Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 111 Ancestral Precepts of the Zhao Family

Chapter 111 Ancestral Precepts of the Zhao Family

"Just do as I say."

Zhao Dezhao gently patted the sword at his waist and said resolutely, "If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility."

Upon hearing this, Lu Duoxun fell silent.

Rationally speaking, he felt that His Highness's actions were extremely counterproductive, even bordering on defying the world's will.

Because eight or nine out of ten scholars in the world, even if they are not the sons of high-ranking officials or nobles, are at least from poor families.

The poor families here are by no means ordinary people; ordinary people cannot afford to go to school.

The term "poor family" refers to people like him whose families have fallen on hard times, who have knowledge but lack a solid foundation.

Only people like them are the most direct victims of the "public recommendation" system.

But His Highness, for the sake of those illiterate commoners, and even this very few oppressed poor students, is willing to offend the powerful and influential people of the world. In his view, this is extremely unwise.

But suddenly, an ancient saying struck him—

Even if it means facing millions, I will still go!

Sometimes, someone has to be the first to take the plunge, right?

Ludoson's face instantly lost its usual opportunistic and shrewd demeanor, leaving only a look of utmost respect.

He bowed deeply and respectfully to Zhao Dezhao, his tone extremely solemn: "Your Highness is truly righteous. Your subject is willing to do everything in your power for Your Highness, even unto death!"

Given his opportunistic nature of always seeking profit and avoiding harm, it is already quite remarkable that he could utter such heartfelt words.

Zhao Dezhao gently patted his shoulder and said softly, "Go ahead, I'll wait for your news."

That night, the moonlight was hazy.

The streets of Kaifeng, where the curfew had just been lifted, were still bustling with people.

Ludoson sent his trusted servants to visit the Tao Gu residence with a chest full of valuables.

Inside Tao Gu's study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Tao Gu sat at his desk, perusing ancient books, when he heard that Lu Duoxun had brought a box to...

Lai, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, feigned doubt: "Scholar Lu, you've come so late at night, bringing these things with you. What brings you here?"

Ludoson gestured for his servants to carry the box into the study, then dismissed the servants before slowly opening the box lid.

Inside, the silver ingots gleamed, and the full box of silver ingots reflected the candlelight, making one's eyes dizzy.

He feigned reluctance and sighed softly, "Minister Tao, to be honest, since the imperial examinations were decided, many ministers in the court have come to me with these gifts, hoping that I can say a few good words for them in front of you and recommend their sons."

"I am new to the role of chief examiner and assistant examiner, and I am unsure of the proper course of action. I have come to seek your advice, Master Tao."

Tao Gu was the Minister of Rites, in charge of the imperial examinations. He was the chief examiner for this examination, with Lu Duoxun as his deputy.

Therefore, it was reasonable for Lu Duoxun to come and seek advice, and Tao Gu did not suspect anything.

He glanced casually at the silver ingots in the box, curled his lip in disdain, and secretly laughed at Ludoson's pedantry.

This amount of money is nothing compared to what he received.

He raised his hand with feigned composure, gesturing for Lu Duoxun to sit down, and said with a smile, "Scholar Lu, there is no need to panic. In every dynasty, the imperial examinations have always been conducted in this way. Public recommendation is simply a matter of custom."

"The gifts sent by the ministers are merely a token of their appreciation; we should simply accept them without hesitation and show them consideration when reviewing the papers."

"But wouldn't this go against His Majesty's wishes?" Lu Duoxun feigned concern.

"How could His Majesty, far away in the palace, know these details?" Tao Gu waved his hand, his tone firm: "Besides, when we select talents for His Majesty, we also consider the sons of ministers, which is also for the purpose of stabilizing the court. Moreover, this is a common practice, and everyone in the world does it this way. Even if His Majesty knew, he would not pursue it too much."

"Scholar Lu, please accept it without worry."

Lu Duoxun feigned sudden realization and bowed to Tao Gu, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I am finally relieved. These valuables will remain with you for now, sir, and you may dispose of them as you see fit. I shall take my leave."

Tao Gu feigned hesitation for a moment before signaling his servant to accept the gifts, a smile on his face: "Since it is Scholar Lu's kind offer, then I will accept it without being impolite."

After saying this, he even got up and personally escorted Lu Duoxun to the gate of the mansion. After Lu Duoxun's figure disappeared into the distance, he turned around and instructed the servants behind him: "Take out half of those valuables and send them to the mansion of the Marquis of Taiyuan."

"Yes, sir." The servant bowed and withdrew.

On the other side, Ludoson had just returned to his residence when he immediately fetched writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and spread them out on the table.

With swift strokes of the pen, a memorial accusing Tao Gu of embezzlement and bribery, using the guise of recommending candidates for the imperial examinations, was already on the page.

After finishing writing, he picked up the memorial, gently blew on the still-wet ink, and couldn't help but show a smug look on his face.

Fortunately, my skill level hasn't dropped.

"Go, quickly send this memorial to the Prince of Wugong's residence and personally hand it to His Highness."

"Here you are."

The next morning, the court was unusually calm, with none of the usual confrontations.

Unlike the radiant appearance of the civil officials.

Shi Shouxin and his fellow military officers stood to one side of the main hall, all yawning and unable to hide their drowsiness. Several of them even dozed off while standing, muttering incoherently, "Confucius said: 'A ruler should treat his ministers with propriety, and ministers should serve their ruler with loyalty—'"

This scene made Zhao Dezhao unable to suppress his laughter.

However, he did not take this opportunity to directly produce the memorial that Lu Duoxun had given him. Instead, he planned to discuss the matter with Zhao Kuangyin privately after the court session.

After all, the reform of the imperial examination system involved a wide range of issues, and if it were raised in public, it would inevitably lead to a heated debate, which Zhao Dezhao believed was unnecessary.

But coincidentally, after the court session, Zhang Dejun approached him: "Your Highness, Your Highness—His Majesty has summoned you. Please come with me immediately."

"Father, you're looking for me too?" Zhao Dezhao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Lead the way, lead the way."

Halfway there, he seemed to suddenly remember something, paused slightly, and asked, "By the way, has Zhao Guangyi tried to contact you again these days?"

"Your Highness, Shi Zaixi has indeed approached me several times, but he only inquired about His Majesty's daily affairs and did not mention anything else."

"Oh." Zhao Dezhao nodded slightly, then asked, "Do you have any information about Wang Ji'en?"

Zhang Dejun looked ashamed and said in a low voice, "Your Highness—there's still none left."

"Alright then." Zhao Dezhao sighed. It was as if Wang Ji'en had vanished into thin air. Could it be that his actions had caused a butterfly effect, leading to Wang Ji'en's disappearance?

While he was pondering, Zhang Dejun had already led him to the southwest corner of the palace, in front of an extremely secluded and quiet pavilion.

The attic was still overgrown with weeds, with withered branches and fallen leaves scattered around, making it look somewhat desolate.

The building is over three zhang tall, and the red tiles still retain the patina of the paint. The old wooden parts on the eaves have been replaced with new ones, indicating that it has just been repaired.

Above it are three powerful and vigorous characters: "Book Oath Stele Pavilion".

"Your Highness, His Majesty is waiting for you inside," Zhang Dejun said, bowing.

Zhao Dezhao nodded slightly, straightened his clothes, and calmly stepped into the pavilion.

The attic was only one story high and very spacious, with a few candles burning around it. The candlelight flickered on the walls, adding a touch of inexplicable gloom.

To the north of the pavilion stood a tall, blue stone tablet, about ten feet high. Zhao Kuangyin stood with his hands behind his back in front of the tablet, his broad back completely obscuring the inscription.

"Zhao'er, come here."

Hearing footsteps, Zhao Kuangyin did not turn around, but simply gave the order.

Zhao Dezhao followed his instructions and stepped forward, standing half a step behind Zhao Kuangyin. He then slowly raised his eyes and focused his gaze on the inscription on the stone tablet.

But with just one glance, his expression instantly turned ugly.

The stone tablet has only three lines of large characters:

May the Chai family remain safe and sound.

We shall share the world with the scholar-officials, and shall not kill scholar-officials or those who submit memorials to the emperor.

May any descendant of the Zhao family who violates this oath be destroyed by Heaven!