Chapter 65: Adding Insult to Injury

“Your Majesty, all the fault lies with me. I beg you to show mercy for Yu'er, who is young and ignorant of the world, and spare him this time!”

Within the grand hall, Empress Zheng knelt on the floor, pleading bitterly. The news that her son's residence had been sealed struck her like a bolt of lightning. She could not comprehend how something so sudden could happen to a situation that had been perfectly fine. She sought out the emperor without even asking for details, appealing directly for his compassion.

“Spare him this time? Have you seen what he’s done?”

Emperor Huizong, furious, hurled a thick memorial across the floor.

“Disregarding the honor of the royal family, associating with criminals and street ruffians, brawling and causing disturbances, disregarding human life, bullying merchants, forcing sales, colluding with thieves to steal treasures from the palace…”

The list went on and on, enumerating more than twenty crimes committed by Zhao Yu. The more Empress Zheng read, the more alarmed she became. Still, she was filled with doubt; her son had always been obedient—could he really have committed so many misdeeds?

“This is the good son you claim to be merely young and naive! I truly misjudged him,”

Emperor Huizong spoke with bitter disappointment. In truth, there was one offense Zhao Yu had committed that angered him most, yet it was not written in the memorial: Li Shishi had spent several hours alone at Zhao Yu’s residence. Several hours! There was enough time for anything to happen. Although Li Shishi was not officially his wife, she was still his woman!

A son seducing his father’s woman—who could tolerate such a thing?

“Your Majesty, though Yu'er is mischievous, I firmly believe he would not commit these crimes. It must be that someone has framed him. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly.”

“There is evidence and testimony. Yet you still defend him? He dares to act so brazenly only because of your indulgence. Guards! Issue my decree—Zhao Yu is to be arrested and imprisoned at once!”

“Have mercy, Your Majesty!”

“Guards! Escort the Empress back to her chambers. Without my permission, she is not to leave.”

Emperor Huizong waved his hand impatiently, unwilling to hear another word. His anger was so great that he blamed even his wife in his heart.

Following the emperor’s command, palace maids and eunuchs stepped forward to support Empress Zheng.

“Father, though Eighth Brother has erred, it has nothing to do with Mother. Please do not blame her. Furthermore, as elder brothers, we have failed in our duty to guide him. We ask that you punish us as well.”

Zhao Huan hurriedly knelt and bowed after Zhao Kai spoke up first. “Third Brother is right. Moreover, I believe this matter should not be made public, lest it damage Your Majesty’s reputation.”

The words of his two sons calmed Emperor Huizong somewhat, and he spoke in a deep voice, “Then tell me—how should that rebellious son be dealt with?”

“Mother is indeed overly indulgent with Eighth Brother, but if the punishment is too harsh, it will cause her great sorrow. The love between Your Majesty and Mother is a model for all couples under heaven. We should not let Eighth Brother’s mistake damage your affection. Therefore, I propose to strip him of his princely title as a warning, and send him to a provincial post to reflect upon his actions. When he matures, he can be recalled to the capital. This way, he is punished, but Mother will not be too heartbroken. I beg Your Majesty to grant this.”

After Zhao Kai spoke, Emperor Huizong had yet to respond, but Zhao Huan suddenly grew wary. If not for Zhao Yu’s excessive arrogance, Zhao Huan would never have regarded him as a rival; Zhao Huan always saw Zhao Kai as a potential adversary. Only recently, with Zhao Yu’s rise and his entanglement with a woman Zhao Huan no longer wanted, did the two brothers join forces against him.

Now, Zhao Kai’s performance made Zhao Huan more guarded. Zhao Kai’s words were perfectly balanced—considerate of brotherly bonds, and thoughtful of Emperor Huizong and the Empress. If Zhao Yu were present, he would surely give a thumbs-up and praise him for his cleverness.

“Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Cai requests an audience!”

The attendant’s voice suddenly echoed from outside the hall, interrupting Emperor Huizong’s contemplation.

The matter of Zhao Yu was a family affair, so only his two sons remained in the hall; even Liang Shicheng had been dismissed.

Cai Jing had arrived!

The three emperors were surprised, for the old man’s eyesight had failed and he had not attended court for days, claiming illness. Upon reflection, they realized Cai Jing must have come regarding Zhao Yu.

Cai Jing had served as Prime Minister several times, his supporters spread throughout the court, and he held great influence with the emperor. Upon hearing of his arrival, Zhao Huan and Zhao Kai grew tense, thinking, “We’ve finally toppled Zhao Yu; let nothing go wrong now…”

Emperor Huizong, however, had fewer concerns. Zhao Yu was no ordinary person, and his fate ought to be decided with the counsel of his ministers. Thus, he ordered Cai Jing to be brought in.

Before long, the frail Cai Jing entered the hall, supported by his son Cai Tao.

“Someone, bring a seat for the Grand Preceptor! Old Master, you should have sent Cai Tao instead—why trouble yourself to come in person?”

Emperor Huizong still showed much favor to Cai Jing. Without waiting for him to pay respects, he had a brocade couch brought forward.

After expressing his thanks, Cai Jing insisted on kneeling and kowtowing before sitting.

“Your Majesty, I heard that Prince Yi has violated the laws of the land. I feared Your Majesty would be uncertain how to deal with him, so I hurried from my home.”

It matched what Emperor Huizong had guessed, and he frowned, “What do you suggest, Grand Preceptor?”

He had long heard rumors that this old fox secretly supported Zhao Yu. If he spoke up for him now, he'd show no mercy...

“When a prince breaks the law, he should be judged as any commoner.”

Cai Jing’s words instantly eased the three emperors’ hearts. They secretly laughed—so the old man had come to add insult to injury.

Cai Jing’s aged voice continued, “But there are many ways to punish. The goal is to warn him, yet not disgrace the royal family. That is why I have come.”

“Old Master, your wisdom in statecraft gives me great comfort. Please, speak.”

Cai Jing’s words brightened Emperor Huizong’s heart. The old minister was always considerate—thinking of him at every turn.

“I have heard that Empress Dowager Xiao of Liao wishes to form a marriage alliance with Your Majesty, and has specifically requested Prince Yi. Though our Song and Liao are rivals, if we could be joined by marriage, it might not be a bad thing.”

Upon hearing this, the three emperors were stunned. This was an absurd suggestion! That little scoundrel had committed so many offenses, and not only was he not punished, but he was to be found a wife? Had the old man lost his mind?

Zhao Huan frowned, about to rebuke the old fool, but Zhao Kai spoke up first.

“Father, I support the Grand Preceptor’s proposal.”

Emperor Huizong was first surprised, then understood. Liao was now on the decline; sending that troublemaker there—if Liao were destroyed by Jin, he might never return. But was this too cruel? After all, he was still his own son.

“Father, Eighth Brother’s deeds have made him unwelcome at court. Sending him away may be the best protection for him.”

Zhao Kai’s words reminded Emperor Huizong of Zhao Yu’s secret meeting with Li Shishi, and his rage flared anew.

“Guards, issue the decree…”