Song Xiu

Chapter 35 The Imperial Guard Camp, Here I Come!
Because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Zhao Kuangyin's imperial carriage was only discovered by the eunuchs outside Yande Palace when it was almost there.

Upon receiving the news, Zhao Dexiu quickly led Zhao Dezhao out of the palace gate and waited outside.

Zhao Dexiu hadn't been waiting long outside the palace gates when the imperial carriage stopped not far in front of him.

After the imperial carriage stopped, Zhao Kuangyin, dressed in a dragon robe, came to Zhao Dexiu's side.

While Zhao Dexiu and his brother were bowing, Zhao Kuangyin took a good look at his eldest son, whom he had not seen for a long time.

"Go in and talk."

Just as Zhao Dexiu finished bowing, he heard Zhao Kuangyin say those words.

After hearing this, Zhao Dexiu began to lead the way.

As Zhao Dexiu turned around to lead the way, Zhao Kuangyin noticed that Zhao Dexiu seemed to have grown taller.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyin following Zhao Dexiu toward Yande Palace, the imperial guards and eunuchs wanted to continue following, but were dismissed by a single glance from Zhao Kuangyin.

Even Zhao Dezhao, at Zhao Kuangyin's signal, was gently pulled aside by Zhang Dejun.

Even though Zhao Dezhao was also a prince, after having his eldest son, Zhao Kuangyin's other sons were not as important to him.

Although Zhao Dexiu was leading the way, he was also constantly observing the surrounding situation.

Seeing that the guide had led the way and all the other bystanders had been dismissed, he knew that Zhao Kuangyin must have something important to tell him soon.

Zhao Dexiu intended to lead Zhao Kuangyin to the main hall of the palace, but unexpectedly, he overheard Zhao Kuangyin behind him saying this:
"Go to the side hall where you live."

Is it that parents of every generation want to explore the room of their teenage children?
Despite having some suspicions, Zhao Dexiu did not hesitate in his actions.

Soon after, Zhao Kuangyin entered the side hall where Zhao Dexiu was staying.

As the residence of a prince, this side hall was not small. As soon as Zhao Kuangyin entered the hall, he looked around as if searching for something.

Only when he saw the items he had bestowed upon him on a shelf in the hall where valuables were displayed did a look of satisfaction appear on his face.

Zhao Kuangyin remembered that when Zhao Dexiu was young, he would always play with the gifts he brought back from his trips for a while and then throw them away.

"The furnishings inside the palace are quite simple, not luxurious, which is to be expected of a prince."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu did not carelessly display the items he had given him, Zhao Kuangyin was in a slightly better mood.

He gave Zhao Dexiu a small compliment.

After praising Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Kuangyin sat down in the main seat in the side hall.

"Today, Ludoson suggested to me at the court meeting that we should arrange your wedding."

Did you plan this?

After sitting down, Zhao Kuangyin looked intently at Zhao Dexiu and asked these questions.

Zhao Kuangyin's tone sounded somewhat casual, but Zhao Dexiu would not let his guard down because of it.

Sitting in front of him was not only his father, but also the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty.

The mind and strategies of emperors are shrouded in mystery.

Zhao Dexiu did not keep Zhao Kuangyin waiting for long. After a brief moment of thought, he cupped his hands and replied:
"Yes."

Zhao Dexiu did not intend to deceive Zhao Kuangyin.

Historically, Zhao Kuangyin's political abilities have been greatly underestimated.

During the more than fifty years of the Five Dynasties period, emperors were like clowns on a stage, and dynasties were like candles flickering in the wind.

Smoke of war filled the countryside, bones lay exposed in ruins, refugees moved like tumbleweeds, and urban and rural dwellings resembled ghost towns.

In the imperial court, powerful ministers wielded clubs to coerce the monarch; beyond the borders, foreign tribes held bows and arrows, looking down on China.

When Zhao Kuangyin founded the Song Dynasty, he faced a chaotic era. However, when Zhao Guangyi succeeded him, he was given a peaceful and prosperous dynasty with abundant grain and a strong army.

This world-shaking difference was largely due to the great achievements made during Zhao Kuangyin's reign.

Zhao Kuangyin deserves the praise of being a man of great talent and ambition.

Given Zhao Kuangyin's political acumen, Zhao Dexiu couldn't hide this from him. Furthermore, Zhao Dexiu wasn't worried that Zhao Kuangyin would blame him for being ambitious after he confessed.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu spoke the truth, Zhao Kuangyin was not angry at all; on the contrary, he seemed quite happy.

Zhao Kuangyin recalled the night of the mutiny, when Zhao Dexiu explained his intentions to him.

"You want to use your marriage to bring forward your coming-of-age ceremony by several years, so that you can participate in government affairs."

Having this kind of thinking shows that you have indeed made some progress.

"You could have simply told me privately, and I would have arranged it for you myself. Why go through Wei Renpu and Lu Duoxun?"

This was the only thing Zhao Kuangyin didn't understand about what had happened that day. Faced with Zhao Kuangyin's question, Zhao Dexiu once again bowed and replied:

"That night in Chenqiao, my father taught me that I should not always think about relying on my father's protection."

In times of chaos, men must strive to be strong and independent.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's reply, Zhao Kuangyin burst into laughter.

"I am pleased that you could think of this."

"That's more like me!"

After laughing, Zhao Kuangyin got up and went to Zhao Dexiu.

Looking at the much stronger Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Kuangyin remarked with emotion:

“My son Liu is of marriageable age.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but solemnly instruct:
"After marriage, you will live outside the palace. After taking office, you will face the unpredictable."

Both of these things carry enormous risks.

I am the Son of Heaven, and I must prioritize the nation in all matters. I can no longer wholeheartedly protect you.

You must be careful in everything you do from now on!

Zhao Kuangyin's words were not an exaggeration.

During the chaotic Five Dynasties period, all sorts of unbelievable things happened.

For example, the sudden death of Liu Chengxun, the eldest son of Liu Zhiyuan, the founding emperor of the Later Han Dynasty.

Back then, Liu Chengxun was both talented and virtuous, and was also the eldest son of Liu Zhiyuan. Liu Zhiyuan devoted himself to cultivating him and almost established him as the crown prince.

As a result, just one step away from ascending to the throne, Liu Chengxun suddenly died in his residence, which directly caused Liu Zhiyuan's mental state to collapse.

Everyone knew that Liu Chengxun's death was full of suspicious circumstances, but even though Liu Zhiyuan was "crying bitterly," he dared not investigate the matter in depth for the sake of national stability.

Besides Liu Chengxun, there is also the example of Li Congrong, the future crown prince, being framed.

After Li Congrong, whom he had been cultivating, was framed, Emperor Mingzong of Tang, Li Siyuan, "sobbed so bitterly that he almost fell off his bed, and died of shock a few days later."

Human nature is fickle, and not everyone in the world hopes for a return to the Han and Tang dynasties.

Learning from the past is a guide for the future. It was precisely because of these bloody examples that Zhao Kuangyin thought of giving important positions to Zhao Guangyi.

To avoid repeating the mistakes of the Five Dynasties period, the power of the Song Dynasty's imperial family must be strengthened.

Zhao Dexiu kept Zhao Kuangyin's instructions firmly in mind.

Remembering Zhao Kuangyin's instructions, Zhao Dexiu seized the moment when Zhao Kuangyin was filled with paternal affection and said:

"Father, I have a favor to ask of you."

When Zhao Kuangyin saw that Zhao Dexiu had something to ask, he became interested.

"tell me the story."

"Your Majesty, I am about to leave the palace and would like to request permission to recruit some soldiers."

Given Zhao Kuangyin's earlier warning, Zhao Dexiu's request to recruit soldiers was not unexpected.

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's request, Zhao Kuangyin was visibly taken aback.

According to the old system of the Five Dynasties, only princes could recruit soldiers for their own household.

Where do you want to recruit?

Zhao Kuangyin had a hunch in his heart.

Seeing that Zhao Kuangyin did not show a clear attitude of refusal, Zhao Dexiu knew that there was hope for this matter.

Zhao Dexiu quickly said:

"The best soldiers in the land all come from the Imperial Guard."

Your subject wishes to make a trip to the Imperial Guard camp.

When his suspicions came true, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but tap Zhao Dexiu on the forehead:
"You really dare to think!"

Don't assume Zhao Kuangyin was refusing; he added another statement later:
"Tomorrow I will issue an edict to Murong Yanzhao. Remember, do not recruit too many."

Zhao Dexiu was overjoyed after receiving Zhao Kuangyin's permission.

"Your son thanks Your Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)