The Empress's First Running Dog

Chapter 52: Golden Crow Flying Knife
He eliminated two enemies, gained the recognition of the empress, and obtained weapons and Shu brocade... Zhao Duan reaped a great harvest.

He thanked the emperor immediately with an excited look on his face, which proved the feasibility of the idea of ​​improving his strength by performing meritorious deeds.

"Okay, go away." The empress waved her hand to drive him away and her smile disappeared.

Digging out a woodworm does not mean the end; it often means that there are more woodworms hidden.

Next, it is obvious that there will be another bloody storm in the government.

We can chat some more... Zhao Duan was reluctant to leave and said goodbye respectfully.

This stroll and chat with the empress meant that their relationship had taken a step further, but everything should be done in moderation... This was an important experience he gained in his previous life.

……

The "female prime minister" Mochou went to the Tianshi Mansion, and Zhao Duan went to the Wugong Hall this time, led by a female official.

When the previous emperor was in power, the female officials were not very prominent and were only responsible for the internal affairs of the harem. After the female emperor ascended the throne, the power structure in the palace underwent a major change.

The group of female officials headed by Mochou shared the power of the eunuchs, but when it came to doing things outside the palace, most of the work was still done by the eunuchs.

"You came faster than we thought."

When Zhao Duan saw Hai Gongfeng for the second time, the old eunuch who had been hiding in the deep palace and serving the royal family for more than a hundred years, he said in surprise.

He has a head full of white hair, a slightly hunched body, a white face and no beard, and is wearing a bright red python robe, which makes him extremely eye-catching.

The temperament is no different from last time.

"It was just luck." Zhao Duan said modestly, not daring to look down on the other party.

Eunuch Hai's eyes were meaningful:
"It's better for young people to have some edge. Being too modest is hypocritical."

He did not doubt the empress's vision.

The last time Zhao Duan was promoted to "offering", the empress personally inquired about it, which made the old eunuch more certain that there was a hidden dragon in front of him.

And after he learned that Zhao Duan had a bad reputation in Beijing, this premonition became even stronger.

But even so, he never thought that after only a few days, the other party would have the opportunity to come here again.

In my memory, it is unique.

Haha... You say that, but if I really show my talents, you will be unhappy... Zhao Duan complained in his heart and disagreed.

His face showed a look of being taught, and he said with emotion:
"There are many people in the world who like to be humble and low-key and dislike those who are mediocre and show off. I am a kid who lives in the secular world and is bound to be mixed with the crowd. But there are very few people like you who don't like hypocrisy and appreciate the edge of the young."

The old eunuch in the dragon robe felt relieved and nodded proudly:
"That's true."

Bah... As expected, he likes flattery... Zhao Duan was too tired to complain and stopped talking nonsense:
"Your Majesty has allowed me to take a magical weapon from the armory. Thank you, eunuch."

Eunuch Hai smacked his lips, still unsatisfied: "Come with us."

Stepping into the "Arsenal" courtyard again, you will see ancient cypresses and green pines, full of ancient charm.

Zhao Duan was led to a house, where he saw the words "Wu Bing" in large gold-plated characters on a plaque on the door.

"The secrets of the palace's armory are classified into different categories. When choosing weapons, warriors should choose those that match their own realm, martial arts, and temperament." Eunuch Hai walked with his hands behind his back:

"Forcing yourself to accept weapons that are beyond your realm will only do more harm than good. The weapons here are most suitable for you at this moment."

Is that so? I suspect that the reason you said that is because you don’t want to give me good things... Zhao Duan speculated with a mean heart.

Eunuch Hai took out the key and opened the copper lock. The seemingly ordinary lock was actually alive, with a human face protruding out, grinning with teeth bared from being stabbed.

"Squeak."

The door of the room was opened, and there were mahogany display racks inside, on which were placed swords and wooden boxes. There were also spears and bows and arrows hanging on the walls.

At first glance, they are all of extraordinary quality and dazzling.

"Pick one."

Zhao Duan had difficulty making a decision. After a moment of hesitation, he said:
"I heard that the magic items held by sorcerers are full of spirituality. Do martial artists' magic tools also have spirituality?"

Eunuch Hai glanced at him and said with a smile:

"You are quite greedy, kid. Yes, there are indeed a few magical instruments that have spirituality. They can be driven by warriors of high realms, but there are not many that are suitable for the mortal realm."

Zhao Duan was disappointed. The next moment, Eunuch Hai changed the subject:
"But you are really lucky, there is something here that meets your requirements."

Zhao Duan raised his head suddenly, with the word "greed" written in his eyes.

Eunuch Hai smiled, picked up the dusty treasure box from the shelf, and said jokingly:

"I was planning to give you this one. When His Majesty issued the decree, we knew that this one was the most suitable."

Zhao Duan opened the box and saw a palm-sized dark golden flying knife lying on the silk cloth. It was luxurious and restrained, with excellent workmanship.
"This weapon is called 'Golden Crow'. It is a rare weapon with a shallow spirituality. It is infused with Qi and guided by the mind. It is as sharp as an arm and indestructible." said Eunuch Hai.

Zhao Duan did as he was told.

"Om-"

In the dim room, a thin golden thread cut through the air, and the flying knife left an afterimage, dancing around Zhao Duan on its own, as if leaping for joy.

Very fast... perfect for sneak attacks... but the control distance is limited. Zhao Duan admired it in his heart, but said with disdain:

"I don't lack hidden weapons, I need hand-held weapons."

Eunuch Hai smiled and said, "Just give it a try."

Zhao Duan tried to grasp the golden knife in his palm and infuse it with Qi. The palm-sized flying knife suddenly extended and turned into a long and narrow short knife with a sharp and intimidating edge.

"Two forms?"

Zhao Duan's eyes lit up, and he clenched his hands. The Golden Crow dimmed and returned to its inconspicuous state:
"This is it!"

……

After a while, watching Zhao Du'an's back as he left, the old eunuch in the dragon robe stroked the empty treasure box with his skinny hands, feeling lost.

"This is the magic weapon that Taizu used in his early years. I'm giving it to you at a bargain price..."

"Our Majesty is really partial to you. How interesting."

"Oh, you're flattering me. Do you really think I can't hear you? You're just being slick."

Eunuch Hai shook his head and then smiled.

I have been lonely for too long, and it feels good to have a young person to talk to from time to time.

……

Imperial City Gate.

Zhao Duan hid the "Golden Crow" into his inner pocket, feeling very satisfied, and his steps became lighter as he walked.

"I don't need to worry about the follow-up of the case. What happens in the end is the business of Ma Yan and others."

"It's a pity that I couldn't stay for dinner this time. The Empress looked quite thoughtful while eating."

"Well, I don't know if that Jin Jian priest will come... Never mind, even if she hides nearby and watches me bathe, I won't suffer any loss."

With a mess of thoughts in his mind, Zhao Duan walked through the doorway.

However, Zhou Cang was not seen. Only a low-key and luxurious carriage with four horses was parked outside the gate of the imperial city.

According to Dayu etiquette specifications:
The son of heaven drives six, the princes drive five, the ministers drive four, the officials three, the scholars two, and the common people one.

If you exceed this limit, it is a serious sin.

Four horse-drawn carriages... belong to important figures at the level of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers... Zhao Duan looked over curiously, wondering who was waiting here.

Suddenly, a servant came straight up from outside the carriage and said respectfully:
"Envoy Zhao, my master wants to see you."

Waiting for me on purpose?
Zhao Duan was stunned, and suddenly an incredible thought came to his mind.

"May I ask if someone in the car is..." He asked cautiously.

Soon, the thick curtain was lifted by a jade ruyi, revealing the Imperial Censor inside the carriage, who was wearing a blue robe with a double-breasted collar, an official hat, and looked elegant, handsome, and smiling.

Yuan Li smiled and said, "We meet again."

Thanks to Xicheng Xueerlang for the 500-coin reward. If you are healthy, it will be a sunny day.



(End of this chapter)