Just as Shi Miyuan and others left, a young red-robed official came in. He had a smooth forehead, a somewhat big head, and a childish look on his face. He looked very kind, like a good boy from the neighbor's house, making people feel good for him for no reason.
When the handsome young man saw Zhao Hong, he hesitated whether to exit or to come in bravely.
"Your Highness!"
Zhen Dexiu and Wei Liaowen saluted together with a very respectful attitude.
Your Highness?
Zhao Hong was shocked and quickly reacted.
This young boy is probably Zhao Guicheng, the famous Song Lizong in history.
In the entire Song Dynasty royal family, he and the heir of King Yi were the only ones of the same age. Others are either very different in age, too old or too young, or they are just too old. The only one who can compete with him for the throne is Zhao Guicheng.
Unexpectedly, this boy is so young, two years younger than himself, and he is even more famous in history. No wonder Shi Miyuan pushed this person to the top.
The reason why he is so famous is not because of his success or failure in governing, nor because of recruiting prostitutes into the palace, but because of the "Skull Bowl".
After the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Tibetan monk Yang Lianzhenjia robbed the imperial tomb of the Southern Song Dynasty, cut off the head of Zhao Yun, Lizong of the Song Dynasty, made it into a drinking vessel, and sent it to the rulers of the Yuan Dynasty. His torso was burned.
Zhao Yun's head was not found in the palace of Dadu in the Yuan Dynasty until Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, captured Dadu, and was buried in Yingtian Mansion (Nanjing, Jiangsu) with imperial rites. The following year, Zhao Yun's skull was buried at the former site of the Yongmu Mausoleum in Shaoxing, the imperial mausoleum of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Looking at Zhao Hong again, Zhao Guicheng smiled brightly and stepped forward to greet him.
"Guicheng has met His Highness!"
Zhao Kuan, the younger brother of King Yi and now Emperor Zhao Kuo of the Song Dynasty, passed away early. Zhao Kuan had no descendants. Zhao Jun, as a descendant of the clan, was selected by Emperor Zhao Kuo to inherit the title of King Yi when he was four years old and changed his name to Zhao Guihe.
In the thirteenth year of Jiading, that is, three years ago, the 27-year-old Prince Zhao Xun of Jingxian passed away. Emperor Zhao Kuo then made Zhao Guihe the prince and named him Zhao Hong. In the fifteenth year of Jiading, he appointed Zhao Hong as the prosecutor. The principal, Shaobao, was granted the title of Duke of Jiguo.
Zhao Hong was granted the title of Duke of Ji and was renamed as Prince. The title of King Yi was again vacant. And this Zhao Yuju was selected and recommended by Shi Miyuan two years ago and made the heir of the King of Xinyi, named Zhao Guicheng.
As for Zhao Yun, it was Zhao Guicheng's new name after he ascended the throne.
This guy Shi Miyuan actually planned it two years ago. It can be said that he has ulterior motives and is very cunning.
"Your Highness, you and I are both brothers in Lin'an City, we are ministers in the same palace, and we are all descendants of Taizu. We should stay closer to each other in the future!"
Zhao Hong smiled and took Zhao Guicheng's arm cordially.
This guy is a scheming guy who looks harmless to humans and animals, but he can be called a gentle scum. He has been pretending to be a pig and eating the tiger.
"What Duke Ji Guo said is to get closer, get closer!"
Zhao Guicheng's face turned red, like a simple young man.
Although he is a descendant of the Zhao Song clan, his father did not have any titles when he was alive. He only served as a minor local official, and his situation was no different from that of a commoner. When Zhao Guicheng was seven years old, his biological father passed away, and his biological mother took him and his younger brother to live with his uncle's house until Zhao Guicheng was sixteen.
Although he was later elected as the heir to Prince Yi, he spent his youth in the countryside and had a rough background. He knew that he was high-ranking and had low eyesight. He subconsciously lacked confidence in front of these pampered princes and sons.
"Your Highness, please go back to your house and sit down when you have time. Mom misses you very much!"
Zhao Guicheng has a bright smile and is kind and natural.
The "mother" he refers to is Yu, the wife of King Zhao Lu of Yi. She was named Mrs. Anguo by Emperor Zhao Kao of the Song Dynasty and raised Zhao Hong for a full thirteen or four years.
"It's natural, I'll bother you later."
Zhao Hong nodded and said seriously, not sure whether it was true or false.
"Your Highness, I have some silks and wine vessels in my house, which are gifts from officials. They will be sent to your house someday. I know that you have brothers, a high court, and a big family. Living in Lin'an City is not easy, so don't refuse. ”
"Mr. Ji Guo, how can that be so embarrassing? How can that be so embarrassing!"
Zhao Guicheng said he was sorry, but his smile was still bright.
What's wrong with Zhao Hong? How could he be so polite today?
"Your Highness, you and I are both descendants of the great ancestor, and we will have to support each other in the future. What do these things mean? Don't refuse. Otherwise, brother, I will be angry!"
Zhao Hong put on a serious face.
This boy has been honored, has a mansion, and can go to court to listen to government affairs. Although he is the emperor's nephew, he already poses a great threat to him, the prince.
Don't say that he is just a prince. Even if he is a prince, he will be easily replaced by Shi Miyuan behind Zhao Guicheng.
In front of the throne, no one can resist the temptation. Brothers, father and son will turn against each other, not to mention that he and this "Song Lizong" are not even brothers or close cousins.
"Mr. Ji Guo, then I would rather obey your orders than be respectful! Thank you, Your Highness!"
Zhao Guicheng looked embarrassed and seemed a little embarrassed.
"My brother, you're welcome, I'm sorry!"
Zhao Hong was smiling all over his face and his attitude was very sincere.
Zhao Guicheng has been pushed to the front of the stage. His original idea of shaking hands with Shi Miyuan and making peace was immediately rejected by Zhao Hong.
It’s better not to alert others and cause unnecessary suspicion.
"Old minister Zheng Qingzhi, I have met His Highness."
Behind Zhao Guicheng, the gentle Confucian scholar Zheng Zhiqing, a Confucian scholar with a smile on his face, greeted Zhao Hong with a smile on his face.
Zheng Qingzhi, this was the "emperor" of Lizong Zhao Yun and Zhao Guicheng of the Song Dynasty in history.
Although Zheng Qingzhi was the "emperor's master", he only sent Zhao Guicheng to the Tailu Courtyard. He was a scholar of the Imperial Academy, but was only at the eighth rank, and was not yet qualified to go to court.
As we all know, one of the stubborn problems in the Song Dynasty was "redundant officials". There were too many officials, and the officials who could participate in court meetings were all of high rank. The rank of the minister is above the minister, the minister is above the minister, the minister is the minister and above, and the censor is above Taichung Cheng.
Then there is the Yanguan. Although his official rank is low, his influence and intimidation are huge.
His former teacher Zhen Dexiu, a master of Neo-Confucianism, had the opportunity to go to court, but he asked to be demoted to a local government. He probably saw that the situation was not good and was afraid of getting angry, so he quietly left him.
The contemporary great scholar Zheng Qingzhi in front of him, Zhao Guicheng's teacher, devoted all his efforts and dedication to the training of Zhao Guicheng, and sent him to the gate of the palace every time he went to court.
I have already lost a bit in this regard.
So many people with ulterior motives are playing tricks on you, why don't you be disabled by them?
"Mr. Zheng, if you have time, come and sit in my house, drink tea and talk about things. Let me listen to Gong Zheng's teachings."
Zhao Hong smiled and was extremely cordial.
"Your Highness, I am truly terrified! I am truly terrified!"
Zheng Qingzhi nodded repeatedly and smiled awkwardly.
In front of Zhao Hong, he was like a criminal with evil intentions who had not been discovered by the other party, with a serious guilty conscience.
Zhao Hong smiled slightly and glanced at the squad room opposite. Shi Miyuan was sitting on a chair with his eyes closed and concentrating. A large group of officials around him stood respectfully. Except for Xue Ji and two or three purple-robed and white-haired officials, no one seemed to dare to sit down. Several people.
The Dailu Courtyard is a court, Shi Miyuan's house is also a court, and there are courts everywhere.
Shi Miyuan, Shi Xiang, is indeed very... powerful!
Zhao Hong and Zhao Guicheng were chatting and laughing happily, while Zhen Dexiu and Wei Liaoweng looked at each other with surprise in their eyes.
When did the stubborn and stubborn Zhao Hong become so humble and spineless?
It was a pleasure to meet his opponent, and he was also kind and courteous to Shi Miyuan. Is this still the Zhao Hong they know, who has a clear distinction between love and hate, and hates evil as much as hatred?
"Your Highness, why bother with these traitors!"
Wei Liaowen snorted coldly, wondering whether he was referring to Zhao Guicheng or Shi Miyuan.
"Your Highness, if you have different opinions, please don't conspire against each other. Don't let yourself sink and let others see you with chills!"
Zhen Dexiu also looked at Zhao Hong coldly, leaving Zhao Hong confused.
"Xiangong Wei, Mr. Zhen, I seem to have just said a few words."
Zhao Hong smiled bitterly and was stunned for a while.
He really just said hello, why can't the two Qingliu get used to it? Does it mean that he and Zhao Guicheng and Shi Miyuan have to confront each other face to face, or even fight with fists and kicks, for this to be clear?
It seemed that the enmity between him and Shi Miyuan was not due to his own will, but the result of many efforts.
"Your Highness, please do not be careless. All the people in the court are watching your Highness. Shi Miyuan controls the affairs of the court and blocks the flow of speech. Your Highness should not get close to him, otherwise it will easily cause misunderstandings among other ministers."
Wei Liaoweng seemed to be dissatisfied with Zhao Hong's behavior.
"Your Highness, all the officials in the palace are watching, you can't give someone a hand!"
Zhen Dexiu glanced at Zhao Hong, and his words were meaningful.
Give someone a handle?
Zhao Hong muttered in his heart, but his face was respectful.
"What Duke Wei and Duke Zhen said is true, I will bear it in mind."
It seems that everything in the court is black and white, and you can't even make do with it in terms of face. Is this necessary?
However, Wei Liaoweng and Zhen Dexiu did remind him. He is not struggling alone, there is a group of people behind him, and he is still a clear stream. Although he is declining, he also has his own voice.
This may be the reason why Zhao Hong was forced to commit suicide in history, so many court ministers wrote letters on his behalf, and a large number of them were dismissed from their posts and exiled.
"Your Highness, this old minister has worked hard and spoke recklessly, offending Your Highness."
Seeing that Zhao Hong corrected his mistakes when he realized they were wrong, and had a good attitude towards admitting his mistakes, Wei Liaoweng also explained in a gentle tone.
After all, the other party is a prince, and if nothing unexpected happens, he will inherit the throne in the future.
"Wei Gong doesn't need to explain. He is sincere. Please remember this. I will be careful in my words and deeds in the future, cultivate my character, and live up to Wei Gong's painstaking efforts."
Zhao Hong solemnly bowed and bowed.
"I would like to thank Your Highness."
"Mr. Wei is so polite."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Zhen Dexiu next to him saw Zhao Hong and Wei Liaoweng coming and going, cordial and harmonious, and felt comforted but also slightly embarrassed.
My relationship with this student is not as good as that of Wei Liaoweng, an outsider. The two parties have indeed become far apart.
"I have met His Highness."
"Your Highness looks good."
While they were talking, Lin'an Prefecture Yin Wu Jing and Dali Temple Shaoqing Xu Xuan came over to greet Zhao Hong.
Zhao Hong returned the gift to the two of them and exchanged a few words. Wei Liaoweng and Zhen Dexiu exchanged pleasantries and introduced each other, and then they knew who the other party was.
These ministers are the leaders of a group of clear people behind him who support him.
In this way, Zhao Hong felt a lot more at ease. It seems that although Shi Miyuan is in charge of the government and has power over the ruling and opposition parties, he cannot truly control the sky with one hand.
"Xu Gong, I have heard of the Fengbo Pavilion in Dali Temple for a long time and want to pay my respects. I wonder if Xu Gong can arrange it?"
Thinking of Yue Wumu, Zhao Hong instantly became interested.
Fengbo Pavilion, the name of the pavilion in the Dali Temple Prison in Lin'an City during the Southern Song Dynasty also became famous in later generations.
In the twelfth year of Zhao Gou's reign in Shaoxing, Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Gou secretly ordered Qin Hui and his wife to conspire to frame Yue Fei for treason. Since there was no definite evidence, he imprisoned the famous general Yue Fei, his son Yue Yun, and his general Zhang Xian on "unfounded" charges. Killed in Fengbo Pavilion.
"Fengbo Pavilion?"
Xu Xuan, the white-bearded man, was slightly startled and instantly understood what Zhao Hong meant.
"Your Highness, if you want to worship Yue Wumu, you should go to the Yuewang Temple in West Lake. Fengbo Pavilion is just a pavilion, and at most it can only be remembered in memory."
Xu Xuan looked at Zhao Hong in surprise, as if he didn't recognize him.
He feels the same way as Jin Deok Soo. Why is this Zhao Hong asking about these things that he never cared about before?
"What Mr. Xu said is true. To be honest, I just want to remember the martyrs and pay my respects."
Zhao Hong put away his smile and spoke seriously.
"Your Highness can go at any time, and I will accompany you."
Xu Xuan nodded, turned around, and started talking to Zhen Dexiu and others.
In the room opposite, seeing Zhao Hong and the ministers talking happily and calmly, Shi Miyuan couldn't help but shrink his pupils slightly and snorted slightly in his nose.
When did this idiot learn to be versatile?
No matter how much this guy pretends to be a ghost, he cannot be allowed to ascend the throne as he wishes, lest it be detrimental to him in the future.
But this guy was chatting and laughing today and was good at dancing, which was beyond his expectation.
It seems that we need to work harder to deal with this guy and the people behind him.
In the Bell and Drum Courtyard, the morning drums sounded. Shi Miyuan stood up first and walked out. Many officials followed suit and followed closely.
Zhao Hong, together with Wei Liaoweng and others, left the Tailu Courtyard, entered the huge palace gate, walked into the darkness of Lin'an Palace, and joined the ranks of people rushing to court.
The mysterious veil of the Southern Song Empire was slowly unfolding towards him.
