Song Xiu

Chapter 152 The entire family is captured, Guangyi is terrified
Zhang Zhao's direct suppression left no one in the hall daring to openly express any doubt.

The crime of collaborating with the enemy is too great; who can bear the responsibility?
While Zhang Zhao was suppressing the officials, Zhao Pu, as the prime minister, had already begun to take action.

The incident happened suddenly; Zhao Pu had no prior knowledge of it.

Despite being favored by Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Pu was quite resourceful. He realized almost instantly that Fu's forged imperial edict was an excellent opportunity.

An excellent opportunity to destroy the foundations of the warlords and regional military governors.

Zhao Pu first took the forged edict from Zhang Zhao, and then ordered someone to go to the government office of the State Affairs Hall to retrieve Fu's handwriting for verification as soon as possible.

As a lady of the court, Lady Fu was required by custom to personally write a letter to pray for Empress Dowager Du's well-being when she fell ill and was bedridden.

As one of the Vice Chancellors, Zhang Zhao had seen Fu's memorial to the throne, which is why he was so certain that Fu Yanqing was plotting a rebellion after reading the contents of the forged edict.

But Zhang Zhao was exceptionally talented; what he could do quickly did not mean that others could.

To thoroughly investigate and solidify Fu Yanqing's treason case into an ironclad and crucial one, it is of paramount importance to publicly prove that the forged edict was written by Fu himself.

Soon after, the official sent by Zhao Pu returned to Chongyuan Hall, holding a memorial in his hand.

As soon as Zhao Pu received the memorial, many ministers gathered around him.

Under Zhang Zhao's stern rebuke, many ministers had largely come to believe that Fu Yanqing had forged the imperial edict, but Fu Yanqing's position was so special that many ministers still couldn't help but have some doubts.

Under the watchful eyes of numerous ministers, Zhao Pu publicly displayed the contents of his memorial and the forged imperial edict.

As soon as Zhao Pugang made the announcement, the identical handwriting caused many ministers to gasp in shock—the Fu family had gone mad, Fu Yanqing had gone mad!
Shen Yilun spoke first, angrily saying:

"That thief with the talisman deserves to die!"

Fu Yanqing is not the only one who deserves to die.

Even the usually mild-tempered Xue Juzheng couldn't help but get angry and said:

"The entire Fu family should be imprisoned and punished!"

Fu's act of forging the imperial edict directly violated the majesty of the imperial power, which is the fundamental guarantee for maintaining the stability of the country and protecting the interests of the officials.

Who wouldn't be angry when their own interests are at stake?
Shen Yilun and Xue Juzheng's words instantly stirred up a huge wave in the hall.

"Your Highness, quickly send troops to arrest Fu Yanqing!"

"Punish him severely, he shall be sentenced to death, no, his entire clan shall be exterminated!"

"Martial law should be declared throughout the city to prevent Fu Yanqing and his cronies from escaping!"

The indignant cries of condemnation gradually filled the entire hall.

Realizing that public anger was difficult to quell, some court officials who were on good terms with Fu Yanqing immediately changed their tune and joined the movement to denounce Fu Yanqing.

Seeing that the case of convicting Fu Yanqing was already settled, Zhao Dexiu no longer hesitated:
"My lords, do not worry. I have already sent troops to capture Fu Yanqing and his clansmen."

As soon as Zhao Dexiu said this, the anger and protests in the hall gradually subsided.

If Zhao Dexiu cannot determine Fu Yanqing's crimes, sending troops to arrest him without consulting his court officials may attract some criticism in the future.

However, given Fu Yanqing's blatant crimes, Zhao Dexiu's actions would earn him a reputation for being swift and decisive.

After the officials had quieted down, Zhao Dexiu gave the order:
"Lord Zhao, Minister Zhang, Prefect Lü, I hereby order the three of you to jointly try the case of Fu Yanqing's forgery of the imperial edict."

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's order, the three ministers stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the command.

Chongyuan Hall is not the main hall of the Ministry of Justice. No matter how conclusive the evidence is regarding Fu Yanqing's forgery of the imperial edict, he still has to go to the main hall.

Thanks to Zhao Dexiu's timely efforts to block the news, Fu Yanqing was unaware of the changes taking place in the palace.

He was leisurely reclining on a chair in the mansion, holding a cup of fragrant tea in one hand and a palm-leaf fan in the other.

The cool breeze from the palm-leaf fan made Fu Yanqing squint his eyes contentedly.

Fu's actions were naturally at his behest, but Fu did not possess the composure and self-control that Fu Yanqing possessed.

Fu Yanqing ruled the regional military governorship for decades, experiencing the rise and fall of five dynasties and witnessing countless storms.

Throughout his life, Fu Yanqing followed many monarchs, including Yelü Deguang.

Why was Fu Yanqing able to rise through the ranks despite the turbulent reigns of several dynasties?
The reason is not that Fu Yanqing is a cautious person, but that he is good at seizing opportunities.

In Fu Yanqing's view, the emperor's departure from the capital and the empress dowager's serious illness and reliance on the Fu family presented an excellent opportunity.

Among the many monarchs he served, Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a man of great talent and strategy, but did he have no weaknesses?
Zhao Kuangyin's desire to reshape the morality of the world was his greatest weakness—a gentleman can be deceived by his principles.

How could Fu Yanqing, who was confident that his plan was likely to succeed, not be calm and composed?
Just as Fu Yanqing was about to savor the fragrant tea in his cup, he heard a loud bang from outside.

"Bangdang"!
The loud noise made Fu Yanqing frown.

It looks like someone kicked down the front gate.

When this speculation came to mind, Fu Yanqing couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

Who would dare to trespass into the prestigious Fu Mansion!
Just as Fu Yanqing was about to call someone to ask what had happened, he heard the chaotic sounds of armor plates clattering and the heavy thud of boots rolling over the bluestone slabs, surging towards him like a tide and instantly shattering the tranquility of the entire mansion.

"Where is Fu Yanqing?!"

A loud shout pierced through the courtyard gate in front of him, carrying an undeniable sense of oppression.

The shout made Fu Yanqing's heart sink, and he stood up abruptly.

He recognized the voice; it belonged to Zhang Qiong, the commander of the palace guards.

Even though Zhang Qiong was of extraordinary status, how dare he trespass on his own residence!

Could it be?
Despite having some suspicions, Fu Yanqing was not easily intimidated.

"presumptuous!"

Fu Yanqing tossed aside the fragrant tea in his hand, the porcelain cup hitting the ground with a crisp sound:
"I am here!"

"Zhang Qiong, you've led your troops and trespassed into a minister's residence. Are you planning a rebellion?"

No sooner had Fu Yanqing finished speaking than the courtyard gate in front of him was slammed open with a bang.

Zhang Qiong, carrying a long sword, led dozens of imperial guards and stormed in.

The Imperial Guards stood in formation, their swords flashing, completely surrounding the courtyard. The chilling aura emanating from their blades was directed at Fu Yanqing.

Seeing that Fu Yanqing was facing imminent disaster yet still putting on airs as a "pillar of the state," Zhang Qiong's gaze was imposing, and he said loudly:

"By order of His Highness Prince Jin, arrest Fu Yanqing and bring him to justice for questioning on charges of forging an imperial edict and plotting rebellion!"

"Forging an imperial edict to plot rebellion?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yanqing was initially puzzled.

He instructed Fu to incite Empress Dowager Du to issue an edict in order to maintain the power and position of the Fu clan.

Regardless of how Zhao Dexiu found out about this matter, even if Fu's deeds were exposed, at most she would be punished for "slandering the emperor," which has nothing to do with forging an imperial edict and plotting rebellion.
After being puzzled, Fu Yanqing quickly came to a guess—there must be a hidden story behind it.

Without knowing the hidden details, how could Fu Yanqing possibly admit to this crime?

In Zhang Qiong's eyes, Fu Yanqing was trembling with anger, his white beard shaking violently:
"Nonsense! I have served the country with utmost respect and care, and have worked to stabilize the borders of the Great Song Dynasty. How could I possibly be accused of treason?"
Zhang Qiong, don't slander me!

Fu Yanqing's anger did not affect Zhang Qiong.

Seeing Fu Yanqing's resistant expression, Zhang Qiong's eyes grew colder, and he slowly approached Fu Yanqing with his knife in hand.

As soon as Zhang Qiong moved, the Imperial Guards behind him followed closely, and the dozens of Imperial Guards surrounding him instantly cooled half of Fu Yanqing's anger.

Zhang Qiong's reaction made Fu Yanqing realize one thing—if Zhao Dexiu didn't have solid evidence, Zhang Qiong wouldn't dare to press him like this.

Ironclad evidence of a forged imperial edict?
Just thinking about those five words sent cold sweat down Fu Yanqing's forehead.

"No, it's impossible."

Fu Yanqing's voice tightened, and the anger from before was slowly replaced by a strange panic:

“Your Highness Prince Jin has been misled by slander, but His Majesty would not. Someone is framing me, that must be it! Zhang Qiong, step aside, I must leave the capital to see the Emperor!”

After he finished speaking, he took a step forward, but Zhang Qiong immediately drew her knife and pressed it against his chest:

"The Prince of Jin has decreed that anyone who resists arrest shall be killed without exception."

If you go any further, don't blame me for showing no mercy.

The four words "kill without mercy" jolted Fu Yanqing out of his panic.

Looking at the Imperial Guards eyeing him menacingly, he finally understood what it meant to be ruthless and decisive!
Panic gripped his heart like vines, suffocating him.

Fu Yanqing's previously straight back quickly hunched over.

"You... His Highness Prince Jin"

"I am a member of the imperial family. I am a renowned regional power."

Fu Yanqing, no longer daring to resist, mumbled incoherently about his identity, as if trying to grasp at a straw.

But those titles that once commanded the respect of officials now seemed so pale and powerless.

A flash of cold light swept past, the magnificent crown fell to the ground, and the disheveled Fu Yanqing was dragged away by the Imperial Guards.

When Fu Yanqing stepped outside the courtyard, he discovered that the entire mansion was now filled with imperial guards.

His wives, concubines, relatives, and retainers were all pinned to the ground by the imperial guards, like lambs to the slaughter.

Can a gentleman be deceived?
Zhao Dexiu then used the same tactics against him.

July of the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Great Song Dynasty.

At the foot of Mount Song, hundreds of miles away from Bianjing (Kaifeng), a heavily guarded imperial camp has just been erected.

Having been at Mount Song for several days, Zhao Kuangyin's prayer process was hampered by the continuous rain.

The continuous rain, coupled with his concern for Empress Dowager Du's illness, made Zhao Kuangyin feel very bad.

Upon hearing that a messenger had arrived outside the camp, Zhao Kuangyin immediately ordered his guards to bring the messenger in.

After Zhao Kuangyin left the capital, Zhao Dexiu would occasionally write a report to briefly summarize the recent events in Kaifeng.

With Zhao Dexiu in charge, there has been no major disturbance in Bianjing recently.

Zhao Kuangyin had assumed that today's report would contain similar information.

However, it seemed that Heaven wanted Zhao Kuangyin to vent his frustration. From today's report, he learned that Lady Fu wanted to bypass Zhao Dexiu and summon Zhao Pu and Fu Yanqing on behalf of Empress Dowager Du.

Upon learning of this, Zhao Kuangyin frowned deeply.

What is the intention of the Fu family, or rather, Fu Yanqing?
After careful consideration, Zhao Kuangyin deduced many serious implications from the limited intelligence available.

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was pondering further, Empress Wang sent him a memorial.

Upon hearing that Empress Wang had unexpectedly sent a memorial, Zhao Kuangyin's unease grew stronger.

After reading Empress Wang's memorial, Zhao Kuangyin flew into a rage and said:

"How dare you, you thief Fu?"

Unlike Zhao Dexiu, Empress Wang clearly stated in her memorial that "Fu forged the imperial edict."

Which emperor wouldn't be furious upon seeing the words "forged edict"?

Enraged, Zhao Kuangyin's first reaction was to summon Zhao Guangyi.

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's summons, Zhao Guangyi hurriedly went to the imperial tent. Before he could even stand properly, he was struck twice with heavy blows.

The two memorials were thrown out by the enraged Zhao Kuangyin and landed heavily on Zhao Guangyi.

When the letter was struck, Zhao Guangyi cried out in pain.

After crying out in pain, sensing Zhao Kuangyin's anger, he immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, calm down! Your Majesty, calm down!"

"It must be someone in the court who has slandered us. Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly."

The incident happened so suddenly that even if Zhao Guangyi was quick-witted, he couldn't immediately guess why Zhao Kuangyin was angry.

In desperation, Zhao Guangyi could only come up with a relatively reasonable guess.

"Slandering others?"

"Are you saying that my wife and son conspired to deceive me?"

Zhao Kuangyin's two consecutive questions left Zhao Guangyi stunned—Empress Wang and Zhao Dexiu indeed had no reason to slander him.

Seeing that Zhao Guangyi seemed unaware of the true situation, Zhao Kuangyin's anger subsided somewhat.

"look by youself!"

Zhao Kuangyin's words prompted Zhao Guangyi to quickly pick up the two letters from the ground and read them.

It would have been better if he hadn't looked; what he saw almost scared Zhao Guangyi out of his wits.

Zhao Guangyi raised his head in fear, his eyes filled with innocence:
"Your Majesty, I was completely unaware of what this lowly woman did."

"That vile woman must have been instigated by the talisman thief, that's for sure!"

While defending himself, Zhao Guangyi kowtowed repeatedly to Zhao Kuangyin.

At this moment, Zhao Guangyi no longer cared about the relationship between husband and wife or father-in-law and son-in-law, and kept calling her a vile woman and a thief.

Zhao Kuangyin did not immediately believe Zhao Guangyi's explanation, and his tone became increasingly stern:

"Fu is your wife, are you really completely unaware of this?"

Seeing that Zhao Kuangyin still had doubts, Zhao Guangyi defended himself again:

"Your Majesty, as you know, I have always supported the new policies."

The new policies are crucial to the Zhao family's long-term prosperity. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. How could I be so foolish as to hinder the great cause of the new policies?
Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly!

Zhao Guangyi was so anxious that he cried; it was truly a bolt from the blue.

Zhao Guangyi's first explanation did not dispel Zhao Kuangyin's doubts, but his second explanation did make Zhao Kuangyin somewhat believe him.

Zhao Guangyi has indeed consistently and unequivocally supported the new policies.

Realizing that Zhao Guangyi was most likely not involved in the matter, Zhao Kuangyin's tone gradually softened:
"Get up and talk."

Zhao Kuangyin's favor made Zhao Guangyi realize that his defense had been effective.

Zhao Guangyi staggered to his feet, and as soon as he stood up, he said angrily:
"After I returned to the capital, I divorced that lowly woman."

"I also know which of Fu's henchmen are in the court; I am willing to atone for my crimes by serving him."

Although Zhao Guangyi was not involved in this matter, Lady Fu was, after all, his wife. If Zhao Kuangyin were to take it seriously, he could be punished for "negligence."

To avoid getting burned, Zhao Guangyi decided to completely sever ties with the Fu family from top to bottom.

Zhao Guangyi's reiteration of his stance prompted Zhao Kuangyin to nod slightly.

Now that Zhao Guangyi was not involved in this matter, returning to the capital is the most urgent task.

Zhao Kuangyin was not worried that Fu Yanqing would resort to desperate measures after his misdeeds were exposed.

The power of the Imperial Guards is currently in the hands of the royal family, and the guards in Fu Yanqing's residence are not a threat.

Zhao Kuangyin was worried that Zhao Dexiu might lack experience and be unable to handle the matter properly.

The dignity of the royal family must not be damaged in the slightest.

(End of this chapter)