The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 669 - 452. What a lively scene! Mind if I join? (6k)_3

Zhao Douan was in the guesthouse room, meeting the unfamiliar Shadow Guard waiting there.

"So, He Xiaolou arranged a meeting with the Shipping Governor at a restaurant called ’Zhu Pavilion’ in the city tonight?"

Zhao Douan sat cross-legged, looking surprised at the unremarkable Shadow Guard: "Are you sure?"

The Shadow Guard cupped his hands and said: "Reporting to you, sir, it is absolutely certain. Ning Zechen has already ordered to block the news and plans to attend the banquet alone."

Zhao Douan spoke with interest: "Your intelligence work is impressive indeed. Even a governor couldn’t block it?"

The Shadow Guard slowly raised his head, revealing Mr. Wen’s face, and said calmly: "Sir, you flatter me. It’s my duty."

The Old Emperor dared to heavily rely on Ning Zechen as Shipping Governor with significant responsibilities, and later, the Empress trusted him greatly as well. How could it be merely from the simple belief of ’not doubting the talented, using them without hesitation’?

Only the Capital’s Shadow Guard roster recorded the true identity of this person who had followed Ning Zechen for a decade, regarded as both a close friend and a competent subordinate.

Name: Wen Liang

Codename: "Master"

Within Jiancheng Road’s Royal Intelligence system, an experienced "Gold Label" Shadow Guard, more senior than the "Scholar."

"Correct." Zhao Douan nodded in satisfaction, contemplated for a moment, then asked: "Do you think that behind He Xiaolou, could it be Prince Jing Mansion?"

Mr. Wen was caught off guard by this question, hesitated for a moment before saying: "Prince Jing Mansion has cultivated its own spies."

The implication was: Though Prince Jing lacked motivation for such actions, it seemed unnecessary to borrow Cao Gang’s hand.

Zhao Douan nodded again, pondered for a while, then said: "I understand. You may leave now."

Mr. Wen bowed and asked: "Aren’t you curious about how the Governor will react to the threat?"

Zhao Douan glanced at him, a smile spread across his face: "Long ago, someone taught me a principle: don’t test human nature." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

He waved his hand: "Go now."

Wen Liang had no choice but to retreat.

The person departed.

The door was pushed open once more, and Song Jinxi, with a monkey-like appearance, asked: "Sir, Eunuch Hai wonders if you have any instructions."

Zhao Douan sat cross-legged at the low table characteristic of Jianning Prefecture, his eyes closed in meditation. Upon hearing this, he said: "At night, please ask the eunuch to take a few people and accompany me to ’Zhu Pavilion.’

"Very well." Song Jinxi agreed and was about to close the door to leave but was suddenly stopped by Zhao Douan: "Wait a moment. Let me ask you a question—Mr. Shen, back when in the Capital..."

This Tributor, distinguished among Inner Palace Experts most skilled in assassination, paused upon hearing the words, turning back with a harmless smile: "It was my doing."

"Hmm, well done, you may go."

...

...

At dusk, the remaining glow of the sunset spilled down, bathing Jianning Prefecture’s green willows in a layer of red.

Over fifty years old, with a robust figure and thick black hair, Ning Zechen sat upright in the carriage, eyes closed in meditation.

Accompanied by the jolting of the carriage, the longsword resting across his knees also swayed slightly, producing slight noises from the gap between the blade and the scabbard.

"We’re here."

The carriage stopped, and Ning Zechen, dressed in casual clothes, opened his eyes, grasped the sword scabbard, stepped out of the carriage, and looked up to see half of the sun blocked by a completely red restaurant.

On the signboard, clearly written were the words "Zhu Pavilion."

At this moment, the entire restaurant had already been booked, and below stood guards from Cao Gang on duty.

Ning Zechen, all alone, marched boldly forward: "Where is He Xiaolou?"

The leader of the Cao Gang guards’ eyes flashed, and he smiled: "The Governor’s personal visit, we apologize for the lack of welcome. Our boss has been patiently waiting upstairs with fine wine."

Ning Zechen, emotionless, strode inside with his sword.

The leader raised his hand to block, forcing a smile: "Why bring a sword to a meal? How about entrusting your sword to me for safekeeping, Governor?"

Ning Zechen sneered at him, saying nothing.

Both sides remained at a standstill for a while, before suddenly the window upstairs, painted completely red, was pushed open, and He Xiaolou’s voice rang out: "Don’t be rude, now let the distinguished guest come up?"

The Cao Gang guards finally respectfully made way.

Ning Zechen bore a stern look, stepped into the building, ascending the stairs, soon seeing He Xiaolou standing beside a large table of delicacies, his face showing a kind smile.

This entire floor was occupied by only the two of them.

The leader of Cao Gang displayed the demeanor of a Confucian, dressed in a long green robe, holding an ancient fan in his hand, almost gentlemanly, greeted with cupped hands: "The honorable Governor visits personally, why not inform me beforehand, so I can come downstairs to greet?"

Ning Zechen walked over with a stride of confidence, a hint of mockery at the corner of his lips: "Boss He is quite imposing, when I enter the Capital without removing armor, yet your subordinate dared to try removing my treasured sword."

He Xiaolou offered a regretful smile, earnestly said: "If the Governor is unhappy, how about I send him upstairs a limb as a peace offering?"

He appeared sincere, as if expecting Ning Zechen to nod for him to carry out the order.

Ning Zechen eyed him, expressionless, said: "I underestimated you in the past."

He Xiaolou smiled slightly, gestured invitingly: "Knowing the Governor fancies Linfeng dishes, the chef at Zhu Pavilion specializes in Linfeng dishes. Shall we sit and discuss whatever matters there are?"

Ning Zechen stared at him, surprisingly laughed, pulled out a chair, sat down with confidence, the longsword placed close by, easily within reach.

He Xiaolou seemed oblivious to the weapon, gently shaking the paper fan, personally picked up a wine pot, pouring wine for both.

Ning Zechen’s face was half-covered by the red light streaming in from the window: "Where are my wife and daughter now?"

He Xiaolou replied in surprise: "The Governor didn’t read my letter? My subordinate from Cao Gang only learned they were taken by water bandits and whereabouts remain unknown. However, rest assured, though our brothers in Cao Gang are far less effective than government officers, they excel in knowing the canal’s two banks well, and they are relatively informed in the Martial World. As soon as I knew of the Governor’s wife in danger, I immediately gave orders, dispatching the entire Cao Gang to search. I believe soon your family will be rescued."

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