Song Xiu

Chapter 5 Winning the Yellow Robe
When Zhao Dexiu entered the tent, he found that the tent, which should have been pitch black, was now illuminated by a few faint candlelight flickering.

The flickering candlelight before Zhao Kuangyin's bed illuminated a towering figure.

Zhao Dexiu looked toward the imposing figure and realized that, unbeknownst to him, Zhao Kuangyin, who had been "sleeping soundly and snoring loudly," was already dressed in armor and sitting upright on the couch, waiting for his arrival.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Dexiu quickly approached Zhao Kuangyin and bowed to him, saying, "Father."

Before Zhao Dexiu could finish speaking, Zhao Kuangyin interrupted him, saying, "I am already aware of the situation outside."

Even at the most crucial moment of the entire plan, Zhao Kuangyin's tone remained calm and composed, as if what was happening outside was not a massive coup that could cause mountains of corpses and seas of blood in an instant.

Zhao Kuangyin's words also indirectly confirm that he may not have been truly asleep in the tent.

After saying that, Zhao Kuangyin got up from the couch and went to Zhao Dexiu's side.

Because Zhao Dexiu's body had not yet fully grown, Zhao Kuangyin was taller than Zhao Dexiu, which meant that Zhao Kuangyin was observing Zhao Dexiu from a superior position.

As one of the most formidable generals of his time, Zhao Kuangyin was quite imposing. He stood quietly before Zhao Dexiu like a mountain, and the awe-inspiring aura he had accumulated over the years was subtly emanating from him at this moment.

Zhao Dexiu suddenly felt immense pressure.

Zhao Kuangyin was indeed his father, but Zhao Dexiu knew very well that from tonight onwards, his relationship with Zhao Kuangyin would be further complicated—that of ruler and subject!
Whether to prioritize father and son over ruler and subject, or ruler and subject over father and son, was entirely up to Zhao Kuangyin. This uncertainty made Zhao Dexiu dare not be careless at all.

Fortunately, Zhao Kuangyin had no intention of making things difficult for his eldest son. After a moment of silence, Zhao Kuangyin continued, "Tonight, tens of thousands of fierce soldiers staged a rebellion. Because you have me behind you, your composure is not commendable."

But I won't always be behind you.

The tens of thousands of imperial guards who helped me tonight may also help others in the future.

In this chaotic world, the title of "eldest son of the emperor" will bring you more than just honor.

After tonight, the Zhao clan will have no way out. They will either conquer the world and become a peaceful royal family, or their entire clan will perish under a hail of blades, their lineage extinguished!

As he finished speaking, Zhao Kuangyin's tone gradually became solemn.

Having personally experienced the chaos of the Five Dynasties period, he knew that what he said was not an exaggeration, but after speaking, he felt that he had been a bit too hasty.

Zhao Kuangyin said these words to Zhao Dexiu because he wanted Zhao Dexiu to know the cruelty of the chaotic world. As a father, Zhao Kuangyin wanted to pass on all his experience to Zhao Dexiu.

However, Zhao Kuangyin, who spent many years in the army, clearly had little experience in teaching his children.

For a young man who grew up in a courtyard and was always under the protection of his elders, his words just now might have brought a lot of negative emotions to Zhao Dexiu.

As expected, Zhao Dexiu did not respond immediately after hearing Zhao Kuangyin's words.

Zhao Kuangyin, who had very little experience in raising children, could only sigh inwardly after realizing this.

This child still needs more experience to develop his courage.

However, it was clearly not the time for Zhao Kuangyin to further instruct Zhao Dexiu. It was already quite remarkable that he was able to squeeze out some time to say those words to Zhao Dexiu.

A moment later, Zhao Kuangyin walked past Zhao Dexiu and headed straight out of the tent.

Tonight's drama will come to a complete close, and we'll have to see how the male lead performs next.

At this moment, Zhao Kuangyin, who was focused on walking out of the tent, did not notice that Zhao Dexiu had decisively followed behind him.

Upon arriving outside the tent, Zhao Kuangyin immediately adopted a look of surprise and doubt.

He seemed to have been asleep just moments before, completely unaware of why the mutiny would suddenly occur, or why he would suddenly find himself in a situation of being forced to be disloyal and unjust.

When the tens of thousands of imperial guards outside the tent saw that their emperor had finally come out, they, who had been gradually quieting down, started to clamor again.

Various words of persuasion to ascend the throne came raining down on Zhao Kuangyin, but no matter how much they urged him to do so, Zhao Kuangyin refused to agree.

Similar scenarios occurred frequently during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Even though these scenarios were overused, they were still indispensable in every coup.

Judging from the current situation, with one side pressuring and the other stubbornly resisting, it is easy for the situation to develop in an uncontrollable direction.

But how could Zhao Kuangyin not have a backup plan?

Seeing that the time was ripe, one of Zhao Kuangyin's personal guards took out a yellow robe that had been prepared beforehand from the shadows. He was about to step forward as Zhao Kuangyin had instructed, but unexpectedly, at this critical moment, a figure that was prepared suddenly darted out and snatched the yellow robe from his hand.

Who else could it be but Zhao Dexiu?

After snatching the yellow robe from the guards, Zhao Dexiu rushed up behind Zhao Kuangyin, first unfurling the robe in front of tens of thousands of imperial guards with both hands, and then draping it over Zhao Kuangyin's broad shoulders.

It's too late, but it's soon.

Zhao Dexiu's movements were so swift and seamless that they were too fast for anyone to react to.

After Zhao Dexiu personally draped the yellow robe over Zhao Kuangyin's head, the previously noisy imperial guards gradually quieted down.

Because of the abundant firelight, most of the Imperial Guards below the platform could clearly see everything that was happening on the platform.

Admittedly, they have gathered here tonight to support Zhao Kuangyin as emperor, but most of the imperial guards are currently only thinking about inciting and stimulating them with words.

How could the public not know what the yellow robe represented?

By directly draping the yellow robe, which represents imperial power, over Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyin was essentially driven into a corner.

From that moment on, Zhao Kuangyin had no other choice.

The tens of thousands of imperial guards below the stage also had no other choice.

This eldest prince is truly decisive!

The above reflects the thoughts of most of the Imperial Guards who were unaware of the true situation. However, for those Imperial Guard generals who knew about Zhao Kuangyin's plan in advance, the scene unfolding before them was astonishing.

The original script wasn't written like this, was it?

Upon seeing the astonished looks of Li Chuyun, Zhao Pu, and others in the audience, Zhao Kuangyin quickly realized that something was amiss.

The act of donning the yellow robe was a crucial part of the plan, so why would they be surprised if they already knew the inside story?
Zhao Kuangyin's doubts were soon resolved.

When he saw the person who had draped the yellow robe over him walk in front of him, even though Zhao Kuangyin had seen many storms, he could no longer maintain perfect composure for a moment.

How could it be Liu Ge'er?
Before Zhao Kuangyin could fully recover from his surprise, Zhao Dexiu bowed deeply to him in front of tens of thousands of imperial guards and loudly proclaimed:
"The world is in chaos, the people are suffering, and the northern barbarians are eyeing us covetously."

Is this situation something that an eight-year-old child in Chongyuan Hall can handle?
Given this situation, life and death hang in the balance; there is no way out.
Everyone must die, but one should die a worthy death.

"To die on the path of recovering Yan and Yun and ushering in an era of peace—that is the act of a true hero!"

Zhao Dexiu shouted these words with all his might, loud enough for many people in the audience to hear.

For Zhao Kuangyin, who was right next to him, Zhao Dexiu's loud remonstrance was like a series of thunderclaps ringing in his ears.

To the imperial guards below the stage, Zhao Dexiu's words sounded like a heartfelt plea for Zhao Kuangyin to ascend the throne, but to Zhao Kuangyin, they carried a different meaning.

Zhao Dexiu responded to his instructions from inside the tent with these words:

Since there is no way back, then father and son will join hands and move forward without regret!

Zhao Kuangyin's gaze toward Zhao Dexiu was becoming increasingly gratified.

Zhao Kuangyin's tacit approval allowed Zhao Dexiu to quickly proceed to the next step.

Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands of imperial guards, Zhao Dexiu lifted his robe and knelt directly before Zhao Kuangyin:
"Your subject Zhao Dexiu pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty!

Zhao Dexiu's shout of "Long live the Emperor!" was like a spark that completely ignited the tens of thousands of Imperial Guards who were already resting on dry wood.

Under Zhao Dexiu's leadership, the imperial guards below the stage bowed deeply to Zhao Kuangyin, excitedly shouting "Long live the Emperor!" just like Zhao Dexiu!
Tens of thousands of people shouted in unison, and the sound was enough to resound throughout the heavens and earth, shocking for miles around!

Amidst this deafening roar, a thought was surging violently in Zhao Dexiu's mind:
Where are the impartial historians?
"On the fourth day of the first month of the seventh year of Xiande, relying on the plans of his eldest son Dexiu and his ministers, Emperor Song then donned the yellow robe at Chenqiao."

This sentence should be welded into the history books immediately!

(End of this chapter)