The prince is more stable

Chapter 739 Father and Son Reunion
He was granted the title of King, reaching the pinnacle of glory.

Zhao Xiaoqian roughly understood Zhao Xu's thoughts. Just as Zheng Chunhe said, as long as he was willing to return to the capital, Zhao Xu was willing to give him any reward.

In comparison, the imperial edict was perhaps just an appetizer.

The title of Prince of the First Rank was Zhao Xu's true reward, and it was a belated one.

After signing the alliance with the Liao Kingdom and recovering Yan and Yun, Zhao Xu not only made no contribution to Zhao Xiaoqian, but also ignored the memorials submitted by Zhao Xiaoqian and Xu to the soldiers requesting commendation.

At that time, Zhao Xu's fear of Zhao Xiaoqian and the Yanyun garrison had reached its peak, and he dared not give them any reward. Instead, he planted spies like Zhong Cheng in the army.

The root of all this was that Zhao Xiaoqian's achievements had overshadowed the emperor's, and he had amassed an excessive army, causing unease among Zhao Xu and the court.

Only when Zhao Xiaoqian returned to Bianjing today, accompanied by only a few hundred imperial guards, did Zhao Xu finally feel completely at ease.

Since Zhao Xiaoqian is willing to return to the capital, everything is negotiable. He should be given what he is entitled to, and in fact, he should be given an amount exceeding the usual standards.

The meritorious officials under the emperor's nose will not pose a threat to the imperial power, so what's a little extra favor?
The relationship between the emperor and his ministers seemed to have returned to the intimate and trusting honeymoon phase they had once shared.

But Zhao Xiaoqian knew in his heart that once a relationship has a crack, no matter how good it looks on the outside, it is difficult to restore it to its original state.

Zhao Xiaoqian was willing to return to the capital because of the old friendship between the emperor and his subject, not because of the current rift in their relationship.

Having received the imperial decree, Zhao Xiaoqian became the Prince Cheng of the Great Song Dynasty. Theoretically, his title was now equal to that of his father.

Carefully tucking the imperial edict into his robes, Zhao Xiaoqian asked the question he was most concerned about: "Eunuch Zheng, how is His Majesty's health now..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zheng Chunhe's face fell, and he shook his head and sighed, "His Majesty's health is failing. The imperial physicians have consulted with him many times, and even folk healers have been invited, but they have all been helpless. Now he is just counting down the days, living one day at a time."

Zhao Xiaoqian's heart sank. He said, "How could it be so serious? When I left the capital last time, His Majesty's health was quite good. Now, only half a year has passed, how could he be like this..."

Zheng Chunhe revealed a look of resentment and gritted his teeth, saying, "Those elixirs concocted by sorcerers... The Emperor has ultimately become somewhat confused. When there are no medicines available, he actually pinned his hopes on the sorcerers' elixirs. Who knew that the more he took the elixirs, the worse his condition became? He could have lived for several more years, but because of the harm caused by the elixirs, this is the end..."

Zhao Xiaoqian frowned: "Where are those sorcerers?"

Zheng Chunhe sighed, "They were expelled from the palace by the Empress Dowager. The Emperor probably realized that sorcerers were actually harmful, so he did not object to their expulsion."

"No one was punished?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked incredulously.

Zheng Chunhe said with a wry smile, "The Emperor still believes in Taoist magic and is unwilling to kill these magicians, saying that he is afraid of losing blessings and creating bad karma. The Emperor said that he does not want to incur any more karmic debts in this life."

Zhao Xiaoqian was speechless.

Well, people in ancient times had their own way of believing, which Zhao Xiaoqian didn't understand, but he respected.

Zheng Chunhe looked at him and said, "His Majesty knows that Your Highness is returning to the capital today. He instructed me to tell Your Highness that after returning to the capital, Your Highness may first go back to the Prince's Mansion to visit your parents. In the afternoon, Your Highness is invited to come to the palace. His Majesty misses you very much and wants to see you."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded: "Okay, I will go to the palace to see His Majesty this afternoon."

After chatting for a while outside the city gate, Zheng Chunhe took his leave.

Zhao Xiaoqian followed them into the city and headed straight for the Chu King's Mansion on the Imperial Street.

After entering the city, he kept a low profile. Zhao Xiaoqian ordered the ceremonial guards to be put away, and he himself walked silently with his head down. No one on the streets of Bianjing recognized him.

Walking discreetly through the streets of Bianjing, Chen Shou, standing behind him, shrank back uncomfortably. He quickly walked to Zhao Xiaoqian's side and whispered, "Your Highness, I have a feeling someone is watching us. It's giving me the creeps..."

Zhao Xiaoqian remained calm and composed: "Isn't this normal? After we returned to the capital, the court's spies have been watching us non-stop. If we were to escape the Emperor's control, he would be worried."

Chen Shou remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "It wasn't like this back then..."

“It’s all about timing and circumstances; this time is different from that time…” Zhao Xiaoqian sighed with a somewhat somber expression.

It's just the result of growth; Zhao Xu has matured, which is the basic operation of an emperor.

They walked silently all the way until they reached the Chu King's Mansion by the Imperial Street.

The lintel of the Chu King's Mansion remains unchanged, not much different from when I left. The plaque above the lintel seems to have been repainted with varnish, and the characters have been re-gilded, making it look even more solemn and dignified.

The imperial guards on duty at the gate were familiar faces. When they saw Zhao Xiaoqian and his entourage approaching, the head guard blinked in disbelief, then shouted with delight, "The young master has returned! The young master has returned! Quickly, go and report to the prince!"

Instantly, the entire Chu Prince's residence erupted in excitement.

Not long after, a fat figure rushed out, and the ground seemed to tremble. Can you believe that one person's running could rival the momentum of a thousand troops charging?

Zhao Hao ran outside and saw Zhao Xiaoqian standing there with a smile. Seeing his son looking travel-worn and exhausted, Zhao Hao's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

"My son!" Zhao Hao leaped forward.

Zhao Xiaoqian was greatly alarmed: "Father, wait! I can't catch it..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Hao pounced on him like a ball of flesh shooting at a goal.

Zhao Xiaoqian stumbled from the impact, feeling a burning pain in his abdomen; his injury, which was almost healed, had flared up again. Zhao Hao was moving very fast, but Chen Shou, who was standing nearby, reacted quickly and grabbed Zhao Hao, then spun him around by the arm to dissipate the force, preventing Zhao Xiaoqian from falling over.

Zhao Hao spun around inexplicably, his mind a little fuzzy, and stood there in a daze.

Chen Shou bowed deeply in fear and apologized: "Your Highness, please forgive me. The Crown Prince was seriously injured in Yanyun and could not withstand the strain. In my haste, I offended you without reason..."

Zhao Hao then came to his senses and showed a look of remorse: "Oh dear, I acted impulsively. I was so happy to see my son back that I got a little carried away. Chen Shou, you did nothing wrong, well done. Next time you see me act so impulsively, you can kick me away and I won't blame you."

As he spoke, Zhao Hao stepped forward and looked Zhao Xiaoqian up and down. The father and son met eyes and smiled at the same time.

"came back?"

"Well, I'm back."

Is your injury getting better?

"almost done."

"walk home."

The father and son didn't have any overly sentimental conversation; it was more like a casual chat. Yet, in just a few words, their long-suppressed emotions found an outlet, seemingly expressing everything yet leaving much unsaid.

In the Yin'an Hall of the Prince's Mansion, Zhao Hao led Zhao Xiaoqian in by the hand, and the maids happily served tea and snacks.

Zhao Hao ordered a banquet to be held at the Prince's Palace to welcome Zhao Xiaoqian, and then dismissed the servants in the palace.

When only the father and son remained in the Yin'an Hall, Zhao Hao's expression changed drastically, and he immediately turned hostile towards Zhao Xiaoqian.

"You brat! You worthless wretch, I told you not to return to the capital! Not to return to the capital! Don't you understand what I said? Don't you know you're walking right into a trap?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was suddenly scolded and his mind went blank: "No... Father, what happened to the deep father-son bond? I've only just entered the door and I'm already being scolded..."

"You deserve to be scolded!" Zhao Hao was furious. "You've ruined such a great situation! I ask you, what will happen to the military power in Yan Yun after you return to Bianjing?"

Zhao Xiaoqian said solemnly, "Naturally, the one with virtue should occupy it..."

"Damn it!" Zhao Hao was so angry he almost fainted.

With bloodshot eyes, Zhao Hao took deep breaths and muttered repeatedly with his eyes closed, "My own flesh and blood, my own flesh and blood. I can't blame anyone else for the sins I committed back then. Accept your fate, accept your fate..."

Slumped dejectedly into a chair, Zhao Hao was utterly defeated. He sighed dejectedly, "So be it. From now on, my son and I will accept our fate. Our descendants will be kept in the royal palace for generations. Whoever is emperor, if they are happy, they will reward us a little; if they are unhappy, the whole family will be slaughtered..."

Seeing that Zhao Hao was about to be driven mad with anger, Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to comfort him, saying, "It's not that bad, Father, try to be more optimistic..."

"Damn it!" Zhao Hao gasped for breath, his fat face turning deathly pale.

Zhao Xiaoqian could only explain in a low voice, "Father, you don't need to worry about the military power of Yanyun falling into other hands. It has always been under my control."

Zhao Hao finally calmed down and looked at him, asking, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled confidently and said, "The 100,000 soldiers stationed in Yanyun are all my old guard from top to bottom. Even if the court changes the commander-in-chief, I'm afraid it will take a year or two to get under control of this army."

"As for the frequent personnel changes in a year or two, this army may change, but... if my son and I can't make a name for ourselves in a year or two, we should just accept our fate."

Zhao Hao's eyes widened in surprise: "Are you confident that this army has always been under your control?"

Zhao Xiaoqian thought for a moment and said, "I dare not make grand pronouncements, but I am confident that at least within six months, military power will not easily fall into the hands of others. Once the imperial court's order reaches the army, Zhong Jianzhong and Zong Ze will handle the situation themselves."

Zhao Hao immediately beamed: "Half a year, haha! Half a year is enough! If we father and son still can't make a name for ourselves within half a year, we might as well each find a rope and hang ourselves from a tree in the southeast."

Zhao Xiaoqian kindly added, "With Father's weight, a rope might not be enough. I am not very talented, but I would like to develop something called a 'steel wire rope.' This thing is strong and can suspend heavy objects. It is truly an essential item for home, travel, and even hanging oneself..."

"Get lost!" Zhao Hao suddenly became very happy and shouted with a loud laugh.

Zhao Hao's expression immediately changed, and he said with some heaviness, "Your return to the capital this time... was ultimately impulsive. You will be watched by countless people in the capital. The Emperor is now suspicious of us father and son, and I am worried that it will be detrimental to you."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "It's alright, the Emperor has already bestowed upon me a certificate of merit."

"Does this thing even work?" Zhao Hao frowned, equally distrustful of the device.

"At least it works while the Emperor is alive. He can't go back on what he himself bestowed. But if the Emperor is no longer alive, we father and son won't care whether it works or not, right?"

Zhao Hao smiled with satisfaction: "That's right, that makes sense."

While Zhao Xu was alive, Zhao Xiaoqian, mindful of their past relationship as ruler and subject, voluntarily agreed to be sealed away.

If Zhao Xu passes away, then I'm sorry, there is no one left in the world worthy of my loyalty. This great country is for others to sit on, so why can't I?

(End of this chapter)