Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 145 The Past of Lou Zhaojun

Chapter 145 The Past of Lou Zhaojun

Upon hearing this, the smile on Zhao Kuangyin's face gradually faded, replaced by deep complexity and weariness.

He slowly straightened up, walked to the pillar next to the dragon throne, turned his back to Zhao Dezhao, and remained silent for a long time before letting out a long and heavy sigh: "Your third uncle—is a capable man."

"He is exceptionally intelligent and decisive. As the emperor's younger brother, living in the imperial family, it's inevitable that he would have designs on that chair. I understand."

He paused, his voice hoarse with a hint of reluctance: "But he is, after all, my own brother, your own uncle, one of the people in this world closest to me by blood—"

Zhao Guangyi's behavior in the palace just now seemed frank, but in fact, he was full of hidden scheming. Every word he said was intentionally or unintentionally leading Zhao Kuangyin to doubt his son. Zhao Kuangyin could not possibly not see through such thoughts.

But no matter what, he was still his younger brother, someone he had watched grow up.

The eldest brother is like a father.

Given Zhao Kuangyin's personality, he could not possibly ignore this blood ties.

Inside the Chuigong Hall, deathly silence fell once again.

The father and son stood silently, one standing beside a pillar and the other sitting on the dragon throne.

As Zhao Dezhao watched Zhao Kuangyin's retreating figure, he couldn't help but sigh.

As expected, Dad is still very loyal and affectionate, especially when it comes to family members; he can never bring himself to be ruthless towards them.

While Zhao Guangyi's father had the considerations of an emperor for his subject, he was also driven by his love for his elder brother and concern for blood ties. These complex thoughts made it difficult for him to make a decision.

No wonder such a strange thing as the Golden Chest Alliance happened.

Well then, since we've already come this far, there's no point in hiding anything anymore.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhao Dezhao slowly spoke: "Father, I have a question for you. Do you know anything about the past of Lou Zhaojun of Northern Qi?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin was slightly taken aback. He turned around, pondered for a moment, and slowly frowned: "Lou Zhaojun? Of course I know her."

"She was the wife of Gao Huan, the Divine Martial Emperor of Northern Qi. She had six sons and two daughters, three of whom ascended the throne as emperors and two of whom were made crown princes. She was also honored as Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager. Her life was legendary."

"However, his favoritism towards his youngest son and his interference in court affairs led to internal strife and fratricide within the Northern Qi royal family."

At this point, Zhao Kuangyin seemed to understand what Zhao Dezhao meant, his brows furrowing even more, his tone tinged with uncertainty: "Zhao'er, you ask this because you're worried about your grandmother? Worried she might follow in Lou Zhaojun's footsteps?"

"Your subject does indeed have this concern."

Zhao Dezhao nodded frankly, his tone solemn: "Father is a man of great affection and righteousness, and Grandmother has always doted on Third Uncle. Now that Grandmother is nearing the end of her life, I am worried that she will threaten to kill herself before she dies, forcing Father to make Third Uncle the heir apparent."

"Your Majesty, I would like to ask you, what will you choose if that time comes?"

He wasn't actually sure whether the Golden Chest Alliance truly existed.

But in any case, Empress Dowager Du is nearing her end and could die at any moment. Why not take this opportunity to test his father's intentions in advance, and also give his father a heads-up to prevent any unforeseen circumstances?

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's expression showed some disapproval. He waved his hand and said, "Zhao'er, you're overthinking it."

"Your grandmother was not an ambitious and morally ambiguous person like Lou Zhaojun. She was gentle and virtuous, always reasonable, and knew the importance of matters concerning the foundation of the country. She would never do such a foolish thing."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao was speechless.

Father, with your temperament, no wonder you suffered betrayal from your own brother and mother.

However, he could not openly reveal the "Golden Chest Alliance," nor could he expose his knowledge of historical secrets. Therefore, he could only try to remind Zhao Kuangyin in various ways.

Just as he was pondering how to subtly remind his father of something, a palace attendant's voice suddenly rang out outside the Chui Gong Hall: "The Marquis of Taiyuan, accompanied by Daoist Chen Tuan, has come to pay his respects!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin instantly composed himself, glancing at Zhao Dezhao and saying in a deep voice, "Zhao'er, you should retreat to the side hall and wait."

He also wanted to take this opportunity to test whether the witchcraft calamity had anything to do with Zhao Guangyi!

Zhao Guangyi's previous reaction only indicated that he might have designs on the throne, but it was not enough to prove that the witchcraft incident was his doing.

Therefore, he went along with the flow and summoned Chen Tuan.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey." Zhao Dezhao bowed and immediately stood up from the dragon throne. Without the slightest hesitation, he turned and walked towards the side hall.

What happened next would not have been pleasant if he had been present.

After Zhao Dezhao retreated to the side hall, Zhao Kuangyin solemnly ordered: "Summon the Marquis of Taiyuan, Daoist Chen Tuan, to an audience."

"Here you go!"

The eunuch withdrew in response, and shortly afterward, Zhao Guangyi accompanied Chen Tuan into the hall.

Zhao Guangyi still looked sickly, while Chen Tuan, dressed in a Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, had a calm and composed demeanor, exuding an extraordinary and refined aura.

"Your humble servant (this poor Taoist) greets Your Majesty!" The two greeted each other together.

No need for formalities.

Zhao Kuangyin remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the two men before finally settling on Zhao Guangyi. His tone was concerned: "Tingyi, you've had a hard time. You've been ill for days and are feeling unwell. You should go back to your residence and rest."

Hearing these words, which clearly implied expulsion, Zhao Guangyi was slightly taken aback. Even though he was unwilling, he dared not disobey Zhao Kuangyin's decree. He could only suppress his anxiety and bow, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree."

After saying this, he gave Chen Zhuan a meaningful look before turning around and leaving the Chuigong Hall with unsteady steps.

After Zhao Guangyi left, only Zhao Kuangyin and Chen Tuan remained in the Chuigong Hall.

"Haha, Master Chen, it's great to see you again."

"9

Zhao Kuangyin sat upright on the dragon throne, laughed three times, and immediately ordered a chessboard to be set up, inviting Chen Tuan to play.

Chen Tuan obediently sat down and took the black pieces to move first.

The two moved quickly, placing several pieces in almost a few breaths, and then the battle became intense.

Zhao Kuangyin twirled the white chess piece in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the chessboard. Suddenly, he spoke, "The reason I invited you to the palace today, Daoist Master, is to inquire whether there has been anything unusual about the celestial phenomena in Kaifeng recently."

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin finally ask this question, Chen Tuan nodded slightly, his expression unchanged. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly replied, "Your Majesty, I have recently observed the celestial phenomena and discovered that the sky above Kaifeng is filled with unusual energy, shrouded in dark mist, seemingly indicating that Yin is usurping Yang's position. It is as if evil is at work, disrupting the mandate of Heaven."

Yin usurps Yang's position —

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but sigh deeply, as if he had discovered a fact he was unwilling to accept.

He put down the chess piece in his hand, raised his head, and stared straight at Chen Tuan with a blank expression.

His gaze was deep and unwavering, devoid of his usual gentleness, replaced by a dragon-like aura that startled Chen Tuan slightly.

Then, Zhao Kuangyin slowly spoke, his voice chilling: "Master Chen has always been indifferent to worldly affairs, living in seclusion in the mountains and forests, and not concerning himself with worldly matters."

"I am truly curious."

"What is it about my brother that makes Master Chen go to such lengths and effort to leave his seclusion and go to such lengths for him?"

As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "I wonder—Master Chen Tuan, could you enlighten me?"

Chen Tuan shuddered, his expression changed instantly, and the black chess piece in his hand clattered to the ground.