The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 118 The Deep Affection Between You Both
Emperor Zhao Fu had reigned for 31 years, yet he had never truly paid attention to his sons. Yet after finally being given the chance to participate in court affairs, it took less than a month before they were sent away from the capital.
This news shocked the court.
The three princes were completely at a loss, unsure of what mistake they had made. They were bewildered and anxious, their composure faltering. Even the high-ranking officials and trusted ministers, those most familiar with the emperor, were equally baffled.
Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji discussed the matter with his aide, Assistant Minister of the Palace Secretariat Qi Ze, who expressed his confusion. “If His Majesty intended to distance himself from the three princes, he could have simply refrained from giving them any responsibilities before the Empress Dowager’s memorial celebration. Why go to such lengths and cause unnecessary trouble for oneself instead?”
Ji Wengji, sipping his coarse tea with a furrowed brow, remained deep in thought, unable to discern Zhao Fu’s true intentions.
Qi Ze pressed further, “Ji xianggong, could it be that His Majesty has another motive for this action?”
Placing his tea cup on the table, Ji Wengji let out a long sigh. “In recent years, His Majesty has become increasingly unpredictable. Even I, after all these years, find it harder and harder to see through him.”
Meanwhile, Wang Quan and Wang Zhen were also discussing the emperor’s decision to send the three princes away. Despite their lengthy deliberations, they could not reach any clear conclusion. Wang Zhen, usually composed and elegant, showed rare traces of uncertainty on his face. After much contemplation, he still could not figure out the emperor’s underlying intention.
Unlike random speculation, Wang Zhen based his thoughts on years of experience as a close confidant of the emperor, with access to various channels of information. Yet, this sudden decision left everyone, including him, utterly caught off guard. No one could discern what this ruler of Great Song truly had in mind.
Surprisingly, the Right Prime Minister, Wang Quan, appeared rather calm. “I believe there is some merit to what you previously said, Zi Feng.”
Wang Zhen looked up at Wang Quan.
The spirited Right Prime Minister, savoring a fine cup of Biluochun tea, smiled leisurely and said, “In the 30-odd years since His Majesty ascended the throne, has he ever made a fatal mistake?”
Wang Zhen thought carefully before replying with a faint smile, “Uncle, are you sure you want me to answer that question?”
Wang Quan chuckled awkwardly. “I was merely speaking rhetorically. Must you be so particular about it, Zi Feng?”
Zhao Fu was far from a perfect ruler, let alone a wise one. Much of what he did was driven by personal interest and the pursuit of a lasting legacy. His first 20 years on the throne were fraught with errors that destabilized the court and led to war with the Liao State, leaving the populace in misery. However, in the past decade, Zhao Fu had become increasingly adept at managing the empire, skillfully balancing the factions of the court and fostering a period of relative peace and prosperity for the Song Dynasty.
Wang Zhen responded, “I dare not.”
Wang Quan sighed deeply. “If, in the face of life and death, His Majesty truly experienced enlightenment and underwent a complete transformation, then we have no choice but to adapt and prepare to uphold the court. However, do you really believe he is the kind of man who would change so drastically due to external forces? You may be closer to His Majesty in recent years and understand his thoughts better, but after more than three decades of serving him, I can only conclude, as you once said—trust him, and that’s that!”
Wang Zhen’s heart stirred as he grasped Wang Quan’s intent. He immediately saluted and said, “Thank you for your guidance, Uncle.”
After conversing with Wang Quan for a long time, Wang Zhen returned to his residence in a carriage. Upon arrival, he changed out of his court robes, only to be informed that a Ministry of Justice official, Gao Fengde, had come to visit. This official was one of Wang Zhen’s planted informants within the ministry.
Once seated in the study, Gao Fengde reported, “Daren, I have found the person you were seeking. He is currently imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice’s cells.”
Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Criminal trials are typically handled by the Court of Judicial Review. Why is this person in the Ministry of Justice’s cells?”
Gao Fengde explained, “That is true, but since this case has already been concluded, the person was transferred to our custody.”
“That quickly?” Wang Zhen paused, then asked, “Did Tang Jingze intervene?”
“Yes.”
With just that single word, Wang Zhen instantly understood the situation. A criminal official who had traveled all the way from Jinling to the capital, whom Tang Shen had specifically sent someone to investigate, ended up swiftly imprisoned, with Tang Shen personally involved in the case. Wang Zhen sighed deeply, reflecting, “He is still too soft-hearted.”
He is young, after all.
Yet, Wang Zhen quickly reconsidered, thinking, if Tang Shen were truly ruthless at such a young age, capable of cutting off loose ends without hesitation, how could he have ever fallen for him?
So be it—he would handle the dirty work himself.
Thus, in Tang Shen’s mind, his noble and virtuous senior brother sat in quiet composure, gently brushing the lid of his tea cup against the tea and calmly stating, “The Ministry of Justice has recently detained numerous criminals, and expenses have been rising. The treasury is not in a good state. After last year’s war with the Liao State, funds have been tight. As one of the six ministries, the Ministry of Justice should share His Majesty's burden and act in the interest of the people. What do you think, Gao daren?”
Having long been a trusted aide to Wang Zhen, Gao Fengde was no stranger to underhanded dealings. He bowed respectfully and answered earnestly, “This lower official completely agrees.”
That night, a prisoner in the Ministry of Justice’s cells “committed suicide out of guilt” by ramming his head into the wall.
The life of a mere cavalry officer from Jinling was insignificant in the grand scheme of the capital’s affairs. His death was but a drop in the ocean, unworthy of public notice.
As for the three princes, the emperor soon issued a decree assigning each of them official posts. Contrary to expectations, Zhao Fu did not send them to remote regions. Instead, they received promising appointments, with opportunities for advancement if they performed well.
While visiting Wang Zhen’s residence, Tang Shen asked, “Senior Brother, do you understand His Majesty’s true intention behind this move?”
Wang Zhen, serving tea with graceful poise, gently pushed a cup toward Tang Shen and replied serenely, “Weren’t we supposed to admire the calligraphy from yesterday together today? Why bring up court matters again?”
Tang Shen paused, then accepted the tea. “Yes.”
But inwardly, he concluded: So you don’t understand it either, Wang Zifeng!
Though Wang Zhen could not decipher the emperor’s thoughts, he maintained an air of calm and control, as if he had everything firmly in hand. Tang Shen, observing him closely, could find no flaw in his demeanor. He felt a mix of regret and admiration—his senior brother truly was an extraordinary person.
In late August, the three princes were preparing to leave the capital.
Prince Jing’s heir, Zhao Qiong, invited Tang Shen to a banquet at Qianli Tower. When extending the invitation, he subtly hinted that others might join them. Understanding the implication, Tang Shen still decided to attend.
Upon arriving at Qianli Tower, Tang Shen waited with Zhao Qiong until the manager led the second prince, Zhao Shang, into the private room.
Zhao Qiong immediately stood up and turned to Tang Shen. “I did not inform Jing Ze this time. In truth, I also invited His Highness, the Second Prince. You understand, given the current political situation, His Highness cannot meet with officials openly. This is purely a private gathering, not a discussion of court affairs.”
Tang Shen immediately stood up and, together with Zhao Qiong, welcomed Zhao Shang, “This lower official understands the thoughtful intentions of the Prince's Heir.”
Zhao Shang was led into the room by both men.
Zhao Qiong saluted and said, “Zhao Qiong greets Your Highness.”
Zhao Shang smiled warmly. “We’re all family; there’s no need for such formalities. Today is just a family gathering—no need to call me Your Highness.” After speaking, he turned to Tang Shen and said, “This must be Tang Jingze, Tang daren.”
Tang Shen bowed and responded, “This lower official, Tang Shen, greets Your Highness.”
“I already said there’s no need for formalities. Please, Tang daren, take a seat.” Zhao Shang’s tone was exceedingly gentle. He continued, “I’ve actually crossed paths with Tang daren before. Last year, when the Liao State’s envoys came to the capital, Tang daren was among the officials receiving them. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to speak with you at that time, and now, here we are.”
With such friendly words, Zhao Shang quickly bridged the gap between himself and Tang Shen, and the three sat down together for a meal.
Zhao Shang said, “Yesterday, I received an imperial decree. Starting today, I’ll be heading to Gusu Prefecture to serve as the Prefectural Defense Commissioner.”
Tang Shen’s hand paused mid-action.
Zhao Shang added, “Gusu Prefecture is your hometown, isn’t it, Tang daren?”
“It is.”
“Then I’ll be relying on you for guidance.”
Tang Shen immediately set down his chopsticks, rose, and bowed. “This lower official wouldn’t dare.”
The three conversed happily until nightfall before parting ways.
Tang Shen, however, fully understood Zhao Shang’s intentions. Zhao Qiong wouldn’t have invited him for no reason, let alone gone out of his way to invite Zhao Shang and link them together. This dinner was clearly orchestrated by Zhao Shang, using Zhao Qiong as a pretense, to establish a closer connection with him.
“I initially thought he only wanted to win me over, perhaps even my senior brother through me. But now it seems it’s also related to his new post as Gusu’s Defense Commissioner.”
Nevertheless, as a loyalist of the emperor, Tang Shen remained steadfast. Despite Zhao Shang’s repeated hints throughout the meal, he skillfully dodged each one, pretending not to understand.
Compared to the Second Prince, Tang Shen trusted his senior brother more.
As September arrived, the weather became cooler, and the three princes departed from the capital.
In early autumn, Emperor Zhao Fu was suddenly afflicted by his chronic migraine, rendering him unable to attend court for over ten days. With the princes having just left the capital and the emperor falling ill, rumors spread rapidly, unsettling the court. Fortunately, by mid-September, Zhao Fu recovered enough to resume hearing reports, albeit weakly, from his bed.
As Court Gentleman Consultant and Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Bureau, Tang Shen presented a memorial to Zhao Fu. After dismissing everyone else, Zhao Fu asked, “How are matters with the Liao State?”
Tang Shen reported everything in detail.
Zhao Fu finally showed a satisfied expression. “Good. Jing Ze always understands my intentions, never giving me cause for worry.”
Tang Shen replied humbly, “It is my duty to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty, even unto death.”
Zhao Fu smiled and instructed Ji Fu to bring a tray of imperial pastries, which he bestowed upon Tang Shen. Receiving the delicacies, Tang Shen respectfully left Chuigong Hall.
However, just as he was leaving the palace, he encountered Su Wenyun at the gate. Both stopped in their tracks.
Tang Shen knew that while Zhao Fu had praised his work, he would never rely solely on one person’s account. Su Wenyun’s presence likely meant he was there to report on matters in Youzhou.
With a calm expression, Tang Shen greeted him, “This lower official greets the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.”
Su Wenyun returned the courtesy, “Tang daren, I trust you’ve been well.”
“Thank you for your concern, my health remains good,” Tang Shen replied politely.
Their conversation, brief and perfunctory, ended quickly, and they each went their own way. Su Wenyun’s gaze lingered momentarily on the imperial pastries in Tang Shen’s hands. After taking two steps, he suddenly paused, and intrigued expression flickering across his strikingly handsome face. Turning back, he called out, “Tang daren.”
Tang Shen stopped and turned to face him.
With a mocking smile, Su Wenyun said, “Tang daren, it seems you’ve come of age this year, haven’t you?”
Tang Shen was puzzled. “Yes.”
“You’ve already come of age?” Su Wenyun exaggerated his surprise, exclaiming, “I didn’t expect that Tang daren, despite being of age, still behaves like a child, needing someone to clean up after his messes. Back in Youzhou, you rebuked me, claiming I had misunderstood certain matters. I almost believed you! But now, it seems you were merely trying to cover things up. The affection between the both of you—well, it’s truly beyond Fei Ran.”
Seeing Tang Shen’s stunned expression, Su Wenyun laughed heartily, clearly pleased, and strode away.
His words hit Tang Shen like a bolt of lightning, leaving him utterly shaken.
Tang Shen vaguely grasped Su Wenyun’s implication, but he couldn’t understand why he had suddenly started speaking ill of Wang Zifeng again. What did he mean by saying Wang Zhen had “cleaned up after him”? What could he possibly have done that required Wang Zhen to cover for him? If something had indeed happened, why hadn’t Wang Zhen mentioned it, leaving it to Su Wenyun to point it out?
Returning home, Tang Shen brooded deeply, until a sudden realization dawned on him, his eyes widening in shock.
“…Wang Zifeng!”