Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

Because Yelu Geba of the Liao Kingdom invited Defang to be an envoy to the Liao Kingdom, but at this time Defang's old injury relapsed, so Zhenzong was also very embarrassed, and called Kou Zhun, "Prime Minister, now the old brother's injury has recurred, it is very serious, What should I do if I can’t go to Liao Kingdom as an envoy?”

"Your Majesty, Brother Yelu is on good terms with the prince, so it is grand to send a special envoy to the court to invite him. However, the prince's old injury has relapsed, and now he needs to reply truthfully to the envoy before sending someone to go."

"Brother Yelu is inviting the emperor's brother, and it's a big event for Liao's mother's birthday. If there is a replacement, who is more suitable?"

Kou Zhun thought for a while, "Your Majesty, I feel that it is very suitable for Tuiguan of Kaifeng Mansion, Prince Zhongyun, and Sun Zhiji Xianyuan to be the envoys of Liao's mother's birthday."

"Sun only?" Zhenzong asked, "Why?"

"Your Majesty, do you still remember Zhi Zhi Gao Sun He?"

"Of course" Zhenzong sighed, "I was the first in the Song Dynasty to win three yuan in a row. It's a pity that I died young and died of illness a few years ago."

"Yes, Your Majesty, Sun Zhi is Sun He's younger brother. The two won the number one prize one after another. They were well-known in the local area. Sun He, like his brother, is a capable official. He is strict with himself in doing things, and he is generous and modest. He was praised by many people, and he was often invited to the palace to discuss affairs, appreciate articles, and discuss Confucianism. Sun Zhi was once a student of the emperor who had been examined by the prince, so he later became a distinguished guest of the palace."

"So that's how it is." Zhenzong nodded, "I understand Prime Minister Kou's intentions. Sun Weiwei is a student of the emperor who has passed the examination of the emperor's brother. I will use this identity to go as an invitation from Brother Yelv."

"Yes, Your Majesty"

"Okay, then send Sun Zhi to go. Tomorrow morning, I will order Sun Wei to go to the Liao Kingdom for his birthday." Zhenzong thought for a while, "There is also the matter of Wei Xu, and Prime Minister Kou recommended him to be in charge of setting up the discussion field." For one thing, now that the emperor is seriously ill, it might be inappropriate to send him there again?"

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness still needs to go on this trip, and Yeluge Ba is also in charge of the discussion. His Highness is the best candidate. If His Royal Highness knows that His Royal Highness can fulfill the imperial order, he will be pleased."

"Hey" Zhenzong sighed, "Wei Xu, will he be willing?"

"Your Majesty can rest assured that I am willing to go to the Nanqing Palace to convey the Holy Will."

"Well, that's fine. The prime minister has to ask carefully. If Wei Xu is unwilling, I will never force him. After all, Wei Xu is the eldest son of the emperor, so it is reasonable to stay in the mansion."

"Yes, Your Majesty" Kou Zhun left the palace and came to the Nanqing Palace, and told Concubine Di and Weixu about the matter, Weixu said, "Prime Minister, now my father is seriously ill, how can I leave?"

"Your Highness" Kou Zhun said, "The establishment of the forum is a major event for both countries. It is of great benefit to both the country and the people. Your Highness, you are the best candidate. If you can go there, you will surely fulfill the emperor's order."

"Prime Minister, I am the eldest son of my father and king. It would be unfilial to leave Beijing at this time."

"Your Highness, since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety cannot be fulfilled. What Your Highness has to do is a major matter for the family and the country. If the prince knows, he will definitely agree with His Highness to go."

"But the prime minister..."

"Xu'er," Concubine Di said, "just listen to the prime minister. Although...my mother is reluctant to let you leave the capital, but...the prime minister is right. If your father knows, he will definitely agree."

"Mother, but the child still needs to take care of you and father."

"Xu'er, there are national experts and imperial doctors in the house, so don't worry." Concubine Di was not in a good mood because she had not slept for many days, and her eyes were a little red and swollen, so she said slowly, "Your father will be fine. Wait for you When you come back, your father will definitely be as good as before."