Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 36 Heart-to-Heart Talk

Learning military strategy from Zhao Kuangyin while serving in the army was something Zhao Dezhao had thought about for a long time but never had the chance to bring up.

Why did he remain indifferent to Zhao Guangyi's decision to stay in Kaifeng? Why did he insist on hiding his abilities from Zhao Guangyi?

It's because, as a modern person, he knows absolutely nothing about military strategy!

Even if he revealed his true intentions too early, he would ultimately only remain in the capital, getting caught up in endless intrigue and power struggles with Zhao Guangyi.

That was not his goal.

What he wanted was to control the military!

We must control all the troops in the land!

In today's chaotic world, what good is it to be skilled in politics, adept at manipulating emotions and power, or able to win people's hearts and claim to be on the side of righteousness?

As you can see, when Zhao Kuangyin led his army back to the capital, all the civil and military officials, except for Han Tong, bowed their heads and awaited execution, and no one dared to utter a single word of disobedience.

As you can see, when the two princes of Northern Qi, Gao Yan and Gao Zhan, led their troops into the capital, even the emperor Gao Yin, who was popular and held the moral high ground, trembled and prostrated himself, allowing himself to be manipulated.

In chaotic times, the only thing one can rely on is military power!

Before that, studying military strategy was his first step in taking command of the military!

The knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial. Holding the legendary emperor Zhao Kuangyin in his hand, even if Zhao Kuangyin didn't call him today, he would find an appropriate opportunity to take the initiative to ask to join the army and study military strategy.

Upon hearing his son's words, Zhao Kuangyin was taken aback at first, and then fell into a long silence.

After a long while, he slowly bent down and helped his son up, his face full of relief, and sighed:

"My son has grown up!"

In his memory, Zhao Dezhao of the past was kind and timid by nature, and would never have said such a thing.

"If you wish to learn military strategy, I will personally teach you after the rebellion of Li Jun is quelled. Why must you go on a military expedition and put yourself in danger?"

He sighed, gently patted his son's shoulder, signaling him to sit down, and continued, "I myself fought my way out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood. It is precisely because I have personally experienced such dangers that I do not want you to go through the same old path."

When he said these words, Zhao Kuangyin's tone also carried a hint of helplessness that he could not hide.

It is said that times create heroes, but in this world, which hero truly wants to live in this cannibalistic and chaotic world?

But this helplessness was fleeting; the next moment, the invincible emperor who looked down upon the world returned once more.

"The turmoil in this world needs no intervention from others; I will quell it all myself!"

Zhao Kuangyin turned to look at Zhao Dezhao, his brows furrowed with powerful confidence:

"You should certainly learn military strategy and the art of governance, but with me here, you need not take any risks."

"I will personally conquer a peaceful empire for you, and I will also find a way to deal with those arrogant and unruly soldiers."

"You just need to grow up step by step and become a qualified ruler who can maintain the status quo. That will be enough to repay my hard work."

In closing, Zhao Kuangyin gently patted his son's shoulder and sighed:

"In that case, I will be satisfied."

Love runs deep, and plans are made for the long term.

If it were Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han, they would never have said such things.

Only Zhao Kuangyin, this emperor who rose from humble beginnings, possessed both heroic spirit and a father-son bond that never faded after ascending the throne, could utter such heartfelt words.

At this time, Zhao Kuangyin gave Zhao Dezhao the same feeling as Zhu Yuanzhang in later generations.

They conquered the country with their own hands, and then they would use every means to strip the military of their power and balance the court, all in order to pave a smooth imperial path for their descendants.

If Zhao Kuangyin had lived longer, then naturally none of this would have been a problem.

Unfortunately, Zhao Guangyi was not Zhu Di, and Zhao Dezhao was not Zhu Biao.

If he wanted to suppress Zhao Guangyi, or even tame him, there was only one way to go.

Dominate the king with hegemony!

Military power was something Zhao Dezhao would never relinquish, no matter what.

Zhao Dezhao's young face was full of solemnity. He slowly shook his head, looked up at his father, and carefully chose his words:

"Father is undoubtedly mighty and unparalleled, but the weather is unpredictable. A personal campaign is possible, but it is not a long-term solution."

At this point, Zhao Dezhao paused deliberately, believing that his father already understood his unspoken meaning.

Before the "releasing military power over a cup of wine" incident, one of the most important reasons why Zhao Kuangyin insisted on personally leading his troops on numerous campaigns was his fear of those arrogant and fierce generals who held considerable military power and would repeat his past "donning the yellow robe" incident.

"Once military power falls into the wrong hands, the consequences will be dire. Father needs a trustworthy person to take charge of the military. I suppose that's why Father appointed my uncle as the Commander of the Palace Guards?"

Zhao Dezhao changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Zhao Kuangyin: "But I would like to dare ask Father, is Uncle truly capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility?"

At this point, Zhao Dezhao paused, giving Zhao Kuangyin some time to think.

Given Zhao Kuangyin's keen eye for talent, it's impossible that he was unaware of Zhao Guangyi's military prowess.

As expected, upon hearing his son's words, Zhao Kuangyin sighed softly, seemingly recalling some unpleasant past events, and a hint of helplessness appeared on his face:

"Your uncle is competent in civil affairs, but as for military strategy... let's not even mention it."

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head. Zhao Guangyi had been by his side since he was eighteen.

At that time, he held almost absolute power in the Imperial Guard. Knowing the importance of military power for the sake of the Zhao family, how could he not do his best to support his younger brother?

He gave Zhao Guangyi many chances, but unfortunately, Zhao Guangyi was simply not up to the task...

Years passed, and Zhao Guangyi's military rank remained on the edge of a lower-level military academy. Yet, he still held himself in high esteem, always believing himself to be an unparalleled genius who could "devise strategies within the tent and win battles a thousand miles away."

He also recalled that once when he was explaining military strategy to Zhao Guangyi, he casually asked him what he should do if he were to lead troops into battle in the future.

At that time, Zhao Guangyi's reply was: "Set up a battle formation and have your subordinates follow it..."

After hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's face turned black on the spot. From then on, he never allowed Zhao Guangyi to set foot on the battlefield again.

The position of Commander of the Palace Guards that Zhao Guangyi was given was a forced promotion for the sake of the Zhao family's safety; it was only because there was no one else in the imperial clan who could do it...

There was no one available before, but what about in the future?

"Father, although I am young, I am willing to follow in your footsteps."

Seeing that his father seemed to be softening, Zhao Dezhao pressed his advantage, appealing to his emotions and speaking earnestly:

"As a son, whenever I saw my father return from battle with many sword and spear wounds on his body, my heart ached, and I only wished I could bear it for him..."

At this point, Zhao Dezhao's voice trembled with emotion, and his dark, grape-like eyes welled up with tears. He even changed his form of address to "father" and "son."

"From that day on, Zhao'er vowed in her heart that when she grew up, she would study military strategy diligently and never let her father put himself in danger again!"

"Zhao'er has already lost her mother once, she doesn't want to lose her father too!"

"Zhao'er begs her father, please give Zhao'er a chance!"

Seeing his son lying on the ground pleading desperately, Zhao Kuangyin's expression suddenly changed.

In a daze, he seemed to see himself from back then.

That year, he witnessed firsthand the Khitan cavalry's invasion of the Central Plains, and the great fire in Kaifeng burning for three days and three nights without ceasing.

The whole family hid in the cellar in fear and trepidation, and only then did they manage to save their lives.

From that moment on, he understood completely: in chaotic times, only by holding military power can one protect his family!

So, he knelt before his father in the same manner, resolutely leaving home to roam the world.

That departure lasted for seventeen years.

With this departure, the world was transformed!

Zhao Kuangyin gazed at his eldest son, who was waiting for his reply, and couldn't help but feel that the world was truly wondrous.

The father and son of yesteryear are just like the father and son of today.

Will my eldest son, who is only ten years old, end up like me back then...?

Stirring up the winds and clouds of the world!