Chapter 43: Zhao Yu: I

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Historically, Zhao Mao was never made Crown Prince while alive; only after his death, and even after Zhao Xu's death, did Zhao Ji, who inherited Zhao Xu's throne, posthumously grant him the title of Crown Prince and change his posthumous name to Xian Min.

In this life, it was because Zhao Yu blocked Liu Qingjing once, causing her to feel intense peril, that she persistently persuaded Zhao Xu to make Zhao Mao Crown Prince.

On the other hand.

Zhao Xu knew his own health was terrible—crucially, his grandfather Emperor Yingzong and his father Emperor Shenzong had both been healthier than him, yet still died in their thirties; he truly feared he wouldn't live long enough to see Zhao Mao grow up.

And at this critical moment, to protect the Zhao family's realm, Zhao Yu could step forward, willing to turn back the tide and prop up the collapsing edifice—without political backing, yet daring to offend half the court with nothing but righteous fervor, while the other half remained neutral; his nature was blunt, yet he was a highly esteemed prince, perfectly suited for entrusted guardianship and serving as Zongzheng.

This was also one reason why, after Zhao Yu had fiercely rebuked Liu Qingjing and publicly humiliated her, Zhao Xu so easily forgave Zhao Yu.

But after deeply interacting with Zhao Yu, Zhao Xu realized Zhao Yu was too formidable—his literary and military strategy, insight, and wisdom were unmatched among the imperial clan, even the best in the realm; he himself was far inferior to Zhao Yu, let alone his young son?

Zhao Xu genuinely feared that if he met with sudden misfortune, Zhao Yu would emulate Song Tai Zong Zhao Guangyi and seize his nephew's throne.

Thus, Zhao Xu accepted Liu Qingjing's persuasion and made Zhao Mao Crown Prince; feeling this still wasn't safe enough, he outright made Liu Qingjing, who was at odds with Empress Dowager Xiang and Zhao Yu, Empress to counterbalance them.

Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Xiang and Zhao Yu could also restrain the unruly Liu Qingjing.

Zhao Xu believed the balance he had engineered would surely ensure his throne passed stably into his beloved son's hands.

This was the art of emperors.

Notably, to prevent Empress Dowager Xiang and Zhao Yu from sabotaging this again, Zhao Xu did not inform Empress Dowager Xiang nor summon Zhao Yu—he issued the edict naming Zhao Mao Crown Prince and elevating Consort Liu to Empress, making the deed irreversible.

Upon learning of this, Zhao Yu did not choose to appease; instead, he immediately submitted a memorial to Zhao Xu, first affirming his support for Zhao Mao as Crown Prince, then solemnly declaring his opposition to Liu Qingjing becoming Empress—his words even more vehement than before.

Didn't Zhao Yu know that the matter was already settled, that his opposition to Liu Qingjing becoming Empress would be futile and might even anger Zhao Xu?

He certainly knew.

But Zhao Yu absolutely had to show this firm stance.

In politics, loyalty demands absolute alignment; the first to be eliminated are always the fence-sitters. Incomplete loyalty equals absolute disloyalty.

At this critical moment, at the weakest point for Empress Dowager Xiang, Zhao Yu must further bind himself to her.

Put simply: if from beginning to end, Zhao Yu's allegiance has always been to the imperial house, to Empress Dowager Xiang—who after Zhao Xu's death would decide who becomes emperor—

Then tell me, after Zhao Xu dies, who will Empress Dowager Xiang and the imperial house install as the new emperor?

Right after sending the memorial to Zhao Xu, Zhao Yu gathered Seeing Ma Xiao Jiao, Liang Shicheng, and Accompanying Tong Guan, loaded a cart with newly developed glass products not yet on the market, and brought along the most skilled artisans to pay respects at Cide Palace.

At this time, Empress Dowager Xiang had already heard that Zhao Yu had submitted a solemn memorial to Zhao Xu, urging him to rescind the edict naming Liu Qingjing Empress; Zhao Xu had thrown Zhao Yu's memorial over three zhang away in rage.

Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Xiang also learned that Zhao Ji had submitted a congratulatory memorial to Zhao Xu, lavishly praising Zhao Mao and Liu Qingjing.

How Zhao Ji praised Zhao Mao need not be repeated.

Only this: Zhao Ji praised Liu Qingjing as "possessing benevolent heart and virtue, harmonious speech and conduct, graceful in ritual and maternal grace, gentle and bright in bearing, virtuous and refined in character, nurturing the heir and extending blessings for ten thousand years"—his florid diction left one awestruck.

Empress Dowager Xiang sighed softly: "Prince Duan's literary talent has improved greatly; in this regard, Prince Shen ought to learn well from his eleventh brother—if he had even one-tenth of Prince Duan's polished diplomacy, the Emperor wouldn't have thrown his memorial so far."

Saying this, she gently rubbed her temples, a trace of weariness and helplessness in her brow.

Empress Dowager Xiang knew well that Zhao Ji, by offending neither Zhao Xu nor failing to flatter her and the entire imperial house, displayed a kind of worldly wisdom that was not without merit.

But could such a man be entrusted with great responsibility?

Just as Empress Dowager Xiang was lost in thought, Yang Jian reported: "Your Majesty, Prince Shen has arrived."

Empress Dowager Xiang laughed and scolded: "When Prince Shen arrives, do you need to tell me? That rascal never knocks—he walks right in. My Cide Palace is nearly his own Prince Shen Fu."

Yang Jian smiled: "If Prince Shen came alone, he'd surely come to pay respects himself; but today he brings many offerings and numerous artisans—he requires Your Majesty's imperial decree before his party may enter the palace."

Empress Dowager Xiang didn't ask what Zhao Yu had brought; she simply said: "Bring them in. I want to see what mischief this rascal is up to now."

Soon after, Zhao Yu's party entered Cide Palace.

Zhao Yu acted as if it were his own home, boldly ordering: "Replace every window here with new ones—make them exquisite. If done well, I shall not withhold rewards."

After giving orders, he left Seeing Ma Xiao Jiao and Accompanying Tong Guan to supervise, then took Liang Shicheng and several eunuchs carrying glass mirrors, telescopes, spectacles, and other glass items to meet Empress Dowager Xiang.

When Zhao Yu met Empress Dowager Xiang, she asked: "What's going on in the courtyard? So lively?"

Zhao Yu walked to her side, picked up a pear, bit into it, and said: "Don't ask—wait, I'll give you a great surprise later."

Empress Dowager Xiang grew even more curious, yet she held her tongue and asked instead: "If you knew you couldn't stop Liu Qingjing from becoming Empress, why bother?"

"If I show no clear stance on this matter, with Empress Liu's aggressive nature, who knows what she might do? Then my mother and I would be in danger. So even if I cannot stop her from becoming Empress, I must make her know we are not to be trifled with," Zhao Yu said.

Empress Dowager Xiang had already guessed Zhao Yu's intent; she fell silent for a moment, then said: "If I truly lose my position as Empress Dowager, what will you do?"

Zhao Yu replied without hesitation: "Then I shall bring you to my Prince Shen Fu to spend your remaining years in peace."

He added willingly: "Even if I lose my princely title along with you, what of it? With my abilities, supporting one elderly mother is as easy as flipping my hand."

Empress Dowager Xiang believed him.

She had long seen that if Zhao Yu were not a prince, bound within Dongjing Bianliang, his talents would have found far greater horizons.

Zhao Yu's declaration deeply comforted her; she smiled warmly: "Good. If that day ever comes, your mother will come to your home to be cared for…"

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(End of Chapter)