The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 667 - 452, it’s so lively here, you don’t mind if I join in, right? (6k)

Chapter 667: 452, it’s so lively here, you don’t mind if I join in, right? (6k)

The Capital, early this morning, was enveloped in a grand atmosphere throughout the Imperial City of Yu Country. Before dawn, the imperial guards lined up to parade through the streets, with soldiers personally carrying buckets of water to sweep the main road from the Imperial Palace to the South City Gate.

Notices were posted at major government offices, and the government officers were all mobilized. The Red Flower Society was warned to restrain the citizens from causing any disorder.

All this commotion was because Her Majesty the Empress would be heading south for the Sealing Ceremony today.

Inside the sleeping quarters of the Imperial City.

Xu Zhenguan spread her arms, standing in front of the huge dressing mirror in the room, while two palace maids helped her dress in a dragon robe and placed a crown adorned with hanging pearl tassels on her head.

"Your Majesty, it’s done." One of the palace maids said.

Xu Zhenguan’s eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes, examining herself in the mirror. The splendid dragon robe’s hem touched the ground, stretching out long, with dignified eyes set into her immaculate skin.

"Your Majesty, the sword." Another palace maid stepped forward, respectfully holding the ancestral Taia Sword with both hands.

The Taia Sword was firmly locked in its scabbard, extremely quiet. This Divine Weapon representing the royal family of Yu Country had been retrieved from the Grand Temple last night and would accompany the Empress on her journey south to Luo Mountain.

Xu Zhenguan reached out, grasped the scabbard, and personally hung it at her waist, then turned and walked out of the palace, stepping on the reflective marble floor.

At the door, Mo Chou of the Six Palaces, and the White Horse Supervisor Sun Lianying stood on each side with their heads bowed: "The chariot is ready, welcome Your Majesty to exit the palace!"

"Let’s go." Xu Zhenguan said calmly, stepping over the threshold. Mo Chou and Sun Lianying each took over from the palace maids, holding up the long hem of the dragon robe to keep it from touching the ground.

At the Meridian Gate Square, the dragon chariot awaited early on. Xu Zhenguan boarded the dragon chariot, surrounded by a retinue of over a hundred people, and exited the Imperial City.

Thus, the following entourage expanded to several hundred people.

Majestically proceeding south along the main road Vermilion Bird Street, the road was cleared by imperial guards every where, allowing citizens to watch from afar.

On both sides of the road, every so often there stood solemnly dressed officials from various court offices to welcome and join as the chariot passed by.

Palace maids holding flower baskets occasionally scattered petals.

Amidst the ceremonial music, the Empress exited the city gate and arrived at the southern dock, which had long been under tight security.

Li Yanfu, Yuann Li, Dong Xuan, Xue Shence, and other high-ranking officials awaited there. Today, the dock had only one ship, and it was the largest warship of Yu Country, almost as high as a city tower, freshly painted, with its bow decorated as a dragon’s head.

It exuded majesty and gravity, intimidating the spectators gathered outside the dock.

"Mother, what a huge ship," Zhao Pan, standing among the crowd, watched with a face full of longing. "Is Her Majesty going to Luo Mountain? The place where elder brother went ahead? If only I could go to watch the ceremony too."

You Jinhua, with authority, pinched her daughter’s buttocks with her hand and said sternly: "Dare to say anything? Is the dragon ship something you can board?"

Zhao Pan was very displeased: "Perhaps after the Sealing Ceremony, elder brother will return on this ship with Her Majesty. Then, I’ll ask elder brother to help me take a look on board."

You Jinhua kept a stern face but had a hint of desire in her heart.

"My beloved ministers, take your leave here. During my time heading south, court affairs rely on you. If there’s anything unresolved, you can ask Grandmaster Dong." Xu Zhenguan said to the gathered ministers.

"We ministers, will not fail to live up to the imperial grace and will do our utmost." they replied.

Xu Zhenguan nodded and boarded the dragon ship of the highest warship grade. This southern journey for the Sealing Ceremony would be long, with welcomes required from every region along the route.

Before leaving, she had made many arrangements to ensure the stability of court affairs in the Capital, and accompanying her on this trip, besides the officials from the Ministry of Rites, were only Mo Chou and Sun Lianying, confidantes from her days as the Third Imperial Princess.

Once she was up the gangway, Xu Zhenguan walked to the dragon-head position on the spacious deck, feeling the gigantic dragon ship warship gently vibrate as it left the Capital.

She gazed towards the south, pondering:

"At this time, you should have reached Jianning Prefecture."

"Southern aristocratic families have deep roots for centuries, how can you challenge them with your solitary strength?"

"However, no matter. I will assist you."

...

...

"A letter sent by He Xiaolou?" Inside the Cao Transport Office, Ning Zechen stood momentarily stunned. This diligent minister of Yu Country furrowed his brows tightly, stepped over, handed his sword to Mr. Wen, and lifted his hand to grab the envelope.

As the Shipping Governor, Ning Zechen was naturally familiar with He Xiaolou, the leader of the Cao Gang, knowing this man was generous and charitable, rising from humble beginnings. In his youth, he joined the Cao Gang, and with every acquisition of gold and silver, he did not keep any for himself, distributing all to his followers, saying: "Others save money, I save goodwill."

At that time, he already showed signs of potential, and later successfully replaced the previous leader, taking over the Cao Transport Gang. He adeptly maneuvered amongst government, local aristocratic families, and even the Prince Jing Mansion.

Ning Zechen didn’t dare underestimate him either.

"If he’s looking for me but doesn’t come in person, let’s see what he’s up to." Ning Zechen tore open the envelope, unfurled the letter, and after a brief glance, was struck as if by lightning, his face turning deathly pale, followed by a surge of anger: "So audacious!!"

Mr. Wen was startled: "My lord, what is this..."

Ning Zechen breathed heavily, eyes red, handed the letter to him. After reading it, Mr. Wen’s expression also changed. The letter’s content was simple, indicating that He Xiaolou had heard that the Governor’s wife was kidnapped by "water bandits" on her way back to the city and is now missing. An address was attached, specially inviting the Governor to discuss the matter in person tonight.

He immediately drove away the officer who delivered the message and then anxiously said: "My lord, this matter..."

Ning Zechen’s face turned iron-blue, lips pale, but his eyes were sharp as lightning: "This is He Xiaolou’s doing."

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