Chapter Ten Hidden Danger

  Zhao Cong left the imperial palace like this and returned to Dingli Temple. Before he was laicized, he was still a monk.

  This informal meeting with the emperor ended like this, and Zhao Kuangyin felt that today was not so much a visit to the emperor as it was a visit to the palace. The atmosphere was strong, with the majesty of a king, but the attitude was quite casual, with a bit of a down-to-earth feeling, and today's meeting could be considered a success in getting familiar with each other.

  But...

  Behind the easy-going facade, Zhao Zhen's pressure increased instead, and he felt inexplicably anxious. As for that sensitive issue, Zhao Kuangyin never asked a single question. Not even Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Yanran mentioned it, completely beyond expectation, very unusual.

  How did they know in advance about the mutiny at Chen Bridge? Don't they want to know? Or have they already got an answer?

  They can't possibly have the right answer, or is it just a misunderstanding? Heaven knows what they're thinking. This issue will inevitably get stuck between the two parties and become a considerable hidden danger!

  Zhao Kuangyin didn't ask, and he couldn't explain it himself. Even if he had asked, he wouldn't have been able to come up with a convincing explanation.

  A very embarrassing question...

  Zhao Zhuang felt very frustrated and had been entangled for a long time, still without any clue.

  Through this incident, Zhao Zhuang finally understood that the imperial family's relationships were not so easy to climb. From now on, he must think carefully before acting, as this time was an impulsive and reckless move, too dangerous.

  The emperor had suspicions in his heart, but the fact that he saved his family was true. Zhao Kuangyin would not forget gratitude and turn against him, would he?

  Forget it, when it's going to rain, the daughter is getting married, what can be done will be done!

  It's been a whole day, planning and designing, fighting wits and strength, Zhao Zhuang was already exhausted. After returning to the Dingli Courtyard, he fell asleep as soon as he lay down, there were big things to deal with, let's talk about it after waking up!

  Fortunately, I can get rid of the smelly big bed this time. Back in the temple, the monks had already prepared a clean and bright Zen room for me.

  All the monks were very respectful, including Master Jingkong, who was also very polite. Zhao Zhuang was the royal family's lifesaver and had just been granted the honor of entering the palace for an audience, so his status was greatly different now.

  Although in Buddhist temples, people's minds are equally worldly.

  The monks were envious and fearful. Looking around, even the novice monk who was sleeping had imperial guards stationed at the door to protect him, this treatment...

  Zhao Cong just smiled faintly. As long as the soldiers in front of the temple did not leave, the suspicion on him could not be cleared for a day.

  Actually, the entire Dingli Courtyard was sealed off, and Zhao Zhuo received special treatment. As for last night's events, Zhao Kuangyi had already issued a gag order, not allowing it to spread. What consideration this came from is unknown, but anyway, surveillance and house arrest are up to you, thinking of Han Wei's golden cicada shedding its shell, Zhao Zhuo felt that it was a good thing, at least he could sleep soundly!

  ……

  ……

  The Imperial Palace, Wenyuan Pavilion!

  Chai Zongxun, who had already been renamed as Zheng Wang, and Empress Dowager Zhou (symbol) had moved to the Western Palace, leaving Zhao Kuangyin as the master of this place.

  After all his officials had left, Zhao Kuangyin leaned back in his throne and closed his eyes to rest.

  It's an exciting day, dominating the world, claiming to be unique and unparalleled, naturally stirring. But also shocking and thrilling, a day of exhausting one's mind and body, really hard work. At this moment, everything is settled, slightly relaxed, somewhat tired.

  The sound of footsteps echoed, and Zhao Kuangyin immediately became alert, a habit formed from years of marching and fighting.

  "Then Ping, you've come!"

  The one standing at the door was Zhao Kuangyi's subordinate, a middle-aged official named Zhao Pu, also known as Zepeng. He used to be the secretary of the military governor of Guide Prefecture and is now the Right Remonstrance Official of the Great Song Dynasty.

  "Government official!"

  "What's wrong? Have you found anything unusual?" Zhao Kuangyin asked immediately, obviously very concerned about the matter.

  Zhao Pu shook his head and said, "It's quite strange. When sending him out, Wang Xianggong and the two generals Shi and Wang happened to pass by, but there was no communication between them. Especially that little monk, there was no emotional change at all. Those few people looked at each other a few times, with surprise and curiosity, but they seemed to not know each other at all."

  "Oh? Is it really?" The result seemed a bit unexpected, and Zhao Kuangyin was somewhat skeptical.

  "Yes, I have been observing very carefully and there is no slightest slackness."

  "Could it be intentional disguise?"

  "I don't think so. Those few are all old foxes, maybe they can, but that little monk is not even twenty years old, he shouldn't be able to do it without a single leak."

  "Don't underestimate anyone!" Zhao Kuangyin said: "From Yanran's description, he is indeed well-versed in the Three Strategies of the Cunning Rabbit, capturing thieves and kings, with wisdom and bravery that are not to be underestimated. Perhaps..."

  "But he had become a monk at Dingli Temple three years ago!" Zhao Pu bowed and said, "Your Majesty, forgive me for speaking disrespectfully, but three years ago when Emperor Taizu was in good health, who would have expected that you would be in the position you are today?"

  "Really!" Zhao Kuangyin suddenly smiled: "Who would that be? Could it be true as he said? Is the Buddha entrusting a dream?"

  Zhao Pu hesitated and said: "The official's family, perhaps it's true. I heard the monks in the temple say that he was originally a fool, but suddenly became clever today..."

  "Alright, it's easy to say fate is at work, but that doesn't mean you can deceive yourself or others."

  Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said calmly, "You've seen him today, is he an idiot? If he was pretending to be crazy in the past, that would be truly terrifying... A clever mastermind, humiliating himself by pretending to be stupid for three years, what kind of goal could make him pay such a price? Just thinking about it makes one's hair stand on end!"

  Zhao Pu said: "Your Majesty, according to the words of the Princess, the little monk's source of information is strange, but his behavior seems to be without malice. If it weren't for him today, the consequences would be unthinkable."

  "Yes, that's why I don't want to make things difficult for him. But some things, if not clarified, will always be unsettling. The life-saving favor is undeniable, but what was the original intention? Is there a bigger conspiracy behind it?"

  "Your Majesty is absolutely right!" Zhao Pu said: "General Chu Zhaofu has also sent someone to keep an eye on it, but I don't know if they can find any clues."

  Zhao Kuangyin said, "Investigate him, send someone to Ba Prefecture to investigate, and see what kind of person he is. His family members and relatives within five generations must be thoroughly understood, and all matters related to him must be detailed."

  "Yes, I will send someone to handle it, but I'm afraid it will take some time!"

  "Never mind, just hurry up!"

  Zhao Kuangyin asked: "Alright, are you all still obedient?"

  Zhao Pu nodded and said: "The city of Bianliang is calm, but it's hard to say about Wei State, Yangzhou, and Luzhou. I'm afraid there will be some trouble!"

  "Li Yun and Li Chongjin seem formidable, but I'm not too worried about them. What's important is the Tianxiong Army... How does the Fu family react?"

  "No, on the side of the Wang's residence, Prince Yu has already taken his wife there and it was still calm. However, Prince Xiang is in the north, within the Tianxiong Army..."

  Zhao Kuangyin frowned and said, "What I'm most worried about right now is him. He's related to both sides by marriage. Although Kuangyi is his son-in-law, he also has two daughters who are empresses of the former Zhou!"

  "Yes, Fu Wang's attitude is indeed urgent. Although Murong Yan has arrived in Zhending and Han Lingkun is also in Chengde, making preparations, it's best to resolve this without resorting to arms. Once we take up arms, it won't be beneficial for the current situation." Zhao Pu was also quite worried.

  "Hmm!" Zhao Kuangyin let out a long sigh. Without a doubt, Wei Wang Fu Yanqing was currently the biggest hidden danger.

  Zhao Pu suddenly said: "Right, official family, there's a situation that needs attention."

  "What's wrong?"

  Zhao Pu said: "The Seventh Princess of the Wei Wangfu went to mourn the death of her maternal grandmother in Lu Prefecture... Lu Prefecture is Li Yun's territory!"

  "Fu Li?"

  "Yes, the little princess whom Crown Prince Si loves the most!"

  Zhao Kuangyin frowned and said: "You closely follow this matter, if there is anything improper, report it in time."

  "Yes!" Zhao Pu said, "This matter must be taken seriously, but it is not the most urgent. The government's top priority is to build ancestral temples and stabilize the society, to reward those who have made contributions and calm people's minds."

  "That's right!" Zhao Kuangyin nodded, looking at Zhao Pu with a serious expression: "Zhenping, you have the talent of a prime minister, but now... I must use those old guys, and can only temporarily humble you."

  "Your Majesty, you are overestimating me. What virtue or ability do I have? To be able to serve as a Remonstrance Official is already the greatest honor for an official like myself."

  "I have an idea!"

  Zhao Pu said: "Actually, the current arrangement is especially good for Your Majesty, with Fan Qi staying behind."

  "How can you be sure?"

  Zhao Pu smiled and said: "When Your Majesty entered the palace, Fan Qi grabbed Wang Yu's hand, his fingernails digging deep into the flesh, causing him to bleed directly."

  "Is that so? Some meaning!" Zhao Kuangyin smiled slightly, his eyes gradually becoming serious and silent, not knowing what he was thinking about. **PS: Fu Yanqing, King of Wei, Tianxiong Military Governor. Two daughters married Later Zhou Emperor Shi Chonggui as empresses, and were the maternal grandfathers of Later Zhou's young emperor Shi Zongxun. Fu Yanqing held a high position, had great influence, many nephews in the Fu family, and controlled heavy troops.