The prince is more stable

Chapter 738 Promotion to King
After making the arrangements, Zhao Xiaoqian finally embarked on his journey back to Bianjing.

As he rode on horseback, watching the scenery slowly recede into the distance, Zhao Xiaoqian felt a mix of emotions.

The last time I returned to Bianjing, it was also because Zhao Xu urgently summoned me, but my state of mind then was completely different from now. Back then, Zhao Xu and Zhao Xiaoqian were inseparable, like emperor and subject.

But now, suspicion has arisen between the ruler and his ministers, and they are each using their own methods to guard against each other.

What saddened Zhao Xiaoqian even more was that Zhao Xu's days were numbered, and the world was about to lose a brother and friend.

Grudges are grudges, and feelings are feelings; Zhao Xiaoqian has always kept these distinctions very clear.

Zhao Xu was not an enemy; he was merely an emperor caught in a web of powerlessness.

Leaving Zhen Ding City, Zhao Xiaoqian reined in his horse, slowing its pace, and ordered, "Prefect Chen, bring out the ceremonial procession of the Prince."

Chen Shou was taken aback, then immediately agreed.

Zhao Xiaoqian always traveled simply and disliked ostentation, so he rarely used his own entourage.

The procession of the Prince was very grand, with hundreds of imperial guards leading and trailing behind, carrying banners and ceremonial plaques bearing Zhao Xiaoqian's name and official rank. A gong was sounded to clear the way in front, and a nine-winged screen was erected behind him. The imperial guards spread out their ranks, and the hundreds of guards marched out in a magnificent procession that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The group, which had initially kept a low profile, became a scene of disrespect as pedestrians and merchants made way for them and bowed respectfully after revealing the prince's entourage.

Some sharp-eyed passersby were overjoyed to see the name and official title on the ceremonial plaque and shouted "Prince of Hejian" in unison. If it weren't for the imperial guards stopping them, they would have already stepped forward to stop the horses and kneel down in worship.

Zhao Xiaoqian greeted passersby with a smile, but his pace was not slow. He soon got onto the imperial road and headed towards Bianjing.

"I have witnessed the Crown Prince's prestige among the people many times, and each time I am still very excited," Chen Shouqi said with a smile from his horse.

Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly, "If the people knew why I returned to Bianjing this time, they probably wouldn't respect me as much."

Chen Shou shook his head: "This humble general thinks that we admire you even more, Your Highness. In fact, the people don't care who is the emperor, nor do they care about loyalty. Whoever can make them live a good life, they will stick with. In recent years, the court has been in chaos because of the new and old laws, and the people have suffered the most."

“When government orders are issued to the local areas, they impose heavy taxes and levies, and the policies are changed frequently. The national treasury is rich, but the burden is placed entirely on the people. A rich country but a poor people is not the right way. If the country were to change emperors, perhaps things would be different.”

Zhao Xiaoqian turned his head to look at Chen Shou, surprised that he had such insight.

"Chen Shou, do you think I'm capable of sitting on the throne in Bianjing?" Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly asked.

Chen Shou replied without hesitation, "Of course he can. Zhen Qing was right. As long as the young master wants it, he can definitely sit on it. The young master of the past was indifferent to worldly affairs and only focused on his own work. He had no interest in power or money... Hmm? Hmm, he had no interest in power at all..."

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

Well, it's impossible to honestly say I have "no interest" in money.

"Now that the Crown Prince has finally shown ambition, I am very happy, and I believe many people are as happy as I am. They are genuinely willing to support the Crown Prince, but they couldn't speak up before because you didn't express your opinion. Now that the Crown Prince has expressed his opinion, even I want to try my luck in helping him rise to power."

Chen Shouyue became more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes shining brightly as if he could see his infinitely bright future.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed: "Chen Shou, don't forget that you are still under the command of the Palace Guard Infantry Command, and your salary is still paid by the imperial court. Aren't you afraid of being regarded as a traitor for saying such treasonous words?"

Chen Shou smiled wryly: "This humble general does not consider himself a traitor. In the end, this is a struggle within the Zhao imperial family, an internal matter of the imperial family. This humble general stands on the side of the heir apparent, opposing any potential emperor other than the heir apparent, but not against the Song Dynasty."

"If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I will still stand by his side with my sword. If the Crown Prince fails, I will risk my life to protect him and send him to Yanyun. At worst, I will become a powerful warlord."

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed: "You're not being pretentious at all. Alright, I'll try my best not to disappoint those around me. Chen Shou, if I can truly achieve my wish in this life, the safety of the Forbidden City will be entrusted to you from now on. You will be in charge of all the Imperial Guards in the future."

"Over the years, you have been the one who has followed me the longest. Back then, I will bestow upon you the title of Marquis, so that your risky decision to take sides early and the fame and fortune you earned will not have been in vain. It will also bring wealth and honor to your wife, children, and future generations."

Chen Shouqi, on horseback, excitedly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Your Highness! This humble general is willing to give your life!"

…………

The prince's procession traveled from north to south, passing through several cities along the way. Officials from these cities came out to greet him, with some even traveling twenty or thirty miles outside the city to wait by the roadside, just to catch a glimpse of the prince's splendor.

This time, Zhao Xiaoqian chose not to keep a low profile. He made a grand display to see just how much prestige he had among the people, and at the same time, he used this high-profile approach to tell Zhao Xu, "I'm back, I'm on my way, stop rushing me."

He was not disappointed by reality. In every place he passed through, officials and common people alike were overjoyed to see him and came out of the city to welcome him. They warmly invited Zhao Xiaoqian into the city and asked him to do them the honor of being entertained.

There was hardly any free time on the road. Farmers from the countryside and villages all came out to watch the spectacle. Faced with Zhao Xiaoqian's majestic procession, the people knelt down in devout worship, as if worshipping a god.

Only now does Zhao Xiaoqian truly appreciate the significance of his numerous victories over the Liao Kingdom and the recapture of Yan and Yun.

He resolved the long-held obsession of the Song Dynasty's subjects for a century, and the rise of the south and the fall of the north gave the world hope for the unification of China. The people's admiration for Zhao Xiaoqian, the meritorious official who created all this, was truly unimaginable.

The procession moved rather slowly, and it wasn't until five days later that the group arrived outside Bianjing. The closer they got to Bianjing, the more complicated Zhao Xiaoqian's feelings became; for the first time in his life, he experienced the trepidation of "approaching home with trepidation."

As Zhao Xiaoqian's entourage appeared in the capital region, more and more people came to greet him. Sometimes, the crowds even blocked the carriages and horses, making it difficult to move. The enthusiasm of the surrounding people was simply irresistible, and the journey was delayed several times.

Finally approaching Bianjing, Zhao Xiaoqian reined in his horse and glanced instinctively at the Guangji River, which meandered into the city in the distance. He was somewhat disappointed not to find his father fishing by the river.

Come to think of it, in this sensitive period, countless spies in the court are watching Zhao Hao. It probably won't be so easy for him to go fishing outside the city. To avoid suspicion and to prove his innocence, his father will probably have no choice but to stay in the palace and not dare to move.

The person who was supposed to come didn't, but someone unexpected did.

After crossing the stone bridge over the Guangji River, Zhao Xiaoqian was about to enter the city through Jingyang Gate when he was surprised to find a eunuch in a crimson official robe standing outside the gate. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Zheng Chunhe.

As Zhao Xiaoqian approached, Zheng Chunhe wore a familiar smile, but tears streamed down his face.

Zhao Xiaoqian hurriedly dismounted and grasped Zheng Chunhe's hand.

"Eunuch Zheng, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Zhao Xiaoqian said sincerely, tightening his grip on Zheng's hand.

Zheng Chunhe sobbed uncontrollably: "I am overjoyed to see Your Highness... These past few days I have been on tenterhooks, afraid that Your Highness would not return to the capital, and afraid that Your Highness would return. I was so conflicted."

Zhao Xiaoqian understood what he meant and smiled slightly, "Anyway, I'm back."

Zheng Chunhe wiped away his tears and sighed, "Yes, His Highness has returned. It's good that he's back. At least he'll be rich and noble for life. His Highness also has the imperial edict and certificate, so he has nothing to fear from future generations settling scores and bringing disaster upon his descendants."

Zhao Xiaoqian remained smiling, offering no explanation.

Red seal and iron certificate?

Is it really naive to think that this thing can save lives for generations?
The last person to possess the iron certificate was someone he personally killed. Could it truly guarantee wealth and honor for generations to come?
Everyone's knowledge and experience are limited, and Zhao Xiaoqian is not a contrarian, so naturally he could not argue with Zheng Chunhe about the expiration date of the imperial edict.

It can only be said that, at least while Zhao Xu was alive, the iron certificate might have been somewhat useful. Once Zhao Xu died and Zhao Ji ascended the throne, the first thing he would do was kill him, and the iron certificate would not be able to save his entire family's lives.

The phrase "Except for treason, all may be pardoned" on the iron certificate is itself a huge trap.

How did the Chai family perish? Zhao Xiaoqian used this trap to eliminate the Chai family.

If Zhao Xiaoqian could do it, why couldn't Zhao Ji do it?
"Did Eunuch Zheng know I was coming back, so he waited for me outside the city gate?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked curiously.

Zheng Chunhe sniffed, then seemed to remember the important matter and hurriedly said, "By order of His Majesty, this servant is waiting for Your Highness to return to the capital in advance and has come to deliver the decree."

Zhao Xiaoqian dared not be negligent, so he hurriedly straightened his clothes and knelt down facing the direction of Yanfu Palace.

Behind him, Chen Shou and hundreds of imperial guards also knelt down in worship.

"Your subject, Zhao Xiaoqian, receives the imperial decree."

Zheng Chunhe presented a roll of yellow silk, slowly unfurled it, and began to read it aloud in a rhythmic and deliberate tone.

"...The decree reads: Since the Zhou dynasty, there has been chaos and disorder, Hebei has fallen into ruin, and the Central Plains have been ravaged. I have been appointed to rule the world and am determined to quell the unrest and govern the people..."

"...Zhao Xiaoqian, the Prince of Hejian, was a member of the imperial clan and a loyal minister. He was filial, humble, and virtuous. He led his troops to the north, wiped out the Khitan, and recovered Yan and Yun. He was respected and supported by all the civil and military officials."

"...His achievements are unparalleled and deserve recognition and promotion. He should be promoted to the rank of 'King Cheng' of Zhao. This promotion should be announced to the whole world so that all may know of it."

After Zheng Chunhe finished reading the imperial edict with intonation, he slowly rolled it up, presented it to Zhao Xiaoqian with both hands, and said with a smile, "Your Highness Prince Cheng, please receive the edict."

Zhao Xiaoqian's mind was buzzing, and he looked incredulous.

Unexpectedly, before he even entered the city, he was promoted to a noble title, specifically the title of Prince.

Logically speaking, this decree of promotion was against etiquette.

Unless they were the emperor's own brothers or elders, other members of the imperial clan were not eligible to be granted the title of prince, especially a prince of the first rank.

If this decree were to reach the imperial court, wouldn't the officials be in an uproar?

Zhao Xiaoqian accepted the imperial edict with a blank expression, looking at Zheng Chunhe with confusion, and said, "Eunuch Zheng, this reward... has His Majesty discussed it with the court officials?"

Zheng Chunhe smiled and said, "His Majesty has already discussed this with Minister Zhang and Minister Zeng. His Majesty said that as long as His Highness is willing to return to the capital, no reward is too high. That's why I was waiting outside the city gate. Once His Highness steps through the gates of Bianjing, he will rightfully be the Prince Cheng."

"Given Your Highness's unparalleled achievements, this reward is by no means excessive. This is an exceptional act of grace by the Emperor, so Your Highness should accept it with peace of mind."

(End of this chapter)