Chapter Seventy-One: The So-Called Crisis

Zhao Yu was no fool; how could he not discern the treacherous intentions of the Khitan people? Yet, even knowing this, what could he do? Refuse to accept their offer?

He understood clearly that once he accepted the Liao emperor’s reward, he would inevitably be subjected to slander and abuse from the Song court, perhaps even branded a traitor. After all, the Song and Liao had been locked in conflict for over a century, countless soldiers and civilians lost their lives, and the hatred between them was deep and bitter.

Had Zhao Yu belonged to this era, influenced by Confucian ideals, perhaps he would have truly refused to go to Liao. But he was not one of those sanctimonious guardians of virtue. Besides, a millennium later, whether Jurchen or Khitan, they would all be known by a single unified name: the Chinese nation.

Zhao Yu might not be able to change much, but he would do his utmost to spare the people of the Central Plains from unnecessary suffering. Those so-called righteous men who only shouted slogans would eventually leave behind little more than a tale of ridicule.

In this era of survival of the fittest, whatever one wished to accomplish, the first necessity was power. Only by wielding greater authority could one pursue their ambitions to the fullest.

Fortunately, although Zhao Yu had received the imperial edict from Emperor Tianzuo, it was almost as if he had snatched it away by force; otherwise, those around him would surely have abandoned him.

Despite the Liao envoy urging him to depart swiftly, Zhao Yu paid him no mind. There were far too many matters to arrange—how could he leave so hastily?

That night, after settling into the courier hostel, Zhao Yu summoned his three close friends: Liu Heizi, Fat Tiger, and Song Zhong.

As soon as they entered, the three knelt before him, unable to speak, their eyes already reddened.

"Your Yuge isn't dead yet, so what are you crying for? Don't embarrass me; stand up, quickly!"

Before he revealed his identity, they had fought side by side many times—a bond forged through life and death.

Once they stood, Liu Heizi spoke first: "As Your Highness anticipated, once that bastard Li Yan learned of your demotion, he immediately drove out all our men."

Fat Tiger continued, "And those villains on the capital road have begun smashing our establishments. All the hard-earned businesses you built are gone."

"Fortunately, Your Highness foresaw this. We've hidden all the silver accumulated from gambling over this period; otherwise, the losses would have been immense."

"Even Boss Jiang proved unreliable. When trouble broke out, I went to find him, but he avoided me. That ungrateful scoundrel—if I ever see him again, I'll cut him to pieces!"

The three recounted all that had happened in the capital since Zhao Yu's demotion.

Zhao Yu listened quietly, his face calm and unperturbed. Truthfully, he blamed no one; human nature is inherently self-serving—there was no point in anger.

Whether it was Li Yan or Boss Jiang, their partnership was built on mutual advantage. Now that Zhao Yu had lost his value, it was only natural they distanced themselves for their own benefit.

"What plans do you three have for the future?"

"We'll follow Your Highness, of course," Liu Heizi replied quickly. Fat Tiger had just finished speaking when he suddenly remembered that, per His Highness's instructions, over a million taels of silver were still buried in the capital—could it be that His Highness intended to return?

Zhao Yu nodded toward Liu Heizi with a smile. "It seems Heizi understands my intentions. That's right, sooner or later, I will return. Before that, I hope someone will remain undercover in the capital: to keep me informed and also prepare for my return."

His words opened a new door for the three, instantly brightening their spirits.

Though Zhao Yu was still of noble status, he was heading to a foreign land. Unless forced by circumstances, who would willingly leave their homeland?

The three had managed to stand out among the city's roughs thanks to their sharp minds. So, as soon as Zhao Yu finished speaking, they quickly understood.

Exchanging glances, they bowed deeply and declared, "We pledge our lives to Your Highness!"

"No one is allowed to die; riches and glory await you. You are my most trusted brothers. Leaving you with such a dangerous task in the capital is the only way I feel at ease. When you return disguised, go directly to one person and stay with her. If anything happens, she can protect you."

Liu Heizi couldn't help but ask, "Who does Your Highness mean?"

"Li Shishi! Just tell her I sent you to seek her out."

For reasons he couldn't explain, Zhao Yu instinctively trusted Li Shishi would help him.

The brothers plotted until dinner, after which they quietly departed. By then, Liu Wenguang, the prefect of Taiyuan, had been waiting outside for quite some time.

Zhao Yu had no intention of meeting him; claiming illness, he had Yan Qing send him away. Now, trying to curry favor was too late!

With the capital matters settled, Taiyuan still needed attention.

After dinner, Yan Xu, Lu Zhishen, and Shi Qian were brought in by Yan Qing.

The Liao envoy had left the royal robes and golden crown on the table. Upon entering, Yan Xu saw them and sighed softly, "I never thought it would come to this; Your Highness’s days ahead will surely be difficult."

Zhao Yu smiled faintly. "Brother Yan, learned and talented as you are, how would you define 'crisis'?"

"Crisis: danger and opportunity coexist. Only, Your Highness’s reputation may be ruined."

"Can reputation fill one's belly? Among all those renowned scholars in the court, who has fed the people? Who has repelled the enemy on the battlefield?"

Zhao Yu sneered and shook his head, then turned to Lu Zhishen and Shi Qian. "Sometimes, I truly envy Brother Lu and Brother Shi, roaming the realm, settling scores as they please—how carefree and joyful! Alas, my status forces me to do such things in secret."

"If you don't wish to go to Liao, we can seize a place for ourselves. With your talents, you could accomplish great things," Lu Zhishen declared bluntly, never one to mince words—if he didn’t respect Zhao Yu, he wouldn’t bother with court figures at all.

Zhao Yu smiled wryly and shook his head, then addressed Yan Xu again. "What are your plans now?"

"Your Highness, that's hardly fair. I already bear your mark; if I don’t follow you, what future do I have?"

Having spent much time with Zhao Yu’s group, Yan Xu’s words now carried a touch of the wanderer’s spirit.

"Haha! My fault—please accept my apologies, Brother Yan."

With that, Zhao Yu grew serious. "This place is my foundation. One day, I will return. Brother Yan, I entrust the rear affairs to you. Brother Lu, Brother Shi, I won’t force you, but if possible, please lend me your strength."

It sounded almost like entrusting his orphan, but the three were no ordinary men; from Zhao Yu’s arrangements and demeanor, they understood his intentions.

Lu Zhishen nodded, "I’ve gathered some loyal and righteous men lately. Once things are settled here, I’ll come find you in the capital. Let Shi Qian go with you—he’s swift and perfect for carrying messages."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu was overjoyed. Turning to Shi Qian, he saw the man say nothing, but with a solemn expression, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply...