Chapter 2786 - 2785: Testing Loyalty

Chapter 2786: Chapter 2785: Testing Loyalty

Gao Qiu arrived at Tong Guan’s residence, where Tong Guan was cooling his head with a cloth.

He lacked the sternness he showed in the court, waving his hand to let Gao Qiu sit down, saying, "Why is Chancellor Gao here today?"

Gao Qiu observed his demeanor, clearly under pressure from the rebel kings around the region.

He reported to Tong Guan, "I wish to recommend a brilliant military leader to the Privy Council Envoy. If the Envoy uses him, all rebels across the land will be subdued."

Tong Guan raised his brows and asked, "Who is it?"

Gao Qiu replied, "The Duke of Qi, Song Gongming!"

Tong Guan had heard of Song Gongming, aware that Song Gongming had offended Cai Jing and was now imprisoned in the Capital’s Great Prison.

Coldly, he said to Gao Qiu, "Do you not know of his enmity with Grand Tutor Cai?"

Gao Qiu responded, "I am aware, but personal grudges are separate from official matters. I only wish to alleviate the worries of the Privy Council Envoy and cannot let personal issues hinder official duties!"

Tong Guan inquired, "Is this Song Gongming truly as capable as you say?"

Gao Qiu assured, "Rest assured, Privy Council Envoy, I can guarantee with my head that if the Duke of Qi is deployed, the rebel problem will be resolved promptly."

Tong Guan contemplated, saying, "Aren’t you afraid he might achieve great feats and challenge us at court?"

Gao Qiu said, "Rest assured, Privy Council Envoy, this person is extremely false, often claiming great virtues. We can suppress him, making him fight to the death with Fang La of South Yangtze and the realm’s rebels. When the time comes, we will reap the benefits as a third party. Even if the land is pacified, he cannot overturn the heavens!"

Tong Guan laughed heartily, "Interesting, Chancellor Gao indeed relieved my worries!"

He stood up and ordered his steward, "Prepare the carriage, I must enter the palace to see His Majesty."

The steward promptly called for the arrangements and prepared official garments for him.

Once dressed, Tong Guan proceeded to the palace, accompanied by Gao Qiu.

Huizong was painting in Gen Garden within the inner palace, with the newly appointed Empress Li Shishi beside him.

The woman wore a light gauze gown, her waist as slender as it seemed boneless.

Her celestial grace was exceptional, her charm akin to peonies.

Even Tong Guan, once a eunuch, could not help but glance twice.

Having finished painting birds and flowers, Huizong stamped his work, washed his hands with assistance, and asked Tong Guan, "What is your reason for entering the palace?"

Tong Guan reported, "Your Majesty, I wish to recommend a military leader who will quell all the rebels in the realm."

"Oh?"

Huizong sat down, received the brewed tea from Li Shishi, and asked Tong Guan, "Who is it?"

Tong Guan replied, "The Duke of Qi, Song Gongming!"

Huizong recollected, and said to Tong Guan, "This person does have some talent and a good reputation in the Qi Region. But recently, Grand Tutor Cai accused him of treason, were he and his son not imprisoned?"

Tong Guan advised, "Your Majesty, with keen judgment, indeed Song Gongming has had offenses towards Your Majesty, with tendencies to seek false glory. Yet, he is extraordinarily loyal to the Great Song, with no treachery in mind."

Huizong chuckled, "That is strange, I remember you were previously like Grand Tutor Cai, and your relations with Song Gongming weren’t well?"

Tong Guan declared righteously, "This is a public matter, and I cannot let private grudges rise above my duties. Even if my personal connection with Song Gongming is poor, I must endure all criticism for the sake of the Great Song and Your Majesty."

Huizong nodded, "Your heartfelt patriotism pleases me greatly. As you suggest, your request is granted!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Tong Guan and Gao Qiu excitedly bowed to express their gratitude.

Unexpectedly, Li Shishi spoke to Huizong, "Your Majesty, since Grand Tutor Cai reported that Song Gongming harbors treason, shouldn’t we investigate before releasing him?"

Huizong laughed heartily, "Beloved, how do you propose to investigate?"

Li Shishi suggested, "Then have his son killed, made into buns, and let Song Gongming eat them, claiming it’s bestowed by Your Majesty. If he refuses, it would indicate his disrespect towards Your Majesty. If he consumes them, it signifies genuine allegiance."

Tong Guan and Gao Qiu sharply inhaled, startled at Li Shishi’s ruthless suggestion.

While they had harmed many, never had they considered such cruelty!

’The cruelest heart belongs to women,’ truly an undisputed truth.

Huizong embraced Li Shishi with laughter, "Such cunning, beloved, extremely clever, a brilliant plan indeed!"

He ordered Tong Guan, "Follow my beloved’s proposal to test Song Gongming’s loyalty."

"By your decree!"

Tong Guan and Gao Qiu, sweat trickling from their brows, nervously bowed to depart from Huizong.

They finally understood why Li Shishi, upon entering the palace, won favor and became Empress for her ruthlessness.

Even they felt outmatched.

Li Shishi watched their departing backs, her mouth forming a slight cunning smile.

Inside the Capital’s Great Prison, Song Gongming held a military guide, drawing formations on the ground with stones and straw.

Stones for offense, straw for defense.

One side forming a wedge, the other a square formation.

Examining the array, it was manifold, resembling a fierce clash between two armies, an unfathomable complexity.

The Prison Head approached with others, reluctantly cupping his hands toward Song Gongming, "Duke of Song, I’ve come to see you."

He had arranged wine and meat, presenting them to Song Gongming inside.

Song Gongming opened the wine urn, sniffing it happily, "Ah, Daughter’s Red, isn’t this the wine South Yangtze women drink upon marriage?"

The Prison Head nodded, sitting opposite and arranging the dishes.

Pouring wine for Song Gongming, they each raised a bowl to drink.

Before finishing the bowl, he covered his face with his sleeve, sobbing bitterly.

Song Gongming raised his brows inquiring, "Brother, what worries you?"

Wiping tears, the Prison Head conveyed to Song Gongming, "Palace envoys are here, waiting outside. Your Majesty has favored you, bestowing a basket of buns. Once the Duke of Qi finishes them, you can immediately return home."

"Buns?"

Song Gongming’s fingers trembled, realizing something, his throat suddenly dry, "Could it be that my son Shiwen has encountered trouble?"

"Duke of Qi, please don’t inquire further, let me summon them to announce the decree!"

Unwilling to meet his eyes, the Prison Head departed the room.

Soon, palace-clad eunuchs entered, their voices raised as they unfurled the Imperial Decree, "Duke of Qi, Song Gongming, inheritor of the Ducal title. Always honest, devoted to the Great Song. Alas, rumors and slanders accuse the Duke of Qi of treason. His Majesty does not believe it, graciously gifting a basket of meat buns. The Duke of Song should eat them and then return to his estate to continue serving the Great Song diligently, assured his merits will not go unrewarded."

As the eunuch finished, Song Gongming was already shedding tears.

He shouted to Song Gongming, "Has the Duke of Qi still not accepted the decree?"

Song Gongming remained silent for a long time, experiencing profound sorrow and indignation.

The eunuch reprimanded, "Duke of Qi, do you intend to defy the decree?"

The Imperial Army behind him drew their long knives.

The gleam of blade reflected in Song Gongming’s eyes, abruptly awakening him, and he immediately bowed down, "Servant, Song Gongming, accepts the decree, expressing gratitude!"