Chapter 22: How Could There Be Such a Thing as a Younger Brother Succeeding an Elder?

The person is none other than Li Cheng, young Master Li.

If he truly came from a thousand years in the future, then... perhaps he might know something about my Run-niang? Could I ask him about her condition and see if a miracle might occur? Moreover, in those thousand years, has medicine not advanced significantly? Could Run-niang’s mysterious and intractable illness be curable?

At this thought, Zhao Kuangyin stood up abruptly and strode toward the door. Yet, upon reaching the threshold, he stopped. He paused for a long while before finally, slowly, walking back. It was not just the fact that Li Cheng had yet to be definitively proven to be a traveler from the future; more importantly, medical expertise is not something just anyone can master. If young Master Li truly possessed profound medical knowledge, he would hardly have resorted to concocting perfume to make a living after crossing through time. After all, those with medical skills never go hungry wherever they go.

Run-niang’s illness was notoriously difficult; to this day, no one could even provide a definitive diagnosis. Even Crown Prince Chen was helpless, forced to treat her in a state of confusion. Asking young Master Li would likely be in vain... What he feared even more was that by asking, he might receive even worse news—such as the realization that his beloved Run-niang might pass away even sooner than the court physician, Sun, had predicted.

Zhao Kuangyin, a man who had fought his way through a chaotic era, served as emperor for years, and held the power of life and death in his hands, became incredibly cautious when it came to his own daughter. She was like a piece of exquisite porcelain already covered in fine cracks; he feared that one wrong move would cause it to shatter completely. Run-niang had suffered a hard life, losing her mother when she was barely an infant. Lian-er had passed away less than two months after giving birth to her—she was the youngest child of his and Lian-er’s. On her deathbed, she had worried about no one as much as this child...

Whenever he recalled his late wife’s dying wish, and considered that he was now the Emperor, supreme over all, yet utterly helpless in the face of Run-niang’s illness—forced to watch her grow weaker day by day, suffering until her early departure—Zhao Kuangyin felt as if his heart were being sliced by a blade.

...

Two days later, news arrived that the Southern Tang’s former ruler, Li Yu, and his clan would soon arrive in Bianliang. This was a major event; the fall of the Southern Tang held profound significance for the Great Song, signifying the pacification of the south. Consequently, the entire Song court had been busy making preparations. Where Li Yu would stay, what treatment he would receive as a fallen monarch, and the attitude the Song would display toward them—all these matters, both large and small, had to be settled.

With so many affairs, Zhao Kuangyin was both a father and a sovereign. He had to suppress his personal grief to attend to state business. For instance, he had decided to title Li Yu the "Marquis of Disobedience." The reason for this was simple: Li Yu had not been honest with him, remaining superficially submissive while secretly recruiting troops and gathering strength to challenge the Great Song. His queen, the younger Lady Zhou, was to be titled the Lady of Zheng.

As for Li Yu’s residence, there was no need to fret. Zhao Kuangyin had long ago constructed a compound in Bianliang specifically for fallen monarchs. He had named it the "Residence of Virtuous Hospitality," crafted with exquisite workmanship and fine decor. However, the price for staying there was not measured in gold, but in kingdoms. A mansion in exchange for a realm—even by the standards of future generations, Zhao Kuangyin’s real estate business was remarkably successful.

These matters were complex, but not insurmountable. Some required his direct attention, but others were handled by his subordinates. What truly troubled Zhao Kuangyin, leaving him indecisive until now, was whom to send to welcome Li Yu at the city gates. In the past, whenever monarchs or notable envoys arrived, it was his third brother who would lead the officials to greet them. With such precedent, it should have been an easy decision to simply follow tradition.

Yet, Zhao Kuangyin hesitated. He wondered if he should choose someone else—his son, Rixin, for example. But if he sent Rixin this time, what would his third brother think? One was his own brother, the other his own son; Zhao Kuangyin was a man who valued family ties. When these affections collided with power and political friction, even a founding emperor found it a headache.

After much deliberation, Zhao Kuangyin finally made up his mind: let Rixin do it. Rixin was already twenty-five and could take on more responsibility. Compared to his third brother, Rixin’s influence and rank were far behind, and it was time for him to rise. Furthermore, he realized he had initially misunderstood Rixin regarding the matter of young Master Li. As it stood, Rixin had not been deceived at all; on the contrary, he had likely performed an extraordinary service. By that measure alone, he deserved a reward. Moreover, young Master Li had claimed that the Great Song would last for three hundred and nineteen years, ending the chaos of the ages forever. Rixin was twenty-five, not a five-year-old child; how could there be any talk of "brother succeeding brother" in the old style? As for his third brother... he was a man of reason who, like himself, valued family, and would surely understand.

...

In the Qinghui Pavilion, Princess Chu, Zhao Run-niang, finished her morning routine under the care of her maids and matrons. After taking her medicine and eating, she made a statement that caused the attendants around her to turn pale with shock: she wanted to visit the Imperial Gardens again.

Once the words were out, the servants felt as though their souls had left their bodies. The last time she visited the gardens, she had fallen ill, nearly frightening them to death. Why would she want to go again?

"Your Highness, please... you have not yet recovered. Could you... perhaps stay? If something were to happen, we would have no way to atone for our failure. His Majesty specifically ordered us to watch over you and ensure you did not leave until you were fully recovered..."

"It was too cold those past few days, but the weather is warming up now. I shall simply wear more layers. My health has improved significantly, and if I stay cooped up in this room any longer, I shall surely wither away. Father told me to go out less, not never. As for what the matron says about waiting until I am fully recovered... if I wait for that, I fear I shall never have the chance to step out of the Qinghui Pavilion again."

Matron Hua and the others grew tense, rushing to comfort her and promising that she would surely recover.

"Your Highness, if you are thinking of that poem, why not let me fetch it for you?" suggested her personal maid, Xiaodie, who was quick-witted.

The Princess of Chu hesitated, then shook her head. "No, let me go myself. It would be a regret if I could not retrieve such a fine poem in person."

About two quarters of an hour later, the Princess of Chu, wrapped in heavy layers of clothing, was carried out of the Qinghui Pavilion, accompanied by her maids and matrons, on her way to the Imperial Gardens. Since she was ill, deeply cherished by the Emperor, and held dear by Matron Hua and the others, they truly could not stop her once she had made up her mind, nor did they have the heart to forcefully intervene.

...

"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Disobedience is about to arrive in the capital. Please designate who shall lead the welcoming party," Lu Duoxun said, stepping forward during the morning court after some administrative matters had been addressed.

Several others echoed his request. Standing at the head of the ranks, ahead of the chancellors, Prince Zhao Guangyi maintained a calm expression, but inwardly he was expectant, taking it for granted that his older brother would select him. After all, similar events had occurred many times before; he was the pillar of the Song royal family, second only to the Emperor. This time would be no different. Lu Duoxun and the others were merely going through the motions.

As he thought this, Zhao Kuangyin, seated on the throne, nodded. "Indeed, it must be decided; it would be too late if we delayed. Then... let Rixin lead the officials to welcome him."

Zhao Guangyi: ???!!!