Song Xiu

Chapter 44 The Wei Family Conspiracy
With Hu Yanzan's protection, Zhao Dexiu successfully squeezed through the crowds and arrived outside the Wei residence.

After informing the gatekeeper of the Wei residence of his identity, the main gate of the Wei residence soon opened wide, and Wei Renpu, whom he hadn't seen for over a month, came out to greet him with a smile:
"Today is truly a day of double happiness."

Wei Renpu bowed and welcomed Zhao Dexiu into his residence.

"What is double happiness? I hope the teacher can explain."

Zhao Dexiu was delighted by the visit himself, but he was unaware of the other reason for his joy.

Seeing Zhao Dexiu's confusion, Wei Renpu stroked his beard and smiled, saying:

"I could hear the cheers celebrating the Crown Prince's new concubine clearly from inside the mansion."

Realizing the deeper meaning in Wei Renpu's words, Zhao Dexiu waved his hand and said calmly:

"The people's momentary cheers are absurd; why should the teacher take them seriously?"

From the cheers just now, Zhao Dexiu sensed the people's sincere desire for peace.

However, in times of chaos, the demands of ordinary people rarely have a significant impact on the overall situation.

Otherwise, the world would have been at peace long ago.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu had lost his rational judgment amidst the cheers of the people, Wei Renpu's smile grew even wider.

While leading the way for Zhao Dexiu, Wei Renpu noticed that Zhao Dexiu was followed by a taciturn and valiant general.

Wei Renpu couldn't help but point at Huyan Zan and say:
"Recently, there has been a great story in the city about His Highness's 'three arrows to subdue Huyan,' so this must be General Huyan."

Huyan Zan had long served in the Imperial Guard and had heard of Wei Renpu's great reputation in previous years.

Upon hearing Wei Renpu address him as a general, a flush instantly appeared on his dark face.

"Lord Wei, I am unworthy of the title of general."

Noticing Huyan Zan's shame, Wei Zheng said sternly:

"A temporary setback is nothing. I came from a poor family and did not come from a family that passed the imperial examinations."

But can I still be considered humble and insignificant today?

You are a talented person, and now you have met a wise ruler; your day of prominence is not far off.

Wei Renpu encouraged Huyan Zan with his own experience, which made Huyan Zan very grateful.

As Zhao Dexiu listened to Wei Renpu's encouragement to Hu Yanzan, a smile appeared on his lips.

Zhao Dexiu could easily see that Wei Renpu was trying to reassure Huyan Zan.

In the past, Zhao Dexiu would have thanked him verbally.

As for now, Zhao Dexiu and Wei Renpu exchanged a glance and then both smiled.

After passing through several corridors, Wei Renpu led Zhao Dexiu into a room.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. I have already sent someone to summon Ludoson."

Having a rare opportunity to leave the palace and visit the Wei residence, Zhao Dexiu was certainly not just here for a simple reunion.

With the team just starting out, it's time to convene and discuss important matters.

While waiting for Lu Duoxun to arrive, Wei Renpu told Zhao Dexiu an interesting story.

"Some time ago, a young man named Lü Duan came to visit the mansion."

At the time, I thought he was just like any other young man, coming to seek a recommendation for me as a protégé.

I never imagined that the young man would want to pledge allegiance to Your Highness.

"Oh?"

Wei Renpu's words piqued Zhao Dexiu's interest.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu was quite interested in this matter, Wei Renpu continued:

"I've kept him in my residence for the time being and sent someone to investigate his identity. I discovered that he is actually the younger brother of Lü Yuqing, the judge of Kaifeng Prefecture. I also found out that Lü Yuqing has always been in poor health."

Lü Duan's willingness to serve is undoubtedly genuine.

Having held a high position for many years, it wouldn't be difficult for Wei Renpu to investigate Lü Duan's background. Coupled with his exceptional intelligence and sufficient information, he was capable of deducing whether Lü Duan was truly sincere.

This illustrates the importance of having a strategist to assist you.

After hearing Wei Renpu's assessment, Zhao Dexiu was quite intrigued. "Teacher, do you think Lü Duan is a capable candidate?"

Zhao Dexiu's question made Wei Renpu hesitate.

After organizing his thoughts, Wei Renpu said:

“Lu Duan’s willingness to serve is genuine, but in recent days, I have not discovered anything outstanding about him.”

Wei Renpu's words were rather tactful; to be honest, Wei Renpu thought Lü Duan was a bit dull.

Wei Renpu's hesitation did not diminish Zhao Dexiu's interest in Lü Duan.

When Zhao Dexiu first heard the name Lü Duan, it sounded somewhat familiar.

After some thought, Zhao Dexiu remembered that Lü Duan was a minister entrusted with the care of the young emperor by Zhao Guangyi in history.

Zhao Guangyi had a good eye for people; Lü Duan's ability must have been considerable to be entrusted to him as a regent.

"Teacher, please have someone summon Lü Duan outside the room. I will see him in person after this is all over."

Following Zhao Dexiu's instructions, Wei Renpu quickly dispatched someone to carry them out.

Not long after, Ludoson rushed into the room.

When Lu Duoxun entered the room, he saw a young man sitting in the seat of honor. As astute as he was, he naturally guessed Zhao Dexiu's identity.

"Your subject Lu Duoxun greets Your Highness."

Lu Duoxun quickly bowed deeply to Zhao Dexiu.

Before Ludoson could finish his greeting, a pair of large, broad hands grabbed him.

Before he knew it, Zhao Dexiu had condescended to come before him.

"Without Lu Qing's help, I don't know when I will be able to leave the palace."

After saying this thank you, Zhao Dexiu held Lu Duoxun's hand tightly and led him to a seat.

"I hope that Minister Lu will speak freely during today's meeting."

The moment Zhao Dexiu grabbed his hand, Lu Duoxun's heart trembled.

On his way to the Wei residence, the constant cheers of "Crown Princess" had already made him extremely happy.

The eldest son of the emperor becoming the crown prince is indeed what the people want!
Gamblers are always good at providing themselves with emotional value.

Feeling valued by the "Crown Prince," Lu Duoxun was moved to tears and said, "Your subject will do his utmost to devise a plan for Your Highness."

After Lu Duoxun sat down, Zhao Dexiu turned his gaze to Huyan Zan, who was about to leave to stand guard:
“Brother Huyan, what are you doing outside? Come to my side.”

As he spoke, Zhao Dexiu waved warmly to Huyan Zan.

Huyan Zan was astute; he knew that Zhao Dexiu was about to discuss important matters.

To Huyan Zan's surprise, Zhao Dexiu did not want to avoid him when discussing important matters.

This is the most direct indication of Zhao Dexiu's trust in him.

Zhao Dexiu's current trust reminded Hu Yanzan of the grievances and contempt he had suffered in the past.

Faced with such a stark contrast, even the valiant Huyan Zan couldn't help but be moved to tears.

Not wanting to disappoint Zhao Dexiu, Huyan Zan strode up behind him and stood there like a door god.

With a fierce general guarding him from behind, Zhao Dexiu spoke with a relaxed tone:
"If I wield the bow and Brother Huyan wields the spear, we can go anywhere in the world, no matter how vast!"

Zhao Dexiu's praise and high regard made Huyan Zan's chest stand up straighter without him even realizing it.

After praising Huyan Zan, Zhao Dexiu said, "Li Jun's rebellious signs are becoming increasingly obvious. It won't be long before the flames of war are heard from the north."

"I wish to contribute to the Song Dynasty. I wonder what you all have to say to me?"

Facing his small group of followers, Zhao Dexiu officially launched his first call to the throne.

As soon as Zhao Dexiu finished speaking, Lu Duoxun was the first to step forward and pay his respects.

At the same time, Lü Duan walked in step by step from outside the door.

(End of this chapter)