My father Zhao Kuangyin

Lu Duoxun spoke at length, and Zhao Kuangyin listened attentively, sometimes nodding, sometimes pondering.

Finally, he leaned back slightly in his chair and said:

"I have recently been reading history, and when I came across the records of the Liu Song dynasty, I learned that during the middle of the Ming dynasty, Jiankang (Nanjing) had more than 100,000 households. That was after the reign of Emperor Yuanjia," Zhao Kuangyin said slowly. "Thinking back to when his ancestor Li Bian founded the dynasty, the Jiangnan region was well-governed. But now, decades later, the number of households is barely over 100,000, and has actually decreased. Li Yu was only good at writing poetry; he was incompetent in governing and even less so in military affairs."

Lu Duoxun chuckled and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. However, in my opinion, Li Yu possesses the literary talent of Cao Zhi, which is... quite different from his elegant style."

"He may be a poet, but not a ruler. For the sake of the world, I must take back Jiangnan."

"The Three Expeditions, late Emperor... Whenever I talk about the Three Expeditions, I always think of the military campaigns that conquered the six directions. Recently, I read the Book of Song and saw how Emperor Wu of Song single-handedly landed on the shore with his back to the water and, with the help of reinforcements, terrified thousands of bandit soldiers. In the past, he was considered a god, but now he is no better than that."

Ludoson paused, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped himself.

"What do you have to say?"

"Your Majesty single-handedly took Huangfu Hui's head from the midst of ten thousand troops. Those thousands were rebels and righteous soldiers. Song Wu is no match for Your Majesty."

The claim of riding alone is clearly an exaggeration; even Zhao Kuangyin himself didn't dare to admit it. However, since that was the prevailing legend at the time, Lu Duoxun naturally had to say the same thing.

If the Emperor's record of victory is fabricated, then Liu Yu's feat of defeating thousands single-handedly is not entirely true either...

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said slowly.

"There's no need to praise or criticize. Once I've conquered Jiangdong, recovered Yan and Yun, and unified the world, it won't be too late for you to judge me then."

"Your Majesty's magnanimity is far beyond what Song Wu could achieve," Lu Duoxun said earnestly.

Zhao Kuangyin listened attentively and immediately said:

"I know you want to talk about his massacre of the Sima clan and the killing of Emperors Gong and An, but how can the Guo clan be compared to the Sima clan? Not to mention the contributions of the two Zhou emperors to the people, Emperor Shizong treated me with great kindness, and my succession to the throne was already unjust. I also grieve for the death of Zongxun."

"I am not saying that Your Majesty harmed Emperor Gong of Zhou, but it is a pity that he died young, and outsiders... are mostly just repeating what others say."

Zhao Kuangyin chuckled and said, "Didn't you tell me that rumors stop with the wise? How come you've become the fool?"

"That's not what I meant. It's just... Your Majesty's appointment of Erlang as Vice Chancellor is, in my opinion, highly inappropriate."

"Oh? Why isn't it proper?"

Ludosen sat upright and said sternly.

"Your Majesty, Erlang is only twenty years old and has accomplished nothing so far. He is unremarkable in literature and in martial arts... In short, Your Majesty has not granted him the title of king, nor allowed him to start a family, nor allowed him to participate in politics. With these measures, the people of the world have long thought that Your Majesty intends to have his brother succeed him. Therefore, the people's hearts are mostly with the Prefect. Now Your Majesty has changed your mind and wants to change the system again. I think that such flip-flopping is not conducive to the peace of the country and is really inappropriate."

"That's just their arrogance. This vast land was conquered by me in a single battle. Whom should I pass it on to? Can't I even make my own decision?"

"This is my concern. Your Majesty should consider this matter, but Your Majesty should know the story of Cao Wei. Even the brothers Cao Wen and Cao Zhi were treated this way, so there's no need to discuss it further..."

"Ludoxin! How dare you!"

Before he could finish speaking, an angry shout rang out from outside the door, and the hall fell silent.

This angry shout did not come from the still imposing Emperor Zhao, but from Minister Shen, who had been standing quietly outside the door for a long time, and Vice Minister Zhao, who looked disheveled.

Just now, Zhao Dezhao inadvertently revealed the mission of the generals in the southern expedition, causing Minister Shen to feel that he had been sidelined by Zhao Pu and the Emperor.

Compared to Zhao Pu, he was more worried about the emperor's indifference. He walked briskly, even faster than the imperial carriage, and rushed to the Chuigong Hall without stopping.

Of course, it was unclear whether Li Diantou was sincere or doing it on purpose. Seeing the two of them standing outside the hall, he remained silent, which surprised both the Emperor and Scholar Lu for a moment.

"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation! He must not be appointed arbitrarily! Although I have come here to impeach Chancellor Zhao and file a complaint against him, it is because I cannot tolerate Lu Duoxun's rebellious words!"

Seeing that Shen Yilun strode into the hall without waiting for permission, Zhao Dezhao did not dare to follow and remained standing outside the hall without saying a word.

Lu Duoxun, unable to bear being forced to wear this large turban, quickly tried to persuade him.

"Shunyi, what's wrong with you?"

"Even if Erlang is incompetent and cannot inherit the family business, so what? Let alone me, Shen Shunyi, being merely a magistrate, even if Prime Minister Zhao were to privately discuss the selection of an heir with the Emperor in the palace, I would still impeach him! You are merely a fifth-rank Hanlin scholar, so where do you get the audacity to criticize me?!"

Shen Yilun was already furious, his old face flushed red, and his pale beard billowed as soon as he spoke.

The discussion of establishing an heir apparent has been a clandestine affair since the founding of the Song Dynasty. The emperor and his ministers tacitly agreed, but the emperor never brought it up, and the ministers never dared to submit a private memorial.

Shen was angered mainly because there were no rules or etiquette to speak of nowadays. First, the emperor appointed Cao Bin as commander-in-chief in secret, and then he discussed the establishment of an heir with a Hanlin scholar of the fifth rank.

Let's set aside the past and talk about Zhao Pu's faults, but how dare you criticize the crown prince?!

It's not that he's protecting Zhao Dezhao. At the small court meeting the other day, he even thought Zhao Dezhao was not as good as Zhao Guangyi. For the sake of peace and stability, succession by brother after brother's death is the best policy.

However, Zhao Pu was opposed to Zhao Guangyi. The latter had long held the positions of Chancellor and Grand Chancellor, and he managed to secure a vice-chancellor position for his son, Zhao Guangyi.

With the Prime Minister so steadfast and the Emperor's intentions clear, Zhao Guangyi, as the biggest victim, tacitly agreed. He had nothing to say to Xue Juzheng and Liu Xigu; he simply had to comply.

To put it another way, which of those who passed the imperial examinations and became Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations) wasn't well-versed in the classics and the Book of Rites?

The principle of primogeniture has stood the test of time for thousands of years; even in the southern kingdoms, succession by sons is the norm.

Although the struggle between the princes of Chu led to the downfall of the state, or the rebellions of the Seven Kings of Han and the Eight Kings of Jin in the past, it is still too one-sided to look at these examples. It is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Not to mention that the emperor only had two sons, the policy of strengthening the central government and weakening the regional military governors was established and consolidated over the years, starting with the release of military power from the regional military governors. This can be considered a success.

Military affairs are handled by the Privy Council, and civil affairs by the Secretariat and the Chancellery. The central government is above all else. With these ministers and officials in charge, even if the fifteen-year-old Fourth Prince Zhao Defang were to succeed to the throne, chaos would not ensue.

Of course, that's putting it in a positive light.

There will be some chaos, but it will be minor.

In contrast, when the emperor is weak and the ministers are strong, the ministers are much more comfortable. Therefore, supporting the crown prince is more beneficial to the ministers than supporting the younger brother.

These are Zhao Erlang's current base of support.

As long as he is willing to fight and strive for progress, there will always be neutral people who will step forward and take his side.

Seeing this, Zhao Dezhao also felt that Shen Yilun's impeachment had taken a wrong turn, as if it was not being used to attack Lu Duoxun in Cao Bin's name.

"You've come here so recklessly, are you trying to assassinate me right here in the palace?"

The huge turban was slammed down on Shen Yilun, who trembled and immediately fell silent.

"Your Majesty, I will not pursue the matter of Lu Hanlin any further. However, Your Majesty must tell me when Cao Bin was appointed commander-in-chief. Is this what Chancellor Zhao said, that the Secretariat and the Chancellery can interfere with the Privy Council and control the military command?"

Upon hearing this baseless accusation, Zhao Kuangyin glanced irritably toward the palace gate and said...

"Was it that brat who said that?"

"Your Majesty, please tell me first, is it yes or no?"

"I never said that."

Shen Yilun seemed somewhat disbelieving, and also somewhat embarrassed, and said with concern.

"Your Majesty, Zhao Puruo is appointed to both civil and military positions..."

"I have not discussed the appointment of the commander with Ze Ping, but Guo Hua (Cao Bin) is a good choice. He is insightful and understands my thoughts."

These words, while clearing up the misunderstanding, left Shen Yilun in a difficult position.

But who can know whether this cunning envoy was deliberately misunderstanding?

So that they could feign great anger and throw a tantrum in the Chui Gong Hall to test the Emperor's mind?

That's really hard to say.

It's no wonder Zhao Dezhao was so imaginative; he had been tricked by his father before and was too afraid to believe anything again.

Furthermore, it's not unusual for a makeshift troupe to exist at the end of a dynasty, but in the early years of a new dynasty, it's indispensable to have a whole host of veteran actors and old hands.

If the play and the buttocks aren't firm enough, you can't even sit on them, so how can you talk about founding a country?

"Alright, Rixin spoke offhand, but you took it seriously. Although it was a mistake, it was well-intentioned. This time you have overstepped your bounds and disrespected the Emperor. Considering your hard work, I will punish you leniently and deduct... one month's salary."

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin slowly walked behind the imperial desk, sat down, and held the silk map in his hand. He said, "It is true that I want to attack the Southern Tang. This is the Jiangdong strategic map that Minister Lu brought. You should take it to Chongwen to print and make many copies. Also, distribute it to the Secretariat and the Chancellery so that all the ministers can take a good look at it."

Once the opportunity was presented, Shen Yilun didn't say much. He took the strategic map, bowed respectfully, glanced at Lu Duoxun, and gracefully left.

"The prime minister possesses the noble character of ancient sages and scholars."

As Shen Yilun passed by the palace gate, Zhao Dezhao uttered these words without realizing it. Shen Yilun paused for a moment, thought about it, and finally left in silence.

As for Lu Duoxun, having just been given that turban, how could he dare to say anything in front of the father and son? He then excused himself, citing the fatigue of his journey, and took his leave.

"Please wait a moment, for tomorrow I will host a banquet at the Daming Hall (formerly the Jiying Hall, which was rebuilt three years ago) to entertain you."

"Your Majesty, I truly dare not claim credit..." Lu Duoxun glanced at Zhao Dezhao intentionally or unintentionally, and said, "I know that Your Majesty is currently abstaining from alcohol. Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance. My merits are insignificant, and accepting this banquet is a small matter."

"Your words are to my liking. Very well, so be it."

Zhao Kuangyin, having his intentions seen through, was not angry. He simply waved his hand and let him leave.

After the two loyal ministers left one after another, Zhao Kuangyin glanced outside the palace and saw that Zhao Dezhao was not moving. He immediately cursed him.

"What are you doing blocking the doorway, you brat?"

"My lord and father, my lord is above, my father is below..." He paused, perhaps realizing he had started the earlier disturbance, and then changed the subject, saying, "When my mother was alive, she often taught me that propriety and manners are fundamental to being a person, and I deeply agree. What difference is there between a person without propriety and manners and an animal?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Dezhao chuckled and said, "Your subject would never dare to overstep his bounds without Your Majesty's order."

Transgression?

You've only learned one word and you're already using it. I think you can't wait to don the yellow robe. No, the Song Dynasty is associated with the element of fire, so it should wear a red robe.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin gave a cold laugh, his face immediately showing displeasure.

"Dare not? I see you already dare. Come closer!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao felt extremely ashamed. He walked slowly into the hall and sat down on the prayer mat.

"When did I grant you a seat?"

Zhao Dezhao hurriedly and stammered as he got up.

"Son……"

"As the sage Mencius once said, 'Respect the elderly and cherish the young.' Shunyi is already over sixty years old. You have caused such a ruckus that you have rushed to my presence. Leaving aside the immoral crime of disrespecting the elderly, you have interrupted my thoughts and indirectly ruined my grand plan for the southern expedition. What should your punishment be?"

"Then Grandpa will punish the son by deducting his salary."

Zhao Kuangyin seemed to laugh in anger, glared at him, and said coldly, "On your first day as Vice Chancellor, you're really causing trouble. I wasted my trust in your words that day."

In his eyes, Zhao Dezhao was no longer the obedient and reserved eldest son he once was. Cao Bin being appointed as the commander of the southern expedition was indeed to his liking.

However, Lu Duoxun had not yet returned to the capital and was biased towards Cao Bin, which did not mean that the decision had been made to appoint him as commander.

But Zhao Dezhao knew perfectly well that what he said was speculation, yet he still insisted on misleading Shen Yilun into coming. This guy is too scheming.

Of course, Zhao Kuangyin was not disgusted. His third brother had long since mastered such petty tricks and was no longer sensitive to them. Therefore, his previous offense was to reprimand Zhao Dezhao for not respecting the elderly.

There are plenty of young and strong officials in the Song Dynasty, such as those newly arrived censors. Don't mess with the old ministers, lest I don't have enough for myself.

These veteran officials who remained have lived through several generations of chaos, some of whom served in the central government for at least ten years. What storms haven't they weathered?

The loss of even one person is a loss for the Song Dynasty. Even if the imperial examinations are held every year, how can those promising young talents be compared with the founding ministers?

For example, Zhao Dezhao still needs time to mature; he cannot be put to great use immediately after being promoted. This principle applies to both rulers and ministers.

"Master, what Lu Hanlin just said..."

"They say that if I were to make you crown prince, it would shake the foundation of the nation." Zhao Kuangyin replied without hesitation, "Let's talk about that later. Fate is in the hands of Heaven. Whether I go sooner or later, I will decide. I don't listen to outsiders' opinions on our family matters."

Even now, Zhao Kuangyin still couldn't confirm it.

This was not the way Emperor Taizu of Song should have acted, but Zhao Dezhao could not be too demanding. His feelings for his younger brother were greater than those for his son, and he also had concerns about the instability of the chaotic world.

In short, the old father was extremely eager for unification. During the southern expedition, he even had messengers travel 800 li round trip to deliver urgent messages and personally oversee the front lines.

Surprisingly, they actually predicted it, and not just once or twice.

This is similar to the war to conquer Shu orchestrated by Emperor Gaozu of Song. General Zhu Lingshi prepared a secret plan before the expedition, and only opened it when the army was in a dilemma, thus seizing the initiative.

Emperors with such strategic vision plan their campaigns in the form of a multi-layered cake, with each layer stacked on top of the last. No matter how many layers there are, the final one is always the one on top.

Before reading the History of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Dezhao naively believed it to be a scheme by Zhuge Liang, not realizing that Luo's personal opinion was just a fictional story and should not be taken seriously.

Having witnessed the remarkable military achievements of the two Song emperors, and then reflecting on the actions of a certain General Chiang Kai-shek…

Those who understand military affairs must understand military affairs; this is truly a profound truth!

For the Song Dynasty at that time, Zhao Kuangyin would certainly prioritize public interests over private ones.

Simply put, we have to wait until the Song Dynasty's heavenly army has destroyed the Tang and Wu kingdoms in Jiangnan and the heartland is completely at peace before making a decision.

If a Northern Expedition were to be attempted at that time, Liu Han would not be able to decide for himself, and Zhao Kuangyin would not be certain whether the conquest of Liao would succeed or not, as the two were not on the same level.

"Father, I am willing to accept my punishment."

Zhao Kuangyin looked at it and pretended to be stern.

"You've violated the established moral principles, and I'm going to punish you severely."

"Then let your father punish your son by sending him to join the army and follow Cao Cao to conquer Jiangnan."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin was taken aback at first, then gradually frowned and spoke in an uncompromising tone.

"Not permitted."

Zhao Dezhao said in a serious tone, "Then please petition Your Majesty to grant me the title of Vice Minister of the Privy Council."

"You're pushing your luck. Just be a good vice prime minister and we'll see." Zhao Kuangyin snorted coldly, got up and left behind his desk, saying, "I'm tired and going to take a nap. Don't cause any more trouble. When we discuss the southern expedition, I will summon you to listen in."

"Thank you, Grandpa!"

North of the Chuigong Hall is the Funing Palace, and the two are connected by a corridor.

Upon hearing his eldest son's joyful shouts, Zhao Kuangyin turned his head without looking back, his lips slightly upturned, and strode away, disappearing from sight in a few moments.

Even after Zhao Dezhao turned and left the hall, Zhao Kuangyin glanced at him, then stopped in the corridor, stood behind the railing, and looked up at the sky.

"Can you see? Rixin is completely different now. You insist on following etiquette in everything you do, and you correct the slightest mistake in behavior. This applies to teaching your children and serving your parents. If I followed your example, how could I have secured this position?"

"Now, I don't even know who he resembles anymore."

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin gave a bitter smile.

The smile contained bitterness, but within that bitterness lay a hint of self-satisfied sweetness.

………………

In May, the emperor promoted Taizong to the position of Vice Chancellor.

When Lu Duoxun returned, he presented a map outlining the strategy for Jiangdong, which greatly pleased the emperor.

At that time, Emperor Taizong requested to serve in the Privy Council and accompany the southern expedition, but due to his limited strength, he was misled into allowing Chancellor Shen Yilun to also advance as regent. The emperor was furious and rebuked him, saying, "You've gained an inch, yet you push your luck a mile." — *Veritable Records of Emperor Taizu of Song*, Volume 13, Year 6 of the Kaibao Era.