The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 248 - 218, how does it feel to be the prey, Zhao Douan?

"Ask me to apologize?" Zhao Douan’s expression was strange, almost as if he were smiling, "So, you realized your mistake?"

He had nearly forgotten the incident.

That day, after the You family had left, he had also sent someone to keep watch. Later, learning that they tried to find other avenues which he had successfully blocked, they quieted down.

He had assumed they would give up, but unexpectedly, they had the audacity to come knocking again.

You Jinhua looked embarrassed, saying:

"The invitation says they are not asking you to do them a favor, merely to apologize sincerely for their previous actions and to seek your forgiveness."

Not asking me for a favor?

Zhao Douan was finally surprised, thinking You Zhande had understood the situation and was trying to cling to him again.

But their clear intention to simply apologize was somewhat interesting.

Hmm... There was another interpretation: indeed, they didn’t need his help, but hoped he would no longer "set up barriers," blocking their search for other opportunities...

"Heh, if it’s just for that, tell my aunt to refuse on my behalf."

Zhao Douan casually said:

"Just tell them to leave the Capital and head back to Xiping. I won’t make things difficult for them."

Allowing the You family to proceed smoothly was out of the question; Mr. Zhao had his pride.

His stepmother hesitated before saying:

"They mean to say they’re prepared to return to Xiping. They will not attempt the imperial merchant issue anymore; they only wish to have dinner to apologize before leaving the Capital, otherwise, they won’t be at peace."

They’re preparing to leave?

Zhao Douan paused for a moment, pondered, and suddenly laughed:

"They’re not worried about being able to leave the Capital, are they? Afraid that once they leave, I might arrange for someone to trouble them?"

This was the most logical explanation he could think of.

The You family, having faced setbacks during this period, keenly realized his power and knew of his vindictive nature.

Thus, they worried that once away from the Capital, they might be ambushed by people sent by Zhao Douan... Yes, that suited Zhao Douan’s character.

So, their request for a face-to-face apology was merely to assure themselves, to ensure they wouldn’t be attacked by Zhao Douan.

You Jinhua bit her lip, bowed her head, and silently ate her meal:

"If Big Brother finds it inconvenient, aunt can just refuse. It doesn’t concern them anymore anyway."

Zhao Douan pondered for a moment, weighed his options, and replied:

"Fine, where and when? I’m quite vexed lately; it could serve as a distraction."

He did not wish to bother with it, but since they approached him correctly, he thought of warning them in person, completely severing their hopes of clinging to his stepmother.

Once and for all.

To put an end to this matter.

You Jinhua, both ashamed and touched, knowing it was again for her sake, said:

"Tomorrow at noon, Drunken Moon Inn in the South City."

Unfamiliar... Must be a small inn... Indeed from a small place, their hospitality is not lavish... Zhao Douan pursed his lips, remembered the details, and instructed:

"Tomorrow, I’ll go there myself. You all, just stay home during this period, and don’t go out. To prevent the rebels from targeting you."

The main reason Zhao Douan bought a new house was actually not to shorten the "commute" time, but to protect his family.

The house was now not far from the Imperial Court, within reach of the inner city guards’ patrols.

These days, he had specifically used his authority to request the imperial guard to watch over his home.

To prevent any exploitations by the Thousand Faces God.

Once everything was settled, Zhao Douan returned to his room to cultivate.

The night passed without incident, and the next morning, he went to the government office as usual, learning that there had been no breakthrough in the search for the Thousand Faces God.

At noon, Zhao Douan rode a white horse, heading straight to South City.

...

...

Drunken Moon Inn was a moderately sized inn known for its refined atmosphere.

Yesterday, a wealthy client with a Xiping Road accent had reserved the entire inn for today, claiming it was to host an honored guest.

Early in the morning, the guest had already arrived at the inn to wait, accompanied by a young gentleman and a maid.

On the second floor of Drunken Moon Inn, Thousand Faces God, also known under the alias "Lv Baifeng," gracefully stood at the railing, listening to a singer perform a musical piece in the hall below.

His slender fingers lightly tapped the railing, moving rhythmically.

"Mr. Lv, it is still early. Please have a seat and rest."

Behind him, You Zhande approached upstairs, followed by the You mother and son.

At this moment, the merchant from Xiping Road grinned and said:

"To have you personally take care of my matters is truly..."

Thousand Faces God turned around, a smile forming on his handsome face:

"What are you saying, Mr. You? I should be the one apologizing. I had hoped to help clear the way for you, but alas, Zhao Douan is not easy to deal with."

A few days ago, You Zhande had asked Lv Baifeng to help find a connection, which he had promptly agreed to.

You Zhande had waited in the inn for several days, only to receive both good and bad news.

The bad news was:

Zhao Douan’s power in the Capital truly was formidable; even the Lv family found it difficult to handle.

The good news was:

Mr. Lv had agreed to take the lead, representing the Lv family to appease Zhao Douan and discuss the matter of the imperial merchant.

But it was conditional, hoping You Zhande would host a banquet and invite people over.

You Zhande, having no other options, had accepted this last hope and sent out the invitation.

Hoping that Zhao Douan would show mercy for the sake of Mr. Lv of the Lv family.

"Where are you coming from, Mr. Lv? Your willingness to mediate has already given my old You family face, but... not allowing me to reveal your presence in advance, I haven’t been able to understand the reason," You Zhande curiously said.

Thousand Faces God smiled:

"If you were to say it’s me inviting him, then today’s meeting would become a matter between our Lv family and his Zhao family, so what would it have to do with you? When Mr. Zhao arrives later, I will speak to him myself."

"Oh... okay."

You Zhande felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint any issues.

Turning back, he looked at his wife Mrs. You and their young son You Luer, and sternly reminded:

"When the guest arrives, both of you behave, and apologize sincerely."

Mrs. You had long lost her arrogance, now humble and submissive:

"We’ll listen to the master."

The overweight boy, repeatedly reminded by his parents, also appeared submissive, acting obedient.

They waited a while longer, and as the appointed time neared, the dishes were served on the table.

On the stairs, a beautiful servant girl was coming up with a heavy black umbrella:

"Mr. Duan, they’re almost here."

The Thousand Faces God’s eyes lit up, and he asked urgently, "How many people are coming?"

Qing Niao responded, "Just him alone, riding a horse."

"Good." The Thousand Faces God snapped his folding fan shut, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light.

He was like an old hunter who had set a trap, waiting for his prey.

Turning his head towards the slightly confused You Zhande, he smiled and said,

"Mr. You, aren’t you going to personally welcome him?"

…

"Clip-clop, clip-clop..."

The horse’s hooves slowed down.

Zhao Douan, holding the reins, gradually decreased his speed and saw the elegantly styled "Drunken Moon Inn" up ahead.

The ancient-looking roof, surrounded by verdant bamboo, had a meticulously crafted signboard that appeared to be the work of a calligrapher.

"Hmm. Not very famous, but the setting is quite nice."

Zhao Douan felt slightly better, and upon reaching the entrance, he noticed that You Zhande was already bowing in wait.

Zhao Douan dismounted, tossing the reins aside carelessly, while the attentive inn servant stepped forward:

"Noble guest, let me take your mount to the stable."

The parking valet was ready.

"Mr. Zhao! You’ve finally arrived."

You Zhande, burly and hiding a martial artist’s fierceness, bowed and smiled obsequiously, none of the arrogance from the other day present.

Today, he did not resemble a family head but more a humble merchant.

Upon opening his mouth, a series of apologies flowed out.

They were nothing more than clichés such as "Did not recognize Mount Tai" and "greatly offended you."

Zhao Douan did not care about his sincerity; he was here today just to conclude the matter.

He nodded slightly, acknowledging him.

After leading You Zhande into the inn, he curiously asked,

"Are there so few people?"

You Zhande smiled broadly and replied,

"For today’s reception, I, old You, specially booked the entire inn to avoid having outsiders present, which would be messy. My wife is upstairs; I wouldn’t dare let her come down and annoy you."

Hmm... quite a cost, I misunderstood you... Zhao Douan felt slightly surprised and nodded graciously,

"It’s all a misunderstanding."

"Exactly, exactly, all a misunderstanding," You Zhande’s smile widened as he led him upstairs,

"Please come this way; we have a distinguished guest today, specially invited to accompany you."

A distinguished guest? To accompany me?

Zhao Douan paused, busy in recent days with chasing the Kuangfu Society people, he hadn’t been keeping close watch on the You family, so he was unsure who they had invited.

Pondering, the two ascended to the second floor amid the sound of music.

Upon reaching the landing, he first saw the bowed heads of Mr. You and his portly son, both with a submissive demeanor.

Then, Zhao Douan saw the genteel young nobleman sitting at a large banquet table, holding a folding fan, his eyes cold and smiling.

At that moment, Zhao Douan’s martial artist instincts suddenly triggered, a strong sense of danger surged within him.

And then, the servant girl at the nobleman’s side opened the large black umbrella she held.

As soon as the gigantic umbrella, taller than a person, was opened,

bloody handprints and bizarre, twisted blood-red talismans appeared on it.

From the center of the umbrella, faint yellow-brown ripples spread outwards, enveloping the entire Drunken Moon Inn.

Outside.

The sunlight twisted faintly, as if the entire inn was encircled by a mysterious force field.

Second floor.

Zhao Douan suddenly felt dizzy, weakened, disoriented, stuffy-nosed, throat itchy, eyes tearing, skin burning and flushing…

Instinctively triggered energy abruptly declined.

It felt just like a severe flu in a past life, body weakened, with a strong urge to vomit.

"I’m poisoned!"

Zhao Douan staggered, grabbing the railing to prevent falling.

Inside Qi Sea, the Dragon Essence that was dormant stirred slightly, yet it did not awaken.

It only quickened its energy swallowing, continuously purifying the now yellow-brown tainted energy.

Yet, it couldn’t immediately relieve the symptoms of poisoning.

"Thump!"

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"Thump!"

…

Amid the sounds of heavy objects falling, You Zhande’s family and the singers and shop attendants downstairs all succumbed to the poison, collapsing rigidly to the ground.

The weaker ones passed out directly.

The stronger ones, like You Zhande, remained conscious but were completely weakened, looking in astonishment at "Lu Baifeng," as if realizing something:

"You... you’re not..."

The servant girl named Qing Niao, holding the huge blood-talisman-covered black umbrella, continuously rotated it, her expression arrogant and indifferent.

The noble young man beside her stood up, completely ignoring You Zhande and instead smilingly looked towards Zhao Douan and said,

"How does it feel to be the prey, Mr. Zhao?"

Zhao Douan held his body up, forcefully blinked to clear his blurred vision.

His expression was extremely grim as he spat out a name:

"You are... Thousand Faces God!?"

…

Imperial Palace.

In a pavilion next to the imperial garden, in the bright noon sun,

Emperor of Great Yu, Xu Zhenguan, stood by a pond, sprinkling feed that caused the koi to scramble and compete.

Mo Chou, the "big ice block," stood by her side, looking toward South City and said,

"Your Majesty, aren’t you worried?"