Song Xiu

Chapter 25: The Ambition of Zhao Guangyi Revealed

On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, the imperial city, which had just celebrated the Lantern Festival, was devoid of any post-festival atmosphere.

Perhaps because of the gloomy weather, Zhao Dexiu felt a bit oppressed as he walked along the palace path, and he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

After exhaling the pent-up frustration in his chest, Zhao Dexiu felt that the pressure in his heart had lessened somewhat.

Today is the day Zhang Dejun will bring Yao Shu into Yande Palace.

With this matter on his mind, Zhao Dexiu could not possibly be at ease.

Zhao Dezhao, who was standing to the side, noticed that Zhao Dexiu was in a bad mood. Afraid of getting his bottom hurt, he obediently followed behind Zhao Defang, not daring to make a sound.

Fortunately, the period of frustration eventually came to an end, and soon the two of them arrived at Yanqing Palace.

Once inside Yanqing Palace, with Empress Wang protecting him, Zhao Dezhao immediately let loose and, taking advantage of Zhao Dexiu's inattention, pulled a palace eunuch towards the open space outside the palace.

In the open space outside Yanqing Palace, there was a large tree, and Zhao Dezhao keenly sensed that there might be a bird's nest on it.

Knowing that discipline should be lenient yet balanced, Zhao Dexiu did not continue to try to stop Zhao Dezhao this time.

Zhao Dexiu turned his attention to Empress Wang, whose health was gradually improving: "Mother, how about we play a game of chess today?"

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu was interested in playing chess, Empress Wang naturally did not refuse.

After the eunuch brought the chessboard and placed it between the two, Empress Wang, knowing that Zhao Dexiu preferred to play black, took the initiative to pick up the white pieces.

In Go, the player with the black pieces moves first.

Zhao Dexiu did not refuse and took out a black piece and tapped it on the chessboard.

Soon, the quiet palace was filled with the crisp sound of black and white chess pieces falling.

After several rounds, Empress Wang noticed that Zhao Dexiu's chess moves had changed somewhat.

In the past, Zhao Dexiu's chess style tended to be defensive, but today, Zhao Dexiu showed an intention to take the initiative and attack during the game.

Zhao Dexiu's change in chess strategy further piqued Empress Wang's interest, and in order to break the somewhat dull atmosphere, Empress Wang took the initiative to ask:

"You may visit His Majesty when you have time."

Empress Wang's words surprised Zhao Dexiu.

As Zhao Dexiu placed his piece, he said, "Your Majesty is burdened with state affairs and I cannot see him."

What Zhao Dexiu said is true.

How could he, who wanted to project an image of benevolence and filial piety to the world, possibly neglect to pay his respects to Zhao Kuangyin?
However, when he arrived earlier, Zhao Kuangyin was discussing state affairs with his ministers and only sent a eunuch to let him leave first.

"Simply study diligently and greet the two lords daily."

This was an imperial edict delivered to Zhao Kuangyin by a palace attendant.

Every word spoken by the emperor is a sacred edict.

If it weren't for this imperial edict, Zhao Dexiu would have long ago used the pretext of inquiring about the emperor's well-being to actually observe the government's affairs.

Empress Wang was naturally aware of Zhao Kuangyin's imperial edict, but as a wife and mother, she saw things more clearly.

Do you know why His Majesty gives you a reward every few days? Besides having expectations of you, it is also a subtle way of expressing his longing for you.

His Majesty previously declined to see you due to his busy schedule, but His Majesty always has free time, and when he does, he wants to see you.

After hearing Empress Wang's explanation, Zhao Dexiu wanted to blurt out, "Father, you can issue a decree to summon me."

But he swallowed the words that were about to come out.

Isn't this what fatherly love has always been like in China? Profound yet very subtle.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu seemed to be deep in thought, Empress Wang smiled and stopped talking about the matter.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Dexiu spoke:
"Perhaps soon, I will be able to see Father Emperor more often."

When Empress Wang heard this, she thought that Zhao Dexiu had finally understood thanks to his guidance, but she was wrong.

As a prince, he might have difficulty meeting Zhao Kuangyin due to his busy schedule with state affairs, but what if, in the near future, he was no longer just a prince?

In politics, patience and perseverance are sometimes essential.

But Zhao Dexiu was young and impetuous, and there were some things he couldn't tolerate.

They've already extended their reach into his Yeondeok Palace; you've overstepped your bounds, Uncle!
Because he had something on his mind, Zhao Dexiu made his moves even faster.

As black pieces were placed one by one, the situation in the game gradually became unfavorable for Queen Wang.

This made Empress Wang secretly sigh:
The sharp edge of youth is hard to resist!
Inside Yanqing Palace, a chess game was in full swing.

Inside Yande Palace, an unseen confrontation was about to begin. Zhang Dejun, leading Yao Shu who was holding a memorial, strode into Yande Palace.

Lately, the eunuchs and maids in Yeondeok Palace have become accustomed to the arrival of the eunuchs from Yeonbok Palace, and no one pays any attention to them.

After leading Yao Shu to Wei Renpu's room, Zhang Dejun pointed to the memorial in Yao Shu's hand and said, "In the past, memorials that His Majesty had reviewed were first sent directly to Wei Renpu's room."

"I've found out for you these past few days that the eldest and second princes won't be back at the palace for about half an hour. Make good use of your time."

After saying this, Zhang Dejun walked away, holding Zhao Kuangyin's reward in his hands.

Zhao Pu had Zhao Guangyi's men by his side.

Under these circumstances, it wouldn't have been difficult for Zhao Guangyi to appoint Yao Shu as a clerk to deliver memorials to Wei Renpu.

However, each memorial was delivered simultaneously with Zhao Kuangyin's bestowal of rewards, and the timing of the rewards' arrival at Yande Palace was entirely controlled by eunuchs such as Zhang Dejun.

Moreover, if the eunuchs who deliver the rewards at Yanfu Palace are not bribed, it will be easy for Yao Shu to be discovered if he stays in Wei Renpu's room for too long.

Seeing that Zhang Dejun had handled his request very well, Yao Shu nodded in satisfaction.

Then he entered Wei Renpu's room with the memorial in his hand.

Wei Renpu, who was enjoying his tea, saw a minor official enter carrying documents and a sense of unease arose in his mind.

In the past, the clerk would deliver documents in the afternoon, so why was it in the morning today? However, this doubt quickly disappeared from Wei Renpu's mind.

Wei Renpu said calmly, "Just place the memorial on the table to the side."

In the past, when Wei Renpu said these words, the clerk would do as he was told and leave quickly, but today was different.

Yao Shu placed the memorial in his hand on the table to the side, but he did not leave immediately.

After bowing to Wei Renpu, Yao Shu said as if presenting a treasure:

"I came with a message."

"If Duke Wei is willing, my wise ruler can help him regain power."

Yao Shu spoke with great confidence.

He believed that Wei Renpu, who had long held power, would not be able to resist the temptation of those words.

Sure enough, after he said those words, Wei Renpu immediately put down his teacup and looked up at him.

"Who are you here for?"

Having spent many years in politics, Wei Renpu has seen it all.

He had done this sort of thing—sending messages through every available opportunity—a basic tactic for politicians.

Wei Renpu originally thought that Yao Shu in front of him might have been sent by a high-ranking official in the outer court, or he might have been instructed by a powerful vassal state on the frontier.

Do they want to form an alliance with them by helping themselves?
But when Wei Renpu heard the name Yao Shu mentioned, he could no longer remain calm.

"My wise ruler, the current Commander of the Palace Guards, is His Majesty's younger brother, Zhao Guangyi."

"Zhao Guangyi?!"

Wei Renpu was both shocked and furious. He never expected that Zhao Guangyi, who had a reputation for virtue, would do such a thing!

Wei Renpu slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly: "Using the emperor's position, he secretly colludes with ministers to gain his support. What is he trying to do!"

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell His Majesty about this?"

Enraged, Wei Renpu directly threatened him.

However, Yao Shu remained calm in the face of Wei Renpu's threats.

There must be a reason why he dared to mention Zhao Guangyi's name directly in front of Wei Renpu.

"I cannot stop Lord Wei from doing what he wants."

But now it's just the two of us in the room; who in the world would believe Lord Wei's words?

Yao Shu's words left Wei Renpu speechless.

In his rage, he momentarily forgot this point.

Without concrete evidence, let alone Zhao Kuangyin, even Zhao Dexiu probably wouldn't believe that his good uncle would actually think of competing with him for the throne.

"Don't let strangers interfere with relatives"—Zhao Pu was defeated by these four words in history.

(End of this chapter)