After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

Seeing Zhao Zonghao being dragged out of Funing Palace while screaming heartbreakingly, everyone led by Empress Dowager Cao remained silent.

At this time, no one would jump out and show off their presence.

After all, what happened today would have been a naked attempt to force the emperor to abdicate and a coup d'état in the past.

The only difference between these people and the Yan Wang rebels is that they have the banner of the late emperor and the righteous cause.

Even if we talk about today's events thousands of years later, it will only give them and the next emperor of the Song Dynasty a reasonable legitimacy.

"My Lords, in addition to this will deposing the Emperor, the late Emperor also left behind another will concerning the selection of the future new ruler of the Song Dynasty."

"I hope you will all read this with me, and then proclaim it to the nation to reassure the people."

After a long time, Empress Dowager Cao came to her senses, waved her hand, and took out another piece of bright yellow silk paper from the sandalwood box.

These old ministers felt uncomfortable when they saw this imperial edict.

After all, the fact that these important officials made the late emperor so worried about the government after his death and left behind countless backup plans showed that Emperor Renzong was somewhat worried about them.

"The previous emperor was never satisfied with the new emperor. He only chose him from among the royal family due to pressure from his health and the court."

"That's why I often lie awake at night, worried that the ministers will have trouble getting along with the new emperor, leading to an irreversible situation."

"And the facts are indeed as the late emperor predicted. After taking the throne, the new emperor has acted so perversely, putting all the meritorious officials in such a predicament. It's clear that he didn't listen to a single word the late emperor said."

Empress Dowager Cao shook her head and smiled bitterly, her already old face showing even more fatigue.

"Prince Pu, come here."

Hearing what Empress Dowager Cao said, Zhao Zongquan was immediately startled and hurriedly took a few quick steps and came closer.

"What are your orders, Madam?"

Zhao Zongquan's courtesy and caution made Empress Dowager Cao very satisfied.

"You are a good child. Compared to the virtues of the emperor, or even the heir to the throne of Tokyo Prefecture, you are excellent."

After these words were spoken, Han Zhang and the others' expressions changed slightly, and they kept looking at Prince Pu Zhao Zongquan.

"Your Majesty, your words are too kind. I am not worthy of such praise."

Zhao Zongquan was well versed in the art of being an official and could not agree to it carelessly at this time.

"Don't be afraid, Prince Pu. I mean what I say."

"You saved the lives of the late emperor and me upon your arrival in the capital. This is your first achievement."

"Remembering the late emperor's last words, fulfilling one's duties diligently, and protecting the royal family is the second merit."

"Not fearing rumors, willingly serving the emperor and honoring the late emperor as your father-in-law, this is the third merit."

"Raising a child like Ce'er who serves the country and the people and cares about the people of the court is the fourth merit."

"..."

Empress Dowager Cao was like an old lady chatting about family matters, holding Zhao Zongquan's hand and praising him constantly.

This made everyone afraid to say a word, and they could only quietly watch the couple who were about to become mother and child.

"Actually, none of these reasons are why I value you. Do you know what the most important thing is?"

Empress Dowager Cao looked at Zhao Zongquan with a smile.

"My loyalty to the late emperor!"

Zhao Zongquan knew that this was not the time to play dumb, and he had to show his attitude.

"No, it's not loyalty, it's your sincerity!"

Empress Dowager Cao said with a sense of loss.

However, no one understood what this meant. Only Han Ming stood in the corner in military uniform, with a slight smile on his lips.

"As the Prince of Pu, the heir to the throne, it is not you who should serve the king, but the new emperor."

"But you can be sincere and look upon the late emperor with sincerity, and upon the country and people that he diligently protected."

"This is why I value you, and why His Majesty has set his sights on you."

Empress Dowager Cao's words laid the groundwork for understanding why Zhao Zongquan was chosen to succeed the throne.

"Serving before the emperor is not only to fulfill my filial piety, but also to allow the late emperor to see clearly whether such a person is qualified to take over the world."

"You are qualified, you have ambition, and you have the heart to fight for a bright future for the people of the world."

"Prince Pu, I hope you can stay true to your heart and live up to the late emperor, the ministers, and me."

"I also hope that you can truly realize the late emperor's ambition and lead the people of the Song Dynasty to prosperity."

"May your protection bring blessings to this land that our ancestors loved so dearly!"

Empress Dowager Cao burst into tears and pressed Emperor Renzong's last will and edict tightly into Zhao Zongquan's hand.

At this moment, Zhao Zongquan felt something called "the country and the people of the world" weighing heavily on his shoulders.

He was very confused and conflicted, not knowing whether he could realize the great wish of the ancestors of the Song Dynasty.

Looking at the imperial edict in his hand tremblingly, Zhao Zongquan raised his head and looked around, looking at Han Zhang and others beside him, and finally saw Han Ming with a gentle smile on his face in the corner.

As the other party nodded slowly, Zhao Zongquan seemed to feel his heart gradually calm down, and he couldn't help but hold the edict of succession tightly.

"I will never disappoint the expectations of the late emperor, the great empress, and our ancestors. Together with the other ministers, I will create the great cause of the Song Dynasty—!"

Zhao Zongquan knelt on his knees and paid homage. The dull sound of his head hitting the ground also struck everyone's heart.

"Mr. Han." Empress Dowager Cao looked at Han Zhang with sobs.

"Your Majesty, I am here!" Han Zhang slowly walked forward and saluted.

"Come!"

Empress Dowager Cao grabbed Han Zhang's sleeves and Zhao Zongquan's sleeves, then pulled them together tightly, holding their hands together.

"Han Hou, do you still need me to treat you?"

Hearing the question from Empress Dowager Cao, Han Ming raised his eyebrows, chuckled, and walked up to her.

"From now on, you three will share honor and disgrace together."

"Prince Pu must treat the Han family well and not bully them in any way. The Han family must be loyal to their country, support the Song Dynasty, and fulfill their duty as ministers!"

After Empress Dowager Cao said this, the three of them nodded at the same time without hesitation.

Seeing that the matter finally came to a complete end, Empress Dowager Cao finally felt relieved.

In order to maintain the court, she couldn't sleep at night and was always worried that Zhao Zonghao would ruin the Song Dynasty's fortune.

Now that Zhao Zongquan, who was recognized by the previous emperor, has finally been pushed to the throne, there will be no problems from now on.

"Please find a good time to hold the enthronement ceremony."

Empress Dowager Cao made a final summary.

"Yes! Your Majesty, I accept your order."

Just as Prince Pu Zhao Zongquan took the lead in paying respects to Cao, a voice rang out.

"Wait a minute!"

Hearing this noise, everyone's heart trembled, and they couldn't help but look at Han Ming with a smirk on their faces.

"You bastard! What are you doing again?!"

Han Zhang was so angry that he raised his foot to kick someone, but Zeng Mingzhong, Zhang Sheng and Ouyang Wenzhong behind him immediately held him back.

"Calm down, calm down, don't lose your composure in front of me!"

Zeng Mingzhong's words made Han Zhang recover and he took a few deep breaths.

"What else does Lord Han want?"

Empress Dowager Cao is still the most powerful person in the court, so it is natural for her to ask the question.

"Grand Madam, although the matter of ascending the throne is important, there is another problem at hand."

Han Ming saluted with a serious expression, and then spoke directly without waiting for anyone to ask.

"Due to the death of the previous emperor and the various policies and measures of the new emperor, the Liao Kingdom is currently eyeing the northern land with eager eyes."

"If the news of 'deposing the emperor and establishing a new ruler' were to spread at this moment, it would probably cause unrest in the country, and the Liao Kingdom would take advantage of the situation!"

Han Ming's words made these people understand instantly and they couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

"What does Marquis Han think we should do?" Queen Mother Cao asked hurriedly.

"Your Majesty should stabilize the government, and His Royal Highness Prince Pu should serve as regent. He should issue orders to all regions in the north to strictly guard the camps and passes to resist the Liao."

"Once the situation in various places has calmed down and the Liao Kingdom has withdrawn its troops, we can hold the ceremony without any worries!"

Han Ming bowed and expressed his thoughts.

After a moment's thought, everyone realized that this was wise advice for the country, and nodded slightly.

"If Prince Pu and the others have no objection, then we will proceed as Marquis Han wishes."

"From today on, Prince Pu will officially be the regent of the country, and all power and orders will be in your hands."

Empress Dowager Cao asked the old eunuch to bring the emperor's seal and hand it to Zhao Zongquan.

"I will do my utmost to protect the Song Dynasty!"