Chapter Fourteen: The Struggle Between Uncle and Nephew

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Zhao Guangyi and Zhao Dezhao, accompanied by others, encountered Zhao Kuangyin in the rear garden of the Northern Song imperial palace.

At the time of their meeting, Zhao Kuangyin was entertaining his young second son, Zhao Defang, who was only nine years old, with a slingshot game of bird shooting for amusement. The reigning Empress Song, just a year younger than Zhao Dezhao, was by his side, continually cheering on her husband and stepson. The family appeared harmonious and joyful.

Because of this, when his brother and eldest son arrived, Zhao Kuangyin was not impatient to inquire about their purpose. Instead, he gestured for them to remain quiet so as not to scare away the small bird that Zhao Defang was aiming at.

Zhao Defang, who was far more favored by their parents than Zhao Dezhao, did not disappoint. After carefully aiming, Zhao Dezhao suddenly pulled the slingshot, and the projectile accurately struck the bird perched on the rock. Zhao Kuangyin and his wife cheered in delight, and the eunuchs attending, including Wang Ji’en, shouted with joy. Wang Ji’en, who would later be noted in history, quickly stepped forward, picked up the struck bird, and presented it to Zhao Defang, praising him loudly.

Only then did the smiling Zhao Defang turn to see Zhao Dezhao, joyfully exclaiming and rushing over to grab his hand. He said, "Brother, you're here. Did you bring the cloud-shaped noodles this time? I like them, and so does the Empress."

"I came in a hurry today, so I didn’t have time to bring any," Zhao Dezhao replied, gently patting his half-brother's head with a warm smile. "But as long as you like them, once I leave the palace, I will buy some and have them sent to you immediately."

Like all children, upon hearing that his favorite snack would be sent again, even the pampered Zhao Defang couldn't help but cheer and eagerly asked his brother to send more. Zhao Kuangyin smiled at his two sons. Only after his youngest son’s happy outburst did Zhao Kuangyin point at Zhao Dezhao’s disheveled attire with a slight frown and ask, somewhat displeased, "Why are you dressed like this? Is this proper?"

"Your Majesty, the matter was so sudden that I didn’t have time to change," Zhao Dezhao replied candidly. "When I heard the news, I was in a wine house playing drinking games and tossing arrows into a pot. Because it was urgent, I came straight here without changing into court robes. Please forgive me."

Before Zhao Dezhao could finish, Zhao Guangyi and Liu Wensou nearby both widened their eyes, unable to believe Zhao Dezhao dared respond so brazenly to the emperor’s question. Zhao Kuangyin also looked surprised and frowned, asking again, "You said what? Drinking games and tossing arrows?"

"Father, there’s a reason," Zhao Dezhao hurried to explain. "It was for the matter I mentioned before; I had to pretend to socialize, so I did these things. But I assure you, I never usually indulge in such behavior."

For some reason, Zhao Kuangyin’s expression softened, while Zhao Guangyi was stunned again, thinking, "What does this mean? From his tone, it seems my nephew met with my brother again? How come I didn’t know? What use are the spies under Chen Congxin if they didn’t report such an important matter?"

At this moment, Zhao Kuangyin shifted his attention to Zhao Guangyi, asking, "Guangyi, what urgent matter brings so many of you here to see me?"

Feeling increasingly uneasy, Zhao Guangyi, uncharacteristically distracted, momentarily lost his composure and didn’t know how to answer. Only when Zhao Kuangyin frowned and asked again did Zhao Guangyi snap back to reality, bow, and say, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Please forgive me. I have come to report an important matter in person."

"What important matter?" Zhao Kuangyin pressed further.

Casting a glance at his disobedient nephew, who appeared relaxed and fearless, Zhao Guangyi felt a pang of guilt and instinctively turned to Liu Wensou, saying, "Liu, you are the chief censor. Since this happened in your bureau, perhaps you should report it to His Majesty?"

Zhao Guangyi had chosen the wrong person. Though Liu Wensou had been unwittingly implicated by him, he would never commit the foolish act of striking at the emperor’s own son first. Liu Wensou responded promptly, "Prince, since this involves the imperial family, it would be best if you report it to His Majesty yourself."

Hesitating briefly, Zhao Dezhao interrupted and said, "Father, allow me to explain. The matter is simple. A censor named Lüqiu Shunqing suddenly submitted a memorial accusing me of accepting bribes from Wang Zuo, an official of high rank, and shielding their father and son’s crime of stealing state grain. Chief Censor Liu, acting justly, brought both the accuser and me here to report to you."

Hearing this, not only Zhao Guangyi and Lüqiu Shunqing, but even Liu Wensou nearly dropped their jaws in disbelief, thinking, "Am I dreaming? The accused can admit guilt so straightforwardly?"

What baffled Zhao Guangyi and Liu Wensou most was Zhao Kuangyin’s reaction. Instead of anger, he looked curiously at Zhao Guangyi and asked, "If this is a matter of the censor’s office, how did you get involved, Guangyi?"

"Father, please don’t misunderstand," Zhao Dezhao quickly explained, "I heard it was a coincidence. When that censor Lüqiu Shunqing submitted the memorial, your uncle happened to be discussing matters with Chief Censor Liu in the censor hall. Upon hearing this, your uncle was enraged and came with Chief Censor Liu to report to you."

After explaining, Zhao Dezhao earnestly pleaded, "Father, though this seems as if it were arranged in advance, your uncle truly stumbled upon it unintentionally. His actions against me are for the sake of justice and to uphold the law. Please do not blame him."

A cool breeze stirred in the garden, yet a fine sweat broke out on Zhao Guangyi’s forehead. Not having felt such cold sweat in years, he silently cursed, "Trouble! There must be more to this matter! There’s more beneath the surface!"

Zhao Dezhao’s heartfelt defense was in vain. Suspicious by nature, Zhao Kuangyin turned to Zhao Guangyi and asked, "Guangyi, why were you present at the time?"

"Your Majesty, I was at the censor’s office to inquire about the progress of the Crown Prince’s attendant Li Renyou’s case," Zhao Guangyi answered boldly, recounting his visit and adding, "Li Renyou abuses his power, causing deaths. The victims first reported to the Kaifeng prefecture. After the case was transferred to the censorate, no verdict has been reached. The victims returned to Kaifeng to press for updates, so I just inquired."

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Zhao Guangyi’s flimsy excuse did little to ease Zhao Kuangyin’s suspicion; if anything, it raised more doubts. Zhao Dezhao chimed in, "Uncle, who are the victims? I’ll try to find them and see if I can help my colleagues uncover the truth quickly."

"Ah! How could I forget this was a weak point? Those victims never went to Kaifeng to press for the case!" Zhao Guangyi cursed inwardly but kept a calm face, quickly changing the subject. He asked Zhao Kuangyin curiously, "Brother, how is it that you seem to already know about Lüqiu censor’s accusation against Dezhao for bribery?"

"Of course His Majesty knew," Zhao Defang, still holding his slingshot, suddenly interjected with a grin, "Not only His Majesty but also the Empress and I knew."

Even Zhao Guangyi, who had mastered a poker face, couldn’t help but gape in disbelief. Zhao Kuangyin nodded casually and said, "Dezhao had secretly reported this to me."

Zhao Guangyi’s astonishment deepened. Glancing at Wang Ji’en, the imperial steward, he was surprised to find him equally shocked, clearly just learning of this important matter.

Fortunately, Zhao Guangyi was a man who could quickly adapt. Seeing the situation had spiraled out of control, he changed his expression and didn’t pry when Zhao Dezhao had met the emperor. He smiled and said, "I see! Brother, since Dezhao already reported this to you, his deliberate delay in punishing Wang Zuo must serve some purpose?"

Zhao Kuangyin nodded and remarked, "Dezhao believes that if such theft occurred in the Great Granary, other government granaries in Kaifeng might also be compromised. So he decided to play the long game, pretending to accept Wang Zuo’s bribe to expose other corrupt officials through Wang’s connections."

With a thud, Lüqiu Shunqing collapsed onto the ground, his face suddenly pale and bloodless. Liu Wensou exhaled deeply and glanced at Zhao Dezhao with admiration, thinking, "If this was unintentional, I’ve underestimated him. If deliberate, I’ve underestimated him greatly!"

The most expressive was Zhao Guangyi, who cursed his undutiful nephew’s grandmother inwardly but smiled brightly. "Excellent! Congratulations, brother. I didn’t expect your clever nephew to be so capable. He will surely be your strong support, saving you much worry in the future."

"This little brat has indeed improved recently," Zhao Kuangyin chuckled, also genuinely pleased with his eldest son’s recent performance.

"Thank you for your praise, Father," Zhao Dezhao feigned modesty, then pointed to the still-sitting Lüqiu Shunqing and added, "Father, I have one more request. Though Lüqiu censored me today, he was unaware of the full story and did not intend false accusation. Please show mercy and spare him from punishment."

"Rare to see such magnanimity from you," Zhao Kuangyin smiled approvingly. "Very well, for your sake, I will not pursue this matter."

To Zhao Kuangyin’s slight surprise, Lüqiu Shunqing did not rejoice but took a moment to regain composure before prostrating himself and trembling as he said, "I humbly thank Your Majesty for your grace."

"Lüqiu censor," Zhao Dezhao smiled and said, "If you still have anything to say about today’s matter, seize this chance to speak. Miss it, and there will be no other."

The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Zhao Guangyi remained composed outwardly but felt his heart pounding. Liu Wensou looked relaxed, thinking, "I truly underestimated this prince. His cunning alone can rival the Second Prince."

Having anticipated this, Lüqiu Shunqing immediately understood Zhao Dezhao’s implication—to confess that Zhao Guangyi was the mastermind behind the matter to save his life, or else face death at their hands. Even if Zhao Dezhao couldn’t kill him, Zhao Guangyi might silence him permanently.

Seeing Lüqiu hesitate, Zhao Guangyi grew more anxious but suddenly had an idea. Smiling, he said, "Censor Lüqiu, if you have any secrets, speak now. Your Majesty and I are brothers; I assure you, no matter what, you will be spared."

"Brothers?!" Lüqiu’s heart tightened, realizing Zhao Guangyi’s meaning. He thought, "I cannot betray the Second Prince, the emperor’s brother. Even if I did, the emperor would not kill him. He wouldn’t act personally but could easily order his men to kill my entire family! The prince is weak and cannot protect me."

Resolute, Lüqiu no longer hesitated and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this was my momentary confusion and misunderstanding of the prince. It has no relation to others. Please judge wisely."

Hearing this, Zhao Dezhao was deeply disappointed, but Zhao Kuangyin declined to pursue the matter further. Waving his hand, he said, "If it is just a misunderstanding, I shall not press it. It’s almost time for my reading in the study. You may take your leave."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We will take our leave," they replied.

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Zhao Guangyi breathed a sigh of relief and was the first to bow and withdraw. Though Zhao Dezhao was reluctant, he had no way to force Lüqiu to confess and had no choice but to bow and depart. His half-brother Zhao Defang reminded him, "Brother, don’t forget the cloud-shaped noodles you promised me."

The matter was far from over. As Zhao Guangyi, Liu Wensou, and others chatted and walked toward the main palace gate, Zhao Dezhao had already made up his mind. Upon meeting Wang Zhifa and Ma Laifu, who had come to greet them, Zhao Dezhao winked at the trailing Lüqiu and ordered, "Bring him with me. Invite this man to our home as a guest."

Without hesitation, Zhao Dezhao strode toward Lüqiu, intending to force him to confess at home. Wang Zhifa and Ma Laifu followed promptly, charging at Lüqiu like tigers descending the mountain.

To Zhao Dezhao’s surprise, a burly man from Zhao Guangyi’s large entourage stepped forward. Though not running, his strides were swift and sure, intercepting between Zhao Dezhao and Lüqiu. Using his chest to block Zhao Dezhao, the prince stumbled and collided with him like hitting a bronze wall, leaving him dizzy and with a throbbing head.

That was not all. The strong man used his chest to push and pull, relying solely on his waist and abdomen strength to catapult Zhao Dezhao into midair, who landed heavily on Wang Zhifa and Ma Laifu, scattering their steps into chaos.

"How dare you! Do you know who my master is? Are you trying to lose your head?!" Wang Zhifa yelled furiously.

Zhao Guangyi appeared like a ghost at Zhao Dezhao’s side, helping him up with a smile. "Nephew, are you hurt? My man wasn’t watching and accidentally bumped into you. I hope you’ll forgive him for my sake."

Only then did Zhao Dezhao clearly see that the man who had easily thrown him was a young man in his twenties, tall and imposing, with a cold expression that suggested he was no ordinary person.

Seeing Zhao Dezhao’s gaze, Zhao Guangyi introduced him, "Nephew, meet Wang Hanzhong. Famous for his chivalry since youth and possessing rare martial arts skills, he is a valuable aide I recently recruited."

"Wielding great skill and sharp wit, he must be tough to handle," Zhao Dezhao concluded quickly.

Before Zhao Dezhao could recover, he helplessly watched as the valuable Lüqiu was swallowed into Zhao Guangyi’s large entourage. Unwilling to give up, Zhao Dezhao shouted, "Censor Lüqiu, don’t go yet! I have very important things to say to you!"

But Lüqiu only trembled slightly and vanished into the crowd without looking back. Zhao Guangyi quickly diverted the conversation, introducing Wang Hanzhong’s background, while feigning a request for Wang to apologize to Zhao Dezhao. Only after Lüqiu was surrounded by loyal men did Zhao Guangyi smile and suggest departing.

Zhao Dezhao refused to relent, blinking rapidly before ordering Wang Zhifa and others, "Prepare the carriage. I want to visit Prime Minister Zhao’s residence."

A glint appeared in Zhao Guangyi’s eyes, but he restrained himself, calmly mounting his sedan chair and leading his large retinue back to the Kaifeng residence.

Once back in his office, Zhao Guangyi had just sat down when Chen Congxin, who had been silently standing by, approached him. "Prince, Wang Ji’en just sent word. The prince sent his eunuch Wang Zhifa to deliver the memorial under the guise of delivering snacks to the Second Prince. Wang Ji’en didn’t pay attention, allowing the prince’s men to slip through a loophole."

Zhao Guangyi nodded slowly, growing more cautious of his unruly nephew. Chen Congxin waited a moment and asked, "Prince, what shall we do next? The prince is visiting Prime Minister Zhao’s house. They might have a plot. Should we prepare?"

"Don’t fall for my nephew’s trap," Zhao Guangyi finally spoke, sneering. "He threatened to meet Zhao Pu to lure me into action and give him an opportunity. I won’t take his bait."

Had this been said before, Chen Congxin would have thought Zhao Guangyi delirious, but now he nodded carefully and asked, "What about Lüqiu censor? And Wang Zuo? He bribed the prince through Li Kedu. Should we use this chance to implicate him?"

Zhao Dezhao would surely be disappointed. Despite many details and secrets to exploit, Zhao Guangyi shook his head firmly. "No more entanglement. Since my nephew can set such a trap, no one can be sure if he has other tricks up his sleeve. If the enemy knows and we don’t, persisting will only worsen our position."

Making this decisive call, Zhao Guangyi added coolly, "Ignore Wang Zuo and his son, and don’t mention Li Kedu to avoid further complications. As for Lüqiu censor, send him to where he belongs tonight."