Chapter 23: My Heart Was Stabbed a Thousand Times Over

Zhao Guangyi, who had already bowed halfway, ready to perform the ritual to accept his appointment, froze in place. He lifted his head, gazing at his older brother with an expression of utter disbelief. The man was completely stunned by this turn of events, which he had never in his wildest dreams anticipated.

Sending Zhao Dezhao? It was actually to be Zhao Dezhao? For such an important occasion, he had always been the one to take the lead; why, this time, had the duty fallen to Zhao Dezhao? What merit or ability did Zhao Dezhao have to shoulder such a heavy responsibility? Was his brother growing senile?

"The Prince of Jin is the Mayor of Kaifeng and has many affairs to attend to. You are already busy enough and must not be overworked. Rixin has grown up and is now capable of contributing to this family," Zhao Kuangyin said, meeting Zhao Guangyi’s gaze and offering an explanation.

"The Emperor’s words are absolutely correct. Rixin has indeed grown up; we can no longer allow him to remain idle. It is truly reasonable for Rixin to handle this matter." Zhao Guangyi reacted quickly. The astonishment and confusion on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by a show of heartfelt agreement.

Zhao Kuangyin nodded inwardly, thinking that his third brother was still reliable. In matters of principle, he could distinguish right from wrong. Just as he had hoped, his third brother was able to understand this arrangement.

In contrast to the bewildered Zhao Guangyi, Zhao Dezhao’s state of mind was entirely different. He was also stunned, but his shock was one brought on by an overwhelming, pleasant surprise. Initially, he had held no hope for this assignment. Since the founding of the Great Song, the reception of foreign monarchs and high-ranking envoys had always been handled by his third uncle. Even when Meng Chang was defeated and sent to the capital years ago, it had been the same. Who could have expected that his Imperial Father would suddenly choose him to lead the officials to welcome Li Yu?

He had initially intended to be humble and decline, but seeing that his third uncle and his father had settled the matter in a few short exchanges while he was still dazed, he decided not to refuse. "Your son accepts the decree. It is just that… I have never performed such a task before, and I fear that any oversight on my part might damage the dignity of the state."

Zhao Kuangyin laughed. "No matter. After the court session, consult with your third uncle more often, and let him provide you with some guidance."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if his heart had been stabbed a thousand times, only for his own brother to sprinkle salt into the wounds. The feeling was indescribable! Yet, he dared not show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.

"Rixin, your third uncle has experience in this. As long as you follow the preparations I describe, I guarantee there will be no errors."

"This nephew thanks his third uncle." Zhao Dezhao smiled, his gratitude full of sincerity.

Zhao Kuangyin observed all of this, feeling quite pleased. Thus far, things were under control. Although there was a certain degree of competition between his third brother and Rixin, familial affection remained the priority; they struggled but did not break, and neither had been blinded by the position of heir.

In those few short moments, the civil and military officials in the court had exchanged countless secret glances. Many were shocked, and many others were struck by internal bewilderment, beginning to formulate their own separate plans.

Lu Duoxun wanted to say something, but at that moment, it seemed inappropriate to speak. Even though the outcome was diametrically opposed to what he had anticipated, he had no choice but to hold his tongue. After standing there in a daze for a moment, he silently retreated to his rank, feeling deeply stifled.

After the court adjourned, Zhao Dezhao felt better than ever. His father’s sudden arrangement had truly exceeded his expectations. While joyful, he could not help but cast his gaze toward the direction of the Imperial Garden. Although his father had not explicitly stated it, he knew that Li Xiaolang had played no small part in this decision, or rather, that it was entirely thanks to him.

Suppressing his joy, he exchanged views with a few supporters before adjusting his mood to go and see his third uncle. His father had suggested that his third uncle provide him with guidance, but in reality, it was a hint to communicate properly and ensure that no hard feelings would arise between family members. As a son, Zhao Dezhao understood his father well. He also felt it was necessary to make the visit. Despite the competition, they were family, and his third uncle was his kin; competition was one thing, but it could not come at the expense of their familial bond.

...

Not to mention the scene of "affectionate uncle and nephew" that would soon unfold, Zhao Kuangyin remained in the Wansui Hall, contemplating for a moment before continuing with state affairs. Soon after, Wang Ji'en entered, reporting that the Princess of Chu had arrived at the Imperial Garden and wished to enter, but had been stopped by the Imperial Guards.

Upon receiving this news, Zhao Kuangyin was both anxious and reproachful. Why wasn't Runiang resting? Why had she run out again? How could she be so careless with her health? He opened his mouth to tell her to go back immediately, but the words did not come out. Since Runiang had already reached the gate of the Imperial Garden, sending her back served no purpose. More importantly, no matter how much he wished to deny it, Zhao Kuangyin had to face the reality that his daughter’s time was likely running out. In these final days, it was better to let her do as she pleased. Besides, she was only going to the garden, not leaving the palace.

"Let the Princess of Chu enter. Tell them that from now on, she may come and go as she pleases; this restriction does not apply to her." Zhao Kuangyin, a man of principle, easily abandoned his principles when it came to his daughter.

Wang Ji'en accepted the order and left. Zhao Kuangyin, who had just been filled with joy and high spirits at the prospect of Li Yu’s arrival, sighed deeply, his mood heavy. He did not ask what his daughter was doing in the garden, for there was no need. His daughter had always loved the garden; it was her favorite place to find peace of mind. What else could she be doing there besides admiring the scenery? It was his own oversight; he had been so focused on keeping the matter of Li Cheng a secret that he had neglected Runiang.

...

In the Imperial Garden, after receiving Zhao Kuangyin’s order, the guards bowed deeply to the Princess of Chu and immediately cleared the way, appearing somewhat flustered. The Princess of Chu keenly sensed this and comforted them, saying, "You were merely following the Emperor’s orders to keep watch. You were doing your duty, so why be afraid? Why would I hold it against you?"

With that, supported by Nanny Hua and Xiao Die, she walked slowly into the garden. The guards thanked her, thinking the Princess of Chu was truly a kind person. It was only a pity that her fate was unkind; she had always been frail and sickly, not appearing to be one destined for a long life. It was for this reason that she had remained unmarried. The heavens were truly unfair; such a kind person should have such a destiny.

Contrary to Zhao Kuangyin’s assumption that his daughter had come merely to admire the scenery, the moment she entered the garden, she ignored the views entirely and headed straight for the "Flower Cottage" where Li Cheng was staying. One wonders what Zhao Kuangyin would think if he were to learn of this.

...

A warhorse galloped, carrying a military report personally written by Cao Bin and sealed by both him and Pan Mei, stating that Qian Chu had withdrawn his troops and surrendered the prefectures of Changzhou and Runzhou. It raced toward Bianliang, drawing ever closer.