to spread the truth, at least let the three major armies of the Capital Camp be aware; my second sister said if enough soldiers petition together, perhaps the Emperor will show leniency."

"Leave it to us, Northern Blood Saber real man shouldn't die oppressed by such people!" The officers, whether rashly impulsive or suspecting this was a hint from Duke Tang, unanimously stood in solidarity, taking action.

That day, news about Cao Mao's son attacking military family members quickly spread within the Capital Camp, soon extending into the city's imperial guard, stirring deep emotion in soldiers long oppressed by superiors, kindling a secret, simmering unrest.

...

...

Afternoon, at Duke Cao Mansion.

"Bang!" Cao Mao, with frost-white sideburns and deeply grooved lines, slammed a large hand on the table, causing cups to rattle.

The elderly man, like a hungry tiger, glared fiercely at his foster son standing in the room, reporting: "Say it again!?"

Cao kedid stood respectfully with head slightly lowered, saying: "The streets are abuzz with rumors accusing you of framing the Northern Blood Saber; censors at the Imperial Court have caught wind and allegedly filed an impeachment, which was probably rebuffed by the Emperor. However... from my observation, public rumors are fierce, growing stronger and might eventually attract more attention from officials, and the Emperor may then be unable to ignore."

Cao Mao was silent, expressionless: "Where did the rumors originate?"

"I don't know."

"Then go find out!!" Cao Mao suddenly roared, pointing at him: "Use all available connections to investigate! I want to know how the rumors suddenly emerged! Who's behind this?! And... send my orders, to both Capital's government offices and other smaller bureaus, arrest those spreading false rumors! Suppress the voices!"

Cao kedid left swiftly, not daring to delay for a second.

...

Meanwhile, in the backyard of White Horse Hall.

Playing chess with Old Director Sun Lianying, Zhao Douan received the latest report from a subordinate.

"How is it?" Sun Lianying asked casually.

Zhao Douan calmly picked up a chess piece, placed it on the board somewhere, and smiled: "Just impotent rage."