The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

These words, seemingly an attempt to persuade the Prince of Xiangyang to stay, were in fact a barbed tongue. They pointed out the potential turmoil that the Prince of Xiangyang's departure might cause ("not a blessing for the capital"), subtly questioned the veracity of his reasons for resigning ("his voice was loud and clear, his thoughts were clear"), and finally cleverly returned the choice and responsibility to the emperor ("careful consideration"), thus avoiding the situation that the Prince of Xiangyang had hoped for, where all the ministers unanimously "earnestly pleaded for his retention" and forced him to abdicate.

Prince Zhao Yunlang of Xiangyang still wore that gentle smile, but a hint of displeasure flashed like an ice shard deep in his eyes. Unconsciously, he rubbed the smooth edge of the jade tablet between his right thumb and forefinger.

Immediately afterward, Liang Shi, the Vice Chancellor, stepped forward. This veteran official, who entered officialdom as a child prodigy and has now served in power for nearly twenty years, was about fifty years old, with a lean face and three long strands of beard flowing down his chest. His demeanor was refined yet shrewd. He walked with light and steady steps, as if following a fixed rhythm. He first bowed to the Emperor, then glanced at Pang Ji, then at the Prince of Xiangyang, before slowly speaking. His voice was not loud, but clear and resonant, carrying the characteristic pauses and intonations of a scholar:

"Your Highness wishes to emulate the wise generals of old who retired after achieving great deeds, leaving behind a beautiful story in history. This heart and ambition truly earn the admiration of us officials." He began with a flattering remark, then slowed his pace, as if carefully choosing his words, "However... the position of Prefect of Kaifeng is no small matter. It concerns the safety and well-being of millions of people in the capital, the dignity and prestige of the central government, and even more so..." He paused slightly here, raising his eyes, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over several members of the imperial family in the hall, before softly uttering four words, "The stability of the nation's foundation."

"The country is stable"!

These four words, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, stirred ripples in the hearts of many seasoned, prudent, and meticulous ministers in the hall, eventually transforming into a chilling aura! Everyone understood that in this sensitive period when the emperor had no son and the heir apparent was vacant, any matter involving the power of the imperial clan, especially changes in key positions like the Prefect of Kaifeng, was directly linked to the "foundation of the state"! Liang Shi's seemingly objective statement subtly elevated the Prince of Xiangyang's resignation to an extremely sensitive and dangerous level—was the Prince of Xiangyang's resignation at this time truly due to inability to cope, or was it a strategic retreat with ulterior motives? And would the choice of successor affect the future possible succession of the "foundation of the state"?

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Even Wang Juzheng and the others fell silent, not daring to easily respond to the topic.

Emperor Renzong, Zhao Zhen, remained seated quietly. The tassels on his robes swayed slightly, obscuring most of his face, revealing only his tightly pursed lips and sharply defined jawline. His fingers, which had been tapping on the armrest, rested silently, their knuckles slightly white. He seemed to be listening intently, or perhaps lost in thought, his face displaying his usual benevolent and gentle demeanor, revealing no trace of the turmoil within him.

He waited a moment, until the oppressive silence brought on by the words "foundation of the nation" filled every corner of the hall, until everyone's gaze was once again focused on him, before he slowly spoke. His voice was calm and soothing, carrying Zhao Zhen's uniquely magnanimous tone, yet every word was clear and unquestionable:

"Brother Emperor."

He looked at Zhao Yunlang below the steps, his tone even more intimate and gentle than before, as if chatting casually with brothers in an ordinary family: "We are brothers, blood relatives, why be so formal and perform such a grand ceremony?" He slightly raised his hand, making a gesture of support, "How could I not know of your hard work? Over the years, all matters large and small in the capital have been managed by my elder brother, thanks to you, the Emperor. You have worked tirelessly day and night for the country, to the point that you are physically and mentally exhausted. Whenever I think of this, my heart aches for you."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across the room, taking in the solemnity of Pang Ji, the deep concentration of Liang Shi, the tension of Wang Juzheng and others, and the trepidation and anticipation of many other officials. Then, he sighed softly, a sigh filled with compassion and helplessness:

"Since Your Majesty is so determined to leave and your words are so earnest, if I insist on keeping you here..." He shook his head, a look of "reluctance" on his face, "it would make me seem inconsiderate and heartless towards my elder brother."

"Your Majesty, I grant your request."

The three words, though not loud, resounded like thunder beneath the dome of the Chui Gong Hall!

The entire hall was astonished!

Even the most seasoned and composed high-ranking officials, who rarely showed their emotions, couldn't help but reveal expressions of astonishment! Wang Juzheng and the others were even more dumbfounded, almost unable to believe their ears! The previous two times, His Majesty had tried his best to persuade them to stay, speaking earnestly and sincerely. Today... how could he have granted it today?!

Prince Zhao Yunlang of Xiangyang shuddered almost imperceptibly! He abruptly raised his head, his "weariness" and "pleading" expression instantly freezing. The composure and sense of control that had been so well hidden deep in his eyes were shattered by the sudden shock and a hint of panic! He looked incredulously at the throne, at the blurry yet gentle face behind the beaded curtain, his mind going completely blank—the Emperor had actually…granted it?! How could this be?! This completely disrupted all his plans and schemes!

Emperor Renzong seemed completely oblivious to his elder brother's fleeting moment of embarrassment below the steps, and unconcerned by the commotion and deathly silence that filled the hall. He continued speaking, his tone tinged with emotion, as if he were merely handling a routine matter of an official's retirement:

"However..." He changed the subject, his gaze becoming clear and focused again, "The position of Prefect of Kaifeng is indeed of great importance, as Minister Pang said, and can only be held by a virtuous and capable person. Your Majesty has held this position for a long time and is very experienced, and knows the intricacies of it well. I wonder... if Your Majesty has a suitable candidate in mind to succeed him? That way you can share my burden and recommend worthy people for the court."

This put the unsuspecting Prince of Xiangyang in a corner!

His original intention was to retreat in order to consolidate his power; how could he genuinely intend to recommend a successor? His earlier claim of "exhaustion" was merely an excuse; his mind was entirely focused on how the emperor would persuade him to stay, how he would humbly decline, and how he would "reluctantly" remain in office! But now, the emperor not only granted his request but also asked him to recommend a successor on the spot!

Isn't this putting him, the Prince of Xiangyang, in a very difficult position?

How are we going to handle this?!

Zhao Yunlang, a seasoned warlord who had ruled the capital for many years, was only momentarily shocked and flustered. He quickly forced himself to calm down, his face once again displaying that smile of "gratitude" and "relief," but beneath that smile lay a chilling coldness. Several names flashed through his mind like lightning: they had to be his own people, or at least people he could win over and easily control…

He pondered, as if genuinely considering the matter, his thumb unconsciously rubbing the jade tablet again. He slowed his speech, "This... I am honored by Your Majesty's inquiry, and I... do indeed have a few humble opinions." He raised his head, his gaze tentatively meeting Emperor Renzong's. "Minister Zhang Yaozuo, the Commissioner of the Three Departments, is experienced and prudent, adept at managing finances, and has long been in the capital, familiar with general affairs. Perhaps... he could temporarily assume this position, to observe his performance." He thought of this relative of the empress, mediocre in ability, greedy and avaricious, but precisely because of his mediocrity and greed, he was easier to control, and was "one of his own."

"Zhang Yaozuo?" Emperor Renzong on his throne frowned slightly, interrupting Zhao Yunlang before he could finish speaking. His tone remained gentle, yet carried a clear hint of disapproval. "I recall that Minister Zhang had previously been appointed, which apparently drew considerable criticism. Bao Zheng and others repeatedly remonstrated, arguing that he was unfit for the position, and..." He stopped there, not continuing. But who among the court officials didn't know that Zhang Yaozuo, relying on his niece Consort Zhang's connections, had repeatedly sought high positions? Bao Zheng and other officials had vehemently opposed this, citing the story of Yang Guozhong from the Tang Dynasty, causing quite a stir. The emperor's revisiting of this old matter made his meaning clear—this man was unsuitable.

The Prince of Xiangyang's heart sank; he knew this path was blocked. The Emperor's attitude was even more resolute than he had anticipated. His mind raced, and he immediately changed his tune, his face displaying an expression of "selflessness" and "unwavering commitment to recommending the worthy": "Your Majesty is absolutely right; it was I who failed to consider things thoroughly. Then… what about Bao Xiren, the Academician of the Dragon Pavilion and the Censor of the Imperial Censorate?" His gaze swept over the silent, dark-faced censor beside the palace pillar, and his tone was sincere: "Bao Xiren is renowned for his uprightness, his incorruptibility, and his brilliant judgment. He enjoys an outstanding reputation both in and out of court. If he were to take charge of Kaifeng Prefecture, he would surely deter evildoers, purify the bureaucracy, and bring a fresh atmosphere to the capital!"

His recommendation of Bao Zheng was, in fact, a risky and risky move. Bao Zheng was known for his uprightness, incorruptibility, and impartiality—a double-edged sword. If he were to take office, given his temperament, he would undoubtedly launch a vigorous reform, sweeping away long-standing abuses, inevitably impacting the interests of countless powerful figures and offending numerous people. This would inevitably lead to chaos and disorder in the capital. This, in turn, would highlight the "stability" and "effectiveness" of the Prince of Xiangyang's reign, and might even cause the emperor to regret his decision. Furthermore, Bao Zheng was not a core member of any faction; he was essentially a lone official in court. If he were to "recommend" him now, he could not only curry favor with the upright officials and gain a reputation for "recognizing and appointing capable people," but also perhaps leave room for maneuver in the future, or even—

Could he use his uprightness to deal with other political enemies?