My father Zhao Kuangyin

Amidst the turmoil in the Song Dynasty court and the large-scale rectification of Kaifeng Prefecture, the plump yet elegant Lady Chu remained unconcerned, quietly tending to her flower garden, so much so that she did not even notice when her husband stood behind her.

Zhao Guangyi remained silent until Fu Shi suddenly turned around, at which point she was startled, patted her chest lightly, and scolded.

"He became a thief and didn't even bother to say a word when he came back."

Compared to Fu's magnanimity, Zhao Guangyi looked embarrassed and speechless, unable to utter a word for several moments.

"Where is Weiji?"

Hearing his eldest son's voice, Zhao Guangyi felt a little better.

"The Duke of Anle was so happy that he forgot about Shu."

This Lady Anle, Zhao Guangyi's current concubine, was born to Empress Yuande, née Li, and was two years younger than Lady Fu.

Weiji was his childhood name. Zhao Yuanzu's original name was Dechong, which he changed after he became the Crown Prince.

That's right, this is the Crown Prince Zhao Guangyi's eldest son, who went insane after his uncle and cousin were forced to their deaths.

His third brother was Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Zhao Heng, who shared the same mother.

The reason why Zhao Dechong was born and raised in the palace rather than in his own residence is because the eldest brother doted on him too much. Based on the previous assumption that the third brother would inherit the throne, he was naturally regarded as a "good grandson".

Zhao Dechong was also ambitious and clever from a young age, which pleased his uncle.

From the fact that Zhao Guangyi was appointed Prefect of Kaifeng and that he personally raised his nephew, it is clear that the former was the de facto heir apparent from the beginning, only in name only.

Since he wasn't her biological son, Madam Fu wasn't as anxious as Madam Li. After confirming that everything was alright, she asked again.

"What did the Emperor say?"

"He didn't say anything."

Fu stared at him intently, her gaze tender yet carrying a hint of pressure.

Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi rolled up the hem of his robe, sat down at the low table, and sighed:

"You know what those two have done, as well as Feng Zan, who have been with me for many years. Brother, you know that Zhao Pu framed and slandered them, yet you refuse to forgive them. Now... of the six military advisors, four have been dismissed and transferred. Only two remain: one is a promising young man recommended by Wang Pu, and the other is a stubborn and honest man from a poor family. I am truly in a dilemma."

It is said that Wang Pu's recommendation of talents began during Guo Zhou's time, and Xiang Gong, the Duke of Qiao and Prefect of Henan, was one of them.

Xiang Gong's achievements rank among the top five of the founding military heroes.

This man was a veteran of two dynasties. He had made outstanding military achievements during the Later Zhou Dynasty, and after the Song Dynasty was established, he made great contributions in the battle to exonerate Li Jun, the military governor of Zhaoyi.

During the early Zhou Dynasty of the Song Dynasty, there were two major rebel generals: one was Li Chongjin, and the other was Li Jun.

Although this achievement is not as remarkable as the military exploits during the Zhou Dynasty, it also depends on the circumstances.

Emperor Taizu had just ascended the throne and was eager to establish his authority and awe the world. It was only natural that he would grant Xiang Gong the title of Duke.

Another cautionary tale is the Battle of Gaoping, the most famous battle fought by Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

Emperor Taizu was able to promote Guo Rong to the position of Commander-in-Chief because he turned the tide when the dynasty was on the verge of collapse, thus securing Guo Rong's position and making him capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities.

What worries Zhao Guangyi is that Xiang Gong was recommended by Wang Pu and served alongside Zhao Pu in suppressing Li Jun's rebellion, offering advice to the emperor. Now that Wang and Zhao are on the side of their good nephew, Xiang Gong is likely to follow suit and insist on establishing the eldest son as heir.

Of course, that's all hindsight; Xiang Gong is currently in dire straits himself.

As for the reason, it's the classic self-degradation trope: to put the good instructor's family at ease, Xiang Gong, who had served as the Prefect of Henan for many years, had done his fair share of corrupt deeds.

Not to mention the days when doors were left unlocked at night and lost items were left unattended, there were even thieves robbing people in broad daylight.

That's bad enough, but even the officials and local militia couldn't catch the "thieves" after they committed their crimes. It's truly...

That's really unfair.

As Zhao Guangyi poured out his grievances for a long time, Madam Fu listened quietly without saying a word.

Half an hour later, she dismissed the servants and, once she and her husband were alone, spoke softly.

"My husband, you've gone too far by moving forward."

"Passed? How can this be considered a pass?" Zhao Guangyi was clearly resentful, and said indignantly, "The position of Prefect of Kaifeng has been reserved for future generations since the Five Dynasties. Although my elder brother did not appoint me as the Crown Prince like Li Jing did, before that... it was all tacitly accepted."

This is an unwritten rule that everyone in the world recognizes, yet it is not officially recognized.

"When the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away. Rixin's temperament has changed drastically. He can only handle things on his own now, and that's why my brother no longer recognizes me..."

Fu remained silent, seemingly pondering or perhaps powerless to do anything.

Despite his sorrow, Zhao Guangyi did not lose his spirit. After saying this, he continued, "This time when I entered the palace, my brother was again unclear about things. He criticized me and Empress Rixin, and even talked about Defang's benevolence and filial piety. It's not bad... Alas."

"What is not lost?"

"Talent for benevolent governance".

After saying this, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but sneer.

After conquering the world, wouldn't it be time to govern it? These words were deliberately spoken to him, leaving the position of crown prince out of the hands of the fourth son.

"There's a rift between you and Rixin. In the future... if the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, placing him between the two of you wouldn't be a bad strategy." As the sixth child in her family, Madam Fu was naturally less driven by ambition. At this moment, she was a mixture of joy and anger, earnestly saying, "His Majesty can't bear to see you and Rixin suffer..."

"You must know that water cannot be leveled. Defang has always listened to the Song family. Even if he can tolerate my uncle, can Empress Dowager Song tolerate him?"

This wasn't because Emperor Taizong of Song had a heart condition that made him see everyone as dirty, but rather it reflected his current real situation.

He's not a new prefect of Kaifeng; he's been using the guise of a secret inheritance for years.

There are some officials in the open, but there are many more secret advisors and confidants in the shadows. Even if you clear your name now, what if someone with ulterior motives brings up old grievances and turns their back on you later?

At that time, we were at their mercy, like fish on a chopping board. How could we possibly escape?

Circumstances are one aspect, and ambition is another. No courageous young man can refuse the possibility of becoming emperor, even if it's only one in a thousand.

Furthermore, having reached such a position, it's as if he's been given a yellow flag and a yellow robe; how could he possibly turn back?

Fu hesitated for a moment, then fell silent.

Soon after, Zhao Guangyi asked.

"How is my father-in-law doing lately?"

"My father is enjoying his retirement in Xijing, appreciating the pleasures of rural life and detached from worldly affairs. I'm afraid I can't persuade him, and... I shouldn't."

Fu Yanqing was seventy-six years old. This renowned general, who had served almost the entire Five Dynasties period, was indeed highly accomplished, but he was now in his twilight years.

"From a young age, I studied literature under my father's guidance and read extensively in historical records and classics. What I have come to understand is nothing more than the four words 'striving to become the emperor.'" Zhao Guangyi said with a heavy heart, "Back then, when the omens for the Inspector General to become the emperor were prophesied, didn't you, brother, also risk your life to strive to become the emperor, just like Guo Rong did?"

Upon hearing these rebellious words, Fu trembled with fear and worry, and held his hand, unable to speak.

Perhaps sensing her unease and fear, Zhao Guangyi remained unusually calm.

"Being so close to that body of clothing and bed, if I were to let go now, how could I possibly close my eyes in peace, let alone in life, or even after death when my soul returns to Mount Tai?"

After he finished speaking, Zhao Guangyi looked up at the sky, pondered for a long time, and then said with a serious expression.

"My brother is reluctant, but... he is reluctant, but I must endure it."