The prince is more stable

Chapter 747 Disagreement
Two high-ranking officials from the imperial court took the initiative to visit him, personally serving him food and putting on a very respectful show.

Zhao Xiaoqian had a vague idea of ​​what the big shots were thinking.

His decisive relinquishment of military power did indeed relieve the bigwigs; whether the world descended into chaos or peace was truly a matter of a single thought.

If Zhao Xiaoqian still refuses to relinquish military power, Bianjing should be in a state of full-scale war preparedness by now, and perhaps even a proclamation denouncing the rebels has already been drafted.

Zhao Xiaoqian knew very well that even if Zhao Xu didn't have much time left, he would never leave such a big problem before he died, so that he would have to bear the infamy of being muddleheaded after his death.

Now that Zhao Xiaoqian has relinquished his military power and returned to the capital alone, the Bianjing court appears calm on the surface, but in reality, the bigwigs are all relieved and perhaps even wiping away cold sweat.

However, while these big shots have a far-sighted view of issues, they are still a bit less sophisticated than Zhao Hao and his son.

Zhao Xiaoqian is back, but then what?
Zhao Xu's days are numbered, and the bigwigs all know this. In their view, Zhao Xiaoqian, who has been stripped of his military power, poses no threat whatsoever.

Even if the emperor were to pass away, the successor to the throne would be decided by the Empress Dowager and the powerful figures. Zhao Xiaoqian would be automatically excluded, and the Song Dynasty would continue to proceed at its own pace. It was highly likely that the unification of the country would be achieved under the rule of the next emperor.

They probably didn't expect that Zhao Xiaoqian, who had been stripped of his military power, was not as harmless as they had imagined.

The tiger has only temporarily sheathed its sharp claws and teeth; it hasn't had its paws chopped off.

Zhao Xiaoqian had only relinquished military power in Yanyun on the surface. In reality, he still had a group of loyal generals who were in charge of military power in Yanyun on his behalf. If the court wanted to completely eliminate the threat, it would have to issue an order to kill Zhong Jianzhong, Zong Ze, and the others.

According to Zhao Xu's plan, the Yan Yun garrison did indeed need a major reshuffle. Generals like Zhong Jianzhong and Zong Ze would be reassigned to other armies, thereby achieving the goal of dividing the Yan Yun garrison.

However, Zhao Xiaoqian has just been relieved of his military command, so the biggest threat to Zhao Xu has been eliminated. The next step of replacing generals will not be rushed, otherwise it will easily arouse resentment among the soldiers.

This time difference gave Zhao Xiaoqian an opportunity.

If the normal procedure is followed, it would take at least a year and a half to replace the generals of the Yan-Yun garrison.

But Zhao Xu's life wouldn't last until then.

When the new emperor ascends the throne, he will find that he has no control over the Yan-Yun garrison. Changing generals and commanders will not be accepted by anyone. At that time, Zhao Xiaoqian will not continue to be loyal to the new emperor. His loyalty is not so cheap.

In front of the two bigwigs, Zhao Xiaoqian ate and drank without any restraint, completely disregarding their expressions.

We're all old acquaintances, so there's no need to be formal all the time. With Zhao Xiaoqian's current standing, he's practically on par with Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu, so there's no need for any formalities. Just be yourself and let things flow naturally.

Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu didn't mind at all. They looked at Zhao Xiaoqian with smiles and admiration in their eyes. They even found Zhao Xiaoqian's teeth-picking movements to be exceptionally elegant.

She ate with Zhao Xiaoqian, taking only a few bites at a time. The banquet ended hastily, the maid cleared away the food, served tea, and the lively conversation returned to the Yin'an Palace.

After chatting for a while, Zhang Dun and the others finally got down to business.

Yes, big shots don't have that much time to visit people in America for casual chats; everything they do is purposeful.

The same applies to Zhang Dun and his companion's visit today.

He gestured for Zhao Hao to dismiss everyone, leaving only the four of them in the Yin'an Hall. Zhang Dun stroked his beard, his expression suddenly turning grave.

"Zian has just returned to the capital, and I'm sure he's heard something about it. I'm afraid His Majesty's health is now..." Zhang Dun hesitated, knowing that some things were too taboo to say.

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded solemnly, "That's why I rushed back to Bianjing."

Zhang Dun said solemnly, "Although I am in the court, I do not know much. Judging from the Emperor's expression, I fear it will be difficult for him to continue..."

Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly, "Please speak frankly what you wish to say, Minister Zhang."

Zhang Dun remained silent for a long while, then quickly exchanged a glance with Zeng Bu before slowly saying, "I wonder what you think of the Emperor's brothers, Zi'an?"

Zhao Xiaoqian instantly understood that Zhang Dun was testing his opinion on the next successor to the Song Dynasty emperor.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "I am just a young man in my twenties, of low moral character and little prestige. How dare I make arbitrary remarks on such a matter of national importance? I will naturally leave everything to the discretion of you senior ministers."

Zhang Dun's eyes flashed, and he glanced at him with displeasure.

This is a little fox, stubbornly refusing to tell the truth; it's really slippery.

Zeng Bu revealed a half-smile and said in a low voice, "I've heard that you have quite a grudge against Prince Duan, Zhao Ji. If it's all fine for you, Zi'an, but if Prince Duan ascends the throne, I'm afraid it will be very difficult for you..."

Zhao Xiaoqian immediately straightened his posture and said, "Rumors! Pure rumors! Master Zixuan, rumors stop with the wise. Prince Duan and I have always been brothers, close and inseparable. If Prince Duan ascends the throne, I will definitely support him without any doubt, and will do my utmost to assist him in achieving imperial greatness..."

His declaration of unwavering loyalty left the two bigwigs bewildered. They couldn't help but exchange a glance, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Could it be that the rumors are wrong, and that Prince Cheng and Prince Duan actually have no animosity towards each other, and their relationship is truly very close?

While the two bigwigs were dumbfounded, Zhao Hao quickly glanced at Zhao Xiaoqian, his eyes full of disdain. "Pretending! Keep pretending! Be careful you don't ruin yourself!"

Zhao Xiaoqian's face was calm and composed, exuding righteousness and the air of a loyal and virtuous general.

Just kidding, how could you so easily reveal the truth in front of two old foxes? If you're too honest, you won't even know how you got tricked to your death.

"Is Zian really so close to Prince Duan?" Zhang Dun asked, frowning.

“Of course, we often talk about romance and nature, from poetry and songs to the philosophy of life. We get along very well and are even eager to become sworn brothers with Guan Yu…” Zhao Xiaoqian said seriously.

The two bigwigs were speechless.

You guys are originally brothers from the same clan, and you even "swore brotherhood"? Is your relationship closer or more distant now?

Zhao Hao, standing to the side, glared at him fiercely, then smiled apologetically and tried to smooth things over: "Please don't take offense, my son often talks nonsense and rambles on. You'll get used to it."

Zhao Xiaoqian's cheeks twitched a few times. "My son," this wicked father was being too modest. He hadn't even settled accounts with his morally corrupt father for seducing a married woman yet.

Zhang Dun's eyes flashed, and he stroked his beard, saying calmly, "So, Zi'an has no objection to Prince Duan's ascension to the throne?"

“I have absolutely no objection. I wholeheartedly agree and wholeheartedly support it.” Zhao Xiaoqian nodded vigorously.

Zhang Dun remained silent for a long time, then quickly glanced at Zeng Bu and suddenly said, "Doesn't Zi'an think Prince Duan is frivolous?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was startled and looked at Zhang Dun blankly, while Zeng Bu frowned and showed displeasure.

Zhao Xiaoqian understood instantly.

The two powerful figures couldn't reach an agreement on the succession to the throne!

Zeng Bu was a conservative. According to etiquette and rules, he supported Zhao Ji's ascension to the throne, since he was the first in line to succeed him, and everything was in accordance with ancestral rules.

However, Zhang Dun did not seem to be satisfied with Zhao Ji. Given his current status and position, he actually used the word "frivolous" to describe Zhao Ji to his face, which clearly shows that he did not approve of Zhao Ji. Moreover, he did not even want to act anymore. It has to be said that this is very much in line with Zhang Dun's personality.

One was a high-ranking official in the Council of State Affairs, and the other was a high-ranking official in the Privy Council. The two disagreed, and Zhao Xiaoqian sincerely suggested that they go out and have a fight, and whoever won would have the final say.

The disagreement among the leaders should have been an opportunity for Zhao Xiaoqian, since even if he didn't have a claim to the throne, he could still bring down Zhao Ji.

However, Zhao Xiaoqian did not let his guard down. He refused to make any promises in front of the old fox, otherwise he would be easily fooled.

Furthermore, the succession to the throne is a matter of national importance, and the selection of whom is actually very complicated. It is not something that can be decided by the two powerful figures alone. There are many interest groups involved, as well as power struggles within the court, and even the shadows of merchant groups from various regions such as the Central Plains, Hebei, and Jiangnan.

So it's unclear who has the final say in this matter.

Since things are unclear, Zhao Xiaoqian certainly won't make a statement easily; letting things play out for a while is the right approach.

In a daze, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly remembered that in real history, Zhang Dun did indeed seem to disagree with Zhao Ji's ascension to the throne, and even commented on Zhao Ji as "frivolous" in front of Empress Dowager Xiang.

As a result, Zhao Ji ascended the throne again, while Zhang Dun, having chosen the wrong side, was demoted to a local post and never had the chance to return to the central government again.

Therefore, theoretically speaking, Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhang Dun should be allies, allies against Zhao Ji.

No rush, let's observe further.

Sure enough, after Zhang Dun expressed his opinion, Zeng Bu couldn't help but say, "According to ancestral rules and etiquette, Prince Duan Ji is the Emperor's younger brother. After the Emperor, Prince Duan is the eldest. The principle of succession should apply, so Prince Duan should ascend the throne."

Zhang Dun, however, stroked his beard and said calmly, “It is true that succession should be made between brothers, but Your Majesty has several brothers and no son to carry on the throne. Therefore, the order should not be based on seniority, but on the virtuous and the mediocre.”

Zeng Bu finally lost his temper: "Zihou's words are utterly unreasonable! Who is virtuous and who is mediocre, can be determined by your single sentence?"

Zhang Dun retorted, not to be outdone, "At least Zhao Ji is not virtuous and should not be established as emperor."

Zeng Bu sneered: "Since Zihou is so resourceful, why don't you make the decision yourself? When the new emperor ascends the throne, you won't be the prime minister anymore; how about becoming the regent?"

These words were too harsh, and Zhang Dun couldn't help but retort angrily, "What are you saying! I am devoted to the country and have no selfish motives. If Zhao Ji were to follow me, he would surely become a muddle-headed and tyrannical ruler."

"If you are interested, you might as well inquire about what Prince Duan has been doing these past few years. He spends his days with those literati, playing with his pen and ink, ignoring the hardships of the people, only knowing about romance and nature, and indulging in calligraphy, painting, epigraphy, and collecting rare stones. Can such a person govern the country well?"

"You and I, ruler and subject, along with Zi'an, have built up such a great situation over the years. Do you really think Zixuan can entrust it to someone like Zhao Ji and just watch him ruin it?"

The argument between the two became increasingly heated, and they no longer cared about whether it was a home game or an away game, and started spitting and cursing at each other.

The father and son, Zhao Hao, who were the hosts, didn't care at all. They sat excitedly to the side, watching the two big shots argue, their eyes shining with excitement.

What's the point of just talking? Let's fight! Let's fight! Let's beat them until their brains are splattered!
(End of this chapter)