Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 99 Jade Axe Confers Kingship!

Chapter 99 Jade Axe Confers Kingship!

"This is the future crown prince of my Great Song Dynasty!!"

Zhao Kuangyin's loud laughter was like a boulder suddenly thrown into a lake, stirring up countless waves!

The ministers reacted in various ways, but Murong Yanzhao showed no surprise. He simply bowed and said, "Your Majesty is blessed, and the Crown Prince is valiant; truly, this is a fortune for the Great Song Dynasty!"

In his words, he quite naturally and completely bestowed the title of Crown Prince upon Zhao Dezhao.

The generals nodded in deep agreement.

The army admires strength. If Zhao Dezhao had no ability, they would naturally be dissatisfied. However, after learning from Jing Si about Zhao Dezhao's previous series of brilliant achievements, they naturally recognized this crown prince from the bottom of their hearts!

If Zhao Dezhao doesn't become the crown prince, who else is qualified?

Many civil officials also knew that Zhao Kuangyin was now full of approval for Zhao Dezhao. Even the old officials from the Prince’s residence, such as Shen Yilun, did not dare to utter a word of rebuttal, but their faces were slightly gloomy.

Zhao Dezhao's preference for military over civil officials made many civil officials feel uneasy and worried about the future.

They subconsciously looked up at Zhao Guangyi, who was then the Prefect of Kaifeng and close to civil officials.

Zhao Guangyi stood silently at the head of the civil officials, seemingly lost in thought.

"Your Highness, there is another important matter that Your Highness wishes to inform you of." Jing Si suppressed the joy on his face and quickly spoke in Zhao Dezhao's tone: "Your Highness said: In the Battle of Yangzhou, the false Tang disregarded the duty between ruler and subject and actually raised an army to rebel against the Song Dynasty with Li Chongjin, and even restored the title of emperor. They have committed a great crime. Your subject originally intended to lead troops to wipe out the false Tang and uphold the might of our Great Song Dynasty."

"However, after the Battle of Cuiping Mountain, the pseudo-Tang sent a special envoy to Yangzhou, intending to appease the anger of the Great Song with money and gold and silver. He also made an agreement with me, willing to submit to the Song and pay tribute every year, only asking for a pardon and to be able to live in a corner of the country."

"The matter of negotiating the treaty is of great importance, and your son dares not make a decision on it. I humbly request Your Majesty's wise decision."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin did not hesitate at all, but instead laughed loudly and said, "This lad—transmit my decree that the matter of negotiating a treaty with Jiangnan shall be entirely decided by the Marquis of Wugong!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Jing Si accepted the order and was about to leave when Zhao Pu stepped forward and openly proposed, "Your Majesty, I believe that if Your Highness negotiates a treaty with Jiangnan in the name of the Marquis of Wugong, it will inevitably cause others to be disrespectful. Moreover, Your Highness has made tremendous contributions. If these contributions are not rewarded, then the order will not be carried out."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you reward the Marquis of Wugong for his meritorious service!"

Zhao Pu's words were met with agreement from most of the military generals.

Rewarding merit is a long-standing rule in the military, especially during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when these warlords valued it highly.

Zhao Dezhao has made such a great contribution this time, it would be really unreasonable not to reward him.

"What kind of martial arts marquis?"

Zhao Kuangyin suddenly spoke, and the ministers were immediately stunned by his words.

Under the puzzled gazes of his ministers, Zhao Kuangyin thought for a moment and then raised the jade axe he often played with.

The jade axe is a precious ritual object symbolizing royal power, divine authority, and etiquette.

Then, Zhao Kuangyin walked straight to Jing Si, handed him the jade axe in front of everyone, and said, "From now on, only the Prince of Wugong will be here!"

The emperor's word is law.

What is said is recorded in history, ceremonies are performed, and songs are sung.

When Zhao Kuangyin said this, many of the ministers showed expressions of shock.

The first king of the Song Dynasty!

Appeared!

Although the kings of the Five Dynasties could not establish their own independent territories, they could still participate in government affairs and command troops.

And most importantly, Zhao Dezhao was the eldest son of the imperial family!

When the eldest son of the emperor is associated with the prestigious title of king, the resulting political impact is enormous!

In an instant, half of the ministers in the court were overjoyed, while the other half looked grim. Some were so distraught that their legs even went weak.

Offending the eldest prince is not terrible, and offending the eldest prince who is also a prince is not so terrible either.

But offending the eldest son of the emperor, who has both military power and a royal title, could have very serious consequences.

How could the shrewd people present not understand this principle?

The military generals didn't care; they had always followed Zhao Kuangyin's lead and supported the eldest prince.

But the civil officials were a different story.

Some people's eyes flickered a few times, and they had already begun to consider things.

As the saying goes, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless; perhaps turning back is truly the shore.

After the morning court session, Zhao Guangyi returned to his residence in silence.

He sat entirely in the shadows, gazing at the plum blossom standing proudly against the winter chill outside the window. After a long, long time, he suddenly said, "Someone come here."

He pointed to the snow plum blossom outside the window and said expressionlessly, "Go and break it off, uproot it!"

"Yes—" The servant dared not ask any more questions and hurriedly grabbed his sickle, about to cut down the snow plum blossom, when a gentle female voice stopped him: "Why break such a beautiful snow plum blossom?"

The servant dared not answer, but merely glanced in the direction of the study.

Madam Fu was taken aback and turned to look at the window. In the shadows, Zhao Guangyi sat on the couch, looking at her expressionlessly.

"Then let's break it."

After leaving those words behind, Madam Fu hurriedly entered the study. She dismissed the servants with a glance and sat down beside Zhao Guangyi, asking with concern, "Husband, what's wrong? Did Zhao Pu attack you again in court today?"

"No."

Zhao Guangyi paused, his voice slightly hoarse, and said, "Today, His Majesty has bestowed the title of King upon Zhao Dezhao."

C

One sentence immediately shocked Fu.

How could a woman as ambitious as her not know the meaning of "the legitimate son being granted the title of king"?

Once Zhao Dezhao is made a king, those scholars who have no integrity will probably turn against him instantly, and then my husband's plans over the past few days will collapse in an instant.

But after her initial shock, Madam Fu quickly calmed down. After a moment of contemplation, she gently took Zhao Guangyi's hand and said softly, "Husband, there is still a chance."

Zhao Guangyi looked up at her.

Madam Fu continued, "My husband is currently the Prefect of Kaifeng. According to custom, only when the Prefect of Kaifeng is granted the title of King can he become the Crown Prince. Right now, all my husband lacks is the title of King."

"The throne is not something easily obtained," Zhao Guangyi shook his head.

"Whether or not he is granted the title of king is merely a matter of His Majesty's word," said Lady Fu.

"Why would His Majesty bestow a title of king without cause?" Zhao Guangyi frowned.

"How could it be without reason?" Lady Fu smiled. "What if the Empress Dowager has given an order?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"My lord, what do you think?" Madam Fu smiled gently. "His Majesty has always valued filial piety. If the Empress Dowager were to offer to make you a prince, His Majesty would not refuse. After all, you are also a member of the imperial clan, and if you were made a prince, it would also benefit the imperial clan."

"That's true," Zhao Guangyi shook his head, "but if I mention this to the Empress Dowager, my elder brother will surely find out and become suspicious. The consequences would be unimaginable."

"There's no need for my husband to bring this up; someone else will take care of it."

"Who is it?"

"The Emperor's brother-in-law, Du Shenzhao."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi's eyes lit up slightly!

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