My father Zhao Kuangyin

During the banquet, Zhao Kuangyin and the nation's important officials took their seats one after another.

Palace maids gracefully approached her, serving her delicacies and fine wines. After a brief service, they stepped aside.

Aside from the emperor in the main seat, seated next to him on the right was Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi, who held the positions of Grand Commander of the Inner Palace, Chancellor, Grand Councilor, and Prefect of Kaifeng.

The God of Sorghum and Donkey Carts.

At first glance, Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong looked similar, except that the latter was a little fairer and had a more square face.

Zhao Guangyi's original name was Kuangyi, but like Lü Yin, he changed it to Guangyi to avoid using the same character.

When Emperor Xuanzu (Zhao Hongyin) was alive, he clearly defined the roles of the two brothers: one was to pursue military careers, and the other to pursue civil careers.

Zhao Guangyi was fond of learning from a young age, skilled in literature and art, and had many talents; he could be called a polymath.

In the first year of Xiande, Zhao Kuangyin's reputation soared, and he took the opportunity to support his second brother in being promoted to Right Palace Attendant.

After that, he rose rapidly through the ranks and held a prominent position.

Opposite Zhao Guangyi, to his left, is Zhao Pu, the Grand Secretary of the Song Dynasty for the tenth year of his reign. He has long, narrow eyebrows and a kind and honest appearance.

Perhaps it was because he served as prime minister for ten years that he developed a strong and authoritative demeanor, as if he had been too influenced by power, which made his face look somewhat distorted.

Let's talk about the prime minister system of the Song Dynasty.

Anyone with a little common sense knows that the full name of Tongpingzhangshi is Tongpingzhongshumenxiapingzhangshi.

The Secretariat, the Chancellery, and the Ministry of Personnel were collectively known as the Three Departments.

Zhao Guangyi also held the title of Tong Pingzhangshi, but because of his status as the emperor's younger brother, he was called Shixiang, which meant that his actual power was diminished.

The Vice Chancellor, as shown above, is a deputy prime minister.

In addition, there are palaces and pavilions.

The first is the Jixian Hall, which was built by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. After Emperor Daizong of Tang, the character "大" (da, meaning great) was added before the title of general, and the character "大" was also added for those who held the title of prime minister. Later, it gradually became the standard.

The second was the Zhaowen Hall, which belonged to the Secretariat and was also a place where the prime minister held concurrent positions, but now it is held by the prime minister.

Zhao Pu was formerly a Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall. Last spring, he was promoted to Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Hall and concurrently served as Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, which shows his great power.

The term "sole prime minister" excludes those who are equal in rank, thus naturally disregarding the prime minister and deputy prime minister.

Of course, the title "exclusive" is not just a nickname; it would not be an exaggeration to call the current Zhao Pu the Zhuge Liang or Wang Meng of the Song Dynasty.

While wielding absolute power was one aspect, Zhao Pu's longevity stemmed from his ability to adapt and follow the trend—that was his true skill.

However, none of these are significant. His greatest achievement was advising Zhao Kuangyin on the "releasing military power over a cup of wine" incident, which resulted in the seizure of power from the regional military governors.

It should be understood that the military power within the court is insignificant, as Zhao Kuangyin himself was originally the head of the Imperial Guards; the real threat lies with the generals and military governors stationed outside the capital.

The tragedy of the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty began with the An Lushan Rebellion, but little did people know that this rebellion was the result, not the cause.

The seeds were sown many years ago and have been passed down through five generations, continuing from beginning to end.

The two key figures in this story have been greatly overlooked: the first is Zhao Pu, and the second is the bold and unrestrained Shi Shouxin who was present.

"When Yu Qing entered Sichuan, you all said he lacked authority and was incapable of accomplishing anything. Now, in Chengdu, doors are left unlocked at night and lost items are not picked up on the road. Whose achievement is this?"

"Your Majesty has overstated your position."

When Lü Yuqing was praised like this, although he smiled wryly and modestly, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

The Shu Rebellion was arguably the most troublesome event for the emperor and his ministers since the early Northern Song Dynasty.

The reason was that the military discipline was too chaotic when Shu was conquered, the people resisted fiercely, and bandits came one after another.

The defining characteristic of Sichuan and Chongqing is its mountainous terrain, along with the presence of numerous barbarian soldiers.

The soldiers and officers fought guerrilla warfare and launched night raids in the mountain gullies. They could defend themselves for a while, but in the long run, even the bravest and most capable Song army could do nothing about it.

Essentially, the people's hearts were not with the Song Dynasty, and there was a lack of strong-willed figures. Although Lü Yuqing was not a military general, he did an excellent job as the acting mayor of Chengdu.

Simply put, by maintaining impartiality, ensuring that soldiers understand the law and regulations, they no longer disturb the people.

"Yu Qing has done a good job, and His Majesty should reward him to encourage local officials in various prefectures." At this moment, Zhao Guangyi put down his cup and said with an embarrassed smile.

"It deserves a reward."

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and immediately offered to reward him with 300,000 coins.

The brothers' actions immediately displeased Zhao Pu.

"His Majesty has just promoted Yu Qing to the position of Commissioner of Jian and Jing Circuits, and concurrently to the position of Commissioner of Water and Land Transport for the Three Departments. Isn't such a powerful and prominent position enough?"

When Lü Yuqing was in Chengdu, he was very powerful and influential, but now he is submissive and taciturn.

Even though he was a senior figure like Zhao Pu and had a close relationship with him, he still didn't want to get involved in the vortex and intended to keep himself out of trouble.

Zhao Guangyi, however, was not intimidated by Zhao Pu and replied solemnly, "Local officials who have achieved good results should be promoted. Yu Qing governed Sichuan for eight years, and his hard work and merits are great. How can he not be rewarded?"

Seeing that the two were about to argue in front of the banquet, Zhao Kuangyin himself did not step forward, but glanced at the "newcomer" Wang Pu, who immediately understood and took on the role of peacemaker.

"Promoting officials with good political achievements is for the public good, while the government's rewards and blessings are for private gain. If the two do not conflict, then there is peace. Do not argue with the prefect."

Wang Pu and Zhao Pu were born in the same year, both just over fifty years old, fifty-one. Their power was not equal, but their seniority was.

To be honest, Zhao Pu was not qualified to refute Zhao Guangyi, as the former held absolute power and was not clean in his own right.

Naturally, some people say that Zhao Xianggong was imitating Wang Jian, Xiao He, and even Wang Zhen'e of the Liu Song dynasty, and that the dirty things he did were all for the purpose of defaming himself.

They deliberately leave behind bad records to prevent themselves from fitting in too well.

These words make a lot of sense, but Zhao Pu's ultimate goal was power; he was an extremely power-hungry prime minister.

Other matters are all negotiable, but what he dislikes most is being contradicted in public and having his authority challenged, even if it is the emperor himself, he is unlikely to escape it.

As expected, Zhao Pu could not tolerate it and retorted in a restrained tone.

"Officials who receive the emperor's salary are obligated to serve him. Governing their localities well is their duty. If they consider what they are supposed to do as 'merits,' then local officials neglecting their duties or even failing in their duties will become commonplace?"

"Alright, I hosted this banquet to welcome Yu Qing back and to gather with all of you. Yingchun Garden is not the imperial court, so why are you arguing?" Seeing the situation escalating, Zhao Kuangyin personally intervened to smooth things over, saying, "Come, drink this cup with me!"

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin downed the cup in an instant and showed it to everyone empty.

Among the civil and military officials, even those who were in a difficult position, like Wang Shenqi, dared not refuse and all drank it all.

Just as the drinks were flowing, the Zhao brothers, Zhao Dezhao and Zhao Dezhao, entered the banquet side by side at just the right moment.

Zhao Defang was still relatively calm, but as Zhao Dezhao approached, everyone's gazes, like moths focusing on a moth, fell upon him, scrutinizing him carefully.

Of course, the one who was most interested was his third uncle.

At this moment, Zhao Guangyi was in a casual posture. He was leaning slightly forward, holding a wine cup in front of him. While savoring the fine wine, he also squinted slightly and glanced at his good nephew who had recently changed his gender.

As Zhao Dezhao walked ahead, feeling the intense pressure of being the target of everyone's attacks, he momentarily had the illusion that he had stepped into a trap.

"My son has arrived." Zhao Kuangyin smiled and instructed the palace servant beside him, "Quickly, offer him a seat."