Chapter 963: Chapter 963
Zhao Douan furrowed his brow.
You Jinhua also spoke, "Those scholars from the Imperial College are still debating, guessing whether Dalang will lead the western front or Minister Xue the eastern front, which will first defeat the rebel army and reclaim lost territories. Recently, this has been a hot topic of discussion; it’s said that the officials in the Privy Council are quite displeased after hearing about it, and some in the Ministry of War have uttered strange remarks."
"Admiring me for outshining Xue Shence? Amplifying the debate on whether I or Xue Shence will first reclaim the Huai River?" Zhao Douan sneered, a trace of hostility flashing in his eyes, "What a flattering deception."
He finally understood the Empress’s intention when she warned him about rumors.
Given his current status and military achievements, no one in the Capital questioned his abilities anymore.
But conversely, the flattery began.
Zhao Douan has always been at odds with the scholarly community, a feud that began when he entered the Imperial Prison and zealously captured scholars, deepening over time.
Last year, during a debate with Mr. Zhengyang, he proposed "New Learning," which received recognition and support from a group of scholars, including Grandmaster Dong.
But at the same time, it made a large group of "Old Learning" believers increasingly displeased.
However, Zhao Douan was busy with state affairs thereafter and couldn’t be bothered with a group of insignificant scholars. Yet now, these scholars turned around to flatter and deceive him.
"They don’t dare criticize me, but instead choose to flatter and deceive me... placing me in a comparison with Xue Shence, making the military officers of the Privy Council dissatisfied with me... Ha, they may lack the skill to fight enemies on the battlefield, but their intracacies and disgusting tactics are rather impressive."
Zhao Douan mocked and commented.
Zhao Pan’s eyes lit up, sharing his indignation, "I also think they’re up to no good; although it’s praise, it is loathsome. Brother, now that you’ve returned, you should teach them a lesson."
Zhao Douan shook his head, "No hurry. They’re just a bunch of insignificant scholars, no need to get worked up. I’m more concerned about who is behind them, stirring things up."
The flattery aimed at him certainly was not without reason. Zhao Douan suspected that those naive students from the Imperial College were merely pawns.
The real adversary might be the "traitor" within the Pure Stream Party.
"Many within the Pure Stream Party are from the Hanlin Academy and Imperial College... mostly scholars and members of the Pure Stream. If a traitor is secretly instigating, it fits the situation."
"If this public opinion creates a rift between me and Xue Shence, even causing hostility from the military generals led by the Privy Council, it would be most beneficial for the rebel."
"However, flies do not lay eggs on seamless eggs, and certainly, there are some in the Privy Council seeking to seize power, that much is true."
Reviewing historical records.
During peaceful times, the influence of civil officials always outweighed the military generals.
But during wartime, the trend reverses.
Now with the Li Party’s downfall, the Imperial Faction being fragile, the Pure Stream Party faced with internal strife... the military officer group led by the Privy Council and Ministry of War in the Yu Country have started to rise, attempting to gain more influence.
"Pure Stream Party, Imperial College, Privy Council... good. While I fight fiercely on the front lines, you all stir trouble behind."
Zhao Douan’s gaze turned dangerous as he lightly tapped his fingers on the table, a smile curling his lips:
That day, Zhao Douan stayed at home for quite a while, took some silver, then left home and checked into an inn.
Later, his Divine Soul returned to Linfeng and received news from the Shadow Guard that Feng Xiaolian successfully delivered the blank letter to Gongsun.
The plan had initially succeeded. Zhao Douan immediately instructed Song Jinxi to carry out some follow-up arrangements.
He then slept peacefully through the night,
while the fallout from a disturbance within Yongjia City continued to spread.
It would take a bit of time for the news to travel to Xu Jingtang and the Capital.
Next morning, at dawn.
Capital, Zhao Douan stepped out from the inn, wearing a white mask and a blue long robe, walking along the bustling streets.
Basking in the autumn morning light.
He arrived at the familiar Imperial Court.
The guards of Jinyi blocked his way, steadily watching him. The most update n0vels are published on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
Zhao Douan calmly took out the Offering Waist Card with a modified voice, saying, "I am an official ordered to attend Lihua Hall."
Last night, the Empress had already issued a decree delivered to the Imperial Court.
Therefore, shortly after, Zhao Douan met Ma Yan at the Governor Hall.
This Chief Eunuch’s face remained the same, thin and stern, giving off a vibe of cruelty.
Yet, after a year, possibly due to overwork, a few strands of white appeared in Ma Yan’s hair.
At this moment, he was examining the Offering Waist Card thoroughly, then raised his head, looking suspiciously at the "new Master" wearing a mask capable of blocking Divine Sense detection, tossed the card back, nodded and said, "Identity confirmed. Zhou Cang, take him to Lihua Hall for his appointment."
Beside him, Hundred Households Zhou Cang responded, gesturing "please" towards Zhao Douan.
Zhao Douan nodded with a smile to Ma Yan, then nodded to the familiar Households Commander Zhou, "Much obliged."
As he was about to leave, Ma Yan’s voice came from behind, "Lihua Hall is full of rebellious brats. Originally, only Zhao Douan could keep them in line. Now he’s at the front, Lihua Hall has been vacant for long. The Empress has deployed you to replace the Master position this time, hoping you’re prepared for those under you not following orders. If it’s too much, come find me."
As he was about to leave, Ma Yan’s voice came from behind, "Lihua Hall is full of rebellious brats. Originally, only Zhao Douan could keep them in line. Now he’s at the front, Lihua Hall has been vacant for long. The Empress has deployed you to replace the Master position this time, hoping you’re prepared for those under you not following orders. If it’s too much, come find me."
ps: The last line is repeated, will fix it later.