Meishan Su family, Su Yun is the most virtuous

Chapter 400 The dispute between the emperor and the queen!

The news spread back to Bian Jing as fast as thunder. In an instant, the entire Song Dynasty court seemed to be thrown into a deep pool of huge rocks and exploded.

Queen Dowager Go, who was ruling the country from behind the scenes, suddenly lost her dignified look upon hearing the tragic news of the defeat in the northwest battlefield and the shocking news of the defection of Jong Park's army.

She subconsciously hugged the young and ignorant Emperor Zhezong Zhao Xu beside her, and cried in grief without restraint in the court: "What should we do? Is the country that our ancestors built with great difficulty going to be destroyed in our hands like this?"

The crying was heart-wrenching, like a heavy hammer, hitting the hearts of every minister present again and again, making their hearts tremble.

The entire court fell into silence and panic.

Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang and other important officials in the court pretended to be calm on the surface and tried their best to maintain their composed demeanor in the court in this sudden and serious situation.

However, the dense beads of sweat on their foreheads had already exposed their panic and anxiety deep in their hearts.

Fan Chunren subconsciously raised his hand and slowly twisted his beard, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and then pretended to be calm and said: "Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, we need to remain calm in the current situation.

Our Song Dynasty has been established for a long time, with a deep foundation and a solid foundation. We are not afraid of a few rebels."

Although he seemed calm, his slightly trembling voice could hardly conceal his inner fear and worry.

Just when everyone was in chaos, some were beating their chests and stamping their feet, some were sobbing quietly, and the court was filled with grief, Wen Yanbo, wearing a scarlet court robe, strode out of the court ranks.

He was already over sixty years old, his hair and beard were all white, but each strand stood straight up like steel needles. His eyes were wide open, and he suddenly swung his long sleeves and shouted in the court: "Crying and wailing, how disgraceful!

The situation in the northwest is now somewhat critical. The war has spread to the border and the people living in border areas are suffering.

But are the rebels now threatening the city of Bianjing or about to enter the palace? Is it worth being so panicked?
Back then, the Xixia people were about to march into the east and west roads of Beijing, but Emperor Zhenmiao did not panic, and he even climbed up to the top of the city wall to encourage the three armies. Now Su Ni is still confined to Yan'an Prefecture. Do you have to act like this?

If we continue to lose our composure and our army loses its morale, it will be a sign of our country's demise. How can we face our ancestors and be worthy of the people of the world?"

His voice was powerful and majestic, like the ringing of a huge bell. The rumbling sound waves echoed back and forth between the beams and pillars of the court, instantly calming the chaotic situation in the court. The originally noisy discussions and crying sounds came to an abrupt end.

Everyone looked ashamed and bowed their heads in silence. *
Wen Yanbo's eyes were like torches, and he slowly scanned the people in the court with a solemn expression. Then he spoke with a resolute voice, saying: "As the commander-in-chief of the northwest, Zhao Xie shoulders the heavy responsibility of protecting the safety of one side and commanding thousands of soldiers.

However, he couldn't even take care of the mere 20,000 troops under Zhang Meng's command, resulting in the loss of troops and the instability of the defense line. Such behavior is truly a sign of incompetence, unworthy of the task!

The Zhong family has enjoyed the imperial court's great grace for generations and has been paid by the emperor. They should have been loyal to their country and devoted their lives to serving it.

But now, Chong Pu has openly betrayed and committed such a heinous act, which shows that the Chong family is already corrupt and its loyalty can no longer be trusted.

The current situation is precarious and extremely urgent. The most urgent task is that our Song Dynasty needs to make use of the Zhe family and Zhang Qie.

The Zhe family has worked hard in the northwest for many years, and has extensive connections and a deep foundation. They are familiar with the local terrain, customs and people.
Zhang Qie was even more resourceful, having made many military achievements in previous wars, had a unique strategic vision, and was a master in the use of military forces.

With these two leading the army together, we will surely be able to boost our army's morale, wipe out the rebels in Yan'an Prefecture in one fell swoop, and restore peace to the northwest!"

At this point, Wen Yanbo straightened his back and said generously: "If necessary, I am willing to lead the army myself and bring the traitor Su Yun to justice, and restore peace to the northwest of the Song Dynasty!"

His words were so powerful that they instantly put the ministers present at ease.

However, Han Zhongyan on the side frowned and said worriedly: "Minister Wen, that Su Ni has always been good at manipulating people's hearts. Even the descendants of the Park family who are loyal and good have been bewitched. Zhang Yu is a relative of Su Ni's father-in-law, so it is inevitable that he will be bewitched as well.

If Zhang Yu is reused, and Zhang Yu leads his army to join Su Ni again, then all the Western Army will be under the control of Su Ni, and there will be no military force in the northwest to restrain Su Ni.

According to me, we must immediately send someone to the northwest to take over Zhang Yu's military power, otherwise there will be changes!" As soon as these words came out, all the ministers in the court were shocked and then there was an uproar.

Wen Yanbo frowned, pondered for a moment, and looked at Han Zhongyan with a sharp gaze: "Sir Han, although Zhang Yu and Su Yun are relatives, he has been loyal to the court for many years and has made many military achievements. How can you be suspicious of him just based on this relationship?
If we rashly seize his military power, it will not only chill Zhang Qie's heart, but may also cause chaos within the Western Army, giving Su Yun an opportunity to take advantage of it."

While everyone was discussing, Liu Zhi stood up, bowed and said, "Minister Wen, Lord Han, and all my colleagues. The situation is critical now, and acting rashly may lead to unexpected events.

In my opinion, we should first send a highly respected military supervisor to the northwest to supervise Zhang Yu on the one hand, and to cooperate with the Zhe family to fight against Zhang Yu on the other hand.

In this way, we can make use of Zhang Qie's military talents and prevent accidents from happening."

As soon as this was said, many ministers nodded in agreement.

However, Fan Chunren stroked his beard, shook his head and sighed: "Sending a military supervisor is a solution, but if the supervisor does not understand military affairs and gives random orders, it will lead to major mistakes.

Furthermore, Su Yun is very cunning and may have already planted spies in the court. If the news leaks out, it will alert the enemy and the loss will outweigh the gain."

At this time, Lu Dafang, who had been silent all the time, suddenly spoke up: "In this case, why not do two things at the same time. On the one hand, select reliable people to go to the northwest to secretly observe Zhang Qi's movements;

On the other hand, we should immediately promote capable and loyal generals from the Western Army as reserve forces, just in case."

Queen Mother Gao wiped away her tears behind the curtain, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "What you said, my dear ministers, is all reasonable.

But no matter what, we must quell the rebellion in the northwest as soon as possible and not let our ancestral foundation be destroyed.

Mr. Wen, you are highly respected, so you will be in charge of this matter and make sure it is properly arranged."

Wen Yanbo bowed and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to live up to your grace."

After the court was dismissed, Queen Mother Gao hid in her bedroom and cried bitterly. This woman, who was usually known for her toughness and the female Yao and Shun, seemed to have taken off her mask at this moment, exposing her inner weakness.

At this time, there were the footsteps of a palace maid outside, and the palace maid said outside: "Your Majesty, the emperor wants to see you."

Empress Dowager Gao quickly wiped away her tears, steadied her voice, and said, "Please come in, Your Majesty."

The carved wooden door slowly opened, and the fifteen-year-old Zhao Xu walked into the bedroom with steady steps.

He was dressed in a black brocade robe, the jade pendant on his waist swayed gently with his steps. His face was stern, but his eyes revealed a firmness that did not match his age.

Seeing Empress Dowager Gao, he clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully: "May your majesty live forever."

Queen Mother Gao forced a smile and raised her hand to signal, "Xu'er, come here quickly."

His eyes inadvertently swept across Zhao Xu's straight back, and a strange feeling arose in his heart.

Zhao Xu stood up and looked at Empress Dowager Gao with a firm gaze: "Grandmother, I heard that the war in the northwest is getting tense, and I am worried.

My grandson is already fifteen years old and should share the country's worries. I beg you to let me rule the country so that I can contribute to our ancestors' country."

Empress Dowager Gao's smile froze and a look of vigilance flashed in her eyes.

She stroked the armrest of the chair and said slowly, "Xu'er, you are still young, and the government affairs are complicated, so it is not appropriate for you to get involved too early.

Now all the officials in the court are pillars of the country and they will handle the affairs of the Northwest properly.

You just need to concentrate on your studies, and there will be plenty of opportunities to realize your ambitions in the future."

Zhao Xu frowned slightly and took a step forward: "Grandmother, my grandson is no longer an ignorant child.

Now that the country is in danger, how can my grandson stay out of it?

My grandson has thought deeply about the matter of taking power, and it is definitely not an impulse move."

Empress Dowager Gao's face darkened and her voice turned cold, "Xu'er, I have watched you grow up, so I naturally care about you.

The court is full of twists and turns, and one could be doomed if one is not careful.

If you rashly take power, it will only make the situation more chaotic."

Zhao Xu was anxious, and his tone unconsciously became heavier: "Grandmother, I have the confidence to govern the country well.

. In your eyes, is your grandson always just a child who needs protection? "

Empress Dowager Gao stood up with a glare, "How dare you! I did this for the sake of the Song Dynasty! How dare you talk back to me like this?"

Zhao Xu's face flushed, but he did not back down: "Grandmother, I respect you, but I am also the Emperor of the Song Dynasty!

It is my duty to rule the country myself, why is the Empress Dowager unwilling to give up power?"

The two of them were talking back and forth, and the atmosphere was tense.

The palace maids and eunuchs were so frightened that they dared not even breathe and retreated to the corner.

The news of this fierce quarrel soon spread. For a time, the whole court was talking about it. The news of the discord between the emperor and the empress spread like wildfire, casting a thick shadow on the already turbulent situation.

The ministers were worried. Some chose to protect themselves and stay indoors, while others began to take sides secretly, and the situation in the court became increasingly complicated.

Empress Dowager Gao was so angry that she was shaking all over. She pointed at Zhao Xu and opened and closed her lips but could not utter a word.

The atmosphere in the palace dropped to freezing point in an instant. The palace maids and eunuchs huddled in the corner, not daring to make a sound, for fear that they would become victims of the storm if they were not careful.

After a long while, Empress Dowager Gao took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and said coldly: "Xu'er, don't forget that I have been governing the country from behind the curtain for these years, working diligently and never slacking off.

The Song Dynasty has been able to stand firm despite all the storms, and I have made an indelible contribution to this.”

Zhao Xu looked at Empress Dowager Gao, his eyes full of earnestness: "Grandson will remember the achievements of the Royal Grandmother. But the situation is different now. The rebels in the northwest are powerful, and the people in the court are in panic.

As the emperor, if I cannot stand up at this time, how can I face my ancestors and the people of the world?
Grandmother, I don’t mean to deny your efforts, I just want to share your burden.”

Empress Dowager Gao's eyes were as cold as frost. They stayed on Zhao Xu's face for a moment, then she turned and slowly walked to the window. She looked at the gradually darkening sky outside the window, and said with a hint of fatigue: "Xu'er, do you think ruling the country is just sitting on the dragon chair and giving orders?

In this court, the forces of all parties are complicated and intertwined. If there is any mistake, there will be no recovery.

You are too young to understand the dangers involved."

Zhao Xu was anxious and took two steps forward: "Grandmother, I understand that the road to ruling the country is full of thorns, but it is precisely because of this that I want to train myself in this difficult time.

If I keep hiding behind my grandmother, how can my grandson grow up to be a qualified monarch? "

Queen Mother Gao turned around abruptly, a stern look flashing in her eyes: "Enough! I have made up my mind, don't mention the matter of ruling the country personally again.

Go back to your bedroom and reflect on your words and actions!"

Zhao Xu clenched his fists, the resentment in his heart surging like a tide.

He looked at the resolute face of Empress Dowager Gao and knew that it would be useless to argue any further today, so he suppressed his anger and bowed, "Grandson, I'm leaving."

As he turned and left, his steps were heavy, but he secretly swore in his heart that he must find an opportunity to take back his own power and change the current predicament of the Song Dynasty!

Zhao Xu stepped into the bedroom with heavy steps. The candle on the carved candlestick flickered in the draft, distorting and stretching his figure like a picture of a trapped beast.

He raised his hand to dismiss the eunuchs and palace maids who were serving him. The heavy palace door slammed shut, isolating the noise from the outside world, leaving only a quiet and depressing room. The scenes of Su Yun in the court in the past emerged in his mind one by one like a revolving lantern.

Su Yun was a man of quick wit and eloquent speech. In the court, his many innovative ideas were like the sound of a great bell, awakening the deaf and dumb.

When Zhao Xu secretly discussed with him about reforming the government and revitalizing the Song Dynasty, the gleam in Su Yun's eyes seemed to be able to dispel the haze of weakness of the Song Dynasty.

But now, Su Yun has raised the banner of rebellion and has become a serious threat to the court, leaving Zhao Xu with mixed feelings.

"Master Su..."

Zhao Xu murmured softly, his fists unconsciously clenched, his nails digging deeply into his palms.

He paced back and forth in the hall, and every step seemed to be stepping on thorns.

Just when he was feeling conflicted, Cheng Yi's figure suddenly appeared in his mind.

Cheng Yi was well-known for his uprightness in the court. He had pointed out many times in court debates that Su Yun's ideas would disrupt the court order and cause many disadvantages.

"Master Cheng may be someone I can rely on right now."

Zhao Xu's eyes suddenly brightened, as if he had found a ray of light in the darkness.

The Luo Party had deep roots in the court, and Cheng Yi enjoyed great prestige among the scholar-official class due to his profound knowledge and upright character.

If the Luo Party could be recalled to the court, it would not only be able to check and balance the powerful Shuo Party headed by Fan Chunren and Lu Dafang, but also, with the help of Cheng Yi's understanding of Su Yun, formulate a strategy to defeat the enemy and suppress the rebellion!
Thinking of this, Zhao Xu strode to the desk, slapped the table hard, and shouted, "Come here, get some writing brush and ink!"

Soon, pens, ink, paper and inkstone were neatly placed on the desk.

He took a deep breath, spread out the rice paper, picked up the brush, and wrote a secret letter with sincere words, full of respect and expectations for Cheng Yi.

After writing, he leaned over slightly, blew dry the ink, and then carefully put the secret letter into a sealed box.

Zhao Xu summoned his most trusted eunuch, and with a sharp gaze, he solemnly instructed: "You must set out immediately and hand this imperial edict to Master Cheng in person.

You must not slack off on the road, and you are not allowed to discuss this matter with anyone. If you make any mistakes, you will be beheaded!"

The eunuch took the box with both hands, knelt down and kowtowed, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission."

After saying this, he hurriedly disappeared into the night with the box in his arms.

Zhao Xu looked at the eunuch's departing back, let out a long sigh, and his tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

Recalling Cheng Yi this time was a risky move.

The situation in the court is already complicated, with undercurrents surging among various forces. The return of the Luo Party to the court will inevitably break the existing balance of power and trigger a new round of fierce competition among various forces.

But in order to regain power and save the Song Dynasty from disaster, he has no way out!
In the following days, Zhao Xu appeared to still pay his respects to Empress Dowager Gao on time, and his words and actions showed that he was devoted to learning.

……

Empress Dowager Gao was sitting in front of the dressing table, holding an exquisite gilded hairpin in her hand, and carefully adjusting her hair in front of the bronze mirror.

At this time, the spy responsible for monitoring Zhao Xu hurried in and knelt down to report.

Upon hearing what the spy said, the hairpin in Empress Dowager Gao's hand trembled violently, and with a "click", it hit the dressing table heavily. The crisp sound, like a thunderclap, echoed in the silent bedroom.

Her well-maintained face instantly turned cold as ice, and her usually gentle eyes were now filled with a chilling coldness. She stared straight at the spy kneeling on the ground and asked in a cold voice, "Are you sure he is heading towards where Cheng Yi is?"

The spy was so frightened that his whole body was shaking. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. He nodded hurriedly, his voice trembling, "Your Majesty, it is absolutely true! The eunuch looked hurried and extremely alert along the way. Judging from his appearance, he must be carrying something very important."

Empress Dowager Gao stood up with a whoosh, her phoenix robe dragging on the ground, dragging on the gorgeous carpet, bringing out a dull and oppressive sound of the wind.

She paced back and forth in the bedroom, thinking to herself: It seems that Zhao Xu has really grown up. He actually did such little tricks behind my back.

As the leader of the Luo Party, if Cheng Yi is really summoned to Beijing, the existing balance of power in the court will be broken, and the situation will be difficult to control!

After thinking for a while, Empress Dowager Gao suddenly stopped and turned to the female official serving beside her and ordered: "Quickly summon Han Zhongyan and ask him to come to the palace to see me immediately. There must be no delay."

The female official took the order and left in a hurry. Not long after, Han Zhongyan hurriedly walked into the bedroom and knelt down to pay his respects: "Hello, Queen Mother. I wonder why you summoned me to the palace?"

Empress Dowager Gao's eyes were as sharp as knives. She told Han Zhongyan exactly what Zhao Xu had sent to Cheng Yi, and then said in a deep voice: "My dear Han, your Majesty's move is really inappropriate. If Cheng Yi enters the capital, the court will be in chaos.

You must immediately arrange for someone to intercept the eunuch and take back the secret letter. This matter cannot be delayed!"

Han Zhongyan took the order and left the bedroom, looking thoughtful.

The lanterns under the palace wall swayed gently in the night breeze, and the dim light made his shadow longer and shorter.

He suddenly thought of his father Han Qi.

At that time, my father overcame all objections and forced Empress Dowager Cao to return power to Emperor Shenzong of Song, which created a good story in the court and laid the foundation for Shenzong's reform and strengthening of the country.

Now the conflict between Zhao Xu and Empress Dowager Gao is gradually emerging, just like the situation between Emperor Shenzong and Empress Dowager Cao. Isn't this a good opportunity given by God for him to emulate his father?

Thinking of this, a hint of excitement flashed in Han Zhongyan's eyes.

He did not immediately arrange for people to intercept the eunuch, but secretly summoned his trusted aides and found a secluded side hall to discuss countermeasures.

When the staff heard about this, they were all shocked and looked at each other. One of them frowned and said, "Sir, the Queen Mother's order cannot be disobeyed. If we don't stop the eunuch, the Queen Mother will blame us, and there will be a disaster."

Han Zhongyan sneered and paced with his hands behind his back: "Short-sighted! Now the emperor has the ambition to rule the country personally, this is the general trend.

If we lend a helping hand to the government, and the government takes charge in the future, we will be its heroes and will be able to rise to prominence in no time.

On the contrary, if we just keep trying to please the Queen Mother, we will be liquidated when the government comes to power."

After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

In order not to arouse the suspicion of Empress Dowager Gao, Han Zhongyan dispatched personnel in a high-profile manner and made an appearance of doing his utmost to intercept and investigate the eunuchs. However, he secretly instructed his confidants that once the eunuchs were found, they only needed to bluff and let them go secretly.

A few days later, Han Zhongyan pretended to be panicked and came to report that the eunuch seemed to be on guard, escaped the pursuit, and his whereabouts were unknown.

When Empress Dowager Gao heard this, she was furious and slammed the table and stood up, "Useless! If you can't even stop a eunuch, what's the point of having you!"

Han Zhongyan pretended to be terrified and knelt down to plead guilty: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have failed to do my job well and I am willing to accept the punishment."

But there was a barely perceptible sneer in his eyes.

At the same time, Zhao Xu was unaware that Han Zhongyan was secretly helping him.

He still paid his respects to Empress Dowager Gao on time every day, pretending to be well-behaved and studious.

Han Zhongyan began to quietly contact like-minded officials in the court, revealing to them Zhao Xu's ambition to rule the country personally, in order to accumulate strength for future changes in the court.

……

In a quiet courtyard in Luoyang, Cheng Yi, wearing a plain robe, was giving a lecture in his study.

The sunlight shines through the carved window lattices, onto his snow-white hair, revealing the traces of time.

On the desk, pens, ink, paper and inkstone were neatly arranged, with several volumes of classics and history books stacked next to them.

On weekdays, he stayed away from court disputes and devoted himself to studying. He had many disciples, and there was an endless stream of people coming to seek advice every day.

On this day, Cheng Yi sent away his last disciple and was preparing to study a newly acquired classic book when a servant came hurriedly to report that a secret envoy from the capital wanted to see him.

Cheng Yi's heart trembled, and he had a premonition that something important must be going on.

After receiving the letter presented by the secret envoy and seeing the exclusive seal of the Emperor of Song Dynasty on the envelope, his hands trembled slightly.

After opening the letter, the rather dignified handwriting immediately caught my eye:
[Mr. Cheng’s note:

Ever since the Master resigned from the Imperial Court, the court has been in turmoil and chaos.

Whenever I think of this, I feel a burning pain in my heart and cannot sleep or eat well.

I have recently heard urgent news from the northwest: Su Yun is rebellious, Zhong Pu has surrendered, the war is burning on the border, and the Song Dynasty is in danger.

Wherever the rebels went, they massacred and looted. The people suffered and were displaced. In the border areas, the wailing was deafening and the scene was horrific.

Although I ascended the throne at a young age, I am the emperor of the Great Song Dynasty. I am the inheritor of the great cause of my ancestors and I am responsible for the well-being of the people. How dare I be lazy?

I have been planning day and night to turn the tide, but the Empress Dowager is still in power and has not yet released her authority. Although I have the ambition to save the world, it is difficult for me to implement my plans.

The Master was upright in character, well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge. In the court, he was able to expose the evil and repeatedly denounce Su Yun's treacherous plots, analyzing his shortcomings and hitting the nail on the head.

I know very well that if I want to quell the rebellion and check the officials, who else can do it but you? I am sending you a special letter to respectfully invite you to return to the court immediately.

If the Master returns, he can, with his insight into the Su rebels, devise a good plan to put down the calamity and save the people of the northwest from their misery.

Secondly, it can check and balance the Shuo Party led by Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang and other ministers, eliminate party disputes, support the government and stabilize the overall situation.

I wish to work together with you to reform politics, revitalize the government, and revive the prosperity of the Song Dynasty, in order to repay our ancestors for their hard work in starting the business and to comfort the people for their longing for good governance.

I also know that the court is full of twists and turns and this journey will be difficult, but for the sake of the country and the people of the world, I still hope that you will understand the righteousness, rise up and face the national crisis together.

I will be humble and respectful to your teachings, and do my best to help you govern. I hope you will return home soon, and I am looking forward to it.

Emperor Zhao Xu of the Song Dynasty

After reading it word by word, Cheng Yi's expression became more solemn.

He paced back and forth in the study, the corners of his robe swaying with his steps, bringing up a breeze.

After a long time, he stopped, looked at the setting sun outside the window, and sighed.

"It is a blessing for the Song Dynasty that the government has such an ambition."

Thinking of this, Cheng Yi no longer hesitated and immediately ordered his servants to pack their bags.

(End of this chapter)