Preface:
Zhao Kuangyin, the founding lord of the Great Song Dynasty, died violently only 17 years after ascending the throne at the age of 50. The sudden death of an emperor in his heyday in middle age was an incredible thing. What surprised and doubted posterity even more was that this wise and martial king died without a child, and it was his brother Zhao Guangyi who finally won the throne.
Brothers end up and brothers take the throne, which is not uncommon in the history of feudal dynasties. However, Zhao Kuangyin's death left many mysteries and caused doubts through the ages. As the most prosperous founding king of the Great Song Kingdom, why did Zhao Kuangyin die mysteriously? Is there a cruel court struggle hidden between him and his younger brother Zhao Guangyi that has not been recorded in history?
History cannot answer our questions, and only imagination can reconstruct the truth that cannot be known. Today, we may wish to open the lens of history, through the detailed portrayal of the literati's pen, examine this foggy early Song history, and try to restore the truth.
I. The foreboding words of the prophet
In the spring of 976 AD, Zhao Kuangyin, the founder of the Northern Song Dynasty, came to Luoyang to worship his ancestors.
This old man is the mysterious Taoist priest Zhen Wu. Many years ago, Zhen Wu made an accurate prediction about Zhao Kuangyin's birth and seizure of the throne, which made Zhao Kuangyin impressed and respected him. However, since he ascended the throne, Zhao Kuangyin has never seen Zhen Wu's figure again.
After 16 years passed, after the two who had been reunited for a long time exchanged pleasantries, Zhao Kuangyin jokingly asked: "It is said that you are accurate, you calculate, how many years can you live?" Without thinking, Zhen Wu cried bitterly and muttered in his mouth
Zhao Kuangyin's face changed, and there was really no reason to ask. Really no tears, a surprising word! Although Zhao Kuangyin does not believe in numerology, he can't help but worry in his heart - he is in his prime and thinks that he can run Jiangshan for another few decades.
The prophecy of True Nothing inevitably made him tremble. He hesitated for a moment, then suddenly laughed a few times and said, "The body is very good, how can the words of the Taoist priest be moved?" You and I haven't seen each other for a long time, don't mention this matter today, get drunk and rest!"
I really don't know how much offense I have to bow my head to apologize. The two talked and laughed casually, and in a blink of an eye, they arrived at the meal, and really left without saying goodbye. Zhao Kuangyin watched his old friend's figure fade away, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared. He pretended to be relaxed, but his heart was inevitably worried.
He has always regarded himself very high, and his unpredictable prophecies have never been taken to heart. But without the previous prophecy, he has indeed reached middle age. Thinking of this, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but feel a chill in his back - the words of a Taoist priest, why should he take it to heart? But there was always a sense of foreboding that haunted him, making it impossible for him to draw his salary.
Second, the younger brother is secretly arranging
It has been 16 years since Zhao Kuangyin was opened, and the Northern Song Dynasty is becoming more and more prosperous. He was unwilling to believe in his life for no reason, and was determined to leave behind the prophecy of true nothingness. However, the fire of worry had been planted, and he recalled his younger brother Zhao Guangyi from time to time.
16 years ago, her stepmother Empress Dowager Du ordered Zhao Kuangyin to pass the throne to Zhao Guangyi, and then to Zhao Guangyi's son Zhao Yuanzuo, so that his own son could succeed to the throne. This is the historical "Golden Alliance". At that time, Zhao Kuangyin had to agree.
Over time, Zhao Kuangyin watched her sons grow into adults and rely on them more and more. And Zhao Guangyi's power in Kaifeng is also growing day by day, so that Zhao Kuangyin has to guard against it. He knew that the "Golden Alliance" would not last, but it could only be solved by time.
Zhao Guangyi saw Zhao Kuangyin gradually reusing his son, and knew that it was only a matter of time before the "Golden Alliance" would be broken. He operated in Kaifeng for many years, and the powerful people in the DPRK and China were controlled by himself. Once Zhao Kuangyin decides to abolish the "Golden Alliance", he and his heirs may not escape death.
Thinking of this, Zhao Guangyi was secretly anxious. He understood that there was only one way to protect his interests - to seize the throne before Zhao Kuangyin's actions. To this end, he had already placed his henchman Wang Jien and imperial doctor Cheng Dexuan in the palace, secretly grasping the movements of the palace and waiting for the opportunity.
Third, the night of the conspiracy succeeded
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, October 20. On this day, Zhao Kuangyin was particularly anxious, and ordered people to constantly observe the changes in the sky. After nightfall, he saw the bright stars and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, so he ordered Zhao Guangyi to enter the palace to celebrate this calamity.
The two drank to each other until late at night, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly drank loudly, slammed the ground with a pillar axe in hand, and repeatedly shouted in his mouth: "Good to do!" Well done!" Zhao Guangyi next to him looked frightened, and he didn't know why the royal brother was furious.
Not long after, Zhao Kuangyin snored like thunder, obviously drunk and sleeping. Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew from the hall. The palace maids who stayed overnight did not see anything unusual, and went back to rest separately.
In the hall, Zhao Kuangyin was still asleep. Suddenly, a dark shadow dangled and crouched down next to his pillow. The man grabbed a wet cloth in his hand and gently covered Zhao Kuangyin's mouth and nose. After a while, Zhao Kuangyin's breathing gradually stopped, and there was no more ups and downs. After checking briefly and making sure that the emperor was dead, the man quickly collected his belongings and slipped away through the secret door.
When the sky was dark, the palace maids came to the Banzai Hall to serve and live, and they were shocked to find that Zhao Kuangyin had died of anger! When Song Hou learned the bad news, tears rained down. She understood that this was not a small matter, and immediately ordered Wang Ji'en to welcome Zhao Defang as emperor, and the rest of the matter was discussed.
However, Wang Jien did not go to recruit Zhao Defang, but went straight to Zhao Guangyi's mansion. It turned out that Zhao Guangyi, who had succeeded in the conspiracy, had already come to his mansion in advance to wait for good news, accompanied by Cheng Dexuan. The henchman who monitored the palace had already delivered the news of the successful murder, and he was sitting on his back, waiting for the moment to seize power.
4. Brothers take the throne
Receiving the message conveyed by Wang Jien, Zhao Guangyi was overjoyed and immediately entered the palace to meet Empress Song. Empress Song was helpless, so she had to say: "Shu and her son's life, trust the official family!"
Seeing that it was done, Zhao Guangyi promised Song Empress with teary eyes: "We must ensure that it is safe!" When he said this, he was already smiling. To him to seize the throne, it is like the joy of the longing for it.
Although Empress Song held a grudge, she was helpless. Wang Jien and other henchmen were closely monitored, and they were already isolated. At this moment, only obeying Zhao Guangyi and living in this Jiangshan community is the best policy. Thinking of his son's tragic fate, Song Hou came from it, and tears once again blurred his vision.
At this point, the era of Zhao Kuangyin came to an end, and Zhao Guangyi succeeded him to the throne for Emperor Taizong of Song. However, no one knows what a cruel and bloody palace conspiracy is hidden in this "brother and brother" transfer of court power!
Epilogue:
The death of Zhao Kuangyin has always been a fog that cannot be lifted in history. Is there a bloody hand of his brother hidden behind his sudden death in middle age? The truth has been lost for a long time and remains to be investigated. However, the only thing that can be assured is that this "change of master" directly changed the historical course of the Great Song Dynasty, and also became an ancient warning for brotherhood and friendship between kings.
After all, it is difficult for us to accurately verify the truth of Zhao Kuangyin's violent death. However, the brutal history of monarch rivalry is innumerable, and there are often hidden undercurrents in the court.
Maybe Zhao Guangyi didn't murder his brother, but his luck was just right; Or maybe the god of fate is secretly smiling, doomed to this dynasty change. As future generations, we should not be limited by existing history books, but should examine history with an inclusive mentality