Chapter 16: Gains for All

As Chen Congxin had predicted, Zhao Guangyi’s chief political rival, Zhao Pu, immediately set his sights on the vacancy left by Lüqiu Shunqing. At the very next morning court session, Zhao Pu eagerly arranged for his subordinate to recommend his ally, Secretary Assistant Cao He, as the new Supervising Censor, hoping to extend his influence into the Censorate and expand his power.

This was still manageable for both Zhao Guangyi and his uncle-nephew duo with Zhao Kuangyin. Zhao Kuangyin was not foolish; he already knew that Zhao Pu’s faction was fond of wealth and would never allow Zhao Pu’s men to corrupt the Censorate and disrupt official conduct. Without waiting for Zhao Guangyi to voice opposition, Zhao Kuangyin decisively refused, saying the matter required careful consideration, much to Zhao Pu’s disappointment.

Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi inwardly rejoiced, but he did not rush to personally recommend his own people. Instead, he had a proxy quietly mention the name of his confidant, Shang Feng, subtly planting the seed in Zhao Kuangyin’s mind for future support.

During this time, Zhao Guangyi often glanced at the food box wrapped in silk cloth placed at his feet, hoping it would catch his elder brother’s attention.

Fortunately, Zhao Guangyi’s efforts were not in vain. After the court was dismissed, Zhao Kuangyin waved off the officials but did not immediately leave the dragon throne. Zhao Guangyi understood the hint and refused to move. It was only when all the civil and military officials had nearly departed that Zhao Guangyi picked up the food box and said to Zhao Kuangyin, “Your Majesty, your younger brother has brought you a little something special.”

Zhao Kuangyin remained silent, stood up, beckoned Zhao Guangyi with a wave, and then turned to walk toward the rear palace. Familiar with the routine, Zhao Guangyi hurriedly followed, accompanying Zhao Kuangyin directly to the Wende Hall, the emperor’s office. Zhao Kuangyin then sat in his favorite seat and asked, “What special thing is this?”

Zhao Guangyi smiled without speaking, carefully unwrapped the silk cloth around the food box, and opened it to reveal a large plate of golden, crispy fried strands of dough. Just as Zhao Guangyi had anticipated, Zhao Kuangyin immediately brightened and said joyfully, “Fried ring cakes!”

Zhao Guangyi’s flattery hit the mark perfectly. After putting the fried dough in front of himself, Zhao Kuangyin grabbed a handful and devoured it eagerly, then praised with delight, “Fragrant and crisp; it’s been a while since I last had this. The first bite is truly delicious, especially while it’s still warm.”

“You enjoy the palace’s daily delicacies; how could you not occasionally crave such folk snacks?” Zhao Guangyi smirked inwardly, seizing Zhao Kuangyin’s appetite as an advantage. He then spoke, “Your Majesty, it’s been some time since I last ate ring cakes myself. But last night around midnight, I suddenly dreamed of our childhood when mother personally fried these cakes for us brothers. It woke me up from hunger instantly.”

After a slight pause, Zhao Guangyi smiled again and said, “Upon waking, I immediately ordered the cooks to prepare a plate for me to feast on. Then I thought Your Majesty might also have missed such local delicacies, so I had the cooks make an extra batch to bring to you.”

“Not bad, you haven’t forgotten your older brother,” Zhao Kuangyin complimented Zhao Guangyi with a smile. He then invited him to sit opposite, grabbed some more fried dough, and after satisfying his hunger a bit, a eunuch brought a warm towel for him to wipe his hands. Zhao Kuangyin sighed softly, “I can’t remember how many years it’s been since we last ate mother’s ring cakes together as children.”

“I’ve forgotten too,” Zhao Guangyi quickly echoed, adding, “I remember once we ate so fast, fighting over who could eat more. You even made me cry, and then mother chased you around the house with a ruler.”

Both brothers laughed heartily. Zhao Kuangyin’s mood lightened, but he couldn’t help but lament, “Now we brothers no longer need to fight over food, yet our dear mother is no longer with us.”

Zhao Guangyi feigned sorrow alongside his brother, reminiscing about their departed mother. Feeling the moment ripe, he took the opportunity to say, “Your Majesty, the provincial examination is approaching soon, but the court has yet to decide who will oversee the selection of tribute students. Your humble servant wishes to undertake this responsibility, like ministers Xiang and Zhao, to relieve your burdens in this matter. I humbly seek your approval.”

The critical moment had arrived. Fortunately for Zhao Guangyi, perhaps moved by family ties or due to Zhao Pu’s less than stellar handling of previous provincial exams, Zhao Kuangyin hesitated briefly and then nodded in agreement, saying, “Very well, this year you shall preside over the provincial exam. Select capable talents for me; I am in need of good men.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Zhao Guangyi bowed deeply, then smiled and flattered, “But Your Majesty’s words are in jest. Our Great Song is rich with talent—brave generals, wise strategists, and scholars of great learning are too numerous to count. How can Your Majesty complain of lacking capable men?”

“Though it seems full of talent, many are mediocrities,” Zhao Kuangyin sighed sincerely. Then he smiled and added, “But I am pleasantly surprised by Dezhao. In just a few days as a Supervising Censor, he has accomplished several important deeds—upholding court laws and cleansing officialdom. It truly delights me.”

“Oh no, Your Majesty’s impression of that unfilial nephew has greatly improved!” Zhao Guangyi cursed inwardly, feeling the threat from that scoundrel nephew more keenly. Yet what caught Zhao Guangyi completely off guard was that just then, a eunuch entered and reported, “Your Majesty, the prince has arrived with a jar of fine wine, wishing to present it to you in person.”

“Bringing me wine?” Zhao Kuangyin, who loved drinking, brightened immediately and said, “Rare is his filial piety; let him come in.”

“What’s this? When did that little rascal learn to flatter Your Majesty? Or is he just exploiting Your Majesty’s tastes? Learned from that scoundrel?” Zhao Guangyi was somewhat dumbfounded, unable to understand how his unfilial nephew had become so slick and cunning. Yet he dared not reveal his inner thoughts, forcing a smile and saying, “Your servant is fortunate to taste the fine wine personally presented by Dezhao.”

Zhao Kuangyin chuckled heartily and added, “I’m hungry too. Quickly send in the meal. Today I shall drink well with Guangyi!”

The chief eunuch Wang Ji’en promptly responded. Zhao Guangyi’s mind churned with suspicion, guessing at his unlucky nephew’s true intentions. Zhao Kuangyin, however, remained concerned about state affairs and admonished, “Guangyi, during this year’s provincial exam, make sure to strictly supervise exam discipline. From what I know, there have been incidents of impersonation and cheating since our dynasty’s founding, severely damaging the court’s reputation. You must find a way to rectify this.”

Finally, when Zhao Kuangyin finished his lengthy admonitions, Zhao Dezhao was led into Wende Hall. Seeing his uncle there, he sighed inwardly, realizing today’s events would likely not go smoothly but feeling helpless. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, Your Imperial Uncle, I, your son Dezhao, unfilial, heard that Your Majesty enjoys a drink at leisure. Recently, I acquired a jar of aged wine and wished not to drink it myself, but present it to Your Majesty. Please kindly accept it.”

With that, he signaled two eunuchs, who brought in a jar of wine on a wooden tray. Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily and commanded, “You still have some filial piety. Bring it up; I’m thirsty.”

Zhao Dezhao took the jar from the eunuchs and handed it directly to Zhao Kuangyin. With a quick motion, he broke the seal, inhaled deeply the aroma of the wine, and loudly declared, “Qianrichun! If I’m not mistaken, this was sent by Shi Shouxin to Liang Yanwen, and then Liang Yanwen’s precious son Liang Zhouhan brought it to you, right?”

The sudden revelation stunned not only Zhao Dezhao but also Zhao Guangyi, who thought with satisfaction, “Good, it seems my elder brother already knows that this scoundrel nephew has fraternized with the righteous society brothers through Liang Zhouhan. This is exactly what the emperor fears. This little devil will surely be suspected from now on!”

Unexpectedly, the so-called “father” bluntly exposed the origin of the fine wine. Zhao Dezhao hesitated before responding, “Your Majesty, this wine was indeed a gift from my brother Yuan Bao, but I was unaware it was also given to him by another.”

“This wine was custom-made seven years ago by Shi Shouxin at Zhongshanyuan, a renowned wine shop in the capital. After aging for three years, he sent me several jars. I recognized the scent immediately,” Zhao Kuangyin explained lightly, letting his wayward son know he was fully aware. Then he instructed a eunuch, “Bring a bowl. Although the Qianrichun tastes good, its strength is mild. It’s more satisfying to drink from a bowl.”

Wang Ji’en complied, but Zhao Dezhao unexpectedly took the floor again, “Father, I am thirsty as well. Please grant me a cup of this wine first.”

Hearing this, even Zhao Kuangyin hesitated for a moment. Zhao Guangyi was both shocked and angry, sneaking a glance at the fried dough he had brought, thinking, “Damn, this little bastard has outdone me this time. I brought food for the emperor, yet he’s the first to test it.”

Regretting deeply, Zhao Guangyi hurriedly bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I too am thirsty. Please grant your servant a cup as well.”

At last, a smile appeared on Zhao Kuangyin’s face. He said with a smile, “No need. I fear no one would poison wine sent by my own son.”

“Father, please forgive my presumption,” Zhao Dezhao interrupted unusually solemnly. “As the saying goes, a gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall. More so, Your Majesty is the ruler of the realm, bearing the weight of all under heaven in every action. Thus, for the long-term stability of the Great Song and the peace of the people, Your Majesty must be vigilant in your diet and living habits, never neglecting caution!”

After speaking, Zhao Dezhao continued, “Even the wine and food I present must be treated with care. Though I would never dare commit insubordination, no one can guarantee that others will not exploit this opportunity to cause trouble. I implore Your Majesty to consider carefully.”

“Brother, your nephew Dezhao’s words are reasonable. You must be careful with your diet,” Zhao Guangyi chimed in dramatically, though he glanced regretfully at his own offering.

However, with both son and brother showing such loyalty, Zhao Kuangyin was heartened. He personally poured two cups of wine, handing one to each, smiling, “Very well. Since you both are so loyal and filial, I accept. Here, a cup for each of you.”

The uncle and nephew eagerly received their cups. The dutiful Zhao Dezhao did not rush to drink but raised his cup to Zhao Guangyi and said warmly, “Uncle, a toast to your good health.”

Inwardly adding, “And for your swift victory over illness,” Zhao Dezhao drained the cup.

“Nephew, you’re too kind. I wish you a bright future as well,” Zhao Guangyi replied, raising his cup and drinking deeply before mentally cursing, “May you die young!”

At that moment, the eunuchs brought the wine bowls. Zhao Kuangyin, still interested, wanted his son to drink several bowls with him, but the scheming Zhao Dezhao declined politely, “Thank you for the wine, Father, but I must refuse. First, I have a low tolerance and fear being disrespectful before you. Second, I have a matter to discuss that requires your gracious approval.”

“What matter?” Zhao Kuangyin asked casually.

Zhao Dezhao took a paper from his sleeve and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, you have often urged me to study diligently and write well. Recently, I encountered several arrogant Khitan merchants at Zhouqiao. Moved by the incident, I composed a poem and would like Your Majesty’s corrections.”

“That little scoundrel is getting craftier, knowing you enjoy literary airs and deliberately flattering you,” Zhao Guangyi fumed inwardly. Yet when Zhao Kuangyin took the paper and read it, Zhao Guangyi could not help but lean in curiously to read the poem penned by his unfilial nephew, scoffing inwardly, “Let’s see what kind of twisted verse you’ve written now.”

To both Zhao Guangyi’s shock and Zhao Kuangyin’s surprise, the neat poem read:

“Flames of war stretch across long years deep,
The ambition to reclaim Yan and Yun never sleeps.
Sons and daughters of China rise as one,
Swearing to make the barbarian horses weep in streams!”

After quietly murmuring the quatrain several times, Zhao Kuangyin asked with a puzzled expression, “Dezhao, did you truly write this poem?”

“Your Majesty, it is indeed my own work,” Zhao Dezhao replied without shame, then explained, “Those Khitan merchants relied on their cavalry dominance in the Yan and Yun region to insult our people arrogantly. I was moved to write this poem.”

Knowing his son’s true nature well, Zhao Kuangyin was skeptical. Zhao Guangyi smiled and said, “Dezhao, it’s best to be honest. Your father and I both know that Liang Zhouhan, whom you associate with, is talented beyond measure. This poem is actually his ghostwriting, isn’t it?”

Realizing matters had spun beyond his control, Zhao Dezhao could only stubbornly insist, “Uncle, you misunderstand. How dare I deceive the emperor with another’s poem? I swear to the heavens this poem was penned by me.”

Zhao Guangyi refused to believe it, smiling dismissively without arguing further. Zhao Kuangyin, more magnanimous, placed the poem on the table and said, “Whether or not you wrote it, I am pleased. I will have this poem read aloud at court to praise you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Zhao Dezhao gratefully. Zhao Guangyi agreed perfunctorily but inwardly sneered, “Let’s see what tricks you’ll try next. With your greedy nature, suddenly flattering the emperor so much must have a scheme behind it. Don’t worry, today I’ll make sure your efforts come to nothing!”

Caught off guard but aware that his second uncle would certainly try to sabotage him, Zhao Dezhao chose to proceed with his plan. Taking advantage of his father’s rare joy, he said, “Father, I have one more small request. Please grant me your kindness to approve it.”

“No need for such formalities between father and son. Speak plainly,” Zhao Kuangyin replied warmly.

Zhao Dezhao glanced nervously at Zhao Guangyi before speaking boldly, “I ask Your Majesty to issue an edict recalling Song Qi, the governor of Longzhou, to the capital to serve as a Supervising Censor.”

Before Zhao Dezhao had finished, Zhao Guangyi’s expression visibly changed, and he grinned inwardly, thinking, “That little brat has big ambitions. Just a few days in the Censorate and he’s already cultivating allies. And the person he wants is none other than Song Qi, whom I once drove out of Kaifeng! This is a direct challenge to me!”

Understanding his nephew’s true intention, Zhao Guangyi felt uneasy, thinking, “If he succeeds, I’ll have trouble. Song Qi, hostile to me, will team up with that little brat. Liu Wensou, the Censorate’s Deputy, is a sly old fox who won’t risk opposing their mischief. If they control the Censorate along with Zhao Pu’s hold on the Secretariat, how will I live?”

Fortunately for Zhao Guangyi, Zhao Kuangyin did not immediately approve but asked Zhao Dezhao, “Why? What’s the reason for recalling Song Qi?”

“Your Majesty, Governor Song was born and raised in the Yan and Yun region and understands our greatest enemy, the Khitan Liao, very well,” Zhao Dezhao replied confidently. “Moreover, Song Qi is a talented graduate who has repeatedly advised on military affairs. I wish to have him in the Censorate so I may learn from him and better understand the Khitan to help Your Majesty.”

Before Zhao Dezhao could finish his plea, Zhao Guangyi laughed aloud, “Dezhao, I thought you had some special reason for naming Song Qi, but it’s simply because of his knowledge of the Yan and Yun area! Rest assured, we have plenty such people in the Song. Tomorrow I will assign two suitable men to assist you.”

Smiling, Zhao Guangyi turned to Zhao Kuangyin and said, “Brother, although Song Qi once served as a judge in Kaifeng, he has been away for many years. Suddenly putting him in charge of the Censorate might be beyond his capabilities.”

Zhao Kuangyin nodded in approval of Zhao Guangyi’s analysis. Seeing things going poorly, Zhao Dezhao had no choice but to plead, “Father, since leaving the palace, I have not asked for anything. Today, I humbly request you grant me some favor.”

Considering his son’s previous restraint, Zhao Kuangyin was somewhat moved. Zhao Guangyi sensed the shift and, in a sudden flash of inspiration, said, “Brother, don’t be troubled. I have a solution to this problem.”

“What solution?” Zhao Kuangyin asked. Zhao Dezhao, nervous, looked at his unscrupulous uncle. Zhao Guangyi relaxed and said, “Do you remember a few years ago when you recited half a poem before the court? Though it was well received, you said you could not compose the second half. Neither I nor any official could complete it. Even after several years, it remained unfinished…”

Before Zhao Guangyi finished, the ink-limited Zhao Dezhao felt utterly hopeless. Zhao Guangyi smiled and continued, “Coincidentally, Dezhao brought a fine poem today for your correction. I suggest you let him try to complete your unfinished poem. Perhaps father and son working together can produce a miracle.”

Zhao Kuangyin laughed and applauded, “Excellent idea! Dezhao, since you say your poetry has improved, here’s your chance to finish what I started.”

“Father, my talents are limited; how dare I show off before you?” Zhao Dezhao replied with a sorrowful face.

“Then don’t expect me to issue an edict recalling Song Qi!” Zhao Kuangyin declared firmly. “But if you can complete the poem satisfactorily, I will agree and issue the order immediately.”

With no other options, Zhao Dezhao reluctantly said, “I warn you in advance, if I fail or cannot continue the poem, please forgive me.”

“No way!” Zhao Kuangyin rejected firmly, tapping the ancient poem on the table with a mischievous smile. “You just claimed it’s your own work. If you can’t finish it well, you’ll spend a day reflecting in solitude.”

“Trapping myself!” Zhao Dezhao lamented silently but obediently agreed. Zhao Guangyi, pleased, poured wine for himself and Zhao Kuangyin, sneering inwardly, “Go ahead, little brat! Even famous poets like Fan Zhi and Wang Pu couldn’t finish it!”

Zhao Kuangyin raised his cup, recalled the lines, and recited:

“Not yet left the ocean floor’s thousand mountains of ink,
Yet reached the midday sky’s myriad bright nations.”

Then Zhao Dezhao responded without hesitation:

“Hold steadfast this will to make it eternal,
A hundred battles to claim the summit and bring peace.”

The sound of the cup hitting the table twice startled both Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi, spilling wine on the floor. Their faces showed disbelief.

At this moment, Zhao Dezhao thought to himself, “So the poem’s first half was written by Zhao Kuangyin himself? Fortunately, I had seen the answer in a short video on WeChat and remembered it well. But who finished the second half? I recall it was another emperor, centuries later.”

After quietly repeating the completed poem, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly exploded in anger, slamming the table and shouting, “Little brat, tell me honestly, when did you finish this poem?”

“Yes, yes,” Zhao Guangyi quickly joined in, “Dezhao, you must have heard the first half somewhere else and secretly prepared the second half, right?”

“Father, Uncle, do I have reason to lie?” Zhao Dezhao smiled wryly. “If I had finished it earlier, I would have reported to you sooner to please you, not waited until today.”

Realizing the truth, Zhao Kuangyin fell silent. After a moment, he smiled and said, “Very well, ‘a hundred battles to claim the summit and bring peace’—bold and magnificent, worthy of a ruler! Good job; I am pleased.”

Zhao Guangyi lowered his head silently, eyes cold as blades. Zhao Dezhao eagerly asked, “Father, what about my earlier request?”

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and instructed Wang Ji’en, “Draft the edict immediately and send it with urgent speed to Longzhou, recalling Governor Song Qi to serve as Supervising Censor.”

Wang Ji’en quickly acknowledged. Zhao Dezhao thanked joyfully. Zhao Kuangyin, still not satisfied, added, “Your progress is rare. The provincial exam is imminent. I just appointed your uncle as chief examiner. You will serve as deputy examiner to assist him in selecting capable talents.”

“Deputy examiner at the provincial exam? Father, are you joking? I still haven’t fully mastered calendrical calculations and schedules. How can I possibly serve as deputy examiner?” Zhao Dezhao lamented internally, never expecting such a sudden responsibility.

Zhao Guangyi glanced at his brother, waves of emotion stirring. He pondered, “Did the emperor appoint this scoundrel out of sudden whim, or is there a purpose? Is it to train his son? Or to have him watch me during the exam? Or to see how the two of us perform on the same task?”

Thus the drama unfolded in the imperial court, with rivalries and subtle intrigues weaving beneath the surface of familial ties and official duties.