The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 342 - 290, a mobilization order, Zhao Douan leads the army to break the city_2

Xu Junling smiled gracefully,

"There's nothing to fear if one has a clear conscience. The Royal Mansion of Prince Huaian has never dealt in the silver mine business, nor have we ever reached into Linfeng. What is there to be afraid of?

Moreover, the affair of His Imperial Sister is my affair. If someone covets the silver of the Xu family, how can I sit idly by?"

At a small tea stand, the two sat face to face, their gazes neither evasive nor avoiding.

One frowned, and the other smiled.

Zhao Douan fell silent for a moment, then suddenly beamed,

"With the Commandery Princess's concern, I am sure His Majesty would be very pleased."

He did not mind that this astute Princess was joining in on the excitement.

Being openly involved was far better than sneaking around in the shadows.

Moreover, he never underestimated the power that the Commandery Princess could muster.

To say nothing else, that Elder Lü by her side was a respectable force.

As for the related benefits... The probability was high that there were none. On one hand, if the affair in Taicang had any connection with Prince Huaian, following him would only increase her suspicion.

Additionally, being one of the wealthier figures who controlled several merchant ships, Prince Huaian would hardly be interested in minor corrupt schemes.

"What are you looking at?"

Xu Junling noticed Zhao Douan taking out a booklet to peruse.

"Checking the local bigwigs here, which one is poisonous, and which is not."

Zhao Douan said offhandedly, while several names appeared on the booklet.

Governor, inspector, Commander... These were all third-rank or higher officials from the "Road" level,

Ah, corresponding to the "Province" level senior officials he was familiar with in a former lifetime.

Following that, there's Governor Sun of the Taicang Prefecture.

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

It's worth mentioning the divisions in Great Yu, consisting of nine Roads, each fairly extensive, containing many sub-divisions within the counties.

Due to the expansive area of each Road, two prefectural cities are established as primary and secondary hubs, generally corresponding to cities.

Thus, we have the saying of Nine Roads and Eighteen Prefectures... not covering the Capital.

Along the Linfeng Road adjacent to the Capital lies Huai River Road to the south and Jiancheng Road to the southeast—where Prince Jing Mansion is located.

To the west is Xiping Road—home of You Jinhua's family.

Within the territory of Linfeng, there are two prefectures, "Linfeng Prefecture" and "Taicang Prefecture."

The location of the silver mine in Taicang County is indeed in Taicang Prefecture.

"The court's documents arrived many days before me, so at this time, the senior officials from Linfeng should already be waiting for me, the imperial envoy, in the prefectural city in front.

Hehe, last night's station sent out the news early; at this hour, those senior officials are probably preparing to line up to welcome us at the city gate."

Zhao Douan said offhandedly.

Xu Junling nodded slightly, not at all surprised.

With her perspective, having often conversed with governors in Huai River, she found it only ordinary.

She couldn't help but raise the corner of her mouth, teasing,

"So, you are running headlong into their lair. Despite being the imperial envoy from the Capital, you're coming to their turf with just a few men... Hehe.

These powerful officials might be polite on the surface, but behind that, it's a scenario where the enemy is strong, and I am weak.

So, have you figured out how to establish your authority? If not, you could ask for my help; the Royal Mansion of Prince Huaian still is..."

Zhao Douan smiled, did not pick up the thread, closed the booklet, and quietly stared at the teacup on the table.

"What are you looking at?" the ignored Commandery Princess raised an eyebrow.

Zhao Douan stared at the slight ripples disturbing the water in the bowl and the reflection of his face within, murmuring, "Everything is ready, except for the east wind."

"What?" Xu Junling became even more puzzled.

Seeing Zhao Douan lift the teacup and down it in one gulp, he chuckled, "If the Commandery Princess is to enter the city, please fall back. The envoy's team must go ahead."

...

...

Dozens of miles away, Taicang Prefecture.

Early in the morning, government officers urged the locals to clear the streets, pushing down anything unsightly in the city in advance.

Inside the city of Linfeng, a group of senior officials had changed into their official robes and donned black gauze caps as they led a line of local officials at the city gate, eagerly anticipating what was to come.

Finally, two carriages arrived on the imperial road, with a yellow silk cloth hanging atop the carriage as a marker.

"The imperial envoy has arrived!"

The thin and iron-like Magistrate Sun Xiaozhun said in a deep voice.

At this moment, all the officials present felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.

The Governor Gao Lian and the elderly Inspector also puffed up their chests.

As the carriage procession stopped at the city gate,

The elegantly Confucian, impeccably dressed Governor Gao Lian led the welcome with a loud laugh and striding steps, hands clasped together in greeting,

"Is that Imperial Commissioner Zhao up ahead?"

The thick curtains of both carriages were lifted one after the other.

First out was an Imperial Censor in a blue robe with silver-capped false teeth, and then, at ease, Zhao Douan emerged, ushered by Qian Kerou.

Zhao Douan looked indifferent and superior, wearing the distinctive official robe of the White Horse Governor, which he had changed into on the road.

His gaze swept over the smiling faces of Gao Lian and other local officials before finally settling on the face of the lead civil official, and he smiled,

"I have long admired the great name of Governor Gao, and to see you today, you truly have an extraordinary presence."

Governor Gao burst into hearty laughter,

"Imperial Commissioner flatters me, I've long heard of Mr. Zhao's renowned stature in the Capital; seeing you today, the reputation is well-deserved. No wonder you are so highly esteemed by His Majesty."

The kindly-faced Inspector also added with a smile,

"What Governor Gao said is indeed true."

Even the accomplished Governor Sun, who was bold enough to slam the table with superior officials, wore a beaming smile, eagerly and generously praising.

The three of them led the way, and the other local officials quickly joined in, heaping great admiration on his appearance.

The people in the imperial envoy's party, all shrewd figures, gradually discerned an underlying tone in this.

These local officials seemed to be praising him, but they did not mention any of Zhao Douan's achievements or capabilities—only his looks.

That statement, "No wonder you are so highly esteemed by His Majesty," even subtly tinged with irony.

Hinting that he had risen to power on his good looks alone.

Imperial Censor Chen Hong's smile slowly faded, and the expressions of the Lihua Hall Jin Yi turned sour.

Facing the imperial envoy, the local officials would not openly confront or create conflict, but this soft mockery was even more infuriating, and yet they couldn't vent their anger.

However, Zhao Douan seemed completely unaware of the sarcasm and mockery in their words, his smile remaining warmly eager and even more gracefully debonair.

This demeanor surprised the likes of Governor Gao, leaving them wondering whether the Commissioner was profoundly cunning and impassive, or indeed a figure of more style than substance.

Well, if it were the latter, that would be better.

"The imperial envoy must be tired from the journey; we have prepared inns and a feast to welcome and refresh you. Come, someone lead the way."

After the pleasantries, Governor Gao invited with a smile, signaling them to enter the city gate.

Zhao Douan, however, remained smiling and unmoved as he said, "Wait a moment, Governor Gao, not everyone has arrived yet. Also, may I ask if the accommodations you've prepared are spacious enough?"

The crowd was momentarily puzzled. What did he mean?

Were there still people lagging behind?

Suddenly feeling uneasy, Governor Gao laughed and said, "The inns are certainly spacious. While Taicang Prefecture is not wealthy, it is more than capable of accommodating the imperial envoy's party."

"Is that so? Then I'm relieved," Zhao Douan said with an embarrassed smile, appearing somewhat apologetic, "I've brought quite a few people with me."

How many could there be?

The local officials did not take it too seriously.

Yet, in the next second, the ground started to rumble without warning.

Governor Gao and the local officials were stunned, their attention drawn by the noise as they looked toward the distance.

Their pupils constricted in unison!

They saw a troop of Iron Cavalry bursting from afar, extending into a black line as if endless.

Amidst the billowing dust, armored cavalry charged ferociously, led by a general carrying a conspicuous flag inscribed with "Linfeng," fluttering vigorously in the wind.

Zhao Douan gave a slight smile, "My people have arrived."