Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 1 My Father, Emperor Taizu of Song

The first day of the first month of the seventh year of the Xiande era of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Frost covers the barren hazel, and a comet appears in the southeast.

Throughout the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the wind howled and the grass and trees were covered in frost. Even ordinary people could sense this unusually grim atmosphere.

The Liao Kingdom has once again invaded the northern border of the Great Zhou!

Commander-in-Chief Zhao Kuangyin will soon lead his army on a northern expedition against the Liao army!

News from the imperial court spread like wildfire, and for a time, Kaifeng was filled with unease and suspicion.

At this moment, at the Governor's residence.

"Father, the weather is getting colder and colder; it's time to put on more clothes."

Having just finished court, Zhao Kuangyin pushed open the gate of the Commander-in-Chief's Office and saw his nine-year-old son, Zhao Dezhao, holding a fur coat and looking up at him obediently.

Zhao Kuangyin was slightly taken aback, his tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and then he affectionately rubbed his son's head, took the fur coat, and naturally draped it over his shoulders.

"My son is very thoughtful, but although this garment is fine, it is not enough to keep warm..."

He smiled meaningfully and patted his son on the shoulder: "Go on, go play for a while, I have some things to do."

Zhao Dezhao nodded obediently, watching his father's departing figure, but he couldn't help but secretly grumble to himself.

"Indeed, a fur coat can't compare to the warmth of an imperial robe."

As a historical fiction author who traveled from another era, Zhao Dezhao naturally knew what would happen next.

The Chenqiao Mutiny! The emperor was forced to wear the yellow robe!

……

"The weather is so cold, why didn't Zhao'er prepare a fur coat for her uncle? It makes her uncle a little disheartened..."

Just as Zhao Dezhao was lost in thought, a gentle and indulgent voice came from outside the door.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao knew who had returned without even turning around.

It was his good uncle, Zhao Kuangyin's good younger brother—Zhao Kuangyi!

Zhao Dezhao's eyes flickered a few times, then he turned around with a look of joy and excitement, looking at Zhao Kuangyi who pushed the door open and entered.

He pouted and said with a wronged expression, "I didn't know Uncle would come back at this time."

"You little rascal, you're actually acting all wronged."

Zhao Kuangyi seemed to be in a very good mood. With a smile on his lips, he gently tapped Zhao Dezhao's nose and, as if by magic, produced an oil paper package from his sleeve:

"Look what your uncle brought back for you."

As soon as the oil paper package was opened, a sweet aroma wafted out, revealing plump, brightly colored, and tempting candied plums inside.

Zhao Dezhao's eyes lit up instantly. He immediately reached out and took the largest one, popping it into his mouth. The sweet and sour taste exploded on his tongue, making him squint his eyes and say in a soft, sweet voice:

"My uncle is still the best to me. He always remembers to bring me food back whenever he goes out."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyi's smile widened even further. He reached out and pinched the boy's rosy cheek again, saying affectionately, "Your face changes quite quickly. By the way, has your father returned?"

"I'm back."

Zhao Dezhao nodded obediently, then deliberately paused before tilting his head uncertainly and saying, "It seems...it seems like he's in the study, discussing something with Uncle Zeping."

Upon hearing the name Zeping, Zhao Kuangyi seemed to remember something, his smile faded for a moment, and his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

But the expression vanished in an instant, so quickly that Zhao Dezhao almost thought it was an illusion.

Zhao Kuangyi quickly regained his gentle demeanor: "Then Zhao'er, you can play by yourself for a while. I have some things to discuss with your father."

After saying that, he turned to leave, but stopped abruptly after taking only a couple of steps. He turned to look at Zhao Dezhao, who had a naive and puzzled expression on his face, and said as if an elder were casually giving advice:

"By the way, your father and I will be leaving the capital with our troops tomorrow. There will be no one at the manor, so please stay here and don't wander off, understand?"

"I understand, nephew," Zhao Dezhao said, his head bowed and his voice gentle.

Zhao Kuangyi nodded gently before turning and walking toward the study.

The moment he turned around, his face remained gentle, but the doting look in his eyes vanished, replaced by an unfathomable indifference.

At the same time, the innocent and naive look on Zhao Dezhao's face gradually faded.

As he savored the sweet and sour flavor melting in his mouth, Zhao Dezhao couldn't help but shake his head and sigh inwardly.

"No wonder Zhao Dahui trusted Zhao Er so much in history."

"Regardless of martial arts skills, just in terms of strategy and cunning, Zhao Er is indeed far superior to Zhao Da..."

To be fair, if he were really just a nine-year-old child, he wouldn't have felt any hostility towards Zhao Er.

But, Uncle, do you know that I am no longer myself...?

As he watched Zhao Kuangyi's departing figure, he couldn't help but recall the cold words he had seen in history books in his previous life.

"Empress Dowager Du's Last Edict, the Golden Box Covenant!"

"Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin died suddenly!"

"The Northern Expedition failed, and Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi's donkey cart drifted away, allowing him to escape with his life!"

"Afterwards, Prince Zhao Dezhao of Wugong, in a state of shock and fear, committed suicide!"

Zhao Dezhao lowered his head, concealing all emotion in his eyes, and murmured softly:

"Uncle, what wrong have I done...?"

"My nephew also wants to live a good life..."

……

A moment later, an inconspicuous blue cloth carriage quietly drove out of the side gate of the Capital Inspectorate and headed southwest of Kaifeng.

At this time, Kaifeng was much quieter than usual due to the news that the army was about to set off.

Some merchants, seemingly having heard some rumors, hurriedly headed out of the city with their belongings.

Zhao Dezhao sat in the carriage, lifted a corner of the curtain, and looked at the closed shop doors on the street, feeling a little anxious.

The army will set off tomorrow.

Time is running out for him!

We must do everything we can to participate in that earth-shattering spectacle!

The carriage traveled for about half an hour before finally stopping in front of a mansion.

The mansion was not luxurious; simple lanterns hung on the vermilion gate. Although the entrance was not as grand as that of a prince's mansion, it exuded the solemnity of a military family.

"Young master, we have arrived at the Li residence," the driver whispered a reminder.

Zhao Dezhao took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and got out of the car.

Upon seeing that it was the carriage of the Commander-in-Chief's office and recognizing Zhao Dezhao, the gatekeeper hurriedly and respectfully came forward to greet them.

"Young Master Zhao hasn't been here for quite some time. Please come in, Brother Long'er is in the backyard!"

"Don't worry about me, I can go by myself." Zhao Dezhao waved his hand, his tone familiar.

This wasn't his first time here. He often came to the Li residence as a child to play with Li Chuyun's son, Li Jilong, and was very familiar with the paths in the mansion.

This time, however, the person he sought out was not Li Jilong.

After leaving the gatekeeper's sight, Zhao Dezhao went straight to the study in the backyard.

The sound of documents being turned could be heard from inside the study. He stepped forward and gently knocked on the door: "Uncle Li, your nephew Zhao Dezhao requests an audience."

The sound of turning pages in the study paused noticeably, followed by Li Chuyun's slightly surprised voice:

"Zhao'er? Come in."

Zhao Dezhao pushed open the door and entered. He saw Li Chuyun sitting at his desk, looking somewhat tired. Upon seeing Zhao Dezhao, he put down the documents in his hand and smiled.

"Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. Why aren't you at home with your father? What brings you here? Are you craving some snacks from your aunt again?"

"Nephew didn't come here to ask for snacks."

Instead of joking around as usual, Zhao Dezhao walked to the table, bowed respectfully, and his young face was full of solemnity.

"My nephew has come today to discuss an important matter for tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, Li Chuyun's expression changed drastically!