I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 87 Zhao Ya: Who can control me?

...

"The guilty woman Chongzhen pays homage to His Majesty."

The first impression Meng Xiang gave Zhao Ya was that she was very solemn, calm, and generous. She was polite but neither humble nor arrogant. Even though she was facing the new emperor, the person who could decide her fate, she maintained a rare calmness and indifference, as if she was not a criminal, but still the queen of the Zhao Song Dynasty.

Zhao Ya felt that this was what a queen should be like.

As for Liu Qingjing, even if she became the queen, she would not look like a queen.

Ok.

Zhao Ya admitted that he preferred women like Meng Xiang who were charming and profound. However, Liu Qingjing, though beautiful, always gave Zhao Ya a feeling that she was not up to the standard.

It feels like, one is the legal wife with profound background, noble and elegant, and the other is the mistress who is absolutely beautiful, charming, good at flattering and acting coquettishly and is like a vase. It's okay to play with the latter occasionally, but in the end one should return to the former.

Also, I have to say, the Taoist robe on Meng Xiang also gave Zhao Ya a different temptation, well... a bit like the temptation of uniform.

Zhao Ya quickly stopped himself, "It must be that the fire that Ye Shiyun aroused in me has not yet been completely extinguished, so I see everyone with evil thoughts. Yes, yes, that's absolutely true. I don't have a sister-in-law complex!"

But then again, Zhao Ya's fondness for Meng Xiang stems from his perspective: she represents a resilient fighter against fate. Twice deposed and twice reinstated, she endured life's ups and downs that ordinary people find difficult to endure. Yet, she consistently faced adversity with forbearance and resilience, maintaining her dignity during her years of seclusion in Yaohua Palace and refusing to complain. This composure in the face of adversity ultimately enabled her to escape capture by the Jin army during the Jingkang Incident, thanks to her status as the "deposed empress," preserving a key political symbol for the survival of the Southern Song Dynasty.

After the Jingkang Incident, Meng Xiang, as the only surviving royal elder, supported Zhao Gou's accession to the throne, providing important support for the legitimacy of the Southern Song regime.

In addition, Meng Xiang twice ruled the country from behind the scenes, using softness to overcome hardness to resolve crises. He not only appeased the rebellious army, but also secretly contacted the forces to support the king, saving Zhao Gou's life and preserving the Zhao Song Dynasty, demonstrating his superb political skills.

What is even more rare is that although Meng Xiang was labeled as a member of the old party, after she came to power, she was able to consider the overall situation and remain neutral in the struggle between the new and old parties. She neither relied on powerful officials nor retaliated against political enemies.

Finally, it must be mentioned that Meng Xiang was able to put aside past grudges and take care of the daughter born to Zhao Xu, who abandoned her, and Liu Qingjing, who harmed her, which reflects a political structure that transcends personal grudges.

Moreover, Meng Xiang was respectful in nature, lived a frugal life, and did not abuse her power to benefit her family. Even during her exile, she insisted on paying for wine and refused to use talismans and water to treat illnesses. She set an example by upholding the dignity of the Zhao Song royal family and was definitely a model of a mother who ruled the country.

Of course, it was accidental that Meng Xiang played the role of a stabilizing force in history and rebuilt the Zhao Song Dynasty. Her political role was more shaped by the times. But even so, it is undeniable that her sober decisions at critical moments were important to the stability of the early Southern Song Dynasty.

In short, Zhao Ya really admires this woman.

While Zhao Ya admired Meng Xiang, he also felt pity for her. She had done nothing wrong, yet she was twice deposed and reinstated due to factional strife. Her life was swept up in the political turmoil, like a leaf in a raging wind, struggling but unable to control her own destiny. The profound wisdom and endless weariness hidden in her eyes were the marks of time and hardship.

Zhao Ya asked Meng Xiang to stand up and said clearly, "Sister-in-law, you are too kind. When I was a prince, I said that the witchcraft case was a false accusation by the palace and was completely false. I only regretted that I was powerless to clear your name then. Now that I have become the emperor, I will overturn the verdict and restore your status as empress."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of emotion flashed across Meng Xiang's eyes, but she suppressed it. She slowly stood up, her demeanor dignified, and said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your righteous words. Chong Zhen is deeply grateful. However, Chong Zhen has now become indifferent to honor and disgrace, and her heart is as calm as water. For Chong Zhen, the position of Queen is nothing but a passing cloud."

"If you were truly indifferent to everything and devoted yourself to the Dao, you wouldn't have accepted the restoration twice. Well... if you hadn't stepped forward the second time in history, the Zhao Song Dynasty would have been in big trouble, so that's fine. But the first time in history, that is, this time in the parallel universe, if you didn't want to be restored, how could you have been asked by Zhao Ji to leave Yaohua Palace?"

Because he really had a good impression of Meng Xiang, Zhao Ya gave Meng Xiang a way out: "Sister-in-law, you are a man of high moral character. I admire you. But you don't want yourself and your men to bear this unjust accusation forever, right?"

Meng Xiang immediately fell silent. She really hadn't reached such a high level of cultivation yet.

Seeing this, Zhao Ya said in a loud voice: "Ms. Meng, I understand your unjust treatment and your removal from the throne. I feel deeply sorry for you. Your virtue and virtuous character are evident to all, and you have done nothing wrong. I am determined to restore justice to you and grant you the title of 'Empress Yuanyou'."

After Zhao Ya's oral instruction, Meng Xiang appeared calm on the surface, but a barely perceptible ripple appeared in her eyes, like a stream flowing under the melting ice in spring, which contained both relief from past sufferings and a faint expectation for the future.

Unlike Meng Xiang who was still able to remain calm, the palace maids behind Meng Xiang, especially those with disabilities, were very excited.

It's been three years!
Back then, they were inexplicably involved in the tragic witchcraft case. Some had their tongues cut off, and some had their limbs broken. Just because of a false accusation in the palace, they ended up with such a miserable end. They lingered in the Yaohua Palace day and night, bearing this unjust accusation, and their hearts were filled with resentment and grief.

Now, Zhao Ya's oral order finally cleared their names and brought them joy and relief. Tears shone in their eyes, tears of joy and relief, and their lips trembled slightly, as if they had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin.

Meng Xiang slowly leaned forward and saluted again with a more respectful attitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

Meng Xiang was personally brought back to the palace by Zhao Ya and arranged to live in Qingshou Palace.

This Qingshou Palace was where the Empress Dowager or the Queen Mother lived in her old age. Gao Taotao originally lived here.

In fact, when considering Meng Xiang's residence, Zhao Ya was a little troubled, because her identity made it a little difficult to arrange.

Later, Zhao Ya simply sent Liang Shicheng to ask Empress Dowager Xiang for instructions, and finally Empress Dowager Xiang made the decision to let Meng Xiang live in Qingshou Palace.

Nothing is trivial in the royal family.

It is inevitable that people will think too much when Empress Dowager Xiang lets Meng Xiang live in Gao Taotao's former residence.

But Zhao Ya considered that if he gave himself some more time, even Queen Mother Xiang would not be able to do anything to him, let alone Prime Minister Meng?
So Zhao Ya listened to Empress Dowager Xiang and sent people to clean out the Qingshou Palace.

After arranging Meng Xiang to stay in Qingshou Palace, Zhao Ya ordered Liang Shicheng to arrange some more envoys for Meng Xiang, but Meng Xiang refused unexpectedly.

Meng Xiang said: "These old people in my palace are enough, there is no need to waste money."

Zhao Ya didn't force him. He just made small talk with Meng Xiang about some interactions between the "original owner" and Meng Xiang when they were young, and discussed Taoism with Meng Xiang based on his half-understood knowledge.

Meng Xiang saw that Zhao Ya didn't want to ignore her, but he didn't know what to say to his widowed sister-in-law, so he said sympathetically: "It's getting dark, and Your Majesty has to attend the morning court tomorrow. I, a Taoist, don't eat after noon, so I won't invite Your Majesty to dinner."

Zhao Ya felt a little awkward staying with his widowed sister-in-law.

The key point is that Zhao Ya is really a little distracted.

Therefore, Zhao Ya quickly took advantage of the situation and left the Qingshou Palace.

On the way back, Meng Xiang's figure kept lingering in Zhao Ya's mind.

Zhao Ya felt that this was not a good thing. He had no shortage of women, so there was no need to get involved in such a matter.

After returning to the harem, Zhao Ya wanted to ask Ye Shiyun to come to the bed, and asked her to wear the cheongsam she wore during the day, or even wear a Taoist robe, but Zhao Ya didn't want to succumb to Ye Shiyun's seduction. So, Zhao Ya randomly found two beautiful and well-built palace maids and completely vented his anger.

Entering the sage moment, Ye Shiyun, Meng Xiang, all get out.

"I have so many women, how can I be dominated by you?"

When Li Shishi and Zhao Yuannu came over, they happened to hear Zhao Ya talking about life with the two lucky palace maids.

Li Shishi and Zhao Yuannu hurried back and reported the matter to Zhang Chun and Ye Shiyun.

Upon learning that not only had the two female officials stolen the profits she had created that morning, but now two more palace maids had also shared in the profits she had created, they must have squeezed Zhao Ya dry today, leaving her with nothing. Ye Shiyun regretted it immensely. She said with some annoyance, "It's all my fault. If I had seen that Zhao Ya was holding on, I would have put in a little more effort and taken him down."

Then, Ye Shiyun complained to Li Lin again: "I also blame Sister Lin. If she had given me some hints earlier, telling me that Zhao Ya had been bewitched by me, would I have let Zhao Ya escape?"

Zhang Chun also felt regretful: "If Zhao Ya escapes this time, it will be difficult to overthrow him next time."

Ye Shiyun agreed with Zhang Chun's speculation: "That's right, this trick may not work next time. Moreover, I think Sister Lin is right. Zhao Ya is now competing with us, taking advantage of ordinary female officials and palace maids, and not letting us succeed."

Ye Shiyun immediately raged, "My short temper has really driven me crazy. I'm going to push him back. Then he can sue me wherever he wants. I'll bear all the consequences!"

Zhang Chun calmly analyzed: "We can't do a one-time deal. For this kind of thing, he has to be willing to do it, otherwise we will lose more than we gain."

"What should we do? Let Jiaojiao help us invent stockings, or help us invent yoga pants? We can't play the game of uniform temptation with Zhao Ya, right? If we dress up as flight attendants, nurses, or teachers, he has to be able to understand it." Ye Shiyun said.

Inspired by Ye Shiyun's words, Zhang Chun came up with an idea: "How about we pretend to be nuns? Wu Zetian used a nun's outfit to capture Li Zhi."

"Do I need to shave my head? If not, I agree." Ye Shiyun said.

"A real nun must shave her head, but we are just pretending to be nuns, so there is no need to make such a big sacrifice," said Zhang Chun.

"Okay." Ye Shiyun agreed.

"Let's do it right away. I'll go find Pei Sui tomorrow and ask her to find a way to get us a set of nun's clothes." Zhang Chun said.

"Why is it a set?" Ye Shiyun asked.

"Didn't we agree that you would go first?" Zhang Chun said.

"Well...if I have to look for nun's clothes tomorrow, I may not be able to do it." Ye Shiyun said.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Chun asked.

"My relatives are coming soon, either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow." Ye Shiyun said helplessly.

After thinking for a while, Ye Shiyun took the initiative to say, "How about I let you go first?"

Zhang Chun rolled his eyes: "Guess why I let you go first?"

……

Not to mention that Zhang Chun and Ye Shiyun can finally have a few days of peace, let's just say that when the New Party members learned that Zhao Ya personally went to bring Meng Xiang back to the palace and let Meng Xiang live in Gao Taotao's former residence, Qingshou Palace, they immediately became alert.

Cai Bian, Zeng Bu and Cai Jing immediately went to Zhang Dun's house to discuss countermeasures.

As soon as they met, Cai Bian asked Zhang Dun, "Is Your Majesty planning to side with the Yuanyou Party?"

"Don't panic," Zhang Dun said calmly. "I've received news that Han Zhongyan and General Xu went to see the Empress Dowager yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon, the Empress Dowager invited Your Majesty to dinner. And today, Your Majesty went to reinstate Empress Meng and bring her back to the palace. This was undoubtedly due to the manipulation of the old party and the Empress Dowager's pressure. Your Majesty is likely simply acting under duress due to the situation."

At this point, Zhang Dun said confidently: "Your Majesty is certainly not a fickle person. You are well aware of the situation in the Song Dynasty and will never side with the Yuanyou Party."

Cai Jing echoed Zhang Dun, saying, "I have discussed this with Your Majesty in detail, and I can guarantee with my life that Your Majesty's determination to reform is no less than that of the two previous emperors, Shenzong and Zhezong."

Seeing Zhang Dun and Cai Jing confirm this, Cai Bian and Zeng Bu felt relieved.

Cai Bian said: "Since Your Majesty is so determined, tomorrow's events will not change. We should take this opportunity to severely damage the Yuanyou Party and not allow them to carry out the Yuanyou reforms again."

……

At the same time, many members of the old party were celebrating the restoration of Meng Xiang as Empress Yuanyou.

Many members of the Old Party saw Meng Xiang's return as empress and her move into Gao Taotao's former residence as a major political victory for them. This was likely an important political signal that Empress Dowager Xiang would become Gao Taotao and lead them in another Yuanyou Reform, eliminating the New Party and abolishing the New Law.

However, knowledgeable people in the old party, such as Han Zhongyan and Su Shi, did not think so.

In their view, Empress Dowager Xiang did not choose to rule the country from behind the scenes, but let Zhao Ya take charge of the government, which means that she did not want to be Gao Taotao. The future direction of the Zhao Song Dynasty would most likely be based on Zhao Ya's will.

Although Zhao Ya has not yet clearly stated his political stance, he is definitely one of the people who sees the problems of the Zhao Song Dynasty most clearly. He must know that without reform and change, the Zhao Song Dynasty will have no future and will be difficult to survive.

Therefore, it is impossible to expect another Yuanyou Reform.

The key point is that Han Zhongyan and Su Shi had both talked with Empress Dowager Xiang. They knew that Empress Dowager Xiang was more inclined to take a middle road, that is, to reconcile the contradictions between the new and old parties, so that everyone could work together to find a way out for the Zhao Song Dynasty.

In other words, reform is inevitable, and the question has changed from whether to reform or not to how to reform?
As for what kind of political signal Meng Xiang's restoration to the position of queen is, it is hard to say at this moment.

Also, will the liquidation of Sima Guang and other old party members take place at tomorrow morning's court?
"You are trying to redress Queen Meng on the one hand, and at the same time you want to settle accounts with Sima Guang and others. What exactly does Your Majesty want to do?"

……

(End of this chapter)