The prince is more stable

Chapter 794 Regaining Military Power
With the entire army mutiny, Zhong Jianzhong laid his cards on the table.

Chen Songling stared at Zhong Jianzhong with bloodshot eyes, his eyes blazing with fury. He still couldn't believe that the 100,000 troops of Yanyun would dare to do such a thing.

What is its nature?

With 100,000 troops plotting a rebellion, Zhao Xiaoqian is determined to change the world by force.

“Zhong Jianzhong, think it through. This is treason. Although the Yan Yun troops are the elite of the Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty has more than just your troops. If you dare to leave Yan Yun and set off, the armies of the world will surround and suppress you from all directions!”

"You led 100,000 soldiers to their deaths, your sins are heinous!" Chen Songling roared.

Zhong Jianzhong smiled and said, "There's no need for Commander Chen to worry about that. With His Highness Prince Cheng, the brothers feel at ease and dare to brave any danger."

Chen Songling looked around unwillingly, his almost collapsing gaze sweeping over the generals, and hissed, "Is this what you all think? If the court finds out you are plotting rebellion, it will not spare you. In the future, you will not only lose your promising future, but you will also lose your lives!"

"If you all pull back from the brink at this moment, I can guarantee that this matter will not be reported to the court, and it will be as if it never happened!"

"When the new emperor ascends the throne, I will lead the entire army to launch a northern expedition against the Liao Kingdom. After we succeed, I will guarantee that you will be promoted and ennobled, your wives and children will be granted titles and honors, and your descendants will share the fate of the country for generations to come. Why are you so stubborn and determined to rebel?"

The soldiers around him remained silent, their gazes fixed on him coldly, while the encirclement slowly tightened, leaving Chen Songling with only a small space to stand.

Zhong Jianzhong sneered.

Even in this desperate situation, Chen Songling did not forget to win over the soldiers, attempting to lure them with official titles and wealth to turn the tide.

Unfortunately, he was ultimately a civil official and did not understand the camaraderie among comrades who had gone through life and death together on the battlefield.

He had no idea how to be a qualified commander-in-chief, or how to make 100,000 soldiers loyal to him and follow him without complaint even if there was a mutiny.

His various political maneuvers to win over the soldiers these days seem more like a self-deceiving performance.

With a long sigh, Zhong Jianzhong's eyes held a hint of pity.

"Chen Shuai, give up. You have no chance. Since we've done this tonight, there's no going back."

As he spoke, Zhong Jianzhong clasped his hands in a salute to Chen Songling: "This humble general respectfully invites Commander Chen to enter Youzhou City and stay for a while."

Chen Songling's eyes gradually filled with despair: "Are you going to kill me, or imprison me?"

Zhong Jianzhong smiled and said, "We will not kill you. We are the righteous army of the Great Song Dynasty and will not kill court officials without cause. We will only ask that Commander Chen stay in Youzhou City for a while. After this matter is over, Commander Chen will be free."

Chen Songling slowly gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist with his right hand. He was a civil official, but he was of a fierce character. He would rather die than be humiliated, and he would rather be a prisoner.

Seeing Chen Songling's resolute expression, Zhong Jianzhong narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Men, take Commander Chen's sword."

Two people suddenly appeared from behind, pinned Chen Songling's hand down, and snatched his sword.

Seeing that his attempt to die had failed, Chen Songling finally dropped his calm facade and pointed at Zhong Jianzhong's nose, cursing him loudly.

"Traitors! You, all of you, and Zhao Xiaoqian, are all traitors and rebels, and you shall die a horrible death!"

Zhong Jianzhong's face darkened and he said coldly, "Right and wrong, merit and demerit, will be judged by future generations. We act only according to our conscience, and we are not worthy of such praise as Marshal Chen."

Chen Songling's arms were firmly held by the soldiers. He struggled for a long time, but in the end, he could not move.

Zhong Jianzhong sighed and said, "Send Commander Chen to the Youzhou City government office and treat him well."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a familiar voice came from outside the encirclement.

"How about counting me in too?"

The soldiers were stunned. When they turned around, they saw that it was Vice Envoy Xu.

Xu, dressed in a purple official robe, looked dignified and ignored the soldiers standing with their swords and spears. He slowly walked up to Zhong Jianzhong.

Zhong Jianzhong paused for a moment, then unconsciously turned his gaze elsewhere.

Over the past year, Xu Jiang has gotten along quite well with the soldiers and officers, and the generals have a good impression of him. They are also well aware that His Highness Prince Cheng has always respected Xu Jiang and has always humbly regarded himself as a junior.

When Xu Jiang suddenly appeared, Zhong Jianzhong and his generals were ultimately a little uneasy.

Xu looked directly into Zhong Jianzhong's eyes, and after a long while, sighed deeply.

"You... have finally come to this."

Zhong Jianzhong clasped his hands and said, "Please forgive us, Mr. Chongyuan. We are acting on His Highness's orders. His Highness has been kind to us and has treated us like brothers all these years. We must respond to His Highness's summons."

Xu Jiang showed no surprise at all, and simply nodded.

"Having served in the military for so long, I naturally understand Zian's prestige within the army. To be honest, I don't blame you or Zian. Reaching this point today can only be attributed to the times creating heroes. Whether Zhao Zian is a hero or not remains to be seen; in the end, it's all about the victor taking all."

Zhong Jianzhong asked with delight, "Mr. Chongyuan, would you also like to join us?"

Xu Jiang sneered: "I have been fed by the emperor and enjoyed his favor for a long time. How could I join a rebel army? I said I don't blame you because I am just a scholar and can't do anything about you. But I absolutely do not approve of Zhao Zian and your actions!"

"Weren't you just going to imprison Chen Songling? Count me in! I'm willing to imprison Commander Chen together. Let's see in Youzhou City whether Zhao Zian is a true dragon or a worm!" Zhong Jianzhong smiled bitterly: "Mr. Chongyuan, why bother? How dare I be disrespectful to you? If His Highness finds out, I'll be punished with a beating."

Xu Jiang coldly said, "It was my own free will to be imprisoned. What can Zhao Zi'an say? Enough nonsense, just take us into the city. Do you expect me to collude with you and aid and abet the wicked?"

Before Zhong Jianzhong could say anything more, he was quietly tugged at by Zong Ze beside him.

Unlike other generals, Zong Ze was also a civil official. He was a proper Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and naturally understood the spirit and will of civil officials like Xu Jiang and Chen Songling.

Indeed, as Xu Jiang said, they were fed by the emperor and enjoyed imperial favor for a long time. The education they received from the classics from childhood would make it impossible for them to join a rebel army in the eyes of the world.

Zhong Jianzhong intended to continue persuading, but it would ultimately be a waste of breath and pointless.

Zong Ze sighed and said, "Mr. Chongyuan, His Highness will eventually prove to you that he is the one destined by Heaven, and that under his rule, the Song Dynasty will only become stronger and stronger. The golden age of peace and prosperity will begin because of him. You might as well wait and see."

A hint of a smile flashed in Xu Jiang's eyes, then vanished quickly. He continued coldly, shouting, "What are you waiting for! I don't want to talk to you anymore. Hurry up and do it. Are you going to tie me and Commander Chen up?"

Zhong Jianzhong bowed with a forced smile and said, "I dare not. I'm sorry to have troubled you two gentlemen. Please leave the camp and enter the city."

After speaking, Zhong Jianzhong led his generals and personally escorted General Xu and Chen Songling out of the camp.

Of course, after the two left the camp, Zhong Jianzhong still sent more than a hundred soldiers to escort them.

Although it was called "escorting," it was actually a form of imprisonment. From this day forward, for a long time to come, the two of them would have to live in the backyard of the Youzhou government office, under the close watch of soldiers day and night.

The generals stood inside the camp gate, watching as General Xu and Chen Songling boarded the carriage.

Zhe Keshi sighed softly, "Chen Songling is fine, but Vice Envoy Xu... I originally thought he would join us, after all, he has a very close personal relationship with His Highness. I can't understand why..."

Zong Ze smiled wryly and said, "Everyone has their own ambitions, especially scholars, who are particularly stubborn. The so-called principle of 'ruler and subject' is something that can never be changed in a lifetime."

Zhong Jianzhong said calmly, "As long as we don't become enemies with His Highness, that's enough. I won't force anything else."

After speaking, Zhong Jianzhong turned around, looked around at the generals, and slowly said, "From today onwards, the military power of Yanyun is back in our hands. The court will not be aware of this for the time being, and you must not publicize it. If anyone asks about Commander Chen, just say that he has fallen ill and is recuperating in his tent day and night."

The generals agreed.

Zhe Keshi couldn't help but ask, "General Zhong, when will our 80,000 troops march south to defend the emperor?"

Zhong Jianzhong glanced at him and said, "What's the rush? His Highness hasn't given any military orders yet. Let's train our troops first and wait for His Highness's news. Once the fighting in Bianjing intensifies and His Highness needs us, we'll muster our troops and head south to the capital!"

…………

Bianjing (Kaifeng)

After Zhao Xiaoqian overthrew Prince Jian and humiliatingly broke his leg, parading him through the streets in a prison cart, the previously balanced situation in the court was finally shattered.

Regarding the struggle for the new emperor, there were originally two major camps: Prince Duan and Prince Jian. According to the rules of etiquette, Prince Duan was the "eldest son" and Prince Jian was the "legitimate son," and both of them were theoretically qualified to inherit the throne.

Therefore, the court officials originally intended to choose one of these two to support, since everyone knew the value of the merit of supporting the emperor and everyone was envious.

Faced with a 50/50 chance of success, the court officials were still debating which option to bet on when Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly flipped the table without warning.

King Jian was thus overthrown. His evil deeds had become known throughout the city. He had ordered his men to set fire to the Chu King's residence simply to vent his personal anger.

Upon hearing this, the court officials were speechless.

There is no doubt about the truth of the matter; the Imperial City Guard has already sent the thief's confession to the Ministry of Justice.

That's good, the court officials no longer need to gamble.

Prince Jian is completely incapable of inheriting the throne. With such character and personality, he is utterly unsuitable to be the emperor of the Song Dynasty.

The only candidate now is Prince Duan, Zhao Ji. So why gamble? Just surrender directly.

So, on the day after Prince Jian was paraded through the streets, countless court officials presented visiting cards and lavish gifts to Prince Duan's residence, hoping to meet with Prince Duan and express their loyalty.

These past few days, Zhao Ji has been overjoyed; he's actually encountered such a stroke of good luck.

He originally planned to fight Jian Wang to the death, but Jian Wang made a foolish move and backed down, and the throne inexplicably fell to Zhao Ji.

Looking at the mountain of invitation cards and gift lists in front of him, Zhao Ji was extremely pleased, but he did not become complacent.

He knew very well that he had to hold on tight, especially at the last moment, because once a person became complacent, trouble would follow.

Faced with countless courtiers requesting an audience, Emperor Huizong of Tang only gave one order: "From today onwards, the Prince Duan's residence will be closed to guests. Your Highness, the Prince Duan, must study and learn, and strive to become a knowledgeable and well-behaved child."

The courtiers, unable to gain an audience, had no choice but to retreat in embarrassment.

However, after Zhao Ji uttered these words, his reputation in the court actually improved.

After all, who wouldn't like a good child who loves to read? If such a good child became emperor, it wouldn't be bad, would it?

(End of this chapter)