The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 458 - 373, Meet Prince Huaian in person

Capital!

After stepping into winter, the entire city grew colder and more silent with each passing day, and even the grass and trees in the imperial garden of the palace began to wither.

Once brimming with vivid and competing blooms, the gardens now appeared desolate at a glance.

Today, Xu Zhenguan, as usual, finished dealing with government affairs and went to the Xiuwen Pavilion to inquire about the aftermath of several matters.

Since the departure of Mr. Zhengyang from the Capital, the debate over Zhenguan's succession of the Way had been replaced by the conflict between Heart Learning and the old teachings.

The capture of a group of scholars secretly recorded and arrested by Zhao Douan also thwarted this round of attacks from the Mu Prince Manor of the Yunfu Road.

Moreover, the most concerning matter for the court was the opening of the market at the Hu Ting in the south.

Though separated by a thousand miles, the eyes of every significant figure in the court, both openly and covertly, were firmly fixed on the Hu Ting in the south.

Waiting for the final outcome.

"Rustle, rustle, rustle..."

Inside the imperial garden.

As Zhao Douan shamelessly wrote love poems in his memorials, Empress Xu Zhenguan stood quietly on a stone bridge over a small stream in the garden.

Unadorned by makeup, her fair and fairy-like face gazed downward, watching the dried leaves drift with the stream beneath the bridge.

Occasionally twirling, as if even this simple scene held the profound mysteries of the universe.

"Your Majesty."

In the distance, Mo Chou stepped forward and approached.

After the cold set in, the Empress, thanks to her strong cultivation, did not fear the cold and remained in her usual attire, but the other female officials in the palace had all switched to thicker clothing.

Mo Zhaorong, bundled in her cold-resistant coat, appeared somewhat more "plump", and perhaps distressed by the sight, she whispered:

"With the onset of winter, the entire garden has become desolate and unbearable to look at. Your Majesty no longer has a place to enjoy the scenery. Why not send a servant to the Heavenly Master Mansion? Invite a priest specializing in 'Spring God' to come and reverse the seasons in the palace?"

In the years before the Old Emperor's demise, perhaps sensing his limited time remaining, he would become displeased at the desolation of the palace during the deep winter.

He would often summon priests to call upon the "Spring God" to descend in the palace, causing the imperial garden to bloom with fresh flowers and turn the grass green. Though it didn't last long, it was indeed a rare and beautiful sight.

Xu Zhenguan gently shook her head and sighed,

"Reversing the seasons, isn't that also a grave injury to the plants? Plants are like the people; a single thought from a ruler can sway countless fates. The ancients spoke of governing by inaction and recuperating nature. Though I do not entirely agree, there is reason in their words."

Mo Chou earnestly said,

"Your Majesty's kindness is a blessing for the people of the world. This opening of the market is a policy to benefit the people. For the Great Yu Dynasty, even if it causes some disturbance, it is good."

How could she not discern the undertone behind the Empress's recent words?

Xu Zhenguan smiled and asked,

"Has there been any news from the Hu Ting?"

Mo Chou shook her head, "Not yet."

Xu Zhenguan was not surprised and spoke softly,

"Counting the days, Zhao Douan should have arrived by now. I wonder if this trip will be smooth. My Uncle, the prince, is not an easy man to deal with. And there's Xu Jinglong..."

As she mentioned this name, disgust shone in her eyes and she said,

"I wonder what trouble he plans to stir up this time."

It was rare for Mo Chou to speak in Zhao Douan's defense. Angrily she said,

"With Mr. Zhao's wit and skill, he probably won't suffer a loss. As for Xu Jinglong, he's the one who should be worrying about his own fortune."

As the personal maid of the Third Imperial Princess, how could she be unaware of Xu Jinglong's vile nature—this hypocritical philanderer who had the gall to pursue an Imperial Princess while disregarding propriety?

"Let's not speak of him anymore," Xu Zhenguan changed the subject and smiled as she asked,

"Do you have business with me?"

Mo Chou nodded and produced two memorials from her sleeve, saying,

"This top one comes from the Xiping Road, reporting that a team sent by the Dharma King of the Western Regions has entered our borders; if nothing unexpected happens, they are headed for the Divine Dragon Temple."

Xu Zhenguan was not surprised.

Bodhisattva Long Shu's nocturnal visit to the Zhao Mansion had already revealed the current desperation and tension within Buddhism.

The ancestral seat of Western Regions Buddhism had harbored a long-standing conflict with the branch of the Divine Dragon Temple under the Great Yu Dynasty.

From the court's perspective, the Imperial Dynasty of Xu was actually pleased to see the division within Buddhism.

"This second memorial is some news from within the Divine Dragon Temple, regarding Long Shu Bodhisattva and Da Jing Master."

Mo Chou explained,

"These two, unlike Bodhisattva Long Shu, often manage the affairs of Buddhist temples outside the Capital. It seems they have been affected by the Dharma King's actions and are showing signs of unrest. The Shadow Guard reports that both individuals have left their respective temples, and their whereabouts are currently unknown."

Being "unknown" did not mean they had literally vanished into thin air.

It simply meant that the Jianghu Shadow Guards were unable to track these two powerful figures from the Divine Dragon Temple, who were only second to Master Xuan Yin of the Heavenly Human Realm and on par with the Buddhist nun Long Shu.

"They have left?" Xu Zhenguan pondered, but knowing she could not ascertain their exact movements, could only say,

"Continue to keep a close watch."

"As you command," Mo Chou said with a bow.

Xu Zhenguan raised his head, his eyes slightly tinged with melancholy as he looked at the towering spire of the Divine Dragon Temple Buddha hall outside the Imperial City, and said softly,

"I have dedicated all my thoughts to the new policies now. As long as you don't meddle in worldly affairs, fight however you want, but if someone insists on not behaving, don't blame me for taking sides."

...

...

Hu Ting, Zhuozheng Garden.

After Zhao Douan finished writing a letter to the Empress, dusk began to envelop the surroundings.

The sun set in the west, and then everything gradually darkened.

Zhao Douan stepped out of the room, calling over Haitang and others, to go out and keep their appointment.

He had turned down an invitation from Feng Ju and other officials to arrange a banquet for him that evening, instead accepting an invitation from the Commandery Princess to enjoy the city's nightlife under the guidance of this "host" tonight.

A group gathered at the entrance of Zhuozheng Garden; Xu Junling led a crowd, not even using carriages, as they dressed casually and walked to stroll the streets.

After all, Hu Ting was only the size of a "county town." The main city was not large.

Simply heading to the busiest and most prosperous areas, walking was already sufficient.

"What a lively scene, even more people here at night than in the Capital," Zhao Douan remarked as he walked down the street, looking at the ancient-style buildings adorned with lanterns.

The shops along the streets were bustling with activity, with constant foot traffic, rivaling the daytime.

Xu Junling said with a smile:

"Although the Capital is the foremost in the world, it is, after all, too staid. There are too many places under curfew at night. But here at Ten Miles Lake Pavilion, it is where merchants and goods converge, naturally attracting more businesses.

Moreover, the merchant ships on the canal do not care whether it is day or night; they can dock at any time. However, in the past, it was not as bustling as it is now. Mainly because the court is about to open the market, there have recently been too many wealthy people coming to the city."

Zhao Douan nodded in agreement.

They walked on the street, and although guards subtly kept the crowd at bay, attracting some attention,

it could be that the city had seen too many significant figures recently, and coupled with the darkness of the night, the men and women on the streets seemed unfazed by this kind of entourage, thinking it was just some rich family's sons and daughters out for fun.

"Where's the meal you promised me?" Zhao Douan asked with a smile.

Xu Junling raised his hand, pointing to a tall building in the distance that stood out with lanterns hung all over, even in the night, and said cheerily,

"The grand scenery of Hu Ting is in Yansuo Lake while in the city, the only place that offers a panoramic view of Yansuo Lake's grandeur is Da Feng Tower."

...

...

As the highest-end restaurant in Hu Ting, Da Feng Tower would rank within the top five among the many restaurants along the Huai River, even across the entire region.

The restaurant had a pagoda-like structure, with a total of six floors.

Apart from the highest level being decorative, the five floors below could all be used to host banquets.

Especially the fifth floor, from where one could see the remarkable scenery of Yansuo Lake outside the city.

Furthermore, the head chef of Da Feng Tower was famous along the Huai River, a former Imperial Palace chef known for his exceptional skill in cooking fresh fish.

However, that evening, Da Feng Tower had hung a closed sign early and many sturdy house servants surrounded the vicinity.

The shopkeeper of Da Feng Tower personally stood at the entrance, refunding and apologizing to the customers who had reservations.

At this moment, a group of wealthy merchants who had booked private rooms two days in advance stood below Da Feng Tower, looking displeased.

"Shopkeeper," the leader, a distinguished middle-aged man, said with a frown:

"Judging by the scene today, we can see that must be a VIP who has booked the entire venue, forcing Da Feng Tower to break its rules and turn us away. We are not the kind of people who can't take a hint.

But since Da Feng Tower has five floors, I have some status in the Huai River area as the elected chairman of the merchants' association, and I believe I have some face to save. Tell me, who is the host tonight? If I know them, I might pay a visit or possibly negotiate for a lower floor."

The other merchants also spoke up, expressing similar sentiments.

The shopkeeper of Da Feng Tower hesitated, then sighed and said:

"Chairman Li, please don't ask. Your face might not be enough for the person hosting tonight's banquet. It is Prince Huaian himself inviting a distinguished guest. As for who the guest is... heh, you all are well-informed people; you should know who the 'immortal' entering the city today is."

The complexion of that chairman of the Huai River merchants' association suddenly changed, and his voice altered:

"Could it be that Zhao..."

"Hush, don't say the name out loud!"

Chairman Li held his breath and concentrated while the other merchants behind him instantly fell silent.

Chairman Li remained silent for a moment, then respectfully bowed towards the Da Feng Tower before turning to leave.

He thought in shock:

Prince Huaian is personally inviting Yama Zhao?

What kind of signal is this sending out?

...

On the second floor of Da Feng Tower.

"Your father wants to see me?"

Zhao Douan, halfway up the stairs, looked at the Commandery Princess beside him in surprise, immensely astonished.