The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 278 - 244, The Divine Weapon Beyond Ages

The autumn wind, carrying a hint of chill, swept over the large camp, causing the canopies above everyone’s heads to flutter like ocean waves.

With Mr. Zhao’s command, the atmosphere suddenly grew strange.

Xue Shence remained silent, displaying the demeanor of a "Military God," but the military officers beside him couldn’t help but exchange glances.

Not good... Standing to the side, Shi Meng, who should have been today’s "protagonist," found himself edged out to a marginal role, with cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

He could distinctly feel the glares from the Privy Council delegation directed at him.

This powerful warrior, who boasted muscles capable of racing horses on his arms, felt the invisible pressure in the air choking him more than the deadly aura on the battlefield.

"How long has it been since this guy has gained such influence? Divine Mechanism Camp’s men don’t even listen to Minister Xue’s orders but are instead obedient only to Zhao?"

This thought arose simultaneously in everyone’s minds.

However, Shi Meng had his own troubles to speak of.

As an "observer," he clearly understood Zhao Douan’s maneuvers in recent days.

On the first day he entered the camp, he played a "pointing at a deer and calling it a horse" trick, teaching everyone a harsh lesson.

Having sacrificed a "Young Duke," he provoked a newfound respect and fear in the camp, as everyone was afraid to offend Mr. Zhao and be dismissed from their post.

Next, he was busy engaging military officers and soldiers in ball games, an act to win them over.

Wielding a heavy stick while scattering sweet dates.

The methods were simple, yet effective.

Especially today’s drill—the soldiers around the pavilion were carefully selected for their established relationships with "Master Zhao" from playing football together, having also received plenty of rewards and drinking money from Zhao Douan.

So, the unfolding of this scene was not surprising.

"Ha-ha, Mr. Xue’s words are indeed correct, and things should be as you said. As officials, we naturally should share joys and hardships with the soldiers."

The Minister of War, clad in a scarlet official robe and stroking his beard, laughed as he smoothed things over.

Above the Ministry of War was the Xiuwen Pavilion, and the Empress, both of whom managed the Capital Camp’s military registers.

With these two identities, he was the perfect "lubricant."

The old Chief of Staff seemed to understand the role he was to play.

Under his mediation, the atmosphere under the pavilion gradually relaxed, and a group of people chatted and laughed as they lined up, awaiting the beginning of the drills.

Zhao Douan naturally took his place beside Xue Shence. The two officials, flanked by others, looked together toward the vast, ochre drill field.

At this moment, the field was empty of people, with only the flags flapping in the wind.

On the ramparts, soldiers stood guard.

In the corners, drummers waited.

"Master Zhao has seemingly established a firm footing in the camp over these days. I had originally thought you lacked command experience and might not be able to control these proud and fierce officers and soldiers, but today my worries are much alleviated," said Xue Shence, standing with his hands behind his back, his official robe draped over him, his fair face angular and chiseled with a sculptural beauty.

His thick black eyebrows framed his face as he casually spoke, his eyes fixed on the scene in front of him:

"However, I do hear some dissenting voices, from the Five Armies, to the Three Thousand Camps, and even other guards within the city."

Zhao Douan asked curiously, "What are they saying? Who’s spreading it?"

Xue Shence replied indifferently,

"It’s all unsavory talk. Thousands of soldiers in the Capital are discontent. Such undermining of soldiers’ morale isn’t conducive to being a general."

This was a clear warning...

Yet Zhao Douan, as if not understanding at all, smiled and said,

"Thank you, Mr. Xue, for the reminder. I won’t take the defamation and slander of some petty people to heart. It’s just that some people dislike me, stir up rumors, and target me, that’s all."

Minister Xue didn’t expect him to be so shameless and almost laughed in anger:

"Oh? Dislike from whom? Who is targeting you?"

Zhao Douan replied seriously,

"Maybe, from within the ranks of the rebels."

Their conversation was not loud, but the martial artists under the pavilion, keen of hearing and sight, all showed a subtle change in expression.

"You say who is a rebel?!" Tang Ping couldn’t hold it in any longer and angrily spoke out,

Feeling implicated.

Zhao Douan glanced at him, waved his hand, and said lightly,

"Young Master, do not anger. The Duke has been a loyal and noble official for generations, and you too come from a distinguished lineage... However, about others, I cannot say.

Heh, I have heard that Young Master was cross with me, influenced by a group of instigators. It’s strange, isn’t it? How did such an adverse wind against me suddenly arise in the camp?

I thought perhaps it’s because I’ve achieved great success and been promoted by Her Majesty, provoking jealousy.

Then, after further reflection, I learned it’s related to the recent incident with the rebel assassins. If the rebels wish to create panic, why not target soft targets like civil officials, but instead pick on military officers to assassinate?

Is it not a deliberate attempt to agitate my relationship with my comrades?

Sadly, such a simple plot should deceive ordinary soldiers, but not military officers who should be smarter. And yet it plays right into the rebels’ hands, with rumors targeting me...

Young Master, what do you think? Is it worth suspecting?"

This sudden outpouring of words, gently leading, actually left the angry Tang Ping speechless.

Unable to rebut.

Everyone knew that the military officers were probably acting out of "jealousy"...

But this embarrassing sentiment wasn’t something they could openly admit.

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Tang Ping couldn’t possibly admit to being jealous or foolish... so he could only silently agree with Zhao Douan’s suggestion, that he was provoked by others.

Speechless.

The Minister of War watched the drama unfold with a smile.

Thinking to himself, why would Young Master engage in such a pointless debate with Zhao, wasn’t it like throwing an egg against a rock?

Minister Xue turned his head, glanced at him, and suddenly said:

"Since Master Zhao believes there are rebels in the army, why then, during this time, did you not conduct any investigation?"