The Empress's No.1 Lackey

"To be precise, it wasn't I who asked Duke Tang for help, but rather from the very beginning, Duke Tang hinted that I could seek him out." Zhao Douan said seriously.

When recalling the process of seizing military power this time, in hindsight, he too felt surprisingly smooth.

That day, on his way home, he was intercepted by Yuann Li, who gave him a "top secret document" in the carriage.

Its core content was the information on the batch of spies that the late Crown Prince had planted in Jubei City.

Only after reading it did Zhao Douan suddenly realize that Zhenbao had long been sharpening his knives; the Empress, going along with the tide, had even allowed Cao Mao to throw Lang Shiba into prison, already starting the plan to seize power through this case.

Upon learning of the existence of the big spy "Luo kedie", Zhao Douan instantly made many connections.

For example, Duke Tang's actions in the Imprisonment.

At the time, he thought it was because of Tang Zhao's situation, returning a favor, but upon careful thought, he felt it was off.

There are many ways to return a favor; helping him directly embarrass Cao Mao was undoubtedly excessive, even though the two had conflicts, it was rather abrupt.

Realizing this, Zhao Douan carefully recalled the occasion when many generals returned to the capital this year.

Duke Tang was the only one with no reservations, not only did his only son remain stationed at the Divine Mechanism Camp without being transferred, but he also brought his daughter back to the capital.

Even if initially he did not show him respect, it was only directed at him, not the court.

"Only then did I realize that from Duke Tang's perspective, standing by me at the Imprisonment seemed like returning a favor but was actually indicating his stance."

Zhao Douan remarked thoughtfully:

"The fall of Zhao Shixiong must have made Duke Tang feel the necessity to further demonstrate loyalty to the court, especially after I learned that the two Dukes had longstanding grievances, he simply went with the flow, visited Duke Tang, and expressed my wish to impeach Cao Mao. Duke Tang agreed readily, almost taking on the task of persuading the nobles himself...

And for a practical Duke from the late Emperor's era to personally step forward is surely more appropriate than if I or even His Majesty were to speak... Duke Chen agreed to appear, also realizing the current Yu Country situation, not wanting to see further disputes arise."

After explaining all this, Zhao Douan also felt a deep sense of awestruck in his heart.

One might say, the power struggle against Cao Mao was the easiest among his past overthrows of power ministers, yet upon reflection, it wasn't unexpected.

Because in this power struggle, Cao Mao was at a complete disadvantage.

If he hadn't returned to the capital, it might have still been exceptionally difficult, but from the moment he returned, it was as though he stepped into the web of a spider.

The Empress, Duke Tang, Duke Chen, Yuann Li, Luo kedie... from all directions, the siege and annihilation.

The greatest role Zhao Douan played in this was, besides stirring public opinion, was threading needles, uniting various forces, to launch a thunderous attack.

With such a grand formation, such a disparity in power, Cao Mao's defeat being not swift was the true rarity.

But from another perspective, a year ago Zhao Douan was still a small figure who needed to feign influence to barely gather manpower, struggling to overturn powerful enemies.

However, now he has practically wielded great power, forming coalitions; this time's success was also because his position has long changed from what it was before.

"Duke Tang has had the heart," Xu Zhenguan listened, deeply affected, self-mockingly said: "If all the generals were like Duke Tang, what worries would I have about the firmness of the empire?"

Zhao Douan hesitated for a moment, tentatively asked: "Then Zhao Shixiong... How does His Majesty plan to deal with him?"

Mentioning the name brought a trace of anger to Xu Zhenguan's beautiful eyes, yet ultimately she took a deep breath, slowly said: "It's best to pacify him."

Zhao Douan nodded, unsurprised.

This is the best approach; with Zhao Shixiong not returning, he is difficult to balance, especially after the rumors of Cao Mao's demotion spread, Zhao Shixiong would be even more reluctant to return.

"Mu Prince has repeatedly attempted to ally Zhao Shixiong, now there is fear of initial success." Xu Zhenguan sighed: "Yu Country has been severely ill for a long time, not suitable for drastic measures, fortunately, the crisis of Jubei City has been resolved, the Yanshan King in the north is unlikely to become a hidden threat."

After some thought, Zhao Douan said: "Duke Tang revealed to me that the reason he heard the rumors about me and the Young Master was because Prince Hejian of Xiping Road divulged; Cao Mao learned of Lang Shiba's identity, although yet to be interrogated, it must also involve Prince Jing, or the Yanshan King. These people are true masters of sowing discord."

Xu Zhenguan sneered: "Sowing discord, after all, is a trick unfit for exposure."

Zhao Douan nodded, laughed: "However, thanks to their discord, it pushed Duke Tang further to the court, precipitating Cao Mao's rebellion. After this incident, Prince Hejian of Xiping Road is suppressed by Duke Tang, the Yanshan King of Iron Pass Road is balanced by Luo kedie, subtracting two from the Eight Princes. Adding the already swayed Prince Huaian, and the Emperor Qiong in Lingnan, the weakest and least likely to form a climate... only four remain."

Xu Zhenguan amusingly glanced at him: "You surely know how to console people, even the eunuchs around me cannot speak as well as you."

Zhao Douan was shocked, raised his hand firmly refusing: "I must remain useful, to toil for Your Majesty, dare not compare with the eunuchs."

Xu Zhenguan spat: "Shameless."

Zhao Douan was surprised: Zhenbao actually understood it? Impressive, my Majesty...

The monarch and minister exchanged laughs for a while, Zhao Douan stood up to bid farewell: "If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."

This time it was Xu Zhenguan's turn to be stunned, she stared at him, wondering, shouldn't you shamelessly stay overnight in the palace due to the heavy snow?