Chapter 108: The False Becomes True (Part One)
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When Zhao Ji heard what Wang Fu said, his heart skipped a beat. Zhao Huan was someone he had watched grow up since childhood; he knew his character all too well. He was extremely timid and incompetent. When Zhao Ji abdicated in his favor, Zhao Huan had even fainted from crying three times in bed. Ultimately, Zhao Huan became emperor only because Zhao Ji had forcibly placed him on the dragon throne.
By all logic, how could such a person possess such sharp intellect?
Yet after ascending the throne, Zhao Huan seemed to have transformed completely. The once meek and submissive man had become decisive and ruthless, having eliminated four powerful ministers including Cai Jing, and, unprecedentedly, supported the pro-war faction in the conflict against the Jin.
Zhao Ji’s expression darkened. If Zhao Huan was truly in good health, then all his recent actions today would be nothing more than the antics of a clown.
Seeing the turmoil on Zhao Ji’s face, Wang Fu immediately understood what troubled him and quietly said, “Your Majesty, all the court officials believe the Crown Prince is gravely ill.”
Wang Fu’s words were simple, but this was the subtlety of these treacherous ministers. When speaking to the emperor, they never told him directly what to do. Instead, they raised a topic and let the emperor draw conclusions himself. Being well-versed in the emperor’s will, they skillfully guided his thoughts.
Sure enough, Zhao Ji’s spirit jolted at the words. Indeed, even if Zhao Huan was fine, the court did not know this; everyone believed he would soon pass away.
A sharp gleam flashed in Zhao Ji’s eyes as he asked, “Can I mobilize the Imperial Guard?”
Wang Fu nodded, “Your Majesty, leave this matter to me.”
Zhao Ji nodded in return. “Prepare the troops. Tonight, I will go to see Huan off.”
Wang Fu was startled but delighted upon hearing this and quickly said, “I will begin preparations immediately.”
This day felt unusually long. Zhao Ji had never felt such torment before—far worse than when the Jin army besieged Bianjing.
Wang Fu sought out Qin Hui, and the two discussed the matter.
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After hearing Wang Fu, Qin Hui pondered for a moment and said, “Minister Wang, Wang Jun, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, can make this happen.”
Wang Fu did not know who Wang Jun was. After Qin Hui’s suggestion, he warned, “Is this man reliable? If tonight’s plan succeeds, it will bring us wealth and honor. But if it fails, the punishment will be the extermination of our entire clans.”
Qin Hui nodded firmly, “Rest assured, Minister Wang. Wang Jun was once beaten by Zhang Xian with eighty military rods and has long held a grudge. Now that he has the chance to replace Zhang Xian, he will be more than willing.”
Wang Fu nodded, “Act swiftly and keep tonight’s operation a secret. Success or failure hinges on this one move.”
Qin Hui agreed and quickly went to find Wang Jun.
As Qin Hui said, Wang Jun was already resentful of Zhang Xian. When Qin Hui told him about replacing Zhang Xian as commander, Wang Jun readily agreed. However, Wang Jun was not foolish. He knew his own strengths and said to Qin Hui, “Minister Qin, this will need one helper.”
“Who?” Qin Hui asked.
“Deputy Commander Wang Gui,” Wang Jun answered.
Wang Gui, Zhang Xian, and Wang Jun were all deputy commanders of the Imperial Guard, but their status within the Guard was quite different. Zhang Xian and Wang Gui had great prestige, while Wang Jun, originally a scholar, looked down on the soldiers who only knew fighting. Likewise, the guards looked down on him. So, although Wang Jun was a deputy commander, very few troops truly obeyed him.
“Wang Gui?” Qin Hui was somewhat familiar with Wang Gui. He was also sworn brother to Yue Fei, and both Wang Gui and Zhang Xian were Yue Fei’s trusted aides. How could such a man side with them against Zhang Xian? Qin Hui shook his head, clearly doubting Wang Jun’s suggestion.
Noticing Qin Hui’s hesitation, Wang Jun said, “Are you worried that Wang Gui won’t cooperate?”
Qin Hui nodded.
Wang Jun replied, “Minister Qin, don’t worry. There is someone who can handle Wang Gui—Commander Zhang Jun of the Imperial Army.”
The situation was complicated. Fortunately, Qin Hui was sharp-minded and said, “Zhang Jun is greedy and vain. How could he possibly control Wang Gui?”
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One is loyal and courageous; the other is cowardly and self-serving. If anyone were to be subdued, it should be the loyal one by the cowardly one, not vice versa.
Wang Jun smiled and said, “Minister Qin, you are unaware. Wang Gui is implicated in the Yizhuang murder case, and the evidence rests in Zhang Jun’s hands. So long as we have Zhang Jun, Wang Gui can be controlled.”
“Is this true?” Qin Hui questioned.
Wang Jun answered confidently, “Absolutely. Zhang Jun let it slip when drunk once. This cannot be false.”
Only then did Qin Hui relax and say to Wang Jun, “Come with me immediately to find Zhang Jun. Promise him a great reward to ensure tonight’s plan succeeds without fail.”
Qin Hui felt no concern about Zhang Jun. His greed was his weakness, and anyone with a weakness was easier to deal with.
After Qin Hui explained the situation to Zhang Jun and promised a generous reward if the plan succeeded, Zhang Jun immediately agreed without hesitation.
Thus, the three-man team for tonight’s operation was formed. Wang Gui, coerced by Zhang Jun, was also forced to join Zhao Ji’s faction.
It was midsummer, yet the day was unusually bleak. By night, rain began to fall—not heavy, but the pattering sound was irritating.
At the hour of Hai (9–11 p.m.), Wang Gui ordered the Imperial Guard stationed at the Ziwei Palace to open the gates, allowing Zhang Jun to lead five thousand troops silently into the palace. Under cover of darkness, the five thousand soldiers quietly surrounded the Daqing Hall.
Inside, Zhao Huan stood by the window, lightly flicking at the dancing flames before him. Listening to the pattering rain, he felt restless and agitated. He was fully aware of every move outside. The conflict he dreaded was inevitable and only a matter of time.