Song Xiu

Chapter 149 Fu Family's Deceitful Scheme: Repaying Kindness and Receiving Trust
While Zhao Dexiu was planning important national affairs in the Court of Ceremonies, something else was happening in the Yanshou Palace in the Imperial City.

Inside the Yanshou Palace, filled with the smell of medicine, Empress Dowager Du, her face ashen, lay on her bed as Lady Fu personally fed her medicinal soup.

Empress Dowager Du caught a cold starting in May of this year.

The people in the palace initially thought that this cold was nothing serious, but unexpectedly, as time went by, Empress Dowager Du's condition began to change.

Last month, Zhao Kuangyin wanted to pray for Empress Dowager Du, so he issued a special edict to pardon prisoners sentenced to death or less.

Zhao Kuangyin's prayers had little effect; according to the imperial physicians, Empress Dowager Du's condition fluctuated.

A few days ago, Zhao Kuangyin, who was worried about Empress Dowager Du's condition, left Bianjing with Zhao Guangyi after finishing all the matters related to the imperial examination, and went to Mount Song, thinking of personally praying to the famous mountain to prolong Empress Dowager Du's life.

After Zhao Kuangyin left the capital, some people in the city became restless.

Those people were represented by Fu Yanqing.

Fu Yanqing had deep roots of influence in the court. As the new policies were implemented step by step, Fu Yanqing learned of some news:
"The imperial court is about to abolish the power of the military governors and their subordinate prefectures throughout the country."

Upon learning this news, Fu Yanqing was greatly shocked.

During the Five Dynasties period, the military governors were like local emperors.

The military governors not only held military power in their localities, but also administrative, judicial, and personnel powers.

During the reign of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, taking advantage of the momentum of the great victory at Gaoping, he imposed certain restrictions on the power of the local military governors.

Under Emperor Shizong's measures, the control of the military governors over the local areas has been weakened to some extent.

However, Emperor Shizong's reforms back then involved compromises.

For example, when dealing with Fu Yanqing, a powerful local town, Emperor Shizong of Zhou mainly adopted the approach of winning him over.

On the one hand, Emperor Shizong of Zhou married Fu Yanqing's daughter and made her empress; on the other hand, he strengthened Fu Yanqing's power in Daming Prefecture, hoping to make him a powerful local official of the Zhou dynasty and to check the power of the central government.

Under Emperor Zhou Shizong's manipulation, Daming Prefecture and the surrounding prefectures seemed to have become Fu Yanqing's private property.

The Fu family lorded it over the local area and lived a very happy life.

Now that Fu Yanqing has learned that the imperial court wants to interrupt his life as a local tyrant, how can Fu Yanqing accept this?
Even though he was unwilling, Fu Yanqing did not dare to openly oppose the powerful court.

After much deliberation, Fu Yanqing came up with a breakthrough point—Empress Dowager Du.

The decision to use Empress Dowager Du as a breakthrough point was based on two main reasons.

One reason is that Zhao Kuangyin was extremely filial, and another reason is that Empress Dowager Du lacked political wisdom and was easily deceived.

However, if Fu Yanqing, as an outsider, wanted to use Empress Dowager Du's power to stop the implementation of the next new policy of the court, he could not directly participate.

Fu Yanqing entrusted this matter to his daughter, Madam Fu.

As the saying goes, "love me, love my dog," Empress Dowager Du didn't particularly like Empress Wang, but she adored Zhao Guangyi's wife, Lady Fu.

Empress Dowager Du's background was not noble, and when Zhao Guangyi married Lady Fu, Lady Zhao was not yet a member of the imperial family. Therefore, Empress Dowager Du believed that Lady Fu had married down to Zhao Guangyi at that time.

Due to these two reasons, after Empress Dowager Du fell ill, she repeatedly declined Empress Wang and Li Duruo's requests for care, leaving only Lady Fu by her side.

Empress Dowager Du's favoritism and Zhao Kuangyin's departure from the palace provided Fu with an excellent opportunity.

After feeding Empress Dowager Du her medicine, Lady Fu saw that Empress Dowager Du's illness was irreversible and that her time was likely to come in the next few days. So she began to sob softly.

Empress Dowager Du, who was resting after drinking her medicine, heard Fu's sobbing.

She struggled to open her heavy eyes and saw Fu Shi's face covered in tears:

Why is my dear daughter-in-law sobbing?

After asking this question, Empress Dowager Du showed a worried expression.

Even though she herself was terminally ill, Empress Dowager Du still had the leisure to worry about Lady Fu, which shows how much she loved Lady Fu.

Upon hearing Empress Dowager Du's question, Lady Fu was initially "startled," as if she was surprised that her crying would disturb Empress Dowager Du.

Seeing that she had disturbed Empress Dowager Du's rest, Lady Fu hurriedly apologized at the foot of the bed.

Considering Fu's recent devoted service, Fu's flustered apology aroused Empress Dowager Du's pity:

“My dear daughter-in-law, please tell me what’s on your mind, and I will take care of it for you.”

Once she became the Empress Dowager of a country, and with the emperor being an extremely filial person, Empress Dowager Du felt that there was nothing in the world that she could not handle.

Under Empress Dowager Du's persistent questioning, Lady Fu finally "reluctantly" said:

"My mother has been ill for a long time, and her face is getting more and more haggard. I can't help but feel sad and wish I could take her place."

Fu first showed a touching display of filial piety.

After demonstrating her filial piety, Madam Fu continued:

"My grief stems not only from concern for my mother's health, but also from the recent attacks against my father in court."

When the word "attack" was mentioned, Fu's crying grew louder.

Fu's reaction made Empress Dowager Du even more anxious.

Due to preconceived notions, Empress Dowager Du held Fu Yanqing, a highly respected relative by marriage, in high regard.

Empress Dowager Du even believed in her heart that if it weren't for Fu Yanqing's strong support, Zhao Kuangyin might not have been able to secure the throne so easily.

Moreover, Fu Yanqing's honor or disgrace would affect Zhao Guangyi's future.

Under the influence of multiple factors, Empress Dowager Du, deeply devoted to her son, struggled to sit up ailing on her couch and asked urgently:
"How did the court officials attack Fu Qing?"

Sensing that the emotional buildup was sufficient, Fu opened her mouth and began to embellish some of the facts.

According to Fu's account, this is what Empress Dowager Du heard:

Fu Yanqing was devoted to the country, but his great success attracted the attention of many. As the new policies of the court were implemented, some treacherous officials and sycophants kept submitting memorials to slander Fu Yanqing, accusing him of disloyalty.

Under the slander of treacherous officials and sycophants, Fu Yanqing felt deeply uneasy, as if his life was hanging by a thread.

After distorting the facts once and for all, Fu cried out in the end:

"I am terrified. Perhaps after Your Majesty returns to court, my father will be stripped of his official title and become a prisoner."

If my father is punished, what if it implicates the official?

Upon hearing Fu's words, Empress Dowager Du's face grew even paler.

Empress Dowager Du angrily slapped the edge of the couch with her hand:

"With me protecting you, who would dare harm my son?"

Empress Dowager Du's tone was filled with anger.

Despite her anger, Empress Dowager Du, knowing the extent of her illness, felt a sense of worry.

Even today, while she is still alive, there are still treacherous officials in the court who dare to slander Fu Yanqing in order to implicate Zhao Guangyi.

What if she passes away someday?
Empress Dowager Du was anxious, but her anxiety was useless; with her wisdom, she couldn't come up with any good solutions.

Left with no other choice, Empress Dowager Du repeatedly asked Lady Fu:

"Don't cry, don't cry. Now that I know about this, I won't sit idly by."

"Does my wise daughter-in-law have a way to prevent Fu Qing and Guang Yi from being framed?"

In Empress Dowager Du's memory, Lady Fu had always been a wise person.

Hearing Empress Dowager Du ask this question, Lady Fu was secretly pleased, but her face showed hesitation.

After some "struggle," Fu finally spoke:
"During the reign of Emperor Shizong of the previous dynasty, there were also officials who framed my father."

To protect my father, Emperor Shizong promised him that he would be stationed in Daming Prefecture forever, and that his descendants would live and die with the country.

Since then, my father has gradually recovered.

Having served Empress Dowager Du for a long time, Lady Fu knew that Empress Dowager Du held Emperor Shizong in high esteem, which was understandable.

Zhao Kuangyin's rise to power and the fact that the Zhao family was able to marry into the Fu family were all thanks to the rewards bestowed by Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

Because of her admiration for him, Empress Dowager Du would definitely be moved if she brought up the example of Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

As expected, Empress Dowager Du's mind began to stir after hearing about Emperor Shizong's measures. Her thinking was simple: Emperor Shizong was a renowned wise ruler, and his measures must be excellent.

But what use is knowing about Emperor Shizong's actions?

At the moment, Zhao Kuangyin was not in the capital, so even if she wanted to summon him to give him instructions, she would not be able to do so.

Lady Fu simply didn't want Zhao Kuangyin to know about this beforehand.

Noticing Empress Dowager Du's dilemma, Lady Fu offered a compromise:

"I have heard that the Khitan had an empress dowager named Shulü Ping. During her lifetime, she issued several imperial edicts to prevent the Khitan monarch from being deceived by treacherous people."

The Khitan people praised her as a virtuous empress.

Why doesn't the Empress Dowager follow the example of the virtuous Khitan empresses and also write an edict to deter treacherous officials?

Fu's words pointed out a "clear path" for Empress Dowager Du.

Upon hearing Fu's suggestion, a flush rose on Empress Dowager Du's pale face, and she suddenly realized:

"It's extreme, it's extreme."

"Someone, quickly bring me pen and ink."

Her deep love for her son even gave Empress Dowager Du the strength to write a handwritten edict.

Just as Empress Dowager Du was about to begin writing, to be on the safe side, Lady Fu offered another suggestion:
"A private edict would not satisfy the public's conscience. Why doesn't Your Majesty summon Zhao Pu and my father to be witnesses?"

After Zhao Kuangyin left the capital, he issued an edict appointing Zhao Dexiu as regent.

Logically, even if Empress Dowager Du were to issue an edict, Zhao Dexiu would first need to be informed of it in order for it to have legal effect.

However, Fu knew about this matter and knew that Zhao Dexiu could not know it before it was made public.

Fu actually wanted Empress Dowager Du to use her power to bypass Zhao Dexiu; her intentions were truly despicable.

However, the matter of "abolishing the branch prefecture" was related to the honor and disgrace of the Fu family, and even more so to the future of Zhao Guangyi, so the Fu family had no choice but to do so.

Although this matter is somewhat risky, if it succeeds unexpectedly, it will be enough to become a shield for the Fu clan, allowing them to continue to be "privileged military governors" of the Song Dynasty.

"We'll do as you say."

Under Fu's subtle manipulation, the seriously ill Empress Dowager Du unknowingly became her puppet.

After receiving Empress Dowager Du's verbal order, Lady Fu suppressed her joy and quickly got up to call Wang Ji'en, who was outside the hall, in.

After becoming the head of the Inner Palace Attendants Bureau, Wang Ji'en arranged palace affairs in an orderly manner. Therefore, when Zhao Kuangyin left the capital, he left Wang Ji'en in the palace to take care of Empress Dowager Du.

Wang Ji'en was on duty outside the hall and was unaware of what had just happened inside.

As soon as he entered the hall, he heard Fu Shi say:

"The Empress Dowager has ordered you to summon Minister Zhao and Commander Fu to the palace."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ji'en immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Why did Empress Dowager Du, who usually lives deep within the palace, suddenly summon these two officials from outside the palace?
Despite his doubts, Wang Ji'en respectfully accepted the order and withdrew after Empress Dowager Du nodded.

After Wang Ji'en stepped out of the hall, the respectful expression on his face mostly disappeared, and his doubts grew stronger.

Wang Ji'en first looked toward the direction of the Political Affairs Hall, but then, remembering something, he abruptly looked away.

Wang Ji'en first summoned the eunuchs outside the palace and solemnly instructed them:

"The Empress Dowager is ill and needs to rest."

Without the Empress's or Prince Jin's orders, do not allow outside news to disturb the Empress Dowager, understand?

Upon hearing Wang Ji'en's instructions, the eunuchs understood the meaning behind his words and all bowed to accept the order:

"promise."

After giving instructions to all his trusted confidants, Wang Ji'en took off running towards the palace gates.

As he ran, Wang Ji'en muttered to himself:

“The Prince of Jin is in charge of the state affairs, so everything should be reported to him first.”

At first, Wang Ji'en spoke very softly, as if he was encouraging himself.

As they drew closer to the palace gates, Wang Ji'en's voice grew increasingly firm, and his words changed:

"The Empress Dowager wants to see the Prince of Jin!"

"Yes, it's the Prince of Jin!"

Zhao Dexiu, who had just left the Imperial Household Department, was returning to the Imperial City in a carriage.

After much persuasion, he had completely convinced Han Kuangsi.

Once Han Kuangsi returns to Khitan, he will establish contact with Yelü Xian.

Sitting in the carriage, Zhao Dexiu was pondering how he should proceed once the connection was established.

There are still several years before the Black Mountain Incident. At present, Yelü Xian should be secretly accumulating strength. Yelü Xian is not a prophet, and he will not know that the Black Mountain Incident will happen in the future. He will accomplish it quite successfully.

From Yelü Xian's current perspective, he must want to obtain any power that can be of assistance.

As the crown prince of the Song Dynasty, he was a powerful ally, just as Yelü Bei fled to the Central Plains for refuge after his failed coup. Yelü Xian would not be indifferent to his goodwill.

Just as Zhao Dexiu was pondering his plans for the future, a hurried sound came from outside his carriage:
"Your Highness Prince Jin, Your Highness Prince Jin."

Zhao Dexiu recognized it as Wang Ji'en's voice.

Wang Ji'en's tone was quite urgent, as if he had something urgent to report.

Realizing something was wrong, Zhao Dexiu quickly lifted the carriage curtain and let Wang Ji'en get in.

After Wang Ji'en entered the carriage, he looked relieved. Fortunately, he had encountered Zhao Dexiu's carriage outside the palace gate, which saved him a lot of time.

After catching his breath, Wang Ji'en recounted in detail the strange events that had occurred in Yanshou Palace.

Wang Ji'en was unaware of Empress Dowager Du's true purpose, but Zhao Dexiu's face darkened after hearing Wang Ji'en's report.

Indeed, once a fool is in a high position, he will always attract ambitious people who flock to him.

Zhao Dexiu subconsciously recalled the famous Golden Box Covenant in history:
"The throne is passed from brother to brother, and then back to nephew."

They treat the supreme throne like a pastry to be passed around to their descendants, believing that they can ensure that no one is wronged and that everyone will be happy.

How many years of cerebral thrombosis would it take to come up with such a method of succession?

Zhao Dexiu immediately gave the order to Wang Ji'en:

"Go to Yanqing Palace immediately and invite the Empress Dowager to Yanshou Palace."

"Furthermore, I ordered a messenger to deliver a message to Father Emperor, saying that the Fu family is suspected of bewitching the Empress Dowager, and requesting Father Emperor to return to the palace immediately."

Zhao Dexiu's first plan was to ask Empress Wang to act as a protective charm.

As for the second arrangement, Zhao Dexiu intentionally framed the matter as a matter of national importance.

When any matter involves state affairs, his power as regent can be exercised to the fullest extent.

After Wang Ji'en left the carriage, Zhao Dexiu gave an order to Lü Duan, who was accompanying him:

"He took the imperial seal and sent an order to Zhang Qiong, the commander of the palace guards, instructing him to personally lead troops to guard the gates of Yanshou Palace."

I do not wish for anyone to secretly send messages out of the palace.

After receiving the seal, Lü Duan quickly turned and left.

After making a series of arrangements, Zhao Dexiu gave the order for the imperial carriage to proceed to Yanshou Palace.

Zhao Dexiu was not clear about Fu's specific intentions, but the fact that Fu deliberately tried to avoid him meant that her schemes were very likely to be harmful to the country.

Since the Fu family had come to him of their own accord, Zhao Dexiu would not stand on ceremony.

(End of this chapter)