Chapter 353: Probing

The Emperor must have fallen ill from overwork, allowing the sickness to take advantage of a weakened constitution. There were signs of this before, and now it has become common consensus.

The illness itself was not severe, but the Emperor was after all twenty-seven or twenty-eight, considered middle-aged for a man, no longer able to do as he pleased like in his youth. Moreover, in the past seven or eight years, half that time had been spent in military camps, leaving his inner constitution somewhat depleted. Added to that, winter had now arrived, coinciding with the cold weather, so the illness lingered like pulling silk from a cocoon—this too was common consensus.

Everyone remained calm, but the one person who should have been the calmest was somewhat flustered.

Yang Yizhong told himself over and over again that there was no problem. As the man in charge of intelligence, all his information channels told him that no one had any issues whatsoever.

The Empress Dowager had not sent the parrot away and was still watching the opera, even coming to visit once in between. The key point was that the Empress Dowager had no forces she could mobilize, and she probably wasn't that clever either. There was also no problem with the medicine from the Grand Preceptor Pan. Everyone who saw the prescription said it was fine. But on the very next day, Yang Yizhong, acting completely out of character, almost brutally and rudely seized control of the medication... He personally sent the imperial guards from outside the capital to the medicinal herb warehouse south of the city to fetch the medicine, then personally took the medicine and tested it himself from the same pot before the Emperor used it.

The result was that even he felt drowsy after drinking the medicine, but it was only normal drowsiness, with no other adverse reactions. Or rather, the only adverse reaction was the Grand Preceptor Pan's anger towards him.

There was no problem. No one had any problem.

The chief ministers would send one of their number into the palace to pay respects at the end of the daily secret council meetings that had started after the Emperor fell ill. Imperial Consort Pan and Imperial Consort Wu, who was not yet showing, would take turns looking after him. Even the Emperor Zhao Jiu, when occasionally lucid, would communicate normally with people... But deep in Yang Yizhong's heart, there was a fear that came from within, continuously pouring out!

And so, just four days after the Emperor began to feel weak, this Imperial Guard Commander, ranked first among the one hundred and eight Commanders of the Great Song Dynasty, could no longer sit still.

He had to use a series of measures to gain a sense of psychological security—because that fear was something he couldn't share with anyone else.

However, as an Imperial Guard Commander in charge of the Imperial City Bureau, to carry out such operations on the fringes of imperial power, any action could bring severe consequences... So, he first needed to find a collaborator among the chief ministers.

Some things, if done by others, would be overstepping or even illegal, but if done by a chief minister, it was called taking responsibility for the greater situation.

"Zhengfu's meaning is... someone might take advantage of the Emperor's confinement to do something harmful?"

In late October, the cold was gradually setting in. That evening, in his own back hall, Zhang Jun Zhang Deyuan, the Grand Councilor and head of the Western Administration, looked up in shock. The vigilance and suspicion he had felt earlier due to the sudden visit from Yang Yizhong, who held a special status, were instantly cast aside.

"It's more than that." Yang Yizhong replied solemnly. "Even regarding the Emperor's illness, although I cannot find concrete evidence, I always feel there is something suspicious..."

Zhang Jun was dumbfounded.

And before the other could question him, Yang Yizhong continued on his own: "Zhang Xianggong, the Emperor is frugal and unwilling to increase the number of palace attendants, but this also means the attendants are all from previous years. Later, when the palaces were cleaned up, and the two Imperial Consorts had children, some people were added. They are either old retainers from past years or maidservants from the households of the two Grand Preceptors. Forgive my bluntness, but these people have countless intricate connections among themselves, all linked from the time of abundance and prosperity. And quite a few of them harbor resentment towards the Emperor because of the current austerity in the harem."

Having recovered his composure, Zhang Jun did not speak directly. Instead, he picked up his tea, took a small sip, and then frowned and said: "Zhengfu, from what you say, all of this is merely your own conjecture..."

"Zhang Xianggong, even if it is conjecture, so what?" Yang Yizhong replied solemnly. "Am I making baseless conjectures? With three Empress Dowagers, two Retired Emperors, two Imperial Consorts, and two Imperial Princes, some things, if left unprepared, will lead to disaster! Besides, what if? What if something goes wrong? Then, Xianggong, don't even speak of achieving the great name of Marquis Wu of Zhuge; you might end up a sinner for all eternity just like me!"

This was an admission that he was indeed making baseless conjectures, and also revealed the targets he was aiming at... while subtly hinting at his reasons.

On the other side, upon hearing this, Zhang Jun only responded solemnly: "Indeed, it concerns the Emperor's safety... So, Commander Yang, what do you plan to do?"

Yang Yizhong quickly rose and bowed solemnly: "I have heard that before the Shenlong Coup, Chancellor Zhang Jianzhi tested Li Duozuo, and Li Duozuo replied that he was grateful for the grace of the Heavenly Emperor (Emperor Gaozong of Tang) and was willing to follow the Chancellor's orders... I mean the same thing today. As a military officer, I am grateful for the Emperor's grace and kindness, but I will absolutely not act on my own. I am willing to follow Xianggong's arrangements."

Zhang Jun was extremely satisfied and nodded in response: "If that's the case, Zhengfu, go back first. I will give you an answer tomorrow."

Yang Yizhong said no more and quickly left the back hall, hurrying away under the cover of the winter night... This was only natural. If they were to do something major, even setting aside the Retired Emperors, Empress Dowagers, Imperial Consorts, and Imperial Princes, merely purging the palace attendants was an extremely serious matter. Even Zhang Jun, as a chief minister, had to secure the necessary support beforehand.

Not to mention anything else, he would definitely have to reach a consensus with the core members of the so-called 'Wood Faction'.

However, just as Yang Yizhong stepped out of the rear courtyard, three people hurried out from a side room of the back hall. They were Minister of Revenue Lin Jingmo, Minister of War Liu Ziyu, and Vice Minister of Personnel Lu Zhi.

It turned out that, aside from the sensitive Qu Duan who could not visit frequently, the other three core members of the so-called 'Wood Faction' were at Zhang Deyuan's residence.

Of course, they weren't forming some clique... ahem... they were discussing official business.

As it happened, the important post of Grand Coordinator of the Jingxi North Circuit had become vacant, and the Emperor was seriously ill. At this time, Chief Minister Zhao Ding proposed transferring Wu Min, the Grand Coordinator of the Guangnan West Circuit and a former chief minister during the Jingkang era, to fill this vacancy, and then sending Lu Zhi as the Grand Coordinator of the Guangnan West Circuit.

From a strategic perspective, this was undoubtedly a clever move that killed two birds with one stone—placing an old acquaintance in a traditionally wealthy and important circuit near the capital, while exiling the opposing faction's 'strategist' to Guangxi.

However, it was also an open scheme that no one could refute.

First, setting aside Wu Min's seniority, according to court convention, after serving a term as a high official in Lingnan, he was unconditionally entitled to a good placement. Moreover, he had the merit of assisting Yue Fei in suppressing the rebellion in Qianzhou. And by the same convention that a term in Lingnan guaranteed promotion, it couldn't be said that sending Lu Zhi to Guangxi was a bad assignment... After some training, he would return as a Minister!

More critically, this was within the Chief Minister's authority and responsibility, a matter for the Central Secretariat. In the past, one could argue directly before the Emperor, but now that the Emperor was lying unconscious, it was hard to argue. And if the Emperor gave his routine grunt of approval, the document would be issued, and Lu Zhi would have no choice but to take up the post.

However, with this sudden matter involving Yang Yizhong, Lu Zhi's appointment would have to be delayed.

"What do the three of you say?" After roughly recounting the situation, Zhang Jun asked seriously.

"Yang Zhengfu has lost his head..."

Liu Ziyu responded immediately. "His meaning is already quite clear. He is worried that one of the Two Sages might use the old palace attendants to connect with an Empress Dowager and an Imperial Consort, then commit treason and put a young Imperial Prince on the throne..."

"Yes." Since they were all trusted associates, Zhang Jun didn't put on airs. "Logically speaking, the various Empress Dowagers, Imperial Consorts, and the two Retired Emperors all have this motive... If this succeeds, the Retired Emperor would gain his freedom, live a hundred times better, and wouldn't have to write any 'Memoirs.' The Imperial Consort would leap to become Empress Dowager. Even the several Empress Dowagers, who have experienced the pleasures of abundance and prosperity, would probably welcome it."

"Having a motive is inevitable, but relying solely on motive is nonsense. The Jurchens also have a motive, so why don't they come to the palace to assassinate His Majesty?" Liu Ziyu grew even more dismissive. "The key to the matter is, how many steps would it take to accomplish this? How many people would be needed? How could it be kept secret? Does he think Yang Yizhong's Imperial City Bureau is idle? Not to mention the Military Statistics Bureau... which conveniently allows them to meddle in various Daoist temples and Buddhist monasteries. I don't believe the Emperor hasn't taken the opportunity to monitor the two Retired Emperors. Finally, with the Emperor's authority, the chief ministers and the Privy Council are all under his control. All the military governors and generals in the realm obey him alone. As for those people in the palace, they don't even have a single weapon. How would they dare to commit such a monstrous crime?"

Zhang Jun nodded repeatedly, not angry at all: "To be honest with Yanxiu, I think so too. But..."

"That's wrong."

Just then, Lu Zhi, who had been holding back, suddenly interjected, shaking his head repeatedly. "Xianggong, Grand Marshal, think about it. Is Yang Zhengfu really saying that this is happening? If it were, he would have eliminated it long ago... He came today merely to remind us, as subjects, that we should prevent trouble before it happens, that we should eliminate these hidden dangers for the Emperor early on... The Two Sages are contained, but the three Empress Dowagers, the two Imperial Consorts, and the two Imperial Princes—these are the new troubles."

At these words, Zhang Jun and Liu Ziyu both fell silent... whether because the topic was too sensitive or for some other reason.

"What does Xianggong himself think?" Lu Zhi pressed proactively.

"I..." Zhang Deyuan was momentarily at a loss for words.

"I roughly guess that Xianggong is already somewhat tempted, am I right?" Lu Zhi said seriously. "First, the Emperor's grace to Xianggong is as heavy as a mountain. To repay the Emperor's kindness, Xianggong would not fear any consequences. Second, what Yang Yizhong said actually has some merit. Two Imperial Princes, two Imperial Consorts, three Empress Dowagers, two Retired Emperors—has there ever been such a bizarre situation in history? As a chief minister and the Emperor's most trusted high official, if you don't take precautions for the Emperor, and something goes wrong, how would you face anyone then? Third, the Emperor hasn't been ill for six or seven years. Now that he's bedridden, we must prepare for the worst!"

Zhang Jun nodded heavily and immediately admitted: "I am not afraid to sacrifice myself. If the situation truly changes, I would naturally be willing to act. But I feel the current situation hasn't reached that point. And..."

"And you don't know if Yang Yizhong is acting on the Emperor's orders, making a hint?" Lu Zhi pressed on. "After all, this man is usually deep and steady. Isn't his behavior today too abnormal?"

"No."

Zhang Deyuan immediately waved his hand. "The Emperor would not do something like secretly driving his subjects to bear a bad reputation while he himself looks on coldly... This must be Yang Yizhong's own idea."

Lu Zhi was slightly taken aback.

"If that's the case, then it's truly difficult." Liu Ziyu shook his head again. "This matter isn't really about Deyuan being willing to sacrifice himself or not. It's that if we agree directly, we can't avoid the suspicion of being overly paranoid. Not only would we wrong people, but it might also cause turmoil in the court. Even if the Emperor recovers, knowing we did such a thing, he might think we were acting recklessly. But if we don't agree, and something happens later, our timid attitude today would make us look contemptible, and perhaps the Emperor would be disappointed."

Zhang Jun sighed, lost in thought.

At this moment, Lu Zhi, after pondering for a while, proposed a new suggestion: "If that's the case, why not agree, but not act immediately. Instead, carefully observe the Emperor's condition... If the Emperor recovers, we drop the matter. If the Emperor doesn't recover for a long time, or his condition worsens, or if there are some rumors or signs of weakness, then we act with thunderous force... The Shaolin Temple, the Dongxiao Palace, Nanyang, Yangzhou, and the harem—all should be prepared in advance!"

This plan was sound. Upon hearing it, Zhang Jun and Liu Ziyu almost nodded in unison.

However, just as Zhang Deyuan was about to conclude, he caught sight of the person beside him and suddenly realized that Minister Lin, who usually had strong opinions, had not said a word from start to finish. So he immediately turned to him.

Liu Ziyu and Lu Zhi, seeing this, also came to their senses and looked at Lin Jingmo together.

Lin Jingmo snapped back to attention and then gave a wry smile: "I was just thinking of a small matter... Gentlemen, you say that Yang Zhengfu is in charge of the Imperial City Bureau. Does he know that we are meeting here today or not? Could it be that he knew all of us were here and came specifically to visit?"

The others were all taken aback.

"This is just a small matter, not worth mentioning. Let's talk about the main issue." Before anyone could respond, Lin Jingmo shook his head. "In my opinion, the Vice Minister's plan is a perfect and safe one, but there are still two questions... First, Yang Zhengfu is usually steady in temperament. Is there some inside information we don't know about that caused him to lose his composure today?"

Several people frowned in unison, but none spoke a word... Among them, Zhang Jun's lips moved slightly, but in the end, he did not open his mouth.

After a long while, it was Lu Zhi who could not wait: "Let's set this aside, because even if there are hidden details, we won't know them for the time being."

"Very well, then let's talk about Yang Yizhong." Lin Jingmo continued with his hands clasped behind his back. "Second, if we follow the compromise that Vice Minister Lu just proposed and drag things out... and Yang Yizhong goes back today, spreads rumors on his own, or creates an incident on his own, do we act or not?!"

In the rear hall, there was silence for a moment, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"He... where would he get the nerve?" After a long while, Lu Zhi finally spoke, but even he sounded hesitant. "A mere military man..."

Lin Jingmo glanced at Lu Zhi but said nothing.

"If that's the case, I don't know whether to call him audacious beyond measure or commendably loyal and brave..." Liu Ziyu suddenly sneered at his friend Zhang Deyuan.

Zhang Jun also sighed softly, but immediately came to his senses slightly under the hinting gaze of Liu Ziyu across from him, and then looked back at Lin Jingmo: "If so, I ask Minister Lin to instruct me, what exactly should be done?"

"I have no intention of being mysterious." Lin Jingmo came back to his senses, shook his head, and smiled. "I was just reminded of another matter... Lord Zhang, actually, this matter is simple if you think about it simply... Dare I ask, is His Majesty truly so ill that he cannot speak?"

"How could that be?" Zhang Jun shook his head repeatedly. "His Majesty is merely fatigued from the medication and often bedridden, but he can still eat, take medicine, and relieve himself normally."

"Then why not go to the palace first thing tomorrow morning and ask His Majesty?" Lin Jingmo blurted out in response.

The few people in the hall instinctively thought it absurd—how could such a sensitive matter be brought to His Majesty's attention?

But just a moment later, they suddenly understood—how could such a sensitive matter not be brought to His Majesty's attention? His Majesty wasn't truly that ill!

Moreover, as a Grand Councilor, Zhang Deyuan doing such a thing was not a bad thing at all; on the contrary, it was the open and upright course.

And so, the hall was suddenly relieved—the solution to the matter was that simple; it was just that everyone had overlooked the obvious, and none had thought as quickly or reacted as swiftly as Minister Lin!

Only Zhang Jun himself still seemed somewhat out of step, as if he had some unspoken difficulty. But soon he realized that times were different now. Today, he was the Grand Councilor—why couldn't he go and ask directly? Moreover, judging by Lin Jingmo's attitude, if he didn't go, Lin would surely find another Grand Councilor to ask!

If so, then the only path was to go and ask openly tomorrow.

Then, since the matter was settled and it was already late, the others did not linger long and took their leave one after another.

The next morning, Zhang Jun, as Grand Councilor, did not even go to the Bureau of Military Affairs but went directly through the Yiyou Gate into the inner palace, and then openly arrived at Jingfu Palace... without even requesting an audience, he barged straight into His Majesty Zhao's bedchamber.

Under the special circumstances of His Majesty's illness, the Grand Councilor's authority was beyond question, and meeting His Majesty to observe his condition was even a 'legitimate act' that even His Majesty Zhao himself could hardly prevent.

The Chief Eunuch Lan Gui was not there; the Second Eunuch Feng Yi could only report the matter while ushering Lord Zhang into the bedchamber.

When lord and vassal met, His Majesty Zhao, who had just finished breakfast and had already consumed eighty percent of his medicinal soup, was clearly in low spirits but absolutely lucid. He allowed his Grand Councilor to drive away his Imperial Consort and eunuchs before stepping forward to speak.

Zhang Jun first reported in detail the events of the previous night, then calmly asked His Majesty whether he should purge the old retainers from the palace, whether he should restrict the three Empresses Dowager, whether he should appropriately tighten the confinement of the two Retired Emperors, and finally, most crucially, whether he should establish an Empress and a Crown Prince in preparation for any unforeseen event.

His words were very frank, and they touched upon Yang Yizhong's excessive behavior and the most sensitive matters of lord and vassal, father and son.

But unexpectedly, His Majesty Zhao sat on the couch, listened quietly to these words, and showed neither anger nor any sign of disappointment or agitation. Instead, he remained silent.

This made Zhang Jun realize that he might have guessed correctly.

Yesterday, Yang Yizhong had come to him not only to take precautions but also because he was one of the few people present at the Mingdao Palace seven years ago... and one of the first two outside officials to see His Majesty after he lost his memory.

The other was the retired Grand Councilor Lu.

Moreover, with Kang Lü dead, Huang Qianshan exiled far away, Lord Wang having died for the country, and Wang Yuan also retired, in a sense, Yang Yizhong could only come to him.

Furthermore, it was only natural for everyone to be suspicious of Imperial Consort Pan... Although Yang Yizhong hadn't said it, his target last night was undoubtedly Imperial Consort Pan... After all, it was the Imperial Consort's father, Pan Guozhang, who administered the medicine, and Imperial Consort Pan herself was one of the few surviving parties involved back then.

That incident—the one where His Majesty fell and hit his head, forgetting many things—he, Zhang Deyuan, had always believed was an excuse His Majesty had made for himself when he decided to resist and abandon flight... The outside world had almost reached a similar consensus.

But now it seemed it might be true.

Yang Yizhong's reaction was excessive, but understandable.

The other party wanted to remind him: if His Majesty were to suffer another bout of brain illness and lose his memory, who would protect His Majesty? Who would protect the fruits of seven years of hard work?

It was precisely because of this consideration that Yang Yizhong dared not come to test His Majesty himself, but instead sought him out. And he himself found it difficult to mention this matter directly, even to people like Liu Ziyu and Lin Jingmo, and could only go with the flow.

However, as things stood now, His Majesty was still sound.

"Deyuan, you did well." After a long while, His Majesty Zhao indeed mustered his strength against the effects of the medicine and responded with a sigh. "You have been thoughtful. But Yang Zhengfu isn't really worried about that. He's probably just panicked because I haven't been ill for so long, and now I've fallen this sick all of a sudden... You should be the same. Go back now. As for establishing an Empress or a Crown Prince, when the time comes, I will naturally tell you."

His Majesty did not intend to be completely frank, but using 'you' and 'I' instead of 'We' and 'My Minister' was clearly an expression of trust... In short, the matter finally had a resolution. Relieved, Zhang Deyuan naturally obeyed the decree and withdrew, even forgetting to take the opportunity to mention Lu Zhi's matter.

Leaving aside Zhang Jun's thoughts, on His Majesty Zhao's side, having received the news, he simply abandoned the remaining medicinal soup from the morning and directly ordered Feng Yi to summon Yang Yizhong, who was already in the palace... When the latter arrived, he immediately prostrated himself in a bow, allowing His Majesty to dismiss everyone else.

But unexpectedly, the lord and vassal sat in silence opposite each other for a long time, both looking somewhat dejected.

"Zhengfu." Finally, it was Zhao Jiu who broke the silence. "You're overthinking things. And why be so afraid that you have to test me through Zhang Jun?"

Yang Yizhong bowed his head and said nothing.

Zhao Jiu had no choice but to be more direct: "Rest assured, I'm not seriously ill... Let me tell you something we've both tacitly understood all along. That day on the Huaihe River, you, in front of me, put some coins into an orange lantern and sank it to the riverbed. You meant for me to see it with my own eyes, didn't you? Those coins, exquisitely made with unique patterns, different from copper cash—you picked them up from the bottom of the Nine Dragon Well after I was injured, didn't you?"

"It was your servant who picked them up, and dared not show them to anyone."

Upon hearing this, Yang Yizhong's voice choked instantly, and then tears streamed down uncontrollably. "Your Majesty, your servant simply dares not imagine what to do if such a thing were to happen. What about the Northern Expedition? Do the words about national humiliation and family vendetta still count? How should your servant conduct himself? Will seven years of hard work be destroyed in an instant?! You must know, this situation was achieved step by step by Your Majesty, leading us through countless hardships and mortal dangers! Why should it be handed over to others?!"

"It won't come to that." At this point, Zhao Jiu suddenly felt more at ease. He had originally intended to explain that those coins were not his, but from the well, but he simply didn't say it... Saying it would have only created distance. "Not to mention that I cannot rest easy if the Northern Expedition fails, even if that day truly comes, it's not something you or I can decide. Besides, even so, I have spent seven years creating an irreversible situation. Even if that person from Shaolin Temple came back, he would have to carry the Northern Expedition through to the end... Don't overthink it!"

"...Yes!"

"Since the fatigue-inducing medicine has caused so much trouble, I will stop using it from this afternoon onwards. I'll switch to something else and recuperate slowly, to save you from wild thoughts, and also to be safe... But I've already taken this morning's dose, so the fatigue is unavoidable."

"Yes!"

"Besides, no mistake has occurred, has it?"

"Yes!"

"Tell me the truth. If Zhang Jun hadn't come today, were you planning to spread rumors or fabricate some incident in the palace to force him to probe and act?"

"Yes..."

"But what you said is also right!" Zhao Jiu thought for a moment, then suddenly sneered again. "This situation—created by you, me, Zhang Deyuan, Han Liangchen, Yue Pengju, and hundreds of thousands or millions of others through untold hardships and with our own hands—countless people have even lost their lives for it... Why should it be handed over to others?!"

Yang Yizhong, who had already begun to calm down, suddenly shuddered.

"Go ahead!" Zhao Jiu said casually while yawning on the couch. "First, spread some rumors. Loosen things up everywhere. I want to see if anyone truly dares to be audacious. It'll also give you something to do, so you won't be so anxious and troubled all day. I myself am this open and aboveboard... Don't forget to inform Zhang Jun. You've got him thinking my brain has gone wrong."

"Your servant would die ten thousand deaths to carry out your command!" Yang Yizhong kowtowed in response.

When he looked up again, he found that His Majesty Zhao had already lain down on the couch, but was staring into space in contemplation, not in a state of fatigue. So he dared not disturb him, nor did he dare to speculate on what His Majesty was thinking, and simply withdrew quickly.