The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 666 - 451. Zhao Douan: Then break both legs and leave a breath (5k)_3

The leader of the Cao Gang on Jiancheng Road, named ’He Xiaolou’, is quite influential and has many Jianghu people under his command. Because they rely on Cao Yun for their livelihood, they have always been submissive to my family’s master. Among his subordinates, there is indeed a formidable Jianghu enforcer, someone called ’Mr. Rong’, but I have never seen him, and didn’t think of it in the rush earlier."

Cao Gang... a gang similar to the Green Gang from my previous life? Hmm, an underground force akin to the Red Flower Society in the Capital?

He Xiaolou... Sounds familiar, mentioned briefly in the resources I saw when I came, but Zhao Douan didn’t expect that the first trouble he would encounter here was neither Shipping Governor Ning Zechen, nor the local aristocratic family, nor his old adversary Prince Jing and his son, but a Cao Gang leader... someone like Du Yuesheng?

Alright then.

"Since the Cao Gang is submissive to Governor Ning, why would they suddenly do such a thing?" Zhao Douan asked curiously.

Mrs. Ning shook her head bitterly and said, "I don’t know either. We’ll only know after entering the city and asking my husband. Fortunately, we were rescued by the Junior Guardian; otherwise..."

As she spoke, she was about to shed tears.

Zhao Douan smiled, "I came here to lend a hand to Governor Ning, so there’s no need to thank me. It’s just that I was a step late, causing the lady to be frightened."

At this moment, a young girl in her maiden years, with some baby fat still on her face, and bearing a resemblance to her mother, blinked her eyes and bravely asked, "Are you the Lord Zhao? My father often talks about you."

"Oh? What does the Governor say about me?" Zhao Douan asked curiously.

Mrs. Ning’s face changed slightly, and she hurriedly tried to scold her, but the innocent and lively girl had already spoken eagerly, "Father says you are formidable. Even as a son-in-law, you’re better than him. My father only became my mother’s son-in-law, while Lord Zhao from the Capital became His Majesty’s son-in-law."

Mrs. Ning was so embarrassed that her face turned red instantly, "No... she is young and speaks without thinking..."

Zhao Douan laughed heartily, got up to feel the ship sailing away, pushed the door open, and left, looking at the faintly visible city in the distance, thinking:

Indeed, an interesting person.

...

...

Jianning Prefecture.

The Cao Transport Office was imposing, even grander than the Prefectural Magistrate Office, and was known locally as the Cao Platform.

In the backyard of the government office, a courtyard full of Jiangnan-style architecture, with gray tiles, white walls, and a courtyard surrounded by vibrant flowers and plants.

Shipping Governor Ning Zechen was practicing swordsmanship.

Ning Zechen was already fifty years old but showed no signs of aging. He was strong, with thick black hair, neatly trimmed temples, and a dignified appearance. He had the elegance of a scholar and the authority of a high-ranking official.

At this moment, he wore only a loose training suit, and his sword was soaked with water. As he wielded it, the wind howled, and it was mighty.

With the last move of the swordsmanship, he swung down heavily, scattering flower petals with the moist blade, causing the plants in the flowerbed to bend with the sword wind.

"Good to see your interest, my lord." A middle-aged man dressed as a civil servant walked in and said with a smile.

Ning Zechen sheathed his sword, wiped the sweat from his neck with a towel on the table, and sighed, "I’m getting old, have regressed a lot. When I was young, I once wanted to be a ranger. Later, I led water soldiers and practiced some military skills. Although I had no talent for Cultivation, I was considered good. Now... I can only perform sword dances for entertainment."

The middle-aged man, dressed as a civil servant but actually the Governor’s staff and "Master", smiled, "My lord’s current position is thousands of times more beneficial to the country and people than being a mere ranger."

"Ha, it sounds nice, but there are obstacles everywhere. It seems like I have great power, but I have few people to use. How could it compare to the freedom of a ranger?" Ning Zechen sighed and asked, "Is there any news about the madam’s journey?"

Mr. Wen said, "According to the last message sent, if we count the days, she should arrive in the next couple of days."

"I think the madam should have stayed in Linfeng longer. Jianning Prefecture is not peaceful, yet she insisted on returning."

"After months of not seeing each other, the madam must be missing you, and family reunions are always good."

Ning Zechen nodded and asked, "Let’s talk about business."

"It’s about the obstruction in measuring the Shen family’s land for the New Policy... the Shen family hasn’t appeared publicly but has clearly threatened the tenant farmers and is continuously resisting..." Mr. Wen reported.

He had no papers or texts, but spoke the details of the entire event without missing a beat.

Ning Zechen listened quietly, his expression unfriendly. After listening, he snorted coldly, "The Shen family is the largest clan locally. The other clans are all watching how the Shen family fights against the court. Do this: have someone find the local gangs and ruffians; don’t let the government officers come forward. Just have these gang members do this and that..."

Mr. Wen helplessly said, "Governor, we’re still the government. You’re also the dignified Shipping Governor. Using these underhanded methods might give others a handle to impeach us in the court."

Ning Zechen disdainfully said, "Impeachment? A bunch of opportunists in the court, plus a group of useless officials who only bark meaninglessly around His Majesty’s ears, what can they do? What use are they? They boast about being gentlemen, but can they get things done? Just follow what I said, and let them impeach if they want. Our current emperor, though a woman, has her own opinions and will naturally shield me from these matters."

Mr. Wen could only nod, "Alright then..."

At this moment, suddenly, an official rushed in from outside the courtyard, reporting, "Governor, He Xiaolou of the Cao Gang has sent a letter, specifically asking for your personal review."

...

To be edited further later

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