The prince is more stable

Chapter 812 The Throne Ceremony
When a knife is held to one's neck, very few people can remain steadfast in their beliefs and face death without fear.

That's why such a spirit is worthy of respect.

Han Song was clearly not that kind of person; he knelt down quickly and smoothly.

He was Zhao Hao's target from the very beginning. Before taking action, Zhao Hao made thorough preparations, conducting investigations among several generals in Bianjing and identifying Han Song as the most likely to submit.

The Palace Guards protected the imperial city, with an indefinite number of troops under their command. At its peak, Bianjing had approximately 400,000 imperial guards. Later, the Song Dynasty's military preparedness became lax, the army became corrupt, and the phenomenon of drawing salaries without working and withholding military rations became increasingly serious.

In addition, Zhao Xiaoqian had been ordered to transfer the Dragon Guard Battalion from Bianjing and 50,000 elite troops from the three upper armies, totaling more than 100,000 people. Now, the troops under the control of the Palace Guard in Bianjing are less than 200,000.

The military system of the Song Dynasty consisted of the Palace Guard, the Cavalry Guard, and the Infantry Guard, collectively known as the "Three Military Commands." The Palace Guard's main responsibility was to protect Bianjing (Kaifeng), while the Cavalry Guard and the Infantry Guard commanded local troops throughout the country, including the Imperial Guard and the Garrison Army.

Therefore, in order to launch a rebellion, Zhao Xiaoqian first had to control the Palace Guard.

He had 100,000 troops in Yanyun and cannons, and was confident that he could break through the capital and storm the palace. However, the imperial guards in Bianjing were ultimately the defense force of the Song Dynasty, and they were all born of Han Chinese parents. He did not want to escalate the war and cause serious casualties unless absolutely necessary.

At this moment, Han Song knelt before the father and son, trembling all over, gripped by the fear of death. At this moment, he was willing to give up anything to survive.

Zhao Xiaoqian squatted down, his gaze level with Zhao's, his eyes shining in the darkness staring straight at him.

“Vice Envoy Han, you are a smart man. Do you know why I spared your life?” Zhao Xiaoqian said with a smile.

Han Song's face was covered with sweat and tears, and he nodded hurriedly: "I know, I know, this humble general is willing to serve Your Highness."

"So many generals from the three armies of the Bianjing Palace Guard have died. What do you suggest we do?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked with a smile.

Han Song hurriedly said, "Easy! Easy! We can keep it a secret..."

“I will launch the coronation ceremony tomorrow; there’s no need to hide it,” Zhao Xiaoqian interrupted him.

“That makes things even easier. This humble general is willing to serve as Your Highness’s vanguard…”

“I don’t need you to be my pawn, but since the Commander of the Palace Guard is dead, you, as the Deputy Commander, must bravely take responsibility,” Zhao Xiaoqian said earnestly.

Han Song finally understood his own worth and why he was able to survive.

Han Song then decisively said, "If something unexpected happens tomorrow, the Palace Guard and the three armies in Bianjing will be leaderless. As the Deputy Commander, I am the only senior general. I am willing to issue a military order to command the imperial guards in Bianjing to help Your Highness seize the throne!"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "I do need your help. You don't need to charge into battle. As long as you cooperate, order the city gates to be opened before my army enters the city, and restrain the Bianjing Imperial Guards from clashing with my army. Of course, my army will also have official orders from the court to enter the city, so I won't make things difficult for you."

Han Song was startled and immediately understood what was going on. He tentatively asked, "Your Highness's army, could it be... the Yan Yun army?"

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed and said, "That's right. The 100,000 troops of Yanyun will arrive at the gates of Bianjing tomorrow. This army is loyal to me."

Han Song was increasingly shocked and fearful. 100,000 troops were about to besiege the city, and the probability of Zhao Xiaoqian succeeding tomorrow was even greater.

He knew very well that the 100,000 troops of Yanyun were battle-hardened border troops, whose combat strength, weaponry, and even their fighting spirit were far superior to the imperial guards of Bianjing who were used to eating the grain of peace.

With 100,000 troops besieging the city and all the generals of the Palace Guard and the three upper armies executed, the coup that will lead to the coup tomorrow seems to be a foregone conclusion.

Of course, we also have to add his betrayal, that master traitor...

Given this situation, based on the human instinct to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune, there is no need to hesitate or struggle anymore.

Han Song let out a long breath, his tone gradually calming down, and slowly said, "Your Highness, this humble general is willing to serve you. I will obey Your Highness's orders without question."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded. Only after saying those words did he believe that Han Song had seen through the situation and made a real choice in his heart.

Of course, one cannot trust such a defecting general too much.

So Zhao Xiaoqian leaned close to his ear and whispered to him that he had taken control of his wife, children, and family.

Han Song immediately turned pale, let out a few silent, bitter laughs, and completely resigned himself to his fate.

They sent men to take Han Song away. Several men in black, dressed in the armor of the Imperial Guards, escorted Han Song back to the Palace Guard's office late at night, ready to obey orders and issue commands to the Imperial Guards of Bianjing.

Of course, if Han Song disobeys, the black-clad bodyguards could turn into deadly assassins at any time.

In the front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, the corpses of Liu Mao and others had been removed by the Imperial Guards under Chen Shou's command. The front courtyard had been cleaned up and restored to its former quiet and cozy appearance.

The father and son sat in the front yard, quietly waiting for the final moment to arrive.

"Have your Yan-Yun troops arrived today?" Zhao Hao asked.

“Zhong Jianzhong sent a message last night that the vanguard Zhe Keshi’s 20,000 troops are less than 100 li from Bianjing, and the central and rear armies will be there soon as well.”

Zhao Hao nodded: "It's less than a hundred li. By the time of the enthronement ceremony, we'll be right at the gates of Bianjing."

Zhao Hao and his son Zhao Xiaoqian sat in the courtyard, looking up at the Big Dipper in the sky, and remained silent for a long time.

"Qian'er, it's almost dawn," Zhao Hao said slowly.

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded and said, "Yes, it's almost dawn. It's going to be a beautiful sunny day."

…………

Its daybreak.

The atmosphere in Bianjing today is different from usual.

Early in the morning, the streets and alleys of Bianjing were filled with people. Today, no one was busy with their livelihoods, but instead watched with curiosity as military chariots and banners passed through the streets of Bianjing, swaggering onto the Imperial Street and entering Yanfu Palace. Squads of armored imperial guards passed by, their long spears adorned with white mourning ribbons to signify national mourning.

The court officials, dressed in formal official robes, emerged from their respective residences, boarded carriages or sedan chairs, and slowly made their way to the palace gates.

The ceremony was not extravagant or grand, and since the country was still in mourning, even the vain Emperor Huizong knew the importance of the matter.

At dawn, the bells and drums on the walls of Yanfu Palace rang out, one after another, their melodious sounds echoing over Bianjing City.

Two heavy, ancient palace gates slowly opened; today, the main gate of Yanfu Palace was being opened.

Inside the main gate, rows of imperial guards stood in formation, while eunuchs stood in a line, bowing respectfully.

As Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, chanted a long and drawn-out song, the palace gates opened, and civil and military officials entered the palace.

Although it was called "civil and military officials," in reality, nearly three thousand officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital came in a bustling crowd.

Today, everyone is dressed very formally. Not only are they wearing formal court robes, but they are also not wearing double-winged hats, but rather Liang crowns according to Han etiquette.

Zhao Xiaoqian was also in the procession. His rank was relatively high, only after Chancellor Zhang Dun and Privy Councilor Zeng Bu.

Three thousand officials entered the palace and walked silently on the road to the Daqing Hall.

The atmosphere was a bit strange. Although this was the atmosphere one should have during a period of national mourning, it gave people an extremely oppressive and gloomy feeling, like the muggy heat before a downpour, making one's heart feel heavy.

This extremely uncomfortable feeling was something I had never experienced even during the funeral of the late Emperor Cheoljong.

The atmosphere was more like a funeral than a coronation.

Thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Zhang Dun over the past few years, the old party in the court has been suppressed and scattered, and most of the more than 3,000 officials today are from the new party.

Those of lower rank remained completely oblivious, showing no awareness whatsoever.

Those of higher rank walked silently, occasionally glancing up to exchange knowing yet strange glances with their colleagues beside them.

Zhang Dun walked ahead of Zhao Xiaoqian, occasionally turning back to gaze intently at him.

Zhao Xiaoqian then gave him a bright and cheerful smile.

Seeing his smile, Zhang Dun felt reassured, knowing that everything was progressing according to plan and there were no unexpected changes.

At 1:15 AM, the auspicious day and time were calculated by the Imperial Observatory.

As the coronation ceremony began, Zhao Ji emerged from the inner palace, surrounded by eunuchs.

Today, Zhao Ji openly donned a yellow robe and crown, wearing a white jade crown with twelve tassels. His appearance seemed to have been carefully groomed, with his thin lips pursed and his eyebrows raised, revealing a touch of imperial majesty.

The first step in the enthronement ceremony was for the emperor and his ministers to pay homage at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

In front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, read aloud a splendid and eloquent memorial to Heaven, his voice rising and falling with solemnity and reverence.

After the text was read aloud, Zhang Yi lit it in front of the incense burner in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and then Zhao Ji faced the temple and bowed three times.

Then the courtiers bowed three times to Zhao Ji.

The long horn sounded in the palace, and envoys from the surrounding vassal states of the Song Dynasty stepped forward and bowed three times to Zhao Ji.

After the officials paid their respects, the emperor and his ministers, guided by the Minister of Rites, entered the Daqing Hall together.

Dressed in his imperial robes, Zhao Ji bowed three times to Empress Dowager Xiang, who was seated in the hall. As the bells and drums sounded, Zhao Ji slowly walked towards the dragon throne in the Daqing Hall amidst the long, rhythmic drumbeats.

The ceremony was not over yet; what followed was the investiture and amnesty.

Empress Dowager Xiang, seated to the side of the dragon throne, had a complex expression and her eyes were somewhat unfocused. At such a formal and solemn enthronement ceremony, she was clearly distracted, her eyes occasionally glancing at Zhao Hao in the crowd, with a hint of resentment and something else that was hard to explain.

Zhao Hao mingled discreetly among the imperial clan members in court, his expression still honest and harmless, his eyes clear yet foolish when he looked up.

Outsiders would only think of him as a simple, honest fat man. Only Empress Dowager Xiang could not help but grit her teeth when she saw Zhao Hao's deliberately feigned foolishness.

Only those fools outside thought this fat man was honest and simple. But Empress Dowager Xiang, who had personally witnessed and deeply experienced it, knew very well what kind of insidious, cunning, ruthless, and violent soul was hidden beneath this fat man's honest and simple appearance.

She had to admit, she was won over.

He was conquered by reality, and also by this cunning fat man.

The following ceremonies were still tedious and lengthy.

When Xing Shu, the Minister of Justice, handed over a thick memorial containing requests for amnesty from local governments, it was revealed that the memorial contained a large number of such requests.

According to procedure, Zhao Ji had to personally approve the memorial granting amnesty to the entire realm with his own vermilion brush.

This was also the first memorial approved by the emperor after his ascension to the throne, and the ceremony was very grand.

Under the watchful eyes of his ministers, Emperor Huizong solemnly picked up his vermilion brush, about to write his comments on the memorial, when a deep and resonant voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.

"Your Majesty, wait! A general amnesty is acceptable, but there is one thing that cannot be pardoned!"

(End of this chapter)