novelSusiti Chapter 143 Zhao Guangyi, Go Explode!
Chapter 143 Zhao Guangyi, Go Explode!
Chapter 143 Zhao Guangyi, Explode Yourself (Part 3)
In an instant, Zhao Guangyi's mind was in turmoil, with countless thoughts flashing through his mind.
Is Your Majesty testing us on purpose, or is he truly suspicious of Zhao Dezhao?
Judging from his expression, he didn't seem to be faking it, and besides, his elder brother had always trusted him, perhaps—
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Zhao Guangyi was suddenly startled. He quickly composed himself, bowed, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the witchcraft accusation is utter nonsense!"
He slowly raised his head, his eyes brimming with just the right amount of sincerity and honesty.
"I've watched Zhao'er grow up since he was a child. Although some of his recent actions have made him seem somewhat unfamiliar to me, but—"
After a feigned pause, Zhao Guangyi added, "But Zhao'er's nature remains unchanged; she is still as kind and benevolent as ever. The matter of witchcraft must be a frame-up by villains. I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly!"
"A villain's scheme—"
Looking at the genuine expression in Zhao Guangyi's eyes, Zhao Kuangyin pondered for a moment, then slowly descended the imperial steps, saying as he walked, "By the way, you just said that Zhao'er has seemed somewhat unfamiliar to you lately? What do you mean by that?"
"As the saying goes, 'A scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days of separation.'"
Zhao Guangyi maintained his bowing posture and respectfully said, "Initially, in my impression, Zhao'er was just a kind and gentle child. But the battle of Yangzhou, the discussion of military affairs at the tea stall, and now the new policy of the imperial examination, these successive events have truly made me look at him in a new light."
"Zhao'er is only eleven or thirteen years old, yet he has such unique insights and decisiveness. Even if you search through all the official records, only Gan Luo of Qin can compare with him."
"Your Majesty, I am naturally surprised and bewildered by Zhao'er's transformation, but I am even more genuinely happy for him, and even more so for you, my brother."
I rejoice for the prosperity of our Great Song Dynasty!
Finally, adopting the demeanor of an elder, he added, "Therefore, your younger brother risked his life to remonstrate with me. Your Majesty, please do not doubt Zhao'er. Zhao'er is not the kind of person who would use witchcraft."
Upon hearing these words, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Looking at his younger brother, who was so respectful he was almost humble, he was momentarily unable to fathom his thoughts.
Was this a case of flattery to kill—or did it truly come from the bottom of his heart?
He could naturally tell that Zhao Guangyi's words were indeed praising Zhao Dezhao's intelligence at a young age, but in reality, they were also intentionally or unintentionally telling him that Zhao Dezhao had changed a lot.
How could a child who was previously just "honest and simple" suddenly develop such a clever mind and outstanding insight in just one year?
Isn't this matter worthy of suspicion?
So what was Zhao Guangyi's true intention in deliberately bringing this up?
Zhao Kuangyin pondered for a moment, then reached out and took Zhao Guangyi's hand, leading him to sit down on a chair nearby. Following up on his words, he slowly said, "It's not that I doubt Zhao'er, but as you said, since I ascended the throne, Zhao'er has indeed changed quite a bit—"
"I naturally don't believe in ghosts and gods, but I can't help but have some concerns. Tingyi—do you have any way to dispel this doubt for me?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and his heart began to pound uncontrollably.
He was still wondering whether Zhao Kuangyin was testing him by asking those questions, or whether he truly had some suspicions about Zhao Dezhao.
To be honest, if his own offspring had undergone such a dramatic change in a short period of time, he would also have been filled with doubt.
Then what about my elder brother—doesn't he know how to do it?
Furthermore, if his elder brother truly suspected him, given his temperament, he would have been furious long ago, probably pounding the ground with his jade axe. Why would he be holding his hand so gently?
Since that's the case—let's just take a gamble!
Thinking of this, Zhao Guangyi gritted his teeth and feigned fear, saying, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, how dare I speak recklessly? However—I do know someone who might be able to dispel Your Majesty's doubts."
"Oh? Who is it?" Zhao Kuangyin's face was expressionless.
"Fuyaozi, Chen Tuan!" Zhao Guangyi immediately said, "Master Chen Tuan is an unparalleled master in this world. He is well-versed in the study of the Daoist scriptures and is also skilled in physiognomy and divination. His Daoist methods are unfathomable."
"Your Majesty, I have just learned that Daoist Chen Tuan recently traveled to the capital and has not yet left. Since Your Majesty has doubts, why not summon Daoist Chen Tuan to the palace to dispel your doubts?"
"Old Daoist Chen?" Zhao Kuangyin exclaimed softly, "When did he arrive in the capital? I had no idea."
"Your Majesty, I learned of this by chance," Zhao Guangyi said respectfully.
"In that case—I'll trouble you, Tingyi." Zhao Kuangyin gave Zhao Guangyi a deep look and added, "This matter is of great importance, and I don't trust anyone else. I can only ask you to take care of it and bring Master Chen into the palace for a talk."
"Your subject obeys."
Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's words, Zhao Guangyi finally felt relieved.
He was now absolutely certain that his elder brother must have become suspicious of Zhao Dezhao's recent changes!
It seems that the previous plan needs to be slightly changed.
Zhao Guangyi's mind raced with thoughts, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply stood up, bowed once more, and then hurriedly left.
After Zhao Guangyi left, Zhao Kuangyin fell silent. He did not summon Zhao Dezhao, who was in the side hall, but slowly walked to the dragon throne and sat down, as if he was thinking about something.
After a moment, he beckoned to Zhao Dezhao, saying, "Zhao'er, come out."
Zhao Dezhao walked out from behind the side hall, feeling slightly nervous.
He had heard everything Zhao Guangyi said clearly from beginning to end. He asked himself honestly, if he were in Zhao Kuangyin's shoes, would he also have some doubts about himself?
This is human nature.
However, he had already prepared a story that would dispel Zhao Kuangyin's suspicions. But just as he was about to speak, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly beckoned him: "Zhao'er, come here."
Zhao Dezhao hesitated for a moment, then walked toward Zhao Kuangyin, but stopped in front of the imperial steps.
Further up is where the dragon throne is located.
Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin simply beckoned again: "Zhao'er, come up here."
Zhao Dezhao shook his head firmly: "Father, I'm fine here."
"Come up here." Zhao Kuangyin's tone became even more forceful. "Don't you even listen to your father anymore?"
this----
Zhao Dezhao looked at his father, still not understanding what he meant, but after hesitating for a moment, he finally replied, "Yes."
He stepped onto the God's steps.
In ancient times, nine was considered the ultimate number, and the imperial rank was based on the number nine-nine, symbolizing the highest honor in the world, because at its end was the dragon throne that bore the weight of life and death over all living beings!
After Zhao Dezhao climbed the nine steps, he finally arrived in front of Zhao Kuangyin, just one step away from the dragon throne.
Zhao Kuangyin slowly stood up, his imposing figure slightly shifting to make way for the dragon throne behind him. He then stretched out his hand, pointed to the empty throne, and said to Zhao Dezhao in a calm yet unquestionable tone, "Zhao'er, sit down."
Zhao Dezhao was shocked and froze on the spot, his eyes filled with disbelief and astonishment.
What is Father Emperor up to?