(At the request of readers, I will write about the modern world first in the next world; the reason is in the comments.)
Amidst the anger of his civil and military officials and the people, Emperor Huizong of Song, having no other recourse, issued an edict of self-reproach. In his own palace, under the watchful eyes of his ministers, a ten-foot-long white silk ribbon finally brought his life to an end, preserving his final dignity as an emperor.
After Emperor Huizong died, all the ministers, generals, imperial guards, maids, and servants who participated in the poisoning of General Shenwei were beheaded to give an explanation to the people, the army on the border, and the civil and military officials. Even their families were subjected to the wrath of the angry people.
After everyone involved bowed their heads, the Feast at Hongmen came to a temporary end. However, everyone was in a dilemma and became tense. The reason was simple: Emperor Huizong of Song had died, but the country could not be without a ruler.
Who would become the next emperor became the biggest and most dangerous question facing everyone. Originally, Emperor Huizong of Song had died, and logically, his eldest son, Crown Prince Zhao Huan, should have inherited the throne. However, at the Hongmen Banquet, Emperor Huizong had incurred the wrath of the people and had personally destroyed the Zhao family's empire. It was already a blessing that the Zhao family bloodline continued. Whether Zhao Huan or another member of the Zhao family succeeded to the throne, it was likely that the entire world would not agree. The arrogant and fierce generals on the border would never allow a member of the Zhao family who had poisoned the Divine Might General to succeed to the throne, and the people would never allow it either. If this were to happen, they would surely be attacked by the masses, and it might even lead to chaos throughout the world.
It's impossible for the royal family. Logically, the one who can best convince the public and is the one everyone hopes to be is General Shenwei. However, General Shenwei's fate is currently unknown, and he is difficult to find.
Even if they wanted to wait until they found the Great General and made him emperor, or confirm the Great General's life or death before deciding who would be emperor, no one dared to be sure that the Great General was still alive. Even if he was alive, the Great General was elusive and difficult to find, and it would take a long time. However, state affairs could not be decided by everyone expressing their own opinions; otherwise, a major incident would happen sooner or later.
Of course, a temporary acting emperor could be chosen, or a temporary regent could be formed. But who should temporarily act on behalf of the emperor and oversee the government? This person must be able to command the respect of the people, and this respect includes not only those present but also the arrogant and fierce generals and civil and military officials from various regions. After all, the titles of acting emperor or temporary regent might include "acting" or "temporary." Although most of those present were tempted, unfortunately, none of them were suitable. The most trusted subordinates of the Divine Might General were all stationed on the border or in the newly established prefectures. No matter how tempted they were, to gain the respect of the people, they first needed to prevent them from causing trouble. Without the qualifications, taking the position would mean certain death.
Originally, Zhong Shidao, who had a very good relationship with Wang Han, was also an option, but since Zhong Shidao preserved the royal bloodline, many people were dissatisfied, so he was no longer suitable.
For a moment, everyone was in a dilemma. Although the power was great and the convenience was plentiful, they were all too capable to command respect. Going up there would mean certain death. Although the position of oversight was a golden opportunity, it was also a hot potato.
"Before that, everyone should discuss and vote together to find General Shenwei as soon as possible and let him take charge of the situation." Seeing that no one had a solution or had a solution but didn't say it, Zhong Shidao could only suggest this.
Upon hearing this, the others nodded in agreement. After all, Yang Zhi and his men on the border were not to be trifled with; perhaps only the Divine Might General could keep them in check.
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A month passed quickly. Under Wang Han's orders, Emperor Huizong, filled with righteous indignation, led a third of his furious army back after the news reached the border. Lu Da and Wu Song did the same; the others remained stationed at the border. However, even without their return, no one dared underestimate their power. They were a unified force, and at least 850,000 of the Song Dynasty's million-strong army were under their command.
A month later, when Yang Zhi and his group arrived in the capital, Zhong Shidao and others became nervous. After all, these were Wang Han's most trusted confidants, and the handling of Emperor Huizong of Song had not been approved by them. The matter of the regent also needed to be discussed with them again.
"Has the Great General been found?" Yang Zhi asked immediately upon entering the main hall.
"This..." Everyone stammered, looking at Yang Zhi, no one daring to answer. A month had passed, and they had searched almost every part of the Song Dynasty without success. It was even possible that he had already died from poisoning. But facing Yang Zhi, the absolute confidant of the Divine Might General, who held considerable military power and possessed terrifying personal strength, who dared to speak up?
"General Yang, the whole country is searching for the Great General, but he still hasn't been found." Seeing that no one dared to answer, Zhong Shidao had no choice but to step forward.
"Send people to continue the search. What's the current situation with the imperial court?" Yang Zhi asked.
“Now the court is having all the ministers vote on the matter together,” Zhong Shidao said, carefully observing Yang Zhi’s expression.
"The news has spread far and wide. The Liao and Tibetan kingdoms are already stirring, and even the Uyghurs are making moves. The remnants of the former Goryeo and Dali kingdoms are showing signs of wanting to restore their kingdoms." Yang Zhi said, "From today onwards, Lu Da, Wu Song, and I will temporarily act as regents to stabilize the internal affairs of the Song Dynasty. We will decide on the new emperor after we find the Grand General."
"We'll do as General Yang says." Hearing this, Zhong Shidao could only agree. Yang Zhi had first explained the current situation, then mentioned acting as regent. Moreover, Yang Zhi had brought a large army, clearly indicating his intention to take over the government. Zhong Shidao felt even more resentful towards Emperor Huizong. The Song Dynasty's flourishing state had been ruined by this treacherous scheme. He only hoped that a future warlord era wouldn't occur, otherwise the Song Dynasty would suffer further devastation. After all, Wang Han's confidants weren't limited to just Yang Zhi and his two confidants; there were many generals with significant military power, but there could only be one throne. Currently, it was simply a coalition of the three most powerful figures.
"According to the Yang family generals." Seeing that Zhong Shidao had already said so, the others could only say the same thing.
"Were all those involved killed? Were any accomplices left out?" Yang Zhi asked.
“They’ve all been killed,” Zhong Shidao replied.
"I don't think so. Isn't there another one here? Execute him on the spot." Yang Zhi shook his head and said, looking at Gao Qiu, that sycophantic scoundrel.
"Yes." Upon hearing this, Yang Zhi and the soldiers who had come in immediately stepped forward, and without saying a word, drew their swords and chopped down Gao Qiu, who was trying to escape.
"..." Everyone fell silent as they watched Gao Qiu being killed. Gao Qiu wasn't a high-ranking official, and he certainly hadn't participated in the poisoning of General Shenwei. This scoundrel was quite clever; even Emperor Huizong hadn't told him about the operation. What was Yang Zhi's terrifying purpose in killing Gao Qiu? Was it to make an example of him, to purge the court, or perhaps both?
Time passed day by day, and both gratifying and terrifying events unfolded daily. Not only the capital, but also the prefectures and cities across the country were not spared.
After Yang Zhi and his two companions took over the court, they immediately began to purge the government and the people in accordance with Wang Han's orders. Corrupt officials, wicked merchants and bullies who had escaped the calamity during the reforms were all labeled as accomplices, and some families were even executed.
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