The prince is more stable

Chapter 634 The Emperor's Suspicion
The case is not complicated. Someone poisoned the person, someone delivered the poison, and someone fed the poison to the person. The only heir of the Song Dynasty was poisoned to death. It was a gang crime.

Then, the three suspects involved in the case disappeared without a trace.

Zhao Xu was somewhat disappointed with the result, but had no choice but to accept it.

The matter is not over. The murderers who killed the young prince will not be let off easily. From now on, all local governments in the Song Dynasty must place the wanted notices for these three people at the top of their notices. They will never be removed until they are caught.

"Does Zian mean that these three people plotted to harm my son, and that someone was behind it? Who do you think it could be?" Zhao Xu asked.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed inwardly. How should he answer this? Should he directly tell him that his half-brother was eyeing his throne, and that whoever succeeded him after his death was the murderer?

Zhao Xu could naturally guess this possibility, but he had a deep brotherly bond with Zhao Ji and never thought about it in that direction. In his eyes, Zhao Ji was still that naive young man, buried in his studies, with a few hobbies, like playing with strange stones, and enjoying calligraphy and painting.

What a sunny and cheerful young man! Even his hobbies exude an elegant, sophisticated, and refined charm.

The court officials held Zhao Ji in high regard, believing that this Prince of Suining was a rare young genius in the Song Dynasty. Regardless of his ability to govern the country, he was at least elegant and honest.

An honest and upright young man who was well-versed in the classics was the perfect heir to the throne in the eyes of the Song Dynasty's civil officials.

In real history, Zhao Ji obtained the throne not only because he was the first in line to the throne, but also because of the image of being obedient, honest, and learned that he had cultivated over the years. This was simply because the civil officials found him pleasing.

Of course, the Song Dynasty officials never imagined that this honest, obedient, and learned young man would not only lose the Song Dynasty after nearly thirty years on the throne, but also have his father and son captured by the Jurchens and taken to the north, where they died in humiliation.

Today's Zhao Ji can only be described as having acted very well; he is still the honest child who is cherished by Zhao Xu and the civil officials.

Zhao Xu had always doted on his younger brother, and this younger brother was also very good at acting in front of Zhao Xu, which created a false image of brotherly affection. Of course, only Zhao Xu thought that this brotherly affection was real.

Now that Zhao Xu has asked Zhao Xiaoqian face-to-face who might be the mastermind, how can Zhao Xiaoqian answer?

If Zhao Xu gives the correct answer, can he believe it?

"I don't know the answer to that. The Imperial City Guard needs to continue their investigation. If they can catch those three, all the answers will be revealed," Zhao Xiaoqian said vaguely.

Zhao Xu remained expressionless, gave a faint "hmm," and waved his hand, saying, "Enough, let's not talk about this. I believe time will give me the answer and allow me to see clearly who is loyal and who is treacherous."

As Zhao Xu spoke, he suddenly looked up and stared at Zhao Xiaoqian.

In an instant, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly sensed a suffocating atmosphere in the hall, as if a pair of invisible hands were tightly gripping his throat.

A layer of cold sweat seeped out from Zhao Xiaoqian's back, and his heart suddenly raced.

For no apparent reason, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly had a premonition.

Zhao Xu is no longer the Zhao Xu he once was.

At this moment, he is a cold-blooded, ruthless, and heartless emperor who has no regard for family or friends.

He possessed all the qualities of an emperor: suspicious, selfish, and self-centered.

The death of the young prince and the extinction of the royal line ultimately changed Zhao Xu's temperament.

There is no one in this world that Zhao Xu trusts anymore, including Zhao Xiaoqian himself.

Even regarding the matter of Huang Chenxiang and the other two's escape, Zhao Xu might not believe it, or perhaps he already had suspicions about him, but simply kept it hidden.

Zhao Xiaoqian pursed his lips, lowered his eyelids, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I have another matter to report."

Zhao Xu smiled: "Zian, please speak freely. You know that among all the officials in the court, you are the only one I trust."

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed inwardly and said, "Yes, what I want to report is about forming an alliance with the Jurchen tribes to jointly attack the Liao Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xu sat up straight.

He may distrust everyone, but he is absolutely interested in destroying the Liao Dynasty and unifying China.

The unfortunate truth is that only cold-blooded and ruthless emperors can create great achievements and leave their mark on history.

Zhao Xiaoqian truthfully told Zhao Xu the results of his discussion with Wanyan Aguda. After he finished speaking, Zhao Xu's eyes lit up with excitement, and he slapped his thigh.

"Zian, that's brilliant! By attacking the Liao Kingdom from both the south and the north, we can prevent them from attending to both ends. With the Jurchen tribes holding back the Liao army in the north, wouldn't it be easy for Zi'an to lead his troops to recover Yan and Yun?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "That's what I meant too. So I would like to ask Your Majesty to grant the imperial treasury permission to send grain, weapons and warhorses to the Jurchen tribes."

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend, at least for now. The stronger the Jurchen tribes become, the more troubled the Liao will be, and the more confident I will be in leading my troops to reclaim Yan and Yun.” Zhao Xu immediately nodded: “Good, I grant it. Tomorrow, I will convene the Council of State to discuss this matter, and the national treasury will immediately allocate grain, weapons, and warhorses…”

"However, how do we get the provisions and weapons there? The Jurchen tribes are northeast of the Liao Kingdom, unless..."

Zhao Xu paused, and Zhao Xiaoqian immediately interjected, "Unless we use sea transport. Our Song Dynasty's navy has many ships, and private merchants have also built many warships for foreign trade. It would be easy to requisition a few ships."

“We can transfer grain and military supplies to Suzhou and Hangzhou for export, bypassing Goryeo and Japan to go north, and deliver the grain directly to the Jurchen tribes. The Liao people will not be able to detect it.”

Zhao Xu nodded with delight: "That's right, let's do it that way. This plan is brilliant. Zi'an is a genius."

Zhao Xiaoqian then said, “Yesterday I inspected the 50,000 elite troops selected from the three armies. Although the soldiers are still somewhat unfamiliar with operating firearms, they will become proficient in about two or three months. I believe they are ready to participate in the war.”

Zhao Xu said with delight, "I'm glad Zi'an is satisfied. These 50,000 troops were personally overseen by me, and they were all elite soldiers and generals. They are the perfect choice to reclaim Yan and Yun."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "I congratulate Your Majesty in advance. You will surely be able to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun this year. Among all the emperors of the Song Dynasty, only Your Majesty has created such an unparalleled achievement. You will shine in the ancestral temple, your name will be recorded in the annals of history, and you will be admired and looked up to by future generations."

Hearing this was so comforting, Zhao Xu burst into laughter.

Emperors, who never rise through the ranks and don't care about getting rich, probably only seek to be remembered in history and revered by future generations.

With the opportunity just around the corner, how could Zhao Xu not be happy?

"Zi'an, I am waiting for good news in Bianjing. When you establish this unparalleled achievement for the Song Dynasty, I will be in great glory, and you, Zi'an, will be famous for all time, comparable to Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we, as ruler and subject, could leave a good story in the history books together?"

After chatting for a while, Zhao Xiaoqian took his leave.

After Zhao Xiaoqian left, the smile on Zhao Xu's face gradually faded. He was left alone in the spacious hall, and he suddenly felt a chill of loneliness all over his body. An unprecedented sense of solitude overwhelmed him.

After a long silence, Zhao Xu suddenly said, "Zheng Chunhe, summon Wei Jie of the Imperial City Guard to see me."

Half an hour later, Wei Jie stood before Zhao Xu, bowing deeply.

Zhao Xu no longer had the warm, spring-like smile he had when facing Zhao Xiaoqian. His eyes were cold and sharp, like a sharp arrow that could pierce the heart.

Wei Jie trembled with fear at Zhao Xu's unfamiliar yet sharp gaze, standing pale-faced and at a loss for what to do.

After a long silence, Zhao Xu spoke coldly: "Wei Jie, tell me, can I still trust the Imperial City Guard now?"

These words were too serious. Wei Jie shuddered and knelt down with a thud: "Your Majesty, the Imperial City Guard will always be loyal to Your Majesty!"

Zhao Xu closed his eyes and remained silent for a long while before slowly saying, "Zhao Zi'an is in charge of the Imperial City Guard investigating the case of the young prince's murder. Tell me the whole story of Zhao Zi'an's investigation, without omitting a single word!"

Wei Jie did not understand his meaning, but he dared not hide a word, so he honestly recounted Zhao Xiaoqian's investigation process.

The investigation started at the Imperial Medical Bureau, then moved to the Imperial Pharmacy, and finally to the eunuchs and palace attendants in Consort Liu's palace. As the investigation progressed, more and more clues emerged. Just when it was discovered that the medicines in the Imperial Pharmacy contained a small amount of lead oxide, the answer was about to be revealed. However, it was then that the Junior Supervisor of the Palace Secretariat, Huang Chenxiang, was suddenly informed that he had absconded.

At the same time, Gong Jing, the eunuch in Consort Liu's palace, and the wet nurse of the young prince also mysteriously disappeared. Only then did the whole case come together and a clear answer was reached.

Upon learning of the three's escape, Zhao Xiaoqian did not delay for a moment. The Imperial City Guard immediately mobilized all its personnel to search for the three. Zhao Xiaoqian also issued arrest warrants at the first opportunity and sent them to local government offices in the capital region.

Wei Jie spoke in great detail, explaining every single detail clearly, and he was telling the truth without uttering a single falsehood.

After listening, Zhao Xu remained silent, closing his eyes in deep thought, seemingly lost in thought.

After a long silence, Zhao Xu nodded and sighed, saying, "It seems that Zhao Zi'an did not hide anything from me regarding the case. The three murderers did indeed flee because they saw that things were not going well. Zi'an was negligent, but it was not intentional."

Wei Jie said in a low voice, "Yes, I guarantee with my life that I was present throughout Your Highness's investigation of this case and witnessed it all with my own eyes. Your Highness had no selfish motives whatsoever. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may send someone to investigate."

Zhao Xu suddenly revealed a warm smile: "Zi'an is my brother, how could I not believe him? But after all, it was my son who was murdered, so I have to ask carefully. I will not be satisfied until the murderer is caught."

Disheartened, Wei Jie was dismissed, and the main hall returned to its desolate and cold atmosphere.

Zhao Xu closed his eyes to rest, his expression cold and aloof. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating his profile, making his face appear half-lit and half-shadowed, as if he were a combination of god and demon.

After a long silence, Zhao Xu murmured and sighed, "Let's leave it at that for now. Recapturing Yan and Yun is the most important thing..."

After speaking to himself, Zhao Xu suddenly burst into tears for no apparent reason.

His mind was constantly filled with images of his child who died at three months old, that chubby, clear, and innocent face, which had now become a source of inner demons and nightmares.

(End of this chapter)