The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 216 Zhao Family Banquet
Zhao Kuangyin led Li Yi through the corridors of the inner courtyard. Before long, the two arrived at the secluded back hall.

The hall remained simple and quiet, with only wisps of smoke rising from the bronze incense burner, carrying the tranquil scent of sandalwood, permeating the slightly damp air.

The shrine occupies the highest position at the head of the table, and the memorial tablet engraved with Zhao Hongyin's name appears solemn and dignified amidst the swirling smoke.

Zhao Kuangyin stepped forward slowly, his expression solemn and deep, with a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

He picked up the incense sticks from the table, lit them in the stove, held them firmly to his forehead, bowed three times, and whispered, "Father, Yi-ge'er has come to pay his respects to you."

Li Yi followed closely behind, straightening his clothes and displaying a solemn and humble demeanor. He picked up a handful of sandalwood incense, lit it in the candlelight, and instantly the smoke rose.

Li Yi bowed deeply and said loudly to the memorial tablet, "Uncle, in heaven, please accept this bow from your nephew!"

After speaking, he bowed and kowtowed twice, his movements respectful yet sincere. After bowing deeply three times, he approached the shrine with incense sticks in his hand.

After Li Yi inserted the incense sticks into the bronze censer, he lowered his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Uncle, you should rest in peace and ascend to immortality. Do not worry about worldly affairs anymore. Although Brother Zhao and I are not related by blood, we are more compatible than blood relatives. From now on, all matters concerning the Zhao family are my business, Li Yi's business. If needed, I will do my best to help!"

Li Yi spoke softly, seemingly addressing the spirit of the deceased, but Zhao Kuangyin, standing beside him, naturally heard him clearly.

His expression shifted slightly, a complex look flashed in his eyes, and after a moment of hesitation, he finally let out a soft sigh.

Zhao Kuangyin did not speak immediately, but moved with Li Yi to the hardwood couch on the side of the hall. Then he gestured and said, "Brother Yi, it's quiet here. Let's sit down and talk."

Li Yi sat down on the couch, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the table beside him, and happened to fall on the military book with frayed edges.

He immediately reached out and picked up the book, flipped through the yellowed pages, and his eyes lit up.

Li Yi couldn't help but look up and ask, "Brother Zhao, this military treatise... could it be the Taibai Yin Jing written by Li Quan of the Tang Dynasty?"

Fighting is the primary duty of a military general, and in order to stand out in this chaotic world of war, a deep understanding of military strategy is essential.

Li Yi's current status and position are all earned on the battlefield, and he cherishes everything that he has worked so hard for.

Therefore, he valued those classic military treatises that had been passed down through generations, and he paid great attention to collecting such books in his daily life.

Unfortunately, due to the war, many documents and books were lost, and military strategy books were even rarer. They were mostly kept hidden in the homes of military families and were not easily shown to others.

In an era when it was difficult to print books on a large scale, many rare and incomplete copies were often lost due to war.

Upon first seeing the Taibai Yin Jing, Li Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, like seeing a rare treasure.

After all, this book is a compilation of the strengths of various schools of thought, inheriting and summarizing the military thought before the Sui and Tang dynasties. At the same time, it emphasizes that the victory or defeat of a war depends on objective factors such as the bravery or cowardice of the soldiers, rather than on the theories of yin and yang and ghosts and gods.

Furthermore, it was the first military treatise to systematically incorporate content such as "medical care for men and horses" and "weapon regulations," and it also recorded in detail various injuries and illnesses in the army and their medical treatment methods, listing prescriptions for treating battle wounds such as horse falls and metal wounds, making it arguably the earliest "complete book of military medicine."

Historically, this book also had a significant impact on the development of military theory and thought in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Seeing that he was very interested in military books, Zhao Kuangyin nodded and replied, "Brother, you have good knowledge. It is indeed the Taibai Yin Jing, a handwritten copy that my father obtained by chance in Luoyang."

As he spoke, he shook his head again, his tone tinged with regret, "It's a pity that it's a handwritten incomplete copy, containing only five volumes: Miscellaneous Rituals, War Tools, Preparations, Formation Diagrams, and Miscellaneous Techniques. The other volumes are not included, so it's difficult to get a complete picture of it."

"Ha! Brother Zhao, isn't this perfect timing!"

As he spoke, Li Yi lightly pressed the spine of the book with his fingertips to close it, placing the military treatise on the table.

“I happen to have four volumes on me, including those on strategy, divination, and divination techniques, which I found by chance last year. Now, with the addition of the five volumes in this incomplete copy that Brother Zhao has, we can say that we have about 70 or 80 percent complete.”

The "accidental discovery" that Li Yi mentioned actually came from Zuo Congqin.

Last year, when he brought Zuo Congqin and his daughter to Tokyo, he also took the hundreds of books collected by Master Zuo into his possession.

Zuo Congqin had long been obsessed with alchemy and magic, and spent years studying Qimen Dunjia, alchemy, and medicine making, collecting many books on these subjects.

Since ancient times, military strategy and tactics have often been intertwined with the principles of Yin and Yang, so Zuo Congtan also collected some military works.

The four volumes of the Taibai Yin Jing were obtained by Zuo Congqin many years ago from a Taoist temple deep in the mountains. They were recorded in a copy of a book called "Miscellaneous Records of Encounters with Immortals".

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin raised his thick eyebrows slightly, a hint of joy in his eyes. Like Li Yi, he was well aware of the importance of military strategy and tactics, and the historical fact that Zhao Kuangyin, after conquering Chuzhou, took only books and no treasures speaks volumes.

Upon learning that Li Yi possessed the other four volumes of the Taibai Yin Jing, he couldn't help but feel tempted.

But Zhao Kuangyin quickly suppressed his thoughts and waved his hand generously, saying, "If Yi-ge'er likes it, just take this military book. Anyway, I'm just flipping through it to pass the time when I have nothing else to do. I already know its contents by heart, so there's no use for it if it stays with me."

Li Yi shook his head and said, "A gentleman does not take what others cherish, especially such a rare handwritten military treatise, which is not easily passed down through generations. If I were to take it for myself, I would not be at peace with myself!"

"However, if Brother Zhao is willing, I hope I can take it back to my residence for a few days and have someone carefully make a copy. In exchange, I can also make a copy of the four scrolls I have and give it to Brother Zhao."

Zhao Kuangyin readily agreed, "Brother's suggestion is truly a win-win situation. We brothers each get a copy, which complements each other perfectly. It's settled then. Brother, feel free to take the book and make a copy!"

The two reached a consensus on the matter of military strategy, and the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious. Li Yi did not forget the purpose of his trip. After this little interlude, he composed himself and brought the conversation back to the main topic.

"I have come here today primarily to pay my respects to my uncle, but I also have something to discuss with Brother Zhao."

As he spoke, Li Yi leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a solemn tone.

"I wonder if Brother Zhao has recently heard rumors that the imperial court is planning a second southern expedition?"

Zhao Kuangyin nodded slightly, his expression turning solemn. He said in a deep voice, "To be honest, although I am in seclusion observing mourning, I am not completely deaf. As you probably know, Shi Shouxin, the Right Wing Commander of the Iron Cavalry, is a childhood friend of mine. He mentioned this matter when he came to visit me a few days ago..."

Li Yi followed up by saying, "In that case, Commander Shi Du should also mention to Brother Zhao that His Majesty intends to select several brave and resolute generals to lead elite troops to Huainan by the end of this month."

Zhao Kuangyin's gaze sharpened as he pondered the meaning behind Li Yi's words. Although he vaguely guessed at the implication, he wasn't entirely certain.

Seeing that Zhao Kuangyin seemed hesitant, Li Yi stopped beating around the bush and asked directly, "Brother Zhao, would you be willing to join the army on this expedition?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin immediately gripped his knees tightly with both hands, and his body under his robe tensed slightly.

Before he could respond, Li Yi's voice rang out again: "Logically speaking, since Brother Zhao is already in mourning, he should be able to show filial piety before the coffin. However, the affairs of the state are urgent at present. The second southern expedition is imminent, and His Majesty's decree has been issued. The pacification of Jiangnan will be imminent. As military officials, we have received great favors from the Emperor. At this critical moment, it is our duty to serve the country loyally!"

“When my uncle was alive, he was also a soldier. Brother Zhao was able to inherit his father’s will, fight for the country, make achievements on the battlefield, and bring glory to the family. If my uncle knew this in the afterlife, he would not blame you for being unfilial.”

Zhao Kuangyin opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "But I am still in mourning and have no military orders or decrees from the court..."

Seeing this, Li Yi knew that Zhao was already interested, so he added fuel to the fire: "Brother Zhao, please rest assured, if you are interested in this matter, I am willing to immediately report to the Emperor and recommend you as one of the candidates for vanguard general!"

Zhao Kuangyin straightened up a bit, his chest heaving as his breathing quickened.

He knew very well that Li Yi, as the commander of the Imperial Guard and the emperor's brother-in-law, was now deeply trusted by the emperor.

If Li Yi recommended him, there is a high possibility that he will be reinstated.

As he spoke, he grasped Li Yi's hand tightly and said earnestly, "When my father was still alive, I thought I was capable of supporting the family and protecting them from the wind and rain."

"But after this change, I have come to know the hardships of life and the coldness of human relationships... As the saying goes, true friendship is revealed in times of trouble. Now, only you, Yi-ge'er, still care about your foolish brother!"

His words came from the heart. After his father's death, Zhao Kuangyin looked back on his journey and seemed to suddenly realize that his father had silently provided him with so much help.

Back then, at the tender age of twenty, he was young and ambitious, and dared to make a name for himself, so he resolutely left home and went far away.

But actually?
Zhao Kuangyin first went south to seek refuge with Wang Yanchao in Fuzhou, then went to Dong Zongben in Suizhou, and finally went north to serve Liu Chong in Hedong... All these people took Zhao Kuangyin in because of Zhao Hongyin, but none of them gave him an important position.

It wasn't until Guo Wei, who was stationed in Yedu, rebelled against the Han dynasty that Zhao Kuangyin joined his ranks. After Guo Wei usurped the Han throne, Zhao Kuangyin was appointed as the head of the Eastern and Western Ranks due to his family's influence.

Later, Zhao Kuangyin was almost sent to a remote post, but because of his status as a scion of a military family, he was recruited into the service of Chai Rong, the then Prefect of Kaifeng.

Weren't all these experiences due to his father's protection?

When the current emperor ascended the throne, Zhao Kuangyin finally distinguished himself in the Battle of Gaoping through his own abilities. In addition, he was a former subordinate of the emperor when he was still a prince, which is why he was able to obtain his current military position.

However, compared to the young and valiant newly promoted general sitting next to him...

Zhao Kuangyin felt a vague sense of inferiority.

After all, the other party was truly from the bottom of society, and relied entirely on his own ability and hard work to climb to his current position step by step. The slaying of the general at Gaoping, the retreat of the Liao army at Xinkou, the capture of four prefectures in one fell swoop... all of these were feats that made him famous and renowned.

People fear comparison, and horses fear being ridden—it's all just like that!
Seeing Zhao Kuangyin's eyes flicker and a hint of unreadable emotion flash across his brow, Li Yi comforted him gently, saying, "Brother Zhao, why speak of such formalities? We both joined the army when Emperor Taizu raised his troops, and we were both promoted by His Majesty's trust. Whether it was the uprising in Yedu, the support in Chanzhou, or the later defeat of the rebels at Gaoping... we fought side by side. This kind of camaraderie forged in life-or-death situations is worth more than a thousand words!"

"If we brothers don't stick together and support each other, are we supposed to rely on those unscrupulous outsiders? In this chaotic world, only brothers like us, who know each other inside and out and are bound by brotherhood, are the most reliable arms!"

"Moreover, with your talent, Brother Zhao, it would be a great loss if you could not serve on the front lines at this time when good generals are in dire need."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and the anxiety and disappointment of the past few days vanished instantly. He slammed his hand on the edge of the couch, the hardwood trembling slightly: "Excellent! How could I, your foolish brother, refuse such a kind offer from Yi-ge'er?"

At this point, he lowered his voice slightly and nodded emphatically, saying, "I understand what Brother Yi means. We brothers should work together with one heart!"

As the two were talking, a gentle female voice suddenly came from outside the hall: "Second Brother, I just heard from the servant that Yi-ge'er has come to visit us?"

Zhao Kuangyin raised his thick eyebrows, a hint of helplessness flashing across his face. He immediately cleared his throat, raised his voice slightly, and replied to the door, "I am discussing important matters with Yi-ge'er. Second Sister, you can speak later."

His words carried the authority of an elder brother, and implied that his younger sister should leave.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Erniang outside the door did not leave. Instead, she said in a sweet voice, "Little sister did not come to look for Second Brother... Besides, I am not disturbing your discussion. I just came to ask if Yi-ge'er is staying at home for dinner tonight. If he is staying, I will personally prepare it so as not to delay the time."

Zhao Kuangyin was taken aback upon hearing this, then turned to look at Li Yi beside him with a questioning look in his eyes. Before he could ask, Li Yi quickly waved his hand and said, "No need for you to trouble yourself, Second Madam. I came here just to visit you. Everything is settled, and I dare not disturb you any further. I will take my leave in a moment."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhao Erniang's voice from outside the door revealed obvious urgency and a desire to persuade him to stay: "Yi-ge'er has come all this way, don't you even have time for a meal?"

Zhao Kuangyin looked at Li Yi and also spoke up to persuade him: "Brother Yi, don't be so polite. Stay and have a meal before you leave. It's just a simple family dinner, nothing more than adding a couple of bowls and chopsticks. It's not much of a bother."

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's invitation to a family banquet, Li Yi pondered for a moment and felt that if he declined too much, it would contradict his purpose for coming today... since he had come to get closer to Zhao Kuangyin, there was really no need to rush off.

Li Yi nodded in agreement: "Such a kind invitation, it would be impolite to refuse. Then I will take my leave!"

Zhao Erniang, who was outside the hall, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. She said in a light voice, "Oh! Yi-ge'er, please sit down! I'll go to the kitchen to prepare!"

Immediately following was the sound of light, hurried footsteps fading into the distance.

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head and chuckled, "My second sister has always been like this since she was little, with a straightforward personality. I hope Yi-ge'er will forgive her for her rudeness."

Li Yi replied, following his words, "It's alright. Second Madam is straightforward and sincere, a rare and genuine person."

After saying that, the two changed the subject. As military officers, they inevitably talked about war.

They then began discussing military formations and tactics, exchanging their insights and experiences. Before they knew it, the sky had gradually darkened, and half a day had passed in the blink of an eye.

As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, night fell very quickly. Zhao Kuangyin, arm in arm with Li Yi, strode out of the back hall where the ancestral tablets were enshrined, like brothers.

Passing through the somewhat chilly covered walkway, illuminated by the surrounding lights, the two arrived at the inner courtyard.

All of Zhao's relatives came out to pay their respects, including the widowed Old Madam Zhao, who quickly returned to her bedroom, leaving the others to keep Li Yi company.

Zhao Kuangyin had six brothers and sisters, but his eldest sister, eldest brother, and fifth brother all died young. Only his second sister Zhao, third brother Zhao Kuangyi, and fourth brother Zhao Kuangmei were still alive.

In addition to his wife and concubine, Zhao Kuangyin also had his second son, Zhuangge'er, and two daughters.

However, according to Li Yi, Zhao Kuangyin, in addition to his three surviving children, also had three daughters and two sons, but unfortunately all of them died young.

No wonder later generations said that Zhao Da's lineage was short-lived... However, under the medical conditions of this era, it was quite normal for children to die young. Even a common cold or fever could easily take the life of an adult, let alone a young child with a weak immune system.

"Greetings, Uncle!" Six-year-old Zhuang Ge'er, holding his four-year-old sister's hand, bowed and kowtowed to Li Yi in a very proper manner.

Li Yi guessed that the strong boy should be Zhao Dezhao in history, while he didn't know the specific identity of the girl next to him, only that her nickname was Yuru.

As for Zhao Kuangyin's youngest daughter, Zhao Wanniang, the girl whose nickname Li Yi gave her, she was being held by Zhao Da's concubine and babbling to her.

"Alright, I'll take your offer!" Li Yi laughed heartily and helped the two children up.

……

At the banquet, Zhao Kuangyin drank with Li Yi. Normally, one should refuse alcohol during the mourning period, but he had already been observing the mourning for several months, and in this world, many things can be circumvented.

In addition, Zhao Kuangyin was in a good mood, so he didn't care too much about these things, and the two sat on the same bed and drank and talked happily.

Sitting with Zhao Da were his two brothers: Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Kuangmei.

Ten-year-old Zhao Kuangmei was a little shy, and just kept eating. On the other hand, Zhao Kuangyi, who was eighteen years old (by Chinese reckoning), seemed more mature than last year, and also raised his wine cup to toast Li Yi.

Li Yi nodded slightly and said, "Your uncle has passed away. From now on, Sanlang, you should share more of the burden of family matters with your elder brother."

"I understand," Zhao Kuangyi replied respectfully.

Li Yi's gaze lingered on his face for a moment before he said nothing more. Originally, he was quite wary of this historical "Emperor Taizong of Song," only because some people in later generations had given him the nickname "Breaking Bad."

However, as his horizons broadened, Li Yi realized that Zhao Kuangyi's threat to him was not as serious as he had imagined.

Regardless of whether the historical Zhao Kuangyi was truly ruthless and vicious, what is this half-grown boy in front of him compared to him?
People need time to grow, and even slightly different experiences can completely shape a different life.

Even Zhao Er in history, before his brother Zhao Da's Chenqiao Mutiny, was only an official with the titles of Palace Attendant and Attendant.

Moreover, it was only through his father's influence that he was first appointed as a Right Palace Attendant, and then promoted to a Palace Attendant. In the context of the chaotic Five Dynasties period, the imperial favor bestowed upon the sons of military officials was nothing special.

Until Zhao Kuangyin donned the yellow robe to rule, Zhao Kuangyi was merely a lower-ranking military officer, and moreover, a civilian officer.

In this chaotic Five Dynasties period that revered the strong, it was impossible for him to rise through the ranks based on his own abilities alone; it would take forever.

In fact, Zhao Kuangyi's real period of growth began after his brother became emperor.

As for his self-proclaimed participation in the war against the Southern Tang Dynasty and his significant contributions to the Chenqiao Mutiny, based on corroboration from various historical materials, it is sufficient to demonstrate that this is nonsense.

Zhao Kuangyi was only granted the honorary title of Right Palace Attendant in the middle of last year, as was customary. However, due to his father's death, he was also given this nominal position and stayed home to observe mourning.

Zhao Kuangyi may have had some of the shortcomings of youth, but he was far from being the stereotypical "God of War on a Donkey Cart" in history.

Since Li Yi has already decided to bring Zhao Kuangyin into his camp, he should set aside some of his prejudices against Zhao Kuangyi and treat him objectively.

Of course, Li Yi wouldn't give Zhao Kuangyi a chance to grow; he would simply use some underhanded methods to "ruin" him.

After the meal, Li Yi got up to take his leave.

Zhao Kuangyin personally escorted Li Yi by the hand to the main gate. Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Erniang were also present.

Upon reaching the gate of the mansion, Li Yi cupped his hands and said, "Brother Zhao, Third Brother and Second Lady, please wait. I will take my leave now."

Zhao Erniang quickly replied, "The night is cold and deep, Yi-ge'er, please be careful on the road. Come visit us again when you have some free time."

She carried a lantern and curtsied slightly in return. As she spoke, her voice was gentle and clear, and a faint smile played on her lips.

Perhaps it was because of the alcohol, but Li Yi felt that Zhao Erniang, who was well-mannered and dignified, had an indescribable gentleness and affection. Her tone of voice, eyes, and actions subtly touched his heartstrings.

Li Yi's heart skipped a beat for no reason, and he scoffed inwardly: He was probably really drunk. Why was he thinking about such nonsense?

Although she is a widow, she is only in her early twenties, the prime of her life. One can't expect her to sit with her eyes downcast all day, devoid of any life, like withered wood and dead ashes, can one?
Zhao Kuangyin spoke up at the opportune moment: "Brother Yi, take your time. As for the matter you mentioned today, I will shamelessly await good news!"

"Brother Zhao, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Having said that, Li Yi nodded without another word and turned to leave. Xu Sheng and the others, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately stepped forward to escort him away.

The group quickly disappeared into the thick, inky darkness in the distance.

Only two flickering lanterns remain beneath the gate of the Zhao residence, illuminating the silhouettes of those who linger long before seeing others off.

(End of this chapter)