Chapter 36: The Retired Emperor Zhao Ji
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Zhang Shuye said, “Your Majesty, there is little to be gained from further interrogation at the moment. Let the Court of Judicial Review take over first.” Zhao Ning did not press further on the matter. With a flick of his long sleeves, he stepped outside.
“Zhao Ding, you shall temporarily take charge of the Armory. Examine our military supplies thoroughly, root out all unqualified arms and armor, and promptly report the needed replacements.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Also, there is another task for you.”
“Please command, Your Majesty.”
“This case is of great importance. I want officials from the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate to jointly investigate it, with the Imperial City Office supervising. You will also participate and assist. What do you think?”
Overwhelmed by the sudden influx of responsibilities, Zhao Ding hesitated but dared not refuse. “Your Majesty, I am but a humble servant and fear I may not be up to the task.”
“That’s easy. You shall also lead the Kaifeng Prefecture as acting magistrate. Once you have arranged matters at the Armory, you may step aside. I had intended Zhang Shuye to handle this, but he is busy with city defense and cannot spare the time. It falls to you.”
“I will obey the imperial decree,” Zhao Ding said hurriedly. “Your Majesty, one more matter.”
“Speak.”
“The craftsmen who forged the inferior armor also require appropriate punishment.”
“Do you have a plan?”
“The craftsmen were coerced and afraid to report the truth, which is understandable. Yet they all knew the facts and concealed them. They cannot be spared penalty. However, since the dynasty is in dire need of capable workers, I suggest fining them three months’ salary as a warning. This will serve as a deterrent without hindering ongoing work.”
“Very well, so be it.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
After giving his orders, Zhao Ning departed the Eastern and Western Districts. Meanwhile, Li Chong was transferred to the grand prison at the Ministry of Justice.
Because this case involved military arms, it was no trivial matter. From raw materials to production processes and weapons management, a thorough investigation was imperative. Yet the priority now was not merely scrutiny but swift resolution. If soldiers at the front were forced to fight in substandard armor, victory would be impossible.
Still, the investigation must proceed thoroughly—let it implicate as many officials as possible! The treasury is running dry!
Upon returning to the palace and settling down, Wang Huaiji said, “Your Majesty, the Retired Emperor sent someone earlier requesting an audience with you.”
The Retired Emperor?
Zhao Ji—no, Zhao Ji.
“Did he say what it was about?”
“No.”
“Very well. I shall rest briefly, then go.”
Even a child could guess the reason Zhao Ji sought him. Now that the Jin army had voluntarily proposed peace talks, the common people opposed it, yet a faction within the court was eager to hasten negotiations.
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After all, their fertile fields lay outside the city walls. The longer the Jin troops stayed, the more damage to their lands. Moreover, these schemers had long planned to extract wealth from the people to fund the peace talks.
But since Zhao Ning blocked the path to peace, they naturally turned to the palace and the Retired Emperor.
Sipping hot tea, Zhao Ning set out for the Yanfu Palace, where Zhao Ji had resided since abdicating.
Upon arrival, he found Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, also present.
Zhao Kai bowed, “Your Majesty.”
Zhao Ji wore Daoist robes and looked pale and worn, with dark circles beneath his eyes—a man worn down by excess indulgence. He was writing when Zhao Ning arrived and, seeing him, said gravely, “You are here.”
“What business does the Retired Emperor have with me?”
“I hear you have executed two ministers?”
Zhao Ning glanced at the brush in Zhao Ji’s hand and the calligraphy on the paper. The slender gold script of Emperor Huizong was truly renowned.
“That is true.”
Zhao Ji said coldly, “You would make a poor emperor.”
Zhao Ning smiled without anger. “What wisdom does the Retired Emperor offer?”
“You kill them, how do you expect other ministers to regard you?”
“And how do they think?”
Zhao Ji replied, “They will see you as harsh and ungrateful. Who then will serve you wholeheartedly?”
Being lectured on rulership by Zhao Ji was, in itself, a bitter irony.
History had remarked of Zhao Ji: talented in all things, yet utterly incapable of being an emperor.
He was indeed a genius, skilled in myriad arts, but utterly unfit to rule. Had he been born into an ordinary noble family, he would have been a man of great talent, or even as a prince, his name might have been remembered for his brilliance.
But he became emperor.
During his reign, the court was not merely riddled with corrupt officials—it was infested with them in swarms.
If an emperor uses harsh officials and treacherous ministers effectively, that would be one thing.
But Zhao Ji failed utterly. He clung to ultimate power but lacked the basic judgment to make crucial decisions for the state.
Being an emperor requires more than cunning—it demands overseeing state affairs, managing finances, selecting talent, making decisive calls, and devising overarching strategies.
If one only knows intrigue, one cannot discern loyalty from treachery.
So if Zhao Ning listened to Zhao Ji’s advice, he would be courting disaster.
Zhao Ning smiled, “The Retired Emperor seems quite learned in governance?”
Zhao Ji put down his brush. “After all, I was emperor for over twenty years.”
A father before his son naturally exudes authority.
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Zhao Ning’s smile grew warmer, yet his words were as sharp as a blade. “And what did your twenty years of rule bring the realm?”
Zhao Ji’s stern expression instantly froze, then darkened. “I am your father!”
“I am the emperor!”
Zhao Ji growled, “You’ve grown bold!”
“What exactly does the Retired Emperor want to say today? I have already executed them. Does the Retired Emperor seek to plead their innocence? Shall I send their heads to you for a ritual?”
“You are insolent!” Zhao Ji nearly leapt in rage. “I am your father! How dare you speak to me this way?”
Zhao Kai hurried over to steady him. “Father, please do not be angry. Your health will suffer.”
(The Song dynasty did not use the term “father emperor.”)
“Your Majesty, my father is old; please do not anger him. If he falls ill and the news spreads, it will disgrace you and make the world look down on Your Majesty.”
Zhao Ning fixed a cold gaze on the two. Zhao Kai was Zhao Ji’s favored son. When Zhao Ji reigned, he sought to depose Zhao Huan in favor of Zhao Kai. Unexpectedly, they still stood united.
Zhao Ji said, “The Jin propose peace talks. Why do you delay your stance? Do you intend to doom us all?”
“I knew it—the Retired Emperor called me precisely about peace talks. He speaks of ministers being killed, yet when he was emperor, did he care for their fates?”
“Enough nonsense! Peace talks are imminent. Why do you hesitate?”
“Did anyone mention peace talks to you, Retired Emperor?”
“No one. I merely heard the Jin wish to negotiate. Why do you refuse to respond? Do you think you can defeat the Jin in battle?”
“You have abdicated. Do not meddle. I will handle affairs properly.”
Zhao Ning considered that someone had likely whispered in Zhao Ji’s ear. Clearly, those factions could no longer remain idle—they harbored great resentment toward him.
“Zhao Huan! What are you aiming for?”
“Retired Emperor summoned me for this, yes?”
“Yes! I want to discuss peace talks with you!”
“There is no need! Let the Retired Emperor enjoy his retirement. Do not concern yourself with state matters!”
Zhao Ning turned to leave.
Zhao Kai, ever the peacemaker, said, “Your Majesty, though you sit on the throne, this is still your father.”
Zhao Ning had only taken a few steps before stopping and turning to glare fiercely at Zhao Kai. “Prince Yun! How dare you speak before me! Today I visited the Armory. Do you know someone has reported you for embezzling funds there?”
Zhao Kai’s heart skipped. Quickly, he replied, “Your Majesty, such accusations are impossible. As a royal prince, how could I stoop to pilfering petty sums? I beg you to investigate!”
“I shall investigate thoroughly.”
Having said this, Zhao Ning walked away.
Behind him came Zhao Ji’s voice: “Zhao Huan! You treacherous son!”