Dimension Paradise, I am a summoning apostle

Chapter 600: A Feast for Father and Son, an Imperial Decree Summoning Them to the Capital
The news that Zhou Wenzhong wanted to adopt a son spread quickly.

This has been confirmed, and a banquet is planned for the fifteenth of that month.

There is a difference between an adopted son and a godson.

The former are treated the same as biological children, enjoying inheritance rights and being responsible for their care and funeral arrangements.

Adopted sons are different; their relationships are more based on verbal agreements formed out of mutual benefit, and they have no obligation to support their parents in old age.

Secondly, the level of condemnation differs depending on whether it involves actual betrayal.

If Lü Bu had been adopted by Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo and betrayed them in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, probably few would have dared to follow him.

The fifteenth day arrived quickly, and Chu Danqing, being Chai Jungui's sworn brother, was assigned a very prominent position.

Second only to Chai Jungui.

He was, after all, one of the main figures at this banquet, so it was definitely inappropriate for Chu Danqing to sit in front of him.

Despite the large number of visitors, there was no significant disturbance.

Some people wondered who Chu Danqing was and why he was sitting in such a good position.

After the insider explained, they were relieved.

No one felt disdain, nor did they think of provoking or questioning it.

Then the adoption process began, and it took almost an hour to complete.

The rest is simple: let the feast begin.

Not only are there food and drinks, but there are also songs and dances to entertain the guests.

During the banquet, people mingled and exchanged toasts, all to strengthen relationships.

Just as the banquet was halfway through, a guard rushed into the hall and whispered to Zhou Wenzhong, "My lord, an imperial envoy has arrived from the capital to deliver a decree."

This made Zhou Wenzhong put down the cup he was holding halfway up. His expression remained unchanged, but he knew he was in trouble.

Since they are here to deliver an imperial decree, they certainly cannot be neglected.

One must still have reverence for imperial power, otherwise losing one's reputation would mean losing legitimacy.

Therefore, we had no choice but to go and greet them.

The timing of his arrival was neither too early nor too late, making him feel uncomfortable.

If he had come yesterday or tomorrow, he wouldn't have been so conflicted.

Because he did not know the contents of the imperial edict.

"I understand. Give the order and go make preparations," he whispered.

Upon hearing this, the guards immediately left to prepare.

Then Zhou Wenzhong spoke up: "Gentlemen, an angel has arrived from the capital. Come with me to greet him."

Many people present frowned slightly upon hearing this.

This is such a coincidence!

But since things have come to this, there's no way to refuse.

The group followed Zhou Wenzhong to go outside to greet them.

Chu Danqing fell further and further behind until she broke away from the group and watched from afar.

He's not going. He'd have to kneel anyway, and he can see and hear from a distance, so there's no need for him to go and bow with him.

"Old General, His Majesty has issued a decree. Please listen to the decree," the eunuch said with a friendly and respectful expression.

One doesn't hit a smiling face, and even with the eunuch's attitude, Zhou Wenzhong still obeyed the imperial decree: "Your subject requests permission."

After saying that, he knelt down, and the people behind him followed suit.

Chu Danqing stayed far away and hid well, so no one noticed that he was not in the group.

Upon seeing this, the eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and began to read it aloud.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I..."

"I hereby issue this imperial edict, summoning you back to the capital to participate in state affairs and assist the court. I hope that upon receiving this edict, you will immediately reorganize the military, temporarily assume the position of deputy commander, and rush to the capital overnight to comfort me. The court is in a time of need for reorganization and requires virtuous and capable individuals to assist in this important matter. I urge you to shoulder this heavy responsibility and not fail my expectations."

"Appreciate this."

After the imperial edict was read aloud, everyone was momentarily stunned.

He thought the imperial edict was to bestow a title or encouragement, or even to congratulate Zhou Wenzhong on adopting a son or to grant him a marriage.

The result was not the desired outcome; instead, Zhou Wenzhong was asked to temporarily set aside everything and go to the capital.

The problem is that once you enter the capital, it's difficult to get out again.

"Old General, it's time to receive the imperial decree." Seeing that Zhou Wenzhong did not react, the eunuch couldn't help but remind him.

"Old General! His Majesty has specially dispatched me to summon you to the capital because you were recruiting soldiers and stockpiling grain here, and wants to find out the reason."

“If the old general has no ulterior motives, he may go to the capital and confront the emperor in court. At that time, loyal ministers will recommend him to return to his post.”

"If we do not go to the capital, there are three court regulations here. Please make a decision so that I can return to the capital and report back."

Zhou Wenzhong knew in his heart that he was now in a difficult position.

He could only extend his hand and say, "Your subject receives the decree."

Having said that, he accepted the imperial edict.

"Please pack your things, General, and set off as soon as possible," the eunuch urged.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenzhong became suspicious.

'If I were to go to the capital with the imperial edict, I fear the odds would be against me.'

'If we don't go to the capital, how can these three court regulations show any leniency? The situation is extremely difficult; what should we do?'

Going there is risky.

I can't not go.

Fortunately, there was still a chance. He said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will go to court to meet you as soon as possible."

"But I have just had a child today, so I beg the angels to grant me some more time to enjoy the joys of family life."

He used this adoption as an excuse. If he didn't give it to them, he would have other reasons.

Upon hearing this, the eunuch did not urge him further, but simply said, "Please keep this matter in mind, General. I will return to report now."

He knew he couldn't bring the other person with him to the capital, and if he insisted, he would probably have to stay here.

Shanzhou is Zhou Wenzhong's territory; there's no way he could be forcibly taken away.

“Why don’t the angel stay a little longer and wait to go with me?” Zhou Wenzhong asked tentatively.

"Thank you for your kindness, General, but the imperial decree is of utmost importance, so I will not stay any longer. Farewell." After saying this, the eunuch hurriedly left.

Without any hesitation, they didn't even give Zhou Wenzhong the opportunity to offer bribes.

This action plunged Zhou Wenzhong into despair.

However, he did not reveal these thoughts, and instead continued the banquet with his entourage.

It wasn't until dusk that they summoned Chai Jungui to discuss the matter together.

"Jun Gui, what do you think?" Zhou Wenzhong asked.

“We must not go!” Chai Jungui said without hesitation: “If we go to the capital, there will be no chance of survival.”

“I know about this,” Zhou Wenzhong sighed. “But the Emperor has issued a decree summoning him to the capital; how can we disobey?”

This imperial edict was a calculated move; he had no choice but to accept it.

“Father, heroes have always been able to recognize the times.” Chai Jungui said softly, “The current court is in chaos and the country is in disarray. Father, you are a minister of the country with a long history of merit.”

"Moreover, with a large army guarding a key town, this is the perfect opportunity to raise an army, storm the capital, eliminate the treacherous officials, and establish a new emperor. What's wrong with that?"

Zhou Wenzhong was completely dumbfounded by Chai Jungui's words.

He just wanted to discuss what to do, and you directly advised him to "purge the court of corrupt officials"?
Then, does he have to ascend the throne?

Zhou Wenzhong had heard of people hoping their sons would become successful, but he had never seen a son urging his father to succeed.

And to spur on such a huge amount at once.

“My son, your appetite is a bit too big.” Zhou Wenzhong had considered starting his own rebellion and becoming emperor.

He only thought about it; he really had no intention of taking any action.

On the contrary, Chai Jungui, who just became his son today, has just started saying these words.

“Father, what I’m doing is for your life and fortune.” Chai Jungui was telling the truth, and this time he was indeed caught off guard: “After you go to the capital, what are the chances that you will be able to return to Ye City?”

"No, let's not even talk about returning to Ye City, what are the chances of us even saving our lives?"

His question was blunt, and Zhou Wenzhong's expression was equally unpleasant.

If it weren't for any other reason, once I entered the capital, I would most likely be at their mercy, like fish on a chopping board.

It would be difficult to resist.

“As your father, I’m not sure either,” Zhou Wenzhong sighed. “But let’s talk about raising an army for now.”

"Let me send someone to the capital to investigate first, then we can decide what to do."

If he could, he certainly wouldn't want to go.

But to disobey the imperial decree is a capital offense.

They can still target him then, and might even be hoping he won't go.

As for why the court targeted him, it's quite simple: he had become too powerful to be controlled and needed to have his power taken back.

Otherwise, if they develop disloyal thoughts one day, wouldn't things be terrible?

The reason they didn't take action before was either because the timing wasn't right or because there was no threat.

The reason there was no threat was naturally that Zhou Wenzhong had no children or descendants, so he retired after a few years and that was that, without any follow-up.

But now that Chai Jungui is an adopted son, it's like the banner has been passed down.

The imperial court could not accept this, which is why they took this action.

“Now that Father has made his decision, do not be soft-hearted,” Chai Jungui reminded him. “If the court truly intends to harm Father, we must use swift and decisive measures to eliminate these treacherous individuals.”

Chai Jungui guessed that this incident was probably caused by forcing him to become the king's vanguard.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been such a coincidence.

Others believed it was a conspiracy by the imperial court, but Chai Jungui felt it was more than just a matter of the court's involvement.

"Don't worry, my son, I have a plan." Zhou Wenzhong knew that Chai Jungui was considering things for him. Although the solution was a bit radical, it was still a viable option.

"If there's nothing else, go and rest. You've had a hard day, son."

Upon hearing this, Chai Jungui bowed and said, "Then I will take my leave now. Father, please rest early."

After saying that, Chai Jungui left.

Zhou Wenzhong was left alone in the study, deep in thought, his eyes fixed on the imperial edict.

He finally gave a wry smile: "With a large family and a big business, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it."

"The journey to the capital can be delayed by three to five days at most; there's definitely not enough time."

"I just hope nothing bad happens."

He didn't want to go at all, and even considered implementing Chai Jungui's suggestion.

For him, this was still very tempting.

Now that he holds considerable military power, it's unrealistic to say he doesn't want to sit on the throne.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

If he dares to rebel, there's a 90% chance he'll be doing all the work for someone else.

There were several other officials similar to him, such as governors and military governors.

If he dares to rebel, he will surely be attacked by the masses. At that time, he will become a stepping stone, giving others a reason to take action.

"Let's bear with it for now. I wonder whose methods this is, that they're so ruthless." Zhou Wenzhong didn't think the current emperor could have accomplished this.

The current emperor uses all his brains on eating, drinking, and having fun. He is a thoroughly incompetent ruler, completely lacking in wisdom.

(End of this chapter)