[Lightscreen]
[Looking back, Zhao Guangyi's disdain for Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi, and his habit of nitpicking even Tang Taizong, was not only because he himself was a bit muddle headed. A larger reason lay in how the reputations of Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi shifted during the Tang and Song periods.
A classic example is the young emperor Zhezong mentioned earlier.
When Emperor Zhezong Zhao Xu was in power, he once allowed Su Zhe, younger brother of Su Shi, to comment on court affairs. Inevitably, this involved discussing the successes and failures of previous reigns, especially that of Emperor Shenzong.
Su Zhe used the logic of "the father acts first, the son remedies later, and helping each other before and after is the filial duty of a sage" to compare Emperor Shenzong to Han Wudi, listing the various problems of Western Han under Han Wudi's rule.
Before he even finished speaking, Zhezong flew into a rage. How dare you slander the former emperor.
In an instant, what had been a normal court discussion became tense. It was Fan Chunren who stepped forward to smooth things over, saying that Han Wudi possessed extraordinary talent and ability and that history had not demeaned him. Comparing him to the former emperor was not slander.
At first glance, this incident seems completely absurd. After all, Han Wudi's achievements need no introduction. The defeat of the Xiongnu alone is enough to fill his record.
Yet this small incident reveals something larger and helps explain many seemingly strange phenomena of the Northern Song.
Everyone knows that reform was the main theme of Emperor Shenzong's reign. During his time, Sima Guang, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Lü Gongzhu, Wen Yanbo and others were all opponents of reform.
After Shenzong died, Zhezong ascended the throne, with Grand Empress Dowager Gao Taotao ruling from behind the curtain.
During this period, Gao Taotao vigorously abolished the new policies, in what history later called the Yuanyou Reversal.
As a result, the old faction gained complete dominance. Under Sima Guang's leadership, they launched a full scale negation of the reforms. This was why Su Zhe, an opponent of reform, was able to stand before Zhezong and lecture him on reform policies.
From today's perspective, Gao Taotao's rejection of reform was more about consolidating her grandson Zhezong's throne.
Earlier, we talked about the Golden Casket Alliance. Although its authenticity is debated, since Zhao Guangyi had in fact become Emperor Taizong of Song, this alliance had to be treated as real.
Zhao Guangyi benefited personally, but the line attributed to Empress Dowager Du in the Golden Casket Alliance about a child ruling the realm became part of the so called ancestral law of Song.
That single phrase became the best banner for fighting over the merit of supporting an emperor.
Because of this, even before Shenzong had died, Xing Shu, Cai Que, Zhang Dun and others were already plotting to enthrone the Prince of Yong or the Prince of Cao, intending to imitate what Zhao Guangyi had done and secure first class merit for themselves.
In this context, Gao Taotao raised the slogan of restoring the ancestral laws as a priority and used it to purge the reforms. Joining forces with Sima Guang and the old faction, she stabilized Zhezong's throne and avoided a possible second Candle Shadow and Axe Sound incident.
When Su Zhe compared Shenzong to Han Wudi, his original intention was likely simple. He wanted to use Shenzong's reforms to parallel Han Wudi's costly military campaigns.
Then he used Han Wudi's Wheel Platform Edict in his later years to admonish the young emperor Zhezong, telling him to firmly suppress reform.
He simply did not expect Zhezong to respond like this. You dare to use Han Wudi, this so called tyrant, to refer to my father.
Looking at it now, the reasons Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi gradually became shorthand for tyrants in the late Tang and early Song can be summed up in two points.
First, from the An Lushan Rebellion onward, the realm suffered from warlord chaos. Those with strong armies brought disaster to the people. This was the most direct experience of the people during the Tang Song transition.
Second, from the defeat at Gaoliang River onward, the Song kept losing. Combined with policies that emphasized civil over military and internal over external matters, it was natural for Song literati to look down on figures like Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi, whom they saw as warmongers who invaded the four directions, imposed heavy punishments and taxes, harmed the people, and indulged in extravagant palaces.
If it were not for Li Shimin opening the Zhenguan era and redeeming some points, even Tang Taizong would probably have taken a few big slaps from Song scholars.
As for the phrase Tang Ancestor and Song Ancestor, it only appeared starting in the Ming dynasty. It was meant to praise these two emperors for founding the cultural governance of Tang and Song, not something deliberately coined by later teachers just to rhyme.
Since we are already here, we might as well take a look at the work once praised as the greatest piece in history, To the Tune of Spring in a Pleasure Garden.]
In the Han Chang'an General's Residence, Zhang Fei heard that Emperor Zhezong thought Han Wudi was not worthy to be compared to his own father. He immediately flew into a rage.
"Emperor Xiaowu's achievements were made clear by my elder brother. These Song people really have thick faces."
He lowered his head and began writing furiously, intending to curse someone out.
After all, it is one thing for later generations to criticize. That is just taking advantage of the fact that the ancestors cannot talk back. But for Zhang Fei and the others, the Han had not even fallen yet.
However, before he finished writing, he heard about all the hardships of Zhezong's succession. He immediately changed his mind.
"No, this Zhao Guangyi deserves to be cursed even more."
He rolled up the paper he had just written and tore off another strip. This made Ma Chao glance sideways.
"Third General, do you not think this little emperor is ignorant too."
"What is there to say," Zhang Fei sighed. "First, he is defending his father's proper name. Second, he is protecting his father from the slander of these troublemaking ministers. That can be called filial. And also…"
As he spoke, Zhang Fei's expression suddenly turned ferocious and he slammed the table.
"I remember now. This Su Zhe is the shameless fellow who said that not cutting off Yanyun is not shameful, and that enjoying the benefits alone is fine."
He threw down his brush.
"I really want to meet this Minister Su and let him understand what the heroic spirit of Yan and Zhao is."
The commotion was loud, but no one minded. After all, such smooth tongued people were hard to forget.
Moreover, both Third General and the Lord came from Zhuo County, part of Yanyun. His anger could be considered completely natural.
Ma Chao had arrived late and did not know this background. After Zhang Fei explained, he was also stunned and joined in righteous anger.
"I am only glad I was not born in Song, so I would not have to see such filthy people and soil my eyes."
The two warriors finally found common ground. Their previous unpleasantness vanished, and they even agreed to warm wine and practice martial skills together in the evening to ward off the cold.
Soon, however, both of their attention was drawn to the calligraphy that appeared on the light screen.
The later generation had clearly said that this work enjoyed the reputation of being the greatest in history. Although Zhang Fei and Ma Chao valued martial arts, they were both literate, so naturally they were curious what kind of work deserved such praise.
After one look, both of them froze, staring for a long time without recovering.
It was Ma Chao who finally poked Zhang Fei lightly with his finger.
"Yide, can you understand this."
Zhang Fei glanced at Ma Chao's expression, then said casually, "Of course I can."
Ma Chao looked up. "The strokes look sharp, continuous, like elite cavalry breaking through a formation. But I only half understand the characters. Quickly read it to me."
Clearing his throat, Zhang Fei put on a serious air.
"Um… Northern lands scenery… ice sealed… snow drifting… inside and outside… dance…"
Ma Chao felt he had underestimated Third General's thick skin. This is what you call understanding.
Just then, a line of text slowly drifted across the light screen, relieving the awkwardness in Han Chang'an.
[Server Chat Log]
[Li Shimin: Northern lands scenery, a thousand miles sealed in ice… count the truly outstanding figures, still look to today.
Li Shimin: Bold and expansive, as if standing on a mountain peak overlooking all ages. Unrestrained and majestic, like ten thousand riders crushing forward. Truly a superior piece of literary work.]
Kongming copied while smiling.
"Without His Majesty Second Phoenix relieving us, we almost became illiterate."
Zhang Fei argued. "Strategist, I still recognize quite a few characters."
Ignoring his third brother's noise, Liu Bei nodded.
"With later generations having the convenience of paper, it seems many excel in the way of calligraphy."
He then sighed.
"This state of mind, I cannot match."
Pang Tong laughed.
"Later generations have seen worlds we have not seen and accomplished feats we could not achieve. Naturally they possess a gaze that looks down upon ten thousand ages. This is limited by time and science. My lord need not mind it."
Liu Bei nodded, then tore off a strip of paper.
[Server Chat Log]
[Liu Bei: Seeing this piece, I see a heart that looks up to the cosmos and embraces heaven and earth. Looking back, I became somewhat self satisfied after holding Tong Pass and gaining Guanzhong. I should reflect.
Zhuge Liang: It is thanks to His Majesty Erfeng.
Zhang Fei: That Su Zhe, do not let old Zhang find out who your ancestors are.]
Li Shimin stretched his shoulders, feeling both amused and helpless.
They know they owe me a favor, yet they cannot even call me Taizong. Even calling me Shimin would be fine.
Earlier, seeing this poem, the Zhenguan civil and military officials were conquered by its majestic mood. They wished they could climb the Great Wall in winter to see the world it described.
Li Shimin himself was both shocked by its gaze over ten thousand ages and moved that among the few figures mentioned, he was included.
From the few words spoken by later generations, he had already admired this teacher for a long time.
As someone who loved calligraphy, Li Shimin quickly realized that Zhuge Wuhou and the others would find this Wei Jin style cursive script extremely difficult to read.
So he no longer restrained his excitement. He picked up his brush and copied the text from the light screen, forming characters that Zhuge Wuhou and the others could see.
Having achieved his goal, he could not help but show off a bit to Empress Zhangsun.
"Even the Martial Marquis must rely on my favor, no."
Empress Zhangsun smiled and praised her husband's attentiveness. When she saw what Zhang Fei had written, she could not help but laugh.
"Does this Marquis of Zhuo County intend to blame someone based on words from descendants many generations later."
Li Shimin understood and explained that Zhang Fei was angry mainly because of Su Zhe's statement about enjoying the benefits of Yanyun without shame, not simply because Song people belittled Han Wudi.
Many in the Ganlu Hall did not know this matter. After hearing it, they pondered and their expressions turned strange.
Pei Xingjian, young and straightforward, said, "If a pillar of the state writes such words and passes them down, do these Song ministers think that even if Song falls, Song ministers will still remain."
Li Shimin froze for a moment, thinking of the distinction between the northern and southern branches of Confucius's descendants. He felt that might actually be possible, but there was no need to tell Pei Xingjian such things.
Young people should preserve a pure heart and know less of this filth.
So he lightly changed the topic.
"Later generations say my dashing flair is slightly inferior. It seems that even when busy, I should never put down books. Even if I do not read deeply, opening a book is still beneficial."
As he spoke, Li Shimin stared hard at Chu Suiliang, making the Tang court recorder uncertain.
Does His Majesty intend to appropriate Zhao Guangyi's saying about opening books being beneficial.
Fortunately, Li Shimin did not tease Chu Suiliang further, because a new name appeared on the light screen for the first time.
[Server Chat Log]
[Zhao Kuangyin: To be listed alongside His Majesty Taizong is my great honor.
Zhang Fei: Zhao Da, you are fine. I thought Zhao Guangyi beat you up.
Zhao Kuangyin: Thank you for your concern, Marquis Zhang. My brother the Prince of Jin intended rebellion and assassination, and has already been dealt with.
Zhang Fei: Good then. I ask for nothing else. Has Yanyun been recovered.
Zhao Kuangyin: I shall follow Tang Taizong and Han Wudi, and recover the former Han and Tang lands.]
After replying to Zhang Fei, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly felt a stronger sense of urgency.
Among Qin Shi Huang, Han Wudi, Tang Taizong, and Song Ancestor, there was one ruler far weaker than the other three. He knew very well who that was.
Ten years ago, when he and Zhao Pu decided on the strategy of first easy then hard, it was both for stability and because he trusted his own youth and strength.
But two years later, who knows. He should urge Cao Bin. The south was already a sure victory. After a quick decisive strike, they should plan to move north, take Taiyuan, and then strike Youzhou.
After all, he had now made a promise to the ancestors of Huaxia, and he must fulfill it.
As he thought about this, he glanced at his still unconscious brother, and his mood became complicated.
Zhao Pu saw clearly. Although they were not like Emperor Zhaolie and Zhuge Wuhou with perfect mutual trust, they had worked together for more than ten years, and there was no need for formalities.
"Does Your Majesty both worry about what the Prince of Jin has done, and worry about what he has not done."
The wording was a bit roundabout, but Zhao Kuangyin understood and nodded slowly.
The Candle Shadow and Axe Sound was vague, but at its core it was simply about his death and his brother's succession.
If his death was caused by his brother, then although it was painful fratricide, at least one could sigh in relief that the death calamity had been resolved.
But if he truly died suddenly, then…
Zhao Pu did not know medicine. He could only try to suggest.
"Later, perhaps Your Majesty could describe your symptoms and see whether there are good doctors beside Emperor Zhaolie or Tang Taizong, and whether an ancient prescription might be found…"
Even as he spoke, Zhao Pu himself felt unsure. Zhao Kuangyin let out a long sigh, feeling that this was all he could do.
Thinking of this, he could not help but kick Zhao Guangyi in anger. He could swear to heaven that he did not intentionally kick the broken leg.
The figure on the ground let out a howl and sat up straight. His shrill voice echoed through the hall.
"Such audacity. Who dares to assassinate emperor."
In Zhao Pu's view, His Majesty's face immediately darkened. It was already dark, but now it was like the sky before a summer storm.
"The Emperor'? You 'Dog-legged Emperor'!
"You fail in both civil and martial matters, bring disaster to the state and harm future generations. The foundation of Song will be destroyed in your hands."
Zhao Kuangyin cursed loudly.
He was from the army, but after more than ten years of deliberate training as emperor, his political instincts were not bad.
With a slight review of past events, he could already guess much of it.
Earlier, later generations spoke of Zhezong, saying he expanded externally and reformed internally.
Now they said Grand Empress Dowager Gao Taotao opposed reforms to stabilize Zhezong's throne, forming alliances to suppress them. From this, a simple thread could be sorted out.
Shenzong reforms. Zhezong ascends, Empress Dowager rules and opposes reform. Zhezong rules and promotes reform. Huizong ascends and again opposes reform.
In just over twenty years, court policies shifted repeatedly. And from later generations saying that Sima Guang completely negated the new policies, Zhao Kuangyin felt that Song must have fallen into the huge trouble of factional strife.
Not judging by ability or achievement, but only by new or old faction background. No wonder Huizong and Qinzong, and then Northern Song perished. Zhao Kuangyin felt he had more or less guessed the truth.
The suddenly awakened Zhao Guangyi's face shifted from blank to angry to forced smile in an instant. He tilted his head, his mouth crooked, saliva flowing.
"Elder brother, for dinner I want roasted lamb."