The two held each other quietly. As the sun began to set outside, their shadows reached into the distanceâŠ
Yan Xuehen was a bit alarmed when she saw their reflection in the shadows. Just what am I thinking about right now?
She was about to push him away when Zu An suddenly lowered his head and kissed her gently. Yan Xuehenâs eyes widened, perhaps out of embarrassment, maybe out of anger. Her neck turned red at a visible rate.
She was just about to explode when Zu An suddenly let go of her first. He waved his hand while smiling, saying, âWith big sis Yanâs caring kiss, Iâm sure this trip will go extremely smoothly!â He didnât give her a chance to act up and slipped into the distance afterward.
Yan Xuehenâs cold expression gave way to a smile when she saw him flee for his life. She muttered, âHe really is a rascalâŠâ
Meanwhile, Zu Anâs mood was incredible after what had just happened. He sped along while riding on the Wind Fire Wheels, continuing for several days.
Finally, he encountered the emperorâs troops near a small city. The emperor had left to conduct the Fengshan Ceremony, so the procession was extremely grand. Lines of troops stretched for several dozen li, and there were tens of thousands of people. Zu An didnât show himself rashly; instead, he saw some familiar people in the group and snuck in while they were setting up camp.
The ones who seemed to be in charge of the outpost work were the thick-browed and big-eyed Qin Guangyuan, and the more delicate-featured Qin Yongde. Even the Murong clanâs young miss was present, dressed in military attire. Between that and her tanned skin, she really looked valiant and outstanding. Their group was actively discussing the layout of the camp.
When they saw Zu An, they were startled. However, this was a reunion of friends, so the mood quickly became lively. Murong Qinghe was especially happy to see him, perhaps because of Chu Youzhao. The only regret was that Chu Youzhao hadnât come with her on this trip.
Zu An naturally knew the reason. Chu Youzhao was a crossdresser, after all. She could continue the act in the capital with the Qin clan covering up for her, but it was hard to keep her identity a secret in the long term in an army.
After talking to them for a bit, Zu An learned roughly how large the Fengshan procession was. Apart from the empress, who was recuperating from her illness, almost all of the other top-tier figures of the capital were present. They were all familiar faces.
King Qi, Zhao Jing, was here; however, his heir, Zhao Zhi, hadnât come. They were likely worried about putting all their eggs in one basket.
Apart from him, there was also the Director of the Imperial Secretariat Pei Ming, who could be considered Big Manmanâs great-uncle. The Imperial Secretariatâs Right Confidential Assistant Bi Qi, the crown princessâ father, had also come; he was accompanied by the crown princessâ older brother, Bi Ziang. The Imperial Secretariatâs Left Confidential Assistant had previously been Yu Xuanchong, but because of the scandals surrounding Yu Nan and then Cloudcenter Commanderyâs Yu clan, he had been dismissed from office and wasnât present.
The Imperial Secretariatâs five important ministers hadnât come and remained in the capital to deal with governmental affairs. Zu An cried out inwardly in disappointment. He had wanted to catch up with Sang Hong and ask about Sang Qienâs situation. He wondered how she was doing with her pregnancy.
The Central Secretariat Supervisor Meng Yi and Secretariat Director Lian Yu were both present. So was the Emperorâs subordinate Chief Attendant Pei Zheng, Pei Mianmanâs grandfather; and Chief Attendant Dongfang Bai, whose wife was the previous dynastyâs princess. Zu An recalled Zhang Jie mentioning them when he talked about the previous dynasty.
The Nine Ministersâ Supervisor of Attendants Murong Tong, Commandant of Justice Jiang Boyang, and Imperial Director Zhen Xueyi had also arrived. The Supervisor of Attendantsâ responsibility was ensuring the safety of the emperor, so that his presence was to be expected. Unfortunately, Jiang Luofu wasnât present.
As for Zhen Xueyi, Zu An also remembered what Zhang Jie had said. Zhen Xueyi also had a strong connection with the former dynasty, but his treatment was vastly different compared to Dongfang Bai. However, when Zu An was thrown into prison over his scandal with Bi Linglong, Zhen Xueyi had secretly helped him a bit, so that was a favor he had to remember.
When the emperor set out on a journey, his safety was definitely the number one priority. King Liang, Zhao Yi, was the Rear General. He followed the emperor with the elites of the capitalâs first six battalions. However, the six battalionsâ respective military officers hadnât come, and were instead guarding the capital with another group of people. King Qiâs heir Zhao Zhi was none other than the Reserve Diary Officer.
Apart from those people, there was also the War Chariot General Liu Yao. Zu An had previously met him all the way back in Brightmoon City. Even though back then, he had thought that this manâs cultivation was really high, it now seemed fairly average. With their resources, the fact that such individuals only had their current levels of cultivation meant that their talent was really ordinary.
Compared to the six battalions, the two higher-level figuresâ forces were more complete. Left Guard General Lu He was the brother of Eunuch Lu, who always followed at the empressâ side. Right Guard General Guo Zhi was someone whom Zu An had frequently interacted with back in the Imperial Palace. Guerilla Warfare General Zhao Yuan was only part of a rather distant branch of the imperial family, and he also had the title King Guangling.
Apart from that, there were the divisions named Fierce Tiger, Armed Escort, High Rider, Unique Force, and so on. Zu An himself was an officer of the Armed Escort Division, so he was technically supposed to be part of the procession.
When he saw that almost all of the major figures of the capital had appeared, Zu An couldn't help but become a bit curious. He said, âThe courtâs bigwigs are all here. Are they not scared that something might happen back at the capital?â
Qin Guangyuan explained, âThat is why the middle-level officials in charge of specific government affairs all remained in the capital. Together with the capable crown princess and other competent individuals from the Eastern Palace, assisting the crown prince in presiding over the empireâs affairs isnât too big of a problem.â
âThatâs not what Iâm worried about,â Zu An said. He naturally knew about Bi Linglongâs ability. He continued, âItâs more that the high-level military strength of the court has all left, so what if the Devil Sect or rebel army decides to incite trouble in the capital again?â
Murong Qinghe said with a smile, âThereâs something big brother Zu is overlooking. There are still the eight dukes in the capital. Those old monsters are always cultivating in seclusion within their manors. If something really does happen, they definitely wonât just remain bystanders.â
Qin Yongde added, âThe eight dukes are powerful, all having grandmaster rank cultivation. Who would dare to stir up trouble in the capital? But strictly speaking, there are only seven dukes now, and that has to do with Brother Zu.â
Zu An was startled. He replied, âThe Shi clan?â
Qin Guangyuan nodded and said, âRight. To be honest, the Shi clan was the clan with the weakest background out of the eight great clans. Their clan leader needed some more time to reach the grandmaster rank, but you single-handedly destroyed the entire clan, so he no longer had a chance. That matter  really caused quite the stir among the capitalâs great clans.â
Zu An had a blank look on his face for a moment. He had already provoked such a giant as the Shi clan not long after he transmigrated⊠The naive truly were fearless!
He had already known about the so-called eight dukes for a long time, but had rarely seen any of them. They were similar to the Committee of Elders in the Fiend King Court. They normally rarely showed themselves and only appeared when there were big events.
Zu An found a chance to ask about Concubine Bai, but the others only replied with bewilderment.
âHis majesty did bring some concubines, but Concubine Bai is the Crown Princeâs concubine. Thereâs no reason for her to be here, right?â
Zu An could tell from their dumbstruck looks that only a few people knew about the emperorâs relationship with Concubine Bai. As for the more important ministers, they likely have their guesses, but there was no way they would mention such things to their children.
After figuring out recent developments from them, he went to look for Zhao Han. After all, Zhao Han was too powerful. It wouldnât be a good thing if his sneaky actions were found out.
With his current identity, it wasnât too difficult for him to meet with the emperor. Eunuch Wen quickly emerged to bring him to the giant imperial tent. There were threads of gold and pieces of jade and agate everywhere, making it extraordinarily extravagant.
When a servant went in to announce Zu Anâs arrival, an indifferent voice called out, âEnter.â
When Zu An entered the tent, he saw that even though the outside of the tent was luxurious, the layout inside was extremely simple. Inside, Zhao Han was on a soft seat. In front of him were two pots of precious incense. The tent wasnât inferior to any top-notch cultivation paradises in this world; it had clearly been reinforced with special rune formations. At the same time, the incense likely had many precious ingredients added to them to aid in enhancing cultivation and longevity.
Zhao Han didnât even open his eyes when he heard Zu An enter, asking, âWhat are you doing here?â
Zu An replied, âViolet Mountainâs affairs have already been wrapped up, so I wanted to make a report to your majesty. I didnât dare to disturb your majesty further, so I made a special trip all the way back.â
Zhao Han then opened his eyes. When he recalled how he had been summoned like a monkey in a performance show again and again, his face twitched slightly. When he heard those words, however, he felt a bit better and said, âNot bad, youâve shown some progress.â
Zu An then told him about what he had discovered on Violet Mountain. He didnât hide Yun Jianyueâs appearance. After all, with so many people there, this man would find out even if he didnât report it.
âThat witch Yun Jianyue really is daring. But the daoist sects really are declining as they struggle. They actually only found out at the finals,â Zhao Han said with a snort, showing clear dissatisfaction.
Zu An replied, âThe more the daoist sects decline, the more it proves that the court is flourishing. Your majesty should be happy.â
Zhao Han raised a brow and said, âItâs been a while, but it seems youâve learned how to speak properly, brat.â
Find the original at bit.ly/3iBfjkV.
âThis subject is only speaking the truth,â Zu An said with flawless etiquette.
Zhao Han nodded in approval and asked, âWas there anything else strange at Violet Mountain?â
âThere wasnât,â Zu An replied. After some hesitation, he chose not to mention Wang Wuxieâs situation. The first reason was that he didnât have proof, and the second  was that even if there was something wrong with Wang Wuxie, why did he have to warn Zhao Han? It wasnât as if he really was a loyal slave.
âYouâve dealt with the Violet Mountain task decently,â Zhao Han said, his expression easing. He continued, âYouâve returned at a good time. There just happens to be something that I need you to take care of.â
Zu An cursed inwardly. This guy immediately gave me something to do as soon as I returned! Of course, though, he still said, âI will do my utmost.â
âIt isnât anything too hard. I only need you to secretly execute a woman,â Zhao Han said casually.