Ya She

Chapter 27 Heavenly Axe

Kaifeng in 951 AD

Zhao Kuangyi, who was only twelve years old, was strolling through the streets of Bianjing. It was the end of the year, but due to the unstable situation in the court, there were only a few pedestrians on the once bustling streets.

Zhao Kuangyi tightened his robes; the winter wind was biting, and his cotton robes were still somewhat thin. He saw a noble young man in a fox fur coat riding past on a tall horse, shouting with envy, and couldn't help but cast an envious glance at him.

Although his father had moved from Luoyang to Bianjing and risen to the position of Commander of the Capital, his family maintained strict discipline. Even when his elder brother left home two years ago to pursue his own future, he didn't take enough money with him. It is said that he endured countless hardships and traveled through wind and rain on his journey. Upon his return home this time, Zhao Kuangyi could clearly sense the change in his elder brother.

Although he was twelve years younger than his elder brother, Zhao Kuangyi did not feel entitled to his brother's care. He knew his brother was no ordinary person, and although his father had ridiculed him for blind worship, he remained steadfast in his opinion.

The eldest brother is finally staying, and the general Guo Wei, whom he served, was crowned emperor a few days ago. As a subordinate who played a crucial role in his ascension, the eldest brother's future is bright; he has already been promoted to head of the Eastern and Western ranks. It is said that he will soon be transferred to a garrison as a commander, becoming a general leading a region.

Although Zhao Kuangyi was young, he had already begun to learn to read and write at a very young age. He was aware of the constant internal strife in recent years, the fact that in just over a decade, three dynasties and five emperors had passed, and that war ravaged the land, causing immense suffering and death. He wished someone could stop the chaos and bring peace to the world.

Zhao Kuangyi was lost in thought when a gust of cold wind blew in his face, jolting him awake. He remembered that he had gone out today to buy a celebratory gift for his elder brother's promotion. However, the antique shops he had visited either had nothing of value or the shopkeepers dismissed him because of his young age and shabby clothes, ignoring him completely. Undeterred, Zhao Kuangyi continued his search through the streets. Soon, he came to an inconspicuous alley and spotted a small shop with a sign bearing two antique, gilded seal characters.

"Ya She?" Zhao Kuangyi murmured these two words, immediately finding them incredibly elegant. This shop's name was far more unique than the previous ones he had visited, such as Boguzhai and Baibaofang. Zhao Kuangyi stepped inside with great interest.

The store's layout surprised him; it wasn't overly luxurious, but rather filled with boxes everywhere, as if it hadn't opened yet or was about to close down.

Zhao Kuangyi was secretly delighted. If this shop was going to close down, he might still be able to find some good stuff. Thinking of this, he cleared his throat and asked, "Boss? Do you still sell anything here?"

A boy of about eleven or twelve years old emerged from behind a huge box and smiled apologetically when he saw him, saying, "The boss isn't here today, so I can't make the decision to sell things."

Although Zhao Kuangyi was only twelve years old, he came from a military family and had started practicing martial arts at a young age, so he was tall and slender, looking like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy. However, the boy in front of him looked thin and small; his voice alone revealed a lack of energy, and his pale, ashen face easily suggested he suffered from a congenital deficiency. The shop was warm and cozy, thanks to a fireplace, but the boy wore a white fox fur coat, which only made his face appear even whiter.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyi staring blankly at him, the young man wasn't annoyed. He smiled and continued, "If you had come a few days earlier, I would have been so eager for the boss to take me to climb Mount Tai. That's why I was planning to close the shop. Do you know Mount Tai? Oh, and I was also planning to see the sea. I read in the books that it's where all the rivers converge. How magnificent that must be!" The young man was clearly in a good mood; he could chatter on and on for ages, even with a complete stranger.

Zhao Kuangyi thought to himself that Bianjing was so far from Mount Tai, and even further from the sea, it was probably thousands of miles away. This young man must not have much time left in this world, which was why the shopkeeper had agreed to his request. With this thought in mind, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but feel a surge of sympathy and stayed in the shop to chat with the young man.

The boy rarely had peers to accompany him, so he was overjoyed. He pulled him to sit on a rosewood chair that had not yet been packed, and then quickly boiled water and brewed a pot of fine tea. He also found some exquisite tea snacks from somewhere and set them out.

Zhao Kuangyi had walked all morning in the cold winter, and after drinking a few sips of hot tea, the warmth spread from his throat to his heart, making him feel comfortable and cozy all over. He chatted casually with the young man for a few minutes and discovered that although the young man was not very old, he was very knowledgeable and could quote classical texts with ease, which made him secretly admire him.

"By the way, what are you planning to buy?" the boy asked curiously, brushing off the crumbs from his hands. He already felt quite fond of this young customer. The shopkeeper had said that selling antiques was a matter of fate, so it shouldn't be too much for him to want to sell his antiques now, right?
Zhao Kuangyi didn't think much of it and directly said that he wanted to buy his elder brother a gift to celebrate his promotion. He didn't expect the young man to actually find something for him at first, but after the young man hesitated for a moment, he jumped up from his chair and rummaged through a box next to him and pulled out a heavy long brocade box.

"What is this?" Zhao Kuangyi could tell from the gold and silver vine patterns on the brocade box that it was incredibly valuable. He nervously touched the silver pouch in his pocket, thinking he might not even be able to afford a box. Just looking at the fox fur coat the young man was wearing, and the teapot and teacups, he knew the items in this shop were extremely precious. Zhao Kuangyi regretted staying.

The young man didn't speak, but slowly opened the brocade box, revealing an exquisite jade axe inside. The axe was entirely white and translucent, without a single flaw or unnecessary pattern, appearing simple and elegant, exuding a chilling and majestic aura. The axe wasn't large, only about the length of a person's forearm. Zhao Kuangyi glanced at it and couldn't look away, a feeling he couldn't quite define welling up inside him.

“According to the ‘Shuowen Jiezi’ (a dictionary of Chinese characters), the character ‘axe’ is explained as being composed of ‘father’ above and ‘axe’ below. ‘Father’ refers to the head of the family. ‘Axe’ refers to a tool for cutting down trees, and also to an instrument of torture. ‘Father’ and ‘axe’ together represent the authority of the head of the family, who can reward or punish.” The young man’s voice slowly drifted over. “The eldest brother is like a father, so giving your brother a jade axe is the most appropriate thing to do.”

Zhao Kuangyi was also intrigued. Seeing that the jade axe was not carved with the craftsmanship of recent years, he asked, "Is there anything special about this jade axe?"

The young man smiled slightly and said, "This is a jade axe. Jade is not something an ordinary family can afford."

“You mean…” Zhao Kuangyi’s eyes narrowed slightly, “A jade axe should be a ceremonial object. Could it be left behind by some emperor?” Although he said this, he began to feel disdain. He originally thought this young man was different from others, but it turned out that he was no different from those shopkeepers who made up stories.

"That's right. After the meaning of 'country' came into being, the term 'ruler and father' arose. The emperor was the father of all his subjects, so the instrument of punishment he used to govern the country was called the 'royal axe.' And 'king' is related to 'jade,' so the jade axe was the power of a country." The young man smiled, his eyes crinkling. "According to the *Six Secret Teachings*, King Wu of Zhou had a large axe, with a blade eight inches wide, weighing eight catties, and a handle over five feet long, called the Heavenly Axe. In ancient times, axes and halberds were not only weapons used in battle, but also symbols of military and ruling power. And this jade axe was the jade Heavenly Axe that King Wu of Zhou used to command the world."

Zhao Kuangyi remained expressionless, clearly unsure of what to say. Shouldn't this young man at least make his story believable? King Wu of Zhou? Who does he think he is?
The young man, seemingly oblivious to Zhao Kuangyi's stiff expression, continued with a smile, "Let's make a bet. If you can hold this jade axe, I'll give it to you." The young man spoke with immense generosity because he knew that only the chosen one could wield this jade axe; anyone else, even the strongest strongman, would experience inexplicable wrist weakness and fatigue after a short while. The young man had been harboring resentment about this, so today he took it out to try again, and also to tease his new friend.

Zhao Kuangyi was taken aback upon hearing this. This jade axe weighed only a few pounds, and this bet was clearly an insult to him! But he did feel that there would be no harm in betting with him, so he took the jade axe out of the brocade box without any hesitation and held it in his hand to play with it.

After a short while, Zhao Kuangyi put the jade axe back into the brocade box and looked up at the boy, puzzled.

The boy's smile froze on his lips. Although he looked extremely unwilling, he still generously handed over the brocade box.

Zhao Kuangyi hadn't expected the young man to give him the jade axe so readily. He hadn't wanted it, but considering the young man's generosity, the bet was just a formality, and perhaps the jade axe wasn't actually that valuable. Seeing the young man sipping his tea, seemingly lost in thought, Zhao Kuangyi didn't bother him any longer. He took out his silver pouch and placed it all on the tea table, then left satisfied, clutching the brocade box. Before leaving, he heard the young man mutter something about "the chosen one," but he paid it no mind.

The young man didn't know how long he had been drinking tea before he realized that the man had already left with the Heavenly Axe. At that moment, the shopkeeper sitting in front of him was looking thoughtfully at the silver bag on the table.

"Boss, uh... I sold the Heavenly Axe today..." the boy stammered, explaining. The man had left some silver, so it should count as a sale, right? Well, a complete fire sale. "But boss, didn't you say that whoever can lift the Heavenly Axe is the emperor? Selling it to the emperor for a pittance isn't so bad, is it? Oh no, he said it was a gift for his brother. It'll be hilarious if his brother can't lift the Heavenly Axe... hahaha..."

The shopkeeper looked to be just over twenty, unusually young, yet his face was serene, a stark contrast to his appearance. He was dressed in ancient black Hanfu, like a figure straight out of an ancient painting. He stared at the young man for a long time before finally sighing and saying, "Although the emperor could wield the Heavenly Axe, legend has it that after King Wu of Zhou forged it, he sealed it away. Do you know why?"

"Why?" The boy vaguely realized that he seemed to have done something wrong, and became increasingly uneasy.

"Because this jade axe, which represents power, possesses a mysterious and alluring power that few can resist..." The shopkeeper's voice trailed off, eventually dissipating into the ethereal aroma of tea in the shop.

When Zhao Kuangyi returned home, he gave the jade axe away. As he had expected, his elder brother loved it very much. He was so fond of it that he immediately found a silk ribbon and wore it with him.

Zhao Kuangyi was delighted that his elder brother liked the Heavenly Axe, and even embellished the story of its origins. Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily, unconcerned. He certainly didn't believe that his twelve-year-old brother could buy him a Heavenly Axe of King Wu of Zhou after a single trip; it was nothing more than the shopkeeper's exaggeration and fabrication. Nevertheless, he was still pleased, as it was a token of his younger brother's affection.

Furthermore, this jade axe truly caught his eye. Moreover, the meaning behind his second brother's words about the jade axe made him secretly intrigued.

Does the axe mean authority?
Zhao Kuangyin concealed the glint in his eyes, patted Zhao Kuangyi on the head, asked him a few questions about his recent studies, and then happily left with his newly acquired Heavenly Axe.

Zhao Kuangyi breathed a sigh of relief. Although he knew that what the young man said was somewhat absurd, he couldn't help but feel worried, fearing that something unexpected might happen. But he clearly saw his elder brother playing with the Heavenly Axe for a long time without letting go, which could only mean that the young man had originally intended to give him the Heavenly Axe under a different pretext.

The elder brother said that the jade axe was of smooth and lustrous quality, clearly not an ordinary object. After thinking it over, Zhao Kuangyi decided to ask his mother for an advance on some money tomorrow, as the pocket money he brought today was obviously not enough to cover the value of this Heavenly Axe.

As Zhao Kuangyi casually picked up the brocade box that was still on the table, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that the brocade cloth lining the bottom of the box was curled up, and there was faint ink stain on the other side. He reached out and picked up the brocade cloth, unfolded it, and was stunned when he saw the writing on it.

"The Heavenly Axe, the axe of King Wu of Zhou, was made by Jiang Ziya, the Grand Tutor. It is said that only those destined by Heaven can wield it. King Wu once used this axe to angrily kill his close friend, but later regretted it, saying that the person who wielded this axe was suspicious and caused trouble to those around him. In the twelfth year of King Wu's reign, it was sealed away."

Zhao Kuangyi read it over and over again, then chuckled lightly, not taking it seriously. He was already convinced that what the boy said was fabricated, and the piece of brocade only reinforced that judgment.

Regardless, the sheer sophistication of the forgery was truly admirable; he had immense respect for the boss behind that young man. Remember to meet that person tomorrow. And, perhaps ask Mother for more silver.
Zhao Kuangyi's plan was sound, but when he arrived at the alley the next day, carrying a brocade cloth and a heavy bag of silver, the shop called "The Silent Shop" was gone. The empty shop was devoid of anything except for the dust and traces of wooden crates on the floor.

So many wooden crates, all moved away in just one night?

Although Zhao Kuangyi was puzzled, he knew the shopkeeper was taking the seriously ill boy on a trip, and he wouldn't be able to find him even if he wanted to. So he stopped thinking about it and casually placed the brocade cloth in a storage box in his study, forgetting about it after a few days. It wasn't that he didn't want to find an opportunity to let someone else try out his elder brother's Heavenly Axe, but his elder brother almost never let go of the Heavenly Axe, so he couldn't find an opportunity to test it, and Zhao Kuangyi gradually gave up on the idea.

However, as time went by, this thing that he should have forgotten became more and more vivid.

His elder brother later went to Huazhou as a deputy commander, where he distinguished himself in battle. In a subsequent letter home, Zhao Kuangyin specifically mentioned that the Heavenly Axe given to him by Zhao Kuangyi had saved his life in a critical moment. Zhao Kuangyi didn't think much of it, but instead felt that if he had given him a sharp blade, it might have been even more useful on the battlefield.

The newly enthroned Emperor Guo Wei of the Great Zhou Dynasty had no son, so his nephew Chai Rong became his adopted son and heir to the throne. Crown Prince Chai Rong, impressed by Zhao Kuangyin's abilities during the war, transferred him to his side and appointed him as the Commander of the Cavalry in Kaifeng Prefecture. From a local official to a high-ranking official in the capital, Zhao Kuangyi knew his elder brother's rise was meteoric, and he was only twenty-seven years old that year.

At fifteen, he stood at the city gate and saw his elder brother returning to the capital on a white horse. He felt completely unfamiliar with him. The battlefield exuded a powerful and domineering aura that was awe-inspiring.

"Second brother, ever since I received the Heavenly Axe you gave me, my luck has been phenomenal!" Zhao Kuangyin dismounted and said to Zhao Kuangyi with great pride. When he was wandering the streets, he had even gone hungry and nearly starved to death. Now, in just three short years, he had risen to the highest ranks of officialdom, a fact that made him realize the unpredictability of life.

This was the second time Zhao Kuangyi had heard his elder brother specifically mention the Heavenly Axe. He was slightly taken aback, then a genuine smile appeared on his face. People are like that; they always find something to cling to. Zhao Kuangyi didn't think much of it, but instead enviously stroked Zhao Kuangyin's white horse.

Zhao Kuangyin observed this, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Second brother, you're not young anymore. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to take good care of you on the battlefield, which is why I didn't bring you with me. Now that I've returned to the capital, you can come with me for now! Are you willing?"

Zhao Kuangyi nodded repeatedly in delight.

But none of the Zhao brothers expected that Zhao Kuangyin's position as the military commissioner of Kaifeng would not last long. Emperor Guo Wei fell seriously ill at the end of that year and was bedridden. He barely made it through the year, but his condition did not improve. He died in the third year of his reign, and his adopted son Chai Rong succeeded him before his coffin.

Immediately afterward, when the right wing of the army was in disarray and even several generals began to flee, his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin turned the tide at the critical moment of the Battle of Gaoping, changing the inevitable defeat.

Zhao Kuangyi both admired and was proud of his elder brother. On the blood-stained battlefield, his elder brother was like a towering mountain, inspiring unparalleled reliability. He was even more awe-inspiring than the emperor in his yellow robes.

At that moment, Zhao Kuangyi inexplicably recalled the words on the brocade cloth.

"The Heavenly Axe, the axe of King Wu of Zhou, was made by Jiang Ziya, the Grand Tutor of Zhou. It is said that only those with the destiny of Heaven can wield it."

Chenqiao Post Station, 960 AD.

Zhao Kuangyi rode his horse towards the post station amidst the heavy snow. Though not yet twenty, he had already been fighting alongside his elder brother on the battlefield for three or four years. The baptism of war had shed the childishness in his eyes, and the trials of life and death had instilled in him a calm and composed nature, making him fearless in the face of danger. But now, however, he was somewhat nervous; his hand holding the reins trembled almost imperceptibly. He reined in his horse before a building with a hipped roof, dismounted, handed the reins to his subordinate, took a deep breath of the cold air, and then trudged up the snow-covered steps.

It was a courtyard of modest size, with an ancient locust tree in the center. Its dark brown branches drooped and were covered with a thick layer of snow, creating a striking contrast between black and white. His elder brother, wearing a fox fur cloak, stood beneath the tree, his back to him, gazing up at the sky, his hand habitually stroking his ever-present Heavenly Axe. Zhao Kuangyi wanted to approach him, but noticed that his brother's cloak was already covered in snowflakes, indicating he had been standing there for quite some time. Indeed, the matters they faced were difficult to decide; it was best for his brother to carefully consider them. Thinking this, Zhao Kuangyi stood there, watching his brother's retreating figure, lost in thought for a long time.

In just a few years, his elder brother had become the Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guards, truly second only to the emperor. Meanwhile, Chai Rong fell seriously ill and died, and his seven-year-old son ascended the throne. In the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, where the emperor was weak and the ministers strong, such situations invariably resulted in the strong taking over the throne.

Zhao Kuangyi looked at the Heavenly Axe in his elder brother's hand with a complex expression. Nine years ago, he could never have imagined that this jest would one day come true. "The locust tree speaks of longing. It longs for a distant person to come to this place, to consult with them." Accompanied by the crunching sound of footsteps on the snow, a refined voice slowly drifted over. Zhao Kuangyi looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the newcomer was Zhao Pu, his elder brother's chief scribe. This Zhao Pu was his elder brother's most trusted advisor, but he wasn't very well-read, claiming he could govern the world with half of the Analects. Zhao Kuangyi was surprised: with his knowledge, he could even quote Zheng Xuan's commentary on the *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou), specifically the section on the Autumn Official and the Court Official. It seemed this man wasn't as composed as he appeared.

“Standing under the tree, hoping to discuss matters with those who come, this place is quite fitting.” Zhao Kuangyin hung the Heavenly Axe back at his waist, glanced back at his two trusted advisors, one civil and one military, and smiled, “Is everything ready?” Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Pu answered in unison, their young faces unable to conceal their extreme excitement. After all, if this matter succeeded, their lives would be turned upside down. Of course, if it failed, they would be doomed. Zhao Kuangyin, however, did not share their anxieties. He smiled slightly and said, “When Emperor Shizong was on his northern expedition, he obtained a wooden plaque inscribed with ‘The Inspector-General will become Emperor.’ It seems this is the will of Heaven.”

Zhao Pu tactfully responded with a few words, while Zhao Kuangyi chuckled inwardly. The Emperor Shizong his elder brother spoke of was none other than Zhang Yongde, the former Commander of the Palace Guards under the recently deceased Emperor Shizong of Zhou, who had always been at odds with his brother. They had used a simple trick—a fabricated wooden plaque—to incite Emperor Shizong's suspicion against Zhang Yongde, leading to his dismissal from his post and allowing Zhao Kuangyin to ascend the throne. But now, it seemed their scheme had indeed been remarkably prescient.

Zhao Kuangyi, understanding Zhao Kuangyin's thoughts, knew he intended to use this scheme again to align with the will of Heaven. He quickly bowed and said, "On the day the army sets out, I will arrange for the Inspector General to become Emperor. I will immediately arrange for people to spread this message throughout the army." Although Zhao Pu was resourceful, he didn't understand his elder brother well enough. His elder brother valued his reputation highly and would never actively usurp the throne; a suitable opportunity was necessary. Zhao Kuangyi quickly settled on a plan. Zhao Kuangyin stroked the Heavenly Axe at his waist and nodded with satisfaction to his second brother. Zhao Kuangyi was no longer called Zhao Kuangyi; his elder brother had successfully donned the yellow robe and ascended the throne in the Chenqiao Mutiny a few months earlier. To avoid using the same character, he changed his name to Zhao Guangyi, and their younger brother, Zhao Kuangmei, changed his name to Zhao Guangmei. However, their younger brother was only twelve years old this year and was not needed at all, remaining in Kaifeng. Zhao Guangyi continued to follow Zhao Kuangyin on his campaigns. Because the ascension to the throne was rushed, the imperial robes representing the emperor's nobility had not yet been sewn. Although the eldest brother wore the same general's armor as before, his aura was so imposing that people couldn't help but bow in reverence.

Zhao Guangyi felt that his elder brother had changed, which was normal. People's status changes, and naturally their personalities and temperaments change as well. Moreover, it wasn't just his elder brother who changed; Zhao Guangyi also carefully controlled his attitude towards Zhao Kuangyin. Although they were still brothers, they were now ruler and subject. But occasionally, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but reminisce about the past, those times when he could laugh and be carefree with his elder brother.

"Second brother, what are you thinking about?" After Zhao Kuangyin finished explaining the political affairs and dismissed the others, he found that his second brother was looking into a trance. He couldn't help but pick up the Heavenly Axe in his hand and pat him on the shoulder.

"It's nothing, I just didn't sleep well last night," Zhao Guangyi said, both amused and exasperated. He knew his elder brother really liked the Heavenly Axe, but that didn't mean others would. He'd heard that a few days ago, his brother had gotten into a fit of rage over something and impulsively grabbed the axe, smashing it down on the offending official, knocking out his front teeth. Now, all the officials were keeping a safe distance when submitting their memorials, afraid of suffering undeserved harm.

When Zhao Kuangyin saw his second brother's gaze fall on the Heavenly Axe in his hand, he asked, seemingly casually, "Second brother, I have never asked you before, which shop did you buy this jade axe from?"

Zhao Guangyi was taken aback. Nine years had passed in the blink of an eye. Why did his elder brother suddenly think of asking about this? Zhao Kuangyin coughed lightly and said, "If you don't remember, that's fine. I was just asking casually."

“No, I do remember which shop I bought it from.” Zhao Guangyi shook his head. “Because the shop’s name was quite unique, I never forgot it.”

"Oh? Tell me about it." Zhao Kuangyin's interest was piqued.

“That shop is called Ya She, meaning antiques are silent and cannot express themselves,” Zhao Guangyi said, while carefully observing his brother’s expression.

Zhao Kuangyin silently repeated the name of the Silent Shop several times, nodding in admiration: "That owner must be a refined gentleman. When you have time, Second Brother, you must accompany me to pay him a visit." Zhao Guangyi was startled. His elder brother was now the emperor of a country, yet he used the word "visit"? But he didn't have time to think too much and quickly said, "Your Majesty, that shop moved away the next day, and I never met the owner. I bought this jade axe from the shop's clerk at a low price because the shop was in a hurry to move." He didn't bother to explain the bet he made with the boy back then. He subconsciously felt that he couldn't tell his elder brother about this, not even about the piece of brocade in the brocade box.

Zhao Kuangyin sighed with regret, but then he thought, if that shop hadn't been in such a hurry to relocate, how could his second brother have possibly acquired such a fine item with the meager amount of money he had brought back then? Thinking this, Zhao Kuangyin felt relieved. He stroked the Heavenly Axe in his hand and suddenly asked, "Second brother, what do you think should be done with the ten brothers of the Righteous Society?"

Zhao Guangyi's expression hardened. The Ten Brothers of the Righteous Society were an organization his eldest brother had created within the Palace Guard system, modeled after the military societies formed by Emperor Taizu of Zhou, Guo Wei. Their purpose was naturally to cultivate relationships with high-ranking officers and expand their own power. These Ten Brothers had also played a crucial role in the previous coronation ceremony, chanting the slogan "The Inspector-General should be Emperor," and supporting Zhao Kuangyin's ascension to the throne of the Song Dynasty.

These people have now become a thorn in Zhao Kuangyin's side. They can now support others, even themselves. Even if they don't have this intention themselves, their subordinates will eventually. Zhao Guangyi carefully chose his words: "Brother, you've just ascended the throne. If you discard your loyal subjects so easily, it will chill the hearts of the people." Zhao Guangyi naturally felt this shouldn't be done so soon. His elder brother had only been on the throne for a few months, and his power base was still unstable. If he were to harm these trusted confidants, what would others think? Even Liu Bang's massacre of meritorious officials didn't happen until several years after his ascension to the throne, did it?
Zhao Kuangyin knew Zhao Guangyi was right, but if those people developed their own power, it would be difficult to deal with them later. Zhao Kuangyin himself had only risen to prominence in the army in two or three years. Now, with campaigns everywhere, it was incredibly easy for officers to earn merit. Zhao Kuangyin didn't get the answer he wanted, so his expression darkened. Finally, he nodded and said, "How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed? This matter will be discussed later. But second brother, I don't trust anyone else to sit in this position of Commander of the Palace Guard. You take it."

Although it was something he had already expected, Zhao Guangyi's heart still skipped a beat. For some reason, he suddenly thought of the wooden plaque that read "The Inspector-General will become the Emperor," and his eyelids trembled. To cover it up, he quickly lowered his head, rose from his seat, and knelt down to express his gratitude.

He stood up when he heard the words "rise," and saw Zhao Kuangyin playing with the Heavenly Axe with a gloomy face, clearly still wary of the ten sworn brothers.

Zhao Guangyi silently took his leave and returned to his study. He searched all night and finally found the tattered brocade cloth in an inconspicuous box. The writing on it was still very clear.

"The Heavenly Axe was the axe of King Wu of Zhou. It was made by Jiang Ziya, the Grand Tutor of the Zhou Dynasty. It is said that only those destined by Heaven can wield it. King Wu was so angry that he killed his close friend with this axe. Later, he regretted it and said that the person who wielded this axe was suspicious of others and that it would bring disaster to those around him. So, in the twelfth year of King Wu's reign, the axe was sealed away."

Suspicion? Zhao Guangyi wondered if he was just being paranoid. Wasn't the Heavenly Axe a fabrication? Why...? He clenched the brocade cloth in his hand, his mind in turmoil.

Chuigong Hall, 973 AD
"Bang!" Zhao Kuangyin slammed the memorial onto the imperial desk. A printed, celadon-colored bowl with a ring foot was swept to the ground, and with a crisp cracking sound, the soup inside spilled everywhere, splashing onto Zhao Kuangyin's crimson gauze robe with cloud and dragon patterns and gold stripes, leaving scattered marks.

However, no eunuch dared to intervene. At this moment, only Zhao Guangyi remained in the Chui Gong Hall. Zhao Guangyi kept his eyes downcast; he knew perfectly well why his elder brother was furious, as the memorial his brother had seen was the one he had submitted.

It wasn't really a big deal; it was just a few things, like Lei Youlin, son of Lei Dexiang, the registrar of Shangzhou, accusing Hu Zan and Li Kedu, officials of the Zhongshutang, of accepting bribes, and Liu Wei, the clerk of Shangcai County, of falsifying his resume to obtain an official position. Individually, these matters were too trivial to be reported to the emperor, but put together, they pointed directly to one person hidden behind them: Chancellor Zhao Pu.

Without Zhao Pu's protection, no one would have dared to deceive the emperor and abuse their power for personal gain.

Zhao Guangyi looked down at the shattered cups and saucers still trembling on the ground, silently thinking that perhaps his elder brother used to trust Zhao Pu, even treating him like family, often visiting his home, and addressing Zhao Pu's wife as brother and sister-in-law. But as time goes by, people change.

When his elder brother ascended the throne a year earlier, Zhao Pu, on Zhao Kuangyin's advice, used a "banquet to release military power" to peacefully and successfully resolve the issue of military generals seizing power and reclaim military authority. His brother appointed Zhao Pu as prime minister, but he wasn't truly second only to the emperor. Zhao Kuangyin established the Privy Council to manage military affairs and the Three Departments to manage finances, reducing the prime minister, who previously controlled everything, to only handle daily administrative matters. He also appointed the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Privy Councilor, and the Deputy Director of the Three Departments as deputies to these three positions, creating checks and balances. By limiting the prime minister's power to a minimum, it's clear how deeply he distrusted Zhao Pu.

Even with such precautions, I still can't let my guard down.

The cups and saucers on the ground finally stopped trembling. Zhao Guangyi bent down, picked up the broken pieces of porcelain, and slowly began to tidy them up. This kind of work wasn't really his responsibility, but he was afraid that if he didn't do something, he might say something wrong. Rather than say the wrong thing, he preferred to do more.

His elder brother sometimes seemed very magnanimous, Zhao Guangyi thought. The youngest son of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Chai Rong, wasn't killed; instead, he was granted the title of Prince of Zheng. It's worth noting that meritorious officials were only posthumously granted the title of prince. His elder brother had said that there should be no living princes of different surnames in the Song Dynasty, but the first exception was that young man surnamed Chai. Perhaps that young man posed no threat whatsoever? Meng Chang, the surrendered ruler of Shu, was also granted an official position and posthumously granted the title of prince after living out his natural lifespan. As for Li Yu in the south, he was summoned to Bianjing (Kaifeng) a few days ago, but feigned illness and refused to come. This refusal to listen to reason will likely lead to a military attack on the Southern Tang soon, and he'll eventually become like Li Yu, a mere idle figure in Kaifeng.

In other words, his older brother is very tolerant of those who pose no threat. But what about those who do pose a threat...?

How can one allow others to sleep soundly beside one's bed... The ten brothers of the Righteous Society, Zhao Pu... Who will be next?

Zhao Guangyi's hand trembled, and a sharp shard of porcelain grazed his index finger, drawing a drop of blood. He clenched his index finger, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

He seemed to be too close to his elder brother, close enough to make his brother suspicious. Although he believed in their brotherly bond, when he looked up and saw his brother caressing the Heavenly Axe in his hand, a chill ran through him. The piece of brocade he carried had never left his side since he found it again. The words on it were etched into his memory, memorized perfectly.

The person wielding this axe will become extremely suspicious, bringing disaster upon those around them...

"Issue my decree, ordering the Censorate to investigate. If the situation is true, punish them severely." Zhao Kuangyin's cold voice slowly came through. "In addition, Xue Juzheng and Lü Yuqing, the Vice Ministers of State Affairs, are to be promoted to the capital of Tang and to discuss important military and political affairs with the Chancellor."

Zhao Guangyi bowed and accepted the decree, his fingers stinging on the cold floor tiles where his wounds had been.

He knew that this was his elder brother's public expression of distrust towards Zhao Pu, and that Zhao Pu's term as prime minister would end in a month or two at most.

The disaster has affected those around him... Now that one of his right and left arms is gone, what about him...?

AD 976

With flickering candlelight and wafting incense, Zhao Guangyi poured Zhao Kuangyin a cup of his favorite Puzhong wine. This Puzhong wine originated from Puzhou wine and was famous throughout the land during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, remaining popular into the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Whenever Zhao Kuangyin drank alcohol, he would always drink this wine.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyin raise his cup and drink it all in one gulp, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but worry and advise, "Brother, you are still ill. Drinking will harm your health."

Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, just a cold. It's rare for me to have a few days off while I'm sick, so I invited you over for a drink. Don't spoil the fun."

Zhao Guangyi smiled. His elder brother was diligent in his duties and loved the people. Since Zhao Pu left office three years ago, Zhao Kuangyin had personally overseen all the affairs of the court, large and small. One could imagine how hard he had worked. Seeing that his brother looked well, he stopped trying to dissuade him and reached out to refill his cup.

Zhao Kuangyin wasn't in a hurry to drink this cup. It was already late at night, and he and Zhao Guangyi sat cross-legged at opposite ends of a table. It was a rare sight in recent years for the two brothers to be alone so intimately. Zhao Kuangyin smelled the rich aroma of the wine and smiled slightly, saying, "It's been many years since we brothers have been this close."

When Zhao Guangyi heard that his elder brother had not referred to himself as "I" and that his tone was much more intimate, he lowered his guard, smiled, raised his cup, and said, "Indeed, let's drink until we're drunk tonight."

For years, no one had dared to speak or laugh freely in his presence, and Zhao Kuangyin was overjoyed. The two men toasted each other and drank to their hearts' content. Both brothers were fierce generals who had fought their way through the battlefield and were not easily intoxicated, but Zhao Kuangyin had rarely opened his heart to drink since becoming emperor, and after a few rounds of drinks, he was already somewhat tipsy.

"Back then, I had a close relationship with Emperor Shizong, and now I'm taking good care of his son, so I can say I haven't failed his kindness..." As the wine took effect, Zhao Kuangyin began to reminisce. Zhao Guangyi continued to refill his cup, but remained unconcerned. His elder brother's decision to spare Chai Rong's son was a ploy to gain fame and win over the hearts of the people. Controlling a seven-year-old child was naturally much easier; if that child had been an adult, his remains would probably have rotted away long ago.

"I have appointed all the brothers of the Righteous Society as military governors, granting them wealth and honor. Let them accumulate more money, enjoy themselves to the fullest, and ensure their descendants are never impoverished. Isn't that what being an official is all about? A cup of wine! Just one cup of wine has solved my greatest worry." Zhao Kuangyin spoke with great pride about the "banquet at which military power was released."

Zhao Guangyi smiled and continued pouring wine. The officers outwardly expressed their gratitude with tears in their eyes, but whether they were truly satisfied or not was anyone's guess.

Those men were heroes who had fought their way through millions on the battlefield, but after the "releasing of military power over a cup of wine," they could only retire to their fields. What fine man wouldn't want to fight to the death on the battlefield, even if it meant dying on the battlefield, rather than living a carefree life as a wealthy old man? Now, the troops are led by civil officials. While this avoids the dominance of military generals, those civil officials are all armchair strategists; they know nothing about fighting.

"Alas, Zhao Pu, Zhao Pu... I regard him as my right-hand man, and consult him on all matters, great and small. But how does he repay me? Back then, when officials wanted to see me, Zhao Pu actually demanded that they first confess their cases, confirming that their memorials dared not contradict the current affairs, before allowing them to enter the palace. He also kept a large earthenware pot in the Hall of State Affairs, where he would throw memorials, both inside and out, into the pot to burn if he did not intend to adopt them. That year, if it hadn't been for Guangyi personally delivering Lei Youlin's memorial, I would probably still be in the dark!" Zhao Kuangyin's anger rose as he spoke, and he drank as readily as if it were water.

Zhao Guangyi continued to pour wine with a smile. He knew his elder brother simply wanted someone to confide in tonight, and his task was to listen, not agree. "Too much talk leads to mistakes"—this was a principle he had learned over the years. Moreover, strictly speaking, Zhao Pu's matter wasn't solely Zhao Pu's fault. Regarding the bribery, in the sixth year of the Kaibao era, King Qian Liu of Wuyue, seeking only to preserve his own safety, had sent someone to deliver a letter to Zhao Pu, along with ten bottles of gold coins. His elder brother, arriving uninvited, caught them red-handed. Zhao Pu was terrified and at a loss for what to do, but his brother easily joked, even advising Zhao Pu to accept the clearly bribe-like gift.

If it weren't for his elder brother's deliberate indulgence, how could Zhao Pu have wielded such power? His elder brother was truly cunning; harboring suspicion towards Zhao Pu but unwilling to tarnish his reputation for tolerance, he used his influence to make Zhao Pu ruin his own reputation. When things became unbearable and Zhao Pu incurred the wrath of all officials, he was then dismissed from his post.

The methods of emperors are indeed unpredictable and awe-inspiring.

Zhao Guangyi knew that after Zhao Pu's downfall, he was the most troublesome person in the court, but he had been cautious over the years and was very good at understanding Zhao Kuangyin's intentions, so so far nothing major had happened. Zhao Kuangyin was already quite drunk at this time. He reached for the Heavenly Axe that he never parted with from his waist, placed it on the table, and said with a smile in a low voice, "Guangyi, I have a secret to tell you, it's about this jade axe."

Zhao Guangyi's heart skipped a beat, feeling as if the piece of brocade he was carrying weighed a ton on his heart.

It was already past midnight, and the hall was dimly lit. Zhao Kuangyin did not notice his second brother's stiff expression and continued to smile mysteriously, "Only I can hold this jade axe. Anyone else would have their wrists go weak and wouldn't be able to hold on for even a moment."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi even forgot to breathe. He suddenly recalled the mischievous expression on the young man's face when he opened the brocade box years ago. So, this Heavenly Axe truly wasn't something just anyone could wield. It was truly a weapon destined for greatness...

"I sensed something amiss with this axe from the start. Upon reflection, perhaps only the Emperor himself could wield this jade axe, a symbol of supreme power." Zhao Kuangyin was no ordinary man; he had more or less guessed the axe's unusual nature. Those destined for great fortune often believe in fate. He took a sip of wine, then sighed, "Besides Dexiu's early death, I've tested Dezhao, Delin, and Defang on various occasions, but none of them could lift this Heavenly Axe. Alas, could it be that my Crown Prince has not yet been born?"

Zhao Guangyi was stunned. Dezhao, Delin, and Defang were naturally his elder brother's three sons. He never imagined that his elder brother hadn't been named crown prince all these years; so this was the reason. Zhao Guangyi's gaze involuntarily fell on the Heavenly Axe beside him. He wouldn't forget how easily he had picked up this Heavenly Axe back then, just like his elder brother.

Zhao Kuangyin stared intently at the Heavenly Axe, thinking that he did not believe what he said, and immediately laughed and said, "Guangyi, if you don't believe me, pick it up and try it?" As he spoke, he took the Heavenly Axe in his hand, turned the handle around and handed it to him.

Zhao Kuangyin's words were just casual remarks, but to Zhao Guangyi, they were like a bolt from the blue.

He took this Heavenly Axe? Was this a test? When he bought this Heavenly Axe back then, he would definitely have been playing with it in his hands. Could it be that his elder brother has always held a grudge, and that's why he set up this trap today?

Chai Rong, the ten brothers of the Righteous Society, Zhao Pu... Is it finally his turn now?

Looking at the Heavenly Axe, its surface gleaming white in the candlelight, Zhao Guangyi was deeply moved. Hearing Zhao Kuangyin's urging voice, Zhao Guangyi, his heart pounding with fear, reached for the Heavenly Axe.

He knew this matter was actually easy to handle. He only needed to make a gesture of weakness in his wrist the moment he received the Heavenly Axe, and he could dispel his elder brother's doubts.

But just as the cold jade axe fell into his palm, his mind went blank for some reason, and he didn't even notice when his elder brother's hand left.

When he came to his senses, he looked up in shock and met his older brother's complicated expression.

That's it. Judging from his older brother's thinking, he definitely won't survive tonight.

Zhao Guangyi didn't know where the idea came from, but he subconsciously raised the Heavenly Axe in his hand and smashed it at the person opposite him.

A flicker of candlelight on the screen, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground, and then a glaring stain of blood on it, after which there was a deathly silence.

AD 2012

"So, it was actually Zhao Kuangyi himself, not Zhao Kuangyin, who was controlled by suspicion?" The doctor sighed deeply after hearing the story of the Heavenly Axe.

His body was possessed by Fusu, and he was still in a soul state. The shopkeeper found him a paulownia wood doll. The paulownia is the lightest wood, and legend has it that the phoenix perches on the paulownia, making it the most spiritually potent. This paulownia wood doll was exquisitely crafted; its joints were movable, and its body was hollow, with the aquamarine pendant embedded inside. Legend says this could nourish his soul. The doll was only the size of a human palm, and the shopkeeper carried it in his pocket, which was quite convenient.

"That's right. Zhao Kuangyin actually left behind the Golden Box Covenant. The Golden Box Edict inside specifies that Zhao Kuangyi will succeed to the throne." The boss was standing in a forest in the middle of nowhere. He was holding a brocade box inlaid with gold and silver vine patterns. Inside the box was naturally the Heavenly Axe that caused the brothers to fight each other.

"Huh? So the Golden Box Alliance wasn't something Zhao Kuangyi made up himself?" The doctor did have some historical knowledge, though it was limited to what he learned in his textbooks when he was in school.

"Zhao Kuangyi, consumed by suspicion, killed his elder brother amidst the chaos of the candlelight and the sound of the axe. Then, fearing for his throne, he killed his younger brother, Zhao Kuangmei. Zhao Defang also died shortly afterward, his death shrouded in mystery. Li Yu lived a good life while Zhao Kuangyin was alive, but after Zhao Kuangyi ascended the throne, Li Yu was forced to commit suicide. This truly shows how suspicion can lead to disaster for those around him..." The innkeeper recounted calmly, his expression serene. To him, this was a story from a thousand years ago. That Heavenly Axe had flowed from his hermitage, and he had later retrieved it, sealing it within the hermitage for a millennium.

"Is this Heavenly Axe one of the imperial antiques used to dispel the malevolent energy of the Twelve Bronze Men? But why are we here? There's no Jieshi here, is there?" The doctor didn't know where the boss had brought him. He had been lying in the boss's pocket, unable to move freely, until a quarter of an hour ago when he was released and placed on the boss's shoulder, finally able to see his surroundings.

"Suppressing the malevolent energy also requires a certain order. Breaking the Qiankun Grand Array can only be done gradually; only one ancient artifact can be buried per month. The first month is also called Zhengyang, and the axe represents the power of a nation. Burying it at the core of the array should suppress its malevolent energy," the shopkeeper explained calmly. Breaking the array is easy, but setting it up is difficult. Even Qin Shi Huang spent many years erecting the seven Jieshi monuments, so he wasn't in a hurry. He didn't believe that Fusu could quickly establish this magnificent Qiankun Grand Array.

The doctor watched the boss, unsure what to do, when a deep, dark hole appeared at his feet. The boss threw the brocade box, along with the box, into this seemingly bottomless hole, and for a long time, no sound was heard.

The boss breathed a sigh of relief, relaxed completely, and waved his hand to restore the area around his feet to its original state.

The doctor remained silent, instinctively feeling that even if he asked, he wouldn't understand what had just happened. But he could tell from the boss's relaxed expression that the Heavenly Axe must have come in handy. The doctor tried to move the wooden puppet's arm, only managing to lift its wrist with difficulty. He was now trapped inside this immobile puppet, truly frustrated.

As if sensing the doctor's unease, the boss reached out and adjusted the wooden puppet's position, making him sit more securely on his shoulder.

The Heavenly Axe that caused the brothers to quarrel... Amidst the scattering snowflakes, the boss smiled faintly.

It's such a pity that we didn't let the brothers Fusu and Huhai try wielding the Heavenly Axe before it was buried underground...

(End of this chapter)