Song Xiu

Chapter 49 The Aura of a Ruler

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Zhao Dexiu has experienced a lot over the past few months, and her willpower has been strengthened without her even realizing it.

Within a few breaths, Zhao Dexiu calmed her emotions and stepped out of her rank to enter the hall.

After standing still, Zhao Dexiu noticed that Zhao Guangyi's figure was blocking his way. To avoid violating the proper etiquette between a subject and a subject, Zhao Dexiu reminded him:
"Commander, please make way."

Zhao Dexiu's reminder was very soft, but it was enough for Zhao Guangyi and several of his close confidants to hear.

In the past, Zhao Guangyi would have acted like an uncle and given Zhao Dexiu a good lecture.

What kind of logic is there in the world for an uncle to yield to his nephew?
But right now, they were in the Chongyuan Hall, in front of all the officials and nobles.

What's wrong with the Marquis of Duyu yielding the way to the Marquis of Taiyuan?
Left with no other choice, Zhao Guangyi led his confidants to retreat to the side.

Zhao Guangyi's concession allowed Zhao Dexiu's figure to appear fully in Zhao Kuangyin's sight.

Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhao Dexiu with expectant eyes.

Compared to Zhao Kuangyin's high expectations, Lu Duoxun, standing at the back, was secretly very nervous.

Some time ago, when they met at Wei's residence to plot, they had anticipated that Zhao Kuangyin would use Li Jun's rebellion to test Zhao Dexiu, and thus devised several strategies for Zhao Dexiu.

But most of those strategies were about military matters; who would have thought that His Majesty would suddenly inquire about a personal expedition?

Ludoson prayed silently and prepared to step in at any moment.

Under the watchful eyes of many, complex individuals, Zhao Dexiu spoke without hesitation, her tone resolute:

"I believe Your Majesty should personally lead the expedition!"

When Zhao Dexiu expressed a view that differed from that of most court officials, Lu Duoxun sensed something was wrong.

Zhao Dexiu's answer caused many court officials to frown.

Although many court officials frowned, none of them dared to openly oppose Zhao Dexiu for the time being.

His father, the emperor, is watching with a jade axe in his hand.

Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi sensed that Zhao Dexiu was intentionally trying to curry favor, so he spoke first and asked:
"Does the Marquis have any basis for his statement?"

Zhao Guangyi's question reflected the sentiments of most of the court officials.

Chongyuan Hall was a place for discussing state affairs, not a place where one could speak recklessly.

If Zhao Dexiu fails to provide convincing arguments, he will inevitably be branded as "pretentious and fame-seeking."

After asking his question, Zhao Guangyi kept looking at Zhao Dexiu:

Not just anyone can stand firmly in the very center of Chongyuan Hall.

Since Zhao Dexiu dared to stand up, he wasn't afraid of losing his footing.

"The Marquis of Du Yu, concerned for the stability of the state, strongly opposed Your Majesty's hasty departure from the capital."

Although I am not very knowledgeable, I have read some history books.

I dare ask you, Lord Du Yu, which of the last emperors of the Liang, Tang, Jin, and Han dynasties was not in the capital when the country was in peril? Did they manage to protect their states?

This shows that the stability of a nation does not depend on whether the emperor resides in the capital at all times.

Zhao Dexiu knew that Zhao Guangyi's suggestion was in line with the mentality of most court officials who sought stability.

If he wanted most of the court officials to take his next words seriously, he had to first use numerous examples to break the cause-and-effect relationship in Zhao Guangyi's advice.

Facts always speak louder than words.

Sure enough, some court officials changed their attitudes after hearing Zhao Dexiu's rebuttal.

For example, Shen Yilun, a Privy Council Academician.

Shen Yilun raised his tablet to Zhao Dexiu and asked, "May I ask, Marquis of Taiyuan, what do you believe is the foundation of the stability of the state?"

Faced with Shen Yilun's question, Zhao Dexiu answered without hesitation:
"Nature's purpose lies in soothing people's hearts!"

"In times of chaos, people's hearts are like willows in a raging storm, drifting aimlessly without support, or like ants in a boiling cauldron, anxiously awaiting rescue."

When one is arrogant and complacent, one becomes disrespectful; when one is anxious and fearful, one loses self-control. When the system of propriety collapses, the world is prone to chaos and the state is easily destroyed.

People's hearts have been scattered for decades; things will inevitably turn around when they reach their extremes—this has been an age-old principle.

In this world, everyone yearns for stability. Li Jun's rebellion may not be the most frightening event; the real worry lies in the instability of the people's hearts. With the new dynasty newly established, the world is watching with bated breath. To secure the Song dynasty, the hearts of the people must be turned towards the Song!

"To win the hearts of the people and the loyalty of the Song Dynasty?"

When Zhao Dexiu uttered these words, it wasn't just Shen Yilun and a few others in the court who were moved.

Many of the ministers in the imperial court have survived since the time of Li Cunxu.

They had personally experienced the turmoil of several generations.

Whenever unrest occurred, a large number of court officials would be massacred.

Among the court officials who have survived to this day, including their closest relatives, teachers, and friends, far too many have been lost in the past.

No one wants to live a precarious life; the desire for good governance is not unique to ordinary people.
Perhaps touched by his heart, or perhaps because no matter how much he had experienced, people always had a moment of hope for something beautiful. Liu Wensou, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, stepped forward.

Judging from Liu Wensou's posture, he must have something to ask Zhao Dexiu.

But he was unable to get the answer in the end because someone reached out and stopped him. That person was Chancellor Fan Zhi!
As the chief minister, Fan Zhi had a strong influence over many court officials. When Fan Zhi reached out to stop him, Liu Wensou naturally did not step forward again.

Just when everyone thought Fan Zhi was helping Zhao Dexiu relieve some of the pressure, unexpectedly, Fan Zhi walked out with a solemn expression.

Fan Zhi, acting on behalf of Liu Wensou and most of the court officials, came before Zhao Dexiu, bowed to him, and asked:

"I have a question, and I would like to ask the Marquis of Taiyuan to answer it."

Fan Zhi's bold question not only surprised many court officials, but also surprised Zhao Kuangyin, who had been sitting on the throne observing the situation.

Everyone knows that since the establishment of the Song Dynasty, Fan Zhi rarely spoke in court except for official duties.

What's wrong with him today?
Unexpectedly, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but worry about Zhao Dexiu because of Fan Zhi's actions.

Zhao Guangyi was Zhao Dexiu's uncle, and Shen Yilun was a minister in his former residence. Because of their past familiarity, Zhao Dexiu was not likely to be intimidated when facing these two men.

Fan Zhi had held the top position among all officials for many years, and the pressure he brought to Zhao Dexiu was incomparable to that of Zhao Guangyi and Shen Yilun.

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was considering using imperial power to reinstate the novice protection period, a clear voice resounded throughout the entire hall:

"Fan Xiang, please ask!"

Zhao Dexiu spoke calmly, showing no sign of panic.

This performance made Zhao Kuangyin temporarily restrain himself, and also brought smiles to the faces of many court officials.

Regardless of Zhao Dexiu's remarks, it is rare for a young man to remain calm and composed in court, facing three important officials in succession.

Fan Zhi maintained a serious expression:
"What does the Marquis think the court should do to win the hearts of the people and make them support the Song Dynasty?"

Knowing that Fan Zhi was going to ask this, Zhao Dexiu bowed to Zhao Kuangyin, then turned to face Fan Zhi, and even more so, the hundreds of court officials in the hall:
"By learning from history, we can understand the rise and fall of dynasties."

The rise and fall of four dynasties from Liang to Han is enough to prove that they were unpopular, so the Song Dynasty had to show a different side of them.

After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, everyone in the world was watching: what kind of new dynasty would it be?
Is it for pleasure? Or for the sake of peace and stability?

When the people are suspicious and doubtful, the foundation of the nation is truly unstable!

To ensure the stability of the nation, the Song Dynasty must demonstrate to the world that the new dynasty is sincere in its desire to bring peace and stability to the country.

Unity of knowledge and action!

Sincerity alone is not enough; the new dynasty must prove it with actions.

Is Your Majesty's personal expedition motivated by ambition and a thirst for glory? Those who think this are all ignorant of the ways of the world.

Your Majesty is the head of the Great Song Dynasty. Every word and action of Your Majesty represents the dignity of the Great Song Dynasty. To establish a new dynasty, Your Majesty should be the first to set an example.

When Li Jun was causing chaos throughout the land, Your Majesty, with the supreme authority of the emperor, did not shy away from danger and personally led an expedition to the northern border, which was enough to demonstrate to the people of the world the ambition of the new dynasty!
The emperor has the responsibility of an emperor, and his subjects have the loyalty of subjects.

What is the responsibility of an emperor? It can be summed up in one sentence:

"Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures!"

Zhao Dexiu's voice was clear and resonant. His words, "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures," resounded like a thunderclap in the hall, shaking Fan Zhi's heart and making Lu Duoxun want to clap his tablet in celebration.

What is the demeanor of a ruler?
He's seen it all today!
　The plan to transform the Song Dynasty began in the first year of the Jianlong era. The Han Chinese dynasty was not to be underestimated.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)