xymnovel Chapter 139 Zhao Dezhao's Counterattack
Chapter 139 Zhao Dezhao's Counterattack
Chapter 139 Zhao Dezhao's Counterattack (Part Two)
"What a brilliant tactic of feigning retreat to advance! Did you come up with this?"
Upon hearing this, an unusual emotion appeared in Zhao Pu's eyes for the first time.
At first glance, Zhao Dezhao's method seems far-fetched, but upon closer examination, one can perceive its brilliance!
Once this rumor spreads rapidly throughout the capital, it will inevitably reach the palace and be placed before Zhao Kuangyin. What will Zhao Kuangyin's first reaction be upon hearing this?
These rumors must be inextricably linked to Zhao Guangyi!
Based on the principle that the biggest beneficiary is the perpetrator, Zhao Kuangyin would not hesitate to pin the blame for these rumors on Zhao Guangyi's faction!
What? You're saying it wasn't you?
Then tell me, if it's not you, then who else could it be?
It can't be one of Zhao Dezhao's men, can it? What benefit would that bring him?
If Zhao Dezhao wanted to clear his name, the most sensible thing to do would be to take the initiative to report the matter to the emperor, be open and honest, and even take the initiative to accept the investigation by the Military Affairs Department. This would be the best way to clear his name of suspicion.
This is the logic of a normal person.
Therefore, once this incident occurred, even if Zhao Guangyi had a silver tongue, he would find it difficult to clear his name of suspicion.
Okay, so since you're the one who spread the rumors, here's the problem.
How did you, Zhao Guangyi, learn that Zhao Dezhao intended to commit witchcraft?
It should be noted that the matter of the witchcraft incident was under Zhao Kuangyin's control from beginning to end, and he strictly forbade any leaks, for fear that if it were to spread, it would damage the imperial dignity.
The answer is then obvious.
You, Zhao Guangyi, have planted someone by the Emperor's side!
Even if Zhao Kuangyin valued family ties, he would not tolerate such a thing happening!
What are you planning to do, spying on the Forbidden City?
As the emperor's brother, you actually planted your people by my side and spread rumors to increase your influence by using witchcraft. If you say you have no ulterior motives, who would believe you!
You should know that in Zhao Kuangyin's heart, his third brother was the "Duke of Zhou" who would assist the eldest son in the future. But after this incident, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly realized that what he left for his son was not the Duke of Zhou.
It was Gao Zhan of the Northern Qi Dynasty!
After this incident, no matter how much Zhao Kuangyin had previously trusted his younger brother, it must have left a very deep shadow in his heart.
In this chaotic world, even with Zhao Kuangyin's wisdom, he would not allow two princes to vie for the throne.
The rest is obvious.
Thinking of this, Zhao Pu's eyes changed when he looked at Zhao Dezhao's harmless face.
Such a desperate strategy, which can only be devised by someone with great courage, is something that only a person with great courage could come up with.
It's hard to imagine that such words came from a twelve-year-old boy.
"But in doing so, Your Highness, aren't you afraid of losing the hearts of the people?" Zhao Pu pointed out the biggest weakness of this plan.
The common people are ultimately ignorant.
Three men can make a tiger, and many mouths can melt metal; when rumors spread widely, the vast majority of people will believe them to be true!
"I already have a plan," Zhao Dezhao said with a nonchalant smile. "Besides, while popular support is important, it's not that important in times of chaos."
"Whether my second uncle or I will ultimately become the crown prince is not up to anyone else to decide, not even the people of the world; only my father, the Emperor, can decide!"
"As long as Father knows the truth, nothing else matters."
After saying that, Zhao Dezhao blinked again, "Besides, people are always forgetful, aren't they?"
Take the past life for example. So many heartbreaking things happened. News of celebrities' scandals quickly spread on the internet, went straight to the top of the trending searches, and became known to everyone.
But before long, those things gradually disappeared from the public eye, and even those celebrities whose careers had collapsed would make a comeback and enjoy the adoration of thousands of people once again.
It was as if nothing had happened.
For most ordinary people, rumors and public opinion are excellent weapons to guide their thinking.
Although Zhao Pu didn't understand these things, he vaguely guessed Zhao Dezhao's thoughts. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly said slowly, "Your Highness, I can help you, but I also have a question that I humbly request Your Highness to answer."
"Please speak, teacher." Zhao Dezhao looked slightly surprised.
He was very curious: what else could this top strategist of the Northern Song Dynasty not understand?
Why is Your Highness so distant from me?
A hint of doubt flashed in Zhao Pu's eyes, but his tone remained dry as he said, "Since returning from the battle of Yangzhou, Your Highness has intentionally or unintentionally distanced yourself from me. I can sense this, but what I don't understand is why Your Highness has done this?"
These blunt words left Zhao Dezhao speechless.
He can't exactly say, "Because I can't see through you, because you later brought out the Golden Chest Alliance," can he?
Zhao Dezhao picked up his teacup and took two sips, concealing the awkwardness on his face. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly asked, "Teacher, before I answer your question, may you answer the first one first?"
"Please speak, Your Highness," Zhao Pu said expressionlessly.
"If one day things become unmanageable, and I lose power, and Zhao Guangyi becomes the crown prince or even the emperor, how will you, Master, conduct yourself?"
Zhao Dezhao asked the question that had been lingering in his mind for a long time, with a solemn expression.
Historically, Zhao Pu did indeed support Zhao Da's son as heir, and there is no doubt about that.
However, it is undeniable that Zhao Pu later offered the "Golden Box Covenant" in hopes of being reinstated after retiring from office.
Even in the case that forced Zhao Tingmei to commit suicide, Zhao Pu played a crucial role, and it can even be said that he orchestrated it, which is beyond doubt.
This swaying behavior made it difficult for Zhao Dezhao to see Zhao Pu's true colors.
He knew perfectly well that even if he offered up the "Golden Chest Alliance," he would not gain Zhao Guangyi's complete trust, yet he still did it anyway. Why was that?
Is it because they covet wealth and status?
Or are there other ideas?
"If things truly come to a point where there is no way to change things, I will support Zhao Guangyi without hesitation," Zhao Pu replied almost without a moment's hesitation.
As soon as he finished speaking, the study fell into a deathly silence.
Zhao Dezhao remained silent for a long time, while Zhao Pu simply gazed at him calmly.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat heavy.
After a long while, Zhao Pu slowly broke the silence. His usually expressionless face showed a rare complex emotion: "Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but I have also noticed that although Your Highness is intelligent, you are somewhat pedantic in your conduct and behavior."
"The struggle for the throne in the court is a life-or-death struggle for Your Highness. But for your subjects, it may not be so."
As he spoke, Zhao Pu suddenly changed the subject and said, "I still remember when I first lectured Your Highness, I said that the prosperity of a dynasty never depends on the efforts of one generation."
"If Your Highness's power is waning and Zhao Guangyi is destined to become the emperor, I will certainly side with Zhao Guangyi and do my utmost to assist him, but not out of greed for wealth and power."
"It is for the continued prosperity of my Great Song Dynasty! It is so that all the people of this world will no longer suffer the pain of war!"
"Even if it means doing something shameful—I would gladly do it!"
"Ultimately—"
In closing, Zhao Pu sighed softly, "A prosperous era—it truly did not come easily!"