I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

...

Autumn of the thirty-eighth year of Hongwu.

After being away from the capital of the Song Dynasty for more than a decade, Zhao Yu returned in triumph.

As early as when Zhao Yu was about to enter the territory of the Song Dynasty, the people of the Song court already knew that Zhao Yu was coming back.

Upon receiving the sudden notification from the military camp, Prime Minister Li Gang and others hurriedly arranged for officials at all levels along the route to welcome the imperial entourage, while also reporting the matter to Crown Prince Zhao Shou, who was overseeing the state.

Zhao Shou did not meet with Li Gang and the others, but instead sent his son Zhao Ziwen to tell them that everything should be done according to the rules for welcoming the emperor's return in triumph, and that Li Gang, Chen Gou, and Zhao Ziwen should be in charge of this matter.

The fact that Zhao Shou, the regent, didn't personally take charge of such a momentous event as welcoming the emperor's triumphant return, but instead had his son take his place, made Li Gang and Chen Gou wary.
This is further compounded by the fact that Zhao Shou had been living a secluded life during this period and Zhao Yu, who originally did not want to return, suddenly returned in triumph.

Li Gang and Chen Gou couldn't help but feel a little suspicious!
Is a storm brewing?
However, Li Gang and Chen Gou felt relieved when they thought that Zhao Yu would be back soon.

Now that His Majesty has returned, no matter what happens, it will not affect the stability of the Song Dynasty and the world.

Subsequently, the people of Beijing began preparing a grand welcoming ceremony, and the Forbidden City was renovated. Zhao Yu's concubines and children who remained in the Forbidden City all became active, preparing to reunite with Zhao Yu in their own ways.

During this process, Zhao Ziwen was the most proactive and attentive.

As Zhao Shou's only son, and Zhao Shou's legitimate son, and more importantly, according to the traditional patriarchal system of "passing the throne to the legitimate son, not the illegitimate son, and to the eldest son, not the most virtuous son," Zhao Ziwen was undoubtedly the next crown prince of the Song Dynasty, and even the next emperor. Zhao Ziwen received the support of many scholars.

Many Confucian scholars even endorsed Zhao Zihou, saying that he was of noble lineage and legitimate son, inheriting the legacy of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, and was the grandson of the current Emperor Zhao Yu. He was in line with the hearts of the people and was the rightful heir to the throne. If Zhao Shou ascended the throne, Zhao Ziwen should be made the crown prince.

Gao Kang, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy and a literary giant, was the first to submit a memorial, praising Zhao Ziwen for studying the classics from a young age, understanding the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, being known for his filial piety and brotherly love in the palace, and for his benevolence and kindness in the court and among the people. He said that his words and deeds had the demeanor of an emperor and that he was not comparable to ordinary princes.

He further cited classical texts, including the ancient systems of the Book of Rites and the Spring and Autumn Annals, to forcefully argue that the unchanging principle of "establishing the eldest son of the legitimate heir, not the most virtuous, and establishing the son of the noble, not the eldest" is immutable for all ages. He stated that the foundation of the Song Dynasty lies in the legitimate line, and that Zhao Ziwen, as the eldest son of the Crown Prince who was in charge of the country, has the purest bloodline and the most legitimate status. His appointment as the Crown Prince is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people.

Other renowned scholars gave public lectures at the Imperial Academy and other academies, comparing Zhao Ziwen to King Cheng of Zhou and Emperor Hui of Han, praising his gentle and kind nature, calm demeanor, and the qualities of a ruler who could maintain the status quo, as well as the potential to be a founder.

Taking advantage of the fervor of welcoming the emperor's triumphant return, they spread the word that the world is now unified, the government is stable, prosperous and strong, and the foundation of the nation must be established as soon as possible in order to consolidate the rule of the court and bring peace to the world. Zhao Ziwen is the best among the imperial family members in terms of birth, virtue, and talent. Making him the crown prince is the fundamental plan for the long-term prosperity of the Song Dynasty.

Furthermore, senior officials jointly submitted a memorial, stating that when Zhao Yu led his army in triumph, Zhao Ziwen took the initiative to coordinate the welcoming arrangements. He acted with propriety and knew when to advance and retreat, displaying the demeanor of a prime minister and the magnanimity of an emperor at such a young age. This demonstrated that the Crown Prince had done a good job in educating his grandson, and that the Zhao family's direct line would produce wise rulers generation after generation.

For a time, scholars and literati in Beijing praised Zhao Ziwen as the rightful heir apparent, as if it were a matter of course that as long as Zhao Yu returned and abdicated in favor of Zhao Shou, Zhao Ziwen would be the crown prince.

—Regarding Zhao Yu's sudden return, the general consensus among the people of the Song Dynasty was that he had returned to abdicate in favor of Zhao Shou. If this were true, then for the stability of the Song Dynasty and the world, the next step would be to appoint a crown prince. After all, Zhao Yu had so many children and grandchildren; if a crown prince wasn't appointed soon, there was a risk that some members of the imperial family might become restless, causing turmoil in the Song Dynasty and the world. Therefore, they began to promote Zhao Ziwen, whom they favored, hoping that after Zhao Yu abdicated in favor of Zhao Shou, Zhao Shou would quickly appoint Zhao Ziwen as the crown prince of the Song Dynasty to ensure the continued stability of the Song Dynasty and the world.

As a result, a large number of scholars and even civil officials gathered around Zhao Ziwen.

Of course, there must be some who want to be heroes who helped the emperor rise to power.

With the help of these people, Zhao Ziwen did an excellent job in welcoming them.

Starting from the Jieguanting Pavilion, thirty miles outside Beijing, the official road was completely renovated and widened, paved with cement, and sprinkled with clean water, leaving not a speck of dust.

Every ten steps along the roadside stands a vermilion and gilded welcoming pillar, wrapped with bright yellow and crimson silk brocade, adorned with dragon and auspicious cloud patterns embroidered in gold thread. When the autumn wind blows, the brocade flutters, like dragons soaring through the heavens.

The willows and locust trees on both sides of the official road were covered with red lanterns and colorful silk balls. The eaves of the large palace lanterns were adorned with pearl tassels. Under the sunlight, they were shimmering and colorful, stretching for dozens of miles and seemingly without end.

All the city gates leading into the city, and even the gate towers of the Forbidden City, have been completely repainted.

The vermilion walls and glazed tiles were polished to a shine, and a giant gilded plaque hung above the upturned eaves, inscribed with eight large characters: "The Emperor's Triumphant Return, the Nation is Prosperous and the People are at Peace." The powerful calligraphy was written by Gao Kang, a literary giant.

On the walls on both sides of the city gate, there are poems and essays praising the emperor written by students of the Imperial Academy. The ink is vivid and the words are beautiful. They all praise Zhao Yu's unparalleled achievements in personally leading the army to expand the territory and secure the country.

Within the imperial city, the Forbidden City was renovated to be magnificent and resplendent.

The doors, windows, beams, and pillars of the three main halls—the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony—have been repainted with gold and colorful paint, and a scarlet wool carpet has been laid on the steps, directly against the throne.

Under the eaves of the various halls and pavilions in the palace, there were octagonal palace lanterns and hexagonal glass lanterns, with patterns of peace and prosperity throughout the world and all nations paying tribute painted on the lantern walls.

To demonstrate the people's support, Zhao Ziwen followed the advice of Confucian officials and ordered that every household in and around Beijing must hang colorful lanterns and post welcoming couplets in front of their doors.

The taverns, teahouses, cloth shops, and grain stores in the streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful ribbons. The lintels were wrapped with colorful silk, and the windows were decorated with paper-cuts of dragons and phoenixes. Even ordinary people's homes set up tables and chairs with incense and candlesticks, preparing to burn incense and kneel in worship when the emperor passed by.

The Confucian scholars from the Imperial Academy, the Imperial College, and various academies, dressed in uniform blue robes and carrying colorful flags and plaques, rehearsed the welcoming ceremony in advance, ready to greet the emperor along the streets on the day of his arrival.

In terms of ceremonial regulations, Zhao Ziwen strictly followed the etiquette for the emperor's triumphant return, ordering the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Rites to rush to produce imperial carriages, curved yellow canopies, sun and moon dragon and phoenix fans, golden melon axes and halberds, and other ceremonial items, all of which were edged with pure gold and decorated with glass, making them extremely luxurious.

The Shenji Army and the Imperial City Guard were all mobilized, their armor gleaming, their weapons excellent, and their ceremonial regalia complete. They were deployed along the route from the outer palace to the Forbidden City, standing solemnly on both sides of the road to protect the emperor. Their military bearing was impeccable, and their momentum was overwhelming.

The Ministry of Rites also erected a giant welcoming platform in front of Chengtian Gate. The platform was set up with incense tables, offerings, and displays of sacrificial animals, fine wines, and rare fruits. The platform was surrounded by bright yellow satin curtains, and musicians were arranged on both sides, ready to play music and triumphant songs. As soon as the emperor arrived, bells and drums would ring out and music would be played to welcome him.

The city's music halls and opera troupes were also summoned to rehearse songs, dances, and various performances to welcome the emperor. The melodious music and graceful dances were all meant to showcase the prosperity and grandeur of the Song Dynasty's music and rituals.

Zhao Ziwen personally oversaw all preparations, inspecting every aspect daily, from the arrangement of the ceremonial guards and the hanging of colorful silks to the resettlement of the people and the preparation of meals. Confucian officials such as Gao Kang attended him, constantly providing guidance on the rituals and regulations, ensuring the grand welcoming ceremony was flawless, adhering to ancient rites while displaying a magnificent spectacle. This was all to allow the returning Zhao Yu to feel the sincere loyalty of the court and the people, and to let the world see the talent and prestige of this direct descendant of the emperor, further strengthening his position as heir apparent.

The entire city of Beijing was like a magnificent capital city enveloped in splendor and music, with singing and laughter everywhere and joyful faces in every household, all waiting for Emperor Zhao Yu to arrive in the capital to celebrate his triumphant return.

……

A few days later, the day that Zhao Yu had originally planned for his triumphant return was set.

Ten trains arrived at Beijing Station on time.

Before long, Zhang Xian, along with the young general Yue Yun and civil officials Wang Fu and He Li, got off the carriage.

Just when everyone thought this was merely the vanguard of Zhao Yu's army and that Zhao Yu's imperial carriage would soon arrive, Wang Fu produced an imperial edict, announcing that the Great Song Expeditionary Army, led by Zhang Xian and Yue Yun, would take over the defense of Beijing. He also ordered Prince Zhao Di, Prince Zhao Qing, Prince Zhao Cun, Chancellor Li Gang, Privy Councilor Chen Gou, Director of the Imperial City Guard Li Yan, the commanders of the Three Military Commands, and the Crown Prince Zhao Ziwen to go to Yunzhong Prefecture to meet the Emperor.

Upon seeing this scene, many ministers of the Song Dynasty and soldiers and civilians who came to welcome Zhao Yu were all astonished, not understanding what Zhao Yu was up to.
One of Zhao Ziwen's students was named Chen Liang, courtesy name Tongfu, also known as Master Longchuan. He called himself a dragon among men and a tiger among scholars. As a commoner, he wrote to Zhao Shou five times, directly criticizing the conservatives as "mediocre scholars who are ruining the country." He suggested that Zhao Ziwen lead troops to participate in Zhao Yu's western expedition to accumulate military merits for Zhao Ziwen so that he could become the crown prince of the Song Dynasty in the future. The whole court criticized him as "crazy and eccentric." He debated with the Cheng brothers about kingship, hegemony, righteousness, and profit for eleven years, criticizing the empty talk of Neo-Confucianism. He failed the imperial examination because he wrote outrageous remarks on his paper.

Chen Liang's most outrageous act was that, while drunk, he called courtesans "concubines" and shouted "Long live the Emperor," nearly resulting in his execution for treason.

Zhao Ziwen admired Chen Liang's literary talent and thought Chen Liang's ideas were good, so he recruited him as a retainer and advisor.

Because of Zhao Ziwen, Chen Liang was able to stand at the front of the procession to welcome Zhao Yu.

Seeing that Zhao Yu was deliberately creating a diversion, catching those in Beijing who were there to receive the emperor off guard, Chen Liang's eyes darted around, and he said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "Your Majesty is being so cautious, I wonder who you are guarding against?"

Chen Liang's voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for the people Zhao Yu had sent, as well as the welcoming party led by Li Gang, Chen Gou, Zhao Di, Zhao Cun, Zhao Qing, Zhao Shou, and Zhao Ziwen, to hear what he was saying.

Before anyone could react, Zhao Di shouted, "Who dares to speak ill of my father? Get out here!"

Chen Liang was very clever. He could tell at a glance that Zhao Yu had arrived in Yunzhong Prefecture but was not making any progress. He had even summoned the prime minister, the privy councilor, several important princes, a group of military commanders in Beijing, and the crown prince to Yunzhong Prefecture. This clearly showed that he did not trust the people in Beijing.

As for whom I don't trust?

If you look at the list that Zhao Yu summoned and there's no one on it, wouldn't that make it clear?

Therefore, Chen Liang wanted to take this opportunity to show his loyalty to the current Crown Prince and future heir apparent, Zhao Ziwen, and Zhao Shoubiao, who was about to ascend the throne.

Unexpectedly, this stirred up a hornet's nest.

Not only did Zhao Di come out to reprimand Chen Liang, but dozens of princes, including Zhao Cun, Zhao Qing, and Zhao Shou, also came out to reprimand Chen Liang. Furthermore, many ministers, including Li Gang and Chen Gou, all watched Chen Liang and Zhao Ziwen behind him with cold eyes.

Censor-in-Chief Mei Zhili spoke out bluntly: "You arrogant brat! How dare you judge the mind of your sovereign with the mind of a petty person!"
Your Majesty, ruling the land, has implemented new policies domestically, expanded the territory internationally, promoted maritime trade to enrich the nation, developed industrial projects to strengthen the military, and improved agricultural administration to ensure the well-being of the people. The world is now unified, and all under heaven share the same customs. The people are free from the suffering of famine, and the common folk enjoy peace and prosperity. Your achievements surpass those of the Three Sovereigns and your virtue exceeds that of the Five Emperors; your magnificent accomplishments illuminate the past and present!

You are a mere ignorant and arrogant scholar, a commoner with no strategy in your mind and no merit in your deeds, yet you dare to presume to inquire about the Emperor's will and slander the imperial court!

"If I don't behead you, how can I maintain order in the court? If I don't punish your crimes, how can I appease the world?"

To be honest, seeing that Chen Liang had made such a big mess, Zhao Ziwen didn't want to save him.

The problem is that Chen Liang is Zhao Ziwen's man. Although what he said was inappropriate, he was still speaking up for Zhao Ziwen and his son. If Zhao Ziwen didn't speak up for Chen Liang and help him out, wouldn't he be alienating his followers?
Moreover, Zhao Ziwen knew that Chen Liang was just using this opportunity to show his loyalty to him and his son, and he felt there was no need to make a big deal out of it.

Therefore, Zhao Ziwen stepped forward and said, "My fellow imperial uncles, ministers, and colleagues, Chen Tongfu spoke without thinking and should not be taken seriously. Moreover, our dynasty has its own ancestral laws: we do not kill scholar-officials, nor do we punish those who speak out..."

Emperor Taizu of Song erected a stele in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, stipulating that officials and those who submitted memorials to the emperor should not be killed, or they would be punished by Heaven.

It is precisely because of this that the Song Dynasty never killed scholar-officials or officials who spoke out; the most severe punishment was exile to Lingnan, with no death penalty.

Of course, those who play politics are the most adaptable. You don't want me to kill you? Then I'll demote you, from south to north, then from east to west, until I demote you to death. Anyway, I haven't violated any ancestral laws.

At this moment, Zhao Ziwen used this ancestral family law to save Chen Liang.

Unexpectedly, no one gave Zhao Ziwen any face this time. Zhao Di coldly said, "This madman slanders the emperor with evil intentions and disrupts the court with his frivolous remarks. He is not 'speaking out' but inciting the masses to plot rebellion! My father has unified the world and benefited the people. His achievements are unparalleled throughout the ages. How can we allow this brat to speak recklessly! If we do not punish this scoundrel, how can we maintain order in the court and bring peace to the world!"

Then, Zhao Di asked those around him, "Is what I said correct?"

Immediately, someone chimed in: "What the Prince of Yan said is in accordance with propriety. The ancestral oaths are solemnly enshrined in the temple. Scholars who submit memorials to the emperor, even if they are outspoken and unruly, are not punished. But you are not speaking out; you are slandering the emperor and the country, and you are swaying the people's hearts. His Majesty has implemented new policies internally and expanded the country externally. The people are free from hunger and cold. His achievements are unparalleled throughout the ages. Chen Liang is just a wild and unruly scholar. How dare he try to shake a tree like an ant? According to the law, he should be executed to set an example!"

Another person stepped forward and said, "Not punishing someone for their words is different from not punishing them at all. Chen Liang slandered His Majesty and should be demoted, exiled, or stripped of his post."

More and more people are standing up to criticize Chen Liang, and even Zhao Ziwen, saying that he is unfilial, unable to distinguish right from wrong, and unworthy of being a grandson.

Zhao Ziwen was drenched in sweat!
He never expected that simply defending Chen Liang and gently protecting him would make him the target of public criticism.
The key point is that he is the Crown Prince, and will soon become the heir apparent. How dare these people not give him face?!
At this moment, Zhao Di looked at Zhao Ziwen and asked casually, "Nephew, since you believe Chen Liang can be forgiven, why don't you draft a plan?"

...(End of this chapter)