The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 629 - 438. Qingshan Comes (6k)_2

Zhao Douan’s expression changed, and he stared at her: "An accident? What accident?"

Noble Princess Consort Xiao shook her head blankly: "I don’t know... I don’t know... waiting... waiting for you to come back..."

No matter how he tried to probe further, he could not extract any valuable information.

Zhao Douan took a deep breath, coaxed Noble Princess Consort Xiao back to bed and to sleep, then dissolved the "Void Illusion Realm" and his disguise.

He turned back to leave the room, closing the door, and repeated the information he obtained verbatim to the Empress standing outside.

Xu Zhenguan was amazed at this fellow’s approach, which indeed worked. He listened to the content divulged by Noble Princess Consort Xiao, and frowned: "If this is true... then Jian Wen was indeed preparing to act at that time, but he did not disclose the truth to her."

Of course, rebellion cannot be spoken of... Zhao Douan spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, I think the key point lies in the purpose. Jian Wen intended to stage a coup, and there was no need to take risks by saying such things to Noble Princess Consort Xiao in advance. If he was worried about his own failure, he should have spoken of familial bonds instead of saying such things... But he did specifically say that he would leave for a while and definitely come back... As if he feared that ’accidents’ would lead to Noble Princess Consort Xiao seeking death."

Xu Zhenguan was silent for a moment and said: "Noble Princess Consort Xiao was appointed by Father Emperor, and she herself was not involved in the coup. Even if Jian Wen failed and the Xiao family was exterminated, as long as Father Emperor is gone, whether I succeed the throne, or the Crown Prince, or any other Prince, none would execute her, but instead, she would be sent to the Cold Palace."

Zhao Douan said in a deep voice: "Then it makes sense. Jian Wen worried that if he ’dies’, Noble Princess Consort Xiao would seek death, so he intentionally said such things... Either it’s false comfort, or..."

Xu Zhenguan sighed and said: "Or, he indeed left himself a backup plan, didn’t truly die, but used some method to deceive everyone... and hopes to return again."

The ruler and minister fell silent.

Only the sparrows in the courtyard chirped.

Even with prior suspicions, confirming that Xu Jian Wen might still be alive was still a heavy topic.

"Your Majesty..." Zhao Douan tried to speak.

Xu Zhenguan smiled first, and said: "With mental preparation, it’s not unexpected now. Rest assured, I know what to do. Now it seems Jian Wen’s intent is clear. He wants to hide behind the scenes, instigating a confrontation between the Eight Princes and me, whether he waits for an opportunity while we are in conflict, or benefits from our struggle... If he wants to hide, let him; continue to suppress the Kuangfu Society and let external changes happen unchanged."

Zhao Douan thought for a moment and nodded vigorously. freewebnσvel.cѳm

The news of Jian Wen’s survival sounds major at first but isn’t necessarily significant upon closer reflection.

With the current situation clear, Jian Wen only holds the title of a Prince. If he reveals himself now without enough leverage, he’ll only become a puppet of the Eight Princes.

This is not what Xu Jian Wen wishes to see, making Zhenbao’s speculation his likely strategy.

Breaking this isn’t hard; as long as the Eight Princes are subdued and the throne is secured, Jian Wen’s residual forces can’t make waves.

"Your Majesty has this determination, and I will do my utmost to help." Zhao Douan didn’t forget to express his loyalty.

Xu Zhenguan rolled his eyes, took him away from the Cold Palace, and ordered the eunuch to provide Noble Princess Consort Xiao with better bedding and clothes, and tidy up the Cold Palace.

...

On their way back, the Empress let out a breath and, smiling, changed the topic: "You have done great work this time, and I haven’t rewarded you yet."

Huh? Are you really going to reward me with the old emperor’s concubine... Zhao Douan felt nervous, but found it somewhat thrilling, swallowed and said: "I follow Your Majesty’s command. Whatever Your Majesty rewards, I will accept."

Xu Zhenguan looked at him suspiciously, snorted, and asked: "How far are you from top-grade in the Divine Chapter?"

Not the concubine? Why bring up cultivation... Zhao Douan said honestly: "Still a bit away."

Xu Zhenguan acknowledged, unsurprised. She dragged her long skirt while walking through the narrow corridor, the towering deep red palace walls on both sides austere and beautiful.

The Empress said lightly: "While you were away, I instructed people to gather Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures suitable for your current realm. You will move into the palace and cultivate in the Martial Arts Hall with Eunuch Hai. Breaking from Middle Grade to top-grade, refining your body with abundant Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures can save much time. Previously, your foundation was insufficient to withstand too much medicine, but now it’s almost sufficient. Before the peach blossoms bloom in spring, you might step into top-grade. As for when you can break into the Worldly Realm, outsiders can’t help much."

Zhao Douan was stunned.

So... is this a surprise you secretly prepared for me? Did you start preparing when I was on a trip? Does it mean that whether I succeeded in capturing Zhuang Xiaocheng or not, you would have given this?

He felt warmth in his heart, suddenly realizing this arrangement was a bit urgent. It’s worth noting that in the past, the Empress wasn’t willing to let him take medicine... Why the change in attitude this time? It seems the change happened after the Grand Banquet Ceremony announcement, whether it’s preparing medicine or previously taking the initiative to teach me painting...

Zhao Douan felt a flash of insight and suddenly blurted out: "Your Majesty wants me to enter the Worldly Realm quickly, so we can du... ouch!"

Zhao Douan rubbed his thigh, grinning in pain, feeling as if he’d been zapped by a mild electric shock, tingly.

Xu Zhenguan’s almost transparent fingertips emitted strands of electric light that disappeared. She maintained a straight face, as if not having heard: "What did Mr. Zhao just say?"

"...Nothing." Zhao Douan replied speechlessly.

This woman, afraid her thoughts have been exposed? Isn’t it just wanting me to enter the Worldly Realm soon, so we can dual cultivate? We’re both adults, what’s there to fear...

Xu Zhenguan perhaps also felt her reaction was excessive, but this kind of topic ultimately made her feel embarrassed. She hadn’t mentioned another thing, that despite appearances of prosperity this year, in reality, crises lurked everywhere.

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