Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 142 Zhao Guangyi, Go Explode!

Chapter 142 Zhao Guangyi, Explode Yourself (Part Two)

After a moment's thought, Zhao Kuangyin guessed who the "scoundrel" his son Zhao Dezhao was referring to was.

Normally, when he received the report of this rumor, his first suspect would have been his own younger brother, Zhao Guangyi!

Indeed, that is exactly the case.

At first, Zhao Kuangyin did think that even if the person who spread this rumor was not Zhao Guangyi, he was still related to Zhao Guangyi!

However, after Zhao Dezhao's audience, Zhao Kuangyin had a doubt in his heart, and it was this doubt that made him test Zhao Dezhao.

What is called a doubt is actually a flaw.

Zhao Dezhao had learned about the witchcraft from Zhang Dejun several days ago, but he waited until today to go to the palace to explain, and it just so happened that the rumors were just starting to spread.

Logically speaking, Zhao Dezhao should have immediately entered the palace to pay homage to Zhang Dejun the moment he received the message, and stated his innocence.

That is why Zhao Kuangyin suspected that the rumor was spread by Zhao Dezhao.

However, Zhao Dezhao's candid actions did indeed dispel almost all of the few doubts he had left.

But he never expected that Zhao Dezhao would suspect that Zhao Guangyi was behind the Zhang Quhua case.

"Your third uncle is not such a despicable person—"

Zhao Kuangyin subconsciously shook his head in denial, then hesitated and said, "Perhaps it's some aristocratic families who are resisting the new imperial examination policy, who knows?"

.

"Father, are you joking?" Zhao Dezhao scoffed, "If they were to resist the new imperial examination policy, they would certainly use it to their advantage. But Zhang Quhua's so-called unfairness in the imperial examinations is simply not worth investigating!"

"On the day I crossed out Zhang Quhua's exam paper, dozens of officials from the Ministry of Rites and renowned scholars who reviewed the papers were present and can all testify. If the person behind this was able to bribe Liu Rang, how could they not understand this point?"

"Yet he still had Zhang Quhua file a complaint with the Emperor, citing unfairness in the imperial examinations—his real intentions were not what they seemed!"

"What he wants is for Father to inform me, so that Zhang Quhua will utter that 'monster'!"

"This clearly shows that his goal is not the new policies at all, but rather your son!"

"That's why he went on to use all sorts of methods to solidify my reputation as a 'monster' and a 'witchcraft master,' because his goal from beginning to end was to kill me!"

Zhao Dezhao paused, then looked steadily at his father and said, "If this matter is truly confirmed, I will certainly have no chance of becoming the crown prince. Then I would like to ask Father, who will you appoint as the crown prince?"

This blunt question startled Zhao Kuangyin slightly, and he then fell silent.

Putting everything else aside, at least one thing Zhao Dezhao said is correct.

If Zhao Dezhao cannot become the crown prince, he will definitely support his younger brother Zhao Guangyi; this is inevitable.

Zhao Defang was too young to assume the great responsibility, and he did not want the Song Dynasty to end up with a young ruler and a suspicious state.

"What you say makes sense, but these are not enough to conclude that your third uncle was responsible for this."

After a moment's thought, Zhao Kuangyin shook his head. "You are, after all, the eldest son of the Song Dynasty. Naturally, countless people want to bring you down. Spies from the surrounding states and former officials in the court are all capable of doing this."

After a pause, Zhao Kuangyin added confidently, "Your third uncle is an upright and kind person; he is not the kind of person who would do such a thing."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao sighed and rubbed his forehead, but he wasn't too surprised by Zhao Kuangyin's answer.

Zhao Er was such a master of disguise that even on his deathbed, Zhao Da still trusted him completely.

Yes.

Based on just a few words, who would believe that the once "open and gentle" Zhao Er would later commit acts of killing his brother, nephew, and younger brother, and even driving his own son insane?

"Father, it's not difficult to find out if this was done by Third Uncle."

Suppressing his many emotions, Zhao Dezhao patiently explained, "If this was done by Third Uncle, I suspect that he will definitely go to court to plead his innocence. If necessary, he might even put forward a scapegoat to take the blame and clear his own name."

This is actually not hard to guess.

Throughout the entire incident, Zhao Dezhao was the only one who understood the situation, compared to Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi.

From Zhao Guangyi's perspective, once the rumors started, he couldn't possibly remain calm and would definitely try to clear his name.

However, if he wanted to completely clear his name, Zhao Guangyi had no other choice but to cut his losses and save himself.

That's why Zhao Dezhao was so certain.

"Zhao'er, you're thinking too lowly of your third uncle."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin frowned slightly, his tone tinged with displeasure: "Your third uncle is still bedridden and cannot even attend the morning court session—"

But before he could finish speaking, a palace attendant's voice rang out from outside the Chui Gong Hall: "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Taiyuan requests an audience."

Zhao Kuangyin was slightly taken aback, and subconsciously glanced at Zhao Dezhao, his eyes showing some surprise.

Zhao Dezhao had barely finished speaking when Zhao Guangyi arrived? What a coincidence!

Zhao Dezhao was also somewhat surprised, and couldn't help but smile, cupping his hands and saying, "Father, whether what I said is true or false will be known once we test it. I will now withdraw to avoid suspicion."

Zhao Kuangyin remained silent for a moment, then subconsciously tightened his grip on the jade axe in his hand, before slowly loosening it again.

After giving the jade axe to Zhao Dezhao, he still couldn't get used to it, so he ordered someone to make another one so he could carry it with him.

"Go."

Zhao Dezhao bowed and slowly retreated to the side hall behind the screen.

"Announcing the Marquis of Taiyuan," Zhao Kuangyin said expressionlessly.

"Cough—cough cough cough—"

A violent coughing sound came from outside the hall. Then, Zhao Guangyi covered his mouth and walked unsteadily into the hall.

His face was pale, and he looked as if he had been ill for a long time. Even his bowing was done with great difficulty: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhao Guangyi gently. "Tingyi, you've been suffering from a cold for several days. Why aren't you resting at home?"

"Brother!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi suddenly knelt down with a thud, saying, "This concerns my brother's innocence, and I am truly anxious. Even though I am ill, how could I dare to be negligent!"

"Innocence?" Zhao Kuangyin murmured, then feigned sudden realization and asked, "Are you talking about that rumor?"

"Indeed!" Zhao Guangyi's face showed anger: "Your Majesty, you are wise! Those rumors not only slander Zhao'er, accusing her of plotting to harm you through witchcraft, but also secretly implicate me, attempting to ruin our royal family's reputation! Their intentions are despicable!"

Having said that, he bowed deeply to the ground again, his voice choked with emotion: "I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and clear my name, Zhao'er's and my name!"

Why bother?

Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand, his expression showing no sign of change: "We've been brothers for many years, and I certainly trust you. However, I do have a question I'd like to ask you—"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi's heart skipped a beat, but he showed no sign of it on his face. He simply said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please ask whatever you wish. I will answer whatever I know."

"In the past, I was often away from home and neglected to discipline Zhao'er. On the contrary, you were often by Zhao'er's side. In terms of understanding him, you, his uncle, are better than I, his father."

"Therefore, I'd like to ask you something—"

1

Zhao Kuangyin paused, leaned forward slightly, looked directly into Zhao Guangyi's eyes, and said, word by word, "Do you think this so-called witchcraft was actually done by Zhao'er?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi, who was kneeling on the ground, was suddenly jolted.