Song Xiu

Chapter 13 Today's kindness will surely be repaid tomorrow.

The legend of the Candle Shadow and the Axe Sound was one of the most famous tales of the early Song Dynasty, and Zhao Dexiu's descendants had heard of it.

Zhao Dexiu remembered that in this rumor, whether true or false, a eunuch named Wang Ji'en played an important role in Zhao Guangyi's succession to the throne.

Even though Zhao Dexiu had not personally experienced the struggle for the throne, he still knew that if he could gain the support of the eunuchs around Zhao Kuangyin in the future, his chances of winning would be much greater.

Unfortunately, Zhao Dexiu hadn't thoroughly investigated Wang Ji'en's background in his previous life; otherwise, it would have come in handy in this one.

When Zhang Dejun saw Zhao Dexiu's pensive expression after hearing his name, he assumed that one of the characters in his name had offended Zhao Dexiu.

This made Zhang Dejun even more disgusted with his current name.

Zhang Dejun knew that no matter how high his official position as a eunuch was, he was still a private servant of the royal family.

Given Zhao Dexiu's status in the Song Dynasty's royal family, his life or death was entirely up to Zhao Dexiu.

Just as Zhang Dejun was feeling uneasy, what he saw not far away made him tremble even more.

Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Dejun had already led Zhao Dexiu to a secluded spot within the palace.

Zhang Dejun brought Zhao Dexiu to this place because he thought the scenery was beautiful and he might be able to win Zhao Dexiu's favor.

Unexpectedly, not far away was the place where the Imperial Guards executed some palace eunuchs.

Given Zhao Kuangyin's emphasis on family, he would certainly have sent people to purge all the palace eunuchs of unknown origin after his family moved into the palace.

Zhao Kuangyin would certainly learn from the lessons of how eunuchs in the late Tang Dynasty manipulated politics and controlled the life and death of the Tang imperial family.

As the saying goes, "the rabbit dies and the fox grieves," Zhang Dejun, as one of the eunuchs, witnessed many eunuchs being executed. His mood became sad and inevitably filled with fear.

Just then, a general in charge of executing the suspicious eunuchs saw Zhang Dejun's unusual reaction and drew his long sword, walking towards him.

This terrified Zhang Dejun so much that he collapsed to the ground.

The general quickly approached Zhang Dejun. After giving Zhang Dejun a threatening glare, he clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Zhao Dexiu behind Zhang Dejun and said:
"Your subject Zhang Qiong pays respects to the Crown Prince."

Zhao Dexiu naturally recognized Zhang Qiong, the commander of his father's personal guard.

"General Zhang, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhao Dexiu reached out a hand to help him up with a respectful expression.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu still treated him with respect after becoming a prince, Zhang Qiong's opinion of Zhao Dexiu improved even more.

Zhang Qiong was a fierce general, but he didn't know how to express his complex emotions. He could only change the subject, staring at Zhang Dejun on the ground, and say:
"How did Your Highness end up here? Was it intentional on the part of this eunuch?"

When Zhang Qiong asked this question, she exuded a murderous aura, which frightened Zhang Dejun so much that he immediately lay down on the ground.

The palace eunuchs, known for their effeminate manners, have always feared ruthless military generals.

Even a fool could hear the murderous intent in Zhang Qiong's voice.

Zhang Qiong, who carries the imperial decree and holds the power of life and death over all the eunuchs in the palace, has no regard for Zhang Dejun's official rank or whether he is innocent.

Even if the wrong person is killed, so what? The eunuch's life is insignificant, and the emperor will not punish him for it.

The reason Zhang Qiong hasn't made a move yet is because of Zhao Dexiu's sake.

Zhang Dejun was a clever man, and he realized that Zhao Dexiu was the only one who could save him at that moment.

Just as he was about to drag his limp body to Zhao Dexiu for help, he heard these words:

"He was the eunuch sent by my father to guide me."

We came here at my request, hoping to wander around the palace grounds.

Zhao Dexiu's first sentence was an endorsement of Zhang Dejun's origins by using Zhao Kuangyin's name.

After all, Zhao Kuangyin must have investigated and determined that Zhang Dejun was not in danger before sending him to guide Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Dexiu's second sentence also subtly dispelled any suspicion about Zhang Dejun's suspicious behavior.

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Zhang Qiong nodded, picked up her bloodstained sword, and left.

Only after Zhang Qiong had walked away did Zhang Dejun dare to get up. However, because the fear in his heart had not completely dissipated, Zhang Dejun's body was temporarily unable to exert any strength.

Seeing this, Zhao Dexiu handed Zhao Defang to a guard behind him, and then he went to Zhang Dejun and reached out to help him up.

Perhaps because he had not yet been assimilated by the rigid class system of the time, Zhao Dexiu did not despise Zhang Dejun. His actions were entirely heartfelt, without any other intentions.

But Zhang Dejun was a true contemporary man, and also the lowest-ranking eunuch in the world!

When Zhao Dexiu's hand touched Zhang Dejun's arm, Zhang Dejun was as if struck by lightning; he froze completely, and immediately began to apologize repeatedly:

"You lackey, you lackey are filthy people."

"Your Highness is of noble birth, this servant is unworthy of such an honor."

As he spoke, Zhang Dejun's eyes gradually filled with tears.

Because of the lessons of the Tang Dynasty, eunuchs were the most filthy creatures in the world, both in body and soul. This was the sentence he heard most often after entering the palace.

The more you hear it, the more you'll believe it.

Zhao Dexiu naturally heard what Zhang Dejun said, but he had already grasped Zhang Dejun's arms, and he couldn't let go because of what Zhang Dejun said; that would be too awkward.

With Zhao Dexiu's help, Zhang Dejun gradually regained his strength.

He finally stood up.

After helping Zhang Dejun up, Zhao Dexiu turned around and took Zhao Defang back.

Seeing that Zhao Defang, who had been sleeping soundly, was about to wake up and cry for milk, Zhao Dexiu became very anxious.

"I'm going back to Yanqing Palace now. Your mission is complete. Go back and report."

After leaving those words, Zhao Dexiu hurriedly departed.

"Don't cry, or I'll spank you."

"Hey, hey, how dare you! You peed!"

Zhao Dexiu walked quickly, and after a while, Zhang Dejun could only hear a few words.

In Zhao Dexiu's view, what happened today was just a minor incident.

But in Zhang Dejun's mind, it was completely different.

Having served in the palace for many years, Zhang Dejun had endured far more humiliation than others could comprehend and witnessed the coldness and warmth of human relationships. He had his own judgment when it came to judging people.

He was moved to tears not only because Zhao Dexiu was willing to condescend to help him, but also because he felt that Zhao Dexiu's actions were spontaneous, without any disdain or ulterior motives.

That's the most precious thing.

Perhaps at that moment, the noble Zhao Dexiu truly regarded him as a good friend with whom she was traveling that day?

Is this what it feels like to be respected?

He is the esteemed eldest son of the emperor!

Zhang Dejun remembered this warm feeling he had never experienced before.

Because of their physical disabilities, eunuchs often have extreme psychological biases and are very clear about their grudges and favors.

The fear Zhang Qiong instilled in Zhang Dejun today made him secretly vow that he would seize power by any means necessary in the future, so that no one would dare to underestimate him.

Zhang Dejun will always remember Zhao Dexiu's kindness in saving his life and showing him respect.

Zhang Dejun bowed deeply to Zhao Dexiu's retreating figure.

By the time Zhang Dejun got up, Zhao Dexiu's figure was already gone.

Zhang Dejun felt a little regretful; he had forgotten to tell Zhao Dexiu something:
His real name is Wang Ji'en!

　Please, everyone, if you like this book, please read it!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)