The prince is more stable

Chapter 748 First Praise, Then Suppress
What's interesting about the Song Dynasty court is that, both in public and private, you're surrounded by acquaintances and friends, but these friends often turn against each other and become enemies.

Just like Su Shi and Zhang Dun, and later Su Shi and Wang Anshi.

Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu were once friends. Initially, Zeng Bu was quite friendly to Zhang Dun, and the two had a sweet and happy honeymoon period.

Later, after Zhang Dun became prime minister, Zeng Bu came to him and hinted that Zhang Dun could recommend him to the Council of State Affairs as prime minister. Zhang Dun refused without thinking and at most recommended him to the Privy Council.

Although the Privy Council was important, it was not as prestigious as the Council of State Affairs in the imperial court, and so the seeds of their feud were sown.

Gradually, the two began to have a less harmonious relationship, with many quarrels in the court and conflicts over political matters. Even today, they still disagree on the issue of succession to the throne.

Inside the Yin'an Hall of the Chu King's Mansion, the two disregarded their status as guests and engaged in a heated argument, their faces flushed red.

Zhao Hao and his son sat quietly to the side watching the show, making no attempt to intervene or even seeming to think the argument wasn't intense enough.

Might makes right, don't they understand that? What's the point of arguing? Taking action to subdue the other party is the only way. Zhang Dun may not understand this principle, but Zeng Bu, as the head of the Privy Council, don't you understand it either?
They argued for a long time, neither of them could convince the other, and instead, the other cursed their ancestors countless times. The two of them eventually gave up and sat back down, panting heavily.

Zhao Xiaoqian clicked his tongue in disappointment. That's it?

"In short, the succession to the throne must be based on seniority, this is an ancestral rule and etiquette, and it must not be changed!" Zeng Bu said angrily.

Zhang Dun sneered: "Since the imperial family has no heir, what is the point of talking about seniority? Of course, the virtuous should be chosen. As long as I am in power, Prince Duan will never be able to ascend the throne!"

Zeng Bu angrily retorted, "You are merely the prime minister; what right do you have to criticize the new emperor! Even if the emperor is no longer here, the empress dowager still reigns in the palace, and the Council of State and the Privy Council still have their own officials. The Song Dynasty court is not a place where you, Zhang Dun, can have your own say!"

When Empress Dowager Xiang was mentioned, the expressions on Zhao Hao and his son Zhao Xiaoqian's faces immediately changed, and they quickly exchanged a glance.

After calming down, Zhang Dun forced a smile at the father and son: "We were rude and made Your Highnesses laugh."

Zhao Hao chuckled and said, "It's alright, it's alright. You two are both of the best interests at heart, so it's normal for your opinions to differ."

Zhang Dun glared fiercely at Zeng Bu, then looked at Zhao Xiaoqian: "Zian, tell me, who do you prefer to succeed to the throne?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback. What the hell... why is the question being thrown back at me again?
Can't you two find someone else to cause trouble for?

If you ask for my opinion, my best choice is definitely myself. Do you dare to say that?
Blinking, Zhao Xiaoqian hesitated and said, "It's too early to talk about this. Could you two discuss it later? If word gets out, I'm afraid the Emperor will be displeased."

Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu fell silent. After a long while, Zhang Dun nodded and said, "It was indeed a bit early. I acted impulsively just now, but there are some things we should think about more. When the time comes, we can make up our minds and prevent the court from being without a ruler, which would cause unrest among the people."

Zeng Bu looked at Zhao Xiaoqian and said slowly, "Zian'an's prestige and status are well-known, and your opinion carries great weight. I urge Zian to consider this carefully."

Zhang Dun glared at Zeng Bu, then emphasized, "Zian, you must think this through. This concerns the fate of the Song Dynasty. You don't want the fruits of your years of war to be burned to ashes by a foolish ruler, do you?"

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

It seems like I've been threatened in an inappropriate way...

Zhao Hao rolled his eyes and immediately smiled innocently, "My son and I are now just retired people enjoying our wealth and status. It's probably not our place to interfere in such important matters."

Zhao Xiaoqian glanced at him and gave Zhao Hao a peace sign: "This is the second time."

"What, a second time?"

“You called me ‘my unworthy son’ for the second time. When I heard it for the third time, I set fire to the palace,” Zhao Xiaoqian said coldly.

Seeing the father and son joking around, Zhang Dun sighed. He knew he probably wouldn't get any results from Zhao Xiaoqian today.

Since Zhao Xu fell seriously ill, the court has been in an eerie calm. However, many officials have begun to secretly collude, and some have even secretly visited Zhao Xu's brothers, preparing to gamble on their future prospects.

Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu's visit today was not for idle chatter. They only wanted to test Zhao Xiaoqian's attitude. After all, given Zhao Xiaoqian's current status, his voice in the court was indeed very powerful. Although the two preferred different heirs to the throne, they both wanted Zhao Xiaoqian's support.

Unfortunately, Zhang Dun had a fiery temper and started arguing with Zeng Bu at the slightest disagreement, completely forgetting the purpose of his visit today.

Unable to achieve his goal, Zhang Dun Zengbu had no choice but to take his leave.

After seeing the two off, the father and son returned to the Yin'an Palace.

Zhao Hao frowned and said, "It seems that His Majesty's health is deteriorating, otherwise Zhang Dun and the others would not be so openly discussing the selection of a new emperor."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes flashed: "Besides Zhao Ji, have the Emperor's other brothers made any moves yet?"

Zhao Hao sneered: "Apart from Prince Shen Zhao Bi, none of the others are well-behaved. They are all busy making connections with court officials. Two of them who were in other places rushed back to Bianjing, afraid of missing a great opportunity."

King Shen, Zhao Bi, was an exception; he was very well-behaved because he had no choice but to be.

Because he had an eye ailment, or in layman's terms, he was blind, he knew very well that the throne could never fall into his hands. So he simply didn't move, lest the future new emperor become suspicious of him. Clearly, he had already made up his mind to live a peaceful and leisurely life as a wealthy prince.

"What about the other relatives and brothers? Are they behaving themselves?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked again.

Zhao Hao pointed at him: "Among the imperial relatives, you are the only one who is restless. The others have not even thought about it. After all, no one would give up those officials' own brothers and choose them instead. Wouldn't that be crazy?"

Zhao Xiaoqian looked completely innocent: "I've been very well-behaved and haven't done anything."

Zhao Hao chuckled coldly, "Are you addicted to pretending? It's one thing to pretend in front of Zhang Dun and the others, but to pretend in front of me, are you hoping I'll reward you?" After a pause, Zhao Hao said, "The best course of action now, in my opinion... is to let Zhao Ji ascend the throne."

Zhao Xiaoqian was startled: "Father, what are you thinking?"

Zhao Hao sneered, "Let's lift Zhao Ji up first. The higher he sits, the harder he'll fall. I still have a trump card up my sleeve. I'm just waiting for Zhao Ji to sit in that position."

"I have both witnesses and physical evidence here regarding the plot to murder the young prince. Do you think this matter is over? If the matter had been exposed as soon as Zhao Ji ascended the throne, do you think he would have been able to hold his position?"

“At that time, my son and I can make our appearance. Over the years, I have planted many pawns in the court, and your Yan Yun garrison should also withdraw to Bianjing to attend to the affairs of the king.”

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at Zhao Hao in surprise.

The old fox truly lived up to his name, managing to arrange the entire court and its officials with perfect clarity.

The murderers who plotted against the young prince were intercepted by Zhao Hao on the way; they had been waiting for this opportunity.

"Qian'er, the next emperor of the Great Song Dynasty must be you, and can only be you. If it's not you, our whole family will die," Zhao Hao said solemnly.

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded. He was well aware of the current situation: either they would become extremely wealthy or their entire family would be wiped out.

“There are also dozens of colleagues from the court in the side courtyard. Would you like to meet them?” Zhao Hao asked.

Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head: "I don't want to see them. I've only just returned to the capital and I've already met so many people. It wouldn't be good if the Emperor found out. Father, please entertain them on my behalf."

“I went to Fanglin Garden and returned to Beijing yesterday. I haven’t had a chance to see my mother yet.”

…………

They changed into casual clothes, boarded a carriage, and headed straight for Fanglin Garden.

Before leaving, Zhao Xiaoqian went to the Wangfu's storeroom and had Chen Shou move several boxes of silver and copper coins, as well as various valuable jade and gold ornaments.

Anyway, my father's money is my own money, so I don't have to worry about it at all. My mother is different; she doesn't have the ability to earn money, so I have to give her more.

Two carriages emerged from the gates of the Prince's mansion; one carried Zhao Xiaoqian, and the other carried money.

As soon as the carriage started moving, Zhao Hao, who had heard the news, rushed out in a fit of rage and ran after the carriage for a long time, pointing at it and cursing as he ran.

It was remarkable that such an obese man was running like a leopard that had just eaten its fill. He ran for a long time before bending over and panting, watching the carriage drive away with a look of despair.

Zhao Xiaoqian, seemingly oblivious to what was happening inside the carriage, lifted the curtain and saw Chen Shou, who was serving beside the carriage, hesitate to speak several times. Zhao Xiaoqian sighed.

“My father is good in every way, except that he is a little stingy. That’s a flaw that he needs to change.”

Chen Shou's cheek twitched, and he turned his head away speechlessly, indicating that he did not want to get involved in the affairs of you and your son.

The carriage traveled for nearly an hour, passing through bustling crowds, before finally arriving at Fanglin Garden in the west of Bianjing City.

It had been a long time since I'd been here, and Fanglin Garden was rather deserted. Outside the huge mansion, only a few guards stood loosely on duty, and an old servant was sweeping fallen leaves in front of the gate.

Zhao Xiaoqian silently looked at the desolate mansion, and felt a pang of sadness as he thought of his mother living a mundane life in this lonely atmosphere every day.

After alighting from the carriage, Zhao Xiaoqian walked towards the side door. The old servant sweeping in front of the door blinked hard, then dropped the broom and exclaimed with delight, "Young Master, it's the Young Master! The Young Master has returned! The Young Master has come home!"

After saying that, the old servant turned and ran away, while the guards who had been standing loosely now straightened their backs and held their heads high.

Zhao Xiaoqian frowned and looked at them, then said in a deep voice, "If this were in my army, you would have been punished with military flogging for your slouching appearance just now."

After saying that, Zhao Xiaoqian stepped inside, leaving the guards with pale faces and cold sweat dripping down their backs.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't mean he didn't want to teach these guards a lesson, but he was about to send his mother away, and the guards would naturally be dismissed, so there was no need to waste time with them.

Upon entering, Madam Feng, who had come upon hearing the news, hurried to greet him. Seeing her son's familiar features, Madam Feng burst into tears before she could speak, and grabbed his hand first.

"I heard my son was seriously injured in Yanyun. Is he feeling any better?" Madam Feng asked, her voice choked with emotion, as she looked him over repeatedly.

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes also reddened. He lowered his head, lifted the hem of his robe, and knelt down before Madam Feng.

"I am stationed on the frontier and unable to be by your side to fulfill my filial duties. Mother, please forgive my unfilial behavior."

"Get up! You're a big shot now, don't kneel down so easily. Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety have been hard to balance. Would your mother blame you?" Madam Feng forcefully pulled Zhao Xiaoqian up.

Zhao Xiaoqian stood up, and Madam Feng stood in front of him, gazing deeply at her son. Looking at Zhao Xiaoqian, who was much taller than her, Madam Feng couldn't help but show a look of satisfaction and pride.

"How are you feeling?" Madam Feng asked, her eyes filled with concern.

A warm feeling washed over Zhao Xiaoqian. After all, she was his own mother. After a long separation, she didn't ask about wealth or official rank; her only concern was her child's health.

“My health has improved. I was indeed injured in Yanyun, but the doctor said I would recover in another month or two. Mother, you don’t need to worry,” Zhao Xiaoqian said softly.

(End of this chapter)