Zhao Huan thought about these questions without any sense of integrity. To people of his generation, his integrity had long been devoured by dogs.

"Let him in."

Zhao Gou was only nineteen years old this year. He was handsome and dignified. If he lived in later generations, he would definitely be a heartthrob. Moreover, his temperament was outstanding, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon, giving people the feeling of a refined gentleman.

His features resembled those of Zhao Huan, but Zhao Huan was timid and his face was even more delicate than Zhao Gou's. However, since Tang Zhe was reborn in Zhao Huan's body, this feminine quality has been slowly fading away.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I heard that Your Majesty has caught a cold, so I came to visit you. Several months ago, a high monk from a foreign land gave me a piece of thousand-year-old ginseng. I dared not use it for myself, so I specially present it to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will take care of your health."

In Zhao Gou's hand was a black sandalwood box inlaid with gold thread, its workmanship extremely exquisite and elegant.

Zhao Huan's expression was gentle, but he was somewhat annoyed. He had already emphasized to Physician Qi that he was not allowed to reveal his illness, but he did not expect that the outside world would know about it in just half a day.

Even Prince Kang, Zhao Gou, knows about this. It seems that there are many spies in the palace, and the emperor's secrets cannot be kept for long. There must be many people with eyes and ears in the palace, so the palace is not a safe place.

Zhao Huan's gaze swept over Zhao Gou imperceptibly. Ever since he learned last night that Zhao Ji had joined forces with the ministers to force Zhao Gou to abdicate, he had been wondering if there was another prince or king involved behind the scenes.

After all, Zhao Ji had abdicated voluntarily, and it was impossible for him to change his mind and want to become emperor again after only one day. Given his methods, he would definitely support a new emperor to take the throne, as long as the new emperor agreed to let him flee south.

Unfortunately, the Imperial City Guard's interrogation did not involve any particular king, but this still could not dispel Zhao Huan's doubts.

Zhao Gou was not a truly incompetent ruler. Compared to Zhao Ji, Zhao Gou was far superior. Moreover, he was young, courageous, and shrewd. Although many people in later generations had a negative opinion of him, he was indeed a remarkable person.

After thinking it over, Zhao Huan decided to put the matter aside for the time being. Since the whereabouts of a certain king could not be found, Zhao Ji must have taken action first, and then installed a new emperor after deposing him.

Zhao Gou is still a capable ruler.

"Your Highness is very thoughtful. Your Highness has come at the right time. I have something to ask you."

"Your Majesty is humbled. Your Majesty's wisdom is as vast as the sea, far surpassing my own. How can I possibly seek your guidance?"

"Don't be modest. That scoundrel Wanyan Zonghan has already gathered by the Yellow River, while the troops sent to defend the emperor are mostly concentrated in Hebei. Our Great Song Dynasty is facing an unprecedented crisis. I know that Prince Kang is a man of strategy, but I don't know how to repel the enemy."

Upon hearing Zhao Huan's words, Zhao Gou immediately knelt on the ground, feigning fear: "Your Majesty is too kind to me. I am but a minor prince in a peaceful state, living in a daze all day long. The affairs of the state are as difficult as climbing to heaven for me."

At this point, Zhao Gou even changed his form of address. Princes and princes of the Song Dynasty were not allowed to interfere in politics, but Zhao Huan directly and bluntly asked him, making Zhao Gou wonder if the emperor was testing him.

Zhao Huan has been killing people ruthlessly these past two days, causing turmoil in the court and among the people. Zhao Gou is well aware of this. How could Zhao Gou not be afraid when Zhao Huan asks him such a question at this time?

Zhao Huan went over and helped Zhao Gou up: "King Kang is overthinking things. King Kang is my younger brother. I have no other intention than to ask King Kang for his advice."

Zhao Gou's heart sank. He had looked down on his elder brother Zhao Huan since childhood and was very jealous of him. Apart from living a simple life, Zhao Huan had no other talents. He was weak-willed and indecisive, and was not suitable to be emperor.

This was Zhao Gou's thought, but he buried it very deep and dared not reveal it. He knew that the difference between the emperor and a prince was like heaven and earth.

I wish I were the eldest son!

However, after his coronation and the subsequent tears, Zhao Huan seemed to have become a different person, no longer the crown prince he once knew.

Take the matter of killing ministers in the imperial court, for example. Even Emperor Wu of Han would never have done it, but he dared to do it anyway, completely ignoring the objections of the scholars and officials.

The word "reckless" is used to describe losers. Once they succeed, their behavior is no longer reckless, but rather shows courage and determination!

Judging from his visit to the Imperial Guards at the North Gate and his counterattack against those ministers this morning, my elder brother is really not reckless!

After some thought, Zhao Gou decided to tell the truth. Otherwise, his elder brother would know that he was lying to fool him, and he didn't know how his capricious elder brother would treat him in the future.

Zhao Huan stared intently at Zhao Gou, seemingly very interested in his answer. In fact, after retiring from the morning court session, Zhao Huan had reassessed the current situation and was well aware of his own assessment. He simply wanted to hear Zhao Gou's opinion.

"Your Majesty, the Jin invaders have penetrated deep into enemy territory, a major strategic blunder. Even if Wanyan Zongwang reaches the walls of Bianjing (Kaifeng), as long as we hold our ground and do not engage, the Jin invaders will be exhausted within a few months. The worst-case scenario is that Wanyan Zonghan will abandon Taiyuan and march south to support Zongwang. But do not forget, they are all in the heart of our Great Song territory. The important towns in Hebei, where the Song army has elite imperial guards, will allow us to cut off the Yellow River, completely severing the Jin army's retreat. Then, we can mobilize reinforcements to capture them like turtles in a jar! The Jin invaders will undoubtedly be defeated!"

Zhao Huan nodded calmly, but his heart was in turmoil.

He stared intently at Zhao Gou, as if trying to see something out of Zhao Gou's face.

Unexpectedly, among the emperors of the Zhao family, there was such a wise man as Zhao Gou!

It seems that what some online novels and online analysis articles say is true. Before moving south to become emperor, Zhao Gou was one of the few outstanding members of the royal family. No wonder the historical records say that when he went to the Jin army camp as a hostage, he remained calm and composed. Wanyan Zongwang thought he was a fake prince and sent him back.

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