The prince is more stable

Chapter 773 Active Alliance
Zhao Xiaoqian visited the Zhang residence today and spoke at length.

Of course, there was no attempt to sow discord or incite trouble. At Zhang Dun's age and in such a prominent position, he certainly wouldn't be easily fooled by such childish tricks as instigation and provocation.

To be precise, Zhao Xiaoqian spoke only the truth during his visit today, without a single word of deliberate provocation or incitement.

Zhang Dun has his own judgment, and it is precisely because he knows that Zhao Xiaoqian is telling the truth that he is so worried at this moment.

If Prince Duan ascends the throne, Zhang Dun will definitely not be able to remain prime minister. Given Prince Duan's temperament, he would never allow a former opponent to continue sitting in the prime minister's position. The prime minister's position is better given to dogs than to Zhang Dun.

Zhang Dun's dismissal as prime minister was merely the beginning of a change in the political landscape. The new policies were subsequently abolished, the new party was expelled, and with each new emperor came a new set of officials and a new dynasty, the old party made a comeback. The retaliation against Zhang Dun and the new party officials would likely be more intense and brutal than ever before.

At this moment, Zhang Dun's mind was racing, and various thoughts flashed through his mind. In his desperation, he even thought of hiring someone to kill Zhao Ji and eliminate future troubles.

Of course, the thought was just a fleeting one; it was too unrealistic.

Now Zhang Dun only wants to save himself, save the new policies, save his colleagues in the new party, and save Wang Anshi's legacy.

His gaze inevitably fell on Zhao Xiaoqian in front of him, and then Zhang Dun's eyes were filled with inquiry and assessment.

He was assessing Zhao Xiaoqian's importance.

If... Zhao Xiaoqian were brought to their side, and the two of them joined forces to oppose Prince Duan's ascension to the throne, would this be a viable option?

motivation?

Zhang Dun did not need Zhao Xiaoqian's motives.

Outsiders are not very clear about the grudges between Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhao Ji. The most serious conflict between the two was limited to secret assassinations of each other, which almost cost each other their lives several times. However, these things have always been hidden in the shadows and have never surfaced. Zhang Dun was unaware of the inside story.

The details of the feud between Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhao Ji are unclear and difficult to discuss, but Zhang Dun knows that Zhao Xiaoqian's father, King Zhao Hao of Chu, had a direct conflict with Zhao Ji.

Right outside the Yanfu Palace in Bianjing, Zhao Hao slapped Zhao Ji in public; this incident could not be kept secret.

Therefore, it can be determined that Zhao Hao and Zhao Ji were at odds, or at least had a grudge against each other.

If the father has a grudge against Emperor Huizong of Song, does that mean the son also has a grudge against Emperor Huizong of Song?

Zhang Dun kept calculating the relationships in his mind. This problem wasn't difficult to solve; just draw an equal sign between the characters, and the answer would come out.

Finally, Zhang Dun quietly equated himself with Zhao Xiaoqian in his heart.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, isn't that a valid point?
What about Zhao Xiaoqian's importance?
His weight is certainly sufficient.

Given the immense contributions he has made to the emperor and the Song Dynasty over the past few years, it is no exaggeration to say that they are unparalleled. In particular, when Zhao Xiaoqian was at the height of his power and his achievements overshadowed the emperor, he decisively chose to withdraw, relinquish his military power, and return to the capital to continue being a loyal minister. This action earned him extra points from his colleagues in the court.

Therefore, the Emperor still highly values ​​Zhao Xiaoqian. He listens carefully to every word Zhao Xiaoqian says. At Zhao Xiaoqian's level, who would dare to disregard his words?

After careful reassessment, Zhang Dun concluded that Zhao Xiaoqian was an extremely important figure, and if they could join forces, it would be much more difficult for Zhao Ji to become emperor...

What's infuriating is that Zhao Xiaoqian, that cunning little fox, stubbornly refused to reveal his true thoughts, making it impossible to confide in him. Perhaps the small grudge he had with Zhang Dun in the past hadn't been resolved, so he secretly remained wary of Zhang Dun.

Zhang Dun couldn't help but curse him under his breath for being stingy, even more stingy than this old man.

I was merely trying to wipe out the old party, yet you can't even let go of that little grudge from back then...

The most stable relationship between people is not based on feelings, but on interests.

Zhang Dun's most important interest at present is to prevent Zhao Ji from becoming emperor, and he is willing to pay any price for this.

He was as pure as a white lotus flower, wanting both.

He wanted the new policies to continue, but he also wanted to remain prime minister.

After considering it for a while, Zhang Dun tentatively extended an olive branch to Zhao Xiaoqian.

"Zian has come to visit in person today, but I have forgotten to entertain him. This is truly impolite. Since it is getting late, I will have a banquet prepared. How about we drink together, Zian?"

Zhao Xiaoqian turned to look at the sky outside the hall and said, "No need. I'm a picky eater, my tastes are very particular. Let's go home for dinner..."

After saying this, Zhao Xiaoqian got up to take his leave, but Zhang Dun's eyelids twitched and he quickly blocked his way.

"I have known Zi'an for many years, and we feel like old friends at first sight..."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyelids twitched, a little flustered by Zhang Dun's unusual attitude. He said with difficulty, "We... hit it off immediately?" Do you want to hear what you're saying?
We almost got into a fight back then, don't you remember with your dementia?
Zhang Dun said seriously, "Of course it's like old friends at first sight. By the way, Zi'an, do you remember when you married the daughter of the Di family as your principal wife? It was your father who asked me and the old clan leader to act as matchmakers. With such a deep connection, I invited you to my home for a banquet, but you didn't do me the honor?"

I'm crazy...

Zhao Xiaoqian's cheeks twitched a few times. This was ancient history, and it was being dragged out to fill the gaps. It seemed that Zhang Dun was really being driven to desperation.

"You flatter me, Master Zhang. Since you've extended such a generous invitation, then... I'll stay for a meal?" Zhao Xiaoqian's expression was somewhat reluctant.

Zhang Dun laughed heartily and immediately ordered his servants to prepare a banquet.

Before long, a sumptuous banquet was brought into the hall. The two men sat facing each other and drank. One was the prime minister of the Song Dynasty, and the other was a loyal and meritorious official of the Song Dynasty. The two men were of equal status and were both important figures in the court. The atmosphere of the banquet was quite harmonious.

After several rounds of drinks, Zhang Dun put down his wine cup, looked at Zhao Xiaoqian and said, "Zian, you are so young, yet you have achieved so much. You are much better than me. To be honest, I have always admired you."

Zhao Xiaoqian humbly replied, "That's because I was born into a good family, which gave me an advantage in many things and saved me from many detours compared to others."

Zhang Dun shook his head: "No, no, with Zi'an's abilities, even if you came from a humble family, you would still shine brightly and be destined for a place in history. This has nothing to do with being born into the imperial family..."

"Don't forget, the Emperor once personally amended the ancestral rules for your sake, appointing you to a powerful official position. This is because the Emperor valued your abilities, and he was willing to violate the ancestral rules for your sake."

Zhao Xiaoqian took a sip from his cup and sighed inwardly.

Zhao Xu's kindness to him back then was precisely the reason why he was unwilling to rebel even when he held military power.

He preferred to relinquish his military power and return to the capital alone to face the complex and chaotic situation rather than obtain the position through the simplest and most direct means, all to repay the good deeds Zhao Xu had done for him.

Besides power, money, beauty, and sex, if one can retain some conscience in one's conduct and actions, one may live more peacefully and not have nightmares when sleeping.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhang Dun tentatively said, "His Majesty's health is deteriorating, and most of the news I've heard is not optimistic. I'm afraid it won't be long before..."

After a pause, Zhang Dun continued, "If His Majesty passes away, the Empress Dowager will convene the court officials to discuss the selection of a new emperor. If nothing unexpected happens, the Empress Dowager and the court officials will choose one of Prince Duan or Prince Jian to ascend the throne. Judging from Zi'an's expression, I'm afraid he's not so happy about Prince Duan ascending the throne, is he?"

Zhao Xiaoqian looked bewildered: "Huh? Me? I don't care. Whoever becomes emperor, I'll worship them. I don't want to get involved in this."

Zhang Dun gritted his teeth. "Little fox, you ate my food and drank my water, and you still won't tell the truth."

"Is that so? Heh, but I've heard that your father once slapped Zhao Ji outside the palace gates. If he ascends the throne, I'm afraid he won't let you and your father off the hook, will he?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback: "Is that so? My father never mentioned it to me. It's probably because my father was drunk and caused trouble. You know my father's character... well, it's universally acknowledged."

Zhang Dun was speechless for a moment. If you could get away with this, you must be a tough character. We must take this seriously.

"Even if your father caused trouble while drunk, Prince Duan may not see it that way. If he holds a grudge, what will become of you and your father when he ascends the throne..."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled wryly and said, "Master Zhang, I'm not used to you being like this. Just say what you want to say directly. I don't want to waste my energy guessing."

After a long silence, Zhang Dun lowered his voice and slowly said, word by word, "Prince Duan cannot ascend the throne! If he becomes the ruler, both our families will be doomed."

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at him with a half-smile: "Prime Minister Zhang is in deep trouble, so don't try to drag my family into it. As everyone knows, my Chu King's lineage never causes trouble and rarely makes enemies. We are also extremely loyal to the Emperor and the country. Prime Minister Zhang has had a few too many drinks today, so don't drag me down with you."

Zhang Dun frowned. He was already short-tempered, and now he was getting impatient: "Zian, we've already gone this far, are you still unwilling to tell the truth?"

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow slightly.

In fact, Zhao Xiaoqian's original intention in visiting Zhang Dun today was to form an alliance with him.

However, forcing someone to do something isn't going to work. After a verbal exchange with Zhang Dun, Zhao Xiaoqian successfully turned the tables and now Zhang Dun was the one seeking an alliance.

Choosing allies requires keen insight. Currently, Zhang Dun may be a good ally, but the extent to which the two can cooperate depends on Zhang Dun's true intentions and whether he can get along with Zhao Xiaoqian.

"Does Minister Zhang mean to prevent Prince Duan from ascending the throne and instead support Prince Jian, Zhao Si?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked.

Zhang Dun was silent for a while, then sighed, "The only candidates are Prince Duan and Prince Jian. If we want to stop Prince Duan, we can only support Prince Jian. We have no other choice."

Zhao Xiaoqian's lips curled up: "But as far as I know, Prince Jian is no good either. He has been arrogant and domineering in Bianjing all these years because he is the emperor's brother from the same father and mother. He has a violent temper. If you, Prime Minister Zhang, decide to support such a person to ascend the throne, we will have a good outcome."

Zhang Dun gritted his teeth and said, "I will persuade Prince Jian to continue implementing the new policies after he ascends the throne. As long as the new policies are not abolished, even if Prince Jian is a bit muddle-headed and tyrannical, I can accept it."

(End of this chapter)