Song Xiu

Chapter 101 The Rebellion in Huainan, Commander Lu

In Jiangdu County, Yangzhou.

The news of Li Jun's defeat and suicide quickly reached Li Chongjin, the military governor of Huainan.

Upon learning of Li Jun's failed uprising, Li Chongjin was greatly alarmed.

"Li Jun was no weakling, and with the help of the Northern Han, how could he have been defeated so quickly!"

After making that exclamation, Li Chongjin said coldly:
“I know that Zhao is a skilled warrior.”

Unexpectedly, Zhao the scoundrel also possessed considerable military talent.

"Those traitorous father and son have seized the land of my Great Zhou! This is intolerable!"

After saying that, Li Chongjin angrily smashed the wine glass in his hand on the ground.

Li Chongjin was the nephew of Emperor Taizu of Zhou, Guo Wei. In the later years of Emperor Taizu's reign, Li Chongjin competed with Chai Rong for the throne.

If Chai Rong could become Guo Wei's adopted son, why couldn't he, as Guo Wei's nephew, do the same?
Unfortunately, Chai Rong was indeed a capable ruler, and in that struggle for the throne, Li Chongjin lost to Chai Rong.

After failing to secure the throne, Li Chongjin was already resentful.

Later, he heard that the Great Zhou dynasty had been usurped by Zhao Kuangyin, which made Li Chongjin even more furious.

Compared to Li Jun, Li Chongjin's desire to oppose the Song dynasty and restore the Zhou dynasty was much stronger.

Inside the hall, all the generals and commanders from Huainan were seated.

After hearing Li Chongjin openly refer to Zhao Kuangyin as a traitor, the generals all realized what was going on.

It seems the commander is no longer willing to tolerate this!

The generals were not wrong in their guess.

Li Chongjin's next words were:

"Zhao Kuangyin received the imperial favor of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Shizong. It was already a great crime not to think about repaying it, let alone usurping the throne and taking over the Zhou dynasty."

Rebellious traitors should be punished by everyone.

As a close relative of the founding emperor, it is my duty to rise up in righteousness and restore order!

Li Chongjin spoke with great enthusiasm, trying to inspire his generals to fight.

However, given the precedent set by Li Jun, even if Li Chongjin had strong enough control over Huainan, it was inevitable that some people would still have doubts.

"Now that the Song Dynasty has just won a great victory, its morale is high, and it has many good generals, I'm afraid our army will be unable to withstand their onslaught."

Upon hearing this concern raised by one of his staff members, Li Chongjin chuckled and said:

"It is true that the Song army has won a great victory, but after more than a month of fighting, the Song army urgently needs to rest and recuperate."

I now control the finances and provisions of seven prefectures in Huainan. If I were to launch an attack, Zhao Kuangyin would have no choice but to hastily send troops to meet me.

In this way, our army can take advantage of being able to wait in comfort and await the enemy's attack.

During the reign of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, troops were dispatched several times to fight against Huainan. This was not only because Huainan was geographically important, but also because the Huainan region had been a prosperous grain-producing area since the Tang Dynasty.

If unrest occurs in Huainan, the grain supply of the entire Central Plains will be affected.

It was precisely because of this that Li Chongjin was certain that even if Zhao Kuangyin was unwilling, he would have no choice but to hastily engage in battle once he launched his attack.

"Moreover, I have fought for many years. If we talk about military achievements, how could I be inferior to the enemy generals?"
In previous years, many of the enemy generals were under my command.

What is there to fear!

Li Chongjin had the confidence to say these words.

Back then, he dared to compete with Chai Rong not only because he was Guo Wei's nephew, but also because, compared to Chai Rong, he had accumulated numerous military achievements and was more likely to control the Imperial Guards.

As Li Chongjin explained, confidence gradually returned to the faces and hearts of the generals in the hall.

Local forces confronted the newly established central government, a fundamental tactic employed by the military during the Five Dynasties period.

As long as there is a reason to win, then there is a way to reverse it.

Li Chongjin's aide, Zhai Shouxun, was the first to step forward and express his support:
"Your subject is willing to follow the general to punish the traitor and restore peace and order to the world."

As soon as Zhai Shouxun stepped forward, the other generals also rose up to follow him.

Seeing that he had gained support, Li Chongjin decisively gave the order:
"I hereby proclaim to the world that I will overthrow the Song Dynasty and restore the Zhou Dynasty!"

After returning to Kaifeng, Zhao Kuangyin was busy with the matter of rewarding the entire army, which gave Zhao Dexiu some rare free time.

This morning, Zhao Dexiu left the Prince's Mansion early and headed towards Li Chuyun's residence.

In front of Zhao Dexiu, there was a boy waving a stick to "clear the way" for Zhao Dexiu behind him.

Who else could this unconventional young man be but Zhao Dezhao?

After being required to practice with a stick, Zhao Dezhao, who believed that if there was no hope of resistance, he should enjoy it, and fell in love with the feeling of wielding a stick.

While brandishing his stick, Zhao Dezhao acted as a scout, looking around ahead to investigate the "enemy situation."

Pedestrians on the road did notice Zhao Dezhao.

However, once the passersby saw the guards following behind Zhao Dezhao, they let him do as he pleased.

After confirming that everything was normal ahead, Zhao Dezhao excitedly ran back to Zhao Dexiu to report:

"Reporting to the General, there is no danger ahead, you may proceed!"

Zhao Dezhao's report made Zhao Dexiu gently rub his forehead.

You've only just begun!

Did Zhao Dezhao think that Kaifeng was the city mentioned in the Sixteen Sounds of Yanyun?

There are always knights-errant, wielding weapons, taking to the skies.

After not seeing him for several months, what happened to his younger brother?

Adults cannot understand the thoughts of teenagers.

Zhao Dexiu's silence did not quiet Zhao Dezhao down.

If we were to ask who was the happiest about Zhao Dexiu's return to the capital, Zhao Dezhao would certainly be one of them.

Seeing that his "General" did not respond, Zhao Dezhao continued unperturbed:
"Brother, you don't know this, but after the news of your great victory over the enemy at the front line was sent back to the city, stories about you quickly began to circulate in the city."

In those storytelling performances, you, my elder brother, were depicted as a fierce general charging straight into the enemy ranks with a silver spear, which made my blood boil with excitement.

The younger brother has already made a vow in his heart to practice stick fighting diligently.

In the future, when my elder brother conquers all directions, I will be his vanguard general.

Let me wield that spear, and let me charge into that enemy formation!

As he said this, Zhao Dezhao's chubby face was full of longing, as he imagined the scene of him appearing in the storytelling performance one day.

Zhao Dezhao's words piqued Zhao Dexiu's interest.

Although it was the early Song Dynasty, signs of the rise of urban culture were already visible everywhere in Kaifeng.

Most storytelling focuses on historical tales, but sometimes, to cater to the public, it also keeps up with current events.

In fact, Zhao Dexiu didn't even touch a spear after he went to war.

However, since it's a storytelling performance, some alterations to the facts are understandable.

Intrigued, Zhao Dexiu asked Zhao Dezhao as they walked:

"Besides these, what other stories about me are circulating in the city?"

Under Zhao Dexiu's questioning, Zhao Dezhao also said some things.

During the days when Zhao Dexiu was away, Zhao Dezhao had one hobby: mingling with the common people in the city.

Zhao Dexiu nodded frequently as he listened to most of what Zhao Dezhao said next.

Only one thing was heard:
"Some people say that you like women with long legs, which is why you indirectly like spears."

Zhao Dezhao asked with a puzzled look: "Are long-legged women really that good?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu's expression immediately changed:

"This is outrageous! Nonsense!"

Even if some things are true, how can you talk about them everywhere?

Zhao Dexiu did not want to be known as "Emperor Song's Legs" in later generations.

Zhao Dexiu hurriedly chased after Zhao Dezhao, who had run ahead again.

"Tell me quickly, where did these words come from?"

"Isn't the Kaifeng Prefecture going to do anything about it?"

As the two brothers chased and played, they soon arrived outside Li Chuyun's residence.

After Zhao Dexiu stood still outside the mansion and tidied his clothes, one of his personal guards went to the gatehouse of the Li mansion to report.

Today, Zhao Dexiu is traveling incognito, and the story has not yet been told to Li Chuyun.

After Lady Li's engagement to the imperial family, the ever-generous Zhao Kuangyin arranged a magnificent new mansion for her. Servants, gold, and silver were also bestowed upon her in abundance.

Upon learning the identity of the person waiting outside, the gatekeeper was so frightened that he hurriedly went inside to inform them.

A short while later, the main gate of the Li residence opened wide, and Li Chuyun hurriedly walked out of the residence.

Knowing Zhao Dexiu's intention to travel incognito, Li Chuyun did not bow in public. He only apologized after welcoming Zhao Dexiu into the mansion.
"I am deeply sorry that I failed to greet the Prince of Taiyuan properly."

The cautious Li Chuyun strictly adhered to the proper etiquette between superiors and subordinates.

In private, Zhao Dexiu did not want Li Chuyun to become too distant from him.

"Since we are traveling incognito today, let's discuss private matters."

Personally, I should treat my father-in-law with the respect due to a son or nephew.

As he spoke, Zhao Dexiu bowed to Li Chuyun.

Li Chuyun couldn't refuse Zhao Dexiu's request, so he had no choice but to accept the gift.

Then Li Chuyun led Zhao Dexiu to the study.

The study was a highly private place for receiving guests, and Li Chuyun knew that Zhao Dexiu's visit must have something important to discuss.

After everyone entered the study and took their seats, Zhao Dexiu spoke first:

"It won't be long before His Majesty carries out the reforms in Luzhou."

I will advise His Majesty that the prefect of Luzhou should be appointed from among my father-in-law's family.

Then Zhao Dexiu told Li Chuyun the main contents of the Luzhou reform.

After listening to Zhao Dexiu's words, Li Chuyun fell into deep thought.

Since returning to the capital, the establishment of the Consultative Secretariat has given many people in the court a sense of new policies.

However, few people in the court knew the specific details of the new policy.

Upon learning only the tip of the iceberg of the new policy, Li Chuyun pondered deeply, but couldn't help feeling secretly alarmed:
Why would a single prefecture need three offices?

It is possible that the final affiliation of these three offices does not lie with the state.

Noticing the thoughtful look on Li Chuyun's face, Zhao Dexiu smiled.

Although his wife's family was far less powerful than the Fu family, fortunately, Li Chuyun was a man skilled in both literature and martial arts.

As long as Li Chuyun is capable, and with his growing prestige in the court, it wouldn't be difficult for the Li family to become the second Fu family.

Zhao Dexiu trusts Li Chuyun, so there's nothing wrong with speaking his mind.

"Our dynasty follows the Tang system, and the country is divided into major administrative regions called 'dao'."

However, after a century of chaos caused by regional military governors, the existence of various circuits across the country had become the foundation for military governors to seize local power.

The relationship between the Dao and the Jiedushi (military governor) was almost symbiotic.

As the saying goes, "No destruction, no construction," if we want to eradicate the abuses of local power by military governors, abolishing the circuits is imperative.

Where there is destruction, there must be construction.

The future establishment depends entirely on this reform of Luzhou.

I am determined to reform the world, and I hope my father-in-law will wholeheartedly assist me.

While Zhao Kuangyin initiated the new policies, Zhao Dexiu could be considered one of the key figures.

The phrase "reform the world" was not an overstatement for him.

Zhao Dexiu knew that as long as it was a reform, it would inevitably encounter resistance.

With the support of Zhao Kuangyin, who held military power, there were likely few people who would oppose the reforms openly.

But behind the scenes, that's not the case.

Because of the new policy, it will definitely face a lot of covert obstruction from the local powerful faction led by Fu Yanqing.

Whether the new policies, which are healthier than those in history, can be successfully implemented and achieve results in Luzhou depends heavily on the role played by the Luzhou prefect.

This is why Zhao Dexiu wanted Li Chuyun to become the chief official of Luzhou.

Realizing how much Zhao Dexiu valued this matter, Li Chuyun repeatedly cupped his hands and said:
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my utmost to prevent petty people from disrupting the new policies."

After receiving Li Chuyun's promise, Zhao Dexiu smiled.

After the important matters were discussed, Zhao Dexiu, still preoccupied with a personal matter, couldn't help but ask:

"Father-in-law, where is Du Ruo?"

Li Chuyun was taken aback when Zhao Dexiu asked this question.

In Li Chuyun's memory, Zhao Dexiu had always been a person with lofty ambitions.

Why would you suddenly start thinking about romantic relationships?
Having lofty ambitions does not mean one should be free from emotions and desires.

After a brief moment of surprise, Li Chuyun coughed lightly a few times, then stood up and said:

"I will take the Prince there immediately."

Zhao Dexiu touched the gift in her arms, then got up and followed Li Chuyun.

Soon after, Li Chuyun led Zhao Dexiu to a secluded courtyard.

Realizing that Zhao Dexiu might have some private matters to discuss, Li Chuyun wisely stood outside the courtyard gate.

"This courtyard was personally chosen by Du Ruo after my family moved here."

She should be in the courtyard; the Prince can simply go in.

Li Chuyun's words made Zhao Dexiu nod slightly, and then he turned and entered the courtyard.

When the courtyard gate opened slightly, Zhao Dezhao wanted to follow him in, but Zhao Dexiu pushed him away with a look of disgust.

As Li Chuyun watched Zhao Dexiu disappear into the courtyard, he couldn't help but recall his first meeting with his wife when he was young.

It's so good to be young!

A young girl dressed in a white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) stood under the apricot tree, staring blankly at the apricot leaves on the tree.

So engrossed in her thoughts, she was completely unaware that Zhao Dexiu was slowly approaching from behind.

Do you like apricot trees?

The sudden question made the girl turn around.

Upon seeing that the person behind her was Zhao Dexiu, Li Duruo lowered her head slightly, like a startled bird.

Her gaze fell on her clasped fingertips, where the edges of the silk handkerchief were rippled from being pinched.

"Your Highness, why are you here?"

After asking that question, Li Duruo fell silent.

“The day before yesterday, I went to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. She mentioned you in her words, so I thought I would come and see you when I had some free time.”

After saying this, Li Duruo raised her eyes and looked at Zhao Dexiu.

At this moment, Zhao Dexiu took out an object wrapped in brocade from his bosom.

When unfolded, a finely crafted hairpin appeared before Li Duruo's eyes.

Looking at the exquisitely crafted hairpin, Zhao Dexiu said:

"This hairpin was left by Empress Xiaohui."

Before she passed away, she instructed me to personally deliver this hairpin to my future wife.

Zhao Dexiu's words made Li Duruo take the hairpin in her eyes very seriously.

Before Li Duruo could react, Zhao Dexiu took her hand and placed the hairpin in it.

Feeling the warmth from her hand, Li Duruo's blush deepened.

Today is the first time she has officially met Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Dexiu, being a person from later generations, naturally wouldn't feel embarrassed, but Li Duruo was different.

After handing the hairpin to Li Duruo, Zhao Dexiu was about to say something when a loud shout came from outside the courtyard:
"Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu temporarily suppressed what she wanted to say.

"Remember to wear this phoenix hairpin on your wedding day."

After saying that, Zhao Dexiu put down the soft thing in her hand and hurriedly walked outside.

A gentle breeze swept by, and a few fallen leaves landed on Li Duruo's slightly tiptoeing toes.

I stood on tiptoe to look, but the figure had already disappeared outside the courtyard gate.

　The typhoon and heavy rain just stopped at home today, so I'm tidying up the house. There will be an extra chapter tomorrow for those who vote for monthly tickets; there will be three chapters tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)