La vie des gens de la campagne en ville sous la dynastie Song

Chapitre 55

"How dare you insult this princess?" Yi Ge glared angrily at Zhao Kai, but seeing his nonchalant attitude, she had no choice but to lower her raised fist. "Hmph, since you're not afraid, why should I be? Enough nonsense, give me an answer!"

Zhao Kai walked halfway around Yi Ge and said, "Are you asking me if I want to join forces with you to deal with Ninth Brother? Tsk, tsk, I really didn't realize that Princess had such good judgment. You actually saw at a glance that this Crown Prince Bao is not important, but the important one is the Prince Kang hiding behind the Crown Prince. You are indeed very good."

Yi Ge didn't care who was more important, Zhao Huan or Zhao Gou. She only knew that she hated Zhao Gou, and she hated Qin Zhen even more! She didn't like the way they joked around, she didn't like the way Zhao Gou looked down on her, and she especially disliked Qin Zhen's seemingly kind and caring expression! She wanted to destroy it all!

Seeing her resentful expression, Zhao Kai said, "Since the princess and the prince share the same ideals and have shown me such favor, how could I possibly betray your kindness?"

Yi Ge asked, "You mean you agree, right?"

"Princess, please be patient. After the national mourning period, I will immediately marry you."

With a cold laugh, Zhao Kai walked out of the hall and headed towards the mourning hall with Liang Shicheng, who was waiting for him. Zhao Kai asked Liang Shicheng mockingly, "Are all Khitan women as shameless as her? She actually wrote a letter asking me to marry her. How despicable!"

Liang Shicheng listened quietly to Zhao Kai's complaints, and then quickly left with him.

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky Chapter 102 The New Emperor's Abroad Amidst Chaos

For those who forgot about the feud between Li Shishi and Emperor Huizong in the previous chapter, please refer to Chapter 026 to recall it.

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Zhao Huan was the legitimate son of the late Empress and had been the Crown Prince for many years. The former Yunwang faction had long since disappeared from the court, so there was no dispute about his succession to the throne. After a series of elaborate ceremonies and rituals, the dragon robe on Zhao Huan's body was finally changed from a coiled dragon to a five-clawed dragon, and a new era for the Song Dynasty had begun.

However, the new era did not seem peaceful. At the beginning of Zhao Huan's reign, a great upheaval broke out in the southeast. Tens of thousands of poor peasants rose up, which affected large areas including Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu and Jiangxi. This was the turmoil known in history as the "Fang La Rebellion".

This sudden uprising was like a wake-up call for Zhao Huan. Fortunately, he had promoted some capable people in recent years, giving the decaying court some hope. However, the main forces in the court had been sent to the north to fight against the Jin, so he had no choice but to order troops to be withdrawn from the northern front and sent south to suppress the uprising.

Tong Guan suffered repeated defeats in his resistance against the Jin army. Now that he had the opportunity to withdraw, he naturally tried every means possible. In the end, he led the remaining troops of the Northwest Army back to the Southern Front. However, perhaps because Zhao Huan was not at ease with him being Zhao Kai's man, he issued another imperial decree, transferring 10,000 troops from the Shandong Zong Ze's forces to provide support. The commander of these troops was none other than Han Shizhong, a young general who had risen rapidly through the ranks in the past two years due to his military achievements.

With the northern front forces stretched thin, the war entered a difficult phase. Gradually, some ministers in the court suggested that an imperial censor should be sent to the north to comfort the soldiers, which would not only express the new emperor's concern but also boost morale.

Zhao Gou's petition reached the palace at this time, and with the advice of the ministers, the position of censor fell to Zhao Gou, and Zhao Huan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He had been pondering Qin Hui and Li Gang's words for the past few months. Although both were reasonable and difficult to decide, as long as Zhao Gou was not in the capital, all his worries would disappear, which suited him perfectly.

Although Zhao Gou already knew his destination was set, he was not at ease. He had many things to resolve before leaving, one of which was to fulfill his promise to Li Shishi.

After Emperor Huizong passed away, the concubines who had children naturally became empress dowagers or imperial concubines, while the concubines who did not have children were either buried with him or sent to Taoist temples. Li Shishi was one of those who were sent to a Taoist temple.

The once favored concubine had fallen to this state and suffered ridicule from many, but Li Shishi remained calm because she knew that Liquan Temple was not her final resting place.

Located east of Bianjing (Kaifeng), Liquan Temple was a royal Taoist temple. Several months after Li Shishi and her entourage moved in, in early summer, a large tree in the temple was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, causing a massive fire. The fire resulted in many casualties, including the famous courtesan Li Shishi, a tragedy that saddened many nobles.

However, they were unaware that Li Shishi was actually standing unharmed in the secret chamber of Prince Kang's study.

Inside the secret chamber, Zhao Gou, Qin Zhen, Qing Mei, Fan Tianxiang, and Li Shishi were all present. Fan Tianxiang took the frail Li Shishi from Qing Mei and thanked Zhao Gou and Qing Mei, saying, "Thank you for rescuing Shishi. I will accept this great favor on Shishi's behalf. If Your Highness has any requests in the future, I will do my best to repay you."

Zhao Gou said, "Boss Fan is truly the eldest brother. I also have an agreement with Madam Yingguo. I really dare not accept a word of thanks for rescuing her this time."

Qingmei also said, "Qingmei was also saved by Boss Fan's men in the past. Boss Fan sent me to Quanguan to take refuge back then. It is really fate that I was able to help this time!"

Fan Tianxiang lowered his head and smiled. Yes, back then he had only promised Qin Zhen to rescue a palace maid under Zhao Gou's command and later send her to Liquan Temple for refuge. Little did he expect that this palace maid would become the key to saving Li Shishi today.

Qin Zhen asked, "Sister Shishi can no longer stay in Bianjing. What are your plans for the future?"

Fan Tianxiang said, "I've already made up my mind. I plan to take Shishi to the south to live in seclusion. After several months of cleanup, the business of Fanlou has been almost completely relocated, and we can set off at any time."

Seeing that his senior brother had made arrangements, Qin Zhen felt relieved. However, Zhao Gou then suggested, "Boss Fan, I have a favor to ask. The Linlang Pavilion in Jiangnan was built to its current state thanks to your support. Why don't you take Madam Li to Lin'an and stay there? I'll entrust the Linlang Pavilion to you!"

Fan Tianxiang said in surprise, "Linlang Pavilion is very important to the Prince, how can you entrust it to me?"

"It's precisely because it's important that it's entrusted to someone we trust! Besides, Boss Fan is unmatched in business; it would be such a waste to leave such a precious sword sheathed!"

Considering the pleasant environment of Lin'an, suitable for Li Shishi's recuperation, and the protection of Zhao Gou's men there, eliminating concerns about searches, Fan Tianxiang agreed, saying, "Since Your Highness trusts me, I will accept this task. However, to express my sincerity, the assets of Fanlou will also be incorporated into Linlang Pavilion, at Your Highness's disposal!" Zhao Gou was overjoyed at this outcome and quickly expressed his gratitude!

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky Chapter 103: Thorough Investigation into the Grain Transport Incident

The departure date for Zhao Gou has been set; he will officially depart on June 15th. Qin Zhen, between the Prince's Mansion and the Qin Mansion, is trying to persuade Qin Hui and Zhao Gou to allow him to travel north, while also taking care of his increasingly frail mother.

That evening, Qin Zhen left the Qin residence and suddenly remembered that her mother liked plum blossom cakes from the west of the city. She decided to buy some and bring them back before returning to the Prince's residence. She had barely stepped out of the gate when she was surrounded by a group of soldiers on the street. Judging from their armor, they were actually the Imperial Guards of the palace.

Why are these imperial guards surrounding her? Qin Zhen looked around and saw a captain-like man step forward and say, "Miss Qin, His Majesty has ordered me to bring you to the palace. Please come with me."

Qin Zhen was stunned. Zhao Huan wanted to invite her to the palace? And he even sent the Imperial Guards to "invite" her. Did she, a mere woman, need such a grand procession?

"What business does His Majesty have with me?"

"This subordinate is unaware of the matter; we are merely following orders. Please do not make things difficult for us, Miss Qin."

Qin Zhen smiled and said, "Since the Emperor has summoned me, I will naturally return. How could I dare to make things difficult for you all?"

The Imperial Guard captain breathed a sigh of relief. He recalled that when he received the order, the Emperor had told them to be careful not to disturb the Qin family and not to clash with the Kang Prince's family. He thought the matter would be quite difficult, but he was surprised that Qin Zhen was "invited" away so easily. It was truly fortunate.

When news of Qin Zhen's capture and imprisonment reached the Kang Prince's residence, Zhao Gou was in a secret chamber meeting with Wu Shaofen, who had returned to Bianjing from Lin'an. He instructed her to carefully escort Fan Tianxiang and Li Shishi to Lin'an. In the middle of his conversation, he heard Qingmei's urgent knocking outside the study, so he quickly dismissed Wu Shaofen.

"Your Highness, Miss Qin has been taken into the palace by the Imperial Guards!"

Zhao Gou had just stepped out of the secret chamber when he heard Qingmei speak anxiously. He paused, then asked, "Did His Majesty send someone to take him away? What for?"

Qingmei said, "The reason is still unknown. The person was taken away from the front of the Qin residence without even being notified by Lord Qin."

After listening, Zhao Gou said, "Prepare the carriage, I want to go to the palace."

In the palace, Qin Zhen looked fearlessly at Zhao Huan, whose expression was not good, and asked, "His Majesty summoned me to the palace. What is the purpose of this summons?"

Zhao Huan stopped his slow pacing, picked up a memorial from the table, and handed it to Qin Zhen, saying, "Take a look at this and tell me whether what is said in it is true."

Qin Zhen took the memorial and began to read it with curiosity. As he read on, his palms unconsciously became sweaty.

The memorial was written by Zhao Kai, and it reported on her identity in the Liao Kingdom and her smuggling of Song Kingdom grain into the Liao Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, what is said in this memorial... is all true."

real!

Zhao Huan looked at Qin Zhen in surprise. He hadn't expected her to admit it so directly!

Seeing Zhao Huan's surprised expression, Qin Zhen calmly took two steps forward and asked, "Did I...did I do something wrong?"

"You... Qin Zhen, don't you realize you've done something terribly wrong? You're treasonous and colluding with the enemy!"

"Treason and betrayal?" Qin Zhen asked repeatedly. "Isn't Liao a friendly nation according to the treaty? Your Majesty, aren't you constantly sending troops and supplies to Liao? Why... is what I'm doing considered treason?"

Zhao Huan was surprised and suddenly realized that "treason" was a charge that Zhao Kai had leveled against Qin Zhen in his memorial, but if Qin Zhen's account was true, the charge was invalid.

"Are you really a princess of the Liao Kingdom?" Zhao Huan asked, changing the subject.

Qin Zhen replied, "I am from the Song Dynasty. The title of Princess Dingguo of Liao was merely bestowed upon me by the Liao Emperor in gratitude for saving his life."

What had initially surprised Zhao Huan, under Qin Zhen's calm narration, gradually made him realize he had perhaps overreacted. Was he really just being paranoid?

"No matter what, it's unacceptable that you concealed the fact that you were transporting a large amount of grain to the Liao Kingdom from the imperial court. There aren't many people who could gather tens of thousands of dan of grain. Where did you get all this grain from?"

Qin Zhen recalled what Fan Tianxiang had told her a few days ago: that the government had intensified its investigation into Fanlou. At that time, she guessed that either Li Shishi or the grain transport had leaked information. Now it seemed that it was the grain transport.

"Fanlou".

Other merchants didn't dare to do this deal.

Zhao Huan asked in confusion, "Business?"

"Yes, although the Liao granaries were empty, we could still raise some silver, so I contacted merchants in Song territory and bought grain." At most, this could only be considered smuggling, Qin Zhen thought.

Zhao Huan paced back and forth a few steps, considering the credibility of Qin Zhen's words and the memorial, when someone announced: "King Kang requests an audience."

"They've arrived so quickly?" Zhao Huan hesitated for a moment, but still summoned Zhao Gou in.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that Qin Zhen has been arrested by the Imperial Guards and brought to the palace. I do not know what she has done wrong. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency and let her go. I am willing to accept punishment for her wrongdoing!"

Zhao Gou unexpectedly lowered his stance, immediately apologizing upon meeting her. Zhao Huan chuckled twice and said, "Ninth Brother, please rise. I did not arrest Qin Zhen, but only invited her to the palace to assist in the investigation of the Fanlou grain smuggling incident. The matter has now been clarified. You may take her back."

"Oh? I see."

Zhao Gou did not want Qin Zhen to stay in the palace for even a moment longer, so after exchanging a few words, he quickly took her away from the palace.

What's going on?

Qin Zhen angrily punched the curtain in the carriage and said, "Yi Ge is really my good sister, but she shows no mercy at all. She actually told the Prince of Yun about my affairs in Liao!"

"It's them?" A cold glint flashed in Zhao Gou's eyes, but he comforted Qin Zhen, saying, "Now that you know what kind of person she is, be more careful in the future and don't confide in others too easily."

Qin Zhen nodded and said, "Fortunately, my senior brother has been arranging the relocation of Fanlou for the past few months. Even if the Emperor sends people to seal it off now, the losses will not be too great."

Zhao Gou said happily, "That's perfect. If Boss Fan suddenly disappeared for no reason, it would inevitably attract attention. This time, with the 'smuggling' incident, people will only think that he absconded with the money and won't think anything more about it."

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Didn't my brother make things difficult for you? How could he so easily shift all the blame onto Fanlou?"

Qin Zhen shook her head and said, "I don't know what he was thinking. It seems like he was intentionally letting me go."

This matter could be considered either minor or major, but Zhao Huan chose to downplay it, using Qin Zhen's excuse to shift all the blame onto Fan Lou. It must be said that he did not consider Zhao Gou's reasons.

Zhao Huan had witnessed everything that happened between them when they were young, and seeing Qin Zhen brought to the palace the moment he arrived today, it was clear how important Qin Zhen was to him. Although he was always wary of Zhao Gou, he also knew that if he truly hurt Zhao Gou's feelings, it would be tantamount to forcing him to rebel, and at least for now, he didn't want to force him into that situation.

"You should go to Lin'an with Wu Shaofen," Zhao Gou suddenly said.

Qin Zhen asked in surprise, "Didn't you say you could take me to the front lines?"

Zhao Gou explained, “Now that my brother knows your identity as a princess of Liao, if I take you with me again, he will inevitably overthink things and think we have other intentions. If someone with ulterior motives reminds him, he may think that I want to use Liao’s military strength to confront him. In that case, it will not only be detrimental to Liao’s war efforts, but will also deepen the misunderstanding between us.”

Qin Zhen nodded. Although he was unwilling to believe it, Zhao Huan was indeed very suspicious at this moment, and he couldn't ignore it.