Having eliminated two enemies, gaining the approval of the Empress, and acquiring weapons and Shu brocade… Zhao Douan's harvest was indeed plentiful.
He immediately expressed his gratitude energetically, confirming the viability of his strategy to gain merit and enhance his strength.
"Alright, you may leave now," the Empress waved her hand to dismiss him, her smile fading.
Unearthing one worm does not mean the end; it often indicates that more hidden worms are present.
Next, the halls of power would undoubtedly witness another storm of intrigue and bloodshed.
There could have been more discussion… Zhao Douan lingered, reluctant to leave, and respectfully bid farewell.
This casual stroll and chat with the Empress signaled a further advancement in their relationship, but everything had its limits, moderation was key… This was an important lesson he had learned from his past life.
The "Female Prime Minister" Mo Chou went to the Heavenly Master Mansion, while this time Zhao Douan headed to the Martial Arts Hall, led by a female official.
Under the late Emperor's reign, female officials were inconspicuous, responsible only for the internal affairs of the harem. After the Empress came to power, the power structure within the palace underwent a significant overhaul.
The group of female officials, led by Mo Chou, shared some of the eunuchs' power, though most affairs outside the palace were still handled by eunuchs.
"You have come quicker than I anticipated."
When Zhao Douan met Eunuch Hai for the second time, the old eunuch, who had served the Royal family in the deep palace for over a century, expressed his surprise.
His hair was completely white, his figure slightly stooped, his face clean-shaven, and he was clad in a striking bright red python robe.
His demeanor was no different than before.
"Just luck," Zhao Douan said with a humble tone, not daring to underestimate the other.
Eunuch Hai's gaze was profound:
"Young people should display some sharpness; too much humility is just hypocrisy."
He had no doubt about the Empress's judgment.
After Zhao Douan was promoted to "Tributor," the Empress herself had inquired further, reassuring the old eunuch that the person before him was indeed a hidden dragon.
And his suspicions deepened after learning about Zhao Douan's poor reputation in the capital.
Even so, he hadn't expected that in just a few days, the other would again secure an opportunity to come here.
In his memory, this was unprecedented.
Ha… you say that, but if I were truly to reveal my sharpness, you would be displeased… Zhao Douan silently criticized, unconvinced.
Yet, he showed a face of enlightenment, saying:
"In this world, many folks prefer humility and lowkey personalities, disparaging those who flaunt their mediocrity. Accustomed to the secular world, I inadvertently blend in too well. However, few like yourself, Eunuch, appreciate genuine talent and detest hypocrisy."
The old eunuch in the python robe felt at ease with a satisfied nod:
"Those words are indeed true."
Pfft... As expected, you like flattery too… Zhao Douan thought helplessly, cutting to the chase:
"Today, Her Majesty has permitted me to pick a Magic Artifact weapon to carry by my side. I appreciate your assistance, Eunuch."
Eunuch Hai smacked his lips, seemingly reluctant to end the conversation: "Follow me."
Stepping into the "Armory" again, the courtyard filled with ancient cypresses and pines had an air of antiquity.
Zhao Douan was led to a building, its door adorned with gold-embossed characters spelling "Wu Bing."
"In the palace armory, there are various categories. Martial Artists should choose weapons that match their Realm, Martial Skill, and temperament," Eunuch Hai walked with hands behind his back:
"Choosing a weapon beyond your own Realm could be more harmful than beneficial. The weapons here are most suited for you at this moment."
Is that so? I suspect you say that because you don't want to give me something truly powerful… Zhao Douan thought cynically.
Eunuch Hai pulled out a key and unlocked a copper lock which unexpectedly was alive, its face protruding and grimacing in pain.
The door opened to reveal rosewood racks with weapons ranging from swords to boxes, and on the walls hung spears and bows.
At first glance, all were of exceptional quality, dazzling to the eye.
Zhao Douan was struck with choice paralysis. After a moment's contemplation, he said:
"I've heard that Magicians' Suppressing Objects are spirited. Do Martial Artists' Magic Artifacts possess spirits too?"
Eunuch Hai glanced at him and chuckled:
"Greedy young man indeed," Eunuch Hai said. "It's true that a few magic artifacts possess spiritual intelligence and can be motivated by high-level martial artists, but there aren't many suited for the Mortal Realm."
Zhao Douan felt a wave of disappointment.
The next moment, Eunuch Hai changed the subject,
"But, you're quite lucky, boy. There does happen to be one here that meets your requirements."
Zhao Douan looked up abruptly, his eyes gleaming with craving.
Eunuch Hai chuckled, reached up to a shelf, and lifted a dust-covered treasure box, saying teasingly,
"I had already planned to give you this. As soon as Her Majesty decreed it, I knew this would be perfect for you."
Zhao Douan lifted the lid of the box and saw a palm-sized dark golden flying dagger lying on satin, luxurious yet understated, with exquisite craftsmanship.
"This artifact, known as the 'Golden Crow,' is one of the few weapons with a hint of conscious spirit," Eunuch Hai explained. "Propelled by the user's energy and guided by their will, it moves as an extension of the arm, extraordinarily sharp and indestructible."
Zhao Douan followed the instructions.
In the dim room, a golden thread sliced through the air, the dagger cast a lingering shadow, and circled around Zhao Douan by itself as if ecstatic.
So fast... suitable for surprise attacks... A pity about the limited control range, Zhao Douan thought with inward admiration, but complained aloud,
"I don't lack hidden weapons; I need a handheld one."
"Give it a try," Eunuch Hai smiled.
Zhao Douan grasped the Golden Dagger in his palm, energizing it, and the palm-sized blade suddenly extended into a short, narrow dagger, dauntingly sharp.
Zhao Douan's eyes brightened. Clenching his hand tightly, the Golden Crow dulled and returned to its unassuming form:
Soon, as he watched Zhao Douan's retreating figure, the gaunt old eunuch's hand caressed the empty treasure box, feeling a sense of loss.
"A magic artifact once used by the founding Emperor; you got a bargain..."
"Our current Emperor truly favors you, interesting."
"Heh, still trying to flatter and please me with sweet words, as if I can't tell the smooth talk."
Eunuch Hai shook his head but then smiled.
Having been alone for so long, having young people around to talk now and then felt quite good.
Imperial City's main gate.
Zhao Douan concealed the "Golden Crow" in his inner pocket, utterly satisfied, his steps light.
"It's not my concern to follow up on the case; whatever happens next is up to people like Ma Yan."
"Pity I didn't get to stay for a meal; I'm quite curious about how the Empress eats."
"Well, I wonder if Priest Jin Jian will come... Never mind, even if she uses invisibility to watch me take a bath, I'm not at a loss."
With a head full of chaotic thoughts, Zhao Douan passed through the gate.
But he didn't see Zhou Cang, just a modestly luxurious four-horse carriage stopped outside the Imperial City gate.
According to the protocols of Great Yu:
The Emperor rides with six horses, feudal lords with five, nine ministers with four, high officials three, scholars two, commoners one.
To exceed this is a grave offence.
A carriage with four horses... belongs to a personage of the rank of Three Dukes and Nine Ministers... Zhao Douan curiously looked, wondering who was waiting there.
Suddenly, a servant came straight toward him, respectfully saying,
"Lord Zhao, my master invites you."
Waiting for me intentionally?
Zhao Douan paused, a bewildering thought rising abruptly.
"May I ask if the person inside is..." he cautiously inquired.
Instantly, the thick curtains were parted by a jade Ruyi, revealing within the carriage a man in a Green Robe and official hat, Confucian and handsome, wearing a smile.
Yuann Li said pleasantly, "We meet again."