Chapter 3: The Chen Bridge Mutiny

  In the first year of Xian De in Later Zhou Dynasty, soon after the New Year, the court received news that Khitan and Northern Han were allied to march south.

  The young Emperor was shocked and the Prime Minister Fan Qi was greatly alarmed, unable to distinguish between true and false. In a panic, he ordered the Imperial Guard Commander Zhao Kuangyin to lead troops out of the city to meet the enemy.

  That night, the army camped at Chen Bridge Inn, where a mutiny broke out, and Zhao Kuangyin was enthroned, marking the establishment of the Song Dynasty.

  Today happens to be the fourth day of the first month, and the information in the conversation between Zhao's family members coincides with history.

  Zhao Cong boldly determined that Chen Qiao's mutiny would be staged tonight, and tomorrow would be the Song Dynasty!

  At this critical moment, the Zhao family's relatives are actually returning to their mansion!

  Imagine Zhao Kuangyin's coup outside the city, would the young emperor and the prime minister inside the city just sit and wait for death? In any case, his family members would be the first to bear the brunt, either being killed to vent their anger or taken as hostages.

  Tonight, Chao's residence is absolutely the most dangerous place in Bianliang City, but why are they still going back?

  Or did they have other plans? Or were the historical records wrong?

  Zhao Kuangyin's family was hiding in a temple on the night of Chen Qiao's mutiny, and they managed to escape disaster only because the monks took pity on them.

  In an instant, Zhao Zhuang realized that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he had to take the gamble!

  Tomorrow is the Song Dynasty. If we can save the emperor's family tonight, with this merit and favor, we will be able to rise to prominence in the Great Song Dynasty soon!

  So he spoke out in time!

  ……

  "Little monk, what did you say? Can't go?" Zhao Kuangyin's younger sister, Zhao Yanran, turned around, her eyes as sharp as ever, with a hint of puzzlement and amusement in her tone.

  "Yes, can't go!"

  "Why?"

  Jie Cen saw this and blocked his way: "What nonsense are you spouting? What kind of thing are you, daring to be so rude to a noble?"

  Zhao Zhuang didn't take him seriously and stepped forward, saying: "Just now, I was sleeping behind the Buddha statue, and the Buddha appeared in my dream, asking me to pass on a few words to you, noble sir!"

  "Will the Buddha bestow a dream upon you?" Jian Chen sneered with a mocking face, furious at his ignorant junior brother, Jian Se.

  "Shut your mouth!" Zhao Zhuang had finally had enough, his sharp eyes making Jian Xin secretly frightened.

  "What's up?" asked Zhao Yanran with interest.

  "This is a matter of great importance, the Buddha's words can only be heard by noble people. May I ask you to step aside and speak?"

  Everyone looked at each other in confusion, and suddenly a little monk jumped out, speaking astonishing words, making it all seem so mysterious, the scene seemed somewhat strange.

  Zhao Yanran's face changed slightly, and she said solemnly: "It's best if you don't play any tricks, otherwise you will die a terrible death!"

  "After listening, the daughter will make her own decision. If there is any arrangement, it will be up to you." Zhao Zhen took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and secretly congratulated himself that choosing to communicate with Zhao Yanran was indeed correct. Daring to scold Song Taizu with a rolling pin, she must be a resolute, intelligent, and sharp-tongued woman.

  As they walked to the side of the hall, Zhao Zhuang leaned over to Zhao Yanran and said in a low voice, "The Buddha Master has asked me to inform you that he requests all esteemed guests to stay overnight at Dingli Temple tonight."

  "What do you want to do?" Zhao Yanran was somewhat surprised, with a hint of anger on her face, and her eyes indicated that Zhao Zheng should keep his distance. The widow who lived at home did not want to be in close contact with men.

  "It has nothing to do with the young monk, just passing on the Buddha's words truthfully. If your family stays overnight at this temple tonight, tomorrow will be... disaster is inevitable!"

  Zhao Zhuang's words were slow and deliberate, his tone firm, and as they entered her ears, Zhao Yanran couldn't help but feel a slight tremble in her slender body, vaguely understanding the implied meaning.

  Zhao Yanran's expression and tone suddenly became much more serious, staring tightly at Zhao Zhuang and asking: "Who are you?"

  "Monk!"

  "Who told you to say this?"

  "The Buddha's words in a dream!"

  "You..." Zhao Yanran was somewhat angry, and Xiao He Shang actually didn't tell the truth.

  Zhao Zhuang smiled bitterly in his heart and said with an expression of indifference: "The little monk has already told the truth, whether you believe it or not is up to you!"

  After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Zhuang couldn't help but add: "If the little monk is talking nonsense, staying overnight won't cause any harm. But if it's true... aside from avoiding mortal danger, there will also be unparalleled glory. Please consider carefully, madam."

  Having said that, Zhao Zhuo left without looking back, leaving Zhao Yanran stunned on the spot.

  ……

  ……

  In the first month, spring has not yet arrived, and the cold is still severe. The howling north wind blows over Chen Bridge Post House, like a dragon's roar, shaking heaven and earth.

  As night fell, a drunken Zhao Kuangyin donned the yellow robe and was completely sobered up amidst the cheers of "Long live the Emperor".

  He has become an emperor himself!

  Zhao Kuangyin had also imagined such a grand scene in his heart, but he didn't expect it to come so quickly, so suddenly, and even with a few inexplicable parts.

  There are many doubts in my heart, but I don't have time to think so much. In his position, he should plan for the government, as long as he wears the yellow robe, that is the emperor's dignity, and he should act with imperial demeanor!

  The great army immediately turned around and returned to Bianliang!

  The city's commanders, Shi Zhong and Wang Shenqi, are old brothers, they will provide convenience, entering the city should not be difficult.

  Pan Mei has set out as the vanguard, and Zhao Kuangyin has promulgated three laws: the army is not allowed to harm Empress Dowager Fu, the young emperor, civil and military officials, or the people of Bianliang.

  Throughout history, many military coups have been bloody, but Zhao Kuangyin wanted to avoid bloodshed as much as possible.

  Everything is going smoothly and as expected, after dawn, he will ascend to the throne and rule the world.

  Zhao Kuangyin's heart was somewhat uneasy, things were urgent, his mother, wife and children in the city were unaware and unprepared, would Fan Qi and Han Tong spare them?

  "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I've already had Chu Zhaoyi escort the family members of the imperial clan into the city for protection!" The speaker was Zhao Kuangyi, brother of Zhao Kuangyin.

  "Done well, but is it worth it?" Treading on the corpses of his mother, wife and son to ascend to the throne was not what Zhao Kuangyin wanted.

  "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Aren't there still Wang Shenzhi and Shi Jingtang in the city? They will definitely take notice of this matter and take action. Now that you are the Son of Heaven, Heaven will naturally protect our family!" Zhao Kuangyi seemed confident and calm.

  "I hope so!"

  The great army set out towards Bianliang, and Zhao Kuangyin had to suppress the thoughts in his heart, turn his horse's head, and lead the way.

  ……

  The chaotic sound of horseshoes broke the tranquility of Bianliang City, and several panting soldiers hastily entered the mansion of Chancellor Fan Zhongyan.

  Half a moment later, Fan Qi hastily went out and headed for the mansion of Han Tong, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard.

  "Zhao Kuangyin has rebelled!" was Fan Zhi's first sentence as he entered the door, shocking everyone.

  "What? Has he really turned against us?" Han Tong was shocked and seemingly found it hard to believe.

  Fan Zhongyan sighed weakly: "Yes, the army has mutinied at Chenqiao Station. At this moment, the army has returned to the capital. It seems that Zhao Kuangyin is going to emulate Emperor Taizu!"

  "I've said it before, Zhao Kuangyin has a second heart, he will plot to usurp the throne, but Father wouldn't listen, now..." A young man rushed over, panting and out of breath.

  As soon as he saw the characteristic hump, Fan Zhi recognized that this was Han Tong's eldest son, Han Wei, who was born with a hump and was called "Tuo Tuozi". But his mind was extremely intelligent and his strategy surpassed others.

  "What's the use of saying these now? The urgent matter is how to respond?" Han Tong was not listening to his son's words, but unfortunately it was too late. Although he was brave and good at fighting, he was impulsive in character and lacked wisdom. In his panic, he turned to ask his son for advice.

  Han Wei let out a long sigh and said, "For now, the priority is to stabilize the city and consolidate its defenses. As long as Zhao Kuangyin's army cannot enter the city, the regional military governors can lead their troops to rescue the emperor, and there may be a turning point!"

  Please, Mr. Fan, enter the palace to report to the Empress Dowager and the officials, and calm down the officials. My father will lead the Imperial Guard to take action, immediately capture Shi Shouxin and Wang Shenqi, prevent them from colluding inside and outside. I'll go to the Zhao family, Zhao Kuangyin's wife and children are still in the city, taking hostages is also good for him to surrender!

  "Good! Lord Lang is indeed resourceful and quick-witted, we'll split up and take action!" Fan Zhitang, the majestic prime minister, didn't hesitate at all and immediately adopted Han Wei's plan!

  At this moment, there is no other way!

  Han Tong hastily went to the military camp, and Han Wei, with his hunched back, didn't even bother to acknowledge the prime minister's praise, and also hurriedly led his men to rush to the Zhao residence!

  Three men attempted to make a last-ditch effort to preserve the Later Zhou dynasty.

  Surrounded from front and back, they broke into the Taiwei's mansion in an instant. Unfortunately, the large mansion only had servants and maidservants, but not a single master was seen.

  "Zhao Kuangyin is indeed a treacherous minister and a rebellious son, just as expected." Although the prophecy had been fulfilled, Han Wei did not show any excitement, his face sinking to an extreme gloom.

  Just as I was about to lose hope, I heard from a servant that Old Lady Zhao had taken her whole family to worship at the Temple of Penitence and had not returned.

  "Go to Gentleness Temple, let's go!"

  Han's eyes were fierce and his expression was urgent as he hastily turned around and rushed towards the Dingli Courtyard.