Chapter Sixty-Six: Farewell Approaches

Zhao Yu received news from the capital far faster than the imperial envoy sent to deliver the decree. With so many disturbances caused, it was inevitable that he would be punished; what he hadn’t anticipated, however, was Cai Jing’s sudden intervention, leaving Zhao Yu utterly perplexed. What was the old man plotting?

He knew that while his imperial father dispatched an envoy to Jiangnan, he had also sent an emissary to the Liao Kingdom, this time to request a princess in marriage. Furthermore, Zhao Yu’s princely title was stripped away entirely, reducing him to an ordinary prince. For now, the Song Dynasty was not facing direct threats from the Jurchens, so the union between Song and Liao did not need to account for their feelings.

Zhao Yu cared little for titles; what mattered was what these events might bring him. If he couldn’t make sense of it, he wouldn’t dwell on it. What truly worried him was his mother’s situation; according to news from the capital, she had been confined by his imperial father—a form of house arrest.

This was the first time Zhao Yu felt genuine resentment towards his father. Deep down, he knew he had never truly regarded Emperor Huizong as his real father; it was merely a matter of circumstance.

He lacked the means to rescue his mother now, but if anything happened to her, he swore he would not forgive his so-called father.

Nothing on the imperial court was ever truly secret; news of Zhao Yu’s demotion would soon spread, so some matters needed to be handled in advance. He instructed the innkeeper to prepare several tables of food and wine, then summoned all his guards. Once they were seated, Zhao Yu, amid their confused gazes, was the first to raise his bowl.

“It is often said that all banquets must eventually end. Over the years, I have survived many dangers thanks to the care of you all. This bowl, I drink in gratitude to my brothers.”

His unusual gesture startled everyone.

An old guard was the first to speak: “Protecting Your Highness is our duty, and we will pledge our lives to follow you. How can Your Highness speak of ending the banquet? Have we done something wrong? Are you sending us away?”

Zhao Yu gave a bitter smile. “To be honest, brothers, a decree will soon arrive from the capital. The Emperor has stripped me of my princely title—soon, I shall be a mere commoner.”

“The residence in the capital has been sealed, but I brought some silver when leaving. Captain Lin will divide it among you, and then you may return to the capital as you wish.”

His words stirred an uproar among the guards.

“Why is this? What did Your Highness do wrong?”

“Surely some villain is plotting against you! Your Highness should appeal to the Empress!”

Zhao Yu wondered if that question even needed asking. His father was indeed ruthless to leave him with nothing. Was he truly so hateful?

“You are closest to me and know what I have done. Being punished by the court is no shame, so long as I can answer to my conscience. Enough—eat and drink freely.”

With that, Zhao Yu beckoned Xu Jiang, Lin Chong, Wu Song, and Yan Qing, then turned and walked into the room.

“Your Highness, is the news certain?” Lin Chong asked urgently before Zhao Yu could speak.

“The message came from Mother’s own people—there is no mistake. Moreover, Father has ordered me to travel to Liao to seek a princess in marriage. I fear I won’t be returning soon.”

“Brother Xiao Yi and Brother Wu are both free men; they can go wherever they wish. My only concern is for you, Brother Lin. If you return to the capital, Gao Qiu will certainly try to harm you. I suggest you head for Taiyuan; Brother Lu should have settled in by now.”

Lin Chong was aware of Lu Zhishen’s departure, but only now understood that the young prince must have anticipated this day, otherwise he would not have made arrangements so far away in Taiyuan.

He suddenly smiled, “My life belongs to Your Highness. Wherever you go, I go. Surely Your Highness won’t let me starve?”

Yan Qing, gifted to Zhao Yu by Lu Junyi, naturally needed no persuasion. Only Wu Song hesitated, for Zhao Yu was being sent to Liao.

Seeing Zhao Yu’s gaze turn to him, Wu Song asked, “What are Your Highness’s plans for the future?”

This was the question weighing on all three minds, for none wished to serve the Liao Kingdom.

Zhao Yu smiled faintly. “I am Han, and I will do what a Han should do.”

Wu Song nodded. “I haven’t seen Inspector Lu in a long time. I’ll accompany Your Highness on this journey.”

With these three by his side, Zhao Yu’s sense of loss vanished. A ruined prince was nothing to fret over; only by leaving Bianliang could he truly spread his wings.

At this point, Xu Jiang, who had been silent, suddenly said, “Your Highness, I wish to return to the capital first.”

Xu Jiang had not been with Zhao Yu long and knew nothing of his arrangements. With his family still in the capital, Zhao Yu could not ask him to follow.

Just as he was about to speak, a guard outside announced, “Your Highness, many common folk have gathered outside.”

Zhao Yu was momentarily surprised; could it be that the officials in Jiangnan were already rebelling before he had even left?

He hadn’t expected that his cancellation of the birthday tribute had earned him the reputation of a “virtuous prince” in Jiangnan. Some even placed longevity tablets in his honor at home.

The innkeeper, upon hearing Zhao Yu’s words, immediately informed the manager. Though a businessman, the manager understood the harm of the tribute and sincerely admired Zhao Yu. Hearing of his impending demotion, he sent staff to spread the news, prompting the townsfolk to gather at the inn.

When Zhao Yu appeared at the inn's entrance, dozens of people had already assembled, with many more approaching from afar. As soon as they saw him, they knelt.

“Your Highness, you cannot leave! What will we do if you go?”

“Yes, Your Highness, villains at court have slandered you. The Emperor must have been deceived by traitors. We are willing to submit petitions, begging the Emperor to reverse his decision!”

These earnest pleas brought tears to Zhao Yu’s eyes. Much of what he had done in Jiangnan was selfish, though he also wished to help the people. Yet he knew so long as his father was in power, all his efforts would be in vain. He never imagined that his actions would move the people so deeply.

“Rise, my friends, rise! The imperial order cannot be disobeyed. But rest assured—I have reported everything here to the Emperor. He is wise and will surely deliver justice to Jiangnan.”

Though he spoke bold lies, there was nothing else to say. Hope was better than despair.

But the people were not fools. Many officials had visited Jiangnan before, but which had ever done anything for the common folk? Which had not left after enriching themselves?

Amidst the tearful pleas, someone said, “The imperial order is absolute. We should not trouble His Highness further, but go to the prefecture and ask the prefect to submit a memorial to the court.”

For all their noise, it was this suggestion that proved most effective. After bidding Zhao Yu farewell, the crowd surged toward the prefecture. Soon, from the dispersing crowd, a Taoist in an octagonal robe emerged...