Prince Zhao Kai of Yun was a man of extraordinary talent and brilliance.

However, that was during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, an era in which the Song Dynasty valued literature.

The Prince of Yun was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), meaning he ranked first in the national examinations of the Song Dynasty that year, making him a figure of similar brilliance to Su Shi.

During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, the Imperial City Guard was headed by Zhao Kai.

However, due to ideological differences, the Imperial City Guard was constantly suppressed and not given important positions, so people like Xie Dahai felt very frustrated at the time.

To be fair, Zhao Kai in history was at least much better than Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong of Song. If he had been emperor, perhaps the Jingkang Incident would not have occurred.

But all of that has changed.

Regardless of whether Zhao Kai was talented or not, he walked right into a dangerous situation.

No matter how talented a person is, they should never cross the line; it can be fatal, and no one can change that.

Some people privately say that the Prince of Yun did not criticize the new laws at all, and that it was all the result of a power struggle.

The emperor adopted Yu Yunwen's "Four Strategies for the South China Sea" and wanted to enfeoff the South China Sea region. However, the princes objected, so the emperor had to make an example of one of them to deter others.

The Prince of Yun criticized the new law, and the Inspectorate quickly opened a case against him. Everything was progressing very smoothly.

It went so smoothly, as if everything had been prepared in advance, and all that was left was to follow the script.

Princess Consort Zhu Fengying, the younger sister of Empress Zhu Lian, is currently in the Empress's palace, pleading with her sister.

"Elder sister, you absolutely must save Prince Yun."

"Fengying, please stop crying." Zhu Lian sighed. "His Majesty has strictly forbidden the empress from interfering in politics. Although I am the empress, I have no right to interfere in this matter."

"Elder sister, I'm begging you, please plead for the Prince of Yun."

Zhu Lian's heart softened, and he said, "Alright, get up first, I'll go find the Emperor now."

"Thank you, big sister!"

After Zhu Fengying left the palace, Zhu Lian went to Zhao Huan's study.

But they were told that the emperor was not in the imperial study at all.

The emperor had moved to Yanfu Palace, so Zhu Lian had no choice but to go there to find him.

The emperor went to Yanfu Palace without his knowledge. The emperor always avoided him, and he had already anticipated that he would come to plead for mercy.

Zhu Lian pondered for a moment, knowing full well that the emperor was avoiding him, but still wanted to go to Yanfu Palace.

But before he could leave the palace, he was stopped by Wang Kui'an.

"My sage, it's getting late."

"I'm going to see the Emperor now. Do I need Wang Zhongguan's permission?"

"Your Majesty, I dare not. His Majesty has said that he will not see anyone recently. Please return."

Zhu Lian ignored Wang Kui'an, got into his carriage and left the palace, heading towards Yanfu Palace.

Yanfu Palace is a palace outside the main palace. Every year, Zhao Huan would take some time to hide in Yanfu Palace by himself, where he would not see anyone.

Zhu Lian arrived at Yanfu Palace, but the guards in front of the palace refused to let him pass.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty has decreed that no one shall be seen without being summoned."

"Even I won't be seen?"

(In private, the emperors of the Song Dynasty were addressed as "Guanjia" and the empresses were addressed as "Shengren". However, this was only in private. The empresses of the Song Dynasty did not refer to themselves as "Bengong". In written form, they referred to themselves as "Yu" and more often as "Wo".)

"Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

Zhu Lian sighed and stopped making things difficult for the guards.

Since the emperor really doesn't want to see me, even if I force him to see me, it won't make much difference.

The second time, the people from the Censorate arrived at the Prince of Yun's residence, and Prince Zhao Kai of Yun was taken back to the Censorate.

A few days later, the crime of the Prince of Yun criticizing the new laws was confirmed.

This was still not enough to hasten the execution of the Prince of Yun, since someone might be able to save him if they wanted to, and in the end, the Prince of Yun was demoted to a commoner.

A few days later, someone reported that Liu Xing, the transport commissioner of Jiaozhou in the southwest, was having an affair with the Prince of Yun.

In the past, this might not have been a big deal; at most, it would have just meant that a high-ranking official and a prince were close, perhaps as personal friends.

But now that the Prince of Yun has been accused of criticizing the new laws, the relationship between Liu Xing and the Prince of Yun may be about to take a turn for the worse.

The evidence of their illicit affair has been compiled. It is said that the Duke of Chongguo will be going to the southwest in a while. The Prince of Yun wrote a letter to Liu Xing, asking him to take good care of the Duke of Chongguo in the future.

At first glance, this seems like a letter from an uncle showing concern for his nephew, which makes perfect sense!

However, the ministers in the Song Dynasty court who were good at guessing the emperor's thoughts did not think there was anything wrong with this letter.

This is clearly a case of local military commanders colluding with a prince!

What are they trying to do?

They're going to rebel!

In a situation where imperial power was unprecedentedly strong and judicial and military powers were closely intertwined, it was a grave taboo for a prince to have contact with a high-ranking military official.

Moreover, does Liu Xing's close relationship with the Prince of Yun indicate that Liu Xing also criticized the new laws?

Regarding this matter, He Ye even submitted a memorial to the emperor, incisively pointing out that the old faction still existed and was lurking in the Song Dynasty's officialdom, waiting for an opportunity.

The Censorate's designation of Liu Xing and the Prince of Yun as members of the "Old Party" effectively placed them directly in opposition to the mainstream of the Song Dynasty court.

Therefore, almost no one will plead for them.

The Control Yuan quickly sent Liu Xing to a military court, and after going through the procedures, the charges were established.

Seven days later, Liu Xing was beheaded, and Zhao Kai was sentenced to death.

Upon learning of the death of his most beloved son, the retired Emperor Huizong of Song grieved for three days and three nights in the palace, and cursed his eldest son for three days and three nights.

During this period, Zhao Huan stayed in Yanfu Palace.

All political affairs were handed over to the Council of State Affairs.

The only person he met was Yu Yunwen, who finally delivered a detailed plan for the enfeoffment to him.

Zhao Kai is dead, leaving 21 princes.

All 21 will be divided up and sent out.

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