My father Zhao Kuangyin

When Zhao Dezhao suddenly brought up Lady He, the current Empress Song, who was gentle and compliant, didn't feel much of a reaction. But Zhao Kuangyin was different.

The eldest son, in the name of his wife who had shared his hardships, advised and urged him to promise to quit drinking.

This kind of thing might not be a big deal in an ordinary family, but it's puzzling that it came from Zhao Dezhao's mouth.

"Why are you bringing up your mother out of the blue?"

"I was raised on my mother's milk. As a son, how could I forget my deceased mother?" In response to this question, Zhao Dezhao said frankly, "I know that my father has a hidden illness. If I do not advise him and treat him as an outsider, that would be the greatest act of filial impiety."

Once the emotional appeal is played, Zhao Kuangyin inevitably softens.

Zhao Dezhao was unsure whether he had understood the implied meaning, but he held the jade belt in his large hand and sighed with emotion.

"Very well, I know that excessive drinking is harmful to health, and I will definitely drink less in the future."

Zhao Dezhao was sensible enough not to press the matter further and agreed to let it go.

As for the metaphor in the preface, it is naturally not aimed at the fourth brother, Defang; the main target is his beloved third uncle, whom he cherishes.

Children may be ignorant, but how could the younger brother not understand?

While Zhao Guangyi did not urge Zhao Kuangyin to drink excessively during the banquet, his attitude was clear: tacit approval mixed with a hint of anticipation.

Zhao Guangyi had been the Prefect of Kaifeng for quite some time, and Zhao Kuangyin knew this to some extent.

But since Zhao Guangyi hadn't crossed any red lines, and Zhao Kuangyin had already planned for his brother to succeed him, he naturally didn't care.

Of course, these are all things for later. At least for now, the Prefect of Kaifeng has not yet been granted the title of King, has not established his own government, and has not formed large-scale factions or cultivated followers. There is still room for maneuver.

Zhao Dezhao saw this subtle opportunity and was therefore eager to show himself before the emperor.

The first thing to do was to advise the elderly father to rest and recuperate in order to prolong his life.

Frankly speaking, if Zhao Kuangyin hadn't voluntarily given up drinking to maintain his health, no one could have persuaded him otherwise; his long-standing habit from his years in the military was extremely difficult to break.

A warrior who doesn't drink alcohol is like a scholar in the Wei and Jin dynasties who doesn't take drugs. It's fine for a short time, but in the long run, it's like ants crawling all over his body and mind.

Although she couldn't dissuade him, Song was still quite surprised that she could get Zhao Kuangyin to temporarily relent.

It wasn't that he was jealous of Madam He, but rather that the two brothers were instantly outmatched, and he felt somewhat embarrassed.

Zhao Defang obeyed Song in everything, treating her like a true mother and son, which was a good thing. However, if he forgot his old mother after getting a new bride, everything would seem utilitarian.

Simply put, the mother-child relationship was not pure.

Song didn't care much about these things and devoted herself to supporting her from beginning to end.

This also led her to rush to summon Zhao Defang to the palace to seize the initiative shortly after her father's death.

The imagination is beautiful, but the reality is harsh.

Instead of his son, his brother-in-law showed up.

After that, Zhao Guangyi treated Song Shi the same way he treated Zhao Dezhao. At first, he didn't show it, but eventually, at the funeral, he still inevitably made things difficult for her—she was not buried with Emperor Taizu, and her spirit tablet was not placed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Power is a good medicine; it's perfectly normal for someone who has reached the position of empress to have greed.

At that time, the Song family had no choice at all.

Even if Zhao Dezhao hadn't committed suicide, given his easygoing nature, the Song family would most likely have still placed their bets on the fourth son.

Honestly, if he didn't rely on the palace or his maternal relatives, let alone be granted a title and participate in politics, his chances of advancement would be slim.

If I could replace the fourth prince, I would be more than willing to serve the Song family...

It's merely a matter of showing respect.

Admittedly, he possessed the talent for driving a chariot like the Zhao family, but he insisted on imitating the daughter of the Gao King, lacking the penchant for the literary style of a stepmother.

In any case, at least for now, Zhao Dezhao's mind is still extremely pure, and all he thinks about is climbing high to save himself.

Naturally, if one day we have the ability to steer the Song Dynasty onto the right path, we, as descendants of the Chinese nation and proud Han people, will have no choice but to do so!

Just as Zhao Dezhao was looking to the future, little did he know that his father was also scrutinizing him intently.

"Rixin, come with me for a walk in the garden."

Upon seeing this, Song Shi, Wang Ji'en, and Yang Shenyou lowered their heads slightly, their expressions becoming even more subtle.

Leaving aside them, the emperor's every move has real and tangible implications for both the court and the public. If he were to show compassion over such a trivial matter as urging someone to drink...

"Yes, Grandpa."

Zhao Dezhao responded solemnly and hurriedly caught up with his father's back, following half a step behind.

After a while, when there were only a few people following him, Zhao Kuangyin slowed his pace and looked up at the sky.

"With the sun shining brightly, it is indeed a perfect time for a spring outing."

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin stood with his hands behind his back and fell silent, as if he was contemplating something.

After a moment, seeing that Zhao Dezhao remained silent, he asked on his own.

"I've almost forgotten, how old are you this year?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao almost lost his composure, but managed to hold it back.

"My son is twenty-two."

"Is it my fault?"

Zhao Dezhao's heart tightened, and he replied, "Resentment... How could a son resent his father?"

"I can clearly see that you harbor resentment."

Zhao Dezhao was speechless for a moment.

Zhao Kuangyin chuckled softly.

"What's wrong? You just brought up your mother to advise me, but now you're silent?"

Zhao Kuangyin remained calm throughout, showing no sign of anger, which, in fact, was to be expected.

"I don't know how to say it."

"Speak the truth, speak from the heart," Zhao Kuangyin said. "It's just the two of us, father and son, here. What grievances do you have? Tell me."

At this point, Zhao Dezhao stopped being coy and spoke frankly.

"My father was determined to uphold justice and bring peace to the world, but he forgot the very foundation of peace and stability for the nation."

As soon as he finished speaking, the emperor's expression changed slightly.

Zhao Kuangyin turned his head to look at his unfamiliar eldest son again, and couldn't help but be speechless.

He knew what was to come without needing to be said.

The primogeniture system has been tested by thousands of years of history and can be considered advanced in feudal dynasties.

In contrast, the practice of succession from brother to brother can be traced back to the Hu people.

Or perhaps it is said that nomadic peoples were constantly in turmoil and conflict, and if a son was too weak and incapable to inherit the family business, he would be swallowed up and "extinct," so the family business was passed down to his brothers.

Soon after, Zhao Kuangyin said with a hint of anger, "I think you've gotten too strong."

Zhao Dezhao paused for a moment, then retorted.

"I inherited the blood of my father and mother, and I am seven feet five inches tall, a dignified man, a son of an official. My legs have always been strong, and have they ever been weak?"

In the past, he was neither tough nor weak; his status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife was his advantage, but it was not something he could use in the future. Now, however, it is his strength.

However, Zhao Kuangyin would not allow Zhao Dezhao to have any objections on the issue of establishing the successor to the Song Dynasty, and he was clearly furious at the moment.

"Bring me my horsewhip!"

Upon hearing the sound, Wang Ji'en's face showed shock, but he felt relieved. He jogged forward before Li Shenyou and handed over the horsewhip.

Zhao Dezhao was not much better off. Looking at the thick, long, mottled horsewhip, he felt as if something was stuck in his throat, and his face gradually turned red.

A rustling sound rang out, and just when he thought the whip was about to fall, it stopped in mid-air and then was forcefully shoved into his hand.

"Simply being good at archery is not enough. The Liao bandits are skilled cavalrymen, so how can my sons not be good at riding?"

At this moment, Zhao Dezhao's mind was filled with a jumble of thoughts, sometimes even turning into a chaotic mess, leaving him unsure whether to be happy or worried.

This means... tacit approval?

"Father," Zhao Dezhao said after a moment's thought, "Since the loss of Yanyun, military horses have become expensive. For example, the Iron Cavalry and Dragon Guard cavalry have many castrated horses. If one dies, there will be one less horse. I think... we should make preparations as soon as possible and set up more horse stables in Huai.

Zhao Kuangyin glanced at him and, seeing that he wasn't joking, suppressed his urge to ride off and said...

"I have increased the number of cavalry and set up horse stables in various border prefectures. Many ministers have criticized me for wasting the people's resources. With the Jiangnan region still unsettled, this move is tyrannical. And to implement horse administration in the Huai region is even more out of the question."

Zhao Dezhao was ultimately a half-baked expert, so he could only give a sheepish smile.

Of course, the main reason is that he can't ride a horse now.

Even with experience, it takes time to adapt and digest.

Furthermore, he was also deeply afraid of making a fool of himself in front of his father, who had finally shown some emotion.

"Grandpa, what I want to do is..."

"What are you thinking about?"

Perhaps feeling somewhat indebted, Zhao Kuangyin was extremely easy to talk to at this moment.

Therefore, Zhao Dezhao became much bolder and said with an embarrassed expression, "I am not young anymore and wish to choose a good match."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin burst into laughter.

After going through all this trouble, it turns out he's trying to take a bride from him under the guise of his former mother?

"Which pretty lady have you taken a fancy to?"

Zhao Dezhao originally wanted to mention Zhao Pu, the prime minister who had served as prime minister for ten years, but after careful consideration, it seemed that there was no opportunity to do so.

To be honest, he only knew a few of the court officials, and even if he remembered them, he couldn't recall exactly how many sons and daughters they had.

The court is corrupt, and he can't see things clearly now; in the end, his father will have to make the selection for him.

Zhao Dezhao chuckled awkwardly, "What I seek is to continue the family business; I have no interest in a wife."

Family business?

Aside from the official's residence, could it also be the position of the Guizhou Defense Commissioner?

These words, a request for both a wife and a title, represent a very ambitious step; it all depends on whether the old father will agree.

Zhao Kuangyin gave his eldest son a deep look, did not refuse, nodded, and sighed:

"It's time to settle down and start a family."

Hearing that he had settled down but not established a career, Zhao Dezhao was not disappointed. Since his father had agreed to choose a wife, she must be suitable.

For a newcomer like me, I should be content with what I have so far.

"If you don't want to ride a horse, then come with me for a walk."

Zhao Dezhao felt somewhat ashamed upon hearing this, but he didn't think much of it and quietly followed by his attendant.

As the sun set, its afterglow filtered through the branches of the grass and fell upon the father and son. The edges of their once distinct shadows had somehow merged together.