The prince is more stable

Chapter 698 Differentiation and Infiltration

The reversal in relations between the Song and Liao dynasties manifested itself in many ways, not just on the battlefield.

One aspect is that, in diplomatic relations, the Song Dynasty was no longer as cautious towards the Liao Dynasty as it had been in previous years.

In the past, if King Zhao Hao of Chu had beaten a Liao envoy half to death for no reason, it would have been a major event that shocked the court. Not to mention how many censors would impeach him, the bigwigs of the Council of State would have to personally apologize to the Liao envoy and severely punish the perpetrator.

Nowadays, the censors also impeach Zhao Hao, but not so fiercely. The reason for impeaching him is not "the friendly states are astonished", but that Prince Zhao Hao is of bad character and behaves recklessly and improperly.

Zhao Xu's attitude was even more nonchalant: send some gifts to shut the Liao envoy up, and that was it.

It must be said that the outcome of the battle has affected all aspects of life, and the soldiers at the front have fought for the dignity of the people of the Song Dynasty.

"Dignity" means that from now on, one will no longer be trembling with fear over trivial matters of foreign lands, and that the joys and sorrows of foreign lands will no longer cause the emotions of the subjects of the Song Dynasty to fluctuate.

During the powerful Han and Tang dynasties, ordinary people walking on the streets, despite being destitute, still had the confidence and audacity to look down on any barbarians, believing from the bottom of their hearts that these uncivilized peoples were un-evolved half-humans, like monkeys.

If the Song Dynasty could continue to develop in this way, and if Zhao Xiaoqian worked a few more years, perhaps the Song Dynasty would become the next powerful Han or Tang Dynasty.

With just a few casual words, Zhao Xu suppressed the matter of the King of Chu beating the Liao envoy, and that was the decision.

Zheng Chunhe happily went to deliver the imperial decree, and was about to step out of the palace gate when Zhao Xu suddenly said from behind, "Summon Zeng Bu of the Privy Council to an audience."

Zheng Chunhe was taken aback, and hurriedly accepted the order and withdrew.

Half an hour later, Zeng Bu, the Privy Councilor, hurriedly arrived at the Funing Hall. After entering the hall and bowing, Zhao Xu very kindly invited him to sit down.

"Mr. Zixuan, try the new tea sent by the Chu Prince's Mansion. The batch of tribute tea sent before Qingming Festival this year was a little under-roasted, but this batch of newly roasted tea is just right, with a much more delicate and subtle aftertaste," Zhao Xu said with a smile.

Zeng Bu, showing great respect, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and his brow immediately relaxed.

“Indeed, it is good tea. The Chu Prince’s Mansion has found a good way to make money. Their Mingyu Tea House is located in Zhouqiao. I have bought some tea there a few times, but it is really expensive. I carefully hide a couple of pounds of it in my study when I buy it occasionally. I can’t bear to drink it on ordinary days,” Zeng Bu said with a smile.

Zhao Xu laughed and said, "Mr. Zixuan, what you say is not true. You are the current prime minister, and your salary is not bad. You can't be so poor that you can't even afford a little tea."

Zeng Bu smiled bitterly and said, "My salary is indeed quite high, but the price of tea sold by the Prince of Chu's mansion is too outrageous. Nowadays, only the powerful and noble princes in the capital can enjoy this tea. It is a luxury for ordinary people to even smell it."

Zhao Xu laughed: "I will send a palace maid to deliver ten catties of tea to Mr. Zixuan's residence later. Why do you have to complain about being poor in front of me?"

Zeng Bu was overjoyed and quickly got up to thank him.

The emperor and his minister had a very pleasant conversation. As a mature emperor, Zhao Xu naturally knew how to deal with his subjects. In just a few words, he neither treated Zeng Bu as an outsider nor failed to show him any favor.

After chatting for a while, Zhao Xu's expression gradually turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Prince Zhao Zi'an of Hejian has sent a memorial. I heard that he was plotted against by the Liao people and was seriously injured. He is currently recuperating in Xijin Prefecture..."

Zeng Bu revealed his indignation and said, "I have also heard that the Liao bandits have broken their alliance and brazenly plotted to kill our Song commander-in-chief. This is intolerable. I believe we should raise an army to punish them."

Zhao Xu shook his head: "The Liao Emperor's grandson, Yelü Yanxi, has sent a letter of state, saying that it was the Liao general's personal act and that he had no intention of breaking the alliance with the capital. This matter is a misunderstanding. Yelü Yanxi has declared Xiao Chouwo a traitor and that everyone in the world can kill him."

Zeng Bu glanced at him and said softly, "Does the Emperor believe it?"

Zhao Xu smiled and said, "Whether I believe it or not is not important. The 100,000 royal troops will avenge Zhao Zian. I don't need to interfere."

Zeng Bu's pupils contracted slightly: "Ten thousand soldiers to avenge him?"

Zhao Xu hummed in agreement: "Zhao Zi'an was seriously injured, and his 100,000 soldiers were filled with righteous indignation. The army swept through Yan and Yun, not only searching for and pursuing Xiao Chouwo, but also slaughtering many Khitan people in Yan and Yun. Local clans, landlords, and militias were also wiped out..."

Zhao Xu sighed softly and said, "Zhao Zian's injury has thrown the entire Yanyun region into chaos. Ironically, the imperial court has benefited from this misfortune, and the recapture of Yanyun's cities and territories has become even smoother."

Zeng Bu frowned and murmured, "Does His Highness the Prince's prestige in the army... really reach such a high level?"

A mysterious glint flashed in Zhao Xu's eyes as he sighed, "Yes, Zhao Zi'an's prestige in the army is unmatched; he commands absolute obedience with a single call."

Zeng Bu seemed to understand something and whispered, "The Emperor means..."

Zhao Xu remained silent for a long time before saying, "Zhao Zi'an is currently recuperating in Xijin Prefecture. He has entrusted military affairs to General Xu, Zhong Jianzhong, and Zong Ze. At least for the next few months, he should not interfere in military affairs..."

Zeng Bu tentatively asked, "Does His Majesty intend to strip His Highness of the Prince's military power?"

Zhao Xu shook his head: "It would be too ugly for me to strip Yan Yun of its military power so soon after we took it back, but I cannot allow the troops stationed in Yan Yun to remain under Zhao Zi'an's control..."

Zeng Bu immediately understood and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Privy Council has selected more than thirty commanders from the Imperial Guards in various regions. They have been training in the camps outside the capital for several months and can take over part of the Yan-Yun garrison."

Zhao Xu had been waiting for these words. He nodded and said, "Now that the time is ripe, the Privy Council will draft the appointment documents and send these thirty-odd commanders to the Yan-Yun garrison." Zeng Bu hurriedly said, "I can guarantee that these thirty-odd generals are completely loyal to Your Majesty and would never have any disloyal intentions. If they are appointed to positions in the army, they will definitely be able to sow discord among Your Majesty's forces in the Yan-Yun garrison and win over other generals in the army, gradually reducing and undermining Zhao Xiaoqian's prestige in the army."

Zhao Xu remained silent for a long time before sighing, "I have no choice but to do this. I hope Zi'an will not resent me."

Zeng Bu said solemnly, "Your Majesty's actions are the right thing to do, and I believe there is nothing wrong with them. It is wrong for a subject to hold too much military power. Now that the world is at peace, Your Highness should return to the capital as soon as you have recovered from your injuries and enjoy wealth and honor."

Zhao Xu gave a few bitter laughs, but his mind was filled with memories of his interactions with Zhao Xiaoqian over the years.

How did such a harmonious and intimate relationship turn out like this?
Perhaps Zhao Xiaoqian hasn't changed at all; he's still the same cousin who wholeheartedly helps him realize his ideals, and he has no other ambitions.

However, the lack of ambition does not mean that one can sit idly by and watch him command an army of 100,000. As an emperor, he cannot be so naive as to trust his ministers so much based on this small amount of trust.

This is not a choice based on personal feelings, but a choice based on personal identity.

He is the emperor, so he should do this.

In fact, Zhao Xu's current treatment of Zhao Xiaoqian is already quite merciful. If it were any other emperor, the methods used against Zhao Xiaoqian would have been far more ruthless and cruel.

"It's good that he returns to the capital soon. I will give him the wealth and honor of a high-ranking official. I also hope that he will take me out of the palace every day, to play and eat and drink intimately... I hope that we can go back to the days we used to have." Zhao Xu murmured.

Zeng Bu lowered his head and remained silent. He knew what Zhao Xu was talking about, but as the Privy Councilor, he was on Zhao Xu's side this time.

In order to ensure the consolidation of imperial power, Zhao Xiaoqian's military power must be reduced.

Zeng Bu was a subject of the Song Dynasty, and since he received the salary of the Song emperor, he was obligated to do what a subject of the Song Dynasty should do.

…………

The carriage swayed and rattled for several days before passing through Hejian Prefecture. Zhao Xiaoqian did not enter the city, but instead headed directly from outside the city to Zhengding City.

The bumpy country roads outside the city made Zhao Xiaoqian feel really uncomfortable. He even got carsick and wanted to vomit from the carriage ride. No one else could do that.

Outside the swaying carriage, the curtain was lifted, and Wu Erlang knelt on the carriage shaft, his head bowed in grief.

Zhao Xiaoqian leaned back on the cushion, his face still somewhat pale. Seeing Wu Erlang's grief-stricken appearance, Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but sigh.

"Chen Shou sent three groups of imperial guards to search the scene... I'm sorry, but we still haven't found Wang Chong and the others' remains," Zhao Xiaoqian said in a heavy tone.

Wu Erlang couldn't help but shed tears, nodding and saying, "The incident happened in the wilderness. After the Liao bandits killed Brother Wang Chong and the others, they probably just left without a care. The remains of Brother Wang Chong and the others have most likely been eaten by wild animals..."

Zhao Xiaoqian murmured, "Was it worth it to end up with no trace of my body for my sake?"

Wu Erlang nodded vigorously: "Of course it's worth it. Your Highness is concerned with the rise and fall of the world. You have done so much for the people. We are just lowly lives. It is our honor to be able to risk our lives for Your Highness."

Zhao Xiaoqian stared at him and said slowly, "Wu Erlang, you are not allowed to say anything like 'cheap life' again. Your lives are much more precious than those of ordinary people."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian said, "I'm giving you a task. Go and visit the families, wives, and children of Wang Chong and those brothers who have fallen on hard times. Bring them some money and tell their families that I, Zhao Xiaoqian, will take care of all their needs, including food, drink, education, childcare, and old age."

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian's tone grew increasingly somber: "In addition, help me build cenotaphs for them in their hometown. After the world is at peace, I will personally go to pay my respects to them."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Wu Erlang knelt on the carriage shaft and kowtowed heavily, choking back tears as he said, "On behalf of Brother Wang Chong and the others, I thank Your Highness."

"I should thank them, and thank you too." Zhao Xiaoqian propped himself up and helped him up with difficulty.

"After you finish these things, if you don't have a good place to go, you might as well come here and join Chen Shou's ranks. The monthly salary is not bad, but I'm too hated by many people, and you might occasionally encounter danger..."

Wu Erlang shook his head: "Your Highness, please don't say anymore. I am willing. Once this matter is settled, I will come to serve Your Highness. Thank you for not abandoning me. I will certainly serve Your Highness to the death!"

Zhao Xiaoqian patted him on the shoulder and sighed, "Although Wang Chong and the others are outlaws of the martial world, they are also loyal and righteous men. Wu Erlang, so are you. I am very reassured that you can serve me."

Wu Erlang choked back a few sobs, kowtowed heavily again, and then jumped off the carriage.

Chen Shouchao, who was waiting nearby, handed him a heavy bundle that jingled. Wu Erlang took it and knew that it contained gold and silver. He looked at Zhao Xiaoqian with some surprise.

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded to him: "Take it. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please distribute it to Wang Chong's family members on my behalf. I will take care of their lives from birth to death."

"Please apologize to their families on my behalf. I... caused their son, husband, and father to die in battle. I am so sorry to them."

(End of this chapter)