Chapter 6: Diligent Study

After the case of Old Man Peng was largely concluded, Zhao Dezhao returned home in Zhao Guangyi’s carriage. Ignoring Zhao Dezhao’s repeated refusals, Zhao Guangyi personally arranged for his honor guard to escort him home, allowing Zhao Dezhao—who currently held only the nominal title of Defense Commissioner of Guizhou—to enjoy the prestige usually reserved for the Mayor of Kaifeng.

Zhao Dezhao, having been desensitized by countless historical dramas, remained calm and indifferent to the spectacle. However, his attendant Wang Zhifa, walking alongside the carriage, was ecstatic. He danced with joy, chest puffed out, and wore a look of immense pride, feeling as though he had finally cleared his name and gained status in Bianliang.

Once they arrived home and stepped through the gates, Wang Zhifa couldn't wait to say, "Your Highness, if only you had an honor guard like that all the time! Every time we went out, we could have gongs clearing the way and water sprinkled on the streets to settle the dust. How magnificent that would be!"

"What would be the point of going out then? I’d rather stay inside," Zhao Dezhao replied with a smile. He then casually asked, "Zhifa, don't you think this is a bit strange? I caused my uncle such embarrassment today, yet he insisted on using his honor guard to send us home."

"Your Highness, what’s so strange about that?" Wang Zhifa asked, puzzled. "You are the Second Prince’s own nephew; it’s only natural for him to arrange an escort. What is there to be suspicious of?"

Zhao Dezhao glanced at the simple-minded Wang Zhifa and smiled slightly. "It is a blessing to be simple-hearted; there’s so much less to worry about."

"Your Highness, what do you mean? I don’t understand."

Wang Zhifa was left confused, but Zhao Dezhao didn't explain. He simply smiled, his mind wandering back to the earlier scene.

Back when the truth of Old Man Peng’s case was initially revealed, facing Yao Shu and Shi Xizai, who were kowtowing in confession, and the composed officials of the Censorate like Liu Wensou, Zhao Guangyi had shown no embarrassment or anger. Instead, he had warmly taken Zhao Dezhao’s hand and said with extreme sincerity, "Many thanks to my wise nephew for your keen observation. You have brought justice to the innocent and helped your uncle uncover the derelict officials under my command. Please rest assured, nephew, I will deal with these subordinates who treat human life like grass severely. I will not be lenient!"

Zhao Dezhao had offered polite, practiced responses. Zhao Guangyi then squeezed his hands and added, even more earnestly, "Nephew, if you ever encounter similar situations in the future, do not stand on ceremony. You may discipline them directly, or come to the Kaifeng Prefecture to find me. If I ever show partiality or protect a corrupt subordinate, you may go directly to the palace to see your father the Emperor. Do not worry about sparing my feelings; I assure you, I will only be glad to hear of my own errors!"

If Zhao Dezhao were a naive newcomer to society, he might have been fooled by his uncle’s heartfelt words, believing him to be an selfless man and dropping his guard. Unfortunately, Zhao Dezhao was a man who had seen countless schemes and deceptions. Furthermore, he knew from history that he would eventually be driven to his death by this very uncle, and that his third uncle and half-brother would also die under mysterious circumstances during Zhao Guangyi’s reign. Thus, this masterful performance did not make Zhao Dezhao lower his guard; instead, it made one thing clear: he had completely offended this "God of Racing" uncle of his!

Zhao Dezhao reached this conclusion easily. In historical records, Zhao Guangyi was a man who hid a dagger behind a smile. The more magnanimous Zhao Guangyi acted, the more Zhao Dezhao realized his uncle now harbored a deep grudge against him.

"How will this uncle of mine seek revenge, and how should I respond?" This was the question Zhao Dezhao pondered all the way home.

At first, he considered playing it by ear, but realized that one cannot spend a thousand days on guard against a thief. He discarded that passive approach and considered another method: "Offense is the best defense. I must first gain the power to retaliate, so that my uncle will be wary of me and won't dare to strike at will."

With this strategy in mind, various cunning ideas appeared in his head. As soon as he sat down at home, he ordered, "Zhifa, go find me a copy of *The Analects*. It must be an old book—the older, the better. One that looks like it has been read frequently."

"Your Highness, you want to study? You’ve finally thought of reading?" Wang Zhifa asked, surprised. "But why do you need an old book?"

"Don't ask questions. Just bring the oldest copy of *The Analects* we have."

Seeing Zhao Dezhao’s tone, Wang Zhifa didn't dare delay and went to the study. When he returned, Zhao Dezhao looked at the book and was annoyed—though it was covered in dust and cobwebs, the pages were as white as new, showing no signs of being read.

"I told you to find me an old one. Why did you bring me a brand new one?" Zhao Dezhao snapped.

"Your Highness, this is the oldest book in our house," Wang Zhifa replied with a bitter face. "You rarely ever touch books, so the books in our house are all like new. Most of them haven't even been opened once."

Zhao Dezhao chuckled, remembering that the former Zhao Dezhao indeed rarely read. "Fine, tomorrow morning, go find me a few old copies of *The Analects*. Be quick, and make sure it’s done before the morning court session at the palace concludes."

"Your Highness, rest assured. I will send men to search all night," Wang Zhifa agreed, then asked curiously, "But Your Highness, I really don't understand why you need an old *Analects*."

Zhao Dezhao smiled meaningfully. "We caused such a stir at the Kaifeng Prefecture today that my father the Emperor is bound to hear of it. After tomorrow’s morning court, it is very likely someone will come from the palace to summon me."

Although movable type printing had not yet been invented in the early Northern Song Dynasty and books were not as common as in later times, for a noble house, finding a few old copies of a classic like *The Analects* was not difficult. By the next morning, as Zhao Dezhao sat down for breakfast, Wang Zhifa had already respectfully placed several old copies before him.

Zhao Dezhao leafed through them, picked one with the most visible wear, and spilled some tea on it. Wang Zhifa watched in astonishment. "Your Highness, why are you pouring tea on the book? It’s wet!"

"Nonsense. I am a prince diligent in his studies, never forgetting to read the sages even while eating. Is it strange that I accidentally spilled some tea?" Zhao Dezhao replied righteously.

Wang Zhifa was clever enough to catch on. He gave a thumbs-up and praised, "Your Highness is brilliant! Now you don't have to worry about the Emperor scolding you for not studying hard."

"But Your Highness," Wang Zhifa asked, "how will you let the Emperor know you are reading this book?"

"I have my own ways."

As Zhao Dezhao spoke, a servant reported that a eunuch had arrived to summon him to the palace to see the Emperor immediately. Prepared, Zhao Dezhao calmly changed into his court robes, tucked the old book into his tunic, and led Wang Zhifa to the palace to see his father, Zhao Kuangyin.

Not attending the official court session, Zhao Dezhao entered through the Donghua Gate and was led to the Wende Hall, where the Emperor reviewed documents. To his surprise, his father was not working, but sitting on a couch playing chess with Zhao Guangyi, with the Prime Minister Zhao Pu standing nearby.

Eager to please his father for his own agenda, Zhao Dezhao bowed deeply. "Your son, Zhao Dezhao, pays respects to the Emperor and the Imperial Uncle."

To his surprise, the book did not fall out as he had hoped. However, after Zhao Kuangyin grunted in acknowledgment, Zhao Dezhao turned to Zhao Pu and bowed again. "Greetings, Prime Minister Zhao."

*Plop.* The *Analects* finally slid out of his tunic and fell to the floor. Zhao Kuangyin glanced at it and asked curiously, "What is that?"

"Reporting to the Emperor, it is *The Analects*," Zhao Dezhao replied respectfully. "I was reading when I received the summons to the palace, and in my haste, I tucked it into my robes. I apologize for this breach of etiquette."

Zhao Kuangyin looked at the worn book. "Bring it here."

Zhao Dezhao picked it up and presented it with both hands. Seeing the signs of constant use, a look of satisfaction appeared on Zhao Kuangyin’s face. Noticing the tea stains, he asked, "Why is the book wet? What happened?"

"I have a bad habit of reading while I eat," Zhao Dezhao explained shamelessly. "This morning, I was reading and eating, and I got so engrossed that I accidentally spilled my tea."

No father dislikes a son who is diligent in his studies. Zhao Kuangyin nodded in satisfaction. "You enjoy reading *The Analects*?"

"Yes," Zhao Dezhao replied without blushing. "I have often heard that Prime Minister Zhao loves this book and uses it to assist you in governing the world. I wish to seek the way of governance within these pages so that I may one day share your burdens."

Hearing this, Zhao Pu—who often claimed he governed the world with half of *The Analects*—was pleased and looked upon Zhao Dezhao with greater favor. Zhao Guangyi glanced at his nephew, thinking, "I underestimated him. Even without guidance, he is capable of such effort. His ambitions are not small."

Zhao Kuangyin was also satisfied, though he didn't show it. He placed the book on the table. "This copy is old. Someone, go to the library and bring the copy of *The Analects* that I have annotated for Dezhao to take home and study."

Having successfully buttered up his father, Zhao Dezhao thanked him profusely. Zhao Kuangyin then asked, as if casually, "Tell me the details of what happened yesterday."

Zhao Dezhao recounted the events with respect, admitting he had been interested in the case the day before and had spent time investigating. Zhao Kuangyin listened while playing chess. Finally, he asked, "I heard that to find the cause of death, you impersonated the victim's friend. Is this true?"

Zhao Dezhao glanced at the stone-faced Zhao Guangyi and nodded readily. "Reporting to the Emperor, it is true. I had no solid proof at the time, so I used that method to examine the body. That way, even if I were wrong, I wouldn't have exposed my identity or tarnished the royal reputation."

"When did you become so full of schemes?" Zhao Kuangyin sounded slightly displeased. "One should act with integrity, not like some petty swindler."

*Keep that lecture for your brother,* Zhao Dezhao thought, but replied respectfully, "You are right, Father. I regret that move, but I had no other options at the time."

Zhao Kuangyin huffed. "Still, you did well. You show concern for the people’s suffering. Many officials suggested today that I reward you."

*Don't just give me empty praise, give me something real,* Zhao Dezhao thought, though he remained humble. "It was my duty, Father."

Unfortunately, Zhao Kuangyin was as stingy with his sons as he was in history. "You are still young. Even your uncles have no titles, so I will not grant you one yet. Why not take on a real position and gain some experience?"

Eager for real power to protect himself, Zhao Dezhao asked, "What position would you have me take?"

"I was just discussing this with your uncle," Zhao Kuangyin said. "Shi Xizai, the judge at Kaifeng, caused a man’s death through negligence. I have handed him over to the Ministry of Justice. Your uncle suggests you take his place as the judge, assisting him in handling the city’s legal affairs. Are you willing?"

*You’re trying to ruin me, Father! You want me to work under the 'God of Racing' so he can sabotage me?*

Zhao Dezhao was alarmed. To avoid this fire pit, he shook his head vigorously. "Father, forgive me. I am unfamiliar with legal affairs and have no experience. I dare not accept this position."

"Nephew, do not be modest," Zhao Guangyi said with a smile. "I believe you have talent. Yesterday, even experienced officials like Yao Shu and Shi Xizai were wrong, yet you found the truth. You should continue to develop in this area."

Zhao Dezhao continued to shake his head. "Uncle, this is no laughing matter. Kaifeng is the capital. How could I, with no experience, shoulder such a heavy burden? If you believe I should learn, I should first gain experience in a local post for a few years."

At this critical moment, Zhao Pu, who usually had no interaction with the previous Zhao Dezhao, stepped in. "Emperor, the Prince is right. The position requires great experience. While he is brilliant, he is too young for such a task."

Zhao Kuangyin nodded. "Then, in your opinion, what position should he take?"

"I believe the Prince should serve in the Imperial Guard," Zhao Pu suggested. "General Yang Xin of the Palace Guard has been unable to speak for years due to illness. The Prince could take over his duties as the honor guard commander. This would allow him to share the workload and gain experience."

*Serving in the Imperial Guard? Hmph! Trying to stab me in the back, Prime Minister? You are truly ruthless!*

Before Zhao Pu had even finished, Zhao Guangyi’s eyebrows lifted slightly, realizing the sinister intent of his political rival.