Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 17 is still a poor choice in the end.

Empress Wang harbored some unease and resentment.

Although the crown prince's robes didn't represent much, and Zhao Kuangyin hadn't issued an edict to establish Zhao'er as the crown prince, taking back the crown prince's robes would have a different meaning.

If this gets out, people will likely criticize it, thinking that the emperor has no intention of making his eldest son the heir, otherwise why would he take back the crown prince's robes?

Thinking of this, Empress Wang felt a pang of worry for Zhao Dezhao. Just as she was about to push open the door and say a few words for Zhao'er, Zhao Kuangyin's slightly deep voice came from inside the hall:

"Mother is absolutely right. Zhao'er is still young, and should indeed focus on diligent study and cultivating virtue..."

Upon hearing this, Empress Wang outside the door frowned even more deeply, but before she could step over the threshold, Zhao Kuangyin abruptly changed the subject:

"However, Mother, you may not know that on the day of the coup, in front of tens of thousands of imperial guards, your son and Zhao'er both donned double robes. This was an act of passionate support from the soldiers. If I were to take back the Crown Prince's robes without cause, it would be difficult to explain to the generals in the army."

Upon hearing this, Empress Wang's tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed, and even the corners of her mouth showed a gentle smile.

Zhao Guangyi's smile froze slightly, but quickly returned to normal.

"What kind of reason is that?"

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Du's face instantly darkened. She glanced at Zhao Kuangyin, and her tone softened slightly:

"Let me tell you, it's not that I don't like Zhao'er."

"However, Zhao'er is still young and should focus on his studies and be down-to-earth. It is not good for his growth to suddenly receive the crown prince's robes and become arrogant. If he really has the talent to govern the world in the future, then what is rightfully his will naturally be his."

"Therefore... in my opinion, it would be best to take back the Crown Prince's robes."

"Mother's plans for Zhao'er's long-term future are truly commendable. Your son thanks you on behalf of Zhao'er." Zhao Kuangyin's voice remained gentle and respectful, neither hurried nor slow, as he slowly spoke:

"That imperial robe is not a particularly important item, and I have not issued an edict to officially designate its status."

However, if we rashly take it back, I fear it might hurt Zhao'er's feelings, which is certainly not what Mother Empress would want.

After saying this, before Empress Dowager Du could speak, Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said again:

"Alright then, before Zhao'er gets married, this crown prince's robe will remain with him for the time being."

If he becomes lazy and unmanageable in the future, I will issue an edict to recall him on the day he is married. What do you think, Mother?

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Du frowned slightly. Zhao Kuangyin's answer was clearly not what she wanted. But just as she was about to speak, Empress Wang had already stepped over the threshold of Qingshou Palace.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects and wish you good health and a long and happy life."

Empress Wang gracefully bowed, then stood up, covered her mouth and nose, coughed violently a few times, and swayed slightly, looking as if she was about to fall.

Fortunately, Zhao Kuangyin, quick-witted and agile, immediately got up and helped his wife, then said gently, "How could you be so careless? You have a cold, don't hurt yourself."

"Cough cough... Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, I am fine... cough cough."

As she spoke, Empress Wang secretly glanced at Zhao Kuangyin.

Their eyes met, and a silent understanding instantly arose between them.

"You still say you're fine? Guards, take the Empress to see the imperial physician!"

With that, Zhao Kuangyin looked apologetically at Empress Dowager Du: "Mother, the Empress is unwell, so I shall take my leave now."

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Du felt a surge of irritation, but knowing that this matter could not be forced for the time being, she could only wave her hand and say with annoyance:

"Go away, go away..."

Watching the two figures leave, Zhao Guangyi's expression shifted several times, changing between light and dark, before finally returning to normal.

……

Meanwhile, Zhao Dezhao, who was in the sedan chair, was naturally unaware of what was happening in the Qingshou Palace.

He's in a really good mood right now.

Since the mutiny, Zhao Kuangyin neither bestowed any honors upon him nor took back the crown prince's robes, clearly intending to test and observe him.

In other words, that crown prince's robe was both a reward for himself and a silent signal to the court.

As long as he performs reasonably well in the future, the crown prince's robes will naturally be draped over his body.

As a father, unless his son was truly incapable of shouldering the heavy responsibility, why wouldn't Zhao Kuangyin want his son to inherit his family business?

In the original history, Zhao Kuangyin's early reliance on Zhao Guangyi was actually just to consolidate the foundation of the country. In addition, Zhao Kuangyin personally led troops on many expeditions, which is why he sent his trusted younger brother to Kaifeng.

In this way, if something unexpected happens to Zhao Kuangyin during his personal campaign, the Song dynasty will not repeat the mistakes of the Later Zhou dynasty.

After observing his father for several days, Zhao Dezhao naturally understood all of this.

That's why he felt comfortable directing the whole "crown prince robe" show, because he knew Zhao Kuangyin wouldn't be angry about it.

Parents everywhere, especially those who are sentimental like Zhao Kuangyin, would naturally side with their son.

As for why Zhao Dezhao in the original history was not ultimately made crown prince, it all boils down to one word.

dish!

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

While I was still in a daze, the eunuch's slightly high-pitched voice came from outside the carriage.

Zhao Dezhao lifted the bright yellow lotus-embroidered sedan chair curtain and saw the eunuch who had been sent to serve him kneeling in front of the carriage, lying on the ground with his buttocks sticking out.

Zhao Dezhao frowned immediately: "What are you doing?"

The eunuch hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please step on my foot to get out of the carriage, so you don't get your shoes dirty."

Zhao Dezhao remained silent, walked around the eunuch, and jumped down from the sedan chair.

"With me, there's no need for that."

Upon hearing this, the eunuch was terrified, but he was also quite perceptive and knew that he had displeased His Highness. He quickly stood up and followed cautiously behind him, not daring to say a word.

Because of the lessons learned from the Tang Dynasty, emperors of each dynasty during the Five Dynasties period were wary of eunuchs, which led to the eunuchs becoming increasingly lowly and despised.

Although Zhao Dezhao was unaware of these things, he had no intention of arguing with this eunuch.

He looked up at the Imperial Library.

The Imperial Library, later known as the Secret Library, was the emperor's private library, and even princes were not allowed to enter without an imperial edict.

Because it contains the world's most precious books, unique copies, imperial documents, and rare editions collected from the public.

The pavilion is three stories high, with a solemn and majestic structure that exudes royal grandeur.

As for the Zishan Hall, which was used exclusively for the princes' studies, it was only established during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, so Zhao Dezhao was not fortunate enough to enjoy it.

However, according to the rules, the teacher should have come to his study to serve him, but for his first lesson, he had to come to the Imperial Library to find the teacher himself, which made Zhao Dezhao curious.

Who on earth is this person who has such great influence?

"Greetings, Your Highness."

The gatekeeper in charge of guarding the Imperial Library stepped forward and bowed.

"Lead the way."

"Yes, Your Highness... Stop right there! Eunuchs are not allowed in!"

The gatekeeper looked at the eunuch following behind Zhao Dezhao, his eyes revealing no trace of disgust.

The eunuch quickly said with a forced smile, "Your Highness, I'll wait for you outside."

Zhao Dezhao glanced at the gatekeeper, who was all smiles and respectful.

He smiled and found it quite amusing.

The gatekeeper led Zhao Dezhao into the Imperial Library. Stepping into the Imperial Library felt like entering another world, where the hustle and bustle of the world was shut out.

A strong scent of ink and brush wafts towards you.

Zhao Dezhao subconsciously slowed his steps and climbed the steps, eventually being led to the top floor.

"Your Highness, the master is waiting for you inside."

Zhao Dezhao pushed open the door and saw a middle-aged scholar with a solemn and dignified expression standing before the desk, bowing respectfully to Zhao Dezhao.

"Your subject Zhao Pu greets Your Highness!"