"When the pillars of the empire fall, the people's faith collapses as well."
"Children, do you understand this principle?"
When Zhao Huan uttered the words "How could I rebel?", Zhao Cheng understood everything.
Zhao Huan was not incapable of rebelling, but rather incapable of initiating a rebellion unless the imperial court first drove the Zhao family to the brink of collapse, at which point Zhao Huan would be forced to rebel.
Zhao Huan said this was a matter of the people's faith, but in reality it was a matter of reputation.
If Zhao Huan were to rebel voluntarily, even if he gained control of the empire, he would not win the hearts of the people. However, if he were forced into rebellion by the court, he would gain the sympathy of the people and even the support of the entire nation in the process.
This is a long-term plan.
It's also about perspective.
Zhao Cheng couldn't help but feel admiration for Zhao Huan.
So Zhao Cheng said no more.
Zhao Zhan couldn't help but ask again, "Father, are we just supposed to passively take the beatings?"
Zhao Huan said, "I just asked you how the imperial court would act, and you didn't know. So let me tell you. Even if the imperial court were to take action, it wouldn't be a large-scale operation. Have you forgotten that the Princess is still in the residence?"
"The eldest princess and the emperor share a deep sibling bond. Would the emperor be willing to turn against his sister with weapons?"
"So the most likely scenario is that the emperor will summon me and the eldest son to the palace, or he will send the eldest princess back to the palace to visit her family first."
"So before that, we recruit soldiers and horses, which means we stick our necks out and let others cut them off."
Zhao Yan couldn't help but ask, "Father, since these things are bound to happen sooner or later, won't we all end up in that situation anyway?"
“You’re right, we may eventually reach that point, but it takes time.”
Zhao Huan glanced at Xu Shouli and continued, "But it will take time for news of the Marquis of Qingdong to reach Changsui, and it will also take time for the court to issue an edict. The current situation in the court is unclear. Who can guarantee that other situations won't arise in the court during this time?"
Everyone's eyes froze for a moment, and they all understood Zhao Huan's intention.
Use stillness to control movement!
Xu Shouli clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhao Huan and said, "Commander Long is wise!"
The matter had been made clear, and no one asked any further questions.
Zhao Cheng looked at Xu Shouli and asked, "Lord Marquis, what are your plans?"
Xu Shouli thought for a moment and did not take Zhao Cheng's words as a casual greeting. He replied seriously, "Xu An and I haven't seen each other for almost three years. I know my son well. He has grown a lot during this time, and it is largely due to you. First of all, I thank you. Then, I would like him to accompany me to see Yanchuan City as it is now, to see Qingdong City, and to see your business."
Zhao Cheng then asked, "And what about the imperial court?"
Xu Shouli said, "Report what needs to be reported, and delay what needs to be delayed."
Zhao Cheng stood up and bowed deeply to Xu Shouli.
Xu Shouli and his son also stood up and returned the greeting to Zhao Cheng.
After everyone left, Zhao Cheng accompanied his parents back to the backyard.
Zhao Cheng did not leave. Zhao Huan knew he had something to say, so he sat down on the recliner in the courtyard and said, "Just say what you want to say. The third and fourth brothers are not here, so there is no issue of affecting people's morale."
Mu Zhaojun said, "Cheng'er, please sit down. I'll go prepare some snacks for you."
"Thank you for your hard work, Mother."
Zhao Cheng pulled his chair to sit down to Zhao Huan's right. His chair was lower, so he looked like he was snuggling up to Zhao Huan.
"Father, are you really sure the emperor won't attack Yanchuan City?"
Zhao Huan leaned back in the recliner, tapped his finger on the armrest, and said, "I watched Ayun and Yuan Xiu grow up, and I'm confident in my feelings for them."
Zhao Cheng said, "But now, besides Yuan Xiu, there is also Yuan Li."
Zhao Huan said, "I understand your concerns, but I have no choice but to take the gamble."
Zhao Cheng asked, "Is public opinion that important?"
"He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world." Zhao Huan's eyes deepened as he gazed at a ginkgo tree not far away and said slowly, "I can give up the world, but I cannot let the Zhao family line end, nor can I let my descendants bear the infamy."
Zhao Cheng said, "Father, you've already thought this through, haven't you?"
Zhao Huan remained silent for a while before nodding.
Zhao Cheng asked, "Now can you tell me how many people are on Mount Ling?"
Without hesitation, Zhao Huan decisively replied, "One thousand people."
Seeing his father's decisive answer, Zhao Cheng did not dwell on the question and asked again, "I know you have been in contact with Marquis Qingdong for a long time. His return this time must have been arranged by you. How many people can he gather after he goes to Qingdong City?"
Around three thousand.
"He has three thousand men, we have a little over a thousand, and Li Dai has eight thousand. What makes you think that our ten thousand-plus men can withstand the imperial army?"
"That's why I said I was betting."
Zhao Huan turned to look at his son and said calmly, "I'm betting that the court won't use force. I'm betting that chaos will break out in the court before they do. If they fall into chaos, our 10,000-plus men will be a sharp weapon. Even if we lose the bet, we will remain magnanimous and composed. Future generations will only record that our Zhao family was a loyal and martyr who was framed, and will not bring shame to our family name."
Zhao Cheng let out a long breath, leaned against Zhao Huan's hand, and quietly looked at the ginkgo tree.
His expression at that moment was like that of a child not yet ten years old.
Zhao Huan didn't disturb him any further; he understood his son.
If you win the gamble, anything is possible.
If the bet is lost, this scene of father and son may be the last time.
Zhao Cheng's actions were simply to experience the warmth between father and son, leaving behind the most beautiful memories.
Mu Zhaojun personally carried the pastries over and stopped behind the father and son. Not wanting to disturb this wonderful moment, she looked at the ginkgo tree just like the father and son.
Time passed quietly, and the sunset glow descended, gilding the ginkgo tree with a layer of crimson gold.
...
Wen Hu closely monitored the situation in Yan Chuan City.
After Xu Shouli set off from Changsui, Wen Hu had hundreds of spies traveling back and forth between Changsui City and Yanchuan City, trying his best to keep Wen Hu updated on the news from Yanchuan City.
Before Xu Shouli could report the situation to Changsui after delivering the imperial decree, Wen Hu had already grasped the general situation.
Although this is not the whole picture, it is close to the truth.
Wen Hu knew that Zhao Cheng had not accepted the imperial decree. He also knew that Xu Shouli had no intention of returning to the palace.
He was very satisfied with the result.
Changsui City.
Outside the General's Mansion, Wen Hu stood alone, wearing a plain-colored long robe and a bamboo hat, as he walked to the gate.
The guards outside the door sized up Wen Hu's attire, assuming he was just an ordinary commoner, and roughly pressed down on Wen Hu's shoulder.
What are you doing?
Wen Hu made no move, but a stream of air flowed down his shoulder into the guard's palm. The guard's face turned red, and he immediately felt a sharp pain in his arm, startling him so much that he quickly took several steps back.
Wen Hu said, "Tell your wife that Yu Changsi has come to visit."
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