Song Xiu

Chapter 135 Soldiers and Wine as a Match: Releasing Military Power

During the banquet, while the alluring dancers performed, Zhao Dexiu personally raised his wine cup and toasted each of the generals present.

After Zhao Dexiu finished offering his toast and returned to his seat, Zhao Kuangyin first looked at Wang Shenqi, who had just returned to the capital from Huainan to report on his duties.

All the generals present knew that Wang Shenqi could not drink alcohol and would get dizzy if he did.

After observing Wang Shenqi for a while, Zhao Kuangyin, looking somewhat drowsy, gazed at the sky and asked:

"Wine is a gift from heaven; Shen Qi is my close friend from humble beginnings. He is about to share wealth and honor with me, so why should I prevent him from drinking?"

After Zhao Kuangyin finished his questioning, he raised his wine cup towards Wang Shenqi and encouraged him, saying:

"Heaven will surely grant you a high alcohol tolerance. Try drinking, don't be afraid."

Encouraged by Zhao Kuangyin, Wang Shenqi raised several cups of wine and drank them in succession.

After drinking several glasses of wine, Wang Shenqi showed no signs of dizziness.

This strange phenomenon surprised the generals and made Shi Shouxin increasingly uneasy.

In the past, Zhao Kuangyin knew that Wang Shenqi could not drink alcohol, so he never took the initiative to persuade him to drink.

today?

While Shi Shouxin was puzzled, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly waved his hand, dismissing the eunuchs and dancers in the hall.

At that moment, the candlelight in the palace went out and crackled.

Amidst the crackling sounds, Zhao Kuangyin put down his wine cup, his fingertips lightly tapping on the table, and began to speak:
"Shen Qi cannot drink alcohol; it's in his nature."

However, one's nature can be altered by the emperor's prayers to Heaven.

"With the emperor's word law and his decrees becoming law, being an emperor should have been a very happy thing."

When Zhao Kuangyin got to this point, Murong Yanzhao also began to realize that something was wrong.

As the atmosphere at the banquet subtly shifted, Zhao Kuangyin let out a heavy sigh:
"To tell my brothers the truth, this throne is not as secure for me as it was when I was a military governor!"

As soon as Zhao Kuangyin said this, the banquet where everyone was toasting each other fell silent.

In the quiet atmosphere, just as Gao Huaide was about to speak, Zhao Kuangyin turned to look at him, his eyes devoid of any smile:
“Huai De, you married my sister, so our two families are very close relatives.”

But when you lie in bed at night, have you ever thought about:
What if one day your subordinate bursts in carrying a yellow robe and drapes it over you? Could you refuse?

Upon hearing this, Gao Huaide's expression changed drastically.

The wine glass in his hand clattered onto the table, splashing wine onto his clothes.

He then hurriedly stood up, and in his haste, his knee hit the table.

Before he could even cry out in pain, Gao Huaide knelt down with a thud and shouted:

"Your Majesty! I absolutely do not."

Before Gao Huaide could begin his panicked explanation, Zhao Kuangyin extended his hand in a gesture of support:
"Get up, get up."

"I don't doubt you."

After temporarily calming Gao Huaide down, Zhao Kuangyin turned his gaze to the assembled generals, his voice growing increasingly deep:

Most of you were present when Chenqiaoyi happened last year.

At that time, the crowd was in an uproar, and the soldiers were eager to drape the yellow robe over my body, putting me in a dilemma.

If it weren't for Yuan Ying's quick thinking, a major disaster would have been imminent.

I couldn't say no that day, but if one day your subordinates do the same, can you say no?

Zhao Kuangyin's words were like a block of ice, instantly extinguishing the warmth and intoxication of the banquet.

Compared to before, Zhao Kuangyin's words now were addressed to all his generals.

The emperor's imposing presence startled the assembled generals, who all rose to their feet and knelt before Zhao Kuangyin, just as Gao Huaide had done.

The general rose in great anxiety, and like Gao Huaide, he knocked over the food table in front of him.

The wine pot, wine cups, and food plates on the table fell to the ground one after another, creating a sharp and noisy sound.

When the noise from the banquet reached the outer room, the generals faintly heard sounds that alarmed them even more:

The heavy clanging of armor!

Cold sweat poured from the foreheads of the kneeling generals, dripping onto the ground.

Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, Wang Shenqi, Zhang Yongde and others clenched their fists in fear, their knuckles turning white from the force.

All the generals sensed the emperor's suspicion.

Was the massacre of the Five Dynasties ultimately irreversible?

Amidst their fear, the generals couldn't help but feel sorrow.

Just as the atmosphere at the banquet was becoming increasingly desperate, Zhao Dexiu's shout brought a glimmer of hope to the generals.

Zhao Dexiu looked reluctant and knelt down directly in front of Zhao Kuangyin.

Before the assembled generals, Zhao Dexiu bowed to Zhao Kuangyin and said:

"No, Father."

My uncles, we will not betray the Song Dynasty!

While paying homage, Zhao Dexiu tried his best to "defend" the generals.

Zhao Dexiu's benevolence and righteousness shone like a ray of dawn on the generals, giving them hope for the future.

Led by Zhao Dexiu, the generals all kowtowed to Zhao Kuangyin, exclaiming in surprise:
"We dare not, we dare not!"

Zhao Dexiu's strong defense prompted Zhao Kuangyin to give him a reproachful look, seemingly dissatisfied with his "weakness".

Then, a look of reluctance appeared on Zhao Kuangyin's face, and he said with deep helplessness in his tone:

“You are all my brothers.”

Am I the kind of person who would slaughter my own brothers?

I am truly uneasy!
Is there any way to achieve both the brotherly bond and the protection of the nation?

Zhao Kuangyin's new attitude fueled the growing hope in the hearts of his generals.

Shi Shouxin, who knew Zhao Kuangyin well, was the first to react.

"I am foolish and have never thought of these things."

"Your Majesty, please show me the way!"

As soon as Shi Shouxin finished speaking, the generals hurriedly repeated his words in alarm.

Seeing that the atmosphere had been sufficiently built, Zhao Dexiu quickly raised his head, looked at the generals, and said:
"Uncles, do not panic. Our father is benevolent and has never intended to kill anyone."

The Emperor's intention was simply to prevent a rift from developing between the Emperor and his subjects. If such a rift were to develop, how could the wealth and honor of the realm continue to be shared?
A real man lives for wealth and glory.

If my uncles could relinquish their military power, acquire more beautiful mansions and singing girls, and enjoy the pleasures of each day, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?

Seemingly fearing that the delay would harm his uncles, Zhao Dexiu, in a moment of desperation, offered a solution that would benefit both sides for the generals.

As soon as Zhao Dexiu finished speaking, Zhao Kuangyin hesitated, but ultimately did not refute him.

This represents the default.

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's suggestion, many of the generals hesitated.

Having enjoyed power for so long, how could one easily give it up?

Moreover, military power is the foundation of self-preservation; if it were relinquished...
Seeing that the generals still had reservations, Zhao Dexiu became "very anxious".

Zhao Dexiu repeatedly bowed to Zhao Kuangyin:
"Both Dezhao and the Marquis of Tianshui are approaching marriageable age."

In addition, most of the older and younger sisters are still unmarried.

Your Majesty, I humbly request that you grant them this marriage!

As soon as Zhao Dexiu's voice rang out, the generals' faces showed signs of interest.

Marrying into the royal family could indeed greatly reduce the risk of persecution in the future.

Zhao Dexiu's suggestion did not require much consideration from Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Kuangyin turned his gaze to Shi Shouxin:
"You blockhead, what are you crying for? We're brothers!"
The King of Jin is benevolent and has shown you a path to happiness.

Tomorrow when you return to your residence, submit a memorial stating that your old injuries have flared up and you are unable to continue fighting, and request to resign due to illness.

I will grant your permission.

I'll prepare land, houses, gold, silver, and courtesans for you, and I'll arrange for princes to marry your daughters and princesses to marry your sons.

"From now on, the royal family will be your in-laws. The Shi family will be wealthy and powerful, sharing the fate of the nation. Wouldn't that be better than the current situation, where you're wary of me and I'm wary of you?"

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin pointed at Zhao Dexiu and said:
"The future ruler is naturally benevolent and filial. What are you still hesitating for?"

Zhao Kuangyin's tone was full of sincerity. The single word "idiot" deeply moved Shi Shouxin.

After realizing Zhao Kuangyin's sincerity, Shi Shouxin had no more hesitation.

He kowtowed deeply to Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Dexiu, his voice trembling with tears: "Your Majesty, I thank you for granting my request to the Prince of Jin!"

Shi Shouxin's initial surrender successfully created an opening.

As the generals gazed at Zhao Dexiu's figure, they suddenly recalled his power in destroying a nation.

If we rashly resist, will the Imperial Guards necessarily listen to us?
The rewards they all brought to the Imperial Guards were less than what Zhao Dexiu alone brought.

Upon realizing this, the image of Zhao Dexiu pleading for mercy several times resurfaced in the minds of the generals.

Next came Zhang Yongde, followed by Murong Yanzhao, Wang Shenqi, Gao Huaide, and others.

Before long, the kneeling generals all shouted "I bow!"

"I wish to resign due to illness."

The cheers finally brought a smile to Zhao Kuangyin's face.

"Get up! What are you kneeling for?"

"Get up and drink!"

Zhao Kuangyin rose and, with Zhao Dexiu by his side, helped each of the kneeling generals to their feet.

"These words today are just drunken ramblings between brothers!"

At Zhao Kuangyin's command, the eunuchs re-entered the palace to arrange the banquet.

The next moment, the effects of the alcohol spread again.

As the wine cups clinked again, squads of armored soldiers were quietly moving away from the outside.

It's as if nothing ever happened?

Only when Zhao Dexiu raised his cup to toast Zhao Kuangyin did a knowing smile appear between the father and son.

The massacres of the Five Dynasties will eventually fade into the past.

The wine tonight is especially sweet.

A few days later, Zhao Dexiu personally went to Wei's residence to see Wei Renpu off.

In previous bestowals, Zhao Dexiu was appointed as the Governor of Henan.

Henan Prefecture was the location of Luoyang, the Western Capital.

Logically, Zhao Dexiu should go to Luoyang to personally oversee the situation, but recently there have been many affairs in the court, and Zhao Dexiu is unable to leave in the short term.

However, Zhao Dexiu could not afford to overlook this important location.

Fortunately, Zhao Dexiu now has no shortage of talented people under his command.

After becoming the Prince of Jin, Zhao Dexiu appointed Wei Renpu as the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Jin's Palace.

If we compare the Prince of Jin's office to Zhao Dexiu's political affairs hall, then the Prince of Jin's chief secretary is equivalent to the co-prime minister.

In addition to this appointment, Zhao Dexiu also recommended Wei Renpu as the Vice Magistrate of Henan.

As the name suggests, Shao Yin is the deputy to the prefect.

When the prefect is absent, the vice prefect takes charge of all military and political affairs of the prefecture.

Zhao Dexiu's appointment of Wei Renpu clearly shows that he wanted Wei Renpu to take charge of Luoyang for him and lay a solid foundation for him.

Today, all the formalities are complete, and it is the day Wei Renpu departs for Luoyang.

Wei Renpu was very pleased when Zhao Dexiu arrived at the mansion.

Since returning to the capital, Zhao Dexiu has been busy with the affairs of bestowing titles and rewards upon the Imperial Guards, and rarely has any free time.

The fact that Zhao Dexiu could take time out of her busy schedule to see her off is enough to demonstrate how much Zhao Dexiu values ​​her.

Inside the mansion, Zhao Dexiu performed the master-disciple etiquette with Wei Renpu.

Even though times have changed, Zhao Dexiu has never forgotten who helped him when he was weak and vulnerable.

Wei Renpu couldn't refuse Zhao Dexiu, so after Zhao Dexiu finished bowing, he helped Zhao Dexiu up.

Inspired by the bond between master and disciple, Wei Renpu said with a smile:

"The King of Qin has Qutu Tong, and the King of Jin has Chen; they are a perfect match!"

Qu Tutong was a trusted minister of Li Shimin. When Li Shimin was either fighting on all sides or living in Chang'an, it was Qu Tutong who governed Luoyang so well that "people only knew about the Prince of Qin and did not know about the court."

Wei Renpu styled himself as Qu Tu Tong, the deeper meaning of which only the wise understand.

Wei Renpu's words made Zhao Dexiu feel somewhat apologetic.

The weather has been cold in recent months, and Wei Renpu has caught a cold.

Wei Renpu had just recovered from his illness a few days ago and was about to head west to take over his post in Luoyang.

Seeing the apology on Zhao Dexiu's face, Wei Renpu didn't take it to heart.

"With peace and tranquility drawing near, this old minister is full of energy."

Wei Renpu's pointed remark made Zhao Dexiu burst into laughter.

Zhao Dexiu helped Wei Renpu sit down, and then said:

"Is the teacher going to talk about the generals' resignation?"

Zhao Dexiu's quick wit made Wei Renpu stroke his beard and smile with satisfaction.

After that night, generals such as Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, and Zhang Yongde successively submitted memorials to "resign from power due to illness".

Seeing that his generals had kept their word, Zhao Kuangyin was very pleased.

Zhao Kuangyin kept his promise, on the one hand agreeing to the resignations of the generals, and on the other hand bestowing generous rewards upon them.

This matter has recently caused quite a stir in Kaifeng.

Ordinary people might just watch the spectacle, but Wei Renpu, with his seasoned experience, saw through the complexity behind this matter.

Seeing that Wei Renpu had some suspicions, Zhao Dexiu recounted the events of that night in detail.

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's account, Wei Renpu was shocked and speechless for a long time.

After a long silence, Wei Renpu finally spoke, praising:
"Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, every change in military power has been accompanied by massacres."

"Now, Your Majesty and Your Highness have used a cup of wine to release military power, reversing the bad habits of the Five Dynasties in one fell swoop. This event will surely be sung throughout the ages."

In response to Wei Renpu's high praise, Zhao Dexiu replied:
"The events of the past are too distant. I only know that after the generals leave the capital, no one in the Central Plains will be able to challenge the authority of the central government."

Why hold the "releasing military power over a cup of wine" event at the beginning of the year?
The key point is that the imperial court will carry out the "abolishing the military governors and sending them to prefectures".

To successfully carry out this task, the first thing the imperial court needed to do was to completely control the Imperial Guards.

The imperial court refers to the emperor and the Prince of Jin.

To achieve this goal, the military power of Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, and others must be revoked.

The reason for targeting these generals is that they held great prestige within the Imperial Guard, unlike other generals.

Military power is a concept, not just a military post or a tally.

Personal prestige in the military is also a manifestation of military power.

Although in terms of personal prestige, Murong Yanzhao, Shi Shouxin, and others are no longer comparable to Zhao Dexiu.

Even if they cause trouble within the Imperial Guards, with Zhao Dexiu going to suppress them, there is a high probability that the situation can be brought under control.

But the army is a beast.

Whether the situation can be controlled afterward is one thing; the important thing is to prevent any possibility of unrest beforehand.

Wei Renpu was aware of Zhao Dexiu's intention to "abolish the power of the prefecture."

Knowing the importance of this matter, Wei Renpu spoke to Zhao Dexiu:

"It is only natural for people to be attached to power and position after the military power has been relinquished."

"Why doesn't Your Highness take another step and appease the generals?"

Seeing that Wei Renpu had a brilliant plan, Zhao Dexiu asked, "Please tell me, teacher."

Under Zhao Dexiu's questioning, Wei Renpu spoke:
"The Khitan mission is available."

Khitan delegation?

If Wei Renpu hadn't mentioned it, Zhao Dexiu would have almost forgotten about them.

(End of this chapter)