The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 200 - 178. Scholar from Xiuwen Pavilion arrives, Scholar Zhao’s identity revealed

The excitement at one corner of the outer garden pavilion drew the attention of more and more guests.

As a result, when Zhao Douan calmly spoke these words, murmurs rose from the crowd’s perimeter, especially among the gathered scholars, whose expressions varied.

You Jinhua and her daughter’s faces flushed, realizing that what was done could not be undone.

The leader of the "Four Young Masters," who had been domineering and arrogant, now showed surprise, followed by pleasure in his eyes.

Zhao Douan noted every shade of emotion and said:

"In fact, I know your intentions all too well, you are using this crude method in an attempt to provoke me, hoping that your verbal challenges will elicit inappropriate action on my part.

Especially at this location, where today the monks of Divine Dragon Temple have invited the social elites of Capital City to gather."

The reckless young master with a birthmark on his face paused, his expression slightly changing:

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"What are you babbling about..."

Zhao Douan ignored him and calmly continued:

"You and I have had disagreements in the past, which many are aware of. So, for you to come and provoke me could be explained as seeking revenge, and that fits your ’persona’—yes, the image you present to others.

But still, you’re being too crude. After so much time, if you wanted to trouble me, why not do it earlier? Why particularly choose today?"

Third Young Master Dong opened his mouth: "Because..."

"Because it just so happened? Because the Dong family has recently gained momentum, giving you confidence?"

Zhao Douan pierced through his lies with one word, looking straight into the eyes of the preeminent debauchee, shaking his head and saying:

"No, none of those are the reasons. They might serve as excuses for outsiders, but even though you may not be the brightest, you wouldn’t be foolish to this extent.

Let me think... Is it to curry favor with Dong Xuan, or perhaps to please your Grandmaster grandfather? That seems to be the only somewhat plausible reason."

Zhao Douan said indifferently:

"Dong Xuan is quite displeased with me, even going so far as to petition His Majesty, advising that a villain like me be kept at a distance—this is no secret in Capital City.

Especially recently, with rampant rumors, that is also why so many scholars dare to affront me, criticize me...

Hmm, among scholars, indeed there are some with integrity who dare to speak truthfully, but many more are nothing but sycophants and cowards.

They used to criticize me, but I’ve only recently deposed one of the nine ministers... Aren’t they afraid of my retaliation?"

Around him, some scholars’ expressions changed slightly as if their concerns had been exposed, and they wanted to speak:

"But..."

"But of course, they are afraid," Zhao Douan said:

"Yet they still dare because there’s safety in numbers, and also the rumors flying around that Grandmaster Dong dislikes me.

And you, being an undisciplined scion of the Dong family’s third generation, are also disliked by Dong Xuan.

Thus, stepping out to deal with me, trying to guide me into taking action at the Divine Dragon Temple’s fasting ground to please Dong Xuan, makes sense.

So your words have always been indecent, but from beginning to end, you’ve only targeted my Zhao family, not implicating anyone else even by a single word.

Verbal provocations, even if rebuked and punished, ultimately don’t amount to anything serious.

Ha... But if I were to act today, here, I’d offend Divine Dragon Temple and make the court officials feel dishonored. Who knows, I might even be accused of harming the relationship between the court and Divine Dragon Temple...

This would give those scholarly critics behind you something to talk about... ultimately leading to His Majesty distancing himself from a ’villain’ like me due to pressure."

Zhao Douan let out a soft sigh.

Glancing at the dandy whose face had completely changed, he said:

"I’m a bit curious now, who gave you this rotten idea? Used as a pawn and yet so proud of yourself?

It seems Dong Xuan is indeed advanced in age and lacks the energy to teach you younger generations how to behave.

You should remember what happened to Pei Kaizhi, don’t you? Oh, you probably don’t know..."

As he finished his speech, the atmosphere in the place subtly shifted.

Third Young Master Dong’s domineering spirit evaporated, leaving him feeling a chill.

Bullseye!

His thoughts were completely seen through by Zhao Douan!

At that moment, feeling the complex gazes of the surrounding crowd, anger welled up within him.

He knew the plan was now unfeasible, leaving him in an extremely awkward position.

The other party had laid it all out so clearly, how could he fall for it?

But in the next second, as if Zhao Douan had seen through his thoughts, he suddenly laughed:

"An amateurish attempt at reverse psychology, but if successful, it can be an effective scheme."

Indeed, false power struggles involve masters competing with layered calculations and subtle indications.

The reality of power struggles is like ambushing hatchet men at the Feast at Hong Gate or mindless pawns recklessly charging forth.

"But..."

Just when everyone thought the commotion was about to die down, Zhao Douan suddenly said with a smile:

"But I really do fall for it."

What?

Before Third Young Master Dong could recover, he saw a fine layer of frost spreading across the table in front of Zhao Douan, a manifestation of chilling qi boiling over.

Zhao Douan slowly rose, and from his sleeve, the Golden Crow Flying Dagger stretched out, transforming into an ancient short sword enveloped in cold air.

He took a step toward the other party.

Shouts of alarm resounded as the crowd dispersed in fear.

Third Young Master Dong stood there, stunned, feeling real murderous intent.

He didn’t understand why Zhao Douan, who had clearly seen through everything, would still take action—and resort to his blade immediately at that?

Who had given him such confidence? Wasn’t he afraid of his grandfather’s wrath?

You Jinhua and her daughter also showed a look of terror but dared not intervene.

Just at that moment, a scolding voice came from the outskirts of the crowd:

"What are you doing?!"

The crowd made way, revealing the figure of Grandmaster Dong, who had returned from the latrine with an ashen face, looking in their direction.