My father Zhao Kuangyin

Now, after Zhao Dezhao left Huagai alone, his thoughts drifted and entered the world.

Since fate offered no answer, he simply stopped thinking about it and, relying on the expertise points accumulated from his predecessor, awkwardly yet skillfully drew his bow and nocked an arrow.

"call out!"

The arrow shot out from the bow and landed firmly on the edge of the straw target.

Zhao Dezhao glanced at it, his face lit up with joy, and he held his breath and fired two more arrows in quick succession, one hitting the target and the other missing.

In summary, he hit the target five out of ten times out of eighty shots. Even though it was only a 50% hit rate, for a beginner who had only recently entered the field, it was still a testament to his father's excellent bloodline and tall stature.

And just as he cocked the bowstring again and held his breath, his shadow projected onto the ground was suddenly enveloped by a 'dark cloud' that pressed him down inch by inch.

"call out!"

An arrow was shot out, and the bow arm spun like a crescent moon.

As soon as the arrow was successfully shot, Zhao Dezhao took a deep breath and looked again. It hit the red bullseye perfectly, and he couldn't help but feel happy.

"Second Brother, what excellent archery skills!"

Just as Zhao Defang walked over, covered in sweat, Zhao Dezhao happened to glance at him.

However, in that instant, a small Xuan Mountain appeared beside him without his knowledge.

"Father...Grandpa."

"I have never seen your archery skills before. When did you become proficient?"

While being questioned, Zhao Dezhao slightly raised his head and gave a wry smile.

In fact, the father and son were not much different in height, probably by more than an inch, but they couldn't withstand the imposing presence of Emperor Taizu of Song, especially his "general's belly" which was taut by the wide jade belt.

This is his physique, and looking at his complexion, compared to the portrait of Emperor Taizu, they are even more similar, as if they were carved from the same mold.

He had round cheeks, a full forehead, long and slender eyebrows, a pair of mustaches above his lips, and a thick, long beard below his lips.

As for his brownish-yellowish-black complexion, it was probably caused by years of fighting in the north and south and being exposed to the elements during his military career.

With that flat-topped turban and the round-necked red robe he was wearing, he was undoubtedly Emperor Taizu of Song.

"I've been bored lately with reading poetry and classics, so I often practice at home. It's not that I'm deliberately hiding my talents."

"Hide your talents?" Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin paused for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle: "Don't try to apply what you've learned to poetry. Learning archery is a good thing. If you're not just doing this on a whim, I can choose an instructor from the Imperial Guard."

"There's no need for an instructor." Madam Song walked over gracefully and said with a gentle smile, "In terms of archery skills, none of the Imperial Guards can compare to His Majesty. It's more appropriate for a father to teach his son."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao was secretly delighted.

Although he didn't know why the empress suddenly spoke up for him, he didn't have many opportunities to show his talent in front of his father, let alone be by the emperor's side.

In this respect, he was worlds apart from his third uncle, who was the Prefect of Kaifeng and concurrently served as the Minister of State.

"Using such a talent for a small task." Zhao Kuangyin smiled, not explicitly refusing, and said, "Once Rixin (character) has become more proficient, I might as well teach him."

After saying this, Li Shenyou, a high-ranking official in the palace, stepped forward with a bow and arrows and presented them with both hands.

Lady Song then personally rolled up Zhao Kuangyin's long sleeves.

Zhao Kuangyin took the carved bow, drew it as taut as a full moon, and as wide as the sun. Before Zhao Dezhao could even see it clearly, the arrow was already firmly embedded in the target.

But compared to his previous shots, this arrow was clearly three points in the target, and the force was much greater.

"Grandpa, what excellent archery skills!"

Zhao Dezhao also imitated the fourth brother, and the two brothers clapped and cheered in unison.

As for the Song family, they merely smiled faintly and said nothing.

However, the two eunuchs had very different expressions.

Let's start with Li Shenyou. He was born in the same year as Zhao Dezhao. He entered the palace through his father's influence and was promoted to a high-ranking position in the palace in just a few steps.

In the past, when the emperor married Empress Song, he ordered him to go to Huazhou to present the betrothal gifts and lead troops to escort the bride back to Kaifeng.

Therefore, he was also considered half a member of the Song family, positioned between the couple.

It is also said that in the fifth year of the Qiande era, the emperor launched a northern expedition against Liu Han, and Li Shenyou accompanied the emperor with the imperial seal, and was highly trusted by the emperor.

Furthermore, the rank of the Palace Attendant is higher than that of the Palace Attendant.

Wang Ji'en, as an elder in the palace during the Later Zhou Dynasty, was far more senior than the other. Although the latter had also received great favors, it would be a lie to say that he felt no envy whatsoever.

Of course, none of these are the most important things; the most important thing is the Song Dynasty's conquest of the south.

At the grand court assembly on New Year's Day this year, the Emperor discussed the matter of conquering Jiangnan with the various officials.

This has nothing to do with eunuchs, but Li Shenyou is different; he has a license to supervise and command troops.

This was certainly not a continuation of the late Tang dynasty's style. Because he came from a military family, he possessed some courage and strategic acumen, which is why the officials used him with ease and satisfaction.

"God bless me! Just now, Rixin and the Empress both cheered for me, why are you the only one who remained silent and unresponsive?"

Zhao Dezhao thought this question sounded more like a message than a reprimand.

As expected, Li Shenyou, with his fair complexion and tall stature, pretended to consider it carefully before bowing and saying...

"The reason I should not drink is that Your Majesty usually uses a hundred paces as your standard, and every arrow you shoot hits its mark. When Your Majesty is in good form, hitting the bullseye at one hundred and twenty paces is no problem for you. If I drink for Your Majesty at eighty paces, what about at one hundred paces? And what about at one hundred and twenty paces?"

These words actually came from Zhao Pu, the Prime Minister, and they also happened to be the same principle that the Emperor had just mentioned about using a great talent for a small task.

The reason was that the government was too "generous" in rewarding civil and military officials, both new and old, often giving hundreds of thousands or even millions of coins.

Whether Zhao Xianggong was jealous or genuinely concerned for the country, he submitted a memorial stating, "The Emperor rewards even minor merits with great generosity; what about medium and major merits?"

When there are no more rewards to give and no more titles to bestow, what will a subject covet?

It's so hard to guess.

As a subject, one receives the emperor's salary and should perform one's duties well; one should not deliberately bestow undeserved rewards.

The emperor initially agreed, but during the banquet, he became so engrossed in drinking that he completely forgot about it.

At this moment, Li Shenyou saw the Emperor silently smile at his report, then immediately looked troubled, revealing his true intentions:

"Whenever His Majesty holds an archery contest, he holds a banquet and drinks. The officials often advise him to abstain from alcohol and take care of his health. Whenever I think of this, I dare not applaud or flatter Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's smile faded, and he felt a moment of regret, but he quickly regained his composure and peace of mind.

"I have not been able to personally lead troops into battle for a long time, and I am rather bored living in the palace gardens every day."

While linking banquets and drinking with archery was one aspect, the main purpose was to bestow favors upon old brothers and current Imperial Guard generals, which undoubtedly benefited in winning hearts and minds.

The Song Dynasty of today can't even be called the Northern Song Dynasty anymore. Military power has been suppressed, but only in part. The world is not at peace. How can we keep suppressing it?

Madam Song frowned slightly and said, "If my husband is healthy, then the world is at peace. I cannot dissuade him, for he suffers from foot pain at night... and the imperial physician often says..."

After speaking, Song's voice choked slightly.

Since they were an older man and a younger woman, Zhao Kuangyin treated Song Shi very well and quickly offered her words of comfort.

Although the matter was temporarily resolved, Zhao Kuangyin did not mention a word about abstaining from alcohol.

Li Shenyou and Song knew their limits and did not press the matter further.

Although Song was gentle by nature, she was not soft-hearted. She secretly urged Li Shenyou to advise her, because she wanted to fight for her position.

Wang Ji'en, who was closer to him, for some reason, was untimely and cowardly and did not dare to speak.

The longer the reign of the emperor lasts, the more time Zhao Defang has to develop.

Even though it was so obvious, Zhao Kuangyin seemed completely unaware of the little thoughts each of them had.

At this moment, he was gazing at the birdsong in the meadow, feeling quite moved.

"I conquered the world with my bow and spear; my destiny is in the hands of Heaven. What does this have to do with drinking?"

These words came from Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, but to others, they inevitably led to all sorts of speculations.

Yes, there were unusual phenomena on the day of the Chenqiao Mutiny. Miao Xun and Chu Zhaofu observed the sky together and saw that there was another day under the sun, and a solar eclipse was taking place.

Furthermore, after Zhang Yongde was dismissed from his post as the commander of the capital, his soldiers prepared yellow robes when they marched north to resist the Khitan.

Guo Wei's yellow flag can be explained to some extent, but where did the yellow robe come from for a commander of the Imperial Guard leading troops into battle?

Of course, the Chenqiao Mutiny was a model of a coup, far surpassing the Xuanwu Gate Incident and even the Shenlong Incident.

Apart from Han Tong, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, whose family died violently due to fierce resistance, there was no further turmoil in or around Kaifeng.

It can be said to be a very successful example throughout history and across the world; calling it a pinnacle is not an exaggeration.

The most important thing was that Guo Zongxun was only seven years old at the time, and Empress Dowager Fu was also a young woman. If Zhao Kuangyin didn't go in, someone else would.

From this perspective, making Zhao Da the emperor was indeed the most appropriate outcome.

In short, no one can refute Zhao Kuangyin's words; some say it was man-made, others say it was fate.

Nowadays, Zhao Dezhao is probably more anxious about his father's health than the high-ranking officials and ministers. This is the lifeline of the Song Dynasty, and it is also his.

Putting aside whether he can compete for the throne, with his father in power for a time, why should he worry every day about being harmed by "thieves"?

"I still vaguely remember the old story from the Jianlong era. My father once issued an edict saying that being addicted to wine is not the proper conduct of a ruler and his subjects. My father often regretted getting drunk at banquets and returning to the palace. According to what my mother and Li Diantou said, I also think that my father should have given up drinking long ago."

Zhao Kuangyin, who was lost in thought, turned his head and glanced at him with a surprised expression.

Jianlong was the first reign title of the Song Dynasty, which lasted for twelve years. At that time, Zhao Dezhao was only ten years old and had not yet married, yet he remembered it clearly.

As for why Zhao Dezhao knew this, it wasn't just because of his predecessor's memories. As a senior official, he had also studied the political textbook "History of the Song Dynasty" to some extent.

Furthermore, Emperor Taizu of Song was known for his love of alcohol.

There are many versions of the "Axe and Candlelight" incident, but no matter what, the real trigger was Zhao Kuangyin's failing health.

There's a saying that goes, "Health is the foundation of everything."

Emperor Taizu died on the eve of his northern expedition to Taiyuan, thus missing his long-cherished wish to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun...

Fifty years old is neither too early nor too late, but in today's divided and chaotic world, it is undoubtedly too early.

What a pity!

If Emperor Taizu were still alive, how could he have allowed the Liao barbarians to break through the Song army?

"It's remarkable that the daily records have been kept up until now." Zhao Kuangyin put one hand behind his back, pointed with the other, and laughed to those around him, "But I haven't drunk a drop of wine or held a banquet today, so this charge cannot be pinned on me."

"If Emperor Gaozu of Song hadn't given up gambling and joined the army, how could he have founded the Song Dynasty? And yet, my father has already established the Great Song, but he doesn't appreciate it..."

At this point, Zhao Dezhao spoke softly, like a young woman.

"If Mother were still alive, wouldn't she be heartbroken to know that Father is degrading his body like this..."