I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 358 A Different Zhao Gou
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When Zhao Kai, Zhao Gou, and Zhao Huan heard that Zhao Si, Zhao Shi, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong were spying on the imperial selection from the Bell Tower, the officials of the Imperial Academy were in a dilemma because of their status as imperial relatives. They were afraid of offending the emperor if they punished them too severely, but they would be accused of dereliction of duty if they punished them too lightly. They hoped that the Zhao brothers could intervene. Without saying a word, they went to the Bell Tower.

On the road.

Zhao Kai and the other two discussed how to handle the matter.

Zhao Kai said to Zhao Gou and Zhao Huan: "They are all still very young and ignorant of etiquette. Although the selection of imperial concubines is an important ceremony, they are just playing around and have no intention of rebelling. If we punish them severely, we may lose the kindness and generosity of our relatives. A light punishment will suffice."

Zhao Gou's military leadership was deeply influenced by Li Lin's philosophy of "rather freeze to death than dismantle a house, rather starve to death than plunder." He was upright and outspoken, valuing integrity and speaking his mind without regard for others' opinions. He disagreed with Zhao Kai's lenient treatment plan and therefore objected:

“No! Etiquette is the foundation of the state, and princes and relatives should especially uphold it. The selection of imperial concubines is a national ceremony. What’s worse is that those who spies on them may become future concubines or wives of the imperial family. This is the beginning of disorder. If we let it go, how can we maintain order in the court and subdue the officials? We must punish them according to the law to show that the law is impartial.”

Zhao Huan was able to be impartial with his own people; no matter who it was, he would never tolerate anyone who made a mistake.

The problem is that Zhao Si, Zhao Shi, and Zhao Ming are all sons of Zhao Yu, and even Zhao Youzhong is the son of Zhao Yu's younger brother Zhao Si. They are all closer to Zhao Yu than Zhao Huan is.

More importantly, Zhao Huan knew very well that Zhao Yu did not like him.

To be honest, Zhao Huan also didn't understand it.

Yes.

Zhao Huan was not Zhao Yu's son, but the son of Zhao Yu's elder brother Zhao Ji. He was certainly not as close as a son born to him.

But this shouldn't be a reason for Zhao Yu to dislike him.

It should be noted that Zhao Huan was not the only son of Zhao Yu.

Zhao Bi, Zhao Si, and Zhao Si all had sons, who are now adults or nearing adulthood.

While removing the seal on his sons, Zhao Yu also released the seals on them, allowing them to participate in politics and the military, and even hinted at the possibility of enfeoffing them in the future, including the son of Zhao Si, who had a grudge against Zhao Yu.

Zhao Huan was the only exception; Zhao Yu showed absolutely no intention of demoting him, nor did he ever hint at wanting to bestow a title upon him.

When Zhao Ji asked, Zhao Yu said, "You only have this one son. If he is sent away and something happens to him, you will have no heir."

Upon hearing Zhao Yu's words, Zhao Ji, whose health had inexplicably collapsed after giving birth to Zhao Huan, also hesitated.

In the end, Emperor Huizong could only acquiesce to Zhao Huan's development in the capital.

Like Zhao Kai, Zhao Huan is now also the head of the Imperial Academy.

Seeing other members of the royal family and the imperial clan able to pursue their dreams, whether governing a region or fighting on the battlefield, and perhaps even becoming a regional lord in the future, Zhao Huan was very envious. Unwilling to be ordinary, he always strictly disciplined himself, hoping to be treated differently by Zhao Yu and given an opportunity to display his talents.

"Benevolence" and "filial piety" are important Confucian criteria for evaluation, and Zhao Huan excelled in both:

Zhao Huan was "filial but not blindly obedient" to Zhao Ji. He greeted Zhao Ji daily according to etiquette and did his best to meet Zhao Ji's daily needs. However, he never blindly followed Zhao Ji's extravagance and wastefulness, but repeatedly advised against it.

In years of famine, Zhao Huan would personally donate his own salary for disaster relief. He petitioned Zhao Yu, the emperor, to increase the number of candidates admitted to the imperial examinations and to select more impoverished scholars to prevent the sons of officials from monopolizing official careers. Even when faced with injustices, although he had no direct judicial power, he would transfer the cases to the Court of Judicial Review to urge a swift trial and prevent public resentment from accumulating.

Under Zhao Huan's deliberate cultivation, the scholar-officials, especially those who disliked Zhao Yu, gave Zhao Huan a very high evaluation, giving the impression that if the new emperor were not to be chosen from among Zhao Yu's sons, Zhao Huan would be the best choice.

There is also a popular saying that "Zhao Huan was virtuous and could relieve the people's suffering."

Despite this, Zhao Yu never gave Zhao Huan a significant position, only assigning him to teaching and other insignificant tasks. Even when officials from the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Remonstrance recommended Zhao Huan, Zhao Yu showed no intention of promoting him.

Gradually, some people realized that Zhao Huan's behavior had exceeded the scope of a prince or member of the imperial clan. To put it bluntly, Zhao Huan's behavior was too much and posed a threat to Zhao Yu's son.

It's no wonder that Zhao Yu suppressed Zhao Huan.

Over time, Zhao Huan also came to believe that he had gone too far and aroused Zhao Yu's suspicion, which was why Zhao Yu had him banned.

Thus, when it came to matters concerning Zhao Yu and his son, Zhao Huan couldn't help but feel somewhat hesitant and timid.

After pondering for a long time, Zhao Huan said, "To be lenient would lead to a loss of discipline, while to be strict would damage harmony; it is difficult to choose between the two."

Zhao Kai then said, "We can summon him and admonish him, ordering him to reflect on his mistakes for three days behind closed doors. This will not only make him aware of his faults but also preserve the dignity of the imperial family, thus avoiding a dilemma."

Zhao Gou shook his head: "This is leniency! I fear they will repeat the offense in the future, and if they do, it will be even more difficult to control them. They should be punished with thirty strokes of the cane, have their salary deducted for a year, and be confined to their quarters for half a year. Only then will they know to respect the law, and this will serve as a warning to others."

After much hesitation, Zhao Huan still didn't dare to get too involved in the matter. He could only try to smooth things over by saying, "Let's go to the Bell Tower to see everyone first and see if they regret their actions before making a decision."

Zhao Kai and Zhao Gou had no objections and hurried away.

When Zhao Kai and his two companions reached the top of the bell tower, they easily caught Zhao Si and his three companions, who were still looking around and making sarcastic comments.

Zhao Kai shouted, "Zhao Si, Zhao Shi, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong, what are you doing?!"

Zhao Si, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong all hid their telescopes behind their backs in perfect unison. Zhao Shi, the boldest and quickest to react, decisively threw his telescope into the flower bed below the clock tower and tried to jump off the clock tower.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Gou reacted even faster, grabbing Zhao Shi and pulling him back, warning him, "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; where can you escape to?!"

Since he couldn't escape, Zhao Shi could only stand dejectedly among Zhao Si, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Yougong, who all looked like wilted eggplants.

Zhao Si was the first to raise his head, and, trying to remain calm, cupped his hands and said, "Greetings to my three elder brothers."

Upon seeing this, the others also bowed in greeting.

Zhao Gou's face was cold and stern, his gaze sweeping over them like torches. He said coldly, "How dare you! Spying on the selection of concubines, violating the rules of propriety, how outrageous!"

Zhao Shi shrank back and muttered softly, "But... but just watching the show."

"Watching the show?" Zhao Gou sneered. "The selection of imperial concubines is a major national event. Most of the chosen women will enter the Empress's palace. How can you treat this so lightly?!" Seeing the situation turning sour, Zhao Ming quickly and cautiously explained, "Brother, please calm down. We were just curious and had no other intentions!"

Zhao Youzhong chimed in, "I swear I'll never do it again!"

Zhao Gou, with an iron face, said: "You ignorant fools! The selection of imperial concubines is a grand ceremony to inherit the ancestral temple and continue the imperial lineage. Whether the selected women become imperial concubines or wives of the imperial family, it is all in accordance with the national order. You are peeping with mirrors and commenting on their appearance, which shows that you have no regard for etiquette and law, and regard the dignity of the imperial family as worthless! If you indulge them today because of 'curiosity' and 'excitement,' they will dare to overstep the bounds of the palace and disrupt the order of things tomorrow!"

"Rites are the cornerstone of a nation. Our ancestors established these rules not to bind people, but to rectify their hearts and distinguish between superiors and inferiors. You, as princes and members of the imperial family, should set an example for all officials, yet you have acted so frivolously. If you are not punished, how can you face our ancestors, how can you see our father, and how can you command the people? I have said it beforehand: you shall be publicly flogged thirty times as a warning, your salary shall be deducted for a year to reflect on your actions, and you shall be confined to your quarters for half a year to consider your mistakes. This is in accordance with the law, and there shall be no leniency whatsoever!"

Zhao Kai smoothed things over, saying, "They are all just young children. Although they have violated etiquette, they have not committed any serious crimes. If we punish them severely according to the law, it may harm their nature. Moreover, I am afraid that the Emperor will consider the relationship between father and son, uncle and nephew, and we will have difficulty explaining ourselves. It would be better for them to stay at home and reflect on their mistakes for three days. This way, they can understand their faults and save face. It is not unreasonable."

Zhao Huan nodded in agreement: "This matter involves princes and relatives of the imperial family. If the punishment is too severe, it may cause resentment. It would be better to temporarily punish him by making him copy the Book of Rites a hundred times, so that he can understand the essentials of etiquette and law. This is a win-win solution."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gou did not back down. He said, "What my two elder brothers say is not to uphold the law and etiquette, but to condone it! If one is condoned today, ten will be condoned tomorrow. If this continues, the law and etiquette will collapse, and how can the court be at peace? My mind is made up—public caning, salary deduction, and confinement are all indispensable! If my two elder brothers insist on exonerating them, I will go to see Father Emperor and report that my two elder brothers have abandoned the law of the state because of kinship, and have shown favoritism towards them. I will punish my two elder brothers for their crime of protecting them."

Zhao Kai and Zhao Huan exchanged a glance, both knowing that Zhao Gou was upright and outspoken, and that further persuasion would be futile.

In the end, Zhao Gou, following the rules of the Imperial Academy, ordered someone to bring out the canes and publicly gave Zhao Si, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong thirty strokes each, while Zhao Shi, who attempted to escape, received fifty strokes. He also sent a document to the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, ordering the four men to have their salaries reduced by one year and to be confined to their residences for six months, forbidding them from leaving even a step outside.

Seeing that they couldn't persuade Zhao Gou, Zhao Kai could only give Ma Xiaojiao's fourth son, Zhao Yuan, a wink, signaling him to quickly go and get reinforcements, otherwise, Zhao Si and the other three would be in big trouble.

Zhao Si is Xi Duo's child. She grew up with Zhao Yuan and the two had a good relationship.

Zhao Shi, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong were also close associates of Zhao Yuan.

To put it simply, Zhao Yuan was originally involved in today's events, but he really wanted to attend a science class today, so he didn't go with them.

One more thing, the telescopes that Zhao Si and the others used were all given to them by Zhao Yuan.

Now that Zhao Si and the other three are in trouble, Zhao Yuan will definitely want to save them.

Thinking about his mother, who was only interested in research and development, Zhao Yuan knew that he couldn't rely on Ma Xiaojiao for today's matter.

After thinking it over, Zhao Yuan went to the talent show to ask Zhang Chun for help.

Zhang Chun, who was serving as one of the judges, was surprised to hear that Zhao Yuan was looking for her. She wondered what this little guy, who was just over ten years old, wanted to do.
After thinking it over, Zhang Chun decided to send Li Shishi to see Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan knew that Li Shishi was Zhang Chun's confidante and had a good relationship with Zhao Si's mother, Xi Duo, so he quickly told Li Shishi the whole story.

After hearing this, Li Shishi frowned slightly, thinking to herself, "Although they are naughty and deserve some punishment, isn't Zhao Gou's punishment a bit too harsh?"

After thinking about it, Li Shishi nodded slightly and said, "You may go now, I will inform the Empress of this matter myself."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuan quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Madam Li. I hope you can hurry, as I'm afraid those few won't be able to hold out for long."

Li Shishi nodded: "I'll go right away."

After saying that, Li Shishi turned around and hurriedly walked towards the talent show venue.

Back at the audition venue, Li Shishi quickly walked to Zhang Chun's side, whispered in his ear, and told him everything Zhao Yuan had said.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chun was slightly taken aback, then thought to himself, "Politics is about making as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible."

Thinking of this, Zhang Chun came to Zhao Yu's side, then whispered in Zhao Yu's ear that Zhao Si and the others had spied on the selection of concubines and that Zhao Gou wanted to severely punish them.

Zhao Yu's first thought was, 'Is this even a big deal?'

It's no wonder Zhao Yu thought that way. In fact, talent shows are all too common in later generations. Moreover, let alone the fact that all the contestants here are dressed so conservatively, it's not surprising that all the contestants in talent shows are wearing bikinis or sexy lingerie with their buttocks exposed.

Besides, Zhao Si and the others are just kids. They're probably just watching the fun and then going to brag about it to their peers. Zhao Yu did that kind of thing when he was a kid, so he knows what kind of mentality they have.

However, Zhao Yu thought again that most of these young women would be entering his harem. The key point was that three of these rascals were his sons, which was an unusual relationship. If this matter were to be investigated seriously, it seemed that it was not so simple. Zhao Gou's decision to severely punish them was not without reason.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yu said to Liang Shicheng, "Go and call them here."

After receiving the order, Liang Shicheng immediately went to the Imperial Academy and brought Zhao Kai, Zhao Gou, Zhao Huan, Zhao Si, Zhao Shi, Zhao Ming, and Zhao Youzhong with him.

By this time, Zhao Si and the other three had each been hit more than a dozen times in public.

They were only ten years old, and their bodies hadn't even fully grown yet.

With Zhao Gou watching over them, those carrying out the task dared not hold back.

After those dozen or so blows, everyone except Zhao Shi was beaten until they cried out in pain.

The key issue is that the pain is one aspect.

Zhao Gou beat them on the playground of the Imperial Academy, and before he beat them, he had his pants pulled down so that the students could watch.

This is too embarrassing.

Fortunately, Zhao Si and the other three were still young; otherwise, they would have been mortified and it would have been difficult to salvage the situation.

When Zhao Si and the other three were brought before Zhao Yu, they were all in a sorry state. Zhao Si's hair was disheveled and plastered to his face, with tear stains still clinging to his skin. He walked with a limp, wincing in pain with every step. Zhao Ming was in even worse shape; his buttocks were red and swollen from the beating, and he could only move cautiously, hissing in pain from time to time. Zhao Youzhong was in a similar state, except that he dared not show any pain, keeping his head bowed as low as possible, as if afraid of being recognized. Only Zhao Shi stood there, stubbornly holding on, showing some backbone.

Seeing that Zhao Si and the other three were beaten so badly that they could barely walk, Zhao Yu was both angry and amused.

Zhao Yu gave a loud "humph" to Zhao Si and the other three, trying to scare the mischievous boys, before turning his attention to Zhao Kai, Zhao Gou, and Zhao Huan, who had brought them over, especially Zhao Gou, who was completely different from what Zhao Yu remembered...

……

(End of this chapter)