Chapter Three: The Empress Dowager’s Nephew

Wu Chengsi was nothing but a spoiled scion who detested being reprimanded.

Back when the Empress Dowager’s mother, Lady Yang, hosted a banquet to celebrate her daughter’s rise in status, the elderly woman, proud of her daughter becoming Empress, offered some polite remarks, hoping the younger generation would flatter her accordingly.

Yet most of these juniors responded with disdain; some even bluntly claimed their current official ranks and titles were due to ancestral merits, having nothing to do with the Empress.

A glimpse through a narrow crack revealed the true disposition of the Wu family descendants.

Wu Chengsi hated being scolded, so when he stepped forward, Wu An kicked him to the ground.

The eunuchs behind widened their eyes in shock. Hei Chi Changzhi shouted loudly, “Duke Zhou has come to help you! What are you trying to do?”

Feigning concern, he bent down to support Wu Chengsi, but in truth, he secretly restrained his arm to prevent a retaliatory kick.

After such a commotion, the eunuchs dared not delay further. After scolding a few times, they hurried to lead people away. Wu Chengsi, however, was furious and wanted to kill someone, and the courtyard quickly descended into chaos.

At that moment, sounds of footsteps and other noises came from outside. Wu An looked toward the entrance, his eyes growing cold.

Hei Chi Changzhi frowned as well.

Both had heard the clinking of armor and weapons.

Moments later, several armored guards entered, signaling the eunuchs and Wu Chengsi to step aside.

Then, Wu An’s eyes brightened as a young female court official in white brocade slowly walked into the courtyard.

She had an oval face, smooth pale skin, eyes bright and clear like autumn waters, with an icy demeanor, standing poised in the courtyard and meeting his gaze from afar.

Unfortunately, she was a bit thin.

The young female official quickly noticed the haughty youth’s face, her gaze lingering briefly with some surprise before she spoke:

“By imperial decree of the Empress Dowager.”

Instantly, the armored guards bowed their heads, the eunuchs and Wu Chengsi all bowed respectfully, followed by Wu An and Hei Chi Changzhi bowing with cupped hands.

“The Empress Dowager says His Majesty is aware of this matter but, due to illness, cannot see outside officials. Therefore, she will handle everything.”

Wu Chengsi’s expression turned cold, but as he lifted his head, a smile appeared. He looked at the female official, a flicker of admiration in his eyes, then flattered her: “In reporting to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, I will immediately take this little—”

“The Empress Dowager also says...”

The young female official, clearly disgusted by the corpulent man, avoided his gaze and looked at Wu An, her voice sharp:

“Wu Chengsi is a worthless piece of trash, not worth a hair of your brother. Take your brother to the palace to see me immediately. If you let him suffer any grievance, I’ll skin you alive.”

Wu An raised his eyebrows, quickly weighing his thoughts.

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