Chapter 89 You mean, it was I who wanted to seize it from...
“You shouldn’t have come to see me,” Di Qing said.
When Di Qing met Fusu, he was dressed in an extremely formal suit. He wore a jade belt around his waist and a gold fish-shaped pouch.
Having been exposed to the Guangyuan Prefecture sun, his skin was two shades darker than the average person's, which was made even more noticeable by the purple round-necked official robe. The tattoos on his face were also conspicuous and somewhat frightening.
In short, he looked quite out of place. He was completely different from the cultured and distinguished civil officials that Fusu had met before.
Perhaps Di Qing himself was also unaccustomed to it? From what Fusu saw, in just a quarter of an hour, his fingers repeatedly tugged at his sleeve. It seemed this general, who rose from humble beginnings, was completely out of place with the officials and nobles of Bianjing. He preferred the iron armor.
Fusu pretended not to hear Di Qing's words and sincerely bowed to the man: "Greetings, Your Excellency, Military Governor of the Protectorate Army."
The title of Protector of the Nation Army Military Governor was bestowed upon Di Qing by Emperor Renzong of Song. However, because his suppression of the rebellion occurred more than ten years earlier than historically expected, and for reasons unknown, he was not appointed as a Privy Councilor, thus failing to become a central figure in the Song Dynasty's political structure.
However, the title of "Jiedushi" (military governor) and the considerable fiefdoms they received were enough to sting the sensitive nerves of some. From the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period, regional military governors controlled their own territories, rendering the central court virtually powerless. Furthermore, because they abandoned the most basic morality, the entire Chinese nation almost descended into a dark forest.
Coincidentally, Di Qing was barely literate and had committed a crime in his early years, resulting in a tattoo on his face by the government. This was exactly the same as the military governors recorded in historical books.
Di Qing lacked formal education and had not yet read through the history books of previous dynasties, but his mentor was Fan Zhongyan.
He had already learned from Fan Zhongyan why he was disliked by court officials, even if he himself had no such intentions. Even if he had broken the law with force in his early years, it was for his family; doesn't this perfectly align with the principle of "relatives concealing each other's faults" in the *Guliang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals*?
Unfortunately, no one else was willing to listen, and there was nothing anyone could do.
After returning to court in high spirits and receiving his reward, Di Qing was suddenly met with coldness and was almost left with no relatives or friends. Having experienced great disappointment, he had long been prepared to keep to himself and the literati, even to the point of being ostracized for a while. So when he heard that Zhao Xiaosanyuan, who was currently the most prominent man in the capital, had come to visit, Di Qing was almost speechless with astonishment.
His first reaction was to kick them out.
But Zhao Xiaosanyuan didn't respond at all. Was it because he was too young to understand court politics, or simply because he hadn't heard? Di Qing had no choice but to change the subject: "Who instructed you to come and visit me?"
It's more accurate to say "instruct" than "guide".
Di Qing could roughly guess the story behind it: someone was probably jealous of Zhao Xiaosanyuan and took advantage of his young age and naivety, leading him to ruin his career and destroy his own future. It was easy to resolve: simply send the person away and then submit a memorial to the emperor explaining that they hadn't said much at all…
“No one told me to come; I came of my own accord,” Fusu said, blinking his eyes.
Di Qing: "?"
He was extremely surprised and let out a hissing sound.
"As for how I came up with this idea, Lord Di, you may not know this, but I am a student of Master Fan. I have heard that Master Fan once gave you some pointers in the Northwest, so I shamelessly came here to get to know him."
It's all reversed! It's completely reversed!
Di Qing's face flushed with anxiety: "Why do you make it sound like you're trying to burn my stove? I should be the one burning yours!"
Even though he lived a secluded life, he had heard how highly the officials regarded Zhao Xiaosanyuan. This was incomparable to his already stagnant martial arts career. But Zhao Xiaosanyuan mentioned "Master Fan"—Master Fan was the one who had revived him! Should he really kick out the disciple of his benefactor?
Fusu saw the struggle on Di Qing's face.
He couldn't help but sigh: Historically, many renowned officials, including Wen Yanbo, had ousted Di Qing from his position as Privy Councilor. Of course, Emperor Renzong's unease and suspicion also played a significant role. Unfortunately, they had completely misjudged him; Di Qing was not the shameless and immoral military man of the late Tang and Five Dynasties period they had imagined.
For example, at this moment, the conflicted anxiety on his face stemmed entirely from his worry about the future of this complete stranger. Could such a kind-hearted person harbor greed and emulate figures like An Lushan and Shi Siming to wreak havoc on the Song Dynasty?
A smile slowly spread across Fusu's face. Being cared for by someone, even a complete stranger, was always pleasant. Moreover, his brief glimpse into Di Qing's character proved that his earlier transgression hadn't been in vain!
Di Qing licked his slightly dry lips, trying to coax him out politely: "Zhao Xiaosanyuan, perhaps you don't know this, but we martial artists..."
“But I heard you say that you have read the Spring and Autumn Annals.”
As he spoke, Fusu pulled a thin booklet from under his arm, the cover of which bore the words "Spring and Autumn Annals".
“Uh…” Di Qing said, “Then me too…”
"Then why not just read them all?"
Fusu simply stopped acting and shoved a stack of Confucian classics into Di Qing's hands: "After reading these, General Di, won't you become a cultured man? Then no one will be afraid of you."
Di Qing: "..."
So you knew all the ins and outs behind it all.
He held the book steadily in one large hand, while rubbing his forehead with the other in exasperation: "Young Scholar Zhao, since you know the intricacies, you should also know that the difference between a scholar and a warrior is not as simple as having read a few books by sages..."
Therefore, Fan Zhongyan's impartial teachings and guidance, regardless of their social status, were a rare and immense kindness. Di Qing never dared to hope that he would ever encounter such a thing again in his life.
But it seems his second stroke of goodwill has already arrived.
Fusu said softly, "That's what they think, so is that what you think too?"
"Just because some people think you're a brute, are you going to give up and accept that bad reputation? Why don't you learn something and show them?"
“Zhao Pu, the prime minister during the reign of Emperor Taizu, also governed the country with only half of the Analects, and no one ever suggested dismissing him from his civil service position.”
Di Qing lowered his hand from his forehead. His other hand, holding the book, had already pinched the corner of the page. His gaze was fixed, as if he were lost in thought. But Fusu knew that he was not only listening, but also having a rapid mental brainstorming session.
He then played his last card: "And what about your soldiers? You believe there's a distinction between civil and military officials, so do you also acknowledge that they, like some in the court, are shameless, devoid of morality, and like wild beasts or locusts..."
"No!" Di Qing interrupted loudly.
He paused for a moment, seemingly startled by his own sudden outburst. However, once reason and calm returned, he said, "They are definitely not like that."
"So, these books aren't just for you to study; they're for everyone else too."
Fusu then recited the article he had written to Mei Yaochen to Di Qing with great cadence. He had studied logic from later generations, and every sentence was logically rigorous. It was an article that Mei Yaochen and Yang Anguo could not find fault with, and were even subtly swayed by. It was an article that could easily fool, or rather, persuade Di Qing.
Di Qing deepened the creases on the book as he pinched it.
He finally understood that the official's high regard and the outside world's praise were not unfounded. In just a few words with Xiao Sanyuan, he even had the illusion of receiving Fan Zhongyan's teachings years ago. Every word was convincing and even gave him a glimpse into a whole new world.
...What's even more terrifying is that the little kid in front of me is only four years old.
He swallowed hard. "What you say makes perfect sense. It's nothing that I read these books, but the army isn't under my command. What you're saying is beyond my control unless the Emperor issues a decree himself..."
"Relax," Fusu comforted Di Qing. "Lord Di, let's not think that far ahead. Your priority is to finish reading these books and impress the people in the court."
Di Qing: "..."
Looking at the heavy books in his hands, his already tanned face seemed to darken even more.
"As for me, it's uncertain whether I can persuade the Emperor. My immediate priority is to survive the sea of impeachments." Fusu winked playfully.
The news will probably reach the court by tomorrow. He wondered how the Emperor would respond. He was both nervous and expectant.
It was indeed an impeachment as vast as the sea.
When Emperor Renzong was reviewing memorials, he was almost overwhelmed by them.
The last time his case was so bustling was before Fan Zhongyan was about to leave the capital. But frankly, back then, it was he who first revealed his intention to retreat, letting his subordinates see it, and they seized the opportunity to impeach him and send him to the Northwest.
But he doesn't seem to have any complaints about anyone lately, does he?
Emperor Renzong, questioning the meaning of life, randomly picked up a book of impeachments. It impeached the newly appointed top scholar, Zhao Zongsu, for secretly meeting with Di Qing, the military governor of Huguo, suggesting he might have harbored treacherous intentions.
The next book features the newly appointed top scholar, the Protector-General of the Nation.
The next book is about becoming a top scholar and a military governor.
Next book, Sanyuan...
Emperor Renzong was so angry he laughed, and slammed the memorial on the table: "He still knows that Su'er was a top scholar in the Three Scholars Examination!"
"Your Majesty, please take care of your health and don't upset yourself."
Huang Duzhi advised.
The emperor, after all, possessed exceptional composure; he had even tolerated being spat on and reprimanded by a subject before. After sitting down and taking a sip of hot tea, his temper seemed to calm down considerably… Just kidding!
Those who criticize him, even if they admit he's wrong, can still be tolerated. But who would be happy to see a deluge of impeachments against their own son?
Emperor Renzong was quite surprised at first, after all, he had never associated the names Su'er and Di Qing together. But later, his anger completely overshadowed his initial astonishment.
The accusations of "secretly plotting power" and "accumulating fame and reputation" made it seem as if these two were about to storm the Song Dynasty palace and usurp the throne.
Bah! When Su'er sent his letter late at night, suggesting that he order Fan Zhongyan to select capable military generals from the Northwest, where were you people who were impeaching him? Were you still in the court, helpless against Nong Zhigao, running around in circles in a panic?
And, don't I know my own son?
If he truly wanted power, would I have bothered to cultivate the image of a prodigy who achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations? He would have already calculated that I would abdicate long ago, wouldn't he? The Empress is undoubtedly his staunchest supporter. Now, living like a recluse among the Four Sages of Shang Mountain, isn't it all for peace and freedom, to do whatever I want?
Emperor Renzong accepted it very well.
He wasn't a perfectly capable emperor, but his ability to judge character was exceptional. Otherwise, half of the Song Dynasty's civil officials wouldn't have come from the reign of Emperor Renzong. As his father, how could he possibly misjudge Su'er's abilities and talents?
It could be said that even if Fusu and Di Qing were secretly plotting something behind closed curtains, and the sounds of armored weapons could be faintly heard from the mansion, Emperor Renzong would only think that they were developing some new weapon, rather than that his son intended to rebel and seize the imperial artifact.
Emperor Renzong looked northward.
Because his son's sights were not set on the dragon throne that he could sit on when he reached a certain age (he didn't even want to sit on it), but on the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun that his ancestors had failed to reclaim for generations... and even further afield.
Whether heading south or north.
So what's wrong with having a secret meeting with a military commander?
What's wrong with being too close to someone?
Emperor Renzong instructed the eunuchs: "Collect all the memorials impeaching Su'er and put them in one place. Then lay out the paper and grind the ink."
He knew he wasn't being rational. What he was doing was unprecedented for his ancestors, and even violated the policies of the Song Dynasty.
"I will personally write a petition of impeachment against Su'er and send it to the censors and remonstrance officials."
The eunuch responded and soon brought over a brush dipped in ink. Emperor Renzong took it and began to write:
—Sanyuanlang is a disciple personally selected by me, a member of my "partisan group".
Are you impeaching him for plotting to seize power and undermine the foundation of the nation, implying that I am the one behind his treacherous schemes?
Is it I who want to seize my own power?
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Author's Note: [Dog head carrying a rose][Dog head carrying a rose][Dog head carrying a rose]
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