Chapter 962: Chapter 962

Xu Zhenguan made a sound of acknowledgment, his gaze soft with a hint of apology: "It’s just that I have to trouble you again... not a moment of rest."

Zhao Douan playfully winked: "If Your Majesty feels guilty, how about compensating me well once I advance to Heavenly Human?"

Xu Zhenguan gritted his teeth, turning away, refusing to look at him: "You’re dreaming big, not yet at the peak of the Worldly Realm and already thinking of Heavenly Human."

No... dual cultivation might not necessarily require an upgrade... Zhao Douan muttered.

Xu Zhenguan flicked his sleeve and said: "Go now. Given your body, first go back home to visit your family. I will arrange for temporary Master." Content orıginally comes from 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝙣𝙚𝙩

As soon as the words were spoken, a pure white mask and an Offering Token flew out from her sleeve, caught by Zhao Douan who raised his hand.

He smiled, pressing the "white face" onto the puppet’s face with his right hand, storing the token facilitating his movement inside and outside the palace with his left: "I, obey the decree."

As he stepped over the threshold, a cool voice suddenly came from behind:

"By the way, there are some rumors in the Capital targeting you recently, you should be cautious."

Zhao Douan was astonished, given his current status, would anyone dare to attack him?

Wearing the mask, holding the "Tributor" token, Zhao Douan left the Imperial Palace unimpeded.

Heading straight for Zhao Mansion.

He didn’t use the front door but climbed over the wall into the backyard, employing a sneaky approach.

When reaching the inner courtyard, sudden barking emerged from under the corridor, a Pekingese with short legs puffing its chest and baring teeth, barking warily at him.

Zhao Douan smiled, walked over, bent down, picked up the small dog turned into a ball, and rubbed it with vigour, loudly mocking:

"Why so timid, relying on you to guard the house is hopeless."

Suddenly, a maiden dressed in a brocade jacket, hair cascading behind, clear and lovely, eyes like autumn waters, rushed over at the sound, surprised to see a stranger holding her pet dog, raised her delicate arms defensively, about to shout.

But Zhao Douan lifted his mask: "Shh—be quiet. Don’t let people know."

Zhao Pan, as if struck by lightning, widened her eyes, covered her mouth on reflex, delight shining through her gaze: "Big... Brother? You’re back?"

Inside the inner hall in the afternoon.

After dismissing the servants, You Jinhua and Zhao Pan cheerfully brought a fruit platter and freshly brewed tea, chatting like it’s New Year, surrounding Dalang who teased the dog at the table.

The mother and daughter hadn’t expected that Zhao Douan, supposedly at the front lines, had returned so quietly.

The time was now autumn, the beautiful stepmother still in her beloved dark green long dress, now with an embroidered exquisite jacket on top, her updo accentuating a fair, plump face, her neckline tight, the lines voluptuous.

As she chatted happily, the tassels in her hair swayed, catching the eye.

Beside her, Zhao Pan, who was blossoming into a big girl, carried more of the aura of a young lady from a grand family, her former fierceness of holding a dagger to train in martial arts gone.

Now somewhat elegant and sweet, though those lively eyes, sharp oval face, still carried a hint of feline wildness.

"This time, I used some magic techniques to quietly return to the Capital, keeping my identity secret, and I can’t openly stay at home for long. I am out this time as a ’Tributor from the Palace’."

Zhao Douan picked up the blue and white lidded bowl for tea, took a sip, realizing this substitute was really superb, almost indistinguishable from his true self, urging his family to keep the secret.

The mother and daughter nodded busily, showing understanding.

You Jinhua expectantly said: "In that case, can you at least stay for a meal?"

Zhao Pan pleaded pitifully: "If not, just talking will also do."

Facing their eager eyes, Zhao Douan’s heart softened: "For now, meals are unnecessary, but talking is fine."

The mother and daughter were slightly disappointed, but thinking Dalang would be stationed in the Capital for the time being, they rejoiced again.

Zhao Douan straightforwardly shared his frontline experiences and what he had done.

The mother and daughter listened intently, even though Zhao Douan purposely omitted thrilling and risky parts, only mentioning the interesting segments.

Yet, through his words, they still discerned the perilous suppressions Zhao Douan faced outside.

Couldn’t help but harbor both worry and pride.

"Dalang, you’re doing significant things, what Auntie can do is keep this household safe." You Jinhua said gently.

Zhao Pan quickly played the role of an intimate confidante, her fair hand holding her mother’s, smiling cheekily: "Then I’ll look after Mom."

Autumn sunlight streamed in through the door cracks, spilling onto the table, like a straight line of burning gold.

Illuminating the vibrant chrysanthemums in the vase on the table.

Zhao Douan felt inexplicably warm inside, smiling as he asked: "During the days that I was gone, were there any major events in the Capital? Oh, by the way, were there any rumors related to me?"

The beautiful stepmother hesitated: "There weren’t many major events, if any, they’d be confidential affairs of the court, which we womenfolk wouldn’t know about. As for things related to Dalang..."

Zhao Pan spoke swiftly: "I know, the scholars at the Imperial College have been praising Big Brother recently."

Zhao Douan was curious: "Oh? Praising?"

The maiden gave an affirmative nod and said: "Ever since Big Brother triumphed and returned from quelling the rebellion in Qingzhou, there’s been talk in the streets, unbeknownst of when, comparing Big Brother to Minister Xue. Initially, it wasn’t much, but after Big Brother nullified that Su Dan in Taicang Prefecture and prevented the burning city, the news spreading back to the Capital, the rumors have become lively. Many scholars say Lord Xue doesn’t compare to Big Brother, be it in leading troops into battle or rescuing the people and the nation, he’s far inferior to you."