The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 552 - 414. The Capital is Mr. Zhao’s territory (asking for monthly votes for the new month)

The flames licked the paper on which the intelligence was written, quickly charring it.

Sun Lianying, draped in a loose cotton robe, reached out to warm her hands over the fire basin, and calmly said:

"Although Cao Mao is often away from the Capital, he is ultimately a noble with military power, a status that is not easily dismissed. After sensing the shift in public opinion, he is bound to act and mobilize his connections to impose blockades and suppressions. Have you thought about how to respond?"

Zhao Douan, with a light and carefree tone, did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his head and looked at the Jinyi from Lihua Hall who had come inside to report, and asked:

"Have arrangements been made for all the greetings you were asked to deliver?"

The Jinyi clasped his hands and said:

"They have long been arranged. Rest assured, sir, the Capital is not Jubei City. This is our territory. With your word, we'll see who in the entire Capital would dare to serve on behalf of the Duke Cao without knowing their place?"

Zhao Douan waved his hand in satisfaction, signaling for the latter to leave, then turned his head and laughed as he looked at the old leader:

"Does this approach seem appropriate?"

"You." The old eunuch seemed to shake his head helplessly while gently placing a chess piece, showing a look of comfort.

A year ago, who could have imagined that Zhao Douan would possess such influence today?

...

...

The government office in the Capital.

On this day, Lord Governor learned that Cao Kedid, the Deputy General of Jubei City, had come to visit. He immediately welcomed him cordially into the back hall for reception.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Cao Kedid stated his purpose:

"Today, someone in the city has fabricated rumors, spreading them among the populace, attacking the court's law. The Duke was greatly angered upon hearing it, and thus urged me to come and ask Lord Governor to stop the rumors, prevent their proliferation, and find out who has the audacity."

"Is there really such a matter?" The Governor of the Capital was shocked, angrily patting the table:

"Under the Emperor's rule, how can Duke Cao be slandered? Please convey to the Duke that I will order the government office and the several county governments in the Capital to start handling it."

Cao Kedid smiled and said, "Thank you, Lord Governor."

"Haha, it's just my duty." The Governor of the Capital laughed and personally saw Cao Kedid out of the office.

After the person left, his smile faded as he turned and dragged his somewhat hefty body back into the warm back hall.

The arrest officer of the office cautiously approached and asked, "Lord, should I proceed?"

The Governor glanced at him, his tone cold, "Proceed with what?"

The arrest officer was taken aback and said, "What Duke Cao entrusted..."

The Governor snorted, impatiently waving him off, saying:

"Drag it out for now. In a day or two, find a few scoundrels to take the fall. That will be enough of an explanation for the Duke's mansion."

He was unwilling to offend Cao Mao. If it were some other matter, a little favor wouldn't hurt, but Zhao Yan had previously sent people to give a warning.

"A commander at the border in the Northern regions, how many days can he stay in the Capital in a year? A mere thanks and he expects me to offend the Zhao family? It's laughable how Cao Mao thinks."

The Governor inwardly grumbled while pondering the situation, vaguely sensing a current under the surface, hinting at the onset of an intriguing play.

"This matter is not to be gotten involved in. Getting involved carelessly without understanding the situation might invite trouble."

...

The Peony Hall of the Imperial Court.

"Duke Cao wants to appoint us to investigate the source of the rumors? To block them?"

Zhang Han, expressionless, looked at the Northern officer in front of him, with a peculiar look.

The officer nodded and earnestly said:

"Lord Zhang, being the first of the Nine Halls, and with Peony Hall having unmatched capabilities in handling cases in the Capital, if you complete this task, the Duke will not forget your hard work."

Zhang Han looked at the person without expression for a moment, then shook his head and said: "The Imperial Court serves the Emperor. This matter neither involves rebels nor is an order from Lord, so I cannot intervene."

"This..." The officer from Jubei City was stupefied, seemingly not expecting such a lack of face-saving words from the other party, not even a polite rejection...

He scowled and said, "Duke Cao is..."

Zhang Han interrupted him, serving tea to see him out: "I have other matters to attend to. Apologies for not seeing you off."

The Northern officer opened his mouth, took a deep breath, and left the seat in anger.

After he left, Haitang, who was waiting outside with arms crossed in a leisurely watching posture, came in with interest and said:

"This Duke is quite interesting, acting as if he's used to being the sole authority at the border or perhaps getting muddleheaded with age, trying to issue commands here."

Zhang Han shook his head and calmly said:

"They didn't go looking for Zhao Douan but came to see me, which shows they're not entirely foolish. Perhaps they heard of the rivalry between the Nine Halls and thought I'd be eager to connect with Duke Cao's network."

Haitang, who came over specifically for the drama, clicked her tongue in wonder, saying:

"Though I don't know what's happening, based on my understanding of Zhao Douan, this Duke is going to be out of luck."

...

Headquarters of the Red Flower Society.

The "White Fan" of the foremost gang in the Capital personally met the steward from Duke Cao's mansion upon arrival.

The so-called White Fan, not a name but a title, holds a position akin to a "Think Tank" within the gang, second only to the leader in status.

"Oh dear, unfortunately, the leader is not home at the moment. Is there something you need conveyed? I can pass along the message." The tall and thin White Fan politely said.

Before the door of a Prime Minister, even a seventh-grade official, the chief steward of the Duke's mansion is a significant figure to these societies.

"Your Red Flower Society is well-informed about the community. You must have heard the rumors about the Duke. I'm giving you a day to find out where these rumors originated from."

The steward haughtily gave the orders and left.

White Fan smiled while sending the person off, then spat lightly after seeing them leave.

He turned back to instruct some gang members to stand guard outside, while he returned to the house, and walked to a door in the back residence, pushing it open with both hands.