Chapter Fifteen: Preparing for a Rainy Day

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Lüqiu Shunqing left decisively.

On the very night he rejected Zhao Dezhao’s well-meaning rescue, Lüqiu Shunqing passed away at home, his cause of death mirroring that of historical figures Li Yu, Meng Chang, and Qian Chu—poisoning.

His demise was particularly tragic: his body convulsed violently, contorted painfully into a shrimp-like shape, reminiscent of the symptoms recorded in historical texts after ingesting large amounts of the medicinal herb “Qianji.”

However, Lüqiu Shunqing was not deliberately poisoned by others; rather, overcome by despair, he took his own life. Evidence lay in a candid suicide note he left behind, admitting to a momentary lapse in judgment when falsely accusing the current crown prince and ending his life to atone.

Because of this, the few colleagues and close friends who rushed over upon hearing the news were overwhelmed with sorrow. They lamented the loss of such a young man and instinctively believed that Lüqiu Shunqing’s death was linked to Zhao Dezhao’s intimidation—that Zhao Dezhao, leveraging his status as a prince, had forced the unfortunate man to his death. They harbored much resentment toward Zhao Dezhao.

Lüqiu Shunqing’s family was even more distraught. Prostrated before his spirit tablet, his wife wept inconsolably, publicly grasping their son’s hand and saying, “Child, you must remember who forced your father to his death! Never forget this; keep it forever in your heart!”

Just then, an unexpected interruption occurred. A servant at the door suddenly shouted loudly, “The Royal Prince has arrived!”

“What? The Royal Prince?”

Doubting their ears, everyone present turned toward the gate. Sure enough, the corpulent Zhao Dezhao appeared, accompanied by Liang Zhouhan and Wang Zhifa, with attendants like Ma Laifu bearing offerings—they had come to pay respects at Lüqiu Shunqing’s wake.

Thanks to Zhao Dezhao’s princely status, Lüqiu Shunqing’s family dared not rush forward to confront him. Instead, they glared at him with venomous hatred, while Zhao Dezhao maintained a composed demeanor. Amid the surprised gazes, he held his head high and entered the courtyard directly to Lüqiu Shunqing’s spirit tablet.

Then, a remarkable scene unfolded: under everyone’s eyes, tears slowly welled in Zhao Dezhao’s eyes. His voice trembling and slightly hoarse, he said, “Brother Lüqiu, I have come to see you…”

Struggling to speak, Zhao Dezhao suddenly broke into sobs, wiping away tears as he shouted, “Brother Lüqiu, how could you be so foolish? Yesterday, before father, I pleaded for you, and he agreed not to pursue the accusations further—why then did you despair so? Despair?!”

Overcome with grief, Zhao Dezhao beat his chest and wailed, “Brother Lüqiu, do you remember when I first took office at the Censorate, you personally introduced me to its workings? Do you remember how we worked tirelessly on cases, sharing a single flatbread to quell our hunger? Just for that friendship, I would never have minded your memorials and accusations!”

As Zhao Dezhao wept bitterly, Liang Zhouhan and Wang Zhifa hurried to console him. Ma Laifu and others promptly placed offerings before Lüqiu Shunqing’s tablet. Zhao Dezhao lit incense, lamenting, “Yesterday at the palace gate, I called to you before so many people to comfort you and persuade you not to dwell on trivial matters. Yet you turned your back and went to Kaifeng Prefecture—why did you go there?!”

Witnessing Zhao Dezhao’s heartfelt sorrow and hearing his repeated reproaches about Lüqiu Shunqing’s journey to Kaifeng Prefecture, many neutral onlookers began to change their opinions, thinking, “The prince is not vindictive; it was Lüqiu Shunqing’s own despair and folly that led him to Kaifeng Prefecture. Had he heeded the prince’s counsel, things would not have escalated thus.”

If the onlookers thought so, those few privy to the truth felt even more so. Seeing Zhao Dezhao weep for Lüqiu Shunqing, who had been discarded after serving his purpose, they felt a shared sorrow and some murmured inwardly, “The prince is principled; despite Lüqiu Shunqing’s deliberate betrayal, he still came to mourn him.”

Then Zhao Dezhao had Ma Laifu bring a money chest and tearfully said to Lüqiu Shunqing’s wife, “Sister-in-law, I know Brother Lüqiu was an honest official. This hundred guan of cash is a small token from me. Please accept it. If you ever face difficulties, come to me at Jingming Lane in the inner city; I will do my utmost to help.”

At this, even Lüqiu Shunqing’s wife was moved. She sincerely thanked Zhao Dezhao, then took her son’s hand and tearfully said, “Child, quickly bow to the prince. Your father was not forced to death by the prince; it was his own despair. Do not blame the prince…”

Finally, after much urging, Zhao Dezhao stifled his tears, declined the family’s offer to stay longer, wiped his eyes, mounted his carriage, and returned to the Censorate to continue his duties.

Of course, the prince who had just cried bitterly now resumed his usual composed facade. Liang Zhouhan, unfazed, quietly said to him, “Your Highness, we’ve just received news: the original complainant who accused Crown Prince Zhongyun Li Youren at Kaifeng Prefecture vanished last night and remains missing.”

Zhao Dezhao nodded, sighed deeply, and murmured to himself, “No wonder he is my own second uncle—decisive in killing and leaving no trace.”

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In terms of ruthless decisiveness, Zhao Dezhao truly admired his second uncle. Although he had long expected Lüqiu Shunqing would be silenced, he never imagined Zhao Guangyi’s methods would be so merciless, nor that his mind would be so meticulous—he swiftly covered the slip he had made before Zhao Kuangyin, dashing Zhao Dezhao’s hopes of finding evidence of a setup.

Like Zhao Guangyi, Liang Zhouhan also expressed admiration: “The Second Prince’s methods are indeed ruthless. Killing Lüqiu Shunqing alone is not enough; he even left a suicide note, placing Your Highness in a difficult position. Were it not for Your Highness personally coming to mourn, your reputation might have suffered greatly.”

After reflecting, Liang Zhouhan added, “Your Highness, there’s another crucial matter that requires your attention. It’s best to prepare ahead.”

“What matter?”

Zhao Dezhao asked immediately. Liang Zhouhan replied, “Who will replace Lüqiu Shunqing as Censor?”

After answering, he explained, “Your Highness knows well that the Censors hold great power—they can directly impeach high officials and military officers, and oversee affairs of the Six Ministries, finances, and lawsuits. Yet there are only six Censors. Now that Lüqiu Shunqing’s seat is vacant, I worry the Second Prince will exploit this opportunity.”

Pausing, Liang Zhouhan continued, “If someone loyal to the Second Prince takes this position, it will be most disadvantageous to Your Highness. First, your every move at the Censorate will be under surveillance, making it hard to conduct confidential matters. Second, this person will be the Second Prince’s sharp blade—should they detect any flaw in you, that blade could strike fatally.”

Zhao Dezhao nodded slowly, acknowledging Liang Zhouhan’s concerns. Then he asked, “What do you suggest I do?”

“Join forces quickly with Minister Zhao and recommend someone trustworthy to fill the post,” Liang Zhouhan answered decisively.

Knowing Zhao Dezhao’s current weakness and lack of talent beyond himself, Liang Zhouhan hastened to add, “Even if Your Highness cannot find the perfect candidate immediately, at least have someone from Minister Zhao’s faction fill the role. That way, you won’t have to worry about constant surveillance within the Censorate.”

Rarely did Zhao Dezhao reject Liang Zhouhan’s advice so readily. After pondering with his smooth chin in hand, he shook his head and said, “If there are other options, it’s better not to let Minister Zhao’s men take this post.”

“Why so?” Liang Zhouhan asked in surprise.

“Because Minister Zhao’s men are all too greedy,” Zhao Dezhao replied with a helpless tone. “He himself is notoriously avaricious, and his close cronies are almost all corrupt and venal. If his people enter the Censorate, they will cover for their own, turning it into a cesspool and potentially implicating us as well.”

Hearing this, Liang Zhouhan nodded approvingly: “Your Highness is very thoughtful. Minister Zhao’s underlings are indeed nearly all scoundrels when it comes to money. Having them as Censors is tantamount to inviting thieves in and letting wolves inside.”

Zhao Dezhao smiled in agreement, then asked, “Brother Yuanbao, your wide connections—do you know anyone suitable for this position? This person must first dare to defy my second uncle, second not be too close to Minister Zhao’s faction to avoid being dragged into their corrupt mess, and finally truly be loyal to me.”

To prevent misunderstanding, Zhao Dezhao quickly added, “Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to recommend you for Censor, but this office offends many. Your father has many friends at court; if you take this post, you’ll be cautious and hesitant, and may easily make bitter enemies—not good for your future work in balancing yin and yang or handling relationships.”

“Your Highness, rest assured, even if you want me to take the position, I dare not accept this hot potato,” Liang Zhouhan smiled wryly. “I bet if I did, my brother-in-law would come knocking tonight, crying, screaming, even threatening suicide, to force me to avenge him.”

“Avenging whom?” Zhao Dezhao asked curiously.

“The official’s son he fought with in the brothel!” Liang Zhouhan answered helplessly, prompting Zhao Dezhao to burst into laughter.

Then Zhao Dezhao asked again, “Brother Yuanbao, any candidates you can recommend? Anyone suitable to replace Lüqiu Shunqing?”

The usually erudite Liang Zhouhan frowned, muttering to himself, “Someone bold enough to oppose the Second Prince, not fallen into Minister Zhao’s faction, and truly loyal to Your Highness—that’s hard to find.”

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After all, Zhao Dezhao was just one step away from becoming imperial secretary. His demands were stringent. Yet as the Censorate’s office came into view, Liang Zhouhan suddenly brightened and exclaimed, “Got it! Song Qi, the Elder Uncle Bao! He is the perfect candidate!”

“Song Qi, Elder Uncle Bao?” Zhao Dezhao repeated, then quickly asked, “Brother Yuanbao, please tell me more about Song Qi.”

“Song Qi and Minister Zhao are from the same hometown, Jixian in Youzhou. He once served as an aide in Your Highness’s second uncle’s staff and was a judicial officer in Kaifeng Prefecture,” Liang Zhouhan carefully explained. “As far as I know, Song Qi was initially trusted by the Second Prince, but when the Second Prince’s close confidant Feng Zan was arrested by Minister Zhao, the Second Prince suspected Song Qi of betraying him to Minister Zhao. Song Qi was then expelled from the staff and demoted to magistrate of Longzhou (Long County, Shaanxi).”

At this, Liang Zhouhan smiled slightly and added, “I also heard that when Song Qi was expelled from the capital, he tried to curry favor with Minister Zhao to remain in office, but whether Minister Zhao was unable or unwilling to help, Song Qi ultimately failed.”

“That’s the man! He’s perfect!” Zhao Dezhao exclaimed joyfully. “He offended my second uncle, begged Minister Zhao for help but was coldly rebuffed, and was reluctantly driven out of the capital. If I can bring him back as Censor, he will be deeply grateful, willing to oppose my second uncle and unlikely to side with Minister Zhao.”

“But Your Highness, do you have a way to get Song Qi appointed as Censor?” Liang Zhouhan cautiously reminded, “Your official post is also Censor, but you don’t have the authority to recommend officials. The Second Prince hates Song Qi and certainly won’t agree to his return. Minister Zhao favors more compliant subordinates. Without their help, how will you recommend him?”

“Brother Yuanbao, rest easy. I have an advantage here,” Zhao Dezhao smiled slyly and mysteriously. “Don’t forget, the current ruler is my own father.”

……

Meanwhile, news that Zhao Dezhao had personally come to Lüqiu Shunqing’s home to mourn had reached Zhao Guangyi. Hearing about his nephew’s conduct there, Zhao Guangyi was full of admiration, remarking, “I underestimated this nephew. I didn’t expect his hypocrisy and cunning to reach such depths. We worked so hard to force Lüqiu Shunqing to write that note, and it seems it was all in vain.”

“Perhaps there is more to it. Those sent to silence the matter might be reconsidering their plans after seeing the current situation,” his trusted aide Chen Congxin murmured silently, though he did not say it aloud. Instead, he warned, “Your Highness, the vacant Censor position left by Lüqiu Shunqing must be quickly filled by our people. If Minister Zhao’s faction gets ahead, many of our plans will be hindered.”

“Of course,” Zhao Guangyi replied without hesitation. “Inform our people in the Ministry of Personnel to vigorously promote Crown Prince’s Assistant Shang Feng to succeed as Censor.”

Chen Congxin respectfully agreed, then added, “However, we have an even more urgent matter. The provincial examination is imminent. Your Highness has worked tirelessly to recommend worthy candidates and has sought to serve as the chief examiner, but the ruler has yet to announce who will take this temporary post. If we don’t act swiftly to settle this, there may be complications.”

“I’m troubled by this too,” Zhao Guangyi frowned rarely and said, “Following your advice, I have had several former successful candidates discreetly remind His Majesty that Minister Zhao’s selections are unworthy. Yet His Majesty remains unmoved. Just the other day, Wang Pu raised the issue at court, and His Majesty said he needs to consider carefully.”

“Your Highness, I have an idea…” Chen Congxin began, then hesitated. “No, not an idea—more like a scheme, a sly trick, a desperate ploy.”

“What sort of desperate ploy? Speak it at once.”

Zhao Guangyi, though cold, didn’t reject outright and chose to be open-minded. Chen Congxin then whispered, “Your Highness, since His Majesty is your brother, if you can move him on the basis of fraternal ties and seize the moment when his mind is unsettled to volunteer to serve as chief examiner, it might achieve twice the result with half the effort…”

Before Chen Congxin finished, Zhao Guangyi’s eyes brightened. After a moment’s thought, a smile spread across his face. “Prepare some fresh fried bread crisps in the kitchen tomorrow morning before court. Pack them in a lunch box—I will bring them into the palace.”

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