The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Zhao Douan stood up, leaving behind the half-eaten fat goose, washed his hands in the pond, and headed towards the yard where the Lu Mansion was hosting a banquet.

The reason he had a meal here in the afternoon was to have energy for the tasks at night.

Sun Xiaozhun hurried after him, nervously saying:

"Commander, you must be careful. These gentry can be pressured, but if it's too harsh, I'm afraid..."

Zhao Douan smiled and asked back, "Afraid of what? That they'll dare to defect?"

Sun Xiaozhun smiled bitterly and said:

"Commander, you jest. But at this critical juncture, to maintain stability on the entire front line, relying solely on the government isn't enough; we still need these people to contribute."

Against the backdrop of ancient feudal dynasties, why were local scholarly families so strong and overbearing? Ultimately, it's due to the court's weak grassroots mobilization.

The saying "the imperial power doesn't go to the countryside" reflects the inability, under current conditions, to direct grassroots efforts like an arm, with many specific matters requiring cooperation from these gentry to be implemented.

That's also why Sun Xiaozhun, a dignified fourth-rank magistrate, compromised with the Lu Family on a grain collection issue.

Zhao Douan's face was bathed in the sunset, appearing exceptionally red.

He paused, then said:

"I know any changes must consider the times, and if the steps are too big, all plans will become castles in the air, so I have no intention of really discarding the gentry. But while gentry can exist, there is room for maneuver in who becomes the gentry.

Do you know what Your Majesty has been painstakingly doing on the court in the Capital since ascending the throne these past few years? Just two words, 'blood change'!

Step by step, letting the old ministers retire and promoting new officials to position, as if slowly changing the blood of this six-hundred-year-old dynasty to rejuvenate it. Abolishing the old cabinet and establishing Xiuwen Pavilion is the key!

Since the implementation of the New Policy, local officials have also been replaced, and I'm sure Governor Sun has noticed all this.

But this is just the beginning.

Not only do the officials across the court need a blood change, but the local scholarly families must change too. Hence, the Imperial Merchant at Hu Ting...

Today, I am here to secure a meal for the tens of thousands of Capital Camp soldiers in the city and to fund the campaign, and also to seize the opportunity for a blood change...

Your Majesty changes the court's blood, while I change the gentry's blood."

After speaking, Sun Xiaozhun was completely stunned, feeling an inexplicable surge of blood and excitement.

He suddenly understood. Zhao Douan was willing to say these words to him, affirming his ability and showing value.

The second reason was to reveal the true purpose of dealing with these gentry, so he, as a magistrate, could cooperate.

"I... understand!"

"Understanding is good," Zhao Douan smiled, liking to talk with smart people, took a few steps, and suddenly remembered something and said:

"By the way, also give me an inside scoop. Tell me which gentry in the city have criminal records; don't tell me you don't know."

…

…

Elsewhere, as the sunset faded, the entire Lu Mansion bustled with activity.

Servants and maids shuttled back and forth in the courtyard, setting up the banquet, while gentry with status who received "invitations" from the city also arrived one after another outside the mansion gate.

Red lanterns were hung under the eaves, and just looking at the bustling scene inside the mansion, one wouldn't guess that outside lay the warfront where two armies faced off.

However, Grand Duke Lu was not among the crowd, as the city's top socialite was meeting with several other gentry in a secluded side hall of the mansion.

"Grand Duke, please shed light on the matter. What does this Zhao Yan want by assembling us all here tonight?" asked Landlord Qian from Da Tong Bank.

His figure was corpulent, yet he was not as at ease as usual.

"Indeed, Taicang is our domain, we stand united to face this together," Mr. Li from Kangzhuang Rice Shop also frowned.

Grand Duke Lu sat at the head seat, commanding respect without anger.

Completely different from his submission in front of Zhao Douan.

His expression was gloomy as he surveyed the others and said:

"Commander Zhao comes this time to secure military funds and provisions. Now with tens of thousands of troops entering the city, followed by suppression of rebels, the consumption can be imagined.

I advise everyone tonight, don't play tricks. Whatever Commander Zhao wants, just nod in agreement, and don't plan on making money from this situation. All must bleed profusely, or losing your life, don't blame me for not warning earlier."

The group was startled by these serious words: "How much blood should be shed?"

Grand Duke Lu fell silent for a moment and said:

"This isn't for us to decide; it depends on how much Commander Zhao wants."

Mr. Li frowned and said, "If he wants all our possessions, do we have to give them?"

Grand Duke Lu glanced at him:

"Let me say it one last time, don't equate Commander Zhao with Governor Sun or Lord Xue. I have a premonition, he comes with killing aura this time, consider it paying money to buy life. That's all."

Buy life? Is it really so sinister?

The gentry looked at each other, somewhat unbelieving.

The court has sought money from them more than once, and such operations where one plays the good cop while another plays the bad cop is commonplace.

Given the tense state of affairs now, stability is the foremost concern. At this critical point, Sun Xiaozhun and Xue Shence have shown considerable leniency towards them. Can a change to Zhao Douan really be different?

Some even suspect that Zhao Douan might be secretly colluding with the Lu Family to swindle them... Such instances have precedents.

"Father, that Zhao... Commander has come out," the second son hurriedly reported.

Grand Duke Lu stood up and walked out, sighing, "Come on, if it's trouble, it can't be avoided."