Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 442: Killed them all?
When the emperor heard that Zhao Kai, the former Prince of Yun, had requested an audience outside the Left Gate, he summoned him to the palace despite his busy schedule.

To be honest, Su Wu quite liked Zhao Kai. First of all, he was indeed the top scholar in the imperial examination. Since ancient times, there has been no precedent of a prince concealing his identity to become the top scholar. This person must be extremely well-educated.

But scholars... emphasize the unity of knowledge and action, which means that you must truly put the principles you understand into practice and act in accordance with your beliefs.

But Zhao Kai actually appeared at the very front of the battle line, fully armed and ready for battle. He really did it!
Although Zhao Kai did not actually have the courage to fight or show any fighting ability at that moment, he appeared in front of Su Wu's army in Hanyang!

Given this, how could Su Wu not like such people?

Who isn't cowardly? Who is born fearless and ruthless, capable of killing without blinking an eye?

Su Wu knew best where a person's courage came from!
Who doesn't gain courage after overcoming immense fear? At that moment, Zhao Kai was able to stand at the front of the battle line without running away and even shouting battle cries, which already showed his extraordinary courage. This had nothing to do with his performance in battle. Even Su Wu himself, when he went into battle for the first time, how could he not be so nervous that he was covered in sweat?

Thinking about this historical figure, there's really not much to say. He became the top scholar in the imperial examination and served as a prince. Suddenly, the Jurchens besieged the city, the country fell, and he was captured and taken to Huanglong Prefecture. From then on, there was almost no news of him.

Historically, he never really had any opportunity to make a difference, nor did he have any room to do so; he spent his entire life as a prisoner.

Su Wu found it strange that Zhao Kai had come to see him today. He saw Zhao Kai enter from outside the hall, bowing deeply and giving a grand salute.

Su Wu simply said, "Give me a seat!"

A soldier brought a seat forward, but Zhao Kai dared not sit down.

Su Wu raised his hand and waved: "Sit!"

"minister……"

“Sit down!” Su Wu said, and Zhao Kai naturally sat down as well.

"What is it?" Su Wu was obviously busy. He was not sitting on the high platform or steps, but behind the imperial desk, but still in the Funing Palace.

Actually, the main hall is not suitable for working; there are always people around watching you no matter what you do.

But why did Su Wu insist on working in the main hall?

The point was to let everyone see that the emperor was exceptionally diligent in his duties, and to make the world aware of this. This inevitably meant setting an example by his own actions, and it was also a matter of maintaining a certain persona. This also put Su Wu on a pedestal to spur himself on.

The Emperor is involved in and concerned with everything; you must not delay, and even less should you engage in any underhanded dealings…

As for its role, it may be big or small, but it will definitely have a role.

"What is it?" Zhao Kai stood up from his seat, but hesitated for a moment.

Su Wu looked up and said, "If there's anything you need, just say it. Don't act like a girl!"

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty wishes to join the army on the western expedition!" Zhao Kai said, his voice trembling with nervousness. He quickly looked up at the Emperor.

Su Wu was taken aback and raised his head from his desk, staring at Zhao Kai, who was rather thin.

His thinness was also a good impression on Su Wu...

Su Wu asked, "Why did you suddenly... um, tell me, what were you thinking?"

Zhao Kai swallowed hard, composed himself, and began to speak: "Your Majesty, I have studied since childhood, learning countless things about the nation and the world. On that day, when I led the troops into battle in Hanyang, my only thought was to fight to the death with Your Majesty to protect our country and its people! But when the fighting broke out, my mind went completely blank..."

Zhao Kai is indeed bold enough to speak his mind. Clearly, the reason for his earlier hesitation was that what he was thinking was actually not easy to say.

Why does he dare to say that?
Even Zhao Gou was safely allowed to return home by the emperor, which shows the emperor's magnanimity!

Another point is that I recently heard about something: at a grand banquet in the palace, the emperor himself discussed these matters with his civil and military officials without any attempt to conceal them…

But then the emperor said, "Perhaps it's not your fault at the time... If all the troops had dared to fight and bravely advanced, you wouldn't have suddenly gone blank. You might have been filled with passion and rushed forward to fight!"

Su Wu's words are true; this is indeed the principle. The overall atmosphere of an army is extremely important. Without this atmosphere, even the bravest and most valiant will become cowards...

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kai felt relieved and immediately added, "Your Majesty, I am willing to accompany the army on the western expedition. Firstly, it is to truly witness how an elite army fights. Secondly, I wish to achieve merit and leave my name in history! With family and national affairs already at this point, if I can truly achieve merit and return, then the legacy of my Great Song Dynasty will not be nothing but a mockery to future generations."

Zhao Kai thought a lot, wondering how his family had come to rule... by bullying orphans and widows and usurping power.

How did the Zhao dynasty perish?

There's no need to say more...

In this way, how can the history books of the future contain any kind words about this period of history, the Zhao family, and the Song Dynasty?

And there's another reason: he really wanted to give it a try. After reading so many books, he couldn't just become a lazy bum, wasting his life in mediocrity...

Su Wu understood, but after looking Zhao Kai over again, he said, "Making a name for oneself is so difficult. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. If you die, you're as worthless as grass. Who will remember you?"

Zhao Kai immediately became excited: "Your Majesty, if I die in battle like a blade of grass, dying on the road to expanding the territory for the country, how can the world know that Zhao Kai, the third son of the Zhao family and the Prince of Yun, died on the battlefield thousands of miles away! That is better than living a life like a walking corpse. Future generations will inevitably think that all the men of the Zhao family are incompetent and useless. I still have the title of the top scholar in the imperial examination. If I die in battle, others will know that my title of the top scholar was well-deserved!"

"Do you really think so?" Su Wu asked.

"Your subject is resolute! I would rather die for my country than die in my bed!" Zhao Kai bowed deeply, his heart surging with countless emotions. He had thought a great deal before he came...

Before Emperor Xu, he would likely only receive ridicule and mockery. After all, he had made a complete mess of things in Hanyang that day, to the point that Xu couldn't even see the emperor today...

Unexpectedly, he met the emperor, and it went smoothly, and the emperor did not laugh at or mock him...

Xu Xiri, at the moment he led his troops out of Hanyang, also had the same mental preparation before resolutely leaving!

What did he think about on that day, before he went into battle?
He thought a lot; he thought of Geng Gong guarding the Western Regions, and of Guiyi guarding his old age...

It's just fate playing tricks on us...

Su Wu believed Zhao Kai's resolute words. Why?

Because Zhao Kaizhen did it once!
On that day, if Su Wu hadn't noticed Zhao Kai, who was standing there blankly under the banner amidst the fleeing army, any knight who approached would have undoubtedly stabbed him with a spear, and Zhao Kai would have died as easily as grass...

Su Wu began, "Life doesn't inherently offer that many possibilities. Fate may seem to offer many paths, but in reality, there's only one. Yet, you've truly found a second one..."

The true meaning of these words was known only to Su Wu himself.

Zhao Kai didn't quite understand, but he was deeply moved. He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness in disregarding past grievances. Thank you, Your Majesty..."

Su Wu interrupted, saying, "But you cannot go on the western expedition."

Zhao Kai was stunned...

Su Wu then said, "But there are two other battles: one against the Tibetans in Qinghai and the other against Goryeo. You should join the army!"

The two brothers obviously couldn't be put together; Zhao Gou serving Yue Fei was his destiny.

Zhao Kai has a second path now; let's see what fate has in store for him.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhao Kai knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness today! I am willing to die a hundred times for the sake of my country and its people!"

Su Wu ignored this advice and said, "But with your small frame, you are far from being able to go to the plateau, go to sea by boat, and wear armor and carry weapons on a long march to fight. Fortunately, it is still early. So... you should go to Han Shizhong's troops first and train with the army for a few months. If you train well, it will be time to set off in early summer!"

"As you command! Your subject will certainly intensify the training!"

"Go ahead..." Su Wu waved his hand, a smile on his face, his mood inexplicably improved, this matter was really unexpected.

But this matter seems to be a very high form of recognition, a recognition of Su Wu.

It's not about acknowledging Su Wu's current status as emperor, but rather acknowledging the state and system of the country under his rule!
But Zhao Kai didn't leave in a hurry; he remained kneeling in the same spot.

"Is there anything else?" the emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have been disobedient. I would like to request that one of my family's guards be allowed to accompany the army on this expedition!" Zhao Kai kowtowed again.

"Who?" Su Wu was even more surprised. How could there be such a trivial matter? Did such a small thing need to be brought to the Funing Palace?
"Your Majesty, this man was originally a bandit leader. Your Majesty knows him; he is Yang Zaixing, the bandit leader Your Majesty captured in Guangnan. He is extremely brave and skilled in martial arts, and he is also willing to join the army to make contributions..."

Zhao Kai offered an explanation.

Su Wu laughed heartily: "How come you two have become sworn brothers? Will you go to the battlefield together and die for each other?"

Zhao Kai nodded: "Your Majesty, please allow me to explain. I suppose Your Majesty saw the loyalty and righteousness of these people, so you spared their lives and sent them to your residence as guards. It just so happens that I was also thinking about the war, and when I met them, we naturally hit it off and had a lot of interaction."

"Alright, let him go with you to Han Shizhong's army..." Su Wu waved his hand, it was a small matter, and lowered his head to his desk.

But then he looked up and chuckled. Truly, life is unpredictable, but Su Wu was genuinely happy, as if all the fatigue from his work had vanished!

With such a nation and its people united in heart and mind, how could it not be good?
Zhao Kai was overjoyed, repeatedly kowtowing and bowing before retreating...

Yang Zaixing had been waiting outside the Left Gate, ready to greet Zhao Kai as soon as he came out, and asked, "Your Highness, how is it?"

Zhao Kai waved his hand: "How many times have I told you, don't call me Your Highness anymore. This time we're going together to achieve great things. In the future, when we have fame and official positions, you can call me whatever you want, but you absolutely must not call me Your Highness!" Yang Zaixing chuckled: "Alright, alright, I understand. Looks like things have gone well!"

"Report to the army first. In early summer, we will set out to conquer Qinghai and Tibet, and then we will conquer Goryeo. You will definitely make a name for yourself this time. Alas... it will be difficult for me. I need to hone my physique. Even as a soldier, I need to be able to serve!"

With his tall frame, Yang Zaixing simply put his arm around the thin Zhao Kai's shoulder and said, "Conquering new territories is good! Don't worry, I know all about strengthening your body. Just eat more and train more, and I'll help you train. In three to five months, you'll have plenty of strength!"

"Okay, it's settled then!" Zhao Kai nodded, took a deep breath, and mentally prepared himself and physically toughened up. It was no easy task; one had to endure hardship!

The two walked home arm in arm...

Perhaps they were both people who had lost something, and since they had something in common, it was only natural that the two became friends.

At this moment, even those who are feeling lost suddenly have a goal and hope to strive for, and they should do their best in everything.

In this world, how many people can truly see the emperor whenever they wish? Is it the emperor himself who grants permission for soldiers to assassinate their enemies?

With such a high starting point, as long as one truly achieves something, promotion and advancement are within reach!

But then Zhao Kai, in high spirits, recited a poem: "The moon is dark, the wild geese fly high, the Xiongnu chieftain flees in the night. I wish to pursue with light cavalry, but the snow fills my bow and sword..."

Then he heard a poem recited: "The moon of Qin shines on the pass of Han, ten thousand miles of long march, no one has returned. If only the Flying General of Longcheng were here, the barbarian horses would not dare to cross the Yin Mountains!"

Countless books contain accounts of the Tang people's unique spirit and style.

The Song people are gone...

It seems like it's back again today!

It is said that scholars of the Han and Tang dynasties considered it an honor to go beyond the Great Wall!
Zhao Kai was still reciting; there wasn't a single poem he couldn't recite. He was simply reciting poems that captured the grandeur of the scene!

When you get home, your father, Zhao Ji, is busy. Just ask him what he's busy with.
This trip to Jiangnan and Zhejiang is the second exhibition at the Royal Academy of Painting and Calligraphy. The first one was held in Jingzhao Prefecture, which was very successful and brought in a considerable amount of money...

The money earned last time was used to pay a portion to the imperial court and completely revitalize the Academy of Painting and Calligraphy. We no longer lacked salaries, and there was even surplus money to repair Genyue Garden. The main purpose was to repair roads for tourists. It wasn't that the roads were bad, but many places needed railings or similar structures to prevent tourists from wandering around and ruining the scenery…

There are also some areas where birds and beasts roam, which need to be fenced off again...

This is a long-term plan...

So, we need to make more money...

Zhao Kai also told his family about his intention to join the army.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) was again in tears, crying out, "My son, you have suffered so much!"

This time, he truly cried with unbearable sorrow. Why? Because his most beloved son was Zhao Kai.

Zhao Kai was truly loved by his father from a young age.

Emperor Huizong also said, "My son, can you not go? With your talent, you can do anything in Bianjing. Even the Academy of Painting and Calligraphy is not short of money and food now. My son can come to the Academy of Painting and Calligraphy, and you will make a good living there..."

Zhao Kai looked around at his family and said solemnly, "Our ancestors had a great reputation, but it's all gone now. Every man of the Zhao family must have someone who can show off his skills so that people can see for themselves in the future!"

Zhao Gou chimed in, "I have no choice but to go. The western expedition is thousands of miles long. I have to go even if I don't want to. But you, you insist on going even though you don't need to go!"

At this time, Zhao Gou did not even address his elder brother as "brother." In the past, if he saw Zhao Kai, he would travel a great distance to bow and pay his respects.

Actually, I'm angry too. We're all brothers, but the difference between people is like heaven and earth.

Zhao Kai turned his head and glanced at Zhao Gou, then said in one sentence: "You used to practice martial arts, and you are much stronger than me. Joining the army would be perfect for you. Why are you unwilling to go? What's wrong with making meritorious contributions?"

Zhao Gou was too lazy to say more, only saying, "Go, go. You're so foolish and ignorant of the ways of the world. If you don't learn to be smarter, you'll die any minute now..."

"Even in death, integrity will endure!" Zhao Kai was a bookish man, and his vocabulary naturally reflected this.

"Integrity... Hmph... Never mind..." Zhao Gou said no more. In truth, he had his own thoughts, and he despised many people...

Speaking of integrity, only Zhao Gou truly rose up in rebellion and fought against Su Wu, or rather, fought many times, from Guangnan all the way to Hanzhong!

What are we comparing in terms of integrity? Let's talk about integrity now...

Zhao Gou simply walked out. He looked down on them, and he looked down on his family. The country was destroyed by them, not by him, Zhao Gou…

The old father looked around helplessly and could only weep, "I am a useless father..."

Zhao Kai helped his father up and said, "Father, rest assured. If I die on this journey, it will be to uphold the name of the Zhao family. If I return with merit, it will be to fulfill my filial duty first. This will teach the world not to laugh at us, father and son, anymore!"

"Sigh...sigh..." Zhao Ji sighed repeatedly. This was the only son who was like a son. Why did he have to go to the army?
With that, Zhao Kai knelt down, kowtowed three times, left the hall, and went to pack his things. He couldn't wait a moment longer and was going to report to the army!

Head out to the south of the city. Han Shizhong's military camp is in the south of the city. You must report to Han Shizhong's tent before nightfall!

But as soon as they stepped out of the city gate, they saw carriages stretching like a dragon coming from the south.

Zhao Kai paused, looking at the convoy slowly approaching ahead. It was clearly not a merchant caravan, and there was no need for him to stop and look at a merchant caravan...

Yang Zaixing asked from the side, "What's going on? Why are there so many prison vans? Who are they arresting?"

Zhao Kai replied, "They're definitely not ordinary people... Look at those people, although they're dirty, the fabric of their clothes doesn't resemble that of ordinary people..."

"An official?" Yang Zaixing asked again.

Zhao Kai was unaware of this, but as he watched the caravan slowly approach, he went forward and saw a knight at the head of the procession. He asked, "May I ask who these people are?"

The knight looked down and recognized Zhao Kai, but Zhao Kai obviously didn't recognize him.

He then uttered a single sentence: "A bunch of parasites, corrupt officials, and lawbreakers!"

"Huh?" Zhao Kai was immediately surprised and asked, "Where did it come from?"

"Most of them are from Jiangnan and Zhejiang..." The knight's name was Yan Qing. He was now in charge of both the Intelligence Division and the Imperial City Division, so he knew that the person in front of him was Zhao Kai, but Zhao Kai didn't really recognize him.

"Arrest so many?" Zhao Kai was shocked. Where had he ever heard of arresting so many officials at once? It was unheard of.

The sight of scholars and officials being dragged here in cages was truly astonishing.

"Not many, there are more. Even the Jingzhao Prefecture has arrested people. This case is earth-shattering!" Yan Qing replied.

"There can't be any wrongdoing or oversight, can there?" Zhao Kai asked incredulously, following the knight closely and asking repeatedly. He also observed the pitiful expressions on the faces of the officials in the cages...

"Hmph, wrongful conviction? The evidence is conclusive! Go directly to the Censorate and have Vice Minister Li investigate further. Then, the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review will also investigate. Just listen to the news and see where the wrongful conviction lies..."

Yan Qing looked disdainful, his disdain directed at the officials imprisoned in these cages.

"It seems it's true?" Zhao Kai was greatly shocked, his heart filled with complex emotions. These corrupt officials deserve to be arrested and brought to trial.

but……

This is horrifying... So many people, just locked up in cages and dragged all the way to the capital...

Suddenly, Yang Zaixing exclaimed excitedly from the side, "Good! Well done! All the corrupt officials in the world have been caught!"

Zhao Kai glanced at Yang Zaixing, stopped walking, and stopped following. He just stared blankly at the once learned men who were now like pigs and dogs in their cages.

Yang Zaixing was overjoyed: "Back when I roamed the world and became an outlaw, I couldn't stand these pigs and dogs!"

Zhao Kai asked Yang Zaixing, "How do you think His Majesty will judge these disgraced officials?"

Yang Zaixing simply said, "Kill them all, that's better. Only when they're all killed can the world be better!"

"Kill them all?" Zhao Kai was shocked beyond anything he had ever experienced.

The people of Yuandao, the common people at the bottom of society, think this way, and they hate this way. But what they hate is not the Great Yan of today, but the Great Song of the past!
He only then realized...

Yang Zaixing nodded emphatically: "Kill them all! What's the point of keeping them alive? Every one killed is one less! Every one killed makes the world a little better!"

As he spoke, Yang Zaixing turned his head to look at the imperial city that the caravan had just emerged from, following the direction the caravan had entered the city.

One comment: "This emperor might actually be quite good!"

Zhao Kai nodded: "Let's go, the military camp is still far away, and it's getting late..."

"Let's go! If the Emperor really kills them, I'll definitely come and see it with my own eyes!" Yang Zaixing was still eager for more; it was the first time in his life he had witnessed such a scene. He walked away, his head still turned...

(End of this chapter)