Song Xiu

Chapter 2 Summon My Son
There was still some time before it got dark.

Zhao Dexiu knew that she didn't have much time left.

In his later years, Zhao Dexiu came across an introduction to the Chenqiao Mutiny on a video app.

Zhao Dexiu remembered the Chenqiao Mutiny in history, which happened quite quickly.

His father, Zhao Kuangyin, led his army out of Kaifeng on the morning of the third day of the first lunar month. On the night they stayed at Chenqiao Post Station, the mutiny that changed the course of history took place.

The day after the mutiny, just the second day, Zhao Kuangyin, with the support of the imperial guards, returned to Kaifeng.

This swift mutiny caught the rulers in Kaifeng completely off guard.

Indeed, Zhao Dexiu, being a time traveler, knew that the coup was very successful. As Zhao Kuangyin's eldest son, he could have chosen to observe the situation unfold.

As the eldest son and legitimate heir, barring any unforeseen circumstances, even if he achieves nothing in his life, he is very likely to become the crown prince of the new dynasty.

But the reality is not so simple.

Unlike many eldest sons, he had a deep and ambitious uncle, and more importantly, his uncle was full of ambition.

According to historical development, Emperor Taizong of the Xin Dynasty was not a descendant of Emperor Taizu.
Now that he has come to this world, can Zhao Dexiu make history proceed according to its original trajectory?
In order to achieve his goal, Zhao Dexiu knew he couldn't be too naive. His status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife was a great help to him, but he was not enough to inherit everything Zhao Kuangyin would have in the future.

He needs to gradually gain enough power.

In chaotic times, power is earned through merit.

Why was his uncle able to rise through the ranks so quickly at the beginning of the new dynasty?
Aside from his respectable status, his contributions in tonight's mutiny are undeniable.

The Chenqiao Mutiny was crucial to the establishment of the new dynasty. Throughout history, countless people have gained benefits from this mutiny that are beyond their reach in a lifetime.

With great changes looming ahead, how can any ambitious man remain idle and watch?

He may not be able to compete for the Best Actor award in tonight's epic 10th-century drama, but he certainly has a chance to win the Best Supporting Actor award!
Zhao Dexiu walked quickly, and as he thought, he was getting closer and closer to the central command tent.

Thanks to his status as Zhao Kuangyin's son, Zhao Dexiu encountered no obstacles along the way.

However, as expected, Zhao Dexiu was stopped outside the central command tent.

The guards who intercepted Zhao Dexiu were Zhao Kuangyin's personal guards. They naturally recognized Zhao Dexiu, but the guards were extremely loyal to Zhao Kuangyin, who had already given orders that no one was allowed to approach the main tent at this time.

With this order in place, not only Zhao Dexiu, but even if Lady Du herself came, she would not be able to get close to the central command tent.

"Young master, our lord is currently discussing military matters with the generals. Please return for now."

The head guard said this to Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Dexiu was not angry when she was stopped.

He glanced at the flickering candlelight in the tent, then at the increasingly dark sky. He knew that Zhao Kuangyin had summoned his generals for a final rehearsal.

Such a dangerous and important rehearsal must, of course, be kept secret. If even this cannot be guaranteed, the Chenqiao Mutiny in history would not have been so successful.

But Zhao Dexiu needed to see Zhao Kuangyin immediately.

Thinking of this, Zhao Dexiu, who had already prepared a plan, took off the jade belt from his waist and handed it to the head guard:
"Please give this to my father and tell him that I have urgent business to discuss with him."

If my father insists on not seeing me, I will leave.

After saying this, Zhao Dexiu bowed deeply to the guards in front of him.

Although Zhao Dexiu currently holds no official position, he is, after all, Zhao Kuangyin's eldest son. How could the many guards before him accept his bow?
The surprised and suspicious guards quickly stepped aside, as Zhao Dexiu's humility greatly exceeded their expectations.

Zhao Dexiu's humility earned him a lot of goodwill.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu's request did not conflict with Zhao Kuangyin's order, and considering Zhao Dexiu's status, the leading guard thought for a moment and then took the jade belt from Zhao Dexiu's hand.

Watching the guard walk towards the main tent with the jade belt, Zhao Dexiu breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Only he knew in his heart that Zhao Kuangyin would definitely meet with him after seeing that jade belt.

A cold wind occasionally blew through the tent, making the interior appear dimly lit.

Inside the spacious tent, seated at the head of the table was a burly, imposing general with large earlobes.

This man is Zhao Kuangyin, who currently commands tens of thousands of imperial guards of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Below Zhao Kuangyin, in the left and right rows, sat many people, mostly military officers.

These people were all confidants whom Zhao Kuangyin had either promoted or befriended over the years. They had gathered in this tent at this moment for a momentous event that would change the world!

Everyone in the tent looked at Zhao Kuangyin with burning eyes. The man dressed as a civil official, who was at the head of the group, could hardly contain his excitement after learning the news that Zhao Kuangyin had just announced.

After some restraint, he finally spoke in as calm a tone as possible: "Brother, Generals Wang and Shi have completely taken control of the capital's defenses. We can proceed with our great undertaking!"

If you look closely, you'll find that this young strategist bears a resemblance to Zhao Kuangyin, except that his facial features are softer.

This man was Zhao Kuangyi, the younger brother of Zhao Kuangyin.

But it wasn't just Zhao Kuangyi who was excited inside the tent.
After Zhao Kuangyin announced the news, everyone in the tent looked on with fervent anticipation.

The merit of following the dragon has always represented immense wealth and honor!
Zhao Kuangyin, sitting at the head of the table, took in everyone's reactions.

Although Zhao Kuangyin was a military general and had a reputation for hating evil in his early years, he was quite steady in the face of important events.

Given his personality, he had already secretly planned this matter countless times, so there was no need for him to summon the generals beforehand.

Zhao Kuangyin summoned the troops to reassure his men with the information he possessed.

Judging from the reactions of those inside the tent, it was clear that Zhao Kuangyin had achieved the effect he desired.

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was about to wave everyone away and proceed according to plan, a report from outside the tent caught his attention.

"My lord, the eldest son has important business to discuss with me."

The eldest son also presented something.

Zhao Kuangyin recognized the voice outside the tent, but the words he spoke caused a rare change in his expression, a departure from his usual composed demeanor.

Compared to Zhao Kuangyin's unusual reaction, everyone in the tent was astonished upon hearing these words.

"Liu Ge'er?"

What is he doing here at this time?

Those inside the tent often addressed Zhao Kuangyin as a brother, so they naturally knew Zhao Dexiu's childhood name.

Compared to the others, Zhao Kuangyin's astonishment came and went quickly.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's request for an audience, Zhao Kuangyin felt a mix of emotions.

Zhao Kuangyin certainly placed high hopes on his eldest son, but sometimes having too high expectations is not a good thing.

While Zhao Kuangyin was recalling certain events, Zhao Kuangyi, who was sitting below, also had some unpleasant memories surface in his mind.

"This matter is extremely dangerous. I urge Father and Uncle to reconsider!"

The trembling tone of his voice remains vivid in Zhao Kuangyi's memory.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyi's opinion of his nephew plummeted.

If this great undertaking succeeds today, how can such a cowardly son continue the Zhao family ancestral temple amidst the chaos of war?

Having something on one's mind, one will surely have something to say. Before Zhao Kuangyin could respond, Zhao Kuangyi rose and spoke:
“Today’s events are extremely dangerous. Brother, you should prioritize the important matters. What is there to worry about in the child’s urgent situation?”

"A momentous event is about to unfold; elder brother, you should act swiftly according to the plan and not be distracted by trivial matters."

In ancient times, "孺子" referred to a child. Given Zhao Dexiu's current age, calling him "孺子" is actually incorrect.

Zhao Kuangyi was an avid reader, and he couldn't have been unaware of this. The fact that he still addressed Zhao Dexiu in this way, knowing this, suggests that he held Zhao Dexiu in low regard due to past impressions.

Zhao Kuangyi had a good reputation from a young age and was quite intelligent as he grew up. In addition, due to his relationship with Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyin trusted him very much.

Zhao Kuangyi's words seemed reasonable at first glance, and Zhao Kuangyin was about to issue an order.

But before Zhao Kuangyin could speak, a voice with a different opinion rang out:
"Throughout history, there have been countless talented individuals who were under the age of sixteen. Take, for example, Emperor Zhuangzong of the Former Tang Dynasty, Li Cunxu, who was only eleven years old when he was able to go into battle to fight the enemy and quell a rebellion."

The eldest son may not have the talent of Emperor Zhuangzong of the Former Tang Dynasty, but he has always been prudent. If there was no urgent matter, why would he come?

My lord should see him.

"We should at least see the items presented by the eldest son before making a decision."

Those who voiced their differing opinions were Zhao Pu and Zhao Zeping, whom Zhao Kuangyin relied on as his chief strategists.

Seeing that it was his most trusted advisor who had spoken, Zhao Kuangyin nodded and agreed with Zhao Pu's opinion.

When Zhao Kuangyin gave the order, his personal guards entered carrying a jade belt. Zhao Kuangyin could no longer sit upright, and tears even welled up in his eyes.

"Quickly summon my son inside!"

(End of this chapter)