Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 12 Suffering is Useless

Even knowing it was a trap, seeing the gates of Dingli Temple wide open, Han Tong still rushed in without hesitation.

As Zhao Dezhao said, he had no other choice.

But when he broke into the temple, he didn't see the expected ambush. Instead, he saw two figures, one big and one small, eating meat and chatting in the courtyard. Even Han Tong was stunned for a moment.

"Greetings, Commandant Han."

Zhao Dezhao wiped the grease from the side of his mouth, stood up, and bowed solemnly.

"Are you the only two here?"

Han Tong first glanced at the crown prince's robe on Zhao Dezhao's body, then looked at Li Chuyun with suspicion, as if he couldn't figure out what the two of them were up to.

"I urge Grand Commandant Han to stop and turn back before it's too late." Li Chuyun grinned, looking at the dozens of imperial guards surging in behind Han Tong, showing no fear in his eyes, and instead spoke up to persuade him to surrender.

"Stop? It's that traitor Zhao Kuangyin who should stop!"

Han Tong reined in his horse, sneering, "Emperor Shizong treated him like a brother, yet he usurped the throne of the Great Zhou. History will judge who is right and who is wrong!"

Having said that, he was unwilling to waste any more words, fearing that delay might cause complications. He immediately waved his hand, and dozens of imperial guards behind him immediately dispersed to surround Zhao Dezhao and his companion.

"Take it down!"

"Let's see who dares to lay a hand on us!"

Li Chuyun roared, his tiger eyes wide open, the roguish soldier aura he had previously exuded vanished, leaving only the ruthless and murderous aura of someone who had emerged from a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood!

"With the new crown prince before you, how dare you lay down your weapons? Is this an attempt to rebel?!"

His shout startled the many imperial guards who had surrounded him.

"What utter nonsense about this new dynasty's crown prince! Don't listen to his utterances, seize him!"

A sense of foreboding rose in Han Tong's heart, and he narrowed his eyes and shouted urgently.

"Are you all unaware that Commander Zhao is currently leading an army of 100,000 men on a rapid march towards Kaifeng? The entire outer city of Kaifeng has already fallen into his hands!"

Regardless of what Han Tong said, Li Chuyun continued to shout angrily, "The Zhou Dynasty's fate is sealed. Are you all still stubbornly resisting? Do you have a death wish?"

"Or do you really think that the few of you can leave this temple alive?"

As soon as he finished speaking, as if in response, the sounds of armor clashing and footsteps stomping echoed outside the door.

Now, the dozens of imperial guards were all in a panic.

They had only heard that Zhao Kuangyin had rebelled, and they had only followed Grand Commandant Han to capture the Zhao family in order to make a great contribution, but they did not know the specific details, let alone that the situation had reached such a dangerous point.

Judging from the commotion outside, there are at least several hundred people coming. Even if they capture the prince in front of them, they probably won't be able to leave Dingli Temple.

Thinking of this, they all turned their panicked and helpless gazes toward Han Tong.

Han Tong's face also darkened, realizing something was wrong. He had expected a fierce battle upon meeting them, at which point these soldiers would be like arrows drawn from a bow, unable to turn back. But he never imagined that Li Chuyun would pull such a stunt.

"Once we capture Zhao's son, Zhao will be hesitant to act rashly. After a few days, a military governor will surely come to the aid of the emperor! At that time, the Great Zhou dynasty will be preserved, and you will all be unparalleled heroes, enjoying endless riches and honors!"

In desperation, Han Tong could only offer empty promises to appease his soldiers.

"We are willing to follow the Grand Commandant!"

Upon hearing this, the imperial guards thought that they were doomed to die anyway, and since they had no other choice, they might as well fight it out. So they gritted their teeth, hardened their hearts, drew their swords, and pointed them directly at Zhao Dezhao and Li Chuyun.

But just then, two imperial guards came in from outside the temple gate, carrying a large box, and opened it right in front of everyone.

"this……"

When the entire chest of gold and silver jewelry was displayed before everyone, the imperial guards brought by Han Tong were completely stunned.

They looked at Li Chuyun with confusion.

"The Crown Prince is merciful and is willing to give you a chance."

Li Chuyun snorted coldly and pointed at Han Tong: "Whoever captures this man alive will have this box of valuables!"

"Anyone who lays down their weapons and surrenders will be rewarded with an additional fifty strings of cash!"

"In the name of the new dynasty's crown prince, I assure you all that I will keep my word!"

Zhao Dezhao also made a timely promise.

Upon hearing this, the courage and ruthlessness that these imperial guards had just mustered vanished instantly.

Fifty...fifty strings of cash?!

That's equivalent to ten years' worth of their food expenses! Not to mention that whole chest of jewelry, which they'd never even seen before!

In an instant, most people had already made up their minds.

One is certain death, the other is fifty strings of cash and one's own life; even a fool would know which to choose.

Upon seeing this, Han Tong's expression changed drastically.

As their commander, how could he not know their nature? For them, unwavering loyalty to their lord was almost impossible!

All they care about is money, wealth, and future prospects.

It wasn't just them; almost the entire court and the entire world were like this.

As expected, the numerous imperial guards surrounding Zhao Dezhao and Li Chuyun hesitated for less than three breaths before slowly turning their heads, their eyes gleaming with lust as they stared intently at Han Tong.

"Grand Commandant Han... I apologize for any offense!"

After being betrayed and abandoned by everyone, Han Tong's bravery was of no use, and he could only be captured, unable even to commit suicide.

Bound hand and foot, Han Tong looked grief-stricken, tears streaming down his face.

"Your Majesty, this old minister is ashamed..."

Zhao Dezhao also sighed, his face showing a complex expression, and waved for someone to take Han Tong away.

Han Tong is indeed worthy of respect, but such a person is not suited to live in this era. In any case, I have done a good deed anonymously and saved his life and that of his whole family.

With this in mind, Zhao Dezhao came to terms with it.

In any case, at least this time Kaifeng was truly liberated peacefully. Otherwise, why would he risk his life? Wouldn't it have been better to just ambush and kill Han Tong and end the matter once and for all?

Furthermore, his father had said that bloodshed must be avoided; he didn't want Li Chuyun to follow in Wang Yansheng's footsteps.

Although he didn't think there was much difference, the ancients believed in this very much.

If there is conflict, that's called usurpation.

Without conflict, that's called abdication.

These are two different things.

"Nephew, did what happened just now startle you?"

Seeing that Zhao Dezhao remained silent, Li Chuyun assumed that he was frightened by what had just happened.

Indeed, he was only nine years old. No matter how talented he was, how could he remain calm when facing a knife for the first time?

"fine."

Zhao Dezhao snapped out of his daze, picked up the half-eaten lamb leg, took a bite, and said, "Consider it a hardship, and a chance to toughen myself up."

"Haha, my dear nephew, you are mistaken."

Upon hearing this, Li Chuyun couldn't help but laugh heartily:

"As the saying goes, you are what you eat; if you want to achieve great things, suffering is useless."

"What do you want to eat?" Zhao Dezhao asked curiously, tilting his head.

Li Chuyun tossed a piece of meat into his mouth and uttered two words indifferently:

"Cannibalism."