Song Xiu

Chapter 134 A New Grand Show: Soldiers Enter the Forbidden City
February of the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Great Song Dynasty.

While the civil officials in Kaifeng were busy registering the refugees outside the city, the military officers inside the city were not idle either.

Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, Gao Huaide and other generals of the Imperial Guard were waiting outside the city for the arrival of one person.

The generals did not have to wait long.

As the hour of Si (9-11 AM) approached, the sound of rapid hoofbeats echoed outside the city, followed by the appearance of a military general surrounded by his personal guards, who appeared before Murong Yanzhao and his men.

This military officer was Zhang Yongde, who had been summoned back to the capital to report on his duties.

Zhang Yongde, courtesy name Baoyi, was the son-in-law of Guo Wei, the founding emperor of the Later Zhou dynasty.

In the Battle of Gaoping, when the Zhou army was about to be overwhelmed by the Northern Han army, it was Zhao Kuangyin and Zhang Yongde who led their troops on the left and right wings respectively, and turned the tide of the battle.

After the Battle of Gaoping, Zhang Yongde was promoted to Commander of the Palace Guards by Emperor Shizong of Zhou. Later, due to some rumors, Zhang Yongde was dismissed from the position of Commander of the Palace Guards and transferred to the position of Military Governor of Zhongwu Army, leading troops to garrison Huazhou.

Huazhou and Chanzhou were the two northern gateways to Kaifeng.

Given Zhang Yongde's special relationship with the Zhou Dynasty, when Li Jun raised an army last year, he sent someone to contact Zhang Yongde to join him in starting the uprising.

Upon receiving Li Jun's invitation, Zhang Yongde immediately sent his envoy to Kaifeng and handed him over to Zhao Kuangyin for disposal.

Zhang Yongde's actions greatly pleased Emperor Zhao Kuangyin, who appointed Zhang Yongde as Grand Protector.

When Zhang Yongde saw Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin and others who were greeting him outside the city, he stopped his horse, dismounted, and walked towards them laughing.

At the same time, laughter rang out from outside the city, along with that of Murong Yanzhao and his men.

Zhang Yongde, Murong Yanzhao, and others were all from the Imperial Guard of the Great Zhou Dynasty. They had fought side by side many times and shared a deep bond of brotherhood.

When the two sides met, they did not bow to each other like scholars, but embraced each other with the courtesy due to brothers.

After they hugged, Shi Shouxin spoke first:
"I heard you made a profit selling tea in Huazhou."

"If you have such a good deal, why didn't you tell me so I could get a share?"

Shi Shouxin's words revealed his dissatisfaction.

Since the Tang Dynasty, the custom of drinking tea has flourished, and the tea trade has become one of the most profitable trades.

During the Tang Dynasty, there was even a special tax on tea.

After hearing Shi Shouxin's words, Zhang Yongde laughed loudly:
"Shi Dazui, you really want to get involved in everything."

Oh well, once you've got your eye on me, there's no escaping.

"Once we return to Huazhou, I will sell them with you."

Zhang Yongde said this to Murong Yanzhao and the others.

Clearly, Zhang Yongde wanted to ensure that everyone could share the benefits, which is a common practice.

When later generations mention the military governor, their first impression is that of a ruthless and murderous ruler, but that is not the case.

Because regional military governors often had to maintain large armies, many of them were also skilled businessmen.

Once the local military governors had gained profits, they would allocate a portion of those profits to important officials in the central government.

It focuses on interpersonal relationships and social skills.

As soon as Zhang Yongde finished speaking, Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, Gao Huaide and others greeted the general with smiles on their faces.

Human relationships and social interactions are based on a give-and-take approach.

Seeing that he was surrounded by close friends and family, Gao Huaide said to Zhang Yongde:
"His Majesty has summoned Bao Yi back to the capital this time to take advantage of the festive atmosphere of the New Year and to have a reunion with his old brothers."

Gao Huaide's words dispelled most of the lingering worries in Zhang Yongde's heart.

Zhang Yongde wielded considerable influence within the Imperial Guards, and given his close relationship with the Zhou Dynasty's royal family, any other ruler from the Five Dynasties period would likely have faced retribution even if Zhang Yongde had expressed any intention of submission.

Fortunately, Zhao Kuangyin was different.

Since ascending the throne, Zhao Kuangyin has treated Zhang Yongde with great care and has mostly ignored the slanderous remarks of some ministers.

Zhao Kuangyin's magnanimity greatly moved Zhang Yongde.

However, despite Zhao Kuangyin's benevolence, Zhang Yongde's worries did not completely dissipate due to the prevailing atmosphere of mutual distrust between emperors and generals during the Five Dynasties period.

After his worries were somewhat dispelled, Zhang Yongde tried to find out more about Zhao Dexiu.

"I was stationed in Huazhou, and although I did not have the honor of meeting His Highness Prince Jin, I had heard of his great reputation."

I wonder if I will have the honor of meeting His Highness Prince Jin at this banquet.

Given Zhao Dexiu's current status, he would very likely be present when Zhao Kuangyin held a banquet for his generals.

Zhang Yongde's question may seem redundant, but it is not.

Murong Yanzhao understood Zhang Yongde's implied meaning, and he said with a smile:

"The Prince of Jin is kind and benevolent, and has the demeanor of His Majesty."

Upon hearing Murong Yanzhao's words, a smile appeared on Zhang Yongde's face.

If Zhao Kuangyin's decision concerned Zhang Yongde's immediate safety and fortune, then Zhao Dexiu, as the crown prince, influenced the future prospects of Zhang Yongde's clan.

Moreover, Zhao Dexiu is no ordinary crown prince. With his powerful military might, Zhao Dexiu's control over the Imperial Guards is growing stronger and stronger.

In the future, Zhao Dexiu will have the power to overturn the table.

To work hard all one's life and pass on wealth and glory to future generations is everyone's sincere hope.

The words “He has the same style as his father” coming from Murong Yanzhao’s mouth gradually dispelled all of Zhang Yongde’s worries about the future.

Seeing that his worries had subsided, Zhang Yongde smiled and gestured for his eldest son, Zhang Hao, to step forward.

"Why haven't you come forward to pay your respects to your uncles and elders yet?"

After Zhang Hao performed the rites of respect for his nephews and nieces, Zhang Yongde, Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, and others walked together into the city.

As the generals disappeared into Kaifeng, the curtain was slowly rising on another grand drama of the Five Dynasties period.

Night is falling.

Zhao Dexiu sat in the carriage, heading towards the imperial city with Li Duoruo.

After returning to the capital for more than a month, Zhao Dexiu was often busy with official duties and rarely returned to the Prince's residence.

Today, thanks to the banquet, Li Duoruo finally had some rare time to be alone with Zhao Dexiu.

As the carriage swayed, Zhao Dexiu quietly looked at Li Duoruo across from her.

The nation is the greater family, while his wife, standing opposite him, is his smaller family.

Without her noticing, Zhao Dexiu reached out and touched those smooth, delicate hands.

Feeling the warmth from her hand, Li Duruo's cheeks flushed slightly.

Although she was married, she still felt shy from time to time after marriage.

When Zhao Dexiu touched her fingers, she could feel the residual traces of some minor wounds.

Then a sound of pity came from Zhao Dexiu's mouth:
"There are plenty of maids in the mansion, why do you need to do the weaving yourself?"

When Zhao Dexiu became the Prince of Jin, Li Duruo also became the Princess of Jin.

According to the increasingly refined system of etiquette, the Princess Consort of Jin was a first-rank noblewoman, whose status was only below that of the Empress and the Empress Dowager.

Given Li Duoruo's status, even Zhao Guangyi has to bow to her when he sees her now.

Zhao Dexiu was very kind to his subordinates, let alone his own wife.

Zhao Dexiu's pity moved Li Duruo, and she then expressed her own views:

"The world is in chaos, and the people are displaced."

Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have decreed that the Empress Dowager's palace expenses should be based on frugality.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the royal family, I should naturally follow the tradition of frugality and set an example.

Generals Kuang Cao, Hu Yan, and Yang, among others, accompanied the official on his campaigns, protecting his safety.

I am powerless to offer advice for your great undertakings, so I can only weave cloth myself and give it to the families of the generals as a token of my gratitude.

I don't find it tiring.

Li Duruo's words made Zhao Dexiu even more emotional.

Having a virtuous wife is truly a great blessing for a man.

As Zhao Dexiu sighed, Li Duruo whispered again:
“The Prince’s Palace is being expanded. I think that Your Excellency could choose an area around the Prince’s Palace to build new residences for your subjects.”

This action not only demonstrates the official's care for his subordinates, but also saves him a lot of trouble when he summons them to discuss matters in the palace in the future.

Furthermore, I may summon my servants and family members to the Prince's residence for gatherings from time to time.

Since Zhao Dexiu became the crown prince, many things have been quietly changing.

The Prince of Jin's residence has become the Eastern Palace.

Since it is the Eastern Palace, the defense measures must naturally be of a higher standard.

The defensive measures not only referred to the strengthening of the palace guards, but also to the relocation of the residential houses around the palace.

Zhao Dexiu thought Li Duoruo's suggestion made a lot of sense.

"You are the princess, you have your own ideas about the affairs of the manor, so you can make your own arrangements."

As Zhao Dexiu became increasingly impressed by Li Duruo's virtue, he granted her even greater power.

After granting him authority, Zhao Dexiu still offered some pointers in certain areas:

"You should pay close attention to all the food and drink in the Prince's residence."

Those working in the kitchen and the medical room should not be employed unless they are trusted confidants.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu emphasized this point, Li Duruo nodded and kept it in mind.

"I understand, my lord, please rest assured."

At this moment, a solemn expression appeared on Li Duruo's youthful face.

This contrast amused Zhao Dexiu.

Then Li Duruo frowned her delicate eyebrows, and her cheeks slowly puffed up, like a little pufferfish with a heavy heart.

This scene made Zhao Dexiu unable to resist reaching out and pinching Li Duruo's cheek.

Caught off guard, Li Duruo instinctively let out a soft cry.

This soft exclamation shattered the solemnity she had painstakingly cultivated, revealing helplessness and shyness in her eyes.

"My lord, you, you..."

"Hahaha!"

Li Duruo's grievances made Zhao Dexiu laugh.

This burst of laughter, signifying a successful teasing, completely shattered Zhao Dexiu's air of imperial authority.

At the same time, the pressure that had been building up in Zhao Dexiu's heart over this period of time was also dispelled.

Who would have thought that His Highness Prince Jin, who enjoys such a great reputation in the world, actually has a rather "mischievous sense of humor" in private?
But he was still a young man.

Relaxing time always flies by.

As the carriage came to a stop, Zhao Dexiu's laughter gradually subsided—they had arrived at Yanfu Palace.

After suppressing his laughter, Zhao Dexiu released Li Duruo's hand:

"Your Majesty is kind and gentle. You will need to put in a lot of effort to appease the families of the generals."

Today, Zhao Kuangyin is hosting a banquet, inviting not only a group of high-ranking generals of the Imperial Guards, but also their families.

The banquet for the generals' families was held in Yanqing Palace.

"I will."

Gradually, Li Duruo regained her composure.

Hearing Li Duoruo's response, Zhao Dexiu stepped down from the carriage with relief.

Looking at Yanfu Palace hidden in the night, Zhao Dexiu strode inside, led by Wang Ji'en.

The grand show begins!
It was chilly outside, but the banquet hall inside Yanfu Palace was warm and cozy.

Holding the banquet in his bedchamber was a testament to Zhao Kuangyin's brotherly affection for Murong Yanzhao and others.

Best Director Zhao Kuangyin held a jade cup, his smile carrying a hint of alcohol and a touch of caution.

However, after turning his gaze to Zhao Dexiu, his cautious mood gradually eased.

With Zhao Dexiu's influence in the army becoming increasingly solid, today's events have a high chance of success.

"Come, brothers, drink this cup to the brim!"

Zhao Kuangyin raised his hand to signal, and Murong Yanzhao, Zhang Yongde, Shi Shouxin, Gao Huaide, Wang Shenqi and others present immediately raised their cups.

The wine splashed against the glass, bringing out the joyful laughter of the generals.

The generals present are all influential figures in the Imperial Guard.

They were all brothers who had fought alongside Zhao Kuangyin through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Every general's armor, which was stained with blood at home, was now stripped of its armor and replaced with brocade robes, allowing them to fully enjoy their honor and wealth.

The emperor personally addresses his brothers as a sign of great honor.

The banquet was filled with delicacies, a sign of wealth and luxury.

Even Zhang Yongde, one of the generals, still had a hint of restraint in his smile.

Zhao Dexiu noticed Zhang Yongde's restraint. He glanced at Zhao Kuangyin first, then picked up the wine pot and walked towards Zhang Yongde.

Zhao Dexiu's actions attracted the attention of the generals in the hall.

Zhang Yongde felt even more pressure, as the crown prince, who had the merit of destroying a country, was walking towards him.

Just as Zhang Yongde was about to get up and bow, Zhao Dexiu, quick-witted and agile, stepped forward and stopped him.

"My father said that today is a family banquet, so we should talk about the relationship between brothers and uncles and nephews."

As soon as Zhao Dexiu finished speaking, Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin and others burst into laughter, and Zhang Yongde's reserved demeanor lessened somewhat.

Before the Chenqiao Mutiny, Zhao Kuangyin often invited his brothers to banquets, and there were times when his eldest son, Zhao Dexiu, would offer a toast at these banquets.

Zhao Dexiu poured wine into Zhang Yongde's glass, then said in a warm tone:

“I have often heard my father speak of the assistance you provided to him back then, and I have always kept it in mind.”

As Zhao Dexiu recounted the past, Zhang Yongde's expression softened even more.

What many people don't know is that, despite being Guo Wei's son-in-law, Zhang Yongde was actually a huge fan of Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhang Yongde recognized Zhao Kuangyin's talent early on, especially in the Battle of Gaoping, where Zhou's army was able to turn defeat into victory largely due to Zhao Kuangyin's strategy of "attacking from both sides".

After that battle, Zhang Yongde believed that Zhao Kuangyin would surely achieve great things in the future, and often used his family's wealth to support the Zhao family.

Given Zhao Kuangyin's temperament, it's not surprising that Zhang Yongde remembered this incident.

Zhao Dexiu's ability to remember this incident and recount it publicly deeply moved Zhang Yongde.

"The Emperor's favor rests in the Crown Prince's heart," which is roughly equivalent to a pardon from death.

Zhang Yongde laughed twice and raised his glass to toast Zhao Dexiu.

"A true dragon is not something that can be confined to a pond. Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven."

"I am already extremely fortunate to have been able to curry favor with the imperial family; how dare I claim to have done them any favors?"

He said that, but Zhang Yongde couldn't suppress the joy in his voice.

Zhang Yongde's words brought the pleasant atmosphere at the table to a new level.

Amidst the increasingly joyful atmosphere of harmony between the emperor and his ministers, only Shi Shouxin among the generals had a somewhat strange expression.

Shi Shouxin was a rough man, but among all the generals present, he was the one who understood Zhao Kuangyin the most.

Shi Shouxin secretly observed Zhao Kuangyin's expression.

In the past, during banquets, Zhao Kuangyin would always pat him on the shoulder and jokingly scold him, "You blockhead," but not today.

Intuition gave Shi Shouxin a vague sense of unease.

Unbeknownst to the generals at the banquet, a large number of imperial guards were gathering in the palace under the cover of darkness.

This part of the Imperial Guard consisted entirely of soldiers who had returned from Zhao Dexiu's southern expedition.

Because the bestowal of titles and rewards has not yet been completed, they have not yet been returned to the jurisdiction of the Palace Guard and the Imperial Guard.

The tiger tally that currently commands them is firmly in Zhao Dexiu's grasp!

(End of this chapter)