The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 365 Ge Congzhou

On the first day of the sixth month of the first year of Guanghua, the summer heat was already intense.

On the outskirts of Bianliang, by the shore of Fantai Lake, the forest is lush and green, and several swans leisurely glide across the mirror-like surface of the lake.

Consort Zhao was most intolerant of the heat. She wore her hair in two high buns and dressed as a bodhisattva—bare-chested, shoulders and back, wearing only a tube top and a thin skirt, barefoot—sleeping on a cool couch under the eaves of the lakeside corridor.

His son, Prince Zhao, Li Zhi, sat quietly to one side, playing a sheng (a type of reed pipe).

The clear, melodious music blended with the rippling water as the mother and son chatted idly.

"The other day your father went to see the Prince of Dai. That brat hid behind the door and, taking advantage of your father's unpreparedness when he entered, swept his leg..." Zhao Ruozhao lazily propped her face up, looking very sleepy: "He tripped your old man twice and made him fall to the ground."

King Zhao put down the sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument): "And then?"

"The ministers were terrified and hurriedly asked the Prince of Dai to apologize, but the boy refused. The Emperor was so angry that he cursed him as a 'little turtle.'" As she said this, Consort Zhao laughed more and more: "Guess what? The boy actually dared to talk back and said 'old tortoise!' The Emperor left with a dark face. This father and son are really... I almost burst out laughing at the time."

"Why does the myna bird hate its father so much?"

"Why else? For his old mother, of course."

"I thought there was another reason. But for this reason, I can't blame Father."

“I think this boy’s days are numbered. If he continues to be so reckless, he’ll end up like those queens of the Li family.” Consort Zhao slapped her plump thigh and suddenly sighed, “Zhi’er, if I ended up in that woman’s situation, what would you do?”

"My mother is intelligent and kind-hearted; she wouldn't do that."

"Zhi'er—" Before Zhao Zhaoyi could say anything, a eunuch crouched down and approached.

Zhao Zhaoyi glanced at him a few times, then looked away and said, "What is it? You filthy dog ​​slave, get the hell out of here, or you'll suffer the consequences."

The eunuch immediately knelt down and said cautiously, "Reporting to Madam, Minister Zhao, the military governor of Jingnan, and Minister Zhao, the military governor of Shandong, request an audience."

"Brothers?" Zhao Zhaoyi raised an eyebrow in surprise, looking at King Zhao with an inquiring gaze: "Didn't Jingxiang send envoys to pay homage? Why did you two brothers come to Bianliang in person?"

After a moment's thought, King Zhao replied, "It must be about the navy."

"Oh?"

"Last night, I was summoned to attend the council meeting in the Holy Calendar Hall. The generals all agreed that we should build ships and recruit soldiers in Dongting Lake, Bian River, and Kuimen to prepare the navy for the sake of Jiangnan. This should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Both of my uncles have naval forces under their jurisdiction, so they must have received orders to come together."

"How old are you? Where did you get such knowledge?" Zhao Ruozhao looked her son up and down, her eyes flashing with admiration. She leaned down and gave him a big kiss on the cheek before standing up and saying softly, "Quickly invite them in."

Before long, a loud and affectionate shout came from the opposite bank: "Second sister! It's been years! Where have you been hiding? Your brother has missed you so much!"

"Second Brother!" Consort Zhao peeked out and exclaimed happily.

The newcomer was burly and robust, with a ruddy complexion and a pair of sharp eyes deeply embedded in his square, bearded face.

"Sister!" Zhao Kuangming strode forward, grasped Zhao Ruozhao's shoulders, looked her up and down, and laughed loudly, "You've become even more beautiful! But this outfit is no longer as dignified as before."

Zhao Ruozhao smiled bitterly.

She didn't want to, but the emperor preferred women who were aloof, frivolous, and vulgar. In the harem, there were probably very few women left who possessed traditional virtues.

"Have you suffered any injustices in the palace? Has anyone bullied you?"

"No, I've always been cautious." Zhao Ruozhao smiled and pulled Zhao Wang over: "Your good nephew, this is the first time you've met him. Zhi'er, why don't you greet your second uncle?"

King Zhao put down his musical instrument and respectfully bowed to Zhao Kuangming, saying, "Greetings, Second Uncle!"

"When we parted, you were still a little girl, and now the child is so grown up. Time flies." Zhao Kuangming sighed as he picked up the King of Zhao, chuckling as he pointed his beard at his face and carefully examined his features. "This appearance is excellent! My family is fortunate to have you."

Yu Guang glanced at the musical instruments beside him, then scolded his sister again: "You're just teaching him haphazardly. He doesn't learn so much poetry and military strategy, but spends all his time teaching him to play these petty and despicable games. How can he possibly gain a territory beyond the prefectures by doing this?"

"I was just teaching him to play around when I had nothing else to do, why are you getting so worked up, Second Brother? The Six Arts of a Gentleman, is it enough for you to only know how to kill and chop?"

"Hey, what kind of era is this? I think you've really gone mad under our and the saint's protection."

"You dare to curse again?" Zhao Ruozhao held up a finger, feigning anger, and said, "I'll punish you for your insubordination."

Zhao Kuangning waved his hand helplessly and laughed, "Fine, fine, I can't afford to offend you."

At this moment, Zhao Kuangning finally arrived late, leading several children: "What's all the noise about?"

"Big brother-"

Zhao Kuangning laughed and waved his hand, saying, "This is a good thing, as long as it doesn't interfere with our main duties."

"Big brother is the best." Zhao Ruozhao smiled charmingly and went to greet her eldest brother.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Kuangning immediately turned around and scolded, "What kind of decorum is this! I haven't seen you for so long, and I didn't know you were so shameless. Don't cause trouble in the palace; my Zhao family can't afford to lose face like this."

Zhao Ruozhao dared not argue with her old-fashioned and blunt older brother, so she pulled over a white cloak and wooden clogs and put them on.

"Uncle," King Zhao greeted him respectfully.

Zhao Kuangning looked down at him for a moment, his anger subsided, and he returned the greeting with a clasped hand: "Your Highness."

"Please accept these gold crowns; they're a small token of my appreciation from your uncle." Zhao Kuangning took out the gifts.

"Thank you."

After Zhao Kuangming presented the gifts, Zhao Kuangning introduced the children behind him to the King of Zhao one by one.

His eldest son was Zhao Kang.

The second son, Zhao Gan.

The third daughter is Zhao Shu.

Zhao Kuangming's eldest son, Zhao Can.

The second son, Zhao Yi.

After watching the children exchange greetings, the adults took their seats in the corridor.

The palace maids served tea and pastries.

"Sister," Zhao Kuangning said, "I shouldn't say so much, but I love you, and Zhi'er is not young anymore. Have you found a tutor for Zhi'er?"

Zhao Ruozhao shook her head: "Seeing that the Crown Prince is about to take the throne in Wuliang, I dare not do anything if the Emperor doesn't mention it. It's fine this way. I only wished for Zhi'er to live a peaceful and smooth life. I don't want him to get involved in any trouble."

"Your vision is too narrow," Zhao Kuangming said. "Is your ambition simply to eat, drink, and be merry with your son in the Tenth Prince's residence, only to be slandered and banished to Lingnan one day? With our family's—"

Zhao Ruozhao gave a wink and glanced at King Zhao.

"Mother, Uncle, I'm going to retrieve the music stage." King Zhao could tell that his mother was afraid he would complain, so he made an excuse to leave.

“My sister is right about this matter.” Zhao Kuangning took a sip of tea and said to his younger brother and sister-in-law, “It is too dangerous to plot against the crown prince. Han Wo’s summoning of my brothers to court probably indicates his suspicion and desire to pave the way for the King of Wu. If he shows such thoughts again, who knows how Han Wo will deal with us.”

"He dares!" Zhao Kuangming's face darkened. "He's only been the King of Wu's tutor for two years, and he's already eager to charge into battle."

"Don't talk nonsense," Zhao Kuangning said in a low voice.

"Han Wo wants to summon you to court?" Zhao Ruozhao asked to confirm.

“It’s just a rumor,” Zhao Kuangning said with a smile. “You know I don’t care, but your second brother is anxious.” “This…” Zhao Ruozhao pursed her lips. “This matter is of no use to me, a mere woman. If it is true, it must be with the Emperor’s consent, and it cannot be disobeyed.”

“If it’s true, then we’ll just give it to him like that? My brother can give it to him, but I’m not willing to do so.” Zhao Kuangming said, “Han Wo is a traitor who only seeks to consolidate power and sow discord between the emperor and his ministers.”

"Second brother, second brother..." Zhao Ruozhao coughed lightly, "Keep your voice down, I'm scared. I don't want to become the second Zhu Xiewusi."

"Besides, even if he really summons you to court, what can you do even if you're unwilling..." Zhao Ruozhao said, "With your military strength, he could wipe you out with a sneeze. You haven't seen his killing sprees, massacres, and city massacres; they sound terrifying... Strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches is the general trend, beneficial to the country and the people. I hope Second Brother understands the importance of this."

"You! What does it have to do with me if it benefits the country and its people? All my plans and actions are for the sake of my family, for you and Zhi'er!" Zhao Kuangming sneered.

"Take it easy, being a military leader isn't the only future."

"Being a military leader is the most lucrative career path in chaotic times. Who knows how long the Li Tang dynasty can last?"

"Second brother! Don't be stupid!" Zhao Ruozhao cursed, reaching out to cover her mouth.

"Enough, enough! I was just venting a bit. Let's take it one step at a time." Zhao Kuangming waved his hand, looking dejected.

Zhao Ruozhao felt somewhat relieved and said softly, "Is the matter of meeting the Emperor settled? I will treat my nephews to a proper lunch later."

“I came here after meeting the Emperor.” Zhao Kuangming took off his turban and sighed deeply. “These are things I can only confide in you. Don’t tell anyone else. I have no intention of asking you to speak to the Emperor on my behalf. I’m going to talk to Zhi’er.” With that, he got up and strode away.

Zhao Ruozhao nodded and instructed the palace servants to prepare a banquet. Then she turned to Zhao Kuangning and asked in a low voice, "Brother, what important matter has caused you two to come from so far away? What did the Emperor talk about just now?"

Zhao Kuangning was drowsy: "It was a normal audience, and we also talked about some military matters."

The two brothers were tasked with building three thousand warships each in Jingzhou and Xiangyang—this was certainly not something that could be completed in a short time, so let's get started.

The prefectures of the Three Gorges and Kuizhou also received quotas for 1,600 ships.

In addition, each of the two towns was required to send 500 officers skilled in naval warfare to Bianliang to prepare personnel for the soon-to-be-established navy.

The Emperor has appointed military officials such as Zhang Yanquan as envoys to gradually select southerners to bring to Bianliang and Chang'an for training.

To fight in the south, we need southern troops.

The reason why Chao Jun couldn't defeat the southern military governors, and why Sun Ru and Zhu Wen couldn't defeat Yang Xingmi, wasn't because the northern army was weak. Before they even saw the enemy, half of them were already suffering from diarrhea, heatstroke, and malaria. How could they fight like that? And if some infectious disease came along, they'd all be waiting to die.

Venue arrangements are also underway.

The magistrate of Kaifeng searched for a site outside Bianliang to build an artificial lake.

The Prefect of Jingzhao was responsible for the repair of Kunming Pool—the Qing Dynasty also had a Kunming Pool. During the Dali era, Li Yu even trained his navy at Kunming Pool. Later, it fell into disrepair.

There is a saying in Jiangnan that the region was pacified by issuing proclamations.

But these days, if you don't sharpen your sword properly, the generals will think you lack the strength or the chances of success in a southward campaign, which will be very difficult. Starting this project early will also curb their ambitions and wishful thinking, and show them your determination to pacify Jiangnan.

"Shouldn't the Sage's affairs be finished by now?" Zhao Ruozhao thought for a moment after hearing this. "Brother, don't wander around here. I'm going to Qionghua Garden to ask if Li Lang is free to have lunch with me."

*****
In the corner, the female musician knelt with her buttocks sticking out, gently stroking the mallet in her hand.

The chimes rang out crisply, and in the Qionghua Courtyard, which was decorated with flowers and plants, armored vehicles stood like a forest.

The Grand General, the Lieutenant General, and the guards—including the cavalry and infantry, the palace guards, the commanders of the various armies under the army, the captains, and the captains—numbered in the hundreds, all clad in armor and holding their swords, filling the Qionghua Garden to the brim.

The Imperial Censor in the palace turned his head and stared at the gate.

Surrounded by a dense crowd, the sage sat behind his desk, personally counting the congratulatory letters.

“Liu Rengong, Yuan Xiangxian, Niu Cunjie, Wang Jingrao, Shi Tai, Hou Song, Shao Guangchou, Liu Shizheng… make a note of all the military governors and prefects who have neither sent envoys nor presented congratulatory memorials on behalf of others.”

“Yes,” Zhao Jia replied.

"Summon Ge from Zhou to come in." The sage put down the congratulatory message.

Many envoys came. He didn't have time to meet them all. Most of the ministers received them, and he just checked who hadn't come and saw those he wanted to see.

For example, the Zhao brothers mentioned earlier.

For example, Ge Congzhou today.

The reason for choosing Fantai, located in Qionghua Garden on the outskirts of the city, was because it was a place for people to wear armor and carry swords. Fantai was one of Zhu Wen's training grounds and one of the garrisons of the Bian Army.

This is certainly not for their own safety, but to show off their power and flaunt their strength.

People of that time, regardless of whether they were Han or non-Han, all admired bravery and feared power.

If you summon these military leaders and their representatives without demonstrating some real strength, leaving a group of civilian officials standing idly by will only breed contempt in them.

"Summon Ge Congzhou to come and see me!" The voice echoed through the air.

Soon, a group of hurried footsteps could be heard outside.

The attendants and generals all turned around and made way for them.

"This is Ge Congzhou?"

"Who were the people he brought with him?"

"Damn it, I've seen one of those guys in there before. That winter in Tongguan, he was digging up my village under the wall!"

"quiet."

Amidst the smells of rust and sweat, a buzzing sound arose.

The dark pupils on both sides followed Ge Congzhou's movements.

Ge Congzhou bent over even more.

With his hands hanging down, he finally led his subordinates into the meeting hall.

"Your humble servant Ge Congzhou pays respects to Your Majesty!"

The subordinates slapped the ground in a chaotic cacophony, shouting all at once, "Greetings, Holy Lord!"

"Everyone says that there is a kudzu in Shandong, so don't bother it if there's nothing wrong with it." The sage stepped out of his seat, paced in front of the people, and observed the kudzu.

He is about 1.9 meters tall and weighs 200 pounds.

His hands were as large as palm-leaf fans, and his hands and face were covered with knife marks, stitches, and beard.

A real warrior, capable of commanding tens of thousands of troops, is definitely not the effeminate, white-clad figure depicted in movies and TV dramas.

This is a smart man.

The sage did not intend to embarrass him.

You dare to enter the tiger's den empty-handed? Do you think I don't have the magnanimity to tolerate you?
He immediately laughed and said, "Why are you so late? Get up."

Ge Congzhou lay prostrate on the ground: "The traitor Zhu usurped power, and I followed him in causing chaos in the country. Even if I am imprisoned for my crimes, I will have no complaints about coming to court this time."

"When the rebel Zhu was in power, who wouldn't submit and compromise their principles to save their own life for the country? Don't even mention you bowing down to Zhu; even the former Grand Commandant and former Minister of Works were once Zhu's friends, constantly corresponding with him and showing him respect. If flattery is a crime, then half the court would be sentenced to death. As long as one remains loyal and can turn back in time." For the sake of his troops and the influence of his horse bones, the emperor had no choice but to grit his teeth and whitewash Ge Congzhou.

(End of this chapter)