Song Xiu

Chapter 50: The Strategy for Winning Over Zhao Kuangyin

In the main hall, Lu Duoxun was not the only one who felt that Zhao Dexiu possessed the bearing of a ruler.

Ludoson, mindful of etiquette, dared not show his excitement too obviously, but there was one person who did not.

As many court officials looked at Zhao Dexiu, bursts of hearty laughter echoed from the throne:

Well said!

"The one who truly understands my heart is the Marquis of Taiyuan!"

Who else but Zhao Kuangyin could have let out such a hearty laugh?
Zhao Kuangyin was so happy not only because Zhao Dexiu had performed well, but also because Zhao Dexiu had spoken his mind.

Throughout history, how many emperors have lamented that "sons are not like their fathers"?
After Zhao Kuangyin laughed, all the court officials in the hall turned their gazes to him and bowed slightly to show their respect.

Fourteen golden and jade steps separated Zhao Kuangyin from his ministers at the top and bottom.

Looking at Zhao Dexiu, who was beginning to show the bearing of a ruler, Zhao Kuangyin was even more delighted.

The Book of Documents says: "If I am guilty, it is not my fault; if the people are guilty, the fault lies with me."

I have always kept this saying in my heart: "The emperor should take the world as his own responsibility!"

Zhao Kuangyin's words clearly expressed his support for Zhao Dexiu.

Do you all still think that I shouldn't have personally led the expedition?

Even if Zhao Kuangyin had not spoken out in support of Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Dexiu's words just now would have been enough to convince most of the court officials, let alone now.

As soon as Zhao Kuangyin finished speaking, the two prime ministers, Fan Zhi and Wang Pu, led the assembled officials in bowing respectfully:
"Your Majesty's personal campaign is in accordance with the great principles of ancient times, and we, your subjects, are deeply impressed."

Seeing that the ministers had no further objections, Zhao Kuangyin decisively gave the order:
"Prime Minister Fan, immediately draft a proclamation rebuking Li Yun for his treason."

Murong Yanzhao, you shall lead the generals and Zhao Pu to deliver to me a strategy for suppressing the rebels within three days.

As for the other officials, they should each perform their duties and return to their offices to continue their work as usual.

"Rest assured, gentlemen, the Great Song Dynasty is under my command."

When he spoke his last words, Zhao Kuangyin exuded a strong sense of confidence.

Zhao Kuangyin's confidence inspired every court official.

The court officials, recalling Zhao Kuangyin's two major military achievements—"defeating the Northern Han at Gaoping and defeating the Southern Tang at Huainan"—naturally felt more at ease.

"I obey your orders."

The court assemblies started quickly and ended quickly.

As most of the court officials departed, they still murmured the phrase, "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures."

After everyone else had left, Zhao Kuangyin descended the imperial steps and came to stand before Zhao Dexiu and Zhao Guangyi.

When the court session ended, Zhao Kuangyin kept them behind alone.

Zhao Kuangyin first walked up to Zhao Guangyi and said to him:
"I know that your advice against personally leading the expedition was for the sake of the stability of the Song Dynasty."

But as Yuan Ying said, I must go to this battle at the beginning of the new dynasty.

Zhao Kuangyin's words were meant to appease.

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's reassurance, Zhao Guangyi bowed respectfully.
“Your subject understands.”

Today, I realized that I had not thought things through properly. Only after listening to the words of the Marquis of Taiyuan did I suddenly understand.

Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, offer my congratulations. The Marquis of Taiyuan possesses remarkable insight, a true blessing to the nation.

Zhao Guangyi's cunning and scheming were far beyond that of ordinary people.

In recent months, Zhao Kuangyin's desire to cultivate Zhao Dexiu has grown stronger, and Zhao Guangyi could easily see that.

Zhao Dexiu's performance so far is beyond reproach.

In order to secretly accumulate strength, Zhao Guangyi naturally had to present himself as a "virtuous younger brother and virtuous uncle".

Seeing Zhao Guangyi's behavior, Zhao Dexiu could not bear to look at him.

No wonder Zhao Kuangyin in history intended to make him his heir.

Zhao Guangyi knew how to manipulate Zhao Kuangyin's mindset, and Zhao Dexiu was no pushover either. Faced with Zhao Guangyi's attempt to flatter him, Zhao Dexiu humbly declined:
"I am still too incompetent and unworthy of the title of 'the nation.' I will need my uncle's guidance in the future."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu wasn't falling for his tricks, Zhao Guangyi smiled, but inwardly he was filled with apprehension.

Several events over the past few months had made him no longer underestimate his nephew.

The sentimental Zhao Kuangyin was very pleased to see Zhao Guangyi and his nephew Zhao Dexiu getting along so well.

"The Song Dynasty has just been established and its foundation is not yet stable. You two are my closest relatives and elders of the imperial clan. You must work together to help me consolidate the overall situation."

To avoid the early demise of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin would definitely adopt a strategy of heavily relying on his imperial relatives.

"Your subject (your younger brother) obeys!"

Regardless of Zhao Dexiu and Zhao Guangyi's ambitions, both knew that prioritizing national affairs was the most important thing in the early stages.

After giving this instruction, Zhao Kuangyin signaled Zhao Guangyi to leave first, leaving Zhao Dexiu behind.

Faced with the imperial decree, Zhao Guangyi had no choice but to comply, even though he was unwilling.

After Zhao Guangyi left, Zhao Kuangyin no longer needed to suppress his joy.

A large hand patted Zhao Dexiu's shoulder first:
"For a ruler to achieve great things, a magnanimous spirit is indispensable."

Your words today have greatly pleased me.

Zhao Kuangyin was a military general, unlike scholars who were eloquent. It was truly rare for him to utter such praise.

After offering praise, Zhao Kuangyin continued:

"After I personally lead the expedition, I will have Guangyi accompany the army, and Zhao Pu will stay behind to guard Kaifeng."

Zhao Pu and Lü Yuqing are both outstanding individuals; while you remain in Beijing, you should make sure to spend as much time as possible with them.

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's words, alarm bells rang in Zhao Dexiu's mind.

He has been in this world for several months, and his little wings have begun to cause changes in history.

Zhao Dexiu remembered that in history, whenever Zhao Kuangyin personally led an expedition, Zhao Guangyi would always stay behind to guard the capital.

Because Zhao Guangyi was young at that time, he was initially groomed to be the crown prince.

In terms of the "Prince and Governor of the Capital" system, Zhao Kuangyin's arrangement was very reasonable.

Zhao Kuangyin's intention to leave him in Kaifeng indicates that he was gradually leaning towards him as the crown prince.

Unaware of Zhao Guangyi's wolfish ambitions, Zhao Kuangyin's arrangement inadvertently put Zhao Dexiu in a passive position.

"In times of chaos, the one with the strongest army and the most powerful horses becomes the emperor."

What use is being adept at political affairs in this day and age?
Several months ago, when Zhao Dexiu led his troops into the city, all the capable prime ministers Fan Zhi and Wang Pu could do was lament to each other.

Historically, when Princes Gao Yan and Gao Zhan led their troops into the palace, Emperor Gao Yin, who held the moral high ground and was deeply loved by the people, could only tremble all over.

Zhao Guangyi's current position as Commander of the Palace Guards already made Zhao Dexiu feel uneasy. If he were allowed to develop his power within the Imperial Guards any longer, Zhao Dexiu would have no sleep.

"Father, political affairs can be practiced at any time. This time, your son wishes to accompany you on the expedition!"

Zhao Dexiu firmly expressed her thoughts.

"Oh? Why?"

Zhao Dexiu's idea surprised Zhao Kuangyin greatly.

He thought he would pave the way for him slowly, just like Emperor Taizu of Zhou, but the child didn't appreciate it.
Under Zhao Kuangyin's astonished gaze, Zhao Dexiu quickly composed himself.

When Zhao Dexiu spoke, his voice was already choked with emotion:
"Your subject still remembers the scene of Father bandaging his wounds in the camp after the Battle of Gaoping."

The blood was flowing profusely, a truly horrifying sight.

From that day on, I vowed in my heart to practice riding and archery diligently, so that I might one day go to war in my father's place.

Feeling his son's filial piety, Zhao Kuangyin's rugged face softened.

The first step in seizing control of the Imperial Guards is to begin with "benevolence and filial piety."

(End of this chapter)