King of Song

Chapter 405 Chapter [-]

"Me? Your Highness, you don't need to ask!" Sect Master Tie Mian shook his head lightly, as if the past was unbearable and he didn't want to bring it up at all.

It stands to reason that Lin Zhao shouldn't force him, but as the number one under his command, he doesn't even know his identity and past, so it seems unreasonable.So, something has to be asked,
"At least let me know who you are, or can you show me the face under the mask!" Lin Zhao said earnestly, really wanting to know the identity of the iron masked suzerain.

"I...I..." The iron-faced suzerain hesitated to speak, but he still couldn't open his mouth.

Seeing this, Jiang Leiting and Li Cheng couldn't help feeling a little bit unbearable. They understood the mood of the Iron Masked Sect Master too well.Maybe that mask has become their habit, as for his true face has been completely left over 20 years ago...

Lin Zhao said softly, "Can I take off your mask and take a look?"

The iron-faced suzerain was silent for a long time without speaking, which was regarded as acquiescing.Only then did Lin Zhao reach out and gently remove the iron mask, and then a face was revealed.

This is a handsome face. Although there are some wrinkles on the forehead and the hair on the temples has begun to turn gray, it is at least five or sixty years old.But with delicate features, a straight nose, and a pair of heroic eyes, it can be seen that he must be a rare handsome man when he was young.Even now, he can instantly kill many young masters Pian Pian.

I didn't expect the iron-faced suzerain to be so handsome, but Lin Zhao also noticed that there were black marks on the side of his face, tattoos——it was only when he got close to Lin Zhao that he could see clearly that it was indeed a tattoo.

So, he was born in the army?Lin Zhao knew that the army of the Great Song Dynasty used to have the habit of tattooing their faces and foreheads, but it was gradually abolished in the Renzong Dynasty. Why is he...a bandit with the army?Is it the time when "Water Margin" often mentions the assassination of the army?Presumably this is one of the reasons why he brought Mr. Mian.

His identity?Lin Zhao suddenly had many question marks in his mind.

"I don't know how to address Mr.?" Lin Zhao asked softly.

The iron-faced suzerain was silent for a long time, then suddenly knelt down and said, "Chen Diqing sees Your Highness!"

Di Qing?Di Hanchen?Duke Wu Xiang?Lin Zhao was shocked, and murmured, "You are...you are Di Qing..."

Lin Zhao is really unbelievable. Di Qing, style name Hanchen, was born in Xihe, Fenzhou in the Northern Song Dynasty. He has tattoos on his face and is good at riding and shooting.Born in a poor family, Renzong was the commander of Yanzhou in the first year of Baoyuan.In the northwest of the famous town, the illustrious military exploits are even more famous in history.

During the 300 years of the Song Dynasty, besides Yue Fei, Di Qing was the only famous general who could be talked about and respected by later generations.At that time, Di Qing had a good relationship with Yin Zhu, Fan Zhongyan and other important officials in the court.Fan Zhongyan taught him "Zuoshi Chunqiu", so Di Qing studied carefully, became proficient in the art of war, and was promoted to deputy envoy with merit.

Later, Nong Zhigao rebelled in the south, and the army failed to put down the rebellion, but it became more and more violent.Di Qing was ordered to attack Kunlun Pass at night to put down the rebellion.He was rewarded for meritorious service, and thus became a privy envoy and sat on the top spot in the Song Dynasty military.In the Song Dynasty, which valued literature over martial arts, it was a unique honor for Di Qing to become a prime minister as a warrior.

But precisely because of this, it has attracted a lot of criticism and opposition.Yushi Zhongcheng Wang Juzheng believed that Di Qing was born in the army and came to power.You Si remonstrated Jia An and wrote a letter to the emperor, saying that Di Qing had four things to do when he was promoted to an official position, and Yushi Han Zhi and others also agreed.Since then, hundreds of officials have written letters of impeachment one after another, which made Di Qing's situation very embarrassing.

Later, some people even said that the flood caused by the heavy rain in Bianjing was Di Qing's crime, and some people even framed that Di Qing's dog had grown horns, implying that Di Qing had a heart of disobedience.In the first month of the first year of Jiayou, Emperor Renzong fell ill, and he recovered slowly. For example, Liu Chang wrote a letter saying: "There are people who are worried about the world, and there are people who are suspicious. Now the upper body has recovered. But there are still doubters." He actually regarded Di Qingshu as the biggest threat to the imperial court.

In August of the first year of Jiayou, Di Qing, who had only been a privy envoy for four years, was finally dismissed from office, but because he had no faults, he was given the title of prime minister (the same as Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhang). "Prime Minister", he went out to know Chenzhou and left Bianjing.

After arriving in Chenzhou, the imperial court was still worried, and sent envoys every half a month. They were called asking questions, but they were actually monitoring.At this time, Di Qing was already panicked by the rumors and slanders. Every time the messenger came, he would be "surprised all day long", fearing that there would be another disaster. In less than half a year, he fell ill and died of depression.Di Qing was wronged during his lifetime, but he received courtesy and praise after his death.

Because Di Qing was so famous in history, Lin Zhao knew that Di Qing had passed away during Renzong's reign.

But the person in front of him claimed to be Di Qing, Di Hanchen, how could Lin Zhao not be surprised?
Fake?Lin Zhao shook his head lightly, even if it was a fake, who would pretend to be Di Qing?Furthermore, the obvious tattoos and this handsome face are the best proofs.Di Qing's son, Di Yong, is the most beautiful man in Bianjing.
"You really are Duke Di Wuxiang... Oh, no, Duke Di?" Lin Zhao shook his head hastily. The posthumous title was given after death. In history, Di Qing's posthumous title "Wu Xiang" was the highest among generals. praised.

Di Qing nodded slightly, and said softly: "I know His Highness must be very surprised, I am obviously dead, why am I still standing here, right?"

Lin Zhao shook his head and said, "I'm surprised, but since Di Gong did this, it must be reasonable. But because of me, is there any unspeakable difficulty?" Lin Zhao guessed that since Di Qing is the person in charge of Mingyue Sect, then he The suspended animation must have something to do with him.

"After Concubine Lin's whereabouts were unknown, Emperor Renzong ordered me to look for her and Your Highness. At that time, I was still serving as a privy envoy, and some things were inconvenient." Di Qing sighed, and said leisurely: "It just so happened that the person who impeached me was not No, so I secretly discussed with Emperor Renzong, sang the double reed, and went to Chenzhou. At that time, in order to be more realistic, Uncle Ouyang Yong also participated in it, and he looked good, but he deceived many people."

That's right, Lin Zhao himself felt strange.Ouyang Xiu is a man of high morals and magnanimity, how could he impeach Di Qing inexplicably?What happened to the warrior as a high-ranking official?Even if Ouyang Xiu valued literature over martial arts, he wouldn't be so pedantic, would he?Lin Zhao couldn't understand this at first, but only now did he realize that the double reed was sung for himself.It's really embarrassing for them. Two extremely noble people sacrificed their reputations for themselves. It's really touching.

Di Qing continued: "After arriving in Chenzhou, people from Bianjing often come to Bianjing, calling it a visit, but in fact they are monitoring. Outsiders only think that it was the emperor Renzong's instruction, and don't worry about me. But His Majesty Renzong is generous and kind, and he does not doubt his employment. Why are you so worried about me? In fact, they are all Zhao Zongshi's subordinates. They vaguely heard that I was looking for His Highness, so they specially sent someone to watch over me.

What they have done has seriously affected my actions and also threatened the safety of His Highness.At that time, I was thinking about how to make Zhao Zongshi relax his vigilance. I tried many methods but failed. Then I realized that only a dead person can make people feel at ease. "

"That's why Di Gong came to feign death?" Lin Zhao now understands that some records about Di Qing in history are very strange.In particular, Emperor Renzong's attitude changed before and after his promotion, he was overly suspicious of Di Qing when he was promoted, and Ai Rong treated him with great grandeur after his death.There seemed to be some contradictions before and after, but now it suddenly became clear that everything was caused by me.

"Fake death?" Di Qing shook his head lightly; "The old Di Qing is already dead, leaving only the Iron Masked Sect Master."

Seeing Di Qing's vicissitudes of face and slightly sad eyes, Lin Zhao's heart was touched and he was very moved.Obviously, everything Di Qing did was for himself.A courtier would rather let his reputation be stained, and even willingly "die" from this world, how much sacrifice and courage would it take?For himself, Di Qing has done everything, and it is self-evident how much he gave up.

Lin Zhao's heart was full of emotions, and he didn't know what to say for a while.

Di Qing seemed to understand Lin Zhao's thoughts, and shook his head lightly, "Your Highness, you don't have to feel guilty, everything is done willingly by Di Qing. Back then, Di Qing was only a warrior, who would think highly of me? But Emperor Renzong valued me, trusted me, and respected me. There is the grace of knowing you.

When I first set off for the expedition, Emperor Renzong personally hosted a banquet in the Chuigong Hall to entertain me. How many people in the Song Dynasty had this honor?So many ministers impeached and slandered, but Emperor Renzong never wanted to believe it, and always trusted me.He also let me secretly take charge of the Imperial City Department, and even entrusted me with such important matters as finding His Highness. Di Qing was deeply moved by this kindness, trust and love.Even if I am smashed to pieces, I can be smeared on the ground, so why should I be afraid of life and death?What does a little fame matter? "

Lin Zhao was filled with emotion. His father, Emperor Renzong, was indeed a wise lord with a magnanimous and benevolent heart.Only in this way can we get the swearing allegiance of a true hero like Di Qing.The relationship between the monarch and his ministers can be regarded as a good story.

Your servant is like this, father, your spirit in heaven can rest in peace!

"Gao Yi, Di Gong, I have wronged you all these years!" Lin Zhao bowed and bowed. Even though he had a high status, Di Qing definitely deserved and deserved this ceremony.

"Your Highness has beaten the evil minister!" Di Qing shook his head and said, "It's just a few trivial matters, as long as you find His Highness, nothing will be wronged."

As he said, as long as you find Renzong's son, everything will be worth it.Otherwise, the efforts and sacrifices of more than 20 years will all be in vain, and it is really not worth it.Fortunately, Di Qing waited until this day!
While talking, Di Qing took back the iron mask and put it on again.

"Di Gong, you are..."

Di Qing smiled and said, "It's been 20 years, and I'm used to it. For the Song Dynasty, I'm already a dead person, so why do I still show my face?"

Lin Zhao knew that his face and tattoos were very obvious, and he would be easily recognized by others. It was completely reasonable to have such concerns.As for the tattoos on his face, he didn't mind. Emperor Renzong gave him medicine to erase the tattoos, but he refused.In the end, everything is for oneself.

"Di Gong, one day, I will let you take off your mask and face the world directly." This is a promise, the prince's promise to his loyal ministers.

In an instant, tears welled up in Di Qing's eyes, and he shook his head gently, saying, "Your Highness has a heart, and I am already satisfied. Di Qing is only wearing a mask... It must be the golden mask that Emperor Renzong once gave me." , I have kept it carefully. I swore that if I don’t find His Highness, I will let His Highness re-elect the throne, and I will never wear it for the rest of my life. I hope that one day, His Highness can personally wear it for me at His Highness’s enthronement ceremony!”

This is an oath made by Di Qing, but also a wish.Even though the pressure is huge, Lin Zhao is obliged to help him realize it.The throne is not unattainable, no matter who it is for, you have to give it a try, and Lin Zhao is full of confidence for a while.

Lin Zhao said earnestly in a deep voice, "Duke Di, just wait for that day, I will definitely put on a golden mask for you with my own hands, and tell the world that our God of War is always there."

"I've been waiting for this day!" Di Qing, who was already sixty years old, was almost in tears. This day was of extraordinary significance to him, so he was naturally very excited.

Di Qing!

It's a surprise, when it comes to the power of invisibility, isn't he one of them!Lin Zhao smiled. Although he is the suzerain of Mingyue Sect, Di Qing alone has the same influence and role as Mingyue Sect.

The No.1 General of the Great Song Dynasty has extraordinary military attainments, as well as the influence of the military and civilians. When necessary, Di Qing's role is very exciting.

Of course, before that, as he himself said, he must continue to conceal his identity.For most Song Dynasty people, he is still a "dead" person.As for when to come alive, you need to wait for the opportunity.

"How many people know about Duke Di's existence?" Lin Zhao asked casually.

Di Qing thought for a while and said: "Only the Empress Dowager Cao, Uncle Cao, Princess Fukang, Ouyang Xiu and Zhao Yan know about it. As for the Mingyue Sect, only a few important people know about it. Others only know that I am the suzerain, but they don't know my true identity."

"Does your son not know?" Lin Zhao asked softly, Di Yong was his own son.

Di Qing fell silent and didn't speak for a long time!

Jiang Leiting shook his head and said, "Duke Di didn't tell the county horse!"

Di Yong married Princess Qinghe and had a close relationship with Zhao Zongshi.Did Di Qing not tell his son because of it?Or are you worried that he is young and energetic, and will do something to leave the cabinet?Or is there some other arrangement?
No matter what, Lin Zhao's admiration for Di Qing became stronger and stronger.In order to deceive the world, he even deceived his own son. This kind of righteousness is really admirable.

Lin Zhao's eyes were soft and dignified, staring at the reflective iron mask for a long time, without saying a word for a long time.Everything is said without words, Di Hanchen, who is the most loyal and righteous, will definitely understand.

(End of this chapter)