Chapter 62

“Enough, that’s enough, stop arguing!” Zhao Xu slapped the imperial desk.

The hall fell silent. Zhao Xu looked at the ministers: “Forget the new and old laws for now—I have a task that must be done first after my personal rule. Who among you will accept it?”

The ministers were startled, unsure why Zhao Xu suddenly mentioned a task. Lu Dafang said: “Your Majesty, the issue of new and old laws must be clarified, otherwise…”

“I said enough. First, the task.” Zhao Xu spoke calmly.

Lu Dafang blinked in surprise: “What task, Your Majesty, might you be referring to?”

Zhao Xu spoke slowly: “I have long heard that beneath Dongjing City lurks a nest of villains called the Wu You Cave, also known as Gui Fan Lou. The word ‘ghost’ alone reveals the wickedness of this place—the malice of humanity, disturbing the court above and tormenting the people below. Since the founding of Great Song, repeated attempts to eradicate it have failed. The people cry out in outrage, and foreign lands mock our dynasty’s weakness. Who among you will accept this task and destroy these bandits?”

The ministers were stunned; many instinctively lowered their heads.

Gui Fan Lou!

A poisonous tumor embedded beneath the capital, traceable to the Five Dynasties period—but back then, the underground waterways were not as vast or interconnected, so it never grew large.

During the reigns of Taizu and Taizong, to protect the capital from Yellow River floods or heavy rains, vast labor was expended to clear and reinforce the channels, and many ‘Eight-Character’ water outlets were built on the surface.

But after several Yellow River floods, the channels were widened too much, breached by the water, then further scoured by storms. The original passageways became a chaotic tangle, all interconnected, naturally opening countless new paths. Subsequent collapses piled ancient city ruins atop one another, turning the underground into a labyrinth impossible to navigate—perfect for evildoers to hide.

Taizong’s final purge occurred in Zhidao Year One, mobilizing nearly ten thousand Imperial Guards. Despite immense effort, they failed to eradicate it completely.

After Taizong’s death, subsequent purges under Zhenzong grew increasingly difficult, always abandoned halfway. In later dynasties, as the capital’s Imperial Guards weakened and the Garrison Armies grew lazy and cowardly, the denizens—fierce, desperate outlaws—made any campaign end before it even began.

Thus, over the years, Gui Fan Lou grew bolder and more uncontrollable, becoming the court’s nightmare and the people’s poison, a name that turned faces pale.

No one wanted to take on the task of purging Gui Fan Lou. No one wished to be linked to those outlaws. Though as court officials they should not fear, each had family—wives, children—and all feared becoming targets of these murderers.

All remained silent. The hall was utterly still. Zhao Xu frowned behind his desk: “Why do none of you speak?”

Still no one answered. Each turned their face away, as if they had heard nothing.

Zhao Xu’s gaze grew cold: “Just moments ago, when we spoke of abolishing the old laws and restoring the new, you all spoke loudly, spouting endless arguments. Now, faced with a simple task, you all pretend not to hear, retreat in silence?”

Liang Dao forced himself forward from the ranks: “Your Majesty, this is not the same matter.”

Zhao Xu looked at him: “Minister Liang, are you willing to lead the purge of Gui Fan Lou?”

Liang Dao’s face twitched violently: “Your servant… is ill. Managing state affairs is barely possible, but leading men into battle—utterly impossible.”

“So you cannot fight?” Zhao Xu nodded. “Who among you will relieve me of this burden?”

No one spoke. Not even someone stepped forward to argue.

Zhao Xu’s gaze slowly settled on Zhao Ti: “Prince Yan.”

Zhao Ti said: “Your servant is here.”

Zhao Xu said: “The ministers say you wield spear and club—so you possess martial skill?”

Zhao Ti said: “I… understand a little.”

“Good!” Zhao Xu’s eyes deepened. “Prince Yan, are you willing to lead men and destroy Gui Fan Lou?”

Zhao Ti said: “To relieve the sovereign, to ease the people’s suffering, to serve the state—Your servant… accepts!”

At his words, every eye in the hall turned toward him—whether Old Party or the few New Party members—all froze.

This was no good assignment. No one would willingly take it. Even if forced, they’d only pretend to act, then face punishment—no one would truly risk themselves. How could he accept?

Su Zhe’s face changed instantly. Fan Chunren’s eyes widened sharply.

Trouble—entry into court! He means to enter court!

Zhao Ti holds the title of Prince, but holds no official post in court. Even if he petitioned to abolish the old laws and restore the new, it would carry no decisive weight.

But if he entered court with an official post, he could push the matter forward. A royal prince associating with ministers was called ‘colluding with court officials’—but if he held office, such ties could be excused. Then, allied with the New Party, it would be disastrous.

“Your Majesty, this cannot be!” Fan Chunren said at once.

Zhao Xu glanced at him: “Minister Fan, are you willing to lead the purge of Gui Fan Lou?”

“This… ” Fan Chunren’s forehead broke into sweat. Who were the people in Gui Fan Lou? They had kidnapped and sold the daughter of a Commandery Prince. Over the years, they had retaliated against court officials. Even if he himself feared nothing—what of his entire family? Could he leave them exposed?

“Your Majesty, please reconsider…” Su Zhe stepped forward.

Zhao Xu said: “Minister Su, are you willing to lead the purge of Gui Fan Lou?”

“Your servant… Your servant…”

Zhao Xu’s brows knitted: “Since none of you will go, and Prince Yan volunteers—why do you obstruct? Eradicating Gui Fan Lou benefits the court and the people of Dongjing. You are all loyal ministers of state—why oppose this so?”

“Your Majesty, even Prince Yan may not succeed in eradicating Gui Fan Lou…” Lu Dafang said.

Zhao Xu looked at Zhao Ti: “Prince Yan, do you have confidence?”

Zhao Ti smiled: “I have some confidence.”

“Good! Since Prince Yan has confidence, this task is yours!” Zhao Xu declared.

“Your Majesty, I will go to purge Gui Fan Lou—but I hold no official post. How can I command troops?”

A strange silence filled the court. The Old Party faces darkened. They thought: You two are acting in concert—but must it be so obvious?

Yet no one dared speak. No one wished to touch Gui Fan Lou. This vile, monstrous place—just hearing its name was repulsive. This concerned the safety of entire families. A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall!

Zhao Ti’s expression was half-smiling. This had been planned the night before in the palace: to tear open a crack in the Old Party, he must enter court. Only with an official post could he gain influence and act effectively.

But entry required justification. A prince entering court without cause would face opposition from both New and Old Parties—officials would block him.

Thus, they chose Gui Fan Lou. Zhao Ti had long wanted to act against it—not merely to do good for Dongjing’s people, but to bring the entire underground of the capital under his control. Gui Fan Lou must be destroyed. This opportunity to enter court was perfect.

Zhao Xu had long wished to eradicate Gui Fan Lou. It had always been a thorn in the heart of every Song emperor. Since his personal rule, he sought to boost popular favor and erase the ill will caused by the transition between old and new laws. Eradicating Gui Fan Lou was an excellent strategy.

The ministers would never accept this task. Zhao Ti needed entry into court to open the door for the new laws. Releasing Gui Fan Lou as the pretext was perfect.

Zhao Xu nodded: “Since Prince Yan has this resolve, I shall appoint you to an official post in court.”