Thirty-eight Daytime Brocade Hall

  In the eleventh month of the first year of Jingkang, just before and after the return of Yue Fei's five brothers to Xiangzhou, the Jin army crossed the Yellow River in two routes, east and west. The Song court was shocked, and under the predicament of having no troops available, it once again resorted to the trick of "seeking peace".

  On November 19, Zhao Gou and his entourage arrived in Xiangzhou, dusty and nervous. The current governor of the state, Wang Boyan, led troops to welcome them and escorted Zhao Gou into the government office.

  At that time, the Song Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and everyone was in danger. In the face of great danger, true heroes would naturally stand out, while hypocritical villains would reveal their true colors. Wang Boyan was one such coward who feared death. As a local leader, he did not fulfill his duties like his predecessor Wang Jing, but instead thought only of how to escape with his life if the Jin army attacked again. The arrival of Emperor Gaozong of Song brought a sense of relief to Wang Boyan, and he began to think of ways to grasp this lifeline.

  Zhao Gou was twenty years old at the time, originally born with a strong and handsome appearance, but now he had a gloomy look on his face. It turned out that after Zhao Gou witnessed the massacre at Mǎo Tuó Gang, he became timid and never wanted to return to the Golden Camp again, which was like a hellish abyss. This time, he came to seek peace under imperial order, and it was indeed an imperial decree that could not be disobeyed.

  Arriving at the provincial government's main hall, Zhao Gou and Wang Boyan eyed each other suspiciously, both harboring ulterior motives.

  Wang Boyan respectfully said: "The nine kings, Wu Liji has already crossed the river with Li Guo, and I fear that we will not be able to catch up. I humbly request that the nine kings temporarily stay in Xiangzhou to deliberate on a long-term plan."

  Wang Boyan's intention was to grasp King Kang as a straw, which could be advanced or retreated, and once escaped, there would also be a justifiable reason.

  Zhao Gou had his own plan: "Having received the order to seek peace, I dare not stop halfway."

  Wang Boyan saw that Zhao Gou was not taking the bait, so he arranged a sumptuous banquet to entertain him. He also learned from the attendants of Kang Wang that he was quite lustful, and specially found several high-class courtesans to accompany him.

  The delicious food was in front of him, but Zhao Gou had no heart to enjoy it. After all, his life was the most important thing. He took a short rest and then rushed northward, heading straight for Ci Prefecture. The direction he took was opposite to that of the Jin army's retreat. Zhao Gou's intention to escape by disguising himself as an envoy was clear as day.

  He didn't want to, but Zong Ze was a straightforward and unyielding old minister who believed that Wang Yun, the Minister of Justice who served as Zhao Gou's deputy envoy, had private dealings with the Jin people and allowed the commoners to kill Wang Yun.

  Zhao Gou was frightened by Zong Ze, and then he thought of Wang Boyan's goodness. He rushed back to Xiangzhou overnight and entered the city at dawn. When Wang Boyan received the news, he was overjoyed and hastily came out to meet him without even putting on his official boots. He decided to flatter Prince Kang and make sure to grasp this rare treasure in his hands.

  The second time walking on the bluestone street in Xiangzhou, Zhao Gou had a chance to pay attention to this state city. The city wall was about ten miles long, with a main street running from north to south through the city gate and the government office, which was quite wide. Along the street, wine houses and tea houses stood in great numbers, making it quite prosperous.

  Zhao Gou rode a big horse, surrounded by the crowd, and vaguely regained the feeling of being a prince in the past. With a proud tone, he said: "Prime Minister Wang, I've long heard that there's a Dawujing Hall built by King Han Wei here, which is one of the four major gardens of our Great Song Dynasty. When will you take me to see it?"

  Wang Boyan smiled and said, "This is easy. The Dayu Pavilion is adjacent to the provincial government office and can be seen at any time. However, the Dayu Pavilion also has a treasure that is not easily shown to people. Is the Ninth King interested?"

  "What treasure?" Zhao Gou didn't think much of it, he was born into the imperial family, what treasure hadn't he seen before.

  Wang Boyan, riding a thin horse assigned by the imperial court, rode alongside Zhao Gou, his face flattering and his voice low, saying: "Ninth Prince, this is a living treasure. You must have heard in the capital that 'one should be a man like Han Weigong, and one should marry a wife like Han Jiu'. This Han Jiu is the great-great-granddaughter of Han Weigong, looking like an immortal, with literary talent, but her vision is very high. She is already 19 years old this year and is still waiting for marriage in her boudoir. She just returned from the capital a few days ago, perhaps she has fate with the Ninth Prince?"

  "Jiǔér?" Zhao Gou muttered this name, and his eyebrows involuntarily rose, a sign that he had been stirred by lust.

  That night, the Han Mansion's Dayu Hall was brightly lit, with everyone bustling about. This was because of a noble guest who had arrived - none other than Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou. The host, Han Xiaolong, stood at the gate early on, accompanied by his two sons, Han Xie and Han Bin, eagerly awaiting the guest's arrival.

  Han Xiaozong, who had been idle for a long time, originally lived in the capital with his children. However, when the Jin army invaded again, its momentum was overwhelming, and even the emperor's feet were not safe. He then returned to his hometown to avoid the storm, coincidentally taking the same path as Zhao Gou, who was secretly escaping on a diplomatic mission.

  Before long, Zhao Gou arrived with Wang Boyan, followed by Wang's trusted general Liu Hao, who led 200 soldiers to guard him. Although the Dayu Hall was just next to the prefectural government office, it didn't need such a big deployment, but this move was very much in line with Zhao Gou's wishes, with safety being the top priority.

  Zhao Gou had changed into a new set of clothes, wearing a purple silk robe with a pattern of flowers, a purple sandalwood crown on his head, and a pink gold flower pinned to the side of his hair, looking elegant and refined. Wang Boyan also took off his official uniform and wore casual attire.

  Arriving at the front of Du Jin Tang, Liu Hao gave a single order and those two hundred soldiers immediately dispersed in a circle, standing along the wall with knives and guns in hand, as if facing a great enemy.

  Han Xiao and his son saw the noble guest arriving, they walked in big strides, hastily rushing forward, performing the most solemn courtesy: "The Ninth King and Wang Xiang Gong have arrived at our humble abode, bringing glory to our thatched cottage, my father and I should serve with the diligence of dogs and horses."

  With his keen sense of smell for officialdom, Han Xiaozong sensed that this King Kang Zhao Gou might be the mountain he could rely on to revive his career, and at this time, like Wang Boyan, he also had the idea of grabbing onto this big tree.

  Zhao Gou burst out laughing: "Lord Han, no need for excessive courtesy. Tonight's visit to your esteemed residence is not about discussing state affairs, but purely for amusement."

  Han Xie and Han Bin, the two brothers standing behind their father, looked at each other in horror. The Khitan army was pressing in on the borders, and yet this King Kang, who had been ordered to seek peace, still had the leisure to indulge in frivolous amusements - wasn't he bringing ruin to the country?

  Wang Boyan also felt that Zhao Gou's words were not suitable, and he mediated by saying: "The ninth king has risked his life to seek peace for the country, and has braved the dangers of wind and dust on the road. It is rare for him to rest in our Xiangzhou, so it should be allowed."

  Han Xiao also being an old hand in officialdom, observed the expressions and said: "What Minister Wang has said is extremely right. As for ourselves, father and son, dare we not strive to serve the Nine Great Kings with all our might, and fulfill our duty as subjects to His Majesty?"

  A group of people entered the spacious and luxurious main hall, Wang and Han vying with each other to show their respect. As the host, Han Xiaoqu naturally took advantage of his position and asked Zhao Gou to take the seat of honor. The Han family father and son and Wang Boyan sat down as hosts and guests, each with a small table in front of them. Then Han Xiaoqu ordered: "Serve tea."

  The Xiangzhou Han family was once one of the most prestigious families in the Song Dynasty, and although they are not as prosperous as before, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse. This dinner party can be said to be extremely luxurious, with local delicacies, specialties, and fine wines from Xiangzhou all being presented.

  Zhao Gou was delighted and forgot his worries, gazing brazenly at the maids serving tea and meals in the Han Mansion. For a moment, he became arrogant and forgot himself: "Lord Han, with delicious food and fine wine before us, how can we not have music and dance to accompany them?"

  Zhao Gou's words were not unreasonable, as it was said that the wealthy families of Han would certainly keep song girls to entertain them with music and beauty. Unexpectedly, Han Xiaoji's face turned difficult: "The Ninth King, Xiangzhou has experienced war and chaos, and my humble family fled to the capital to avoid disaster, leaving Huajin Hall empty for a long time. As a result, our household musicians were dispersed early on, and these rough serving maids currently in use do not know how to sing or dance, which would disappoint the Ninth King's enthusiasm."

  Zhao Gou smiled and said, "No matter, no matter. Since there is no music or dance to entertain us, let's compose poems to liven things up. I've long heard that Lord Han has a daughter named Han Jiu'er, whose literary talent and charm surpass those of men. Why not invite her out to meet us?"

  Han Xiao's expression changed slightly, this King Kang had always been notorious for his debauchery, rumors spread that he would sleep with any woman every night, could it be that he actually had designs on his own daughter? If I had known earlier, I should have invited a few courtesans over.

  Han Xie and Han Bin, the two brothers, looked even more furious. Zhao Gou's request for his younger sister to come out and keep him company was really too much.

  Wang Boyan, however, knew that he was the one who had triggered the trouble. He turned his eyes and coughed, interrupting to say: "Lord Han, since the Ninth King has such a refined interest, it's only natural to appreciate the thousand pieces of gold in your esteemed mansion. It won't hurt to show them off, let's just consider it as an exchange of poetry among friends."

  Han Xiao's forehead was sweating, and he made a difficult choice between his official career and his beloved daughter. He gritted his teeth, thinking that one can't have both fish and bear's paw, and forced out a smile: "Little girl Jiu Ge Niang has been favored by the great king, I should be grateful to tears, let her come out to see the guests."

  Han Xiaoqiu finished speaking, beckoned a maid over and whispered a few words in her ear. Then he raised his cup to toast the wine, expressing his loyalty: "The Ninth King has won the hearts of the people, and it is our family's great honor that father and son can follow him closely. Let us drink up this cup of wine."

  Han Xie and Han Bin, two brothers, although dissatisfied with their father's actions, put filial piety first and could only follow suit in raising their cups.

  Zhao Gou saw Han Xiaolong coming to greet him, his face beaming with joy: "Good, good, come on, let's all work together!"

  Wang Boyan didn't want Han Xiaolou to steal the spotlight, so he suggested: "Since Ninth Sister is not arriving that quickly, why don't we compose a poem to pass the time while waiting? Let's ask Ninth Brother to be the judge and come up with a topic."

  Zhao Gou lost his mind and perfunctorily said: "Lord Wang, let Jiuniang do this official business when she arrives. For now, please ask Lord Han to temporarily take over."

  Wang Boyan was publicly humiliated by Zhao Gong, feeling both resentful and jealous in his heart, wishing he could also have a good daughter. However, Han Xiaolong forced himself to be spirited: "Let's first take turns reciting ancient seven-character poems, with no mouth radicals allowed at the beginning of each line. Anyone who makes a mistake will be penalized one cup of wine. The poem starts with 'Ice bed silver dream not yet formed'."

  This is the poem "Yao Se Yuan" written by Tang Dynasty poet Wen Tingyun, the full poem is: "Ice bed silver dream not yet formed, green sky like water night cloud light. Goose sound far away from Xiao Xiang go, twelve building in the moon itself bright", the whole poem does not have a single mouth radical, considered passed.

  The couplet is a specialty of the literati. Each person only says one sentence, and if the listener cannot recite the entire poem, they will be looked down upon.

  The rules of etiquette dictate that the elder be respected first, and next in line is Zhao Gou. Although this prince's heart was not in it, he was indeed a man of both literary and military talents. He casually said, "You see, six pieces of Southern Dynasty affairs!"

  "How wonderful! This is Wei Zhuang's 'Jinling Picture': 'Who says that a heart-wrenching painting cannot be completed? The painter's heart follows the emotions of the world. You see, in six scenes of Southern Dynasty affairs, old trees and cold clouds fill the ancient city.' Only someone with the status of the Ninth Great King can recite such a poem with an air of overlooking the world." Wang Boyan showed off his own knowledge while also flattering Zhao Gou, then it was his turn to take orders. He shook his head and nodded, saying: "Last night, the wind opened the peach blossoms at the well."

  "Your Excellency, the Prefect, 'Last night the wind opened the well of peach blossoms, and the moon was high in front of the palace. The new favorite of Pingyang's song and dance, outside the curtain, the spring chill bestowed a brocade robe.' Although this excellent work by Wang Changling has no mouth throughout, the title 'Spring Palace Tune' contains two mouth characters, what should be done?"

  Zhao Gou also burst out laughing: "Haha, Wang Xianggong is so preoccupied with the tail that he forgets about the head. He deserves to be punished, he deserves to be punished."

  Wang Boyan's old face turned red with shame, and he repeatedly raised his cup: "Ashamed, ashamed, I'll punish myself with two cups."

  Han Fu's mansion, Han Xie was a kind and generous person, so he deliberately accompanied Wang Boyan, reciting: "Every morning, horse whip and sword ring."

  Wang Boyan indeed picked out the mistake: "Heh heh, Da Ya Nei, this poem 'Zheng Ren Yuan' by Liu Zhongyong: 'Year after year, the Golden River returns to the Jade Pass, morning after morning, horse whip and sword hilt. Three springs of white snow return to the green tomb, ten thousand miles of Yellow River surround the black mountain.' also has two mouth radicals, come with old man."

  Han Xie smiled slightly and downed two cups of wine. Han Xiaoqu nodded his head in approval, secretly praising his eldest son for knowing how to give people an out. Zhao Gong, on the other hand, was getting restless, clearly unable to wait any longer for the beauty.

  Han Bin also knew his brother's intention, but he couldn't stand Wang Boyan's flattering attitude and was even more dissatisfied with Zhao Gou's neglect of state affairs. He deliberately recited the entire poem: "Smoke envelops the cold water, moonlight envelops the sand, Night mooring at Qinhuai near a wine house. The merchant girl doesn't know the sorrow of losing her country, Across the river, she still sings 'The Flower'. Ah, this contains three mouth characters, I'll punish myself with three cups."

  Wang Boyan's face changed color, and Han Xiaolong also sank in his heart. This is Du Mu's "Mooring on the Qinhuai River", satirizing those in power for misleading the country, and officials who are drunk with life and death, with a sharp head pointing directly at the people present.

  "How dare you!" With Zhao Gou's intelligence, how could he not hear the sarcasm in Han Bin's words? His eyes narrowed, and with a slap on the table, a murderous intent flashed.

  Suddenly, a clear and crisp sound like silver bell came over: "Qiwang's mansion is often seen, Cui Jiudian's front door has been heard several times. It's the good scenery of Jiangnan, and the season of falling flowers meets you again. The Ninth King, Wang Xianggong, Hanfu Xiaojiu is late, and he punishes himself with a cup!"

  Zhao Gou suddenly shook, throwing away his murderous intention. His gaze shifted to the source of the sound, and behind the five-colored silk screen, a young man with a bun on his head and white clothes fluttering appeared, leaving Zhao Gou stunned.

  But then she saw Han Jiu'er, dressed in a white shirt with a scholar's characteristic style, her face as smooth as jade, her lips painted red, her eyes sparkling brightly, and her movements were no different from those of a man. She walked into the main hall, followed the scholar's etiquette, bowed slightly, and sat down at the prepared seat, raised her cup and drank, neat and efficient.

  Han Jiuer had her reasons for doing so. Firstly, according to the rules of Confucius and Mencius, women were not allowed to enter the main hall, let alone speak there; by dressing as a man, she could avoid this rule. Secondly, while in the capital, she had heard about the bad reputation of Emperor Gaozong of Song, who was cruel and lecherous like Emperor Taizong, and many palace maids died unnatural deaths; this time, since Emperor Gaozong wanted to see her, he must have had ulterior motives, so by dressing as a man, she could at least reduce his lustful thoughts.

  Han Jiuer arrived at the hall just in time to see her second brother borrowing from the past to satirize the present, angering Zhao Gou. With her cleverness as one of the thirty-six sworn brothers of Liangshan Water Margin, she subtly helped her second brother get out of trouble.

  Han Xiaoji saw that his second son had escaped a disaster, and he secretly congratulated himself. He also sighed that his young daughter was cleverer than anyone else, but unfortunately she was just a weak woman who was not yet married at an advanced age, and all this trouble was for nothing.

  As for Zhao Gou, since he saw Han Jiu'er, his beady eyes had been fixed on her, his eyebrows raised, and his expression was strange: "Since the main officer has arrived, please reissue the order."

  Han Jiuer responded with a "yes" and stood up, showing respect to Zhao Gou as the emperor's brother. He said: "I'm being presumptuous, but now that the country is in trouble, even ordinary people have a responsibility. Let's create a golden spear order to encourage us to remember the danger and resist the enemy. Whoever beheads an enemy will receive a reward of gold, otherwise they will be punished with a cup of wine. The order is: 'To this day, I still remember the Flying General'."

  Han Jiu's rise to power also had the intention of advising, reminding Zhao Gou that at this critical moment of danger, he must not indulge in wine and lust, but think about advancing to save the country.

  Everyone in the room looked at Zhao Gou, because he had already made it clear that he would not discuss national affairs when he came, but Han Jiu'er did not know and was offending.

  Who would have thought that Zhao Gou would gaze at Han Jiu'er with a look of admiration, nodding his head repeatedly. It's clear that he is after all the legitimate heir of the Zhao Song imperial family, and the rise and fall of this dynasty is most closely related to him. And yet, Han Jiu'er, a mere woman, has such insight, completely different from the women he had seen before who only knew how to serve their husbands, truly refreshing his ears and eyes.

  Han Xiaoqi couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, originally he had been trying to curry favor with this big tree, who knew that the second son was so reckless and almost offended King Kang, if the young daughter were to commit another offense, then it would be hopeless for the Han clan.

  "Ah! Isn't this Gao Shi's 'Yan Ge Xing'? 'From the golden drum under Yu Guan, the banners fluttered between the stone cliffs.' The golden words are here, but...' Wang Boyan's spirit returned, and he commented, 'I remember the last sentence should be "Don't you see the bitter fighting on the sandy battlefield, still remembering General Li till now."'

  Actually, Han Jiu'er's father and brother also heard it, and they all felt strange. With her extensive knowledge and strong memory, she shouldn't have made such a mistake in writing characters. On the other hand, Zhao Gou only stared at Han Jiu'er, and didn't notice anything.

  "Ah……" Han Jiuer involuntarily let out a soft cry, her pretty cheeks clearly flushing with a hint of redness. She thought of the person she had been thinking about day and night, and only she and he knew the origin of this "Flying General". In her heart, she silently muttered, "Brother, are you okay? Do you still remember your little sister?"