Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 832: King of Jin

Zhao Kuangyin's eyebrows suddenly raised, and he uttered "Oh" softly. His eyes swept across the ministers in the court like an eagle, and then he remained silent. It was obvious that at this sensitive moment, he needed to weigh the pros and cons carefully and should not express his opinion rashly.

Zhao Guangyi was so anxious that his eyelids trembled unconsciously. He quickly gathered his thoughts and knew that he should not directly intervene, but he could manipulate the situation secretly. So he secretly winked at his confidant, Chai Yuxi, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Chai Yuxi understood and immediately stepped forward, walked forward steadily, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the country and society, it is of great importance, and we must act with caution. The eldest prince Dezhao is of noble virtue, diligent, calm, and behaves in accordance with etiquette. He is a blessing to our dynasty. However, he grew up in the deep palace since he was a child and has never shouldered such a heavy responsibility. If he is suddenly entrusted with an important task, it may affect the daily operation of the court and the outcome of the war on the front line. Such a mistake is undoubtedly a catastrophe for the country; for the eldest prince, it may also damage his reputation for virtue. Your Majesty, I hope you will think twice before acting."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin stroked his long beard and fell into deep thought. Zhao Dezhao, this son, was steady, diligent and studious. If he was entrusted with this important task, he would surely do his best. However, as the founding emperor, he was in his prime and had always done everything himself. He had never let his son do any important tasks for him. If he really let go this time, if something went wrong, not only would the court's affairs be damaged, but his son's reputation would also be tarnished. Could he bear such a heavy burden?
Zhao Pu saw Zhao Kuangyin's hesitation and knew that the opportunity was fleeting, so he spoke again, saying earnestly: "Your Majesty, I have carefully considered recommending the eldest prince for three reasons. Please listen carefully. First, your Majesty is personally leading the army to coordinate the overall situation at the front line, and I am also busy dealing with daily state affairs. However, the responsibility of reviewing memorials from the court is too great for ordinary people. Looking at the court and the public, it is difficult to find a more suitable candidate except the eldest prince."

"Secondly, the eldest son of the emperor, De Zhao, is the eldest son of the emperor. His status is extremely noble. He sits in the court on behalf of the emperor. This is in accordance with etiquette and law, and it also shows majesty. Only by being a prince can officials at all levels be in awe and work diligently to ensure that the court's orders are carried out smoothly."

"Third, the eldest prince has reached the age of twenty, he is in the prime of his youth, full of vigor and vitality, he should devote himself to state affairs and contribute his strength to the country, and at the same time, he can take this opportunity to exercise his ability to govern the country. As for the concerns of other ministers, ah, they are actually worrying too much."

When Zhao Pu said this, his eyes intentionally or unintentionally swept over Zhao Guangyi, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and he continued, "The eldest prince of the emperor exercises the imperial power and sits in the central government. What he relies on is the power of the emperor and the dignity of the prince. The specific affairs are handled by the various government offices, and there are also the prime ministers, ministers, and ministers of the Privy Council to assist. What is there to worry about?"

After hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin relaxed his brows and praised: "What Mr. Zhao said is indeed well thought out and thorough."

As soon as these words were spoken, important officials in the court such as Xue Juzheng, Zhang Zhao, and Lu Duosun expressed their agreement with Zhao Pu's proposal.

However, Zhao Kuangyin did not make a decision immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to Zhao Guangyi and asked calmly, "Brother, what do you think about this?"

Zhao Guangyi's eyes flickered. Although he felt unwilling in his heart, he did not show it on his face. He quickly bowed his head and responded respectfully: "Prime Minister Zhao has made such thorough arrangements. If you act accordingly, I... naturally agree that the eldest prince should take charge and manage the court on your behalf." After saying this, he secretly figured out how to find a turning point in this situation to protect his own power.

"Does your brother agree with Mr. Zhao's proposal?" Zhao Kuangyin's face was relaxed, he smiled, stroked his long beard, and looked particularly happy. Seeing this, the officials knew that the overall situation had been decided, and they came forward one after another. Although they all expressed their own opinions, they all agreed with this proposal, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Zhao Guangyi smiled bitterly in his heart, and sighed that although he was unwilling, he had no choice but to go with the flow.

At this time, Zhao Pu spoke again slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Your Majesty, although the eldest prince is your son, he is in charge of the central government. If he does not have a formal status, it may be difficult for him to convince the public. The eldest prince has performed the ceremony of coming of age, but he still has no corresponding title. As the prime minister, I dare not ignore this. What's more, the eldest prince will shoulder an important responsibility this time, so..."

At this point, Zhao Pu took a deep breath, bowed slowly, bent his waist very low, and said in a low and firm voice: "Your Highness, I beg the Emperor to grant the title of king to the prince Zhao Dezhao!"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, shocking everyone present.

Conferring a title of king? The Song Dynasty was established only ten years ago, and apart from the emperor and empress, no one had ever been conferred a title of king.

Zhao Guangyi was even more shocked, as he knew very well the deep meaning behind this act of enthroning him as king.

Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, dynasties have changed frequently. In order to stabilize the country, many emperors often choose to pass the throne to their younger brothers, or pass it to their adopted sons instead of their young biological sons. Although Zhao Guangyi was the emperor's younger brother, he did have a desire for the throne.

However, life is like a game of chess. Zhao Kuangyin's kingdom not only remained unshakable, but became increasingly stable. In a blink of an eye, ten years later, the Zhao dynasty had shown signs of unifying the Central Plains. Zhao Kuangyin himself was in his prime and in good health. With his physique, it would not be a stretch to say that he could live another thirty or fifty years.

By then, the prince Dezhao would have grown up and become a mature man. Why would he need his older and aging brother to inherit the throne? If Zhao Kuangyin really made the eldest son a king, it would be like announcing to the world that the crown prince position has been decided!
This move was like the monkeys scattering when the tree fell. In a few years, Zhao Dezhao's reputation and power would rival that of Zhao Guangyi, or even surpass his. Those officials who had originally been dependent on him and followed his lead would also change their minds and turn to Zhao Dezhao and abandon him.

Zhao Guangyi was secretly calculating in his mind, and a barely perceptible gloom flashed across his eyes.

He knew very well that he was in a delicate situation at the moment and if he was not careful, he might lose everything.

Zhao Pu's proposal to confer the title of king was undoubtedly to pave the way for the eldest son Dezhao, and also to indirectly weaken Zhao Guangyi's influence in the court.

But it is only natural for a prince to be crowned king. What excuses can he use to evade or delay?
"The eldest prince, De Zhao, has reached adulthood. I implore Your Majesty to grant him the title of king!" Zhao Pu spoke earnestly, and every word he spoke was powerful. After he finished speaking, he resolutely lifted up his robe, knelt on his knees, and performed this great ceremony.

Privy Councilor Li Chongju and Zhao Pu were in-laws, and had always stood together. Seeing this, he knelt down without hesitation, touched his forehead to the ground, and said earnestly: "I also implore Your Majesty to grant the eldest son of the Emperor, Dezhao, the honor of a king!"

In the court, the highest officials of both the civil and military departments, seeing this, all followed suit and knelt down one after another.

For a moment, everyone in the court knelt down, and only Zhao Guangyi was still standing alone.

Zhao Guangyi was shocked and suddenly realized what was going on. He immediately knelt on the ground with a "thump" and echoed loudly: "Please, Your Majesty, confer the title of king on the eldest son of the emperor!"

Zhao Kuangyin was moved by this scene. He stroked his beard and glanced at Zhao Guangyi. After a moment's silence, he said cheerfully, "The eldest son of the emperor, De Zhao, has good character. Now that he has reached the age of adulthood, it is still too early to make him a king. However, today I will make him...Xingyuan Yin, Shannan West Road Jiedushi, and concurrently the position of Jianxiu Taifu and Tongzhongshumenxia Pingzhangshi, responsible for all the government affairs of the court after I go on the expedition!"

With such a reward, he has already reached the highest position among the ministers, with immense power, the only thing missing from the title of king!
Zhao Kuangyin's move was not only an affirmation and cultivation of the eldest son, but also a delicate balance of the court situation.

The tension in Zhao Guangyi's heart fell, but he immediately realized that as the eldest son Zhao Dezhao gained so much status and power, his position and influence in the court would rise rapidly, and he would be able to do more things. This made him feel a little worried.

Just as his thoughts were flying, he looked up and happened to meet the eyes of his brother Zhao Kuangyin. There seemed to be a deep meaning in that look, which made Zhao Guangyi's heart tighten. He quickly bent down again and listened respectfully to what Zhao Kuangyin said next.

"My brother Guangyi, you have outstanding character and are steady in your work. You have made an indelible contribution to the growing prosperity of Bianliang City." Zhao Kuangyin's voice was calm and solemn. "Today, I will reward you for your merits and confer you the title of...King of Jin."

This sudden reward made Zhao Guangyi very happy. It was a perfect turn of events and a blessing from heaven!

Zhao Guangyi was a little confused, and looked up in surprise, but he saw that his brother did not look at him again, but only told the eunuch chief: "Zhang Dejun, draft the decree."

"According to the order."

Zhao Pu was also stunned. He didn't expect that the emperor did not confer the title of king on the eldest son, but instead conferred the title of king on Zhao Guangyi. Before today, the Song Dynasty had not had a prince, but now there is one, and it is Zhao Guangyi!
This made Zhao Pu a little confused for a moment, and he thought to himself: "Is the emperor trying to appease him, or is he trying to understand my thoughts?"

The Golden Palace became lively again. Many officials bowed to Zhao Guangyi and congratulated him, calling him "Long Live the Emperor".

Zhao Guangyi stood up and dealt with the officials' flattery on the surface, thinking: Is this my brother testing me, or is he trying to flatter me to death? I can't care so much. Although De Zhao was not crowned as a king, because he had no merit before, he was not worthy of being crowned as a king. He was given some status, which improved his prestige in the court and gave him some real power. And I am not at a loss, I finally have the title of a king. I will see what the future holds!