Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

On the evening of September in the ninth year of Kaibao, the Taizu summoned Defang in Chongzheng Hall, "Defang, can you still get used to life after leaving the palace?"

"Thank you for your concern, my son, everything is fine," Defang bowed

"That's good." Taizu said with a smile, "You have lived in the palace for the longest time, and I am afraid that you may not be used to it."

"My sons and daughters can go to the palace to visit their father and queen mother every day, so they won't feel uncomfortable"

Taizu smiled and said, "It turns out that you feel comfortable because you can see your father and mother every day."

Defang lowered her head in embarrassment, "Yes..."

"Defang is really benevolent and filial." Taizu patted Defang, "However, you have to change in the future. The so-called wise man has no doubts, the brave has no fear, the honest has faith, and the benevolent is invincible. Father knows that you treat others generously, but Sometimes it is necessary to be strict, so that the people below will not dare to bully the Lord."

"My son, please follow the teachings of the emperor."

"Yes." Taizu turned around and took a book and said, "Put this book away."

Defang took the book and saw that there was no name on the book, and there was only a word "Xiang" in the corner of the book, so she asked, "Father, what book is this?"

"Take it back and have a look, one day you will be useful." Taizu nodded with a smile. around you."

"Thank you, Father, I will definitely study this book carefully and live up to my father's high expectations." Defang bowed

Defang returned to the mansion, opened the book, and found that it was full of the names of court officials, recording their official positions, merits, characteristics and shortcomings. Defang felt very strange. After reading all the books, he still didn't know much about Taizu's gifts. What is the meaning of the book, but he didn't ask, he just put the book away.



In the second year of Taiping Xingguo, that is, the third month after the death of Emperor Taizu, Taizong (Guangyi, renamed Zhao Jiong) recruited Defang to Chongzheng Hall.

"Nephew, has your health been better recently?" Taizong asked

"Return to Your Majesty, I'm fine," Defang said weakly

Taizong got up and approached Defang, "It looks like I still need to rest for a while."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern, I'm fine."

Taizong sighed, "Hey, I am extremely sad when the emperor's brother passed away, and I believe the emperor's nephew is also the same at this time."

Defang lowered her head, feeling very sad in her heart, holding back her tears.

Taizong patted De Fang on the back, "Nephew, the emperor loved you the most in the past, and he told me to take good care of you. I will keep my promise to the emperor and will not let you suffer any harm."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness," Defang replied.

Taizong turned around and took out a box, opened it and said, "I believe the imperial nephew still remembers this jade chapter?"

Defang looked up at the jade seal, it was the [Emperor's Letter of Treasure] that had been stamped on the conscription paper, Defang nodded, "I remember."

"I give it to you, so that the nephew can always think of the elder brother. I hope that the nephew can feel better and recover soon, and help me protect the Zhao family together."

Defang looked at Taizong, knelt down slowly, and took the jade badge with both hands, "I thank you, Your Majesty, for your gift."

"Get up!" Taizong supported Defang, "Nephew, I will protect you, don't worry."

"Yes, I thank Your Majesty for your grace"

After returning home, Defang wiped the jade chapter carefully, and hid it in the jade cabinet. She hadn't seen it again for many years. Whenever Defang thought about it, her heart ached, so she never looked at the jade chapter and books.