Chapter 002: Beyond the mountains, there are more mountains; beyond the towers, there are more towers

Your Majesty, it must be Li Ruoshui who instigated the Crown Prince to utter such absurd words! Li Ruoshui must be severely punished! At this moment, within the imperial palace of the Song Dynasty, Zhang Bangchang was continuously urging Song Qinzong to take action against Li Ruoshui

Father, the Jin army is advancing southward, and they will surely destroy our Great Song. How can I not be worried?" Zhao Chen said loudly

"So it is you, Chen Er. Quickly, please rise. You may stand aside for now; I have important matters to discuss with Lord Zhang!" said Song Qinzong Zhao Huan.

"Who could be instigating the Crown Prince? Who could it be? The Crown Prince rarely interacts with the ministers... Could it be Li Ruoshui?" Zhao Huan said in surprise.

Now that the Liao Dynasty has been destroyed, the Jurchens to the south pose a threat to the Great Song, as they could invade at any moment! In the face of such a situation, the officials and the emperor of the Great Song are not thinking about how to deal with the Jin army; instead, they are contemplating how to expand the imperial palace and enlarge the harem! Throughout the entire palace and the city of Kaifeng, both officials and common people are indulged in the "scenery of a prosperous age," with no one worrying that the Jin army's southward advance could completely annihilate everything before them!

At this moment, Song Qinzong Zhao Huan was also there. In his impression, the Crown Prince had always been submissive and rarely spoke, and he was quite knowledgeable about etiquette. Normally, the Crown Prince would never interrupt others while they were speaking! This morning, he received news that the Crown Prince had gradually begun to recover his memory, but now it seemed that the situation was somewhat strange! Why has the Crown Prince's temperament changed despite recovering his memory? This morning, he received news that the Crown Prince had gradually begun to recover his memory, but now it seemed that the situation was somewhat strange! Why has the Crown Prince's temperament changed despite recovering his memory?

Even the crown prince must kneel before the emperor; this is a matter of etiquette. Zhao Chen has spent several days in the palace, and he has at least learned this most fundamental form of etiquette

The Jin army's last southern expedition ultimately ended in retreat, did it not? The Jin army descended south merely for some gold and silver! Last time, we provided them with ample gold and silver; this time, they will not venture south again, " Zhang Bangchang said, shaking his head.

The palace system is unique; although Zhao Chen is the crown prince, he must go through multiple layers of notification to see his "father, the emperor"

Chen Er, you are indeed overthinking! Lord Zhang just said it well, the troops from Jin are advancing south merely for gold and silver! If they come south again, we can simply give them some more gold and silver! There is no need to worry!

The Jurchen troops retreated not because we provided them with ample gold and silver, but because they were lacking in military strength at that time, which compelled their withdrawal. If the Jurchen were to march south again, they would undoubtedly be fully prepared, mobilizing the entire nation’s forces. At that time, the entire city of Kaifeng would be at risk of being conquered, and the whole Central Plains could potentially fall under Jurchen control. When that moment arrives, both my father and I would find it difficult to escape death. Zhao Chen looked at Zhang Bangchang and coldly stated that if the Jurchen were to march south again, they would undoubtedly be fully prepared, mobilizing the entire nation’s forces. At that time, the entire city of Kaifeng would be at risk of being conquered, and the whole Central Plains could potentially fall under Jurchen control. When that moment arrives, both my father and I would find it difficult to escape death.

That is all. This person is no longer the Deputy Minister of Personnel; he is merely the magistrate of Luoyang now! What significance does a county magistrate hold? There is no need for further punishment, " Song Qinzong shook his head and said

He sought an audience with Emperor Song Qinzong in the morning and did not arrive at the Funing Palace, where Emperor Song Qinzong was located, until the afternoon, accompanied by a chief eunuch. It was here that he met his father.

Upon hearing Zhao Chen's words, Zhao Huan felt even more astonished! In the past, Zhao Chen had never shown any interest in state affairs. Just imagine, how could a ten-year-old child possibly care about national matters? What has happened to Zhao Chen today?

This poem was composed by the poet Lin Sheng during the Southern Song Dynasty, satirizing the Southern Song rulers, officials, and common people who were preoccupied with their own comfort and pleasures, turning a blind eye to the imminent dangers. Zhao Chen believes that this poem aptly describes the situation at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty as well

Upon hearing the name "Zhang Bangchang," Zhao Chen was momentarily taken aback. Zhang Bangchang is indeed a notable figure in history, known as a notorious minister during the late Northern Song Dynasty. During the reigns of Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong, he held various positions including Right Chancellor, Left Chancellor, Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Vice Premier, and Chancellor concurrently serving as Minister of the Interior. After the Jurchen army besieged Kaifeng, he strongly advocated for peace negotiations. Subsequently, he took on the role of the so-called "Commissioner for Land Cession in Hebei," responsible for completely ceding the lands of Hebei to the Jurchens. Due to his effectiveness in "handling matters for hetushu.com," after the Jurchen army retreated, he was installed as a puppet emperor by them, titled "Emperor Da Chu." Later historical research confirmed that he was the only emperor with the surname Zhang in history. However, Zhang Bangchang was utterly talentless and devoid of virtue, and neither the common people nor the officials supported this so-called "Emperor Da Chu." Merely a month later, this Emperor Da Chu was overthrown, leaving behind a legacy of infamy for all eternity.

Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is still young; how can he understand these state affairs?" In the Funing Palace, upon seeing Zhao Chen being taken out by the guards, Zhang Bangchang slowly spoke.

The Jin army is about to march south, and the calamity of national destruction is imminent. The monarch and the chancellor of a nation are actually discussing the expansion of the imperial palace and the enlargement of the harem. Zhao Chen can hardly believe it

The rise of the Jurchens occurred between the Baishan and Heishui rivers. In just ten years, they were invincible in battle and unstoppable in their conquests. Under the leadership of the unparalleled hero Wanyan Aguda, they destroyed the once-mighty Liao Dynasty, the strongest power in East Asia, in a mere decade. The arrogant Khitans could only submit and tremble before the Jurchen cavalry. The territory of the Liao Dynasty was completely occupied by the Jurchens, and the emperor of Liao knelt before the Jurchen emperor, becoming a captive of the Jurchens.

"What do you understand, being just a ten-year-old child?" Zhao Huan furrowed his brow and said

Your Majesty, they are merely a group of lowly commoners; how dare they cause a disturbance? At worst, we can take some gold and silver from the national treasury to appease their hearts!

Zhao Huan and Zhang Bangchang had important matters to discuss, and Zhao Chen could only stand by and listen quietly to their conversation

The son pays his respects to the Emperor! Zhao Chen knelt down and respectfully performed the ceremonial greeting

Zhao Chen then discovered that there was another person in the Funing Hall. This individual, in his forties, was slightly shorter and stout, dressed in a complete set of bright red official robes, and was actually a first-rank minister. The man's appearance gave off an exceptionally lewd impression, with a face full of fat and a constantly ingratiating smile, causing Zhao Chen to frown secretly upon seeing him.

As for the Crown Prince's "abnormal behavior," both he and the scholars attributed it to Li Ruoshui

The status of literati during the Song Dynasty was relatively high, and the Song emperors placed considerable importance on them. During the Northern Song period, there was no tradition of assassinating civil officials. For a civil official to be demoted from the Deputy Minister of Personnel to a county magistrate was already an extreme punishment, and Emperor Qinzong of Song felt that no further punishment was necessary. Zhang Bangchang and Li Ruoshui had always been at odds, but now that Li Ruoshui had become a county magistrate, Zhang no longer regarded him as significant.

Zhao Chen had been listening to the two speak, and upon hearing this, he could no longer contain himself and exclaimed: "Father, Your Majesty, and Minister Zhang, is this really the time to expand the imperial palace and enlarge the harem?"

Your Majesty, having just ascended to the throne, it is essential not only to expand the imperial palace but also to enrich the harem! Currently, Your Majesty has only the Crown Prince as an heir. In the event that... in the event of an unforeseen circumstance befalling the Crown Prince, to whom would the Song dynasty be passed? Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the harem! This autumn, the court should conduct a selection of candidates from across the nation, choosing the best to be admitted into the harem!

So it was this treacherous minister! Zhao Chen thought to himself

In ancient times, people married relatively early. Emperor Qinzong of Song had a crown prince at the age of 17, and now Zhao Chen is 10 years old, while Emperor Qinzong is still not yet 30. At this moment, Zhao Chen is secretly observing Emperor Qinzong. He notices that Emperor Qinzong is taller in stature, but his body is thin, his complexion is pale and lackluster, and his eyes are dim, clearly indicating that his health is not very good

He looked up and saw faintly in the distance the green mountains, surrounded by countless palaces and towers! The entire imperial palace was extraordinarily magnificent; in fact, it was not just the palace, but the whole city of Kaifeng was exceptionally splendid.

"I, Minister Zhang Bangchang, have met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" said the over-forty-year-old official, bowing and paying his respects to Zhao Chen.

Zhao Huan nodded again

Within the palace, there are countless maidens, consorts, and princesses coming and going! As Zhao Chen walks along the palace path, he continuously hears the sounds of dancing and sees the beautiful young women who are dancing!

Zhao Huan nodded

The Song Dynasty was the most economically developed dynasty in ancient China, and Kaifeng was the most prosperous city in the world during this era. The population reached one million, the scenery was enchanting, and the city walls were grand in scale. The ancient Han civilization also reached its peak during this time; however, after the peak came decline, and the beginning of this decline was marked by the humiliation of Jingkang

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Zhao Huan waved his hand, and immediately two guards ran over. These two guards seized Zhao Chen's arm and dragged him out of the Funing Hall

Zhang Bangchang took out a piece of paper and placed it in front of Zhao Huan. Zhao Chen glanced at it and discovered that it was a map, depicting the imperial palace of the Song Dynasty.

I am no longer an ordinary senior high school student; I am Prince Jingkang! The Song Dynasty has fallen, and ordinary citizens may survive, but I, as Prince Jingkang, cannot escape death! I must find a way to escape from here! Zhao Chen thought to himself

"What do you mean?" Zhao Huan said with some confusion

Zhao Chen was taken aback once again, not expecting that Zhao Huan and Zhang Bangchang were actually discussing the expansion of the imperial palace here

Li Ruoshui is also a well-known figure in history; however, unlike Zhang Bangchang, he is renowned as a loyal minister. When the city of Kaifeng fell and Emperors Qinzong and Huizong of the Song dynasty were captured, the ministers of the Northern Song were fearful of the Jin army's tyranny and dared not speak. Only Li Ruoshui spoke out bravely to uphold the dignity of the two emperors. The Jin general Wanyan Zonghan, seeing Li Ruoshui's loyalty and courage, admired him and sought to win him over by offering high positions and generous rewards. Wanyan Zonghan said to Li Ruoshui, "Obey today, and you will be rich and noble tomorrow," to which Li Ruoshui firmly refused. Subsequently, Wanyan Zonghan threatened Li Ruoshui with the lives of his family, saying, "Your parents are of advanced age; if you yield a little, you may hope for a return to see them." Li Ruoshui retorted, "A loyal minister serves his sovereign and does not consider his family." Witnessing the humiliation of Emperors Qinzong and Huizong, Li Ruoshui continuously shouted in anger, prompting Wanyan Zonghan to order the cutting off of Li Ruoshui's tongue. Unable to speak, Li Ruoshui glared and pointed with his hands, leading Wanyan Zonghan to order the gouging out of Li Ruoshui's eyes and the severing of his hands. Ultimately, Wanyan Zonghan executed Li Ruoshui by slow slicing.

"Chen Er, why is it not the time to expand the imperial palace and enlarge the harem now?" Zhao Huan said

As he looked at everything before him, Zhao Chen suddenly felt a sense of absurdity, and a poem surfaced in his mind

Beyond the mountains are more mountains, outside the towers are more towers, when will the songs and dances by West Lake cease? The warm breeze intoxicates the travelers, making them think of Hangzhou as Bianzhou

Your Majesty, I am certain that someone has instigated the Crown Prince to utter such absurd words!" Zhang Bangchang said with a cold laugh

Come here, take the Crown Prince down!

It can be said that Li Ruoshui represents the integrity of ancient Chinese scholars, as he interpreted the essence of integrity with his life

Your Majesty, if you look to the north of the palace, there is still a vast expanse of land! The people currently residing here are mere commoners, with no royal family or ministers! We can drive these commoners away and expand the palace here, Zhang Bangchang said

Li Ruoshui was the upright middle-aged man that Zhao Chen encountered upon arriving in this era. He was originally the tutor of the crown prince, but due to frightening the crown prince and causing his amnesia, he was demoted to the position of magistrate of Luoyang

"Your Majesty, Minister Zhang, the Jurchens harbor wild ambitions and may descend south at any moment! Last year, they besieged Kaifeng, and if they descend south again this year, how shall we respond?" Zhao Chen said

Speaking of which, this is the first time he has truly seen Emperor Song Qinzong! He is the historically renowned Emperor of Jingkang, and also one of the emperors with the most tragic fate in history! In history, the Jurchens were powerful; after they destroyed the Liao dynasty, they conveniently moved south and besieged Kaifeng! At that time, Emperor Huizong of Song was in power, and he was in a state of panic, temporarily passing the throne to his unappreciated eldest son Zhao Huan, forcing Zhao Huan to ascend the throne as Emperor Qinzong of Song! Emperor Qinzong of Song reigned for only one year before the Jin army again moved south and besieged Kaifeng once more! At that time, Emperor Huizong of Song was in power, and he was in a state of panic, temporarily passing the throne to his unappreciated eldest son Zhao Huan, forcing Zhao Huan to ascend the throne as Emperor Qinzong of Song! Emperor Qinzong of Song reigned for only one year before the Jin army again moved south and besieged Kaifeng once more! Subsequently, the two emperors were captured, and Emperor Qinzong of Song was imprisoned in the icy wilderness for as long as 30 years, after which he was trampled to death by the Jin soldiers' chaotic horses! It can be said that, apart from his youth, this Emperor of Jingkang had little happiness throughout his life

Will these lowly people cause trouble? Zhao Huan asked

Father, think thrice! Zhao Chen said anxiously

As the sun sets in the west and a warm breeze blows, Zhao Chen walks along the path of the palace