Chapter 100

Lu Yihao hurried to the imperial study, but was surprised to find that Qin Hui and Fan Zongyin were also there. Upon seeing Lu Yihao enter, both of them fell silent.

Although the two had been constantly at odds, on the matter of handing Chen Qing over to the Jin state, they unexpectedly found themselves on the same side, both strongly advocating for it.

However, during the earlier meeting at the Council of State, Lu Yihao and the Chief Secretary Zhao Ding opposed handing Chen Qing over to the Jin state, while Qin Hui and Fan Zongyin supported it. The Deputy Chief of the Military Council, Li Hui, remained neutral, resulting in a two-to-two tie, with no majority decision.

Thus, the final decision rested with the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, this morning, Chen Qing presented the golden Buddha of Emperor Shenzong to Your Majesty, demonstrating his loyalty. In less than half a day, he has become a prisoner, which is truly lamentable. Your Majesty, this makes no sense, either emotionally or logically."

Fan Zongyin said bluntly, "The golden Buddha is a minor matter, but the return of the Empress Dowager is a major one. It concerns the state, and we must be pragmatic. We cannot let the face of a mere commander stand in the way of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Qin Hui added, "Filial piety is the foremost virtue. As a noble Emperor, how can you stand idly by while the Empress Dowager suffers in the Jin state? As long as it is for filial piety, all other improprieties can be forgiven. The people of the realm will understand Your Majesty's filial heart."

Seeing that the Emperor was somewhat moved, Lu Yihao became anxious, "Your Majesty, the Jin state is about to launch a second attack on Dasha Pass. At this critical moment, the Jin state proposes to exchange the Empress Dowager for Chen Qing, which is clearly a strategy to sow discord. If this news reaches Dasha Pass, how will the Western Army accept it? Their morale will be severely damaged, and Dasha Pass may not hold. Your Majesty, this concerns the safety of Sichuan, and must not be taken lightly!"

Qin Hui snorted, "Just promote each soldier in the Western Army by one rank, and they will all be grateful to Your Majesty, which will offset the negative impact of the Chen Qing incident."

Lu Yihao was furious, glaring at Qin Hui, "Is it that simple? You are the Chancellor of the Great Song, yet you are inciting the Emperor to do something unrighteous. If this is done, how will future generations judge the Emperor? Will the Emperor still care about his reputation?"

Lu Yihao's words hit the mark, and Emperor Gaozong's expression changed. He had indeed overlooked the judgment of future generations. He immediately realized that if this were to be done, it could not be done by himself; there must be a scapegoat, either Qin Hui or Fan Zongyin.

Emperor Gaozong waved his hand, "This is a matter of great importance. Since the Council of State has not reached a conclusion, let us discuss it with the ministers. I am tired, so I will leave first!"

Emperor Gaozong got up and walked out, "Back to the palace!"

"His Majesty is returning to the palace!" came the high-pitched announcement from outside.

Emperor Gaozong subtly gave Qin Hui a meaningful look.

..........

"These scoundrels!"

In the afternoon, when Lu Yihao returned home, he fiercely smashed his teacup on the ground, shattering it. His eldest son, Lu Jin, was startled and quickly tried to calm him down, "Father, please calm down!"

Lu Yihao gradually calmed down, waved his hand, and sat down. He pressed his fingers to his head, where the veins were pulsing. He had a tendency to get dizzy when angry and needed to calm down quickly.

Lu Jin quickly had the maidservants clean up the broken pieces.

"Father, are you angry about Chen Qing's matter?"

"You know about it?"

Lu Jin nodded, "This afternoon, when I went to the Office of Appointments, everyone was talking about it."

Lu Yihao grunted, "The Great Song is actually considering using an anti-Jin general to exchange for the Empress Dowager. Qin Hui and Fan Zongyin are even aiding the enemy, which is utterly absurd."

Lu Jin sighed inwardly. His father was overly concerned, and opposing the Emperor over Chen Qing could cost him his position as Chancellor.

"Father, in fact, most of the officials support Chancellor Qin. They all think that exchanging Chen Qing for the Empress Dowager is not inappropriate!"

Lu Yihao fell silent. This result was within his expectations. Chen Qing was too insignificant, and how could his value compare to that of the Empress Dowager?

From the desire of the court to sign a temporary truce, it was clear that they were not thinking of a northern campaign. They were just grateful that the Jin troops were not advancing south. They were living in comfort and indulging in the beauty of West Lake, having long forgotten Bianliang.

How could the officials of the court care about the life and death of a common general like Chen Qing from the Northwest Army?

Lu Yihao sighed deeply. To oppose the entire court, he felt powerless!

At this moment, footsteps were heard from outside, and a maidservant reported, "Master, Mr. Xu has arrived!"

"Let him in!"

A moment later, a man in his forties entered, who was none other than the Left Censor Xu Yun. He had spoken up for Chen Qing during the prisoner execution incident and was also one of Emperor Gaozong's confidants.

However, Xu Yun had another identity: he was the Chancellor Lu Yihao's outstanding student.

Lu Yihao gave his eldest son, Lu Jin, a meaningful look, and Lu Jin left the room.

"Peichang, how is the situation outside?"

Xu Yun hurriedly replied, "Master, the Emperor has fallen ill!"

"Fallen ill!"

Lu Yihao smiled meaningfully, "The Emperor's illness is quite timely!"

"Qin Hui just entered the palace."

"How did he respond?"

"I don't know the specifics, but when I came, he had not yet left the palace. I suspect he was summoned by the Emperor."

Lu Yihao nodded, having also noticed the Emperor's meaningful look to Qin Hui.

"Follow up and closely monitor Qin Hui's next moves."

"I understand!"

Xu Yun did not stay long and soon left.

Lu Yihao paced back and forth in the study, his hands behind his back. He had already seen through the Emperor's intentions. The Emperor wanted to exchange Chen Qing for the Empress Dowager but was afraid of the impact on his reputation. So, he feigned illness and pushed Qin Hui to the forefront, letting him handle the matter publicly.

To save Chen Qing would not be easy. The only hope was that the Emperor feared the impact on his reputation, but with Qin Hui involved, it would be very difficult.

Lu Yihao's brows furrowed. Qin Hui claimed to have killed the Jin guards and escaped with his wife, which was highly unlikely. The more he thought about it, the more he suspected that Qin Hui's intentions were not simple.

..........

Fan Zongyin also noticed the Emperor's meaningful look to Qin Hui. He felt quite disappointed, clearly realizing that he was not as important to the Emperor as Qin Hui.

Fan Zongyin returned home in a gloomy mood and invited his advisor, Han Qi, to come over.

After listening to Fan Zongyin's account, Han Qi smiled slightly, "The Emperor indeed trusts Chancellor Qin more on this matter."

"Why?"

"The reason is simple. The Emperor clearly knows that you are acting out of personal resentment, so he will not follow your advice. There's no need to feel too disappointed."

Fan Zongyin's brows furrowed, "Am I being used by Qin Hui?"

"Most likely. If I'm not mistaken, before the Council of State meeting, Chancellor Qin must have discussed this with you."

Fan Zongyin nodded awkwardly, admitting that it was indeed the case.

Han Qi advised, "Exchanging an anti-Jin general for the Empress Dowager is morally indefensible. The Emperor is feigning illness for this reason, pushing the responsibility onto the ministers. By choosing Qin Hui, he is clearly making Qin Hui the scapegoat, but he will not neglect him afterward. You should not get involved, as it will only make you share the blame with Qin Hui, and you will not gain any favor."

Fan Zongyin's face turned red. Every time the matter of Chen Qing came up, he would jump in with all his might, only to regret it afterward. This time was no different; he had been used by Qin Hui again.

Fan Zongyin was not lacking in ability or intelligence; this was a flaw in his character, a tendency to go to extremes. He was aware of his problem, which was why he had invited Han Qi to be his advisor to remind him at critical moments.

Feeling somewhat dejected, Fan Zongyin asked, "What should I do next?"

"Let's wait and see. On this matter, you must be cautious."