Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

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Golden Palace

After Zhao Ji sat on the dragon throne, he looked at the civil and military officials with a livid face.

The chilling killing intent in his eyes sent shivers down everyone's spines.

The palace official did not, as was customary, allow everyone to submit their reports.

Many people had already prepared memorials to the throne.

But seeing the usually refined and gentle emperor suddenly become a different person...

No one dared to speak and break the silence.

They stood there, heads bowed and eyes downcast.

Seeing that no one dared to step forward, Wang Fu, the Junior Guardian, Grand Chancellor, and concurrently Vice Minister of the Chancellery,

Mustering their courage, they stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, the Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guard, Gao Kan, led troops to suppress the Liangshan bandits, but unfortunately suffered a defeat."

"Master Gao also unfortunately fell into the hands of thieves."

"Two days ago, the Liangshan bandits actually publicly murdered Lord Gao in Jeju,"

"This is an extremely heinous crime, a blatant disregard for the dignity of the imperial court,"

"We beg Your Majesty to send a large army to wipe out the Liangshan bandits."

Under Zhao Ji's icy gaze, Wang Fu

It was difficult to finish saying all this.

He then lowered his head and waited for Zhao Ji's reply.

But after waiting for a while...

But Zhao Ji did not reply.

Unconsciously, he glanced at the corner of his eye...

He glanced at Liang Shicheng, who had recently been promoted to Grand Commandant.

Liang Shicheng, the Grand Commandant,

But he was different from Grand Commandant Gao Kan.

Gao Kan's position as Grand Commandant was solely due to his position as the head of the Palace Guard.

The customary title for a person with the surname Taiwei is...

Liang Shicheng, however, was appointed Grand Commandant by the Emperor, holding the official rank of second grade.

Although Wang Fu is now a first-rank official,

However, he still treated Liang Shicheng like a father.

Liang Shicheng was also unsure of Zhao Ji's intentions.

Yesterday, after they received news that Liangshan had publicly executed Gao Kan,

They knew this news couldn't be suppressed.

They could only report the truth to Zhao Ji.

As soon as Zhao Ji heard the news,

He also flew into a rage.

According to a eunuch serving Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji), many things were smashed.

But then things calmed down.

His face was ashen, and he remained silent...

Chapter 1613 The Enraged Emperor

Gao Kan's death,

It's normal for Zhao Ji to be furious for several days.

The Liangshan bandits will surely be swallowed up by Zhao Ji's wrath.

Liang Shicheng originally thought that after Zhao Ji went to court,

He would immediately issue an imperial edict to send men to annihilate the Liangshan bandits.

However, Zhao Ji remained silent after attending court.

This made Liang Shicheng suddenly realize that

It seems that Zhao Ji's anger was not simply due to Gao Kan's death.

Liang Shicheng hesitated for a long time.

Still speaking softly,

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Lord Gao has served his country loyally and died a worthy death."

"Then we should send a large army to wipe out the Liangshan bandits to appease Lord Gao's spirit in heaven,"

"Don't let this harm the dragon's health."

Zhao Ji glanced at Liang Shicheng, his expression slightly relieved.

These eunuchs are still loyal to him.

If the palace had more servants as capable as Liang Shicheng and Tong Guan,

That would be wonderful.

To avoid being fooled by these court officials.

Emperor Huizong sighed inwardly and said in a deep voice,

"Why is it that all I've heard these past years is news of peace and prosperity for the people?"

"But during that year, Fang La suddenly rebelled in Jiangnan, sweeping across several regions, with the number of rebels exceeding one million."

"Zhao Dalang rebelled in Jingdong and easily defeated 100,000 imperial guards. He must have had quite a few men."

"I ask you, was it a sudden natural disaster last year?"

"The people can't survive, are they going to join them in rebellion?"

Only then did everyone realize the reason for Zhao Ji's fury.

Su Yuanjing and other upright officials saw the emperor, who had been intelligent since childhood.

Finally realizing it, I was overjoyed.

Now, all the power in the court is in the hands of treacherous officials.

If His Majesty can punish some of the treacherous officials this time,

Promote some upright and honest officials.

The day when the government is restored to its former glory will not be far off.

Su Yuanjing thought for a moment, then stepped forward and reported,

"In recent years, the imperial court's policies have been inconsistent, and the people have suffered a heavy burden,"

"Banditry has been rampant in various places, and the Liangshan bandits have been causing trouble for many years,"

"But after Zhao Dalang became the leader of the bandits, the trouble got even worse,"

"Last year they robbed Dongping Prefecture and Gaotang Prefecture,"

"They murdered the prefects of two different places."

Zhao Ji coldly stared at this minister, whom he had previously thought was different from Cai Jing and the others.

In truth, he understood perfectly well.

Cai Jing, Gao Kan, Wang Fu, and others were power-hungry officials.

Using one's power to embezzle,

Extravagant lifestyle

From the perspective of ordinary people,

They were the annihilation ministers.

However, in Zhao Ji's view,

They, however, shared the same interests.

Moreover, they possess a certain level of competence.

They can be used to handle state affairs.

They could also be allowed to suppress the upright officials in the court.

So that those upright officials wouldn't keep advising him.

Although Zhao Ji became emperor,

But his greater passion lies in the enjoyment of calligraphy and painting.

If the upright officials in the court gain the upper hand,

So he could only accept their urging.

He diligently governed the court.

There's no time for leisure.

Cai Jing and others also figured out his thoughts.

Blindly praising the world as peaceful and the people as happy,

Let Zhao Ji enjoy himself without worry.

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) certainly did not fully trust Cai Jing and his associates.

Otherwise, Cai Jing wouldn't have been dismissed three times.

However, in his mind, the Song Dynasty had been established for over a hundred years.

Previous emperors had governed diligently.

Although the world is not as wealthy as Cai Jing and his ilk have claimed,

However, the people are by no means unable to make a living.

That's why I wanted to enjoy myself for a while.

To prevent Cai Jing and others from monopolizing power...

He also kept some upright officials, such as Su Yuanjing.

This allows him to hear different voices from time to time.

Zhao Ji looked at Su Yuanjing with disappointment.

"Since you know so much,"

"Why didn't you report this to me?"

Seeing Zhao Ji's disappointment, Su Yuanjing quickly said,

“Your Majesty has reported on all of these matters and has issued imperial approvals.”

Zhao Ji also recalled the time when Gao Kan led the troops.

He had inquired about this matter.

It was all because he neglected state affairs.

That's why I missed these memorials.

Of course, what he didn't know was that he was the one who personally reviewed them.