Song Xiu

Chapter 17 Searching for Him a Thousand Times

Wei Renpu was born into a farming family and lived in poverty from a young age.

Later, relying on his own intelligence and talent, he rose from a minor official in the Privy Council to become the founding regent of the Great Zhou Dynasty amidst a world littered with bones.

Even today, most discerning people in the world, upon hearing of Wei Renpu's reputation, hold him in high esteem.

This is the reputation that Wei Renpu earned in the world after decades of ups and downs in turbulent times.

This year, Wei Renpu has entered his fifties, and perhaps his days in this world are numbered.

I never imagined that I, who had rarely made mistakes in decades, would stumble twice in a row at the age of fifty.

One setback was when Zhao Kuangyin launched a coup and usurped the throne from the Zhou dynasty, which made Wei Renpu feel deeply sorry for failing the trust placed in him by Emperor Taizu of Zhou.

As for the other tumble!
Wei Renpu stared intently at Zhao Dexiu at the palace gate, struggling to control himself from throwing the book in his hand at him.

If the events of the previous day were to spread, the world would marvel at Zhao Dexiu's wit, and the more people marvel at Zhao Dexiu, the lower they would regard themselves.

Zhao Kuangyin was a renowned general who had long been famous in the world. Given his immense power, it was not surprising that Wei Renpu lost to Zhao Kuangyin; people might even understand it.

However, Zhao Dexiu was not yet a minor.

Could it be that the renowned Duke Wei, who had been famous for many years, would be defeated by a young man?

The thought that people would think this way filled Wei Renpu with grief and indignation.

Can you blame him?
Zhao Dexiu had clearly taken control of the palace that day; he could have simply led his troops into the Privy Council to capture him. Given the overwhelming circumstances, it was understandable to the world that he was powerless to reverse the situation.

As a result, Zhao Dexiu insisted on using a clever trick, taking advantage of the darkness under the lamp and his contempt for him to lure and capture him.

Who could have imagined this?

What is Zhao Dexiu trying to achieve by doing this?

His decades-long reputation for integrity is about to be ruined by Zhao Dexiu.

The more I think about it, the angrier I get!

The grief and anger in his heart intensified, and Wei Renpu angrily turned away, not wanting to face Zhao Dexiu.

After entering the hall, Zhao Pu carefully observed Wei Renpu's expression and actions, which came from the heart.

After Wei Renpu turned his back, Zhao Pu realized that Zhao Dexiu had really provoked Wei Renpu.

But once Zhao Pu entered Wei Renpu's shoes, he gradually came to understand Wei Renpu.

Wei Renpu's reaction made Zhao Pu realize that persuading him today would not be easy.

No wonder His Majesty specifically sent me here.

In order to prevent Zhao Dexiu from further provoking Wei Renpu, Zhao Pu gestured for Zhao Dexiu to go outside the hall first.

Upon seeing Zhao Pu's signal, Zhao Dexiu walked out of the hall without hesitation.

Zhao Dexiu didn't feel offended by Wei Renpu's refusal to face him.

Zhao Dexiu, one of the parties involved, clearly remembers that Wei Renpu was so angry at that time that he fainted.
Secondly, it's understandable that a great talent like him would be arrogant.

Given Wei Renpu's influence and talent, he had the right to put on airs even when Zhao Kuangyin came before him.

Upon arriving outside the palace, Zhao Dexiu watched as the palace doors slowly closed, feeling little tension.

Although judging from Wei Renpu's performance, it is unlikely that he will be able to become Wei Renpu's apprentice today, but even if he cannot become Wei Renpu's apprentice, so what?

With so many talented and influential ministers in and out of the court, there will always be new teachers to instruct him.

Moreover, Zhao Dexiu knew that what he lacked most at the moment was not a teacher to instruct him in the strategies of governing the country or in classical texts, but a great talent who could provide him with a systematic strategy for vying for the throne.

Zhao Dexiu was still searching for this great talent. After Zhao Dexiu left the hall, Zhao Pu first introduced himself to Wei Renpu, and then informed Wei Renpu that Zhao Dexiu had left the hall.

Knowing that the middle-aged official behind him was the renowned Zhao Pu, and that Zhao Dexiu had already left the hall, Wei Renpu turned around.

When facing Zhao Pu alone, Wei Renpu timely put away his anger. He stood up and bowed to Zhao Pu solemnly: "I have long admired your reputation, and meeting you today, I can confirm that you are indeed a man of great character."

Wei Renpu knew that Zhao Pu was Zhao Kuangyin's chief strategist, and Zhao Pu must have played a crucial role in Zhao Kuangyin's successful coup.

Although Zhao Pu helped Zhao Kuangyin seize the throne of the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was normal for people to serve their own masters in chaotic times, and Wei Renpu was not a defender of the righteous path.

Admiring Zhao Pu's talent, Wei Renpu left his desk and invited Zhao Pu to sit at a tea table in the hall, where he personally brewed tea for him.

Looking at Wei Renpu, whose behavior was completely different from before, Zhao Pu recalled the evaluation of Wei Renpu that he had heard from others: "Quiet, tolerant, and kind to others."

This is more in line with the legendary image of Lord Wei.

After Wei Renpu and Zhao Pu sat down at the tea table, while waiting for the spring water to boil, Zhao Pu spoke first: "Don't worry, Lord Wei, what happened that day will not be told to anyone."

Upon hearing Zhao Pu's words, Wei Renpu paused slightly as he was busy working.

If he can ensure that the matter doesn't get out, then Wei Renpu's decades-long reputation won't be greatly damaged.

Wei Renpu, who had been a high-ranking official for many years, knew that the only person capable of making such a guarantee was Zhao Kuangyin, who was behind Zhao Pu.

"Did the Emperor of the Great Song send you here today as an envoy so that he would have me serve him?"

Wei Renpu immediately made a reasonable guess.

In the past, Zhao Kuangyin served as the Commander of the Palace Guards, while he was the Privy Councilor. One was in charge of commanding troops, and the other was in charge of troop deployment. The two had a certain understanding of each other.

Admittedly, Zhao Kuangyin's method of seizing the Zhou dynasty was dishonorable, but Wei Renpu believed that Zhao Kuangyin was capable of achieving great things after becoming emperor.

Perhaps Zhao Kuangyin could inherit Emperor Shizong's will and completely save the people from decades of endless suffering.

Thinking of this, Wei Renpu was already somewhat tempted.

Now that things have come to this, the downfall of the Great Zhou Dynasty is inevitable.

Wei Renpu, who aspired to be like Wei Zheng, was not necessarily incapable of serving Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Pu smiled slightly at Wei Renpu's guess and said tactfully, "Wei Gong guessed half of it correctly."

Zhao Pu's words successfully piqued Wei Renpu's interest.

After pondering for a moment, Wei Renpu said, "As long as the new emperor can heed good advice, I don't need to hold such an important position as Privy Councilor. I can simply serve as an advisor who can submit memorials at any time."

Zhao Pu's tactful words led Wei Renpu to believe that Zhao Kuangyin was wary of his previous intention to raise an army against the new dynasty.

To put Zhao Kuangyin at ease, he was willing to give up the high-ranking and powerful positions of Tongpingzhang or Shumishi.

In many dynasties, remonstrating officials held low-ranking positions. When Zhao Pu saw that Wei Renpu was willing to give up high-ranking positions and generous salaries for the sake of the common people, his respect for Wei Renpu grew even more.

Seeing that the emotional buildup was in place, Zhao Pu finally revealed his true intentions.

"His Majesty wishes to appoint you as the tutor of the eldest prince."

As soon as Zhao Pu finished speaking, Wei Renpu's hand, which had just picked up the kettle, froze in mid-air.

Wei Renpu, who had originally intended to make tea for Zhao Pu, decisively abandoned the idea.

If Wei Renpu remembers correctly, the eldest son of the Song Dynasty is named Zhao Dexiu, the one who made him faint from anger the other day.

As the kettle landed on the coffee table, Wei Renpu let out a heavy snort:
"Has Zeping ever seen a student in the world who could make their teacher faint from anger?"

I want to live a few more years.

　I beg you to read this! I'm begging you to continue reading!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)