I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 273 Zhao Ji: Your Majesty, I wish to participate in the imperial examination.
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When Zhao Yu learned that Zhang Chun had hired Yue Fei and Chen Kangbo to be her son Zhao Cheng's study companions, three English letters flashed through his mind: 'MMP!'

Zhao Yu had only found Liu Qi and Yang Yizhong to protect his son, Zhao Shou, the crown prince. Yet Zhang Chun directly brought out the most capable military general of the Song Dynasty and what was probably the best prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty to assist her son. Wasn't this clearly an attempt to pit her son against the crown prince?
The key point is that Zhao Yu knew what Zhang Chun was up to.

No.

It should be said that when Zhang Chun presented Zhao Yu with the strategy of rewarding merits and granting titles through succession, Zhao Yu already knew that Zhang Chun, that wretched woman, was still up to no good.

There was nothing he could do. Zhao Yu had too many sons, and he really had no better solution than to adopt Zhang Chun's plan. The key point was that without adopting Zhang Chun's plan, he couldn't remove the shackles from the princes' bodies.

In other words, Zhang Chun's plan was an open scheme, not a conspiracy. Zhao Yu knew everything and had no choice but to fall into Zhang Chun's trap.

Of course, Zhao Yu certainly didn't lose out.

Under this competitive mechanism, Zhao Shou cannot be a useless person. If he were, he wouldn't even dare to become the crown prince.

As long as Zhao Shou is no worse than his other brothers, Zhao Yu will definitely take the opportunity to cultivate Zhao Shou into the best crown prince, and in the future, after his death, he will hand over the Zhao Song Dynasty to him in a peaceful and stable manner.

If Zhao Shou is not as good as his other brothers, then Zhao Yu can find the one who has stood out from among his sons and will surely be able to choose an excellent crown prince.

In short, Zhao Yu certainly wouldn't have passed the throne to the brilliant Zhao Huan like the historical Zhao Ji did, which led to the Jingkang Incident. He himself became a prisoner of the Jurchens, suffering endless humiliation until his death.

Therefore, a crown prince who lacks ability and is difficult to win over the people is likely to bring down a dynasty and ultimately lead to the demise of the regime, like Zhao Huan and Hu Hai.

In other words, the selection of the crown prince is not simply a matter of family succession, but a core decision concerning the survival of the country, and its "appropriateness" directly determines the life and death of the dynasty.

Zhao Yu had no choice but to be cautious.

It was precisely because of this that, despite Zhang Chun's many ulterior motives, Zhao Yu resolutely chose her plan.

However, Zhao Yu was right about Zhang Chun. She was someone who would never stop causing trouble, and she would definitely stir up some trouble whenever she had the chance.

Zhao Yu thought to himself, "If I live to be a hundred, that's fine, but if I can't hold on one day, Zhang Chun will definitely be on the list of those to be buried alive with me, no matter who inherits my throne in the end, even if it's Zhang Chun's son."

Just as Zhao Yu was thinking that one day when he was no longer able to live, he must follow the example of Gouyi, someone came to announce: "Your Majesty, Prince Duan requests an audience."

If you were to ask who benefited most from Zhao Yu's new system of managing princes and members of the imperial clan, the first names that would come to mind would be Zhao Yu's two brothers, Zhao Ji and Zhao Si.

Why are there two brothers? Shouldn't Zhao Yu have four brothers?
That's because Zhao Bi and Zhao Si passed away five years ago.

Now, Zhao Yu's only remaining brothers are Zhao Ji and Zhao Si, who are also the only two princes in the Zhao Song Dynasty.

Zhao Si has the personality of a homebody, so whether or not we remove the shackles from him is actually not very meaningful.

The key point is that Zhao Si was Zhao Yu's younger brother, born of the same father and mother. Since Zhao Yu became emperor, he was bound to be quite capable.

Therefore, the one who benefited the most was the restless artist Zhao Ji.

Over the years, Zhao Yu had actually treated Zhao Ji quite well.

Yes.

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) has a poor reputation in history.

But in the eyes of those who truly understand the history of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Huizong of Song was not actually that bad.

As an emperor, there are two achievements that are most valuable: one is being the founding emperor of a dynasty, and the other is being the restorer of a dynasty.

Often, the difference between a ruler who restores a dynasty and a ruler who brings about its downfall is as thin as a sheet of paper; retreating leads to an abyss, while advancing is like walking on lotus blossoms.

The most typical example is Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) in history.

Historically, before the age of forty, Zhao Ji (Emperor Huizong of Song) conquered the Western Regions, pacified Fang La, and annexed the Yan and Yun regions, expanding the territory of the Northern Song Dynasty to its maximum extent, truly laying the foundation for its revival.

If Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) had died immediately, his reputation among all the emperors of the Song Dynasty would probably only be second to Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin). Emperors like Zhao Guangyi (known for his sorghum carts), Emperor Zhenzong of Song (Zhao Heng) who lived off the Treaty of Chanyuan, Emperor Renzong of Song (Zhao Zhen) who was a puppet emperor, Emperor Yingzong of Song (Zhao Shu) who was utterly incompetent, Emperor Shenzong of Song (Zhao Xu) who was ambitious but lacked talent, and Emperor Xu who died young would all have to be ranked lower.

After his death, it should be no problem for Zhao Ji to receive the temple name of Emperor Xuanzong of Song.

However, due to a momentary lapse in judgment, Zhao Ji fell into the trap set by his ministers. Of course, it was also because he wanted to shirk responsibility, a typical case of being able to cause trouble but not take responsibility. He hastily passed the throne to Zhao Huan, leading to the Jingkang Incident, which resulted in him becoming a ruler of a fallen country and a prisoner of the Jin people. In an instant, he went from being a restorer of the dynasty to a negative example of a ruler who brought about the downfall of the country.

People often give high praise to the first two founding monarchs of a dynasty, and even more respect and admiration to emperors who rose from humble beginnings like Liu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang.

People always think that if someone like Zhu Yuanzhang could unify the world starting with just a bowl, wouldn't he become the ruler of the earth if he were given a complete court?

But it's not actually that simple.

It's true that starting from scratch means having nothing.

While having nothing, entrepreneurs will not face unpleasant problems such as factional strife, powerful factions, corruption, fiscal deficits, displaced people's rebellion, or local warlords holding sway.

It's like a single person who may be poor, but every little bit of progress is an improvement to their life. However, if you have elderly parents to support, young children to raise, mortgage and car loan payments, and tense relationships with your in-laws, that's when the so-called midlife crisis comes about.

Therefore, when a dynasty faces a mid-life crisis, the value of a restorer lies in the fact that he needs to turn the final score from a negative number to a positive number while bearing many debuffs. Although he has many helpers and he does indeed hold some of the title and authority of an emperor, it is still not as easy as many people imagine.

Looking at it this way, Zhao Ji, who almost became the restorer of the dynasty, wasn't so bad after all?

Therefore, knowing that Zhao Ji was capable, Zhao Yu had him do many things over the years, such as serving as the royal art director, helping Zhao Yu build Yanfu Palace, supervising the porcelain and glass products of the Song Dynasty, and becoming the Grand Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs to manage the imperial clan.

It has to be said that people can still shine if they are used in the right place.

Under Zhao Yu's skillful management, Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) gradually demonstrated his extraordinary talent in art and administration. The Yanfu Palace, meticulously constructed under his supervision, though with a relatively small investment, revealed ingenuity in every detail, becoming a beautiful landmark in the capital. It attracted countless literati and poets to compose poems about it, and even foreign envoys praised its grandeur. Furthermore, under his oversight, the porcelain and glassware of the Song Dynasty reached unprecedented levels of craftsmanship, producing many priceless treasures. Even the standardized products from these wares were exported overseas, bringing immense prestige and wealth to the Song Dynasty.

Under Zhao Ji's management, the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs was well-organized, and the numerous members of the imperial clan caused him almost no trouble.

To put it simply, if we disregard Zhao Ji's historical actions and only consider his behavior after ascending the throne, he could definitely be considered a wise and virtuous king.

As for Zhao Ji's visits to brothels and prostitutes in his youth, these have gradually been forgotten over time.

Zhao Yu sent someone to summon Zhao Ji to an audience.

Before long, Zhao Ji, dressed in magnificent robes, entered the main hall with steady steps. His face carried a sense of composure and restraint, and his former unruly nature seemed to have been worn away by the years. He respectfully bowed to Zhao Yu, his voice clear and powerful: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities, rise," Zhao Yu said. After Zhao Ji stood up, Zhao Yu asked him, "What brings Prince Duan to my court?"

“According to the ‘New Instructions for the Imperial Clan,’ I have completed the statistics on the new titles of the imperial clan members, and now I request Your Majesty’s approval,” Zhao Ji said.

In fact, although Zhao Yu made great reforms to the management of princes and members of the imperial clan, it did not have much impact on the titles of the imperial clan members, at least not on those who had already obtained titles.

However, this does not mean that it has no impact on the royal family.

The most typical example is that Zhao Bi died, and his son did not receive a title because he was not yet an adult.

Now, according to the new regulations for the management of the imperial clan, namely the "New Instructions for the Imperial Clan," one must have a son of Zhao Bi to inherit the title in descending order.

Zhao Ji recommended Zhao Bi's eldest son, Zhao Youyi, to inherit Zhao Bi's title.

Because Zhao Bi was originally a king, and after Zhao Youyi inherited the title, he became the heir apparent.

Zhao Bi's other two sons, Zhao Youke and Zhao Youchang, did not have titles. They had to study and take exams at the Imperial Academy or the Military Academy to obtain titles.

Taking Zhao Bi's case as an example, Zhao Ji re-established the titles of the imperial clan and asked Zhao Yu to make a decision.

As Zhao Yu perused the memorials presented by Zhao Ji, he asked, "What is the reaction of the imperial clan to the new policies?"

Emperor Huizong of Tang answered truthfully: "The opinions are mixed."

Zhao Yu casually asked, "Why are there differing opinions?"

Zhao Ji replied: "Those members of the imperial clan who have already received titles will certainly support the new policies, while those who have not received titles may feel it is unfair. The older members of the imperial clan are more conservative, while the younger members are eager to serve the country..."

In fact, Zhao Yu knew without asking that the royal family members who benefited from this reform and those who longed for freedom would definitely accept the new policy. On the contrary, the royal family members who could have easily obtained titles but would have to work hard for them or would not be able to obtain titles at all because of this reform would definitely hate the new policy.

Those who opposed the ruling class were mostly members of the royal family without titles; their voices carried little weight, and they could not change this established fact.

Furthermore, Zhao Yu's reforms restored freedom to the imperial clan. Talented individuals within the clan disdained those titles and honorary positions that were merely nominal, and instead eagerly prepared to realize their ambitions.

In short, in Zhao Ji's view, there were still more supporters and their voices were louder among the imperial clansmen. Therefore, the few dissenting voices were useless and there was no need to listen to them.

After listening to Zhao Ji's report, Zhao Yu nodded.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yu said, "I will take 30% of the shares from the glass manufacturing office and distribute them to the members of the royal family who do not hold titles, so that they will not be left without support and the world will laugh at me for being stingy."

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) exclaimed, "Your Majesty is benevolent!"

Zhao Yu rarely spoke the truth: "My actions are intended to prevent potential threats to the court. Some members of the imperial clan who have lost their titles and are forced to fend for themselves are indeed innocent, and it's inevitable that they harbor resentment. If we don't appease them, I fear that trouble may arise in the future, which would be detrimental to the stability of the court. The glass manufacturing industry is highly profitable, which can enable them to live comfortably for a short time. However, the court will not be allowed to monopolize the glass manufacturing industry indefinitely. Once the industry is cracked by the people, its profits will definitely decline significantly, perhaps even disappearing entirely. Prince Duan should teach them to be diligent and self-reliant."

Zhao Ji said, "Your Majesty's granting freedom to the imperial clan is already a great act of kindness, and your assistance to them is the epitome of benevolence and righteousness. I will teach them that they cannot have both fish and bear's paw, and that they should strive for it themselves."

Zhao Yu nodded.

In Zhao Yu's view, his matter with Zhao Ji was now concluded, and Zhao Ji could leave.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Huizong showed no sign of leaving.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yu asked, "Does Prince Duan have anything else to say?"

Emperor Huizong hesitated before saying, "My son, Zhao Huan, has already entered the Imperial Academy in accordance with Your Majesty's decree."

Strangely enough, what Zhao Ji lost to Zhao Yu was not only the throne, but also the vast majority of his women and his historically powerful fertility.

—It's unclear whether it was because Zhao Ji didn't devote himself to Taoist practices as much as he did in history, or because Zhao Yu turned Genyue Wansui Mountain into Yuan Qingcheng's agricultural base, ruining Zhao Ji's fertility feng shui, or because Zhao Yu took all of Zhao Ji's women away, leaving Zhao Ji without a fertility partner. In any case, in this life, Zhao Ji only had one son and one daughter.

His son and daughter were both born to his first wife, Wang.

The son was none other than Emperor Qinzong of Song, Zhao Huan, and the daughter was Zhao Jinnu.

Then there is no more.

Zhao Huan also benefited from this reform.

Of course, since Zhao Ji only had one son, Zhao Huan, Zhao Huan could skip the Imperial Academy and the martial arts academy. As long as he outlived Zhao Ji, he could easily obtain the title of heir apparent.

However, in order to show his support for Zhao Yu, Emperor Huizong still allowed Zhao Huan to go to the Imperial Academy.

Zhao Yu nodded and gave Zhao Huan a token compliment: "Huan'er has ambition."

Zhao Yu thought to himself, "I've already lied about praising your son, shouldn't you take your leave now?"

Unexpectedly, Emperor Huizong of Song was still there.

Zhao Ji then asked hesitantly, "Your Majesty, please give your instructions on how to deal with the thirteenth branch?"

Thirteen is Zhao Si.

Back then, this guy was blind to the truth and insisted on fighting with Zhao Yu for the throne. Later, Zhao Yu stripped him of his title and imprisoned him.

Zhao seems to be dead now, but he left behind a son, Zhao Yougong.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yu decided not to argue with a dead man anymore and said, "Grant him the title of Prince of Yongning."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong understood that this was both a lenient treatment of Zhao Si's branch of the family by Zhao Yu and a warning to them not to cause any more trouble, or they would not be able to disregard family ties.

The matter concerning Zhao Si's branch has been discussed, but Zhao Ji still shows no sign of leaving.

What else could Zhao Yu not see? Zhao Ji must have something else he wanted to say.

Zhao Yu said to Zhao Ji, "The late emperor begot fourteen of my brothers, but now only three of us are still alive. We should support and encourage each other. If Prince Duan has any requests, please speak freely, and I will consider them accordingly."

Seeing that Zhao Yu had given him oral sex, Zhao Ji no longer hesitated, but bowed to the ground and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to participate in this year's imperial examination..."

……

(End of this chapter)