Song Xiu

Chapter 9 The end of the old dynasty
Because the news of the enemy's invasion had not been verified beforehand, Wei Renpu had always had doubts about the fact that tens of thousands of imperial guards were going on this expedition.

It's not that Wei Renpu foresaw Zhao Kuangyin's scheme; rather, it was the sense of crisis that came from having no clue whatsoever that was most terrifying.

Without knowing the truth, it is possible that Zhao Kuangyin was secretly plotting a conspiracy, but it is more likely that Li Yun and Li Chongjin, who are stationed on the frontier, or Han Tong, who is currently stationed at the palace!
It should be noted that when Guo Wei was alive, Li Chongjin, Guo Wei's nephew, actively competed with Chai Rong for the throne!
After learning from Deputy General Shi Shouxin that Zhao Kuangyin's eldest son, Zhao Dexiu, had brought back important news, Wei Renpu's suspicions towards Li Jun and Li Chongjin deepened.

Since they had already sent their sons back to report the news, what reason did Wei Renpu have to doubt Zhao Kuangyin?

Given Zhao Kuangyin's status, if he had discovered something, he could have openly reported it to the court. Why did he need to send his eldest son back?

Unless Zhao Kuangyin believed that the news should not be easily leaked, he could only send the inconspicuous but trustworthy Zhao Dexiu back to the capital.

As for why Zhao Dexiu came to find him first after returning,
This is perfectly normal.

As the Grand Councilor of the Privy Council and the only one among the three prime ministers of the Great Zhou Dynasty who understood military affairs, it was indeed the best arrangement for him to come to me first.

So what news will Zhao Dexiu bring back?

Wei Renpu remembered Guo Wei's kindness in recognizing his talent. The current ruler was young and the country was in danger. He could not let anything happen to the Great Zhou!
The idea of ​​supporting the Great Zhou to repay Guo Wei inadvertently further influenced Wei Renpu's judgment.

Even the usually composed Wei Renpu couldn't help but feel anxious at this moment.

Wei Renpu hurriedly asked Shi Shouxin's deputy general:
Where is Zhao Dexiu now?

“I saw that he seemed to have injuries in a secluded spot within the palace.”

Since there were classified documents to bring back, it was the right thing to do not come directly to the Privy Council in order to prevent leaks.

Upon hearing that Zhao Dexiu was injured, Wei Renpu became even more anxious.

Young Master Zhao, you must hold on!

"Take me there quickly!"

After Wei Renpu followed Deputy General Shi Shouxin out of the Privy Council, he realized that it was already completely bright outside.

After estimating the time in his mind, Wei Renpu knew that the celebration ceremony in Chongyuan Hall was about to begin.

Wei Renpu had no time to think about the celebration ceremony; he was following closely behind Deputy General Shi Shouxin, heading in one direction.

Soon after, Wei Renpu was taken by Deputy General Shi Shouxin to an abandoned courtyard inside the palace.

Before Wei Renpu could react, Shi Shouxin, the deputy general who was supposed to lead the way, opened the courtyard gate and quickly disappeared before his eyes.

This unusual action immediately alerted Wei Renpu.

Sensing something was wrong, Wei Renpu turned to leave.

But once a bird enters the large urn specially prepared for it, even if it is a phoenix, how can it possibly escape with wings?

Almost the instant Wei Renpu turned around, a group of dozens of elite soldiers rushed out from the courtyard and surrounded him.

Seeing the soldiers surrounding him, all dressed in imperial guard uniforms, Wei Renpu was so shocked that he involuntarily took two steps back.

At this point, how could he not realize that he had been deceived by Shi Shouxin?

Given Shi Shouxin's relationship with Zhao Kuangyin, Wei Renpu instantly made a judgment that plunged him into an icy abyss—Zhao Kuangyin was very likely to rebel!
Among the many suspects, Zhao Kuangyin was considered the least likely, but Wei Renpu knew that if he rebelled, the harm he would cause would be the greatest.

But Wei Renpu had been through a lot, and he quickly calmed down.

"Commander Zhao is really quick; he set off yesterday and launched a rebellion today."

Does Commander Zhao think that he can rest easy once he has me under control?

I've heard that Commander Zhao has three brilliant strategists under his command. I wonder which one orchestrated all of this today? Why don't they come out and meet us?"

As Wei Renpu spoke these words, his eyes were fixed on the courtyard with the gate slightly ajar.

He knew that the mastermind behind his trap was likely there.

Even at this moment, Wei Renpu did not believe that he would definitely lose the Great Zhou.

The Five Dynasties period was a time of chaos and estrangement between rulers and their subjects; loyalty to one's lord was a luxury in those times.

Most of Zhao Kuangyin's subordinates followed him in rebellion for wealth and power. If loyalty and righteousness were lacking, and considering only self-interest, Wei Renpu believed that his silver tongue might be enough to persuade the mastermind.

Once he returns to the Privy Council, with the power to mobilize troops and his strategic acumen, he will surely be able to turn the tide once again!
At Wei Renpu's urging, the courtyard gate opened on time.

As the imperial guards stepped aside, Wei Renpu could clearly see who was walking out of the courtyard.

It wasn't Zhao Pu, Shen Yilun, or the others he had imagined, but a young-looking person.

"you you"

Looking at the boy in his eyes, Wei Renpu could no longer control his emotions.

Wei Renpu could accept that he was momentarily caught off guard and deceived by shrewd strategists like Zhao Pu; he could even accept that he had fallen into the trap set by the hot-tempered Shi Shouxin.

How could he be a teenager? How could he be a teenager!
A reputation for integrity built over decades.

Wei Renpu's mentality is already showing signs of collapse.

When Zhao Dexiu heard Wei Renpu's stuttering words, he thought Wei Renpu was asking his name.

Having received a good education in respecting the elderly and caring for the young in later generations, Zhao Dexiu was happy to answer Wei Renpu's questions:

"Lord Wei, I am Zhao Dexiu, the one you sought to see!"

Zhao Dexiu's words struck Wei Renpu like a heavy hammer blow.

Zhao Kuangyin's eldest son?
If it were anyone else, Wei Renpu would be confident enough to persuade them, but Zhao Dexiu was the only one he could not be swayed by.

Because Wei Renpu couldn't offer a better deal than the "first candidate for the crown prince of the new dynasty".

Seeing Zhao Dexiu's sincere smile, Wei Renpu's heart could no longer hold back.

As Wei Renpu recalled the dying wishes of the two wise rulers, Guo Wei and Chai Rong, a wave of dizziness slowly washed over him.

He, who was entrusted with high hopes, was tricked by a young man without realizing it, and thus could no longer protect the empire built by Guo Wei.

The thought of this made Wei Renpu feel extremely angry, and he fainted on the spot.

Wei Renpu's sudden fainting startled Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Dexiu immediately ordered people to carry Wei Renpu to the Imperial Hospital.

Even now, Zhao Dexiu still has a good impression of Wei Renpu.

The reason he was able to outwit Wei Renpu today is not because his wisdom is superior to Wei Renpu's, but because he has the advantage of being a prophet.

If it weren't for the prophetic insight of a time traveler, Zhao Dexiu would never have believed that Zhao Kuangyin's control over Kaifeng had already reached an unbelievable level.

In addition, Wei Renpu's deep affection for the Great Zhou Dynasty and his concern leading to confusion were also important reasons.

After watching Wei Renpu leave, Zhao Dexiu withdrew his gaze.

Now that he had completed the task assigned to him by Zhao Kuangyin, it was time to reunite with Pan Mei, Shi Shouxin, and others.

By this time, they must have completely taken control of the palace's defenses.

Just then, a melodious bell rang out from the Chongyuan Hall in the distance.

The sound of the bells symbolized the start of the grand celebration of the Zhou emperor and his officials on the fourth day of the first lunar month.

Good start.

Now let's celebrate the birth of the Song Dynasty with the final proclamation of the Zhou Dynasty!

Go! Go! Go!

Zhao Dexiu has arrived at the Imperial Seal of the State in Chongyuan Hall.

(End of this chapter)