Song Xiu

Chapter 67 The First Mouth Substitute, the Posture of the Imperial Ancestral Temple

The sound of drums that rang out outside the dragon tent quickly spread throughout the surrounding camps.

Upon hearing the drumbeats that signaled an audience, all the generals, except those responsible for defense, rushed toward the dragon tent.

Upon arriving outside the imperial tent, Shi Shouxin bumped into Li Chuyun—what a coincidence!

When the prospective father-in-law met the real father-in-law, Shi Shouxin's gaze was focused and naked, making Li Chuyun look away repeatedly.

Fortunately, this was outside the imperial tent, so Shi Shouxin didn't dare to be too presumptuous, otherwise he would have had to give Li Chuyun a piece of his mind.

As more and more civil and military officials arrived outside the tent, under the supervision of the master of ceremonies, they lined up in two rows and then entered the spacious dragon tent under the master of ceremonies' guidance.

Although they were away on campaign, the distinction between ruler and subject remained.

The dragon tent where Zhao Kuangyin was currently located held a status no different from that of the Chongyuan Hall in Kaifeng.

Since Murong Yanzhao was in charge of guarding the camp, Shi Shouxin, as the deputy commander of the palace guards, entered the tent first, being the highest-ranking official among the ministers.

As soon as he entered the main tent, Shi Shouxin noticed Zhao Kuangyin's gaze.

If we were to say that Zhao Pu and Shen Yilun were the closest to Zhao Kuangyin among the officials in the Prince's residence, then among the former "Ten Brothers of the Righteous Society," Shi Shouxin was the one with the closest relationship to Zhao Kuangyin.

Shi Shouxin joined Guo Wei's army around the same time as Zhao Kuangyin. Back when neither of them had yet risen to prominence, they often relied on each other for survival on the battlefield.

Zhao Kuangyin's gaze swept between Shi Shouxin and the military report on the table, and Shi Shouxin roughly understood Zhao Kuangyin's intention.

Shi Shouxin bowed slightly to Zhao Kuangyin to show that he understood.

Zhao Kuangyin's secret communication with Shi Shouxin went unnoticed by others.

After the officials entered the tent, they first bowed deeply to Zhao Kuangyin on the throne. Only after Zhao Kuangyin gestured that they could dispense with the formalities did they take their seats according to their rank.

Once all the officials were seated, Zhao Kuangyin handed the military report to Shen Yilun. After receiving the report, Shen Yilun began to read it aloud under the watchful eyes of the officials:

"Your Majesty, I, the Defense Commissioner of Chanzhou, have something to report."

Upon hearing this opening, all the ministers in the tent perked up.

Upon hearing the drumbeats, they all wondered what Zhao Kuangyin's purpose was in summoning them.

Upon hearing the words "Defense Commissioner of Chanzhou," any minister with even a modicum of political acumen knew that what followed would be anything but simple.

As for Shi Shouxin, he had secretly made all the preparations.

"Your subject received a secret imperial edict and led 5,000 elite troops of the Crane Control Force, traveling day and night, crossing the Taihang Mountains, and arriving directly at the city of Huguan."

When Shen Yilun read this sentence, most of the ministers in the tent who were unaware of the matter showed expressions of surprise.

All the officials knew that Zhao Dexiu had accompanied the army on the expedition, but after Zhao Kuangyin arrived outside Gaoping City, Zhao Dexiu was not seen in several meetings.

At that time, many ministers believed that Zhao Kuangyin had left Zhao Dexiu in Luoyang.

Everyone knew perfectly well that Zhao Dexiu had joined the army to earn merit.

Given Zhao Dexiu's status, even if Zhao Kuangyin were willing to let him go, Zhao Dexiu himself would likely be unwilling to personally go to the battlefield.

For this reason, it was the best arrangement for Zhao Kuangyin to keep him in Luoyang and let him bask in the glory of "guarding the Western Capital".

These were the thoughts of the vast majority of the ministers previously.

That's why, when they heard the truth that was completely contrary to their inner guesses, their faces would involuntarily show surprise.

Especially after Shi Shouxin's remarks spread throughout the tent:
"The stone steps are winding and steep, the jagged rocks reach the sky, the horse's hooves stumble on the side stones, and the wheels of the carriage crush the high hills!"

Whenever I think of these two lines of poetry by Li Bai that describe the extremely treacherous roads of the Taihang Mountains, I am filled with admiration for the courage of the Prefect.

Who wouldn't cherish their life? Especially a marquis, a man of high rank and authority.

However, the Marquis is willing to risk his life for the country; this is a blessing for the nation!

When a warrior recites a poem, it means things are becoming complicated.

Inside the tent, the ministers pondered Li Bai's poem intently.

The poet's writing was enough to vividly depict the perilous Taihang Mountain roads in the minds of the courtiers in the tent.

As for military officials, it goes without saying. Many military officials had traversed similar mountain paths, and they had a more direct understanding of the treacherousness of the Taihang Mountain paths.

The more he experienced, the more the ministers in the tent would admire Zhao Dexiu's courage.

The facts presented in the military report, coupled with Shi Shouxin's well-timed remarks, quietly established Zhao Dexiu's image as "courageous and devoted to the country" in the hearts of the officials in the tent.

While admiring Zhao Dexiu, Shen Yilun also gave Shi Shouxin a deep look.

This man has the bearing of someone from the Imperial Ancestral Temple!
Taking advantage of the atmosphere created by Shi Shouxin, Shen Yilun seized the opportunity to continue reading:

"The rebels relied on the strategic importance of Huguan Pass and neglected to repair the city's defenses, resulting in many breaches in the defenses."

I climbed to a high vantage point to observe the enemy and saw that their banners were in disarray and their military discipline was poor. That night, I ordered a thousand crane-riding soldiers to be the vanguard and launch a surprise attack on Huguan under the cover of darkness.

The crane-controlling army surged like a black tide, their courageous cries echoing across the Taihang Mountains.

My subordinate general, Huyan Zan, used a hook to breach the city walls and stormed inside. The enemy troops were terrified and scattered in large numbers, allowing me to capture their general alive.

When Shen Yilun read this passage, his eyes were filled with joy.

He had just guessed that Zhao Dexiu had done something brilliant, but he never expected that it would be the capture of Huguan.

Before the initial shock had subsided, the officials in the tent heard that Zhao Dexiu had launched a surprise attack and captured Huguan.

Many people looked shocked.

Even the civil officials who accompanied Zhao Kuangyin on his personal campaigns all knew a little about military strategy, and they had seen the map of Luzhou many times.

Many people inside the tent knew the importance of capturing Huguan.

"Great! Well done!"

Now that Huguan Pass is in our hands, our army can advance directly to Shangdang.

If the Marquis can capture Shangdang, the rebel army outside Gaoping will collapse without a fight.

This is truly a gift from heaven, a true hero who will protect the nation of our Great Song!

As a sworn brother of Zhao Kuangyin, on whom he placed great hopes, Shi Shouxin never disappointed him.

What's the point of keeping some things to yourself?
To maximize the effect of making Zhao Dexiu's exceptional talent known to everyone, it is essential to make it public.

Shi Shouxin spoke excitedly and pointed out the importance of Zhao Dexiu's capture of Huguan.

Shi Shouxin's words also openly revealed his admiration for Zhao Dexiu.

At other times, no matter how much Shi Shouxin praised Zhao Dexiu, it wouldn't have much effect.

But he is currently in the military.

In the military, age, rank, and seniority are not the most important factors; the most important factor is combat merit!

Every word Shi Shouxin said praising Zhao Dexiu was based on facts; in the chaotic world of the army, "the capable are kings."

Who would object, and who would dare to object?

Under Shi Shouxin's leadership, many ministers became restless.

They were pleased with the Song army's partial victory and were also impressed and shocked by Zhao Dexiu's courage and military strategy.

To have such talent at only sixteen years old, what about the future?

The future of the Song Dynasty is becoming increasingly promising!
After Shi Shouxin finished speaking, many ministers bowed and clapped their tablets in delight, saying:
"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations!"

The numerous loud congratulatory voices gathered together, causing the solemn dragon tent to tremble slightly.

Hearing the waves of congratulations rising and falling inside the tent, Zhao Kuangyin no longer needed to hide his joy.

A hearty laugh erupted from Zhao Kuangyin's mouth and lasted for a long time.

"We should celebrate for the Great Song Dynasty!"

(End of this chapter)